SHOW NOTES

What if a single store visit could be your stepping stone to a big promotion? This isn’t a hypothetical for some retail leaders, it’s their resume.

Yolanda Vega, Director of Stores (Southeast & Central US) at Zadig&Voltaire, was once promoted after a remarkable store visit. Fun fact: So was FRONTLINE FRIDAYS host Ron Thurston.

With over two decades of retail leadership at brands like Gap, J.Crew, and Ralph Lauren, Yolanda’s carved out a reputation for transforming store environments into stories of strategic vision and success.

Now, she’s teaching her store leaders at Zadig&Voltaire to do the same.

In this episode of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS, Yolanda and Ron dissect strategies and preparation techniques that ensure store leaders not only perform exceptionally during these visits — but also how directors can coach their teams to take ownership of their roles and become champions of their own stories.

They dig into:

• Common mistakes store managers make during store visits
• Key elements to captivate the attention of visiting executives
• Balancing the showcase of real challenges with maintaining a positive store image
• Insights into fostering a culture of success and leadership among store managers

Tune in for how to transform routine store visits into powerful narratives that not only showcase store success but also pave paths to advancement.

GUEST BIO

Yolanda Vega, Director of Stores (Southeast & Central US), Zadig&Voltaire

Yolanda Vega is Director of Stores, Southeast & Central at Zadig&Voltaire, a French contemporary fashion brand redefining the very essence of luxury for a new generation.

Over Yolanda’s 20-year retail career, her passionate pursuit of service excellence has fueled a track record of building high visibility and high volume teams that drove greater business growth at brands like Gap, J.Crew, and Ralph Lauren.

Developing winning store teams and coaching them to become strategic leaders is her superpower. And she’s committed to helping kickstart many more successful retail careers. Dream BIG, Plan and Execute!
Yolanda is currently based in Miami, Florida, where she enjoys the beach, pilates, and her dog Sancho.

HOST BIO

Ron Thurston is the host of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS. 

Ron is the co-founder of OSSY, a full-service agency platform that connects retailers, candidates, and solution providers to create thriving retail careers and businesses.

With 30+ years leading retail stores and operations for America’s most prominent brands, like Gap, Saint Laurent, Apple, Bonobos, and INTERMIX, Ron has developed a deep expertise in retail strategy, management, and innovation.

Ron is the author of RETAIL PRIDE, an Amazon bestseller that inspires retail professionals to take pride in their accidental careers. He hosts the RETAIL IN AMERICA podcast and tour, sharing the untold retail success stories and the incredible people behind them.

Ron’s work has set him up as one of the most influential voices in retail and retail tech, and he serves on the Advisory Board of YOOBIC and several emerging retail technology platforms, including Ometria, Reflex, and Vendoor.

ABOUT FRONTLINE FRIDAYS

FRONTLINE FRIDAYS WITH RON THURSTON is a live podcast for frontline leaders and advocates in retail and hospitality.

Ron Thurston has a question for leaders out there who are inspiring excellence in their frontline teams: “What do you do differently?” In this candid discussion series, he’ll sit down with them to find out. Each episode of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS offers real-world strategy from retail and hospitality change makers on frontline leadership and personal career growth.