SHOW NOTES
Retail environments are often characterized by high stress, rapid changes, and constant customer interaction. These pressures can lead to burnout, high turnover, and diminished performance. What if a solution to these challenges lies in a practice as ancient as mindfulness?
In this episode of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS, Ron Thurston explores the potential — and reality — of mindfulness training with guest Fil D’Urbano, Chief Leadership and Mindfulness Officer at fashion retailer Ardene.
An HR trailblazer with over 40 years of experience, including pivotal roles at L Brands and Groupe Dynamite, Fil has integrated mindfulness and conscious leadership into the employee experience at Ardene.
And it’s transforming how Ardene’s retail leaders show up at work and support their teams.
Ron and Fil dive into:
- The journey and impact of introducing mindfulness at Ardene
- Addressing misconceptions about mindfulness in fast fashion
- Practical mindfulness practices that any retail team can implement
If you’re a retail leader looking to improve your team’s well-being and performance, this episode is a must-listen.
GUEST BIO
Fil D’Urbano, Chief Leadership and Mindfulness Officer, Ardene
Fil D’Urbano is the Chief Leadership and Mindfulness Officer at Ardene, an international fashion apparel retailer. After over three decades as a senior HR executive for top-tier organizations, Fil is now focused on unlocking potential through mindfulness and conscious leadership.
As a compassionate leader, Fil has a remarkable reputation as a change agent, culture-builder, and innovative thinker across industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and retail. Her belief in mindfulness and conscious leadership has led to award-winning programs and culture shifts.
Fil’s mission is driven by a genuine passion to make a positive impact on people’s lives and help them unleash their full potential both at work and in the world. With mindfulness as the cornerstone, Fil’s approach reminds us all to look inward and build self-awareness to cultivate the conscious leadership approach we need to guide our teams through today’s ever-evolving landscape of work and societal pressures, rising uncertainty, and rapid change. By sharing her insights, wisdom, and leadership expertise, Fil is elevating what it means to show up at work, and help individuals lead with authenticity and compassion.
Today, Fil is bringing mindfulness and conscious leadership principles to workplaces across North America, helping businesses foster cultures where success is measured not only by financial results but also by their impact on people’s lives.
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.
