October 2, 2024 | Episode 21
Making Curiosity Your Competitive Edge
Karrie Helm | Senior Director of Stores, EVEREVE

SHOW NOTES

Curiosity isn’t just a leadership buzzword — it’s a legit strategy.

The most successful leaders know that curiosity is their greatest tool for navigating challenges and sparking innovation. But how do you go beyond simply encouraging questions to actually “operationalizing” curiosity within your store teams?

That’s exactly what Karrie Helm, Senior Director of Stores at EVEREVE, has mastered.

For Karrie, curiosity isn’t just about asking more questions — it’s about embedding a mindset of exploration, learning, and problem-solving into the very fabric of her store teams’ daily operations. 🔍✨

In this episode of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS, Karrie joins Ron Thurston to unpack how operationalizing curiosity can unlock potential, inspire growth, and drive tangible business results.

If you’re ready to learn how to make curiosity a competitive edge, this is the conversation you won’t want to miss.

They dig into:

  • Karrie’s concept of “operationalizing curiosity” and how it drives innovation
  • How to tackle problems creatively and collaboratively while adapting to change
  • Ways to foster a culture where team members feel valued and motivated to contribute new ideas

 


 

GUEST BIO

Karrie Helm, Senior Director of Stores, EVEREVE

With over 15 years of dynamic leadership experience, Karrie Helm is an innovative and results-driven leader known for excellence in operations management and strategic planning, all led through the lens of people first. As the Sr. Director of Stores at EVEREVE, Karrie Helm oversees 106 (and growing) stores.

Passionate about continuous learning and transformative leadership, Karrie thrives on empowering others to achieve beyond their expectations. She believes in the power of nurturing talent and fostering an environment where leaders can explore their potential and surpass what they once thought possible.

Karrie is dedicated to guiding teams through strategic growth and personal development, drawing on her own love for learning to inspire others. By championing innovative thinking and supporting emerging leaders with mentorship and tailored development programs, Karrie helps individuals and her organization reach new heights of success.

 

HOST BIO

Ron Thurston is the host of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS. 

Ron Thurston 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.

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Previous Episodes

Crafting Purpose-Driven Retail Teams
With Chris Freeman SVP Store Ops, Custom Framing & Artistree Manufacturing, Michaels
Listen
Making Curiosity Your Competitive Edge
With Karrie Helm Senior Director of Stores, EVEREVE
Listen
The Role of Retail in Elevating Luxury Hospitality
With Nailah Nash Director of Retail, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Listen
The Radical Shift In Restaurant Training
With Ashley Helkenn Senior Director of Training, Bonchon
Listen
Is Mindfulness Retail’s Missing Piece?
With Fil D'Urbano Chief Leadership and Mindfulness Officer, Ardene.
Listen
Balancing Creativity and Operations in Retail Design
With Brandon Lee Creative Director & Owner, Brandon Lee Designs
Listen
Building Ride or Die Customer Relationships
With Lance Orso General Manager, Dallas Harley-Davidson
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Honest Coaching Advice Nobody’s Giving You
With Kate Sargent Founder & Principle, KJS Career Coaching & Consulting
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Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
With Jo Cox & Jennifer Steichen Regional Manager of Retail & VP of Retail, Blu Dot
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Store Visits that Catapult Retail Careers
With Yolanda Vega Director of Stores (Southeast & Central US), Zadig&Voltaire
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Addressing Bias in Retail Decision-Making
With Michelle Emery Former VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Macy's
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Hiring For Potential, Not Credential
With Sherrica Hill Director, Solutions Design & Delivery, Jobs for the Future (JFF)
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Running Your Perfect Pilot Project
With Michael Saldaña Senior Retail Operations Manager, UNTUCKit
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Finding Career Growth When You Feel Stuck
With Brian Librach Author of "The Retail Leader’s Roadmap"
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Becoming the Mentor They Need to Succeed
With Laura Ravo Retail Guru, Executive Coach, Author
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Inspiring the Next Wave of Retail Talent
With Kelly Anderson Retail Director, Akris
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Embracing Vulnerability in Modern Management
With Payton McFaden Director of Global Sales Operations, Peloton
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Asset Protection’s Key Role in Modern Retail Leadership
With Khristopher Hamlin VP of Asset Protection, Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA)
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Developing Your Authentic Leadership Style
With Matthew Goodfriend Sr. Manager of Learning & Development, GameStop
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Visual Merchandisers as the New Keepers of Company Culture
With Adimika Jaia Owens Brand Experience Executive (Floor & Decor, Forever 21, Bloomingdale’s)
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Building True Community Among Your Retail Teams
With Paula Angelucci District Director, Adore Me
Listen
Fostering Proud Frontline Career Paths in Retail & Hospitality
With Samantha Rubino Director Training & Communications, Pollo Tropical
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