SHOW NOTES

In an world where the traditional norms of leadership emphasize strength and assertiveness, the concept of vulnerability in management seems radical.

In this episode, we’re unraveling the intricacies and benefits of embracing vulnerability in leadership — a topic that is increasingly relevant in today’s dynamic retail industry.

Payton McFaden, Director of Global Sales Operations at Peloton, joins us to discuss why showing your human side is a strategic win in the leadership game.

With a background in retail sales management across various companies, Payton’s passion for operational strategy and culture development was honored in 2019 with Peloton’s “Think and Act Like an Owner” award.

She was also one of the first people at Peloton to move from Peloton’s retail frontlines to a pivotal corporate role. This accomplishment was an inspiration to her retail colleagues, but the journey was neither inevitable nor elegant.

In fact, it took Payton 7 attempts to make the transition. And she thinks it’s important that everyone — especially her store teams — knows it.

Get ready for an intimate conversation, as Payton shares firsthand experiences in building trust and confidence through vulnerable leadership.

Host Ron Thurston and Payton dig into:

• How vulnerability can revolutionize management and team dynamics
• Real-world examples of how vulnerability has shaped her approach and driven her team’s success
• Simple ways to start weaving vulnerability into your own leadership style

GUEST BIO

Payton McFaden, Director of Sales Operations, Peloton

Payton McFaden leads Global sales operations for Peloton, including day-to-day functionality and operational infrastructure, designing programs, overseeing change management, and leading the team in driving global operational excellence. Payton has played a pivotal role in the continued development of supporting and enabling frontline sales teams to sell more efficiently and effectively, providing strategic direction and reducing friction in the sales process. The team led by Payton fulfills both strategic and tactical functions for 1P and 3P sales.

Before joining the Sales Operations team at Peloton, Payton worked in Retail Sales Management, both at Peloton and other retail companies. Her passion in-store focused on operational strategy, learning and development, and culture.

In 2019, Payton was recognized as the top Store Manager at Peloton amongst peers and leaders and was awarded the “Think and Act Like an Owner” to showcase exemplary representation of Peloton’s company vision and brand image.

Payton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Retail Management from The Art Institute International and received a MFAH Junior Diploma in Fine Arts, Fashion Design, & Reconstructed Fashion from the Glassell School of Art.

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.