Book a demo

Archives: Podcasts

Developing Your Authentic Leadership Style

SHOW NOTES

Frontline leaders are the bridge between the strategic vision of an organization and its practical, day-to-day implementation.

When we lead authentically, we embody the values and mission of the organization in a way that is tangible and relatable to our store teams.

Authenticity isn’t just a leadership style, though — it’s a tool that enables you to connect deeply with your teams, drive meaningful results, and navigate the complexities of day-to-day operations with integrity and empathy.

So, how do you develop your authentic leadership style?

In this episode, Matthew Goodfriend, Sr. Manager of Learning & Development at GameStop, shares his tried and tested strategies.

With a career that began by chance and flourished into a series of remarkable achievements, Matthew’s 18-year journey with GameStop is a testament to adaptability, dedication, and the power of embracing unconventional paths.

Host Ron Thurston and Matthew explore:

  • The intricacies of developing an authentic leadership style
  • How diverse experiences and a commitment to continuous learning factor into the equation
  • Strategies for fostering mutual understanding and trust in your teams

This episode is a must for aspiring and current retail leaders, frontline managers, and anyone passionate about understanding the keys to authentic leadership and career growth in retail, restaurants, and hospitality.

 

 

GUEST BIO

Matthew Goodfriend, Sr. Manager of Learning & Development, GameStop

With a career spanning over 17 years in the retail industry, Matthew possesses a results-oriented leadership approach backed by strong interpersonal communication skills and a passion for empathetic and direct leadership.

Prior to his current position, Matthew held the role of Sr. Manager of Communications at GameStop, where he managed communications for corporate associates, field leadership, and over 3,000 store locations in the U.S., along with project management responsibilities.

His expertise lies in managing corporate, retail, and field leadership communications and learning, focusing on direct contact, interdepartmental relationship management, and enterprise-wide connectivity. Matthew excels in utilizing accountability, coaching, and swift action on feedback to drive associates in successful business practices leading to favorable results.

Matthew was recognized as a winners of the annual 40 Under 40 Awards by Retail TouchPoints in 2023. And you can see him on stage with YOOBIC at NRF 2024 in January, discussing GameStop’s Quest for Modern Frontline Operations through unified tech and AI.

 

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.

Visual Merchandisers as the New Keepers of Company Culture

SHOW NOTES

Visual merchandising leaders are used to keeping their finger on the pulse of trends. But when today’s customer enters a store, they want more than inspiration and exciting trends. They want to feel seen.

In 2024 and beyond, the store experience is one where customers feel uniquely represented and valued.

With that, Visual Merchandising leaders are now becoming unofficial keepers of culture.

But not just for customers. Because the next generation of store employees expects an internal company culture that is highly inclusive, too.

Adimika Jaia Owens, Brand Experience Executive (Floor & Decor, Bloomingdale’s, Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret), says Visual Merchandising professionals are uniquely poised to help guide both.

In this episode, Ron Thurston sits down with Adimika to discuss visual merchandising leaders as the new keepers of company culture.

They dig into:

  • Best practices for ensuring visual merchandising contributes to a cohesive customer journey rather than aesthetics and product placement
  • How to ensure customer representation is reflected in your visual merchandising strategies
  • Fostering an employee experience that encourages frontline workers to grow and thrive as their authentic self
  • Finding spaces, brands, and leaders that resonate with your own values

 

 

GUEST BIO

Adimika Jaia Owens, Brand Experience Executive (Floor & Decor, Bloomingdale’s, Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret)

Adimika is a visual merchandising leader with over 25 years of experience in the field, most recently serving as Senior Director of Visual Merchandising for Floor & Decor. Previously, Adimika led innovative visual merchandising campaigns for Bloomingdale’s, Forever 21 and Victoria’s Secret.

Her keen eye for detail, creativity, and ability to stay ahead of industry trends have consistently resulted in visually stunning and engaging store displays. Her leadership approach champions cross-functional team collaboration, DEIB, and frontline career growth.

At Floor & Decor, Adimika not only led the development of innovative visual merchandising strategies that enhance brand image and drive sales — she also served as leadership team sponsor for the organization’s internal affinity groups, and provided mentorship to frontline team members.

Adimika currently serves on the Boards of Retail Design Institute (RDI), VMSD Magazine, and SHOP, and is available for executive consulting.

 

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.

Building True Community Among Your Retail Teams

SHOW NOTES

It’s no secret that retail employees who feel a sense of belonging and community in their store team are more likely to be engaged in their work. (Gallup)

Also no secret: This is a daunting task for frontline leaders. One often hindered by high turnover rates, diverse and part-time workforces, competitive environments, and limited resources for engagement.

But Paula Angelucci, District Director at lingerie retailer Adore Me, is cracking the code to build tight-knit store team communities that care about their work and each other.

In this episode of Frontline Fridays, Ron Thurston sits down with Paula to discuss what it takes to build a true sense of community among your store teams.

They dig into:

  • Leader’s mindset for inspiring a fantastic, inclusive store team community
  • How to encourage and model open and honest communication
  • Culture initiatives that can keep your frontline employees motivated

Whether you’re a seasoned frontline leader or an aspiring manager, this episode promises valuable insights into building more inclusive and engaged store team communities.

 

 

GUEST BIO

Paula Angelucci, District Director, Adore Me

Five years ago, intimate apparel brand Adore Me tapped Paula Angelucci as their first ever District Director. In her first year, she helped open four Adore Me stores in Providence RI, Willowbrook NJ, Natick, MA, and Chattanooga, TN.

She created the retail cadence for these new stores from the ground up, guiding recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and training content development.

Prior to Adore Me, Paula was with Victoria’s Secret as a Platinum Flagship Store Manager and went on to run multiple high volume districts.

But her retail career began at Macy’s with an Executive Training Program in New York, taking her on a 20+ year tenure with the organization in various customer facing and operational roles, and rising to become Vice President Store Manager.

Paula’s passion lies with the customer experience. Most retail skills are transferable as long as you keep the customer as king or queen. That’s been a constant throughout her time in the retail brick and mortar space — having wonderful products and an unforgettable customer experience led by highly engaging teammates.

 

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.

Fostering Proud Frontline Career Paths in Retail & Hospitality

SHOW NOTES

Retail and hospitality associates want more than just more money. Employee satisfaction surveys reveal another common refrain: Feeling stagnant in their role.

With so many frontline workers in a haze about their career trajectory, how can directors and managers help steer them towards clarity and growth?

Ron Thurston sits down with Samantha Rubino, Director of Training & Communications at Pollo Tropical, to discuss how retail and hospitality leaders can remove the stigma of stagnancy in frontline work — and instead foster a culture of proud career paths.

They dig into:

  • Debunking the misconceptions about today’s frontline careers
  • How to take the pulse of the folks in your frontline to better support their needs and aspirations
  • Tactics for building frontline career paths

Whether you’re a seasoned frontline leader or an aspiring manager, this episode promises valuable insights into driving the future of modern frontline careers in your organization.

 

 

GUEST BIO

Samantha Rubino, Director of Training & Communications, Pollo Tropical

Sam is a dedicated training and development professional with an unwavering passion for service and empowering others. Her mission: Helping individuals unearth their full potential and grow into the best versions of themselves.

Despite an initial calling to healthcare, Sam found herself drawn to the vibrant hospitality and restaurant industry. A wealth of experience at renowned establishments Ritz Carlton and Outback prepared her for her pivotal leadership role at Bolay Fresh Kitchen, where her L&D programs increased operational efficiency and streamlined communications between HQ and frontline teams. Today, she brings that expertise to her new leadership role at Pollo Tropical.

In a world where genuine mentors are rare, Sam stands out as a frontline advocate, embodying the essence of servant leadership and unwavering support.

 

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.