Episodes
June 26, 2024
Transformative Leadership: Cultivating Excellence at High Point University (Nido R. Qubein, President at High Point University)
Dr. Qubein, your journey from arriving in the United States with limited English and only $50 to becoming an internationally recognized leader is truly remarkable. Could you share some pivotal moments or decisions that contributed to your success? Dr. Qubein, under your leadership, as President, High Point University has experienced remarkable growth and transformation. Can you elaborate on the strategic vision you've pursued to achieve these significant accomplishments and how do you balance t...
June 11, 2024
Navigating Career Transitions with Tim Johns: Insights on Leadership and Coaching (Tim Johns, Helping High Achievers, Executive Coaching and Change Management at Three Piece Life)
Can you share more about your journey from a career in CPG to becoming a renowned career coach and consultant? What inspired you to develop the ThreePieceLife online coaching course, and how does it help individuals navigate their career and life transitions? In your experience, what are some common challenges people face when seeking balance in their work and personal lives, and how does your coaching approach address these challenges? Could you elaborate on the concept of "making complex th...
June 11, 2024
The Backbone of Connected Commerce: How VTEX Drives Digital Transformation Part Two (Daniela Jurado, Executive VP, North America at VTEX)
Recently all the main analysts have pointed VTEX as one of the main leaders in B2C and B2B. Can you explain the main reasons that have positioned you so well? In your previous question, you mentioned the architecture focus and how this influences how your customers evaluate your support. Can you explain more about that? Which would you say is VTEX's sweet spot? Recently you guys holded VTEX DAY with around 23,00 participants there. Can you tell us what this is about and also what were the mai...
June 7, 2024
The Backbone of Connected Commerce: How VTEX Drives Digital Transformation (Daniela Jurado, Executive VP, North America at VTEX)
VTEX is known for its agility in helping businesses adapt to evolving market demands. Can you share some examples of how VTEX has enabled companies to quickly pivot their digital commerce strategies to meet changing customer needs? Multi-channel commerce is becoming increasingly important in today's digital landscape. How does VTEX empower businesses to seamlessly integrate and manage commerce experiences across various channels and touchpoints? VTEX's headless architecture is a key feature th...
May 30, 2024
Pioneering the Future of CPG Data (Liz Buchanan, President, North America at NielsenIQ)
As the President of NielsenIQ, what strategic initiatives or high-impact projects are you currently spearheading to further advance the company's position in the market and address industry challenges? In your role at NielsenIQ, how do you see the future of data analytics and customer servicing evolving, and what role do you envision NielsenIQ playing in shaping that future? Can you share insights into how your role as the leader of Customer Success and Platform Transformation at NielsenIQ, pa...
May 23, 2024
The Future of Media, Ads and Commerce (Andrew Lipsman, Independent Analyst & Consultant at Media, Ads + Commerce)
How has media evolved over the past 40 years, and what cultural touchstones have we lost along the way? What defines the Creator Era, and how does it represent a paradigm shift in media consumption and creation? How have traditional models of media, advertising, and commerce changed over time? Why do creators hold significant power in shaping the future of media, ads, and commerce? What sets successful creators apart from the masses, and how do they navigate the path to mainstream success? How...
May 16, 2024
Retail Renaissance: Navigating the Digital Era (Lee Dunbar, SVP, Head of Retail Media at Starcom)
Can you share some insights into how the evolution of eCommerce has impacted the strategies and approaches in shopper marketing, particularly within the CPG/FMCG sector? Given the proliferation of digital advertising channels, including retail media, how does your agency approach crafting effective campaigns that resonate with consumers in an omnichannel retail landscape? With your extensive experience in media planning, could you elaborate on the role of data and technology in informing decis...
May 9, 2024
Strategy in Motion: Navigating the Marketing Landscape (Graham Robertson, Founder and CMO at Beloved Brands)
Can you share a specific example from your experience at J&J, Coke, or General Mills where applying strategic thinking led to a notable success in brand positioning or marketing execution? Your marketing training emphasizes fundamentals like strategic thinking and brand analytics. How do you adapt these fundamentals to the evolving landscape of digital marketing and changing consumer behaviors? In your book "Beloved Brands," you discuss building brands that consumers love. Can you elaborate on...
May 2, 2024
Charting the Omni-Channel Future: Insights from a CPG Leader (Sam Martz, Head of NA CHC Ecommerce at Sanofi)
E-commerce Evolution in CPG: In your experience with major brands like Reckitt and Coca-Cola, how have you seen e-commerce strategies evolve in the CPG industry over the years, especially in the context of health and wellness products? Could you share insights on how these strategies differed from traditional retail approaches? Digital Marketing Innovations: Throughout your career, you've been at the forefront of digital marketing and campaign strategies. What are some of the most innovative di...
April 26, 2024
Embracing New Opportunities: A Journey in E-commerce Success (Darren Silverman, Senior Vice President eCommerce & Insights at Petmate)
Given your role as an early adopter in the eCommerce channel and your focus on staying ahead of emerging trends, can you share a specific instance where your willingness to embrace new opportunities had a significant impact on advancing your organization within the consumer goods landscape? Could you elaborate on how your commitment to ongoing learning influences your leadership style? Additionally, how do you instill a culture of continuous growth within your team, ensuring they stay updated o...
April 19, 2024
Global Insights: Navigating CPG Strategy and Execution (Vivek Rastogi, Senior Director, Global Digital Commerce at Colgate-Palmolive
With experience spanning e-commerce, digital, key accounts, retail marketing, shopper marketing, indirect trade, and cross-functional projectsacross different geographies, how do you approach adapting your skills and strategies when moving between such diverse roles within the CPG industry? Having led diverse teams of managers, what leadership principles have you found most effective in fostering collaboration and driving high performancewithin your teams? Can you share a specific challenge you...
March 28, 2024
Forged in Discipline: A Journey of Leadership (Tom Gordon, Commandant of Cadets at The Citadel)
Reflecting on your time at The Citadel, how do you believe the institution's emphasis on discipline and honor has influenced your leadership style and decision-making throughout your military career? What were some of the key leadership challenges you encountered while commanding 1st Tank Battalion and how have these experiences shaped your leadership approach and growth as a military leader? As a graduate of The Citadel, how do you perceive the institution's role in shaping future leaders, pa...
March 21, 2024
Supply Chain Spotlight: Navigating Recruitment Challenges and Future Trends (Charlie Saffro, CEO at CS Recruiting)
Could you share with us some of the key insights into the evolving landscape of supply chain recruitment and the challenges that companies face today when it comes to hiring the right talent? A large portion of our works within CPG and they are keen on staying competitive in a rapidly changing market. How can they leverage innovative recruitment strategies and talent acquisition methods, especially in the supply chain sector, to gain a competitive edge and address the unique challenges they fac...
March 14, 2024
Retail Revolution: Exploring the Future of In-Store Media (Marlow Nickell, Founder at Grocery TV)
Your journey from studying physics and doing software development to becoming CEO of Grocery TV is quite unique. How have these diverse experiences influenced your leadership style and strategic decision-making at Grocery TV? Grocery TV has seen significant growth by focusing on digital in-store media in key areas of grocery stores. Can you elaborate on how this focus has driven your success and what future strategies you have planned for expanding this platform? You’ve mentioned the increasin...
March 7, 2024
Charting the Course: Strategies for Success in CPG and Digital Marketing (Christina Rapsomanikis, Global VP Digital & e-Commerce at Mars)
You've been recognized as a leader in Digital, with accolades like being part of The Lead Top 60 in Digital U.S. and receiving nominations from DRUM & Glossy. How do you believe your experiences and expertise have contributed to shaping the digital landscape within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, and what trends do you foresee shaping the future of digital strategies for CPG brands? Your career has seen a shift from data for insight to data for growth, driving enterprise-wide impact...
Feb. 29, 2024
Rocketing Ahead: Navigating eCommerce and Digital Marketing Trends (Jennifer Elmashni, General Manager, Rocketbook by BIC)
Innovation in eCommerce and Digital Marketing: In your experience, what have been the most significant changes in the landscape of eCommerce and digital marketing in recent years, and how have you adapted these changes at Rocketbook to maintain a competitive edge? Leadership in Organizational Change: You’ve emphasized the importance of people leadership and organizational effectiveness in your career. Could you share an instance where your leadership significantly impacted organizational ...
Feb. 9, 2024
Navigating Retail Media: Insights on Standardization, Data Innovation, and the Future of CPG Advertising (Jeffrey Bustos, IAB & Vin Lay, Albertsons Media Collective)
Could you elaborate on how data is revolutionizing the way CPG companies approach retail media? What are some data-driven strategies that are proving to be game-changers? Can you elaborate on why these specific methodologies are crucial for Albertsons Media Collective? How does Albertsons Media Collective's approach to measurement transparency directly benefit your CPG clients? What are some of the challenges you foresee in getting other Retail Media Networks (RMNs) to adopt similar standards ...
Feb. 1, 2024
Revolutionizing Retail Media: Navigating Loyalty, Strategies & Future Insights (David Young, VP, Shipt Media at Shipt)
With the rebranding to Shipt Media™ and the introduction of new media assets and analytics, what are the key changes brands like Kraft Heinz, Unilever, and Target can expect? How will these changes enhance their advertising and customer engagement strategies? What are you hearing from brands when you engage with them on the platform? What are some of the key things they’re looking for when considering how to invest their dollars? Shipt Media has doubled its ad products in the market over the p...
Jan. 18, 2024
Insights Unleashed: Global CPG Transformation, Strategy Shifts, and AI in Retail (Walid Benchama, Global Senior Director, Enterprise Shopper & Channel Insights at The Coca-Cola Company)
CPG Transformation through Shopper Insights: In your current role as Global Director of Shopper & Channel Insights at Coca-Cola, you're at the intersection of consumer behavior and retail strategy. Could you share an example where your insights have led to a game-changing strategy in the CPG industry? Brand Localization in CPG: You've had the unique opportunity to manage both global and local brands across different continents. How do you adapt global CPG brands like Fanta, Sprite, and Schweppe...
Dec. 12, 2023
Elevating E-commerce: Unraveling the Dynamics of Retail Enablement (Benjamin Woodruff, CRO at Flywheel Digital)
Digital Transition & Target Partnership: Your recent venture with Flywheel Digital on Target.com seems to be a pioneering effort in offering a comprehensive suite of full-service digital offerings. Can you share the journey behind this initiative and how it’s set to redefine the digital marketplace for brands? SOV Measurement & Optimization: In the context of Share of Voice (SOV) Measurement and Search Optimization mentioned in your post, could you explain how these elements inte...
Nov. 30, 2023
The Incremental Wave: Riding the Retail Media Tide Mini Series: Part 3 Shining a Light on Measurement (David Pollet, CEO at Incremental)
Investment Significance: "Retail media is becoming a critical component of the marketing mix, with spending expected to more than double from $45B in 2023 to $107B in 2027. From your perspective, why has retail media become such an essential investment for CPG companies today?" Key Metrics for Success: "As companies ramp up their investments in retail media, what are the key metrics they should focus on to ensure they're making data-driven decisions? How do these metrics align with the solution...
Nov. 16, 2023
Decoding E-commerce Challenges and Opportunities in Consumer Goods (Andrew Freeman, Vice President NA for CP Skin Health Group, a division of Colgate-Palmolive)
With your extensive experience in the eCommerce space across various CPG companies, can you discuss the main challenges and opportunities in the sector as it continues to evolve and grow? As a leader in the CPG industry, you have witnessed the rise of direct-to-consumer (D2C) business models. Can you share your thoughts on the impact of D2C on traditional retail channels, and how CPG brands can adapt to this shift? You have experience in developing eCommerce capabilities and strategies for dif...
Oct. 26, 2023
Navigating Marketplace Control: Strategies, Risks, and Rewards (Russ Dieringer, Founder & CEO at Stratably)
Can you elaborate on how the pandemic pushed marketplace control issues to the backburner for many brands? What were the primary challenges faced by these companies, and how did this affect their operations and sales strategy? Some brands have been reluctant to cut off any distribution even if the distributors might be reselling their products on the marketplace due to post-pandemic sales slumps. Can you speak to the risks and rewards of this strategy, and what you believe a healthier approach ...
Oct. 18, 2023
Retail Insights Unveiled: Navigating the Ever-Changing Landscape (Jaclyn Nix, EVP, Media Sales & Operations at CitrusAd)
Retail Media Ecosystem -- "Given your expertise in the CPG sector, how do you see the role of retail media evolving? Can you share an example where leveraging retail media has significantly impacted your brand's performance?" Data Utilization in Retail Media -- "Retail media offers a wealth of data for advertisers. How have you successfully integrated this data into your marketing strategies to drive ROI, and what challenges have you encountered?" Investment Strategies in Retail Media -- "...