Frontline Fridays with Ron Thurston

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Frontline Fridays with Ron Thurston

FRONTLINE FRIDAYS WITH RON THURSTON is a live interview series hosted by prolific retail influencer and frontline advocate Ron Thurston. Each episode offers real-world advice from retail and hospitality change makers in the field — on topics of frontline excellence, retail strategy, and personal career paths. This podcast is proudly presented by YOOBIC, the #1 AI-Powered Frontline Employee Experience Platform. Trusted by 350+ companies around the world, our mobile app gives business leaders and frontline teams the performance tools they need to communicate, learn, and work — all in one place.

  1. Episode 22: Crafting Purpose-Driven Retail Teams (Chris Freeman)

    28 OCT.

    Episode 22: Crafting Purpose-Driven Retail Teams (Chris Freeman)

    Empowering retail teams with purpose takes more than good intentions. 😌 Chris Freeman, SVP Store Operations at Michaels, says brand values must come with "batteries included." Not just stated, but actively demonstrated. ➡️ 🎯 For Chris, that means approaching opportunities and obstacles from a servant mindset. With over 30 years in retail, from asset protection to custom framing manufacturing, Chris has a knack for solving complex operational challenges while fostering a culture where all team members can be connected to the company's purpose. ❤️‍🔥 At Michaels, he spearheaded “Makers Like Me,” an initiative supporting team members with special abilities, and he advocates for workforce models that offer store employees meaningful career paths. In this episode of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS, Chris will join Ron Thurston to share lessons from his unique, purpose-driven path. They'll dig into: ▪️ Practical ways to pass on servant leadership principles to your frontline teams ▪️ Strategies to ensure your team not only hears but lives your brand's core values ▪️ How to help your staff find real purpose in their work, boosting engagement and reducing turnover ▪️ Insights on shifting workforce models to open up career paths and strengthen team commitment

    32 min
  2. Episode 21: Making Curiosity Your Competitive Edge (Karrie Helm)

    1 OCT.

    Episode 21: Making Curiosity Your Competitive Edge (Karrie Helm)

    Curiosity isn’t just a leadership buzzword — it’s a 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 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 will join 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. 🚀 Karrie and Ron will 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

    32 min
  3. Episode 20: The Role of Retail in Elevating Luxury Hospitality (Nailah Nash)

    16 SEPT.

    Episode 20: The Role of Retail in Elevating Luxury Hospitality (Nailah Nash)

    Luxury retail and hospitality may have started in different lanes — retail focusing on high-end products and hospitality on exceptional service — but today, both industries have embraced the power of creating immersive, unforgettable experiences.❤️‍🔥 Now, they’re realizing that by teaming up, they can take guest satisfaction and loyalty to entirely new levels. 🌝 Nailah Ayeshia Nash, Director of Retail at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, saw this exciting potential nearly a decade ago, but back then it was a tough sell! Luxury retailers had long guarded their exclusivity, and convincing them to step into the hospitality space required serious relationship building. Nailah didn’t just crack the code — she mastered it. Today, she curates unforgettable retail experiences for resort guests, blending high-end luxury with local culture.🌍💎 In Episode 20 of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS, Nailah joins Ron Thurston to reflect on her learnings, and discuss how this trend is shaping the future of hospitality. They'll dig into: ▪️ Her approach to building strong brand partnerships ▪️ How to anticipate and exceed the needs of luxury clients with personalized interactions ▪️ Her leadership journey — from Saks Fifth Avenue to J Crew — and how it shapes her strategy today

    33 min
  4. Episode 19: The Radical Shift In Restaurant Training (Ashley Helkenn)

    19 AOÛT

    Episode 19: The Radical Shift In Restaurant Training (Ashley Helkenn)

    What pandemic-driven changes are here to stay in restaurant training? 🍔 🚀 COVID-19 was a wake-up call that exposed weaknesses in traditional methods, and for Ashley Helkenn, Sr. Director of Training at Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken, this shift has led to more resilient and adaptive training practices. With experience at brands like Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Macaroni Grill, and Bahama Breeze, Ashley is known for her innovative approach to transforming training. And innovation is certainly on the menu as economic instability, labor shortages, and unpredictable customer behavior continue to challenge the restaurant industry. 💡⚡️ 🎙️ In Episode 19 of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS, Ron Thurston and Ashley Helkenn will explore the radical shift in restaurant training culture and how to leverage it. They'll dig into: ▪️ Ashley's diverse career path and how it shaped her approach to restaurant training ▪️ How the pandemic accelerated the need for faster, more effective training solutions and what that looks like today ▪️ Key skills frontline leaders now need to excel in fast-casual and fast-food environments

    32 min
  5. Episode 18: Is Mindfulness Retail's Missing Piece? (Fil D'Urbano)

    5 AOÛT

    Episode 18: Is Mindfulness Retail's Missing Piece? (Fil D'Urbano)

    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 Episode 18 of the FRONTLINE FRIDAYS podcast, Ron Thurston explores the potential — and reality — of mindfulness training with guest Fil Farinaccio 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. ❤️‍🔥 In this episode, Ron and Fil will 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 implementIf you’re a retail leader looking to improve your team’s well-being and performance, this episode is a must-listen.

    31 min
  6. Episode 17 - Balancing Creativity & Operations in Retail Design (Brandon Lee)

    22 JUIL.

    Episode 17 - Balancing Creativity & Operations in Retail Design (Brandon Lee)

    Visual merchandisers know every visual element in stores must not only captivate customers but also drive sales. ⚖Brandon Lee, a 20-year VM leader and the visionary Creative Director & Owner of Brandon Lee Designs, knows one thing: "In retail, there’s no creativity without the ops behind it." 💯So how do you effectively merge creativity with operational excellence in retail design? ☯️From guiding the visual identities of iconic brands like Ralph Lauren, Bonobos, and Gap, to pioneering visual merchandising solutions in the cannabis and furniture industries, Brandon has done it all.In this episode of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS, Brandon will share his guiding principles for creating immersive retail environments that aren't only visually stunning but also commercially successful. 🎨💰Tune in as host Ron Thurston and Brandon explore:▪️ Why being business-savvy is as important as creativity▪️ Strategies for integrating creative vision with operational efficiency▪️ How the role of visual merchandising is evolving and staying ahead of the curveDon’t miss this opportunity to gain practical, actionable advice from one of visual merchandising's most innovative minds.

    35 min
  7. Episode 16 - Building Ride or Die Customer Relationships (Lance Orso⁠)

    22 JUIL.

    Episode 16 - Building Ride or Die Customer Relationships (Lance Orso⁠)

    Creating lifelong customer relationships in retail isn't about the quick sale; it's about forging genuine connections. Harley-Davidson's reputation for community and loyalty sets the gold standard. 🏍️❤️‍🔥 But Lance Orso, General Manager of Dallas Harley-Davidson, exemplifies these values through his own authentic style of relationship selling. And he's teaching his staff how to do the same. As a 3rd generation Harley-Davidson rider and competitive motocross racer, Lance lives and breathes the lifestyle — but it's his insatiable thirst for knowledge and a propensity for meaningful connection that has propelled him to the top of his field. 🎙️ In this episode of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS, host Ron Thurston and Lance Orso will discuss the processes (it's a legit process!) behind building unbreakable customer relationships. ❤️‍🔥They'll dig into: ▪️ Lance’s philosophy of building genuine connections that go beyond the sale ▪️ Practical techniques for creating lasting customer connections and unique in-store experiences ▪️ Insights into balancing team freedom with professionalism and fostering a culture that thrives on diversityThis is real-world advice for retail leaders looking to enhance their customer relationships and team dynamics.

    32 min
  8. Episode 15 - Honest Coaching Advice Nobody’s Giving You (Kate Sargent)

    25 JUIN

    Episode 15 - Honest Coaching Advice Nobody’s Giving You (Kate Sargent)

    Why does making strategic career moves in retail sometimes feel like navigating a labyrinth? 👩🏻‍🎤 Because... it is one? (Yeah, we said it.) ⚡️ If you're seeking blunt truths and actionable strategies about advancing your career, this episode of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS is a must-listen. Our guest Kate Sargent, founder of KJS Career Coaching & Consulting, brings over 20 years of leadership in People Operations, Organizational Development, and Talent Acquisition from top brands like The Citizenry, Allbirds, Method, and The North Face. ❤️‍🔥 Known for her straightforward empathetic approach, Kate delivers the honest, actionable guidance that most career coaches can't offer you (because they aren't deep experts in your industry). Here, she'll offer candid, informed advice on self-PR, job switching, performance improvement, and staying marketable.💡 Join host Ron Thurston and Kate as they dig into: ▪️ Approaching career progression strategically, whether in-store or corporate ▪️ Key considerations for staying in a big company vs moving to a smaller brand ▪️ Positioning yourself for recognition ▪️ Benefits of career coaching at different career stages, from entry-level to executive

    36 min
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À propos

FRONTLINE FRIDAYS WITH RON THURSTON is a live interview series hosted by prolific retail influencer and frontline advocate Ron Thurston. Each episode offers real-world advice from retail and hospitality change makers in the field — on topics of frontline excellence, retail strategy, and personal career paths. This podcast is proudly presented by YOOBIC, the #1 AI-Powered Frontline Employee Experience Platform. Trusted by 350+ companies around the world, our mobile app gives business leaders and frontline teams the performance tools they need to communicate, learn, and work — all in one place.

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