Send us a text Everyone’s talking about AI, but few retail leaders are asking the deeper question: Is your company truly AI-ready—or just overwhelmed with data? In this episode, I sit down with, Abhijit Patharkar , the co-founder of Nexlytix to unpack the unspoken barriers to effective AI in retail: siloed systems, misaligned storytelling, broken decision-making, and the myth that more dashboards mean more clarity. We cover: What AI readiness really looks like Why storytelling must change based ...
Jun 26, 2025•51 min
Send us a text What if your customer feedback system could make you a better leader —not just improve your metrics? In this episode of Retail Leadership with Steve Worthy , we’re joined by Eric Sangerma, Head of Growth at Simplesat—the customer feedback platform trusted by brands around the world. Simplesat helps retail leaders capture, interpret, and act on customer sentiment in real time. But Eric’s philosophy goes even deeper. He believes feedback is the foundation for great leadership—if you...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Send us a text Some stores just stop you. You walk in, and for a moment—maybe longer—you forget you're in a place built to sell. You're in something more. A feeling. A point of view. A brand that knows who it is. This episode is a love letter to those stores—and the people who know how to spot them. Steve sits down with two of his favorite retail minds (and friends), Jack Stratton and Ian Scott, for a fast-moving conversation that feels more like a pub chat than a panel. Together, they unpack wh...
May 22, 2025•1 hr 17 min
Send us a text Many retail leaders operate with a limited perspective, often assuming that their market’s approach is the gold standard. But in a world where consumer behaviors, technology, and retail strategies vary dramatically by region, leaders who fail to think globally risk falling behind. The challenge isn’t just understanding different markets—it’s learning how to apply global insights in a way that drives innovation and growth. In this episode, Steve sits down with PAULA MACAGGI, host o...
May 01, 2025•42 min
Send us a text AI is transforming retail at an unprecedented pace, and in this episode of Retail Leadership with Steve Worthy, we explore what leaders need to know now. From sneaker culture to digital transformation, Jenna Flatman Posner shares how her background as an elite athlete shaped her approach to leadership, strategy, and innovation. We break down AI’s real impact in retail—cutting through the hype to reveal practical applications, branding challenges, and the evolving balance between h...
Mar 27, 2025•44 min
Send us a text When Retail Stops Growing You, What’s Next? No one tells you what happens when you outgrow your company. You hit every metric, you do everything right, and yet the growth stops. Your company still expects results, but they’re not developing you. They’re not stretching you. And if you’re being honest, you’re starting to feel it. The hard truth? Most senior leaders won’t admit when they’ve hit this wall. They keep showing up, running the same play, hoping something shifts. But real ...
Mar 20, 2025•56 min
Send us a text Retail leaders talk about innovation, but are they solving the right problems? Too often, companies chase the latest trends—AI, automation, new products—without stepping back to ask: What actually drives transformation? In this episode of Retail Leadership with Steve Worthy , we sit down with Matt Mueller, innovation strategist and author of The Mindful Innovator , to discuss his upcoming Campus Masterclass: Master the Future of Leadership – Strategies for Lasting Transformation. ...
Mar 14, 2025•36 min
Send us a text Retail is more complicated than it needs to be, and in this episode of Retail Leadership with Steve Worthy , we cut through the noise with Walter Holbrook, a seasoned retail executive with over 60 years of experience—from stockroom to boardroom. Walter shares the hard truths about leadership, execution, and why common sense is missing in today’s retail landscape. He challenges leaders to rethink how they approach hiring, communication, and operational execution, emphasizing the ne...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Send us a text In today's episode, titled "HQ vs. Store: Bridging the Divide," we finish our two-part series - Everything Works at HQ! What can HQ learn from stores? Why is developing a common language between HQ and stores crucial for successful communication and relationship-building? What strategies can stores implement to better listen and execute the corporate strategy delivered by HQ? We're going to explore the critical need for building a shared vision between your retail stores and corpo...
Apr 04, 2024•48 min
Send us a text US vs THEM! This battle in retail has been in existence since Retail began. US - Stores vs THEM - Home Office. Why can’t they see eye to eye? What has hindered these two teams from establishing a mutually beneficial and successful relationship? This two-part series - Everything Works at HQ. Part one titled “What HQ can learn from Stores”, is a candid exploration of the oft-overlooked wisdom that our stores hold for corporate headquarters. The goal is to bridge the gap between corp...
Mar 28, 2024•51 min
Send us a text Pick up your book: The Retail Leader's Roadmap! HERE! What's up, my friend? You're in for a real treat with this episode featuring Brian. We're going deep into the nitty gritty details of his proven blueprint for accelerating your career growth as a retail leader. Right off the bat, Brian opens up about the profound influence his father had on instilling that insatiable drive to outwork, outlearn, and outlead everyone around him. The dude exudes an unwavering determination that's ...
Mar 12, 2024•45 min
Send us a text Meet Kimberly Lee Minor, a dynamic force in retail leadership with over 25 years of industry experience. She's held pivotal roles in renowned organizations like Footlocker Global, London Fog, and Bath & Body Works. Currently serving as CEO of Bumbershoot, LLC, Kimberly's expertise lies in providing cultural and market insights for inclusive, equitable, and diverse representation across brand, content, product, and customer experience. Kimberly's passion extends beyond business...
Feb 29, 2024•1 hr 12 min
Send us a text Who says you can't be the hero in your own retail leadership journey? I remember the days of feeling overlooked in the bustling world of retail, unsure how to break through the noise. Now, as your guide, I'll take you through the valleys and peaks of leadership in the retail space. This heartfelt session is designed to acknowledge your fears and aspirations as we explore the often ignored yet remarkable adaptability and problem-solving capabilities that retail leaders possess. Equ...
Feb 06, 2024•42 min
Send us a text Ready to revolutionize your retail leadership skills? Trust us, you don't want to miss this insightful discussion as we uncover seven transformative leadership lessons from the hit TV show, Ted Lasso. We promise that embracing these principles will not only elevate your impact on your team, but will also boost the profitability of your stores, and catapult your retail career to new heights. What if you could build a stronger rapport with your team by simply being seen? In this epi...
Oct 18, 2023•48 min
Send us a text Book A Call Worthy Retail News Are you ready to elevate your retail leadership skills to the next level? In today's episode, we're dissecting the crucial elements of successful leadership - time, support, and capacity. We'll guide you through five transformative areas to enhance your leadership prowess: amplify your retainability, decode feedback, craft a robust retention blueprint, bolster support, and become an irreplaceable asset to your team. We're also shining a spotlight on ...
Aug 10, 2023•44 min
Send us a text You've recently been promoted. You’re a new leader in a new market. Are you really ready for this major change? Listen in as we discuss the challenges and tips for new leaders in a new market, emphasizing the importance of assessing the market, understanding competition, building relationships, simplifying communication, and creating a positive culture! Key Highlights: [01:45] It’s a big deal when you get promoted into another market. [03:01] Dealing with fear and imposter syndrom...
Jun 12, 2023•53 min
Send us a text Here’s part two of our episode on Why Retail Leaders Get Promoted. We discuss the importance of strategic communication, authority, knowledge, and value articulation in advancing to the position of retail leader. Stay tuned! Key Highlights: [03:23] Your communication needs to be strategic. [05:00] Building authority and knowledge is key to successful retail leadership [13:35] Who on your team would you take with you when starting a new business unit? [15:05] The lack of strategic ...
Jun 05, 2023•34 min
Send us a text Do you want to know the secret weapon of good leaders? How are they able to lead and guide their whole team to success? The answer lies in understanding their personality. In this episode learn more about the Enneagram and how it can help you get to know your team better so you can lead them better. Stay tuned! Key Highlights: [00:01] Every good leader has a secret weapon [01:44] The best way to lead people is to get to know them on a deeper level [03:01] The Enneagram and other p...
May 30, 2023•51 min
Send us a text Have you ever missed out on a promotion? Ever wondered why your management hasn't noticed your efforts? Before you jump to conclusions, listen in as we look at the reasons why leaders don't get promoted. You might learn a thing or two! Key Highlights [00:01] Getting passed over for a promotion [02:07] Why many retail workers are looking for new jobs right now [04:52] Are you ready for the promotion? [05:33] The importance of focused time in doing your role [08:28] Why do you want ...
May 03, 2023•37 min
Send us a text What are you doing in your life right now to leave a lasting legacy? As retail leaders, we are often so focused on our daily responsibilities that we fail to consider the long-term impact we may have on others, particularly our team. Listen in and learn as we talk about the Law of Legacy! Key Highlights: [00:01] How your legacy is being developed and curated daily [02:05] Do you need to be liked as a leader? [05:18] What Steve wanted to leave as a legacy [08:12] The importance of ...
Apr 11, 2023•20 min
Send us a text Do you know where you want to go with your career? Have you determined which path is best for you and your team? As a retail leader, knowing how to navigate your way through your leadership journey is vital. Listen in and learn as we talk about the Law of Navigation! Key Highlights: [00:01] What’s in it for me? [01:47] The significance of an Atlast & MapQuest [05:00] The consequence of using Waze & Google Maps [08:08] How are you navigating your career? [10:37] Assess your...
Apr 06, 2023•37 min
Send us a text As a retail leader, your success is determined by the relationships you cultivate and encircle yourself with. So, how do you ensure that you are surrounded by the right people? Let's talk about the Law of Explosive Growth in this episode and learn how to grow, develop, export, and even retain great talent and future leaders from your own team. Stay tuned! Key Highlights [00:01] A leader is only as good as whom they surround themselves with [00:49] The concept of Explosive Growth [...
Mar 28, 2023•30 min
Send us a text Timing is everything when it comes to leadership success. In this episode, we will discuss how to identify the right time for action, how to be proactive instead of reactive, and why patience is a crucial element in timing. Don't miss this insightful and practical discussion on how to apply the Law of Timing to your retail leadership strategy. Tune in now! Key Highlights [00:01] Timing is everything in sports: A lesson I learned from my highschool coach [3:33] Things that could th...
Mar 09, 2023•37 min
Send us a text Have you ever had to make a tough choice that required sacrificing something of value for the greater good of your team or organization? If so, then you won't want to miss the latest episode of the Retail Leadership with Steve Worthy podcast. In this episode, we explore The Law of Sacrifice, one of the most important and challenging laws of leadership discussed in John Maxwell's book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Discover the principles of sacrifice and what it takes to ...
Mar 09, 2023•45 min
Send us a text People frequently confuse busyness for productivity, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. As retail leaders, where we spend our time and how much energy we put into something reveal a lot about us. In this episode, let's talk about the Law of Priorities and discover the power of focusing on what's important NOW. You don’t want to miss out on this one! Key Highlights [02:15] Understanding the Law of Priorities as a retail leader [03:17] The 80:20 rule from a leadership stan...
Feb 21, 2023•32 min
Send us a text A leadership that lacks momentum is like a parked car: it can't get you where you want to go. Momentum, or the “Big Mo,” is one of the most important elements you need as a retail leader. Without it, it will be hard to set anything in motion. So, how do you gain momentum and ensure that you always have enough fuel to propel your team to victory? Listen in as we delve into the Law of Big Mo. Key Highlights: [00:01] Momentum is your lifeline as a leader [02:12] Why you need momentum...
Feb 07, 2023•41 min
Send us a text It's easier to gauge when and how you'll win in sports. Unfortunately, this is not always the case in business. In this episode, let’s dive deep into the idea of victory in the retail business and the importance of winning not just by yourself but as a team. If you’re a retail leader seeking strategies to inspire your team toward a unified goal, don’t miss this episode on the Law of Victory. Key Highlights: [00:01] The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat [02:01] Winning not ...
Jan 31, 2023•37 min
Send us a text Do you have difficulty getting your team on board? Isn't it frustrating? Here’s the thing, maybe your team doesn't buy into your leadership because they haven't bought into you as their leader yet. In this episode, let’s talk about the Law of Buy-in and how it can help you develop a team that is not just compliant but is instead committed to you as their retail leader. Stay tuned! Key Highlights: [00:01] Why are so many retail leaders frustrated? [01:15] Let’s talk about the Law o...
Jan 24, 2023•40 min
Send us a text Unlock the key to long-term success for your team and organization. In this episode, we explore the importance of having a clear vision and a long-term plan for success. We also discuss the law of the picture and how it can help leaders navigate challenges and changes in the market. Tune in to learn how to create a roadmap for success and transform your team into a well-oiled machine. Don't miss this opportunity to help your team reach its full potential and do great things togeth...
Jan 17, 2023•40 min
Send us a text Are you looking to improve trust and communication in your organization? In this episode, we delve into the issue of mistrust among employees and explore how inefficient or irregular communication can contribute to this problem. We also discuss the importance of empowering your team, particularly in the fast-paced world of retail, where decisions need to be made quickly. If you're a retail leader looking to foster a more positive and trusting work environment, don't miss this epis...
Jan 10, 2023•25 min
