Episodios

  • The Human Side of Cyber: Elias Oxendine on Trust, Technology, and Tractor Supply
    Oct 14 2025

    Video version is here

    Takeaways

    Elias Oxendine emphasizes the rapid pace at which Tractor Supply operates.

    The culture at Tractor Supply encourages learning from failures.

    Communication is crucial for cybersecurity professionals to convey technical concepts in business terms.

    Trust is essential for maintaining customer relationships in cybersecurity.

    Elias's journey from military intelligence to cybersecurity showcases the importance of diverse experiences.

    The role of CISO has evolved significantly, especially in a franchise model.

    AI is becoming increasingly important in cybersecurity and retail operations.

    Employee education on cybersecurity must include safe browsing practices.

    Partnerships with technology providers are vital for innovation and success.

    The future of retail will be defined by experiential customer interactions.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Elias Oxendine and Nashville's Tech Scene

    04:14 Understanding Tractor Supply: More Than Just Tractors

    07:00 Elias's Journey: From Navy to Cybersecurity

    09:48 The Influence of Military Discipline on Professional Life

    12:31 Transitioning from GE to Yum: Challenges and Growth

    15:26 The Evolving Role of CISO in Today's Digital Landscape

    18:13 Navigating AI and Cybersecurity in Modern Business

    20:48 Educating Employees on AI Usage and Governance

    25:36 Engaging Learning Techniques

    27:23 Establishing AI Governance

    29:54 Edge Computing in Retail

    33:11 Enhancing In-Store Experience

    35:29 Cybersecurity and Trust

    38:41 Evolving Technology Partnerships

    45:13 Lightning Round Insights

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    50 m
  • Forget Passwords Forever: The Biometric Bombshell Making Your Logins Hacker-Proof
    Oct 7 2025

    Video version of this episode is here

    Takeaways

    Josh Horwitz is a serial entrepreneur with a focus on cybersecurity.

    Bootstrapping businesses can lead to successful exits without external funding.

    Product-market fit is crucial for entrepreneurial success.

    Validating product ideas through low-cost market testing is essential.

    Credential stuffing is a significant threat in cybersecurity.

    Innovative solutions can turn attack vectors into defensive strategies.

    The future of authentication is moving towards passwordless solutions.

    User experience must be balanced with security measures.

    Adaptive security is becoming increasingly important in technology.

    Understanding customer needs is vital for product development.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Background

    02:42 Bootstrapping and Product-Market Fit

    09:29 Cybersecurity Landscape and Credential Stuffing

    14:57 The Future of Passwords and Authentication

    22:49 Balancing Business Needs with User Experience

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    30 m
  • Grocery Shop Buzz: Innovators, Tariffs, and Holiday Retail Predictions
    Sep 30 2025

    Video version of this episode is here

    Takeaways

    • The team is excited about upcoming grocery reports and innovations.
    • AI tools are transforming the way retail professionals work.
    • Holiday shopping is expected to grow by 3-3.5%.
    • Consumer sentiment is cautious due to rising prices.
    • Consumers are pulling holiday purchases forward to October.
    • Supply chain disruptions may affect product availability.
    • Weekly consumer surveys help gauge holiday spending expectations.
    • Retailers are preparing for potential shortages this holiday season.
    • CoreSight's reports are accessible to both members and non-members.

    Chapters

    00:00Introduction to Isla Meldon and Her Journey

    03:31The Role of AI in Graphic Design

    06:37Upcoming Reports and Innovations in Retail

    10:28Introduction to Holiday Retail Trends

    12:10Consumer Sentiment and Spending Expectations

    14:44Supply Chain Dynamics and Product Availability

    17:48CoreSight Research Insights and Reporting

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    19 m
  • Gen Z, Loyalty, and Live Streaming: The Hottest Retail Trends from Shoptalk Fall 2025
    Sep 19 2025

    Takeaways

    Coresight Research provides insights from major retail events.

    AI and tariffs are the two main topics in retail discussions.

    Retailers are adapting to tariffs by innovating their supply chains.

    Generative AI is changing content production in retail.

    Retailers are focusing on data-driven decision-making.

    Physical stores are regaining importance for younger consumers.

    Innovation thrives in challenging environments.

    Boards are increasingly educated about AI's potential.

    Private label demand is rising due to tariffs.

    E-commerce growth is expected despite tariff uncertainties. Experiential retail is essential for modern consumers.

    Digital enhances the tactile experience of shopping.

    Supply chains must adapt to the rapid changes in consumer behavior.

    Gen Z values sustainability in their shopping habits.

    Loyalty programs need to evolve beyond traditional models.

    Live streaming is becoming a significant marketing tool.

    The attention economy is reshaping how brands engage with consumers.

    Retail media is increasingly becoming the dominant form of media.

    Emotional connections with customers are crucial for brand loyalty.

    AI will play a pivotal role in the future of commerce.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Retaili$tic and Shoptalk Fall

    04:14 Key Themes: AI and Tariffs in Retail

    14:00 Exploring AI Opportunities in Retail

    19:33 Innovation Under Pressure in Retail

    20:48 Experiential Retail: The New Paradigm

    21:44 Transforming Supply Chains for Gen Z

    24:19 Evolving Loyalty Programs and Customer Experience

    27:10 The Rise of Live Streaming in Retail

    30:22 Navigating the Attention Economy

    32:11 Innovations in Retail Technology

    36:31 The Future of AI in Commerce

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    42 m
  • Underserved No More: Insider Secrets from a Retail Dynasty's Comeback King
    Sep 16 2025

    Video version of this episode can be viewed here

    Takeaways

    Human capital is the best asset any company's got.

    The customer was family to us; it's very personal.

    Store experience is way under invested in today's environment.

    Get relevant, and stay relevant without losing your heritage.

    It's a tale of two halves in retail; careful planning is essential.

    The world changes all the time; adapt to consumer expectations.

    There's a lack of ability to plan in the current market.

    Capitalize your business appropriately for your goals.

    The inclusive market is complicated but has significant demand.

    You can't just expand into being a general doctor; specialization is key.

    Chapters

    00:00 Michael Kaplan's Journey in Retail and Technology

    07:40 Understanding the Underserved Customer

    13:47 Challenges in the Inclusive Size Market

    19:50 The Future of Inclusive Design

    25:47 Marketing Evolution in Retail

    33:50 The Evolution of Retail Strategies

    34:46 Impact of Tariffs on Retail Planning

    41:21 The Bifurcation of Retail Success

    41:48 Historical Perspectives on Retail Changes

    58:23 Capitalization and Business Strategy

    58:55 Lightning Round Insights

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    53 m
  • Gen Z, Migration, and Malls: The New Rules of Retail Real Estate
    Sep 9 2025

    Video version of this podcast is here.

    Takeaways

    Retail is currently in the spotlight due to changing consumer behaviors.

    The evolution of retail requires looking at historical trends to predict future changes.

    Convenience has shifted from traditional stores to online delivery services.

    Consumer loyalty is declining as shoppers become more comfortable with multiple retailers.

    The role of employees is crucial in enhancing customer experience in retail.

    Membership models can create loyalty but may not be the only solution for retailers.

    Owning real estate can provide long-term benefits for retailers compared to leasing.

    Private equity plays a significant role in unlocking real estate value for retailers.

    The future of commercial real estate is influenced by high interest rates and economic conditions.

    Data centers are becoming increasingly important as businesses leverage technology.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Evolution of Retail and Real Estate

    03:07 Consumer Behavior and Retail Dynamics

    05:56 The Impact of Convenience Stores

    09:01 Retailer Identity and Consumer Loyalty

    12:05 The Role of Employees in Retail

    14:51 Membership Models in Retail

    17:39 Strategic Location Planning in Retail

    20:53 The Future of Retail and Real Estate

    23:52 Unlocking Real Estate Value in Retail

    29:54 The Value of Real Estate Transactions

    32:05 Regrets in Real Estate Monetization

    35:11 Asset Class Perspectives

    39:28 Demographic Shifts and Migration

    45:36 Commercial Real Estate Challenges

    49:18 The Future of Real Estate Innovations

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    48 m
  • Unlocking Retail Alchemy: Inside the Hottest Trends from Shoptalk Fall
    Sep 2 2025

    The video version of this podcast is here

    Takeaways

    Shoptalk Fall focuses on immediate retail needs for the next six months.

    Retail media is a significant topic but should not overshadow other strategic points.

    The grocery industry is facing unique challenges compared to other retail sectors.

    Generative AI is seen as a transformative technology for retail.

    Supply chain agility is crucial in the current economic climate.

    RFID technology is becoming essential for inventory management and loss prevention.

    Retailers must balance short-term needs with long-term strategic planning.

    The emotional connection with customers can drive brand loyalty.

    New technologies are changing the landscape of retail, making old solutions relevant again.

    Curiosity and openness to new ideas are vital for retail success.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Shop Talk Fall 2023

    01:53 What's New at Shop Talk Fall

    04:05 Expectations of Retailers and Brands

    08:11 The Role of Retail Media

    10:20 Retail Media Evolution in Grocery

    12:18 Impact of New Technologies on CPG

    15:39 Earnings Season Insights

    19:20 Generative AI in Retail

    24:01 Supply Chain Challenges and Innovations

    30:23 Reviving Old Technologies in New Ways

    33:47 Generational Shifts in Retail Engagement

    36:03 Navigating Retail Choices and Consumer Preferences

    36:42 Lightning Round: Buzzwords and Retail Recognition

    39:57 Spotlight on Retail Turnarounds

    43:52 Innovative Startups in Retail

    46:05 Cities as Retail Inspiration

    48:51 Defining Retail in a Changing Landscape

    49:33 Memorable Moments in Retail Events

    52:50 Personal Reflections on Career Paths

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    54 m
  • From Shop Floor to C-Suite: Rick Brindle’s Journey Shaping Retail and CPG
    Aug 26 2025

    The video version is available here.

    Takeaways

    Rick Brindle emphasizes the importance of customer service learned from his early retail days.

    The transition from retail to CPG requires understanding both sides of the business.

    R&D in CPG is about anticipating consumer needs, not just product development.

    On-shelf availability is crucial for maintaining customer loyalty.

    Social media has transformed consumer-brand relationships, allowing for direct interaction.

    Personalization in shopping experiences is more valuable than gamification.

    The future of grocery shopping is influenced by technology and consumer preferences.

    Online grocery shopping is growing, but challenges remain in product quality.

    The retail industry offers diverse career paths beyond traditional roles.

    Building relationships in retail is key to success and collaboration.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Journey Begins: From Retail to CPG

    08:56 Navigating the CPG Landscape: Insights from P&G to Nabisco

    16:10 R&D and Packaging: The Art and Science of Consumer Products

    24:25 The Future of Retail: Technology, Media, and Consumer Relationships

    29:13 The Evolution of Brand Loyalty

    31:42 Consumer Behavior in Grocery Shopping

    35:28 Personalization vs. Gamification in Retail

    38:09 The Future of Online Grocery Shopping

    42:02 The Complexity of Grocery Retail

    45:16 Innovations in Product Development

    49:07 The Role of Food Safety and Health

    52:39 Advice for Future Retail Professionals

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    56 m