Retail Relates

By: Paula Gautham & Rich
  • Summary

  • 'Retail Relates' is not just a podcast; it's a journey into the heart of retail and commerce. Our episodes traverse the path from traditional marketplaces to digital platforms, highlighting the successes, trials, and invaluable lessons learned along the way. We're conversing with those shaping the industry—from the front lines to behind the scenes, the creative minds to the global strategists - offering a diverse 360-degree perspective. We're revealing the relationships and personal narratives that make retail engaging and accessible. 'Retail Relates' is an invitation to explore the world's interconnectedness through the lens of retail, encouraging listeners to discover the personal journeys and stories of those who drive innovation and unite us across cultures and continents.


    © 2025 Retail Relates
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Episodes
  • Building Connections and Curiosity in Modern Retail: A Conversation with Dominick Miserandino
    Feb 13 2025

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    What if the future of retail isn't just about selling products but about building deep, meaningful connections? Join us as we welcome Dominick Miserandino, CEO of RetailWire, who opens up about his unique journey through digital media and modern retail. His career, shaped by pivotal experiences from Wall Street to the mentorship roles he embraced during the pandemic, is a testament to the power of treating people as individuals. Dominick shares how these experiences have influenced his leadership style and vision for the future of retail, offering invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of commerce.

    We explore the transformative potential of a growth mindset and the essential role of human connection in the retail industry. Learn how leveraging the wisdom of mentors and peers can be a game-changer in personal and professional development. As Dominick highlights, retail is not just about transactions—it's an intricate web of relationships and deep understanding. We also examine the potential downsides of immense expertise in a single area, which can sometimes stifle innovation and limit exploration. The conversation encourages maintaining an open and diverse strategy to ensure resilience against future challenges.

    In an engaging discussion on the balance of tech advancements and human interaction, Dominick shares anecdotes on prioritizing growth while nurturing customer relationships. We touch upon the impact of AI and the importance of empathy and support within teams. As the episode unfolds, Dominick's curiosity shines through, from his love for travel and food to storytelling and technology. Whether he's talking about ideal dinner guests or the essence of meaningful connections, Dominick paints a picture of a life driven by curiosity and connection, leaving listeners with much to ponder about the future of retail and beyond.

    ABOUT DOMINICK:
    Today's guest is Dominick Miserandino, CEO of RetailWire, the retail industry’s premier news publisher and online discussion forum. For over 21 years, RetailWire has served as a trusted and free resource for the industry, offering compelling content that goes beyond conventional headline reporting. Dominick leads the organization with a deep understanding of digital media and e-commerce, bringing decades of experience to his role.

    Before joining RetailWire, Dominick founded one of the first online publications, TheCelebrityCafe.com, and grew Inquisitr.com from zero to 80 million visits monthly. He has held various leadership roles, including CMO for AdoramaPix, and has served as a CRO and CEO for multiple companies. Over his 30-year career, Dominick has turned around more than 100 e-commerce and digital businesses and advised over 200 startups on operational strategies. His expertise has been sought by major brands such as The Wall Street Journal, Morgan Stanley, NASA, Goldman Sachs, and Hearst Publications.

    A frequent speaker at conferences and events, Dominick shares his insights on entrepreneurship, scaling digital businesses, and social media. He is also a mentor to over 100 startups and lectures on web businesses and analytics at institutions such as Hofstra University, Stony Brook, and NYU. Fluent in multiple languages, including Italian, Spanish, and French, Dominick has worked on international media projects and received numerous accolades, including a New York State Citation Award and Stony Brook University’s recognition for his charity work.

    Dominick is also an accomplished musician, photographer, and author of two travel books. His wealth of experience in media, e-commerce, and leadership makes him an exception

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    48 mins
  • Mastering Customer Strategy and Marketing Leadership: A Conversation with Sheryl Adkins-Green
    Feb 6 2025

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    Discover how Sheryl Adkins-Green, a seasoned business executive, turned her diverse career experiences into a leadership and brand strategy masterclass. From her early retail days to her transformative roles at Kraft Foods, Citigroup, and eventually, at Mary Kay, Sheryl shares pivotal career moments and the unique challenges she faced. This episode promises valuable insights into maintaining healthy professional relationships, lessons from various industries, and leveraging one's unique talents and instincts.

    Sheryl offers an inside look into the global brand strategy and marketing efforts at Mary Kay, discussing the challenges of maintaining brand consistency while empowering women globally. Drawing inspiration from successful retailers like Anthropologie and Disney, she emphasizes culture's role over strategy and personalization's power in creating memorable customer experiences. Young professionals will find Sheryl's advice on owning one's uniqueness and honing listening skills both practical and inspiring, as she underscores the importance of relationship-building in business success. Join us for a conversation that blends personal anecdotes with professional wisdom, equipping you with strategies to thrive in your career.

    About Sheryl:
    Recently retired from Mary Kay Inc., Sheryl Adkins-Green served as Chief Experience Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s global strategy and supporting the success of millions of women entrepreneurs. Her leadership was instrumental in delivering a 360-degree integrated customer experience, elevating brand engagement, and driving business growth. With a career spanning over three decades, Sheryl has consistently demonstrated a passion for innovation, leadership development, and strategic transformation.

    Sheryl’s journey in business began with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Retailing from the University of Wisconsin, followed by an MBA from Harvard Business School. She quickly ascended into executive leadership, holding key roles at some of the world’s most recognized corporations, including Kraft Foods, Citigroup, Cadbury-Schweppes, and Alberto-Culver. Throughout her career, she built sales, marketing, and strategy development expertise, helping organizations expand their market presence and strengthen consumer connections.

    Her impact in the industry has been widely recognized, earning her numerous accolades. She was named a Forbes Top 50 CMO Influencer and received Brand Innovators’ 2021 Top 100 Women in Marketing Award. In 2020, she was honored with the CMO Leadership Award, and in 2019, BLACK ENTERPRISE included her in its Most Powerful Women in Corporate America List.

    Beyond her corporate career, Sheryl has remained deeply committed to leadership development and community service. She served on the Board of Trustees at Texas Christian University from 2016 to 2024 and currently holds the position of Vice President on the Dallas Museum of Art Board of Trustees. She is also an active member of the International Women’s Forum and The Executive Leadership Council, organizations dedicated to advancing diversity and leadership excellence. Additionally, she is featured in Valorie Burton’s best-selling book, Successful Women Think Differently.

    A lifelong advocate for creativity and entrepreneurship, Sheryl continues to inspire through her passion for art, fashion, beauty, and business. She actively shares insights on leadership, brand strategy, and empowerment, helping individuals and organizations navigate change and succeed. Her legacy of strategic excellence and transformative leadership ensures that her influence will continue to shape industries and inspire future generations

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    42 mins
  • Transforming Global Retail through Innovative Intelligence: A Conversation with Deborah Weinswig
    Nov 21 2024

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    Discover how a childhood surrounded by intellectual conversations and the influence of a trailblazing mother in finance shaped the charismatic Deborah Weinswig, founder and CEO of Coresight Research. Her aspirations, from being a doctor to discovering accounting and then eventually analytics, coupled with a love for technology, paint a vivid picture of unexpected career pivots. Deborah's story unfolds with personal anecdotes about how playing the violin sharpened her listening skills, critical in her roles as an analyst and strategist, and how the wisdom imparted by her mother guided her through professional challenges.

    Mentorship plays a starring role in overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities. Through personal stories and experiences, we explore how guidance from mentors can illuminate paths previously unseen. From competitive tax and audit programs to navigating overwhelming work commitments, listening and seeking advice from mentors has been a constant and invaluable resource. Deborah shares her gratitude for the support received as she ventured into an adjunct role, underscoring the ongoing significance of mentorship in cultivating professional growth and resilience.

    Coresight Research is at the forefront of retail transformation, utilizing technology and AI to redefine the industry. This episode highlights how the company assists C-suite executives with strategic insights and innovative solutions, supported by a global team spanning nine countries. Debra and I delve into the challenges and opportunities in retail, from legacy systems to the transformative potential of predictive AI. We also reflect on the tensions between short-term pressures and long-term strategies, inspired by leaders like Mike Ullman, whose patience and people-first approach leaves a lasting legacy in the dynamic world of retail.

    Biography:
    Deborah Weinswig, CEO and Founder of Coresight Research Inc., leads the Coresight Research team to provide actionable insights and solutions for retailers and brands that accelerate innovation and growth in the fast-changing retail and technology landscape.

    Previously, Deborah served as Managing Director of Fung Global Retail and Technology (FGRT), the think tank of Fung Group. Previously, she was Managing Director and Head of the Global Staples & Consumer Discretionary team at Citi Research.

    Deborah has been a trusted thought leader at the crossroads of technology, finance, and retail for nearly two decades. As a leading analyst and strategist, Deborah has deep expertise in AI, Metaverse, China, live streaming, retail media, supply chain, commercial real estate, and data monetization. In 2023, Deborah conceptualized and launched the first AI Council for the retail industry.

    Deborah is a best-selling author and a board member of several prominent retail and technology companies and several charitable organizations. A member of the prestigious LinkedIn Top Voices program, Deborah is recognized as one of the top retail influencers in the world and has received multiple awards and honors for her industry leadership and impact.

    Deborah has been invited to share her insights and Coresight Research data at over 200 events across the world including the Consumer Electronics Show, ShopTalk, World Retail Congress, NRF, ICSC, Money 20/20, Retail Innovation Conference & Expo, Future Stores Summit, NACDS, Total Retail Tech, Groceryshop, Women in Retail, NACS and more.


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    52 mins

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