Pivot Rebellion in Russia, Titan Fallout, and Guest Jason Del Rey
Jun 27, 2023
Joining the discussion is Jason Del Rey, a tech and business journalist and author of "Winner Sells All: Amazon, Walmart, and the Battle for Our Wallets." They explore the chaos of the Wagner group's mutiny in Russia and critique social media's role in crises. Del Rey offers insights into the fierce rivalry between Amazon and Walmart, highlighting their strategies and adaptations over decades. They also delve into the regulatory implications of the Titan submersible disaster and the future of space tourism, questioning the media's reliability amidst turmoil.
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Walmart's Early Dominance
- Kara Swisher recalls covering Walmart as a retail reporter for the Washington Post in the 1980s and 1990s.
- At the time, Walmart was considered the Amazon of retail, utilizing technology and data effectively to dominate the market.
Missed Opportunity
- Walmart missed the opportunity to compete with Amazon in the early days of e-commerce despite recognizing the trend.
- A key Walmart executive, Robert Davis, left for Amazon due to a lack of commitment from Walmart's leadership.
McMillon's Vision
- Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, who started in the produce aisle, is seen as a bridge between generations.
- McMillon has Walmart DNA but is digitally savvy and recognized the potential shift away from big-box stores early on.
