Here's the Scoop Rollback on Aisle CEO; Lights, Camera … Pontiff
Nov 14, 2025
Christine Romans, Senior Business Correspondent at NBC News with a background in retail, discusses the surprise departure of Walmart CEO Doug McMillon. She highlights his transformation of Walmart into an e-commerce powerhouse. Anne Thompson, a veteran correspondent and Vatican expert, shares insights on Pope Leo XIV's outreach to Hollywood, explaining his aim to engage cultural influencers and promote human values. The conversation reveals how both figures are navigating significant shifts in their respective fields.
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Reporter Started At Walmart As Hourly Worker
- Christine Romans worked as an hourly associate at Sam's Club early in her career and benefited from decent pay.
- She later bought her first stock through Walmart, showing a long personal connection to the company.
Long-Term Bets Built Walmart's Digital Leap
- Doug McMillon transformed Walmart by investing heavily in e-commerce and long-term digital infrastructure starting in 2015.
- Those bold investments made Walmart a digital behemoth and second only to Amazon in online transformation.
Walmart Won Higher-Income Shoppers
- Walmart broadened its customer base by improving product quality and adding fresh and organic groceries in supercenters.
- Higher-income shoppers now visit Walmart for value while prices remain competitive.