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James Daunt

CEO of Barnes & Noble and Waterstones, known for his approach to decentralizing bookstore operations and competing with Amazon.

Top 3 podcasts with James Daunt

Ranked by the Snipd community
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18 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 33min

Saving Barnes and Noble | Undaunted | 3

James Daunt, the British bookseller known for revitalizing Waterstones and Barnes & Noble, discusses his transformative leadership during a turbulent time. The conversation highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the closure of numerous stores, pushing Daunt to accelerate a redesign and shift the business model. He also shares insights on converting Amazon's former locations into community-focused Barnes & Noble stores, emphasizing the importance of balancing corporate strategy with local engagement in the evolving bookselling landscape.
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14 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 40min

Fixable: How to bring a business back to life

Join James Daunt, the Chief Revival Architect and CEO of Barnes & Noble, as he shares his unconventional leadership strategies that resurrected the iconic bookstore chain during tough times. He discusses the transformative power of community-focused independent bookstores and their vital role in a digital age. Daunt emphasizes the importance of inclusive team culture and the shift towards written communication in effective leadership. He also highlights the dynamic interplay between bookstores and e-commerce giants like Amazon, showcasing the enduring love for books.
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11 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 39min

How to bring a business back to life (w/ Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt)

James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble and Managing Director of Waterstones, shares his remarkable journey in revitalizing the iconic bookstore chain. He discusses his innovative strategies, including a surprising plan to open 60 new stores despite e-commerce dominance. Daunt emphasizes the importance of a non-hierarchical leadership approach and the principle of kindness in business. He also explores adapting to challenges during the pandemic and reimagining bookstores as community hubs, illustrating how traditional retailers can thrive in a digital landscape.

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