Business Movers

The podcast uncovers the fierce rivalry between two pioneering black women in the hair care industry. It tells the story of Sarah Walker, who betrays her mentor, Annie Pope, by launching her own brand. As she adopts the name Madam C.J. Walker, her marketing ingenuity sets the stage for intense competition. The narrative dives into their escalating conflict and highlights the innovation sparked by Walker's success. Themes of ambition, resilience, and the quest for market dominance shape this captivating tale.

Discover the inspiring story of Annie Turnbo, a pioneering African-American entrepreneur in the early 1900s. Her homemade hair care products gain popularity among Black women in St. Louis, leading to her participation in the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition. Amid systemic racism, she navigates her growing business while facing fierce rivalry from Madam C.J. Walker. The podcast highlights her resilience, innovative strategies, and the complexities of competition in the burgeoning hair care industry.

Jane Friedman, a publishing consultant and author, dives into the transformative journey of Barnes & Noble under CEO James Daunt. She outlines how Daunt's leadership style revitalized the chain, focusing on local engagement and tailor-made book selections. The discussion highlights the impact of digital platforms and social media, especially TikTok, on book sales. Friedman also addresses the challenges traditional booksellers face against giants like Amazon and the importance of creating a compelling in-store experience to foster community.

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.

Barnes & Noble’s first e-commerce website, BN.com, launches under the leadership of Stephen and Leonard Riggio. But the company’s attempt to join the digital revolution might be too little, too late.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Movers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/business-movers/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leonard Riggio, the mastermind behind the transformation of Barnes & Noble, shares his journey from aspiring bookseller to retail titan. He discusses the challenges he faced in adapting to Amazon's rise, contrasting his successful business strategies with the hurdles of the digital age. Riggio reflects on his ambitious plans for revitalizing the Barnes & Noble flagship store and the importance of brand strength. The conversation highlights the intriguing dynamics of a changing marketplace and the enduring love for physical bookstores.

Neal Hoffman, author and creator of The Mensch on the Bench, shares his journey of inspiration drawn from The Elf on the Shelf. He discusses the tough lessons learned in entrepreneurship, including crowdfunding challenges and the importance of Jewish traditions. The podcast explores the balance between innovation and homage, revealing how success in holiday-themed toys hinges on emotional family connections. Hoffman also dives into how social media and community engagement have transformed self-publishing, alongside navigating the complexities of public criticism.

Discover how a mother-daughter duo transformed a cherished family tradition into a bestselling children’s book. Explore their struggles with major publishers and their decision to self-publish, igniting a holiday phenomenon. Dive into the controversy over the Elf on the Shelf and its implications in today's world. Hear the inspiring story of their rise from grassroots to cultural icon, leading to an animated special. Additionally, learn about the creation of The Mensch on a Bench, a new holiday tradition inspired by their success.

Scott Garner shares insights on Oprah Winfrey's evolution from daytime talk show host to media mogul. He discusses her impact on television in the 1980s, redefining the genre and amplifying Black culture. The challenges faced in launching OWN reveal her resilience and adaptability in a shifting media landscape. With strategic programming and a focus on audience engagement, Oprah transformed her brand into a powerhouse, leaving an enduring legacy. Expect a sneak peek into her upcoming Christmas special that celebrates meaningful traditions.

In this captivating discussion, Oprah Winfrey reflects on her journey from the iconic talk show to the challenges of launching the Oprah Winfrey Network. She shares her internal conflicts about embracing change and the innovative decisions that shaped her career. Oprah reveals her emotional highs and lows, including her generous giveaways and a poignant moment in her career transition. She also delves into her strategic entries into streaming and high-profile interviews, showcasing her lasting influence in the ever-evolving media landscape.