
Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth
2020 transformed the world of ecommerce forever.
For the modern DTC brand, the rewards have never been greater. But the waters have also never been choppier, and the way forward has never been more uncertain.
So how do you navigate this dangerous new reality?
No matter how you do it, you’d better not do it alone.
That’s where the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast comes in — join Common Thread Collective’s Taylor Holiday & Richard Gaffin as they bring you guiding insights from across CTC’s portfolio of growing DTC businesses.
Whether you need a clear view on the macro issues affecting the world of ecommerce, or want to reorient your business around groundbreaking new big-picture strategies, Taylor & Richard are here to help answer the tough questions about what it takes to scale — and sustain — an ecommerce business.
Latest episodes

Oct 8, 2024 • 56min
Transforming Company Culture: From Employee-Centric to Standards-Centric
Dane Sanders, VP of Employee Development and Performance at Common Thread Collective, dives into the profound cultural shift at CTC from an employee-centric to a standards-centric model. He shares how this transformation drives profitability and high performance while reducing turnover. Key insights include balancing accountability with employee engagement, the significance of aligning culture with customer value, and practical steps for operationalizing cultural changes. This conversation is packed with valuable strategies for leaders and employees aiming for a results-driven workplace.

28 snips
Oct 3, 2024 • 35min
Boost Your Holiday Sales with These Email and SMS Strategies
Tommy Lamb, the Director of Email and SMS at Common Thread Collective, shares essential strategies to supercharge holiday sales. He emphasizes the significance of data integrity and audience segmentation for effective campaigns. Listeners learn about shortening cart abandonment windows and leveraging AI-driven features to optimize marketing efforts. Tommy also discusses how to utilize insights from email to enhance paid advertising and the importance of smart testing to boost engagement during this critical retail season.

6 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 35min
The Addiction to Growth: Why Entrepreneurs Avoid Paying Themselves
Taylor, an expert in business goal setting and financial misconceptions, joins Richard to tackle the pressing issue of why entrepreneurs struggle to pay themselves despite thriving businesses. They discuss the cultural norms that drive reinvestment over personal gain and how many inadvertently hand profits to external parties. The duo explores the emotional and strategic cash management dilemmas entrepreneurs face, emphasizing the need to shift mindset from relentless growth to realizing financial value while aligning personal and business goals.

Sep 26, 2024 • 25min
Maximizing Black Friday Sales: Data-Driven Discounting Strategies
Dive into the latest Black Friday trends with insights from over 2,000 e-commerce brand offers. Discover how inflation impacts pricing and discount strategies, and learn to craft offers that truly stand out. The discussion includes innovative tactics beyond just sitewide discounts, such as early access promotions. Explore the importance of perceived value and connecting with consumers through targeted segmentation and personalized offers. Get ready to maximize your sales and navigate this competitive holiday season with creativity and data-driven strategies.

7 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 31min
What Founders Struggle With Most: Human Connection Over Data
Founders face a tough challenge balancing human connection with data-driven decisions. Emotional well-being plays a critical role in entrepreneurship, often shaping decision-making more than hard metrics. The podcast dives into candid conversations among CEOs about compensation and financial choices, underscoring the importance of open dialogue and community support. Personal struggles are discussed as they relate to leadership, revealing how genuine connections can significantly influence success and foster a more cohesive team dynamic.

Sep 19, 2024 • 31min
Creative Strategy for the Holidays: Rollercoasters, Peaks, and Valleys
Aileen McKenna, Director of Creative Strategy and Performance, shares her insights on navigating the 2024 holiday shopping season. They break down the '7 Peaks and 1 Valley' concept while discussing how to build momentum from September. Aileen emphasizes the importance of leveraging influencers and organic marketing, even amid election-related media price surges. Tactics like creating urgency in messaging and preparing for key shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday are highlighted, alongside adapting strategies for post-holiday engagement with consumers.

Sep 18, 2024 • 36min
August Insights & What to Expect for Q4: State of the Industry
Explore August's e-commerce performance, highlighting revenue shifts for seven-figure brands. Dive into evolving consumer sentiments and their spending behaviors, shaped by economic factors. Discover strategies for navigating the shorter gifting window this holiday season. Learn how to optimize ad spending on platforms like Meta, Google, and TikTok to boost conversions. This insightful discussion equips DTC marketers with essential knowledge to tackle the upcoming challenges of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Sep 17, 2024 • 42min
Building Trust and Authority: A Guide for Change Agents
Discover the essence of being a change agent in organizations. Learn why healthy conflict is a catalyst for transformation and how emotional resilience supports effective leadership. Dive into strategies for building trust through clear communication and promoting confidence in decision-making. Explore the art of overcoming inertia to foster innovation and the importance of a culture that embraces learning from failure. Whether you're aspiring to lead or enhance your impact, valuable insights await!

Sep 12, 2024 • 28min
Turn Your Accountant Into An Asset
Taylor, an accountant who recently spoke at an accounting conference in Toronto, discusses the vital connection between accountants and marketers. He shares tips for entrepreneurs to better leverage their accountants, emphasizing the importance of timely financial reporting and insightful analysis. Taylor highlights transforming P&L statements into decision-making powerhouses and advocates for cash flow forecasting as a fundamental tool. This conversation reveals how accountants can strategically support business growth by fostering collaboration and enhancing financial clarity.

Sep 11, 2024 • 45min
Meet CTC's First AI Bot: A New Era in Ecommerce Creativity
Join Jacob Posel, a visionary shaped to enhance creative strategy in ecommerce. Discover how AI is redefining creative workflows, enabling brands to generate high-quality content rapidly and cost-effectively. Explore real-life examples of AI-generated content and its significant impact on advertising. Jacob discusses the necessity of integrating AI into business for improved efficiency and innovation in creative processes. Tune in to learn practical tips for leveraging AI's potential to revolutionize your ecommerce strategies.