

RETHINK RETAIL
RETHINK Retail
RETHINK Retail - the evolution of retail in today’s connected world.
Join us as we explore the most recent trends and innovations in commerce.
Join us as we explore the most recent trends and innovations in commerce.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 20, 2023 • 17min
Mike Keech, CEO of Liquid I.V.
In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Julia Hare sits down with Mike Keech, CEO of the popular hydration drink taking the internet by storm, Liquid I.V.
Mike joined as the CEO of the functional hydration brand, Liquid I.V., in December 2020, and under his leadership, the brand has grown 400%. Mike supported in the growth of several well-respected companies, including Coca-Cola, Diageo, L'Oréal, and Kao.
He joined Unilever in 2012 leading the beverages category in Asia-Pacific. His work in these companies resulted in his extensive global background, an understanding of international consumer trends, and the entrepreneurial skills needed to scale growth.
Prior to joining Liquid I.V., he spent three years as COO of Ben & Jerry’s, then led the e- commerce division for Unilever’s personal care division in North America.
Mike's broad range of business experiences make him a fantastic leader to lead a brand like Liquid I.V., a hyper-growth startup.
His years of experience with several corporations at varying stages of their development gave him the tools to not only position Liquid I.V. as the #1 brand in the powdered hydration category, but also to solidify Liquid I.V. as an enduring brand for years to come. His personal interest in wellness blends well with the purpose-driven impact work that Liquid I.V. does, which includes donating millions of servings of Liquid I.V. to people who need it, and funding clean water access projects.
As you'll hear in this episode, Mike’s passion lies in helping business be a force for good and contributing to the communities in which they operate.
If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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Host: Julia Hare
Produced by Gabriella Bock
Research by Maggie Schwenn

Feb 10, 2023 • 12min
Matt Bradley, Co-Founder & Director of the Retail Technology Show
In this episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Paula Macaggi sat down with Matt Bradley, co-founder and director of the Retail Technology Show, to discuss the upcoming April event and why YOU should be planning to attend.
Hint: not only will this event boast an impressive roster of retail speakers and exhibitors, but RETHINK Retail will be throwing another BIG RETAIL BASH for our friends across the pond. We will also be hosting an afternoon of Store Tours with Top Retail Influencer Ian Scott — need we say more?
Tune in to hear more about RTS’ upcoming event held in London from April 26-27 and how you can attend this unforgettable event!
If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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Host: Paula Macaggi
Produced by Gabriella Bock

Feb 6, 2023 • 12min
Jacee Scoular, Senior Director of Brand Marketing Strategy at Hollister - Live from NRF 2023
This episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast was recorded live at the NRF Big Show 2023 on January 16th, 2023.
In this episode, host Julia Raymond Hare sits down with Jacee Scoular, senior director of brand marketing strategy at Hollister following her stage session on purpose driven retail with fellow brand executives from Chobani and Nordstrom.
Together they discuss trends that are dominating 2023 as well as how the retailer is leaning into purpose with its Hollister Confidence Project and activating social good campaigns focused on anti-bullying and cultivating teen confidence.
If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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Host: Julia Hare
Produced by Gabriella Bock

Jan 30, 2023 • 10min
Matt Kaness, CEO of GOODWILLFINDS - Live from NRF 2023
This episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast was recorded live at the NRF Big Show 2023 on January 16th, 2023.
In this episode, host Julia Raymond Hare sits down with Matthew Kaness, CEO of GoodWillFinds, who leads the expansion of the Goodwill Network's recently launched e-commerce site.
Together they discuss the retail and sustainability trends that will dominate 2023 as well as how Generation Z has helped the non-profit expanded into the digital world.
If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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Host: Julia Hare
Produced by Gabriella Bock

Jan 24, 2023 • 13min
Martin Urrutia, Global Head of Retail Innovation & Experience at LEGO - Live from NRF 2023
This episode of the RETHINK Retail Podcast was recorded live at the NRF Big Show 2023 on January 16th, 2023.
In this episode, guest host Melissa Minkow sits down with Martin Urruita, global head of retail innovation and experience at Lego, following his packed session at the Big Show.
Together they discuss digital innovation and the role digital is playing in Lego's physical store experience, as well as how Lego differentiates its DTC experience strategy from its retailer partner experience.
Martin also reveals the projects he most excited about in 2023 as well as what else we can expect from his team of master builders.
If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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Host: Melissa Minkow
Produced by Gabriella Bock

Jan 19, 2023 • 46min
Retail Therapy: Forever 21 - with Andrew Smith & Liza Amlani
Welcome to Retail Therapy, a RETHINK Retail exclusive Podcast series where we examine a retailer facing a huge challenge or opportunity and provide actionable steps to revive, revitalize or rebrand them back from oblivion.
In this episode, host Gabriella Bock is joined by RETHINK Retail Top Retail Influencer's Andrew Smith and Liza Amlani to examine Forever 21, a fast fashion retailer that lost market dominance almost as quickly as it gained it.
This episode of Retail Therapy was brought to you by the Retail Cloud Alliance and Cognizant. To see how Cognizant can help transform your business, visit them at www.cognizant.com.
Host: Gabriella Bock
Research by Maggie Schwenn

Jan 11, 2023 • 27min
How to Stay Retail Relevant in 2023 | Brian McGlynn, GM of Commerce at Coveo
Retailers are feeling the weight of competition now more than ever.
Combine that with tight margins, continued supply chain, inflation and labor challenges, and it becomes abundantly clear that brands and retailers are in a race to remain relevant.
But what does relevancy actually mean to today's consumers, and does the idea of relevancy vary depending on who you ask and what they're buying? And what about where they're buying from?
To dive into these questions and more, I spoke with Brian McGlynn, general manager of commerce at Coveo, who came armed with the answers I was seeking.
For listeners who don't already know about Coveo, it's an AI-powered software-as-a-service search engine that recently announced the launch of its Merchandising Hub, a new product developed as a result of the company's acquisition of Qubit, a leader in AI powered merchandising. They're doing some really cool stuff in the omni space so be sure to check them out and say hello at Booth 209 if you are attending NRF 2023 - you might even get a chance to try out one of their Maple Manhattans (I know I will be).
About the guest: Having spent more than 20 years in the high-tech industry, Brian McGlynn's experience spans start-ups and Fortune 100 companies, including HP and IBM. He’s held roles in sales, consulting, and general management.
More recently as General Manager of Intershop’s North American business, Brian spearheaded the company’s growth into new markets with B2C and B2B commerce offerings. In his current role at Coveo, Brian brings a solid e-commerce expertise with a focus on search, content management, and customer analytics.
Brian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology and an MBA from Concordia University. Outside of work, Brian’s voice can be heard on radio stations across New York State.
Hosted and produced by Gabriella Bock, Head of Content & Production at RETHINK Retail.
If you enjoyed this episode, show your support by leaving us a rating and review on Apple and Spotify.

Jan 4, 2023 • 35min
Monica Rigali | VP of Global Brand Management at JanSport
Did you know, long before JanSport was on the backs of every middle schooler in America it had once been a handmade pack for a group of Mt. Rainer hiking hippies? We didn't either until this week's guest revealed the origins of JanSport, a pop culture icon and America's essential backpack for more than five decades.
In our first episode of 2023, host Gabriella Bock is joined by Monica Rigali, JanSport Vice President Global Brand Management, to discuss how the brand has evolved and remained relevant to decades of young people, as well as her take on the big Gen Z trends that will define the new year.
If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Dec 19, 2022 • 25min
Retail Predictions 2023: Industry Experts Reveal What to Expect in the New Year
Curious to know what the retail industry will look like in 2023? We were too, so we reached out to some of our friends in the retail industry to uncover what trends will make waves in the new year.
In this final episode of 2022, we hear from key industry experts as they weigh in with their predictions for the next year, including the rise of data-driven retail, the impact of a fickle labor market, and the continued popularity of experiential shopping.
You'll hear from:
– Rick Castello , Head of Sales, Digital Commerce at Trustly
– Tim Dardis, VP of Business Development & Strategy at Alviere
– Dan Goldman, Head of Strategy at Gap Inc.
– David J. Katz, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Randa Accessories
– Michael LeBlanc, Founder & President at M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc.
– Phillip Raub, CEO at Model No. Furniture
– Christine Russo, Host of the "What Just Happened" Podcast
– Ryan Taylor, Head Of Retail Product Marketing at T-Mobile For Business
– Ron Thurston, Show Host of the RETAIL IN AMERICA Podcast
– Michael Zakkour, Founder of 5 New Digital
If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Dec 15, 2022 • 34min
Retail Therapy: Bed, Bath & Beyond - with Rick Watson & Brandon Rael
Welcome to Retail Therapy, a RETHINK Retail exclusive Podcast series where we examine a retailer facing a huge challenge or opportunity and provide actionable steps to revive, revitalize or rebrand them back from oblivion.
This week we will be looking at category killer and former strip-mall super star now struggling under the crush of even bigger big box stores. Host Gabriella Bock is joined by Rick Watson and Brandon Rael to discuss, yes, you guessed it: Bed, Bath and Beyond.
Hosted & Produced by Gabriella Bock
Research by Maggie Schwenn
Powered by the Retail Cloud Alliance
If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.