The Huddle with John Furner

Claire Babineaux-Fontenot has a fascinating story. She’s a Walmart alum, practiced law, tax law, corporate law, is a cancer survivor, mother, one of 108 kids, and is now the CEO of Feeding America. We’ve partnered with the nonprofit for decades and Walmart has provided 4.5 billion meals over the years. Listen to this new episode of The Huddle to hear how you can take part in the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign and help bring food to people in need.

Kathleen McLaughlin has two big jobs at Walmart. She’s our Chief Sustainability Officer and President of the Walmart Foundation. A company can do good in several ways – everything from reducing emissions to developing a sustainable Supply Chain, creating opportunities for associates and advancing work on racial equity. Listen to this newest episode of The Huddle to hear the steps we’re taking to make a difference in our communities around the world.

Today was George Floyd’s memorial. There is anguish, trauma and heartache across America. We need to stand up against racism and discrimination. Store Manager NaToya Champion shared a really powerful message about what each of us can do. Be empathetic. Initiate conversations. Ask, “Are you okay?” And now more than ever, listen. We're so grateful to have leaders like NaToya serving our communities and setting a positive example.

While we can prepare for a lot, the needs of our customers quickly changed due to COVID-19. In this last quarter, Walmart U.S. comp sales increased 10%, excluding fuel, and Walmart U.S. eCommerce sales grew 74%. Our merchants choose what we sell, how much we sell it for and whether it’ll be in our stores or online. Listen to this new episode of The Huddle to hear from Latriece Watkins, Charles Redfield and Anthony Soohoo on some of the more interesting items customers started buying and how our teams responded.

Dacona Smith is all about simplifying the work. He joined The Huddle last week to talk about how we’ve responded to COVID-19. This week, we’re sharing an episode we actually recorded a couple of months ago with more about his career and leadership style. Dacona started with our company 30 years ago assembling bikes and pushing carts. He also used to play football and shared how his experience playing quarterback reminds him a lot of his time as a store manager. Listen to this new episode to hear his advice for associates!

Dacona Smith, Chief Operating Officer for Walmart U.S., is passionate about protecting our associates and customers. He joined John Furner on The Huddle to talk about steps we’ve taken in stores, how our teams have stepped up in their communities, and how the shopping experience has changed for customers during this pandemic. Listen to this new episode to hear how we’re preparing for a new normal in the months ahead.

COVID-19 is affecting the lives of our associates all over the world. Listen to John Furner and Judith McKenna, CEO of Walmart International, talk about what we’re seeing in different markets, what we’ve learned over the last few months, and how we can share best practices. We can learn a lot from each other.

These are unprecedented times. We’re making decisions hour by hour, and often minute by minute. Walmart is lucky to have Dr. Tom Van Gilder serving as our Chief Medical Officer. Listen to this new episode to hear how we’re working to keep our associates and customers safe and healthy during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Our associates are making a difference in their communities during this difficult time. Julie Murphy, EVP of People for Walmart U.S., joined The Huddle with John Furner to talk about our new COVID-19 policy, the importance of communication, and how we’ll be making decisions moving forward. Listen to the full episode.

One week ago today, John Furner recognized 85 store managers as Difference Makers. Amy McMullin leads a top-performing team in Norman, OK, and was selected to be celebrated in Bentonville for her achievements. She sat down with John to share challenges she faces and the role Walmart plays in every community. Give this new episode a listen to hear how we’re making a difference for our associates and customers.