The Huddle with John Furner

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. 

We released our Q4 and full-year earnings this week. Walmart U.S. Chief Financial Officer, Michael Dastugue, keeps track of every dollar and helps guide our strategy. He spent some time on The Huddle with John Furner breaking down how comps and growth affect our associates. Hear their plans for moving the business forward in this new episode.

Scott McCall started his career with Walmart as an hourly management trainee in Grenada, Mississippi, more than 25 years ago. He was recently named Walmart U.S. Chief Merchandising Officer. Scott understands our customers and the ways they want to shop with us. Hear why being curious makes a big difference in retail in this new episode.

Monique Picou is one of the many Supply Chain associates making sure product gets to our store shelves. She joined The Huddle with John Furner and shared how our teams are constantly working to eliminate friction for our customers. Monique is also very passionate about women in STEM and was recently selected to be a part of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Next Gen Summit! From working internationally to working in Bentonville, AR, hear about her path to Walmart in this new episode.

This week John sits down with Store Manager Kelly Clark from Fort Smith, AR. Kelly was the store manager when John was training to be an assistant manager back in 1995. They talk about how running a Supercenter has changed over the years, and Kelly shares how he continues to develop associates after 40 years in retail. They also have some great Mr. Sam stories. Give this new episode a listen.