The Retail Pilot

Ken Pilot interviews Jan Singer about her incredible career as a Retail and Fashion leader and Board Member.Diverse Journey in Retail and Fashion: Jan Singer's career journey spans across various categories of business, not limited to retail. She's worked in luxury goods, beauty, and manufacturing for brands like Chanel, Calvin Klein, Prada, and Nike. Her experiences ranged from innovation to manufacturing and wholesaling.Initiating Career at Chanel: Jan shared an interesting story about how she found a phone number for Chanel, called in, and ended up speaking with the president, which ultimately led to her landing a job at Chanel.Challenging and Rewarding Leadership Roles: Jan believes that every job she's had has been challenging, and she's always been open to pushing herself to learn and grow. She mentioned navigating the 08 crisis at Nike as one of the most challenging moments. Additionally, running global footwear and apparel at Nike was a masterclass in leadership.Qualities as a Leader: Jan emphasized the importance of generous leadership, being an energy giver, and leading with optimism. She also talked about the value of being an enterprise leader, making complicated things simple and repeatable, and considering the broader perspective beyond her own space.Approach to Shaping Leadership Teams: Jan's approach to building a leadership team involves deep curiosity about why she's being brought in, understanding the problems the team is facing, and finding the critical few things that will make a difference. She values competency, chemistry, and balance in her teams, and is open to both internal and external talent.Dynamic Nature of Retail: Jan Singer highlights the dynamic nature of the retail industry. She emphasizes that no single company has everything figured out, and various aspects like channel dynamics, wholesale, direct-to-consumer, and digital interactions are constantly evolving.The Importance of Physical Stores: Jan Singer believes that stores are not dead; instead, they are evolving. She expresses her belief in the value of real estate, mentioning that stores are still crucial, but they might have shifted from malls to Main Street or open-air formats.Retail as Therapy: Jan Singer sees retail as a form of therapy for consumers. She believes that the engagement with shopkeepers, store staff, or online customer service fulfills a human need for connection and interaction. People shop for various reasons, and it can be a positive and uplifting experience.The Significance of Knowing the Consumer: Jan Singer emphasizes the importance of brands truly knowing their consumers. She mentions brands like Gucci that excel at understanding their customers' preferences and providing personalized services, whether through in-store interactions or online communications.Technology and the Future of Leadership: The discussion touches on the evolving role of CEOs in the retail industry. Jan Singer suggests that the skills required today may be so diverse that a single CEO might not be sufficient. She speculates about the possibility of a collaborative leadership structure involving operations, technology, and product leadershipOverall, Jan Singer provides valuable insights into the retail industry, highlighting the need for adaptability, personalized experiences, and a balanced approach to leadership in today's rapidly changing landscape.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Nate Checketts, Co-founder and CEO of Rhone, discusses his journey in creating a men's athleisure brand that blends style with comfort. He shares insights on navigating retail dynamics and the importance of strategic partnerships. The conversation also highlights the mental health challenges men face and how Rhone fosters community support. Checketts dives into innovative fabric technology that combats odors and reflects on the significance of quality and storytelling in marketing. A light-hearted rapid-fire segment provides fun personal anecdotes.

In this Flight of The Retail Pilot - Leaders & Legends, Ken speaks with Sharon Leite, CEO of Ideal Image, former CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe and Retail Leader at companies such as Gap, Bath and Body Works and Pier 1. Key Takeaways of the Episode:* Passion and Connection to Mission: Sharon emphasizes that passion for the business, brand, product, and mission is more important than monetary compensation. Connecting personally with your work is crucial for long-term success.* Career Stages and Growth: Sharon's career evolved through three distinct stages: learning the business and consumer experience, turning around businesses, and applying her knowledge to legacy brands. Each stage contributed to her growth and success.* Due Diligence and Understanding: Sharon learned the importance of thorough due diligence when considering new opportunities. Understanding the company, industry, and board's vision is essential for a successful and fulfilling career.* Surrounding Yourself with the Right Team: Building a team that shares the vision and understands what excellence looks like is crucial, especially in situations requiring rapid change or turnaround. Having the right people in the right roles accelerates progress.* Transforming a Business: Sharon's experience at the Vitamin Shoppe highlights the significance of rebranding, understanding the customer, telling compelling stories, and aligning with industry experts. This transformation ultimately led to success despite the challenges presented by COVID-19.* Adaptation during COVID-19: The Vitamin Shoppe faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. She had to fight to reopen their stores, and what allowed her to do so was a focus on selling essential items like food, functional foods, and water.* Preparation paid off: Before the pandemic, the company had made strategic investments in e-commerce, technology, and loyalty programs. This preparation proved crucial, as they didn't have to scramble to implement services like online pickup, curbside pickup, etc., when COVID-19 hit. This readiness accelerated their growth during the pandemic.* Leadership through presence and celebration: Sharon emphasized the importance of showing up, especially during tough times. She visited distribution centers, stores, and events, creating a celebratory environment within the company. This approach helped foster a sense of appreciation and connectedness among the team.* Transition from public to private company: Sharon’s company transitioned from being a public to a private company. This move allowed her to focus on long-term business improvements without being beholden to short-term investor expectations.* Reimagining Ideal Image: Recently, Sharon transitioned to a new company, Ideal Image, with the goal of building a comprehensive women's lifestyle brand in beauty, health, and wellness. She plans to reimagine various aspects of the business, including services, culture, products, and market leadership. She also hinted at a potential move into health and wellness.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Throwing it back to the second episode of The Retail Pilot, join your host Ken Pilot, as he continues the conversation with Millard "Mickey" Drexler, Retail visionary and Chairman of Alex Mill.Come along for the ride as Ken and Mickey chat more about Mickey's legendary career building brands and his legacy with leading companies such as Ann Taylor, Gap, Old Navy, J.Crew, Madewell and now Alex Mill.If you enjoyed this episode of The Retail Pilot, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Throwing it back to the debut episode of The Retail Pilot, join your host Ken Pilot, as he embarks on an inspiring conversation with none other than Millard "Mickey" Drexler, the visionary Chairman of Alex Mill.Buckle up as Ken and Mickey delve into the riveting tales that have shaped Mickey's illustrious career, leaving an indelible mark on the retail landscape. From his groundbreaking endeavors at Ann Taylor, Gap, and Old Navy to his iconic stewardship at J.Crew, Madewell, and now Alex Mill, Mickey's story is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and unmatched expertise.If you enjoyed this episode of The Retail Pilot, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join your host Ken Pilot in this episode of The Retail Pilot, as he sits down with Marc Metrick, the driving force behind the transformative journey of luxury retail giant Saks Fifth Avenue. From his early days at Saks to his pivotal role in the acquisition and integration of the iconic brand, Marc takes us through a captivating tale of strategic evolution and reinvention.Learn how Marc's visionary leadership led to a critical juncture in 2019, as Saks embarked on a groundbreaking split into two distinct entities. He unveils the motivations behind this move, detailing the challenges and opportunities it presented. Marc's insightful narrative shines a light on the redefined hierarchy of KPIs, talent acquisition, and resource prioritization that formed the bedrock of Saks' digital-first transformation.Marc's unique perspective on owning the IP, controlling pricing and promotion, and the symbiotic relationship between the e-commerce and stores arms of Saks will leave you with a deep appreciation for the intricacies of luxury retail management. Join us as we dive into Marc Metrick's journey, unveiling the secrets behind Saks Fifth Avenue's evolution into a modern-day retail powerhouse. If you enjoyed this episode of The Retail Pilot, please let us know by subscribing to our channel and giving us a 5 star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Their story began in the offices of Sam & Libby Shoes, a modest footwear brand in California. John Edelman, working alongside his brother Sam, crossed paths with John McPhee, igniting a friendship that would set the stage for an indelible partnership. In their candid discussion on The Retail Pilot, the two Johns share the story of their humble beginnings, recounting how a casual dinner invitation would eventually reshape the design landscape.Their collaborative efforts led them to Edelman Leather, a family business they nurtured into a multi-million-dollar success, later acquired by Knoll. The challenges didn't stop there. Together, they took on the ambitious task of revitalizing Design Within Reach. Against all odds, Edelman and McPhee orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, proving that dedication and strategic thinking can redefine a brand's identity.Tune in as the Johns recall their pivotal moments, from facing skeptical employees to forging relationships with international vendors. Learn how their enduring partnership reflects their shared values and commitment to exceptional design. Plus, tune in to discover their life now as John Edelman is President & CEO at Heller and John McPhee is CEO and Chilewich. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Joey Zwillinger, Co-founder and CEO of Allbirds, has revolutionized footwear with a focus on sustainability and comfort. In this engaging conversation, he shares the transformative journey of Allbirds, from its inception to becoming a global brand. Joey discusses challenges in disrupting the traditional footwear industry, the importance of authenticity, and adapting to consumer preferences. He also explores innovative retail strategies, including e-commerce integration and strategic partnerships that enhance brand visibility while staying committed to eco-friendly practices.

Join us on an exciting episode of The Retail Pilot as Ken dives into the captivating world of fine jewelry with Jennifer and Kevin Fisher.From humble beginnings to the glitzy heights of the fashion world, Jennifer and Kevin share candid anecdotes of their path to success, and the pivotal moments that shaped the Jennifer Fisher Jewelry empire.Tune in to hear what makes Jennifer and Kevin a great team and how they are going through “hoops” to build their business. Plus, learn how Jennifer is leveraging her design and social following with CB2, Kassatex and more.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The Retail Pilot, Ken sits down with the brilliant mind behind Solo Brands, John Merris, a prominent disruptor in the retail industry. John brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, sharing invaluable strategies for achieving profitability in both direct-to-consumer (DTC) and wholesale channels.This episode delves into the fascinating world of retail entrepreneurship and the challenges faced by emerging brands seeking to establish a strong foothold in today's competitive market. Tune in as John offers unique insights and actionable advice, honed through years of hands-on experience, on how to effectively navigate the intricacies of DTC and wholesale operations.During this engaging conversation, Ken and John explore the critical factors that drive success in DTC sales, from building an engaging online presence to optimizing customer acquisition and retention.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.