391. AI, skills-first hiring, and the next era of retail jobs
Organizational success in retail ultimately comes down to people — finding the right talent, nurturing their growth and preparing them for the future. In this episode of Retail Gets Real, Walmart’s first-ever Chief Talent Officer Lorraine “Lo” Stomski and NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie, discuss how retail leaders are reimagining talent acquisition, development and retention in a rapidly evolving industry.(00:00:00) Walmart’s first Chief Talent Officer(00:05:20) Why talent acquisition matters more than ever(00:09:00) Changing perceptions of retail careers(00:15:02) Building skills and pathways for career growth(00:19:24) Proof points that change lives(00:23:02) Talent strategies in uncertain times(00:28:12) The future of talent acquisition and AIThe National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• NRF Foundation's RISE Up Program: nrffoundation.org/rise-up• Walmart's Live Better U: corporate.walmart.com/about/working-at-walmart/live-better-u• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 351: The think tank for retail industry talent leaders
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390. How retailers can stay resilient against cyberattacks
Cybersecurity has moved far beyond being just a technical issue — it is now a core business priority that directly impacts customer trust, operational resilience and the bottom line. We sit down with two industry leaders on the front lines of digital risk: Pam Lindemoen, chief security officer and vice president of strategy at the Retail & Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center, and Christian Beckner, vice president of retail technology and cybersecurity at the National Retail Federation. Together, they unpack the fast-changing cybersecurity landscape facing retailers today, from fraud and social engineering to the new challenges posed by artificial intelligence.(00:00:00) Building a united front in retail cybersecurity(00:04:41) Strengthening trust and evolving partnerships(00:07:49) Rising threats in retail cybersecurity(00:12:43) Investing in resilience and readiness(00:16:51) Looking ahead: cooperation and global expansionThe National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 366: How to fight back against organized retail crime• 353: How customer-facing AI will energize retail’s future• 344: The future of AI in consumer experience
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389. Purpose-driven retail: Stories of impact from leading brands
Purpose-driven retail is more than a trend — it’s reshaping industries, inspiring innovation and delivering tangible benefits to people and the planet. In this special compilation episode, Retail Gets Real revisits some of our most inspiring conversations with leaders who are using their businesses as forces for good. From rescuing food and reducing waste to building sustainable supply chains, uplifting communities and listening to the next generation, these stories highlight how value-driven strategies create lasting impact.(00:00:00) Starbucks’ nationwide food rescue program(00:03:52) Whole Foods’ approach to quality and accessibility(00:06:59) IKEA’s full-circle sustainability strategy(00:09:18) Kendra Scott’s model for fashion-driven philanthropy(00:10:58) LEGO’s community-building through creativity(00:13:20) Gen Z’s influence on the future of retailThe National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Learn more about Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 386: Inside Starbucks’ commitment to thriving communities• 379: Whole Foods’ holistic approach to merchandising and customer service• 368: How IKEA innovates in sustainability and customer experience• 346: How Kendra Scott delivers on a ‘fashion-for-philanthropy’ vision• 373: How LEGO builds community and embraces innovation• 361: How Gen Z is redefining retail
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388. Replay: How Pinterest wins with personalized content
Consumers turn to Pinterest for inspiration on everything from design and fashion to meal prep and so much more. Rachel Hardy, director of consumer product marketing for Pinterest, joins us to share how the brand captures such a wide and engaged audience. We explore the consumer outlook and emerging trends for 2025, including mobile spending, AI optimization and personalized shopping. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:26) Pinterest’s young and engaged audience (00:03:04) Hardy’s career journey (00:06:20) Emerging consumer behaviors (00:12:16) Pinterest predicts 2025 trends (00:15:11) Retail challenges and opportunities for 2025 (00:21:24) Hardy’s learnings and inspirations The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• pinterest.com• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• Retail trends to watch in 2025• What to know about the consumer in 2025
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387. Behind the data: Insights from NRF’s top economists
As the retail industry continues to evolve, understanding the broader economic landscape has never been more important. On this episode of Retail Gets Real, two of NRF’s top economic minds — Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz and Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews — join the podcast to break down what’s driving the U.S. economy, what to expect for the second half of 2025 and what it all means for retailers and consumers.(00:00:00) Reflecting on 15 years of economic insight(00:06:40) Forecasting through uncertainty(00:08:16) The rise of AI and the future of retail(00:09:47) The real impact of AI on retail and jobs(00:12:46) Navigating a globalized retail economy(00:18:45) Advice for students, book recs and a look backThe National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Get ready for Retail’s Big Show in NYC• Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• Data ‘Remains Strong’ But Public Policy Uncertainties ‘Blur the Economic Outlook’ for 2025• NRF Chief Economist Says 2024 ‘Ended on a High Note’• Economy Still Growing Despite Tariffs But ‘A Lot of People Have Recession on Their Minds’
Retail impacts everyone, everywhere, every day. Join the National Retail Federation for authentic, insightful conversations with the industry's most interesting people. Hear retail executives, industry experts, entrepreneurs and influencers discuss trends, their career stories and the future of retail. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.
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