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

Dec 4, 2025 • 47min
Beyond Compliance: The New Language of Retail Resilience
Cyber threats aren’t evolving, they’re accelerating. 🚨
In this new AiR Podcast episode, Renee Hartmann sits down with Kenneth Ogami, Industry Leader for Retail & Hospitality at Palo Alto Networks, to unpack the new language of retail resilience.
Kenneth brings 20+ years of hands-on retail security experience — from securing Westfield’s digital ecosystem to helping luxury brand Amiri scale securely through hypergrowth. His message is clear: compliance is no longer enough - resilience is the strategy.
Key takeaways:
- The retail attack surface has expanded dramatically across omnichannel, IoT, and connected store ecosystems.
- AI is accelerating threats through deepfakes, automated fraud, and sophisticated social engineering.
- Zero Trust is emerging as a business enabler — reducing risk while simplifying operations.
- Fragmented security stacks are holding retailers back; unified visibility is now essential.
- AI agents are reshaping future operations, requiring new security mindsets and governance.
🎧 Listen now and future-proof your retail organization.
Special thanks to Palo Alto Networks for making this episode possible.
Visit their NRF booth #3956 to see how top retailers are building cyber resilience that scales.

Dec 1, 2025 • 23min
How PepsiCo Is Accelerating Innovation & Growth
How is PepsiCo reshaping its future while staying true to the brands consumers love?
In this episode, host Matt Mueller sits down with Michael Del Pozzo, President of PepsiCo North America, to explore the company’s bold new chapter.
They discuss:
- How PepsiCo balances data-driven precision with creative instinct
- What’s fueling innovation across beverages, snacks, and brand refreshes
- How “One PepsiCo” is accelerating speed, collaboration, and retail partnerships
Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

Nov 26, 2025 • 17min
It’s Skinny – “Building a Modern Food Brand”
On this episode of “Building a Modern Food Brand,” host Christina Downey sits down with Matthew Newman, CCO at It’s Skinny, to talk about the hard choices founders must make early — and why focus, discipline, and a clear go-to-market strategy matter more than saying “yes” to everyone.
Matthew shares:
- Why startups must define where they want to live — and hold firm
- How It’s Skinny reset its core strategy before scaling
- The breakthrough behind their new low-carb, low-calorie rice innovation
🎧 Listen Now
Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

Nov 26, 2025 • 20min
Rohlik Group: Leading Online Grocery Growth
What happens when automation, speed, and smart fulfillment collide in the grocery industry?
In this episode of the Global Retail Leaders Podcast by RETHINK Retail, host Theo sits down with Petr Lizner of Rohlik Group - one of Europe’s fastest-growing online grocers, to walk us through how Rohlik’s blend of automation hardware and in-house software is redefining what modern grocery can achieve.
They explore:
- How Rohlik scales high-efficiency online operations across multiple countries
- How scalable automation can work in the online grocery environment
- The surprising fulfillment metrics, like near-zero commercial shrink, that online models can outperform offline retail on.
Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

Nov 26, 2025 • 46min
Retail Therapy – Redefining Value in Retail
Value isn’t just about low prices anymore. As shoppers become more intentional and economic pressures rise, retailers are shifting their strategies—from promotions and pricing to emotional connection and brand authenticity.
We dive into how value is being redefined across the industry.
Joined by experts Andrew Smith, Carol Spieckerman, Liza Amlani, and Andrea K. Leigh, we explore how retailers are aligning with evolving shopper priorities and what “value” really means today.
Special thanks to Adobe and Icertis for making this episode possible!

Nov 25, 2025 • 16min
Engineering the Future of AI and Customer Experience
What happens when technology meets true customer empathy?
In this episode of Rethink Retail: Global Retail Leaders, host Alex Baker sits down with Uttam Kumar, Engineering Manager at American Eagle Outfitters, to discuss:
- How engineers are becoming storytellers and changemakers in retail
- The real role of AI — beyond recommendations, toward anticipation
- Why successful digital transformation starts with people, not tech
- Moving from waterfall to agile: lessons from 17+ years in retail systems
- How hyper-personalization and data discipline define the next retail decade
🎧 Listen to the full conversation
Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

Nov 24, 2025 • 25min
Inside EuroShop 2026: What’s Next for Global Retail
EuroShop only happens once every three years — and every edition sets the pace for the future of global retail.
In the latest RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Alexis sits down with EuroShop Director Elke Moebius and EHI Senior VP Ulrich Spaan for an inside look at what’s new, what’s evolving, and what the world can expect from EuroShop 2026 in Düsseldorf — including its first-ever expansion to Dubai.
If you’re shaping the next wave of store design, retail tech, or shopper experience, or planning your trip to one of Europe’s biggest retail events, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
🎧 Tune in now

Nov 21, 2025 • 14min
From NYC Bakery to National CPG: The Rise of Elisa’s Love Bites
In this Rethink Retail podcast episode live from Groceryshop, David Weinand (Incisiv) speaks with Elisa Lyew, founder of Elisa’s Love Bites, on transforming her passion for clean, better-for-you desserts into a fast-growing national brand.
They explore:
- How Elisa pivoted from a decade-long NYC bakery to a scalable CPG model
- Why clean ingredients, gluten-free recipes, and refined-sugar-free sweets set the brand apart
- The focus on a hero product — the chocolate-chip cookie — as the foundation for national expansion
Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com

Nov 14, 2025 • 29min
Retail’s Secret to a Sellout Holiday Season
Rick Olson, a Consulting Partner at Kyndryl with three decades in retail, shares insights on predictive analytics revolutionizing holiday planning. He discusses how retailers can forecast demand accurately, optimize inventory, and enhance operational efficiency to meet seasonal spikes. Rick highlights the importance of diverse data sources for precise predictions and how AI can streamline staffing and store operations. He also emphasizes reducing markdowns through better forecasting and using generative AI to uncover unique retail opportunities.

12 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 18min
Building Community, Innovation, and the Future of Connected Fitness
Bruce Smith, Founder and Chairman of Hydrow, shares his journey from passionate rower to entrepreneur, aiming to redefine home fitness. He discusses the synergy of building hardware, software, and content into one cohesive brand. Bruce reveals how community drives customer loyalty and highlights the shift towards personalized experiences in fitness. With insights on scaling business authentically and the role of AI in the future, he envisions a kinder world through daily movement and connection.


