Best Studio Xerxes Podcasts (2024)

1
Meet the Mindful Innovator 52:56

7d ago52:56

52:56

Listen to the unlikely story of a former Deli Manager whose life turns upside when he meets a monk on the streets of New York. This chance connection (or maybe it was destined) guides Matt Mueller into discovering mindfulness can unlock the doors to unparalleled levels of innovation.By Studio Xerxes

1
Consumers Are Shoppers First 38:13

22d ago38:13

38:13

In a seemingly serious contradiction, Luke Cahill is a self proclaimed introvert who has spoken to thousands of complete strangers. Listen to Real Insight CEO & Chief Nerd as he explains why real conversations with shoppers still matter.By Studio Xerxes

1
Your BFF Behind The Scenes 54:17

1M ago54:17

54:17

Why would becoming a "bestie" make a difference? Discover why Chris chose this route as a means to help organizations find their path forward in omnichannel retail.By Studio Xerxes

1
Insight Opens Doors 44:21

2M ago44:21

44:21

No team can truly be effective until it understands who they serve. Follow Lawrence as he takes us on a journey to learn why it takes real empathy to deliver value for his customers.

1
No More Broad Strokes 41:56

2M ago41:56

41:56

We have moved beyond the era of pulling one lever and solving all your problems. The business is more challenging and the shopper landscape is exponentially complex, so we need to think and act differently. Shiraz helps us uncover some current and future solutions to start our journey.

1
Everything Ends on a Shelf 28:25

2M ago28:25

28:25

Frank Castaneda has that classic story of moving from a grocery store clerk to director of category management. Learn how throughout the journey, he always remembered the basics while becoming a leading trusted advisor.By Studio Xerxes

1
Riding the White Claw Rocketship 30:04

3M ago30:04

30:04

Life can be hard when you’re a David among Goliaths. Find out how Justin used critical insights to identify an emerging segment of an age-old category.

1
CFO Chronicles 27:55

3M ago27:55

27:55

Pinpointing Profit - Focus Areas for SMB Finance Pros – Guest Mike Skillingstad (Serial CFO and Founder of EBM Technologies)By Studio Xerxes

1
Small Steps, Big Impact 5:09

3M ago5:09

5:09

Essential Reporting for SMB Success – Guest is Dan Pesek (Fractional CFO for BlueOps Partners)By Studio Xerxes

1
Buyers Don't Care About Brands 41:40

3M ago41:40

41:40

Early in his career, Simon Dunn worked on a myriad of interesting businesses from Liquor to Produce to Household Cleaners. He learned what drives success between category partners and now wants to share that knowledge with brands from around the world.

1
Beyond the Books 9:17

4M ago9:17

9:17

Recognizing Finance Needs and Starting Strong as a New CFO - Guest is Dan Pesek (Fractional CFO for BlueOps Partners)By Studio Xerxes

1
Ask The Question Beyond The Data 41:35

4M ago41:35

41:35

With endless streams of data at our disposal, it is easy to spend your time justifying ways to use it. But Ella's career was cut from a different cloth, shaped by what she lacked. In this episode, discover how starting with a question can lead to a better solution.

1
In Transition? Be Encouraged 35:03

4M ago35:03

35:03

From the likes of Pepsico, Dr. Pepper, Kantar and more, Lindsey Gladden has had a major impact across the globe through her expertise in shopper insights. Now we get insights from her about looking for her next role, the state of the market in downturn and why she remains positive.

1
Give Them The Respect They Deserve 45:26

5M ago45:26

45:26

Zel Bianco has focused over 30 years on CPG, honing his software company to make the lives of category managers easier. Now he asks leaders to think differently and join him in this mission. Listen to another compelling episode as Zel tells them how.By Studio Xerxes

1
The Day My World Changed 48:31

5M ago48:31

48:31

You just celebrated your 30th birthday when suddenly you find yourself leading the Center of Excellence at one of the largest CPG companies in the world. What do you do? Let Alex take you on a ride as he shares this unbelievable story along with other fascinating steps along his career arc.By Studio Xerxes

1
It's OK To Be Afraid 46:28

6M ago46:28

46:28

Follow the story of Brandon Warshaw as he goes from The White House all the way to where he is now at Harmonya. Learn how Brandon used a "does it freak me out" metric to assess opportunities along his journey.By Studio Xerxes

1
Relationships Matter 40:30

6M ago40:30

40:30

Nobody values people more than Brian Rutherford. He treasures a career that was "gifted" to him by mentors and looks to pass it along through interactions with customers, shoppers, and teammates. Understand why Brian truly believes relationships matter in this captivating episode of ARCast.By Studio Xerxes

1
The 1P Entrepreneur 1:02:21

7M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

Seeing a planogram as a summer intern was all it took for Dan Desmarais to be captivated by category management. Over the next 30 years, learning about the data and how it could influence supply chain shaped his career from sales to entrepreneur. Tune into this fascinating episode of ARCast.By Studio Xerxes

1
From Cashier to Category Manager 34:57

7M ago34:57

34:57

Initially unsure of her career aspirations, Nina Palazzolo placed herself on the front lines of retail. And fell in love. Learn how Nina navigated through her fascinating journey to where she is today at Kodiak Cakes.By Studio Xerxes

1
Category Management and the Art of Telling Stories 27:45

8M ago27:45

27:45

There is so much value in this interview, we decided to run it again! Take a listen to ARCast's most popular episode. Get in the trenches as James talks to one of the best category managers around, Dan Thaler at Simply Good Foods. Learn about how Dan leverages a childhood passion as well as early experiences with data to master the art of storytell…

1
The Chairwoman 35:36

8M ago35:36

35:36

Stacey Ring-Sanders has been an integral part of pivotal moments in our industry including the meteoric rise of Kashi, the recent transformation of Kellogg's, the turbulent days of COVID, and the expansion of the CMA. Take time to listen as she shares learnings about professional development, team building, and dealing with conflict.…

1
From Buyer to Business Maven 40:18

9M ago40:18

40:18

Michelle Ojulah orchestrated a decorated career in the UK retail scene, making her mark with founder-led companies such as Cath Kidston, Boden, George and Monsoon. But, entrepreneurism was calling so she decided to make a change. Join us as Michelle shares how she navigated her journey to where she is today.…

1
Faith To Keep Trying 43:55

9M ago43:55

43:55

After coming to the US from Nigeria at age 18, Modupe Ladeji has spent a career continuously growing, with a mindset to never give up and take calculated risks. From his start in gas stations to the largest retailer in the world and now at a startup, listen as Mo walks us through the steps in his journey.…

1
All Sides Of The Table 40:42

9M ago40:42

40:42

It is rare to find a person who has sat on all sides of the desk until you meet Mark Samuels. As a manufacturer, retailer, solution provider and consultant, Mark helps us learn a tremendous amount about the industry in this fascinating ARCast episode.By Studio Xerxes

1
A Tribute To Her Parents 23:48

10M ago23:48

23:48

Her parents immigrated to the U.S. to find opportunities for themselves and their future family. Learn how Yanira brings their dreams to reality in this heartwarming episode of a category management professional just starting her career.By Studio Xerxes

1
No Boundaries - Category Management in the EU 32:31

10M ago32:31

32:31

Could you do category management in the European Union? Listen to Robert Skowron from Hasbro as he shares the category management landscape in locations such as Warsaw.By Studio Xerxes

1
A Man Of The People 31:06

11M ago31:06

31:06

Have you ever experienced a terrible boss? This is a must listen especially for leaders (or potentials) on how to be truly effective.By Studio Xerxes

1
The Road Less Traveled 34:39

11M ago34:39

34:39

Have you experienced a left turn along your career? Hear how Trey’s unconventional path gave him the fuel needed to build the Category Management function at Talking Rain Beverage Company.By Studio Xerxes

1
I'll Prove Them Wrong 32:43

12M ago32:43

32:43

At times you have to go to extraordinary lengths because they don't believe in you - that's Suzanne Shriner's story. Learn how this scrappy, determined professional rose above it, and let them know they were sadly mistaken.By Studio Xerxes

1
The Man Who Started It All 34:22

1y ago34:22

34:22

Imagine a world where category management does not exist. Almost hard to fathom, huh? Learn the inspiration that drove Dr. Brian Harris to develop a concept and methodology that continues to thrive over 30 years later.By Studio Xerxes

1
Introducing The Candy Man 30:18

1y ago30:18

30:18

No, not Sammy Davis Jr....the real Candy Man is David Brindise at Ferrero USA. Listen as he shares incredible insights on the Candy category with bonus highlights about the inner-workings of the Convenience channel.By Studio Xerxes

1
Keeping It Simple 33:48

1y ago33:48

33:48

The KISS method may be old but it will never die. Learn how Rob Mould applies this idea along with other learnings to build an incredible career that spans both retail and foodservice.By Studio Xerxes

1
We're Not Just The Power Company 40:17

1y ago40:17

40:17

Tom Tester is as passionate as you get when it comes to space planning. Find out what drives him and why he believes his role is so vital to the businesses he serves.By Studio Xerxes

1
You Must Serve Before You Lead 40:23

1y ago40:23

40:23

Faced with taking on a new team with several concerns and seemingly ripe for turnover issues, Dante walked into a situation that just couldn’t be ignored. Learn how he applied recommendations of industry colleagues and most importantly, his wife, to become an effective Servant Leader.By Studio Xerxes

1
I Want To Help You Shop 44:59

1y ago44:59

44:59

Her team has one overriding goal: they want to help you shop. Discover how category management and a true understanding of her consumer prepared Corliss to tackle one of world’s most compelling technologies: Alexa.By Studio Xerxes

1
Lattice vs. Ladder 27:43

1y ago27:43

27:43

Your career path most likely will not be linear and that's OK! Listen as Tiffany shares how making lateral moves and having a variety of unique experiences can enrich your journey.By Studio Xerxes

1
Just call her Meriyem the Builder 31:49

1+ y ago31:49

31:49

Few people can say they have experience building category management programs in multiple continents - Meriyem can. Follow her journey as she takes on projects for some the most iconic retailers in the world.By Studio Xerxes

1
From Dentist Chair to Data Analytics 29:32

1+ y ago29:32

29:32

When one’s desire to succeed outweighs their desire to be comfortable, you end up with Jamie Beale. Learn how she made a transformational move from healthcare to category management – this story is guaranteed to inspire you.By Studio Xerxes

1
ARCast Host Exposed 22:39

1+ y ago22:39

22:39

After almost 8 months and over 2,000 downloads, it's about time we put our host James Jackson in the hot seat. Listen as he provides some "juicy" details about his career journey and tells us what he really thinks about our profession.By Studio Xerxes

1
No Boundaries – Category Management In South Africa 27:34

1+ y ago27:34

27:34

Could you do category management in Africa? Listen to Sebenzile Chauke from Coca Cola Beverages South Africa as she shares how colleagues practice the art and science in Johannesburg.By Studio Xerxes

1
The Power of Sharing 28:35

1+ y ago28:35

28:35

Learn why BeechNut’s Category Manager Heather Riedinger uses open communication to further her career, share her teams goals and become the expert to her customers.By Studio Xerxes

1
In The Trenches At This Moment 27:49

1+ y ago27:49

27:49

Let’s face it - whether it’s inflation, labor, supply chain, health, or technology, these forces are consistently in the headlines. Spend time with Eric Luebke from Tyson Foods as he shares great insights on what is going on and how it is impacting your role and the shoppers we serve.By Studio Xerxes

1
Do you know the 5 P's? 26:43

1+ y ago26:43

26:43

You are most likely very aware of the 4 P’s of marketing. Listen to Dorene Pittman as she shares experiences from her development of Niagara Bottling category management and identifies an additional “P” to consider.By Studio Xerxes

1
The Forest Gump of Space Management 32:11

1+ y ago32:11

32:11

Meet Dave King, a 40-year industry veteran and master of space planning. Please listen as he shows us how planograms went from a simple picture to the lifeblood of organizations.By Studio Xerxes

1
Live from 2023 CMA|SIMA Annual Conference 24:41

1+ y ago24:41

24:41

Almost 900 people gathered to learn, connect and grow in Las Vegas. Nine (9) braved the hot seat, going "live on-stage". Listen to their first-hand insights from “in the trenches".By Studio Xerxes

1
It All Starts With A Conversation 26:06

1+ y ago26:06

26:06

Discover how you can leverage Retail Dietitians' connection with shoppers and find untapped opportunities for your business.By Studio Xerxes

1
Pearl Park and Her Pareto Partners 29:58

1+ y ago29:58

29:58

Learn how Pearl’s team at Kenvue spends 80 percent of their time driving business by thinking like a contractor, choosing projects and communicating their value.By Studio Xerxes