How To Stay Relevant in a Rapidly Changing Industry With Aaron Gottlieb of Advantage Solutions

After 24 Years in Retail, Aaron Gottlieb Says Career Growth Starts in the Field—Not the Office.In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Aaron Gottlieb, Executive Vice President of New Business Development for Retailer & Experiential Services at Advantage Solutions and President of Daymon Japan, to explore a career shaped by intentional moves, cross-functional experience, and a commitment to understanding how businesses truly operate.Aaron shares how an early piece of advice—to leave corporate headquarters and gain field experience—fundamentally changed his perspective and accelerated his career. He also reflects on the importance of taking ownership, building a strong professional brand, and continuously seeking opportunities to grow.Drawing on decades of experience across global retail, brands, and service organizations, Aaron offers thoughtful insight into:Why career ownership is essential for long-term growth and leadership developmentThe value of cross-functional experience in building effective, empathetic leadersHow to navigate change and uncertainty with agility and resilienceThe importance of aligning strategy with in-store execution to drive real resultsHow to approach difficult decisions and learn from leadership misstepsWhat differentiates high-performing candidates in today’s competitive environmentWhy curiosity, preparation, and mindset matter as much as experience in interviewsThe growing role of AI as a tool for accelerating insight and decision-makingAaron also shares his perspective on the evolving retail landscape, including the continued importance of the in-store experience and the opportunity for organizations to better connect strategy with execution.Whether you’re an emerging leader, experienced professional, or navigating your next career move, this episode offers practical guidance on leadership, adaptability, and building a meaningful career.🎧 Listen now and gain insight into leadership, growth, and building a career with lasting impact.Guest Links:Connect with Aaron Gottlieb: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajgottlieb/ Explore Advantage Solutions: https://youradv.com/ Explore Daymon Japan: https://daymon.com/ Next Steps:Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail.For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn