ARCast

Send us Fan MailAldi Flywheel is starting to churn and making huge moves in the US. Lidl is coming right behind them. Listen to a fascinating episode as Markus Schroder (ex-Aldi) and Carsten Kortum (ex-Lidl) share their experience and predictions.

Send us Fan MailMIT finds 95% of organizations cannot yet measure firm-level ROI. McKinsey finds two-thirds haven't scaled AI beyond isolated use cases. Category management and shopper insights is not immune to this challenge. So where are you in the company (or personal) AI journey? 

Send us Fan MailDo you think there is a correlation between how you feel about your job and performance?  Tanya Jones-Fosu uses specific criteria to judge where she will engage including create something new every day, solve puzzles, and align to her core values.  The result: exciting roles, organizational impact and recognition.  What about you?

Send us Fan MailThere are certainly noticeable differences between U.S. and European retail.  But slowly, the American landscape is taking cues from its overseas counterparts.  Whether it is Private Label, aggressive competitors, technology or other factors, the U.S. arena is definitely seeing shifting sands many times driven by companies from the European front.  Follow Olivier Delangre as he gives us insights on these topics and more in this latest episode of ARCast Tech Talks.

Send us Fan MailALERT: Category Managers – you have seen how GLP-1s have changed the food landscape.  Are you ready for another one?  Government policy will soon bring another wave to hit stores.  Get a hint at what the new MAHA Access program may do to your strategy in this revelatory episode with Carmen Brace.

Send us Fan MailHow does a concert violist become an accomplished category management and shopper insights professional?  In today’s episode, find out what formula Elizabeth Beilman used to walk off the symphony stage and become a dynamic leader in our industry.

Send us Fan MailCareers rarely go as planned, and that’s a good thing. Kate Foxbower of Welch’s joins ARCast to share how curiosity, mentorship, and asking “one more why” shaped her path across insights, category management, and beyond. A candid conversation on growth, learning, and building a meaningful career in today’s evolving retail landscape.

Send us Fan MailToday’s episode is a test. We have had a tremendous amount of outreach to deliver deeper into the market (trends, behaviors, and solutions). Finn Hansen, CEO at PriceBeam, jumps into the hot seat as we work on a new series. Our conversation hits on the challenging topic of Pricing as Finn gives us his expert viewpoint on numerous questions you may have. Enjoy!

Send us Fan MailFew 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 including her most recent stop: RONA

Send us Fan MailOne year ago, Brian was searching for a new home. Never letting go of core principles that propelled his career, he’s now activating them in a huge way at Built Brands. Learn about how Brian has left no doubt that he’s in this game to win.

Send us Fan MailStephen Wurth is a self-described change agent, someone who relentlessly puts the consumer at the center.  In a career where he literally never backfilled anyone, Stephen is the innovator behind LAB9, a place to Learn, Activate, and Build.  With a background in Industrial Design, Stephen takes category management / shopper insights to a whole new level – this is a MUST listen to find out how.

Send us Fan MailSoon after appearing on ARCast, Yanira Albarran acknowledge she was experiencing health issues but couldn't identify the cause.  So she went social.  18 months later, she is a rising star after GLP-1s changed her life.  Check in and learn about her origins in category management before she went viral.  Then find her blossoming story on your favorite social. https://www.instagram.com/latinapcoscyster/https://www.tiktok.com/@latinapcoscysterhttps://www.youtube.com/@latinapcoscyster

Send us Fan MailWhen charged with standing up a new category management function, it can be a daunting task for anyone.  For Ben Hanson at California Dairies, he attacked the challenge with confident humility, falling back on sage advice from a mentor in his early career.  Listen in to find out the keys that Ben employed to get his company on the road to implementing category management. 

Send us Fan MailNot all stories are “once upon a time” fairy tales. The great ones have the power to make individuals feel something, and act. Helen Hepworth believes many category managers are missing the mark with their storytelling, using 2,000-year-old structures with no real plan in mind. Changing your approach could significantly differentiate your company and your career, so don’t miss this episode!

Send us Fan MailIn 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. 

Send us Fan MailNot all career paths are straight, and that is certainly the case with Emilia Tauss.  Through every step of her fantastic journey, Emilia has looked for opportunities to learn and she has consistently found gold. Listen to this power-packed episode of ARCast but make sure to have your pen and paper ready!

Send us Fan MailChange happens, it's unavoidable. But decisions that can momentarily rock your world, shouldn't define you.  Listen as Polly Rowland takes us down her career path, revealing how tough hurdles taught her lessons about business and life that she now shares with the world.

Send us Fan MailIndustry vet Bill Gillispie jumps into the hot seat to share his adventures from working in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Chicago to consulting some of the largest retailers in the world. In the midst of his journey, setbacks and health challenges test his spirit. Tune into another amazing episode of ARCAST to hear this riveting story that is certain to touch your soul.

Send us Fan MailEric Nardulli has a prescription for how to be successful as a category manager. And, he took a huge dose to get him where he is today. Join in this conversation as Eric shares how this very approach led him throughout his career.

Send us Fan MailAlecia Reed has touched so many aspects of the industry as a space planner, it might make your head spin. From Lingerie to Tools to Pet to Food Service, she has seen and done it all.  Learn more about the nuts and bolts of space, consulting and more in this fascinating episode of ARCast.

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when you secure a dream job only to find out you don't like it?  Audrey Henson tells us as she shares how one pivots to find a new path to satisfaction and success.

Send us Fan MailWhen you listen to Martha Vargas tell her story, you will soon discover when she isn't highly challenged, she quickly gets bored.  In our latest episode of ARCast, learn how Martha's drive to make an impact lands her in fascinating roles at some of the biggest brands in the industry.

Send us Fan MailFollow a whirlwind of a professional and career as Kaye takes us from earning a college degree in 2 years to where she is today at InContext. And along the way, you'll see how "she can't stop, won't stop" innovating including with her current vision of changing the way we shop.

Send us Fan MailThe current economic environment is on the minds of virtually everyone and we all have questions.  So, why not ask an expert?  We invited our friend Caleb Silver to provide his take on the general landscape, what might be coming and what it means to category managers and shopper insights.

Send us Fan MailLaura-Lynn Freck has spent her entire career tackling new adventures, taking risks, creating her own roles, and ultimately making significant contributions to each organization she has touched. You can do the same if you are willing to raise your hand.

Send us Fan MailLauren Bijur discovered the power of food in an attempt to heal herself from health ailments.  20 years later, she works with Bob Mariano to develop the hit grocer, Dom's Kitchen and Market.  Listen in to a fascinating story about courage, creativity, and category management. 

Send us Fan MailJohn Nathenson has been a literal zig-zag, so much so it even confused the Host!  Buckle your seat belt and follow the winding path to destination Catalytics.  

Send us Fan MailAre you ready for a wild ride?  Follow Julie Craig as she shares fascinating stories spanning music, apparel, food, health, electronics, and more.  During a truly winding path, she found her calling and has never looked back.

Send us Fan MailFrom insights to sales to category management and beyond, Rachelle Moore has continuously sought opportunities to put her career puzzle together. Now she's encouraging you to do the same. Dive into our latest ARCast episode and listen as Rachelle walks us through the winding path of her career growth journey.

Send us Fan MailUpon arriving in the U.S., Shivani worked at a Starbucks in Hollywood.  Her ultimate goal was to get back into brand management - category and insights weren't even on the radar.  But, once she had a taste, she found her calling.

Send us Fan MailIn the 80’s and early 90’s, if anyone mentioned working in space planning, you might be mistaken for working at NASA.  But, with contributions from Flora Delaney and others, the discipline is not only grew throughout retail and CPG, it became essential.  Tune in as Flora shares how she helped establish the field. 

Send us Fan MailOn Nov 30, 2022,  ARCast was born. Since then, it's been a wild and crazy ride.  52 fantastic career stories as we put the spotlight on colleagues doing compelling work "in the trenches". Thanks to all our listeners and we look forward to 26 more awesome interviews in 2025.  Happy Holidays!

Send us Fan MailYou may want to be the manager who handles all 4 P's and makes decisions across the entire scope of an individual category.  Or possibly you are Slava Gendlin.  Meet the man who chose to be laser focused on only one:  Price.

Send us Fan MailIf you have never heard of DUDE Wipes, you soon will - they are everywhere!  Follow Susanna as she lands at the doorstep of a supernova, charged with building out their category management practice.

Send us Fan MailRenee Balliet is a passionate insights leader for over fifteen years, having worked on brands, innovation, product development, and retail. She has made her mark at Wells by building a team of Consumer, Sensory, and Shopper Insights from the ground up. Melanie Saffell spent her career in data and CPG in various roles including Channel Marketing, Client Facing Analysis, Brand Management, and Category Development. Her favorite part of Category Development is the “wins” that come with a strong analytical story.

Send us Fan MailListen 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.

Send us Fan MailIn 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. 

Send us Fan MailWhy 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.

Send us Fan MailNo 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.

Send us Fan MailWe 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.

Send us Fan MailFrank 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.

Send us Fan MailLife 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.

Send us Fan MailEarly 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. 

Send us Fan MailWith 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.

Send us Fan MailFrom 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. 

Send us Fan MailZel 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.

Send us Fan MailYou 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.

Send us Fan MailFollow 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.

Send us Fan MailNobody 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.

Send us Fan MailSeeing 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.