Retail is more complicated than it needs to be, and in this episode of Retail Leadership with Steve Worthy, we cut through the noise with Walter Holbrook, a seasoned retail executive with over 60 years of experience—from stockroom to boardroom.
Walter shares the hard truths about leadership, execution, and why common sense is missing in today’s retail landscape. He challenges leaders to rethink how they approach hiring, communication, and operational execution, emphasizing the need for honesty, grit, and a willingness to embrace friction as a path to improvement.
From stockouts to corporate misalignment and the real reasons behind retail’s struggles, Walter brings unfiltered insights and no-nonsense solutions to help leaders simplify, execute, and lead with impact.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction
01:19 - Retail Leadership Insights with Steve Worthy
01:53 - Walter's Career Journey
06:32 - Key Success Factors in Walter's Career
11:05 - Walter's Career Pivot
11:19 - Transitioning from Corporate to Consulting
16:55 - The Importance of Honest Communication
20:30 - Causes of Stockouts in Retail
24:25 - How Friction Leads to Improvement
27:10 - Effective Communication from Store to Corporate
29:50 - Addressing Friction Between Home Office and Stores
34:33 - Strategies for Retail Leaders
38:41 - Career Programs vs. Job Opportunities
43:20 - Understanding the Enneagram in Leadership
47:58 - Future Trends in Retail
51:40 - The Need for Malls in the Future
54:30 - Advice for Aspiring Retail Leaders
56:48 - Connecting with Mickey
Changed the Simplesat information
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