ARCast
ARCast is a bi-weekly broadcast created specifically for professionals across retail and consumer goods companies "in the trenches" analyzing data, drawing planograms, researching shoppers, and more. The concept of “In The Trenches” is intended to build a real community of category management and shopper insights colleagues to share their authentic stories. ARCast brings like-minded individuals with relatable experiences to the table to reflect on their careers, share tips, funny anecdotes, and learnings along the way. "In The Trenches” is a reminder that people are behind it all. We make it happen. Welcome to our podcast.
Episodes
83 episodes
The Impact of Health Policy on Retail
ALERT: 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 m...
Why the Best Leaders Think Like Musicians
How 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 in...
Why Curiosity Beats Career Planning
Careers 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 o...
Let's Talk About Price
Today’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 hit...
Just call her Meriyem the Builder
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 including her most recent stop...
Be On The Court, Not Just In The Stands
One 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.
Purina LAB9: Unlike Anything in the World
Stephen 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....
From ARCast Guest to Media Maven
Soon 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 ...
3 Keys To Building A Category Function
When 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 ...
Category Managers Tell Horrible Stories
Not 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 str...
Consumers Are Shoppers First
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 matt...
Stop Learning, Start Dying
Not 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-packe...
You're Still Superman
Change 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...
From the Mean Streets of Chicago
Industry 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 ...
Treat It Like Your Own
Eric 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.
Down to the Napkins
Alecia 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, consultin...
What Do I Want To Do Now?
What 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.
I Want To Change The Game
When 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 a...
I Love What I Do
Follow 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 v...
Economic Update: Is There A Silver Lining?
The 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 w...
Raise Your Hand
Laura-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 yo...
Category Management On A Bike
Lauren 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 cou...
I Like Chaos
John 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.