The Frontline Factor: Hearts & Dollars

Will Eadie is joined by retail and workforce management veteran Robin Merrit, Chief UKG Strategy and Marketing Officer at Axsium Group. With a career spanning retail operations, workforce technology, and consulting, Robin brings a unique perspective on how frontline teams can thrive in an era of digital transformation.

Will and Robin take a deep dive into the evolution of workforce management, the impact of AI on scheduling and frontline operations, and why retail careers are more dynamic than ever. They also explore the delicate balance between operational efficiency and employee engagement—and how the right technology can empower managers to lead from the floor, not the back office.

From career insights to cutting-edge workforce strategies, this episode is packed with real-world expertise (and a few laughs along the way). Tune in for a candid conversation about the future of retail, the role of AI, and why frontline work is anything but a stepping stone.

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Welcome to Frontline Factor: Hearts & Dollars, the podcast that explores the dynamic world of frontline work. I’m your host, Will Eadie, and together, we’ll explore how strategy and operations align to create success for frontline teams and businesses.

From tackling workforce challenges to sharing actionable insights, we’ll connect the dots between high-level decision-making and the day-to-day realities facing frontline workers around the globe.

Whether you’re a business leader, team manager, or frontline professional, this podcast is your go-to resource for trends, solutions, and stories that drive results.

Let’s get to it!

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Live from NRF, Will Eadie sits down with Adam Lukoskie, SVP of NRF and Executive Director of the NRF Foundation, to discuss the future of retail careers and the evolving role of frontline workers.

Adam shares how the NRF Foundation is ensuring retailers have the talent they need by offering scholarships, career programs, and training initiatives like RISE Up. He highlights the importance of helping frontline employees see long-term career paths in retail, from entry-level roles to leadership positions managing multi-million-dollar businesses.

The conversation also explores how technology is transforming retail operations—enhancing productivity, training, and communication—while simultaneously improving job satisfaction and engagement. Adam emphasizes the need for cross-training, upskilling, and “everboarding” to keep employees engaged and growing.

With insights into workforce orchestration, omnichannel retail, and the importance of empowering frontline workers, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of retail talent.

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Live from NRF, Will Eadie sits down with Clay Lute, global merchant for men’s denim at Calvin Klein and a leading voice in the Z Suite—an advisory group helping brands understand Gen Z consumers and workers.

Clay shares how Gen Z is reshaping retail and frontline work, from post-pandemic workforce shifts to the demand for empowerment, fair wages, and career pathways. He discusses why younger workers often see frontline roles as temporary rather than career-launching, and how businesses can change that perception.

The conversation also explores how technology—like self-scheduling, AI, and digital communication—can reduce burnout, improve engagement, and bring back the idea of long-term careers in retail. With insights on workforce flexibility, economic challenges, and the evolving employer-employee dynamic, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the future of frontline work.

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Will Eadie sits down with Stacey Ferreira, Director of Retail Sales Execution & Innovation at Ford, to explore her fascinating journey from tech entrepreneur to frontline workforce champion.

Stacey shares how her passion for empowering frontline employees led her to found flexible scheduling platform Forge, which was later acquired by WorkJam. She dives into the challenges frontline workers face—like juggling multiple jobs without control over their schedules—and how technology can transform their experience.

She also reveals behind-the-scenes insights from her time at GameStop during its high-profile turnaround and explains why retail experience is one of the most valuable skill sets in any industry, including automotive. Now at Ford, Stacey is tackling the next frontier: training and supporting dealership employees as they help customers transition to electric vehicles.

If you’re interested in the future of frontline work, the power of retail experience, or how to drive real innovation in massive industries, this episode is a must-listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.