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Retail Leadership with Steve Worthy
You’ve earned your position. Now let’s make sure you lead like it.
Retail leadership isn’t what it used to be.
And if you’ve been doing this long enough, neither are you.
The job gets bigger. The expectations get louder.
But the guidance? That usually disappears right when you need it most.
And most leaders are left figuring things out quietly while still being expected to have all the answers.
This podcast is for experienced retail leaders who’ve already proven themselves
and know there has to be a better way to lead than just carrying more.
I’m Steve Worthy. I’ve spent over 30 years working across retail — from boardrooms to regional and district markets, through restructures, reinventions, and the parts of leadership no one really prepares you for.
I’ve coached thousands of retail leaders and advised teams that support the retail industry, and this podcast exists for one reason:
To give you the perspective and clarity most leaders are expected to figure out on their own.
Now let’s make sure how you lead actually matches it.
Retail Leadership with Steve Worthy
Retail - Stop Making Everything So Complicated!
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
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MEET STEVE!