E08: Vance Wingate | Half-Price Books [Recorded Live at WorkJam Days '25]
Vance Wingate, VP of Internal Communications and Construction at Half Price Books, joins The Frontline Factorto share his 30+ year journey from bookstore floor to the C-suite. He reveals what it really takes to modernize a legacy retail brand—how listening to employee feedback transformed their POS system, why targeting communication is everything, and how trust fuels every successful rollout.He also shares what Half Price Books learned the hard way about outdated intranets, and why empowering field-tested talent is the key to culture change.Recorded live at WorkJam Days, this episode is part transformation playbook, part frontline love letter—and absolutely worth the listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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E07: Jay Porter | Catalyst Brands [Recorded Live at WorkJam Days '25]
Jay Porter, President of Catalyst Brands and former senior leader at Walmart and JCPenney, joins The Frontline Factor to share lessons from the inside—on integrating legacy brands, building trust with frontline teams, and why leading with empathy is non-negotiable.He also drops a legendary story involving Sam Walton, a locked store door, and an unexpected outcome you have to hear to believe.Recorded live at WorkJam Days, this episode is part masterclass, part culture clinic—and 100% worth your time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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18:54
E06: Steven Kramer | WorkJam [Recorded Live at WorkJam Days '25]
In this episode of The Frontline Factor, host Will Eadie sits down with Steve Kramer, CEO of WorkJam, to explore what it really takes to empower and elevate frontline workers. From the powerful concept of “hearts and dollars” to the growing role of AI in the workplace, Steve shares candid insights about the challenges and opportunities facing today’s frontline teams.They dive into why effective communication equals respect, how economic pressures uniquely impact frontline roles, and what companies can do to truly support and engage their most vital workforce. Steve also offers a behind-the-scenes look at WorkJam Days and shares the story behind the WorkJam name itself.Leaders ready to bridge the gap between HQ and the frontline—this one’s for you. Listen now 🔊 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ep 05: Diane Randolph | Ulta Beauty
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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E04: Adam Lukoskie | NRF Foundation [Recorded Live at NRF '25]
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“Frontline Factor: Hearts & Dollars" dives into the real dynamics shaping the frontline workplace—where strategy meets the daily grind. Through engaging conversations with industry experts and frontline leaders, we uncover the challenges, successes, and opportunities that define frontline operations. Whether you’re a business leader, team manager, or frontline worker, you’ll find actionable insights, relatable stories, and fresh perspectives to help bridge the gap between the big-picture strategy and day-to-day realities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.