Top Women in Grocery: Recent Episodes
Progressive Grocer
Progressive Grocer’s podcast focused on the trends, topics and interests that move women forward in grocery retail
This episode dives into Patti Bauer's inspiring career journey from IT to leading innovation in grocery retail, as well as the story behind UNFI's Endless Aisle initiative.
Grocery Outlet's Director of Field Marketing and Promotions Ashley Chaney discusses the importance of putting independent operators at the heart of local marketing.
Top Women In Grocery honoree Darla Rieg joins the podcast to discuss her career journey, the importance of value to today's shoppers, associate growth and promotion, and more.
Taylor Clute joins the podcast to discuss the evolving role of brokers in the grocery and CPG industry. The episode explores the historical context of brokers, the importance of their relationships with brands and retailers, today's complexities in the space, and more.
Amanda Oren from RELEX and Amy Leal from UNFI join the podcast to discuss their transformative partnership aimed at enhancing grocery demand forecasting and replenishment.
Dollar General's senior director of merchandising joins the TWIG Podcast to discuss the discount retailer's customer-centric merchandising strategy, private brand innovation, industry trends and more.
Emily Turner, CMO of The Fresh Market, discusses the evolving role of marketing in retail, innovative strategies for enhancing customer experience and the importance of community engagement.
Food Lion's Natasha Brinegar, who is one of this year's Top Women In Grocery Award winners, joins the TWIG Podcast to talk cross-functional work, the pace of change in grocery, mentorship and much more.
Jennifer Conklin from Capgemini joins the podcast to delve deep into AI applications at grocery, alternative revenue streams for food retailers, giving back to her community and more.
Maria Brous and Aissata Deme from Publix Super Markets join the podcast to discuss the food retailer's big milestone anniversary and much more.
Lizette Gomez, director of marketing at California-based Vallarta Supermarkets joins the podcast to talk community marketing, in-store advertising, mentorship and more.
Food access is a major issue in this country, including many rural parts of the U.S. This week, PG talks to Rial Carver, a rural grocer extension specialist at K-State Extension and a program director at the Rural Grocery Initiative, to learn more about initiatives aimed at enhancing food security for underserved populations and addressing food deserts. She also sheds light on the importance of succession planning at independent and often family-owned stores.
Whole Foods CMO Sonya Gafsi Oblisk joins the podcast to share her extensive career journey in retail and marketing, the importance of customer obsession and how it shapes Whole Foods' strategies, and more.
Morgan Drummond from Misfits Market joins the podcast to discuss starting an own brand from scratch, leaning into sustainability, partnerships and much more.
Progressive Grocer chats with Meredith Bunche, head of growth and marketing at Amazon Fresh, about how the evolution of the shopper has fueled development, growth and change at that banner. She also shares how Amazon has become a grocery destination in many forms, based on shoppers’ familiarity with and trust with the overall brand that includes Amazon Fresh, Amazon Go, Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
Sabrina Sierant joins the podcast to talk about product and marketing innovation at Chips Ahoy!, a legacy brand under Mondelez International.
Grocery Outlet CMO Layla Kasha joins the podcast to discuss her career journey, how the food retailer shares its brand in new markets, why failing forward is important and more.
Guest: Layla Kasha, SVP, Chief Marketing Officer at Grocery Outlet
Messaging is powerful in all forms, including communications with internal team members. Progressive Grocer talks with Teresa Tolentino, director, internal communications at The Save Mart Cos. about how creative tools like Break Room TV and tailored outreach programs elevate engagement for the betterment of employees and customers alike.
In a first side-by-side podcast, Progressive Grocer (literally) sits down next to Katie Paul, SVP of merchandising at KeHE Distributors and a 2024 GenNext winner, to talk about how to break out as a young leader while also doing good for the world around you.
Albertsons Media Collective's new VP of Media & Measurement Liz Roche joins the podcast to talk about all things retail media, including the company's approach to the business, breaking down silos in measurement, her "board of directors" and more.
Community outreach programs are at the heart of any grocery business. Progressive Grocer talks with TWIG Hall of Fame winner Mary Frances Trucco about her role in helping the 125-year-old Jewel-Osco banner improve the lives of people in its neighborhoods.
If surroundings are key to experience, good design attracts and welcomes shoppers throughout their in-store journey. Progressive Grocer talks with Elda Galvez, a senior design manager at H-E-B, and Carol Bartolo , a VP at BRR Architecture, about how H-E-B creates an appealing environment and how female architects and designers are shaping the future of grocery shopping.
Progressive Grocer's Lynn Petrak talks with Tasha Tandy, VP of Merchandising for Breakfast, Baking and Commodities at Walmart, about how the retailer executes on its mission of feeding consumers in a financially responsible way, why supplier partnerships are crucial in that goal and how to share purpose outside of work.
Ashley Flower from The GIANT Company joins the podcast to chat about her experience with crafting top-notch Top Women In Grocery nominations, and also gives listeners advice about the process.
Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board, joins the TWIG Podcast to discuss the organization, the rippling effects of avian influenza, consumer behavior and more.
Thrive Market Chief Marketing Officer Amina Pasha joins Emily Crowe to talk about micro-influencers, an important anniversary campaign, marrying marketing with customer experience, the importance of mentorship and more.
Progressive Grocer talks to 2024 TWIG winner Karla Quandt, district store director at Hy-Vee, about growth potential in the grocery industry, from teenage jobs through successive levels of leadership, and how to keep teams motivated.
Internships have come a long way in recent years, as students and organizations learn from each other. In this episode, Daymon's VP Christine Boenig and WMU food marketing student Avery Knoll talk about the valuable experience gained in such programs.
Shalini Stansberry joins the podcast to discuss marketing different consumer segments, Kinder Chocolate’s official U.S. launch, upcoming innovations from the chocolate company, mentorship and more.
Progressive Grocer talks to the 2024 Top Women in Grocery Trailblazer award winner Lynette Ackley, Group VP at Meijer, about what it means to be a trailblazer today, and how the company culture has fostered mentorship throughout its 90-year history.
Shipt Chief Marketing Officer Alia Kemet joins the podcast to discuss her love of retail, the importance of a social media strategy, marketing to customers where they are and more.
What does it mean to be "purpose-driven'? In this episode, we talk with Jen Warner, president of Raley’s Family of Stores, and Chelsea Minor, VP community impact and public affairs at Raley’s, about how the grocer brings that term to life. They also discuss their respective paths in the industry, and how one grew up in the business and the other found their way to this dynamic sector.
Shipt's VP of Economic and Social Impact Khadijah Abdullah joins the podcast to discuss her unconventional career journey, her work to combat food insecurity, what being a Top Woman In Grocery means to her and more.
Sometimes, grocers and their supplier partners have to roll up their sleeves and literally dig into new opportunities that enhance shopper choices and sustainability. In this podcast. Athena Petty of New Seasons Market and Jocelyn Bridson of Tillamook County Creamery Association talk about the power of partnerships and how to align environmental goals and business success.
Laura Howell, chief data officer at consumer brands agency C.A. Fortune, joins the podcast to talk about optimizing the right data, key trends in the grocery and CPG space, volunteering to help women who have been through trauma re-enter the workforce, what it means to her to have been chosen as one of the 2024 Top Women In Grocery, and more.
TWIG talks to Christina Minardi, Executive Vice President of Growth and Development for Whole Foods Market & Amazon and a past TWIG winner, about how the organization creates a unique shopping experience at its stores spread across diverse locales.
Nicole Zube, EVP and chief human resources officer at SpartanNash, joins this episode of TWIG Podcast to talk about the food solutions company’s “People first” approach. Nicole talks about its impressive strategy of investing in its own people, helping SpartanNash find great success in retaining associates at a time when many companies are struggling with staffing issues.
FMI's Krystal Register joins the TWIG Podcast to discuss her career journey, the importance of embedding registered dietitians in the grocery industry, lessons from her favorite mentor and more.
Publix's focus on helping others started with founder George W. Jenkins and continues in earnest today, as employee-owners constantly give their time and talent to support communities. Maria Brous, director of media and community relations, joins the podcast to talk more giving heart efforts, including her own experiences in paying it forward.
FMI's latest research shows that customers still love shopping for food, and FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin breaks it all down on this TWIG podcast.
Progressive Grocer talks with Kasey Sheffer, a two-time TWIG winner and VP of Own Brands at Giant Eagle, Inc. about her non-traditional path to grocery retailing and how her background and mentor helped her become a leader in the fast-growing private label arena.
Communications expert and consultant Lisa Mabe joins the podcast to discuss shopper research, today’s female consumers, her foray into U.S. market tours for international grocers and more.
Kelly Nigh, chief merchandising officer at Misfits Market and Imperfect Foods joins the podcast to discuss the power of e-commerce product storytelling, innovating within private label, her career journey as a woman in both tech and grocery, and more.
Daily Harvest's Annie Streit joins the TWIG Podcast to discuss the company’s expansion into the grocery channel, her career progression, her pioneering journey into remote work and much more.
In this podcast, Progressive Grocer talks with Nancy Dalton, head of community experience and customer marketing for Amazon Access about how to drive systemic change in food access, through listening, engagement and passion.
Mary Moorkamp, Chief Legal and External Affairs Officer and Corporate Secretary for Schnuck Markets, Inc. and Stacy Brandt, Vice President of Operations for Schnucks, are passionate about not having a piecemeal approach to work and life. In this podcast, they share ways that messiness in their lives has made them more resourceful -- and good leaders -- at work.
An interview with Rosalind Campbell, a 2023 TWIG winner who uses her design background to create beautiful store and corporate officer environments.
Giant Food's brand strategy director -- and 2023 GenNext winner -- Kate Kowalzik joins the podcast to share how authentic storytelling differentiates a hyper-local grocery brand and why grace is important in collaborative leadership.
Flashfood's new chief customer officer discusses honing the company's new visual identity, the intersection of B2B and B2C, the art of a great deal and more.
Earth Fare is on a mission to help educate its shoppers about the benefits of eating natural and organic foods, and Laurie Aker, the grocer's director of marketing, joins the TWIG Podcast to discuss its focus on education, a new partnership, and her unique career journey into food retail.
Progressive Grocer Managing Editor Bridget Goldschmidt and Senior Editor Lynn Petrak join the podcast to discuss their history with the Top Women In Grocery Awards program and discuss what they look for when judging a nomination.
Top Women In Grocery and GenNext honoree Liz Bleakley, who serves as head of PR and communications for UK-based St Pierre Groupe, joins the podcast to talk about her career journey, telling a brand story across continents, the power of kindness and more.
Kowalski's Markets' co-founder and owner Mary Anne Kowalski and CEO Kris Christiansen Kowalski join the TWIG podcast to talk about the 40 year legacy of the Twin Cities Grocer and how family intertwines with their family of customers.
Circana's Joan Driggs and Tops Friendly Markets' Kristen Hanson join the podcast to talk all about holiday trends and ways to meet shopper needs in another unusual year.
Odile Ducatez from Retail Business Services joins the podcast to discuss the importance of an international perspective, hiring the right talent, women in STEM and more.
Newly minted TWIG winner Larissa Lewis joins the podcast to talk about improving structure and efficiency within her teams, employee career development, advice for emerging women leaders, and more.
Suzanne Long, chief sustainability and transformation officer at Albertsons Cos. and TWIG Hall of Famer, discusses her unconventional career trajectory, the importance of grocery sustainability initiatives, the many facets of mentorship and more.
2023 Top Women in Grocery winner Brindha Raman joins the TWIG podcast to talk about how the grocery industry is a dynamic place to explore a career in STEM. She is vice president of engineering at Shipt, where she is also known for her mentorship.
Jilea Hemmings, co-founder and CEO of Nourish + Bloom Market in Fayettevile, Ga., talks about how she and co-founder Jamie Hemmings combined their tech skills and passion for food security into a unique, scalable and relevant business model. In this podcast, she talks about the approach of using autonomous grocery technology to tackle food insecurity and lessons she's learned from entrepreneurship.
Jessica Groves, community impact manager at The GIANT Company, talks with Progressive Grocer about the company's environmental stewardship, the power of partnerships, giving back to the communities it serves and more.
Progressive Grocer goes out in the virtual field with Alyssa Vescio, SVP of merchandising, center store at Whole Foods Market, to learn about her passion for finding and sharing suppliers that reflect the company’s purpose and its shoppers' needs and tastes.
Thrive Market's Christine McNerney talks about why she was drawn to merchandising, consumer trends in non-food products and more.
In this TWIG Podcast episode, Stephanie Jordan, asset protection and safety manager for Kroger's Nashville division, discusses the state of asset protection today, how to encourage associates to reach a store's shrink budget, sharing knowledge with her colleagues and more.
- Allison Krollman of ADUSA Procurement talks about her mentors, pursuing new opportunities, creating a safe space for LGBTQIA+ members and their allies, and more
While some labor crunches are easing, it's still tough out there in the hiring market. Two grocery pros share their insights for attracting and retaining staff, both for operational efficiencies and industry longevity.
Susan Livingston of PCC Community Markets talks about the ways that grocers can help create equitable and ultimately successful food systems.
In this special TWIG Podcast episode, Progressive Grocer editors lift the curtain on the Top Women in Grocery awards program. Editor-in-Chief Gina Acosta invites Managing Editor Bridget Goldschmidt and Senior Editor Lynn Petrak to talk about everything you wanted to know about the industry’s most prestigious awards, including how to enter the competition, tips for submitting nominations and the judging process. If you’ve never submitted an entry for TWIG, or your past submissions were not chosen, you definitely don’t want to miss this special episode to help you better understand this annual program.
Elizabeth Clifton, VP of client development for the Albertsons companies account at Vestcom, shares what she's learned about breaking out of silos and connecting with people to develop growth strategies in challenging retail environments.
Mary Ellen Adcock, a 2022 Top Women in Grocery Trailblazer award winner and an SVP at The Kroger Co., emphasizes the importance of people and community, both in the shoppers a store serves and within the organization.
Judi Kletz, an early TWIG winner and recent TWIG Trailblazer who was a key player at Procter & Gamble, talks about the power of CPG-retailer collaboration, the mission-critical value of inclusivity and the rewards of forging new paths while taking on work with no defined path.
In this Top Women in Grocery podcast from Progressive Grocer, senior editor Lynn Petrak talks with Albertsons' Rosita Szatkowska about the power of mentorship and how it fueled her own journey from deli clerk to Divisional Grocery Operations Specialist.
In the premiere episode of Top Women in Grocery, Progressive Grocer Managing Editor Bridget Goldschmidt discusses how the role of women in grocery has evolved throughout her nearly 20 years covering the industry.
Top Women in Grocery is a new podcast from Progressive Grocer revealing the insights of successful women in the food and grocery industries