Checkin to Checkout

In this insightful interview, Chad Greiter, Director of Digital Product at Simon, shares his expertise on e-commerce, AI, build vs. buy decisions, and leadership in digital product management. Discover practical strategies, industry trends, and future outlooks to elevate your e-commerce game. Want any help Personalizing Every Customer Touchpoint? Check out ⁠https://Mobile1st.com⁠. Interested in talking to Justin or getting on the show, find him on Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinaronstein/⁠ Insights: E-commerce team structure and hiring strategies Impact of AI on build vs. buy decisions Future of Web3 and blockchain in e-commerce Balancing legal and privacy concerns in digital marketing Leadership and technical expertise in digital product management

The Future of Amazon E-commerce and Digital Strategy with Giovanni Papini In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of Amazon e-commerce, innovative strategies for brands, and the impact of AI on marketing. Giovanni Papini, an expert in Amazon marketplace dynamics from Milan, provides a sharp insights into how brands can strategically leverage Amazon and adapt to technological shifts. Want any help Personalizing Every Customer Touchpoin? Check out ⁠https://Mobile1st.com⁠. Interested in talking to Justin or getting on the show, find him on Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinaronstein/⁠ Main insights include: The importance of balancing operational know-how with strategic vision on Amazon, especially regarding choosing between 1P, 3P, or hybrid models. How data-driven ecosystems and long-term vision are crucial for brands to succeed in Amazon’s complex environment. The cultural and regulatory differences between European and American markets, especially concerning health and consumer brands. The critical role of content and reviews in shaping brand reputation and consumer trust on Amazon. The potential of AI and LLMs to transform customer engagement, advertising, and product discovery, with an emphasis on bringing meaning and differentiation to digital marketing strategies. Practical steps for brands entering Amazon, from leveraging infrastructure without immediate sales to phased experimentation and brand extension. Final takeaway: Success in Amazon today demands strategic clarity, mastery of data ecosystems, and agility in adopting AI-powered marketing tools. Brands that bring authentic meaning and differentiate effectively will thrive in this evolving digital landscape. Chapters (00:00:03) - ECommerce Growth Podcast(00:01:34) - How to Win on Amazon(00:06:54) - Philip Morris: How to Win on Amazon(00:13:31) - Should Brands Integrate with Amazon?(00:17:07) - The challenge of e-commerce in consumer healthcare(00:23:08) - Healthcare in Europe vs the US(00:26:35) - Pharmacies and the Omnichannel(00:29:23) - Marketing 360: The Future of AI

In this conversation, Andrew Horwat shares valuable insights into the world of e-commerce, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, testing, and understanding consumer needs. He discusses the structure of his team, the significance of resonance over reach in marketing, and the challenges of navigating brand guidelines. Andrew also reflects on learning from failures, the critical role of differentiation in a competitive market, and the future opportunities in e-commerce. He concludes with personal reading recommendations that inspire his work. Want any help improving Revenue Per Visitor? Check out https://Mobile1st.com. Interested in talking to Justin or getting on the show, find him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinaronstein/ Takeaways Andrew oversees a lean team managing digital content for retail partners. Collaboration across divisions is crucial for generating new ideas. Testing and experimentation help validate gut feelings in marketing. Resonance over reach is a key marketing principle. Understanding consumer insights is essential for effective marketing. Learning from failures is a vital part of growth. Differentiation is more important than ever in e-commerce. The unfiltered voice of the consumer is invaluable for insights. Brand guidelines can be tested but should not be broken. Reading and continuous learning are important for personal and professional development.

In this conversation, Anna, the Director of E-commerce for Buff City Soap, shares her insights on leading a small e-commerce team, the importance of storytelling in digital marketing, and the challenges of integrating online and offline retail experiences. She discusses the role of AI in enhancing customer engagement and retention strategies, emphasizing the need for personalization in e-commerce. Anna reflects on her journey, the lessons learned from failures, and the evolving landscape of e-commerce. Want any help improving Revenue Per Visitor? Check out https://Mobile1st.com. Interested in talking to Justin or getting on the show, find him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinaronstein/ Takeaways E-commerce leaders often wear multiple hats. Building a small team can lead to agility and innovation. Storytelling is crucial for engaging customers online. Creating a unique digital experience requires understanding customer needs. Testing and learning are essential for e-commerce success. Navigating challenges between e-commerce and retail requires collaboration. AI can enhance personalization and efficiency in e-commerce. Retention strategies should focus on hyper-segmentation and triggers. Personalization is key to winning back customers. Continuous learning and adaptation are vital in the e-commerce landscape.

In this conversation, Andrew Mosko, Director of D2C and Digital at Throne Sport Coffee, shares insights into his role overseeing digital commerce and marketing strategies. He discusses the evolution of e-commerce, the importance of agency support, and the lessons learned from failures in the industry. The conversation also delves into the impact of AI on consumer behavior, the significance of effective communication within teams, and innovative marketing strategies that leverage consumer psychology. Andrew emphasizes the need for storytelling in e-commerce and shares his current focus on understanding human decision-making processes. Want any help improving Revenue Per Visitor? Check out https://Mobile1st.com. Interested in talking to Justin or getting on the show, find him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinaronstein/ Takeaways: Agency support is crucial for managing digital marketing efforts. Failures in e-commerce are common and provide valuable learning experiences. Effective communication is essential for team dynamics and project success. AI is changing the landscape of consumer behavior and marketing strategies. E-commerce strategies must adapt to shifts in consumer engagement. Understanding human psychology can enhance marketing effectiveness. Storytelling is vital for connecting with consumers on product pages. Testing emerging channels can lead to innovative marketing opportunities. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to success in e-commerce.

In this conversation, Dimitri Anderson, CIO and Head of E-Commerce and Marketplace Strategy at Leroy Merlin, shares insights into his hybrid role that combines technology and business to drive growth. He emphasizes the importance of user feedback, innovative features, and A/B testing in e-commerce. Dimitri discusses the challenges of advertising overspending and the role of AI in enhancing customer experience. He also highlights the efficiency of small teams and the future trends in e-commerce, particularly in the South African market. Takeaways Dimitri's role involves weaving technology and business priorities for growth. User feedback is critical for improving customer experience. Innovative features can significantly impact market response. A/B testing is a key strategy for optimizing e-commerce performance. Overspending on advertising can lead to significant challenges. AI can enhance customer interaction and drive sales. Small teams can be highly productive in e-commerce. The South African market is receptive to new e-commerce features. Learning from failures is essential for growth. Future trends in e-commerce will focus on interactive experiences. Want any help improving Revenue Per Visitor? Check out https://Mobile1st.com Interested in talking to Justin or getting on the show, find him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinaronstein/

In this conversation, Kasey Wiese, the Director of E-commerce at Liberty Safe, shares insights into her role and the challenges of leading an e-commerce team. She discusses the importance of prioritization, delegation, and emotional resilience in leadership. Kasey emphasizes the need for a culture of experimentation and the complexities of personalization in e-commerce. She also reflects on the stress of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the significance of trust and communication in leadership, and the value of implementing best practices from the Baymard Institute. Kasey's experiences highlight the evolving landscape of e-commerce and the continuous learning required to succeed in this field. Want any help improving Revenue Per Visitor? Check out https://Mobile1st.com Interested in talking to Justin or getting on the show, find him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinaronstein/ Takeaways Kasey Wiese is focused on growing e-commerce at Liberty Safe. Prioritization is key in leadership roles, focusing on controllable factors. Delegation depends on the touch required for each role. In-house development can be more efficient during critical times. Emotional resilience is crucial in handling failures and mistakes. Creating a culture of experimentation is essential for growth. Personalization in e-commerce can be tricky and often misapplied. Black Friday and Cyber Monday present unique challenges for e-commerce leaders. Trust and communication are vital for effective leadership. Implementing best practices from Baymard can significantly improve user experience.

This is the first episode of Season 2. Episodes in season 2 will be released weekly and will be 30 minutes long. In this episode, Garrett Peters, CEO and co-founder of Duncan and Stone Paper Company, shares insights into his daily responsibilities, the challenges of running an e-commerce business, and the lessons learned from failures. He discusses the importance of breaking down new tasks into manageable steps, the significance of building a strong team, and the strategies for future growth, including influencer marketing and optimizing Amazon sales.Want help hitting your 2026 goals by increasing revenue per visitor? Checkout Mobile1st.com. Takeaways The role of a CEO involves wearing many hats and handling various tasks. Finding joy in unexpected aspects of the job can lead to personal growth. Breaking down new challenges into smaller steps is crucial for success. Learning from failures is an essential part of the entrepreneurial journey. E-commerce requires more time and energy than initially anticipated. Building a team that works on their passions can enhance productivity. Outsourcing tasks can free up time for more critical responsibilities. I Influencer marketing is becoming increasingly important for brand growth. Intentionality in marketing strategies can lead to better results. - Understanding the business's financial health is vital for future planning. Chapters (00:00:00) - Ecommerce Growth Podcast(00:00:47) - How to Be a CEO of a Startup e-Commerce Company(00:01:53) - Is there any part of your job you feel like you maybe would(00:03:17) - President and CEO: Newness(00:03:37) - How To Start a New Business?(00:07:28) - Duncan and Stone: Becoming an Amazon Company(00:08:33) - How To Start a Business in E-Commerce(00:10:45) - Sen. Rand Paul on Momentum(00:11:44) - Duncan & Stone: On Paid Media, SEO & Influencer(00:14:58) - The Importance of Controlling the Business(00:18:48) - A Few Thoughts On Starting a Business(00:22:44) - TikTok, Amazon: Where Are You Going?(00:23:52) - Marketing Executive on Facebook Paid Media(00:24:56) - TikTok Shop: Best Influencer Marketing Strategy(00:27:35) - How to Manage a Small Business

In this conversation, Jonah, the director of commerce and growth at ProShop, discusses his role in building a golf community through e-commerce and content marketing. He shares insights on team structure, customer acquisition, and the challenges of navigating social media platforms like TikTok. Jonah emphasizes the importance of storytelling in brand building, the complexities of attribution reporting, and the impact of AI on the future of e-commerce. He also reflects on personal experiences with failures, setting boundaries, and the significance of clear communication within an organization.Want help growing RPV, checkout Mobile1st.com.Takeaways Jonah is the director of commerce and growth for ProShop, focusing on e-commerce in the golf industry. ProShop aims to build a large golf audience through content and commerce. The e-commerce team operates like an internal agency to incubate brands. TikTok is a growing channel, but the price point for golf products is high. Attribution reporting can be misleading; focus on customer acquisition instead. Customer insights are gathered through direct feedback from a dedicated community. Storytelling is crucial for building a strong brand connection. Failures in e-commerce are common, but personal growth is more significant. Clear communication of e-commerce metrics is essential for stakeholder buy-in. AI is transforming the e-commerce landscape, allowing for rapid implementation of ideas. Chapters (00:00:00) - ECommerce Growth Podcast(00:02:18) - Golf Brand Ambassador on Content First(00:03:38) - Golf Star on His Love of the Game(00:04:29) - What's Your ECommerce Team Look Like?(00:06:55) - Is TikTok the Right Channel for E-Commerce?(00:11:35) - Finding New Insights About Sugarloaf Social Club(00:15:58) - Have You Had Any Failures While At Shopify?(00:18:28) - How to Deal with Ridiculous Ideas(00:20:20) - Have You Had To Fight A Facebook Ad Fire?(00:25:16) - How do you communicate the intricacies of ECommerce to the Channel(00:28:14) - How to Train an E-Commerce Native Employee(00:31:23) - What Would You Do If You Didn't Work in E-Commerce(00:36:00) - How Shopify Is Advancing AI in E-Commerce(00:38:43) - GEO vs SEO: How Will GEO Differ(00:40:41) - How to Get Smarter on Twitter

"But our brand is different." It is the most dangerous phrase in enterprise e-commerce. It leads to tech debt, bloated roadmaps, and a digital ecosystem that represents a graveyard of "nice-to-have" features that never scale. In this episode (our first-ever LIVE recording!), we sit down with Grace Edinger, Director of Ecommerce Product Management at Stanley Black & Decker. Grace is responsible for the digital backbone powering some of the world’s most iconic brands—DeWalt, Craftsman, Black+Decker, and Cub Cadet. She joins the show to break down how she manages hundreds of stakeholders, navigates complex corporate politics, and enforces her strict "No Special Snowflakes" rule to keep the roadmap clean. We cover: The "Special Snowflake" Syndrome: Why saying "yes" to every custom brand request is actually destroying your ability to scale. Project vs. Product Mindset: How to stop operating as an "Order Taker" for Marketing and start operating as a strategic partner who demands data before building. The Invisible Work: Why the unsexy work of consolidating ERPs and building a unified foundation matters more than the latest AI hype. Stakeholder Politics: The exact scripts and strategies Grace uses to say "no" to bad ideas without burning bridges. If you are an E-Commerce Director drowning in feature requests or trying to drive digital transformation in a legacy organization, this episode is your playbook for taking back control. Links: Connect with Grace on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graceedinger/ Follow Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinaronstein/ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://mobile1st.com/news Chapters (00:00:00) - E-Commerce Growth Podcast(00:00:27) - Stanley Black and Decker's Direct-to-Consumer eCommerce(00:03:41) - What's the biggest struggle in your job?(00:05:51) - What's The Part of Your Job That You Dread Most?(00:07:42) - Stanley Black & Decker CEO on Digital Frontend(00:12:06) - How to Build the Future of E-commerce?(00:18:28) - Walmart CEO on Digital Consumerism(00:21:31) - Have You Got To Fight the Fire?(00:25:00) - Drupal 8.1(00:26:16) - How to Test Your Content in the Future(00:27:40) - Black and Decker's CEO on His Failure(00:28:25) - What have you learned working with directors of E Commerce?(00:29:33) - What do you admire about the Director of E Commerce? Think that(00:30:56) - What is something that you wish like your executive team knew about your(00:33:14) - CupCade on Experimentation(00:35:26) - Black & Decker CEO on the Company's Future(00:37:17) - E-Commerce Directors at Ralph Lauren(00:40:20) - Product Manager: The Future of AI(00:42:57) - How Is Microsoft Building AI Into Its Ecosystem?(00:43:55) - Bill ChatGPT: Could Bots Shop For You?

Brian “Purk” Purkiss leads D2C acquisition and the ecommerce site for Honest Paws at OnePet. In this episode, Brian gets honest about what actually moves conversion and what just burns time. We dig into the puzzle of ecommerce decision making, how to turn tiny wins into big results, and why the bravest thing you can do is sometimes remove the shiny thing you just added. You’ll hear: Why small, measured iterations beat year-long redesigns The counterintuitive truth that removing elements often lifts revenue How to set goals, form a hypothesis, and measure impact without ego A practical workflow for roadmapping, testing, and sharing lessons with your team Preventing burnout with “fallback” tasks and Fun Feature Friday Building a culture of ownership and trust on a fully remote team Brian’s hardest leadership lesson and how he fixed it If you care about conversion rate, new customer acquisition, and making your site 0.1% better week after week, this one’s for you. Hosted by Justin Aronstein with Connor. Chapters (00:00:00) - Check In: E-Commerce Growth Podcast(00:00:24) - Check in(00:01:49) - What's the Part of Your Job that You Enjoy Most?(00:05:10) - What Does Your Day-to-Day Look Like as a Product(00:08:38) - How to Manage a Team Without Burnout(00:12:51) - Pdp vs. Competitors(00:14:42) - Product Manager: Strengths and Weaknesses(00:18:25) - Product Manager vs E-Commerce Manager(00:24:28) - How to Lead in E-Commerce(00:28:45) - In the Elevator With a Complainer(00:30:30) - The Work That Made Me a Better Leader(00:36:35) - The Process for Building High-Converting Websites(00:44:06) - Reveal: Ignoring Failure to Grow(00:45:18) - Brian Purkis

Should Amazon really be the enemy of DTC? Most e-commerce leaders will tell you to prioritize your own site, own the customer, and push for loyalty. But Tom Funk — E-Commerce Director at Ann Clark Ltd. and veteran of Vermont Teddy Bear, Keurig Green Mountain, and Gardener’s Supply — has a very different take. In this episode of Check In to Check Out, Tom shares why Amazon actually delivers a better customer experience than most merchant sites ever could, why his Shopify product pages send shoppers directly to Amazon, and what happened when he failed to convince a leadership team that Amazon was essential to their growth. We get into: The real ratio of Amazon vs. DTC revenue (and why most brands get it wrong) The operational realities that make Amazon unbeatable for certain products How to position DTC so it complements, not competes with, marketplaces Tom’s hard-learned lessons about culture, data storytelling, and failed persuasion If you’ve ever debated whether to push harder into Amazon or double down on your own site, this episode will challenge your assumptions. Chapters (00:00:00) - E-Commerce Growth Podcast(00:01:16) - How to become a e-commerce director(00:02:25) - Merchant Website: Between Amazon and Shopify(00:06:24) - What Does Your Day-to-Day Look Like at Amazon?(00:08:39) - How Product Development Is Done at Amazon(00:12:18) - Getting Started in E-Commerce(00:15:00) - Top Executives on Amazon's Impact(00:16:49) - Philip Morris on Amazon and the Company's Future(00:23:31) - Mentors in the Workplace(00:27:18) - Cookbook Cutters: What's Special About Selling Cookies?(00:31:21) - Baking and decorating products in The New York Times Catalog(00:34:39) - Where Entrepreneurs See the Future of ECommerce(00:36:52) - Tom Aronstein on The Righteous Mind

Paige Chilson joins Check In to Check Out days after a layoff and refuses to spin it. She talks about stepping back to remember who you are outside the dashboard, why e-commerce feels like you’re “in trouble” 24 hours a day, and the simple superpower most leaders ignore: knowing your limits and hiring around them. We get into funnel-based org design, the line between agency and in-house, the interview red flag nobody mentions, a painful failure story that changed how she escalates risk, and a clear-eyed take on where the next 6 to 12 months are headed with social selling and buying inside AI assistants. If you lead revenue online, this one will feel uncomfortably familiar in the best way. What you’ll learn A practical way to spot team gaps by mapping skills to your funnel When agencies outperform in-house and when they absolutely don’t How to hire in the age of AI-polished resumes The interview red flag that separates learners from passengers How to communicate risk without becoming an alarmist Why social selling is still early and how AI will reward brands with clean data Chapters (00:00:00) - E-Commerce Growth Podcast(00:01:06) - How to Plan Your Next Step After Getting Layoff(00:04:28) - Not Wrapping Your Identity Up in Your Job(00:06:48) - How to Find the Best Talent in E-Commerce(00:08:45) - The Need to Identify Leaks in Your Team(00:12:47) - The Search for the AI-Inspired Talent(00:17:11) - In the Elevator With Michael Dell(00:20:32) - Have E-Commerce Directors Learned to Be More Risk Averse?(00:24:39) - Amazon's Risk-Aware Future(00:26:01) - Looking for the Next Role in AI(00:28:35) - E-commerce: Growth opportunities(00:32:34) - E-Commerce Conference 2018: Taking a Break

In this conversation, John Arquete, an experienced e-commerce director, shares insights on managing an e-commerce business through challenging times. He discusses the importance of team dynamics, effective communication, and understanding customer needs. John reflects on his career journey, the lessons learned from failures, and the impact of economic changes on e-commerce strategies. He emphasizes the need for authenticity in marketing and the potential of AI to transform the e-commerce landscape. Overall, the discussion provides valuable takeaways for e-commerce leaders looking to navigate the complexities of the industry.   Takeaways Managing burnout is crucial for e-commerce directors. Centralized command with decentralized control helps in team management. Effective communication with the team reduces burnout. Hiring the right team members is essential for success. Understanding customer needs is key to adapting strategies. Economic downturns require quick pivots in product offerings. Learning from failures can lead to significant growth. Authenticity in messaging resonates with customers. AI will reshape the e-commerce landscape significantly. Continuous learning and adaptation are vital for e-commerce leaders.   Chapters (00:00:00) - E-Commerce Growth Podcast(00:00:32) - ECOM Director John Walsh on the Week(00:01:24) - E-Commerce Director: How to Manage the Team's Burn(00:05:41) - What's It Mean to Be an ECommerce Director at Gol's(00:08:38) - How to Be Great at Many Things(00:12:13) - How Did You Get Started in E-Commerce?(00:16:29) - Onboarding the Customer Service Managers(00:17:20) - E-Commerce Director: The Big Points(00:19:18) - In the Elevator With Rich People(00:21:56) - Amazon's 'All-Right' Product(00:23:48) - In uncertain times, how to run e-commerce?(00:26:26) - How Military Customers Get What They Need(00:34:06) - How to Reduce Interstitials on Your Site(00:36:51) - E-commerce: Future of AI & Modernity(00:44:01) - How to Keep Up With the Tech Industry

In this episode of Checkin to Checkout, we sit down with Justin Rinaldi, Director of Marketing and E-Commerce at Safety Speed Manufacturing, to unpack the trends shaping how customers make purchasing decisions today. From the decline of trust in search engines to the rise of "brand shepherds" (not influencers), Justin shares why building great user experiences—both on and off your site—is now mission-critical. We cover: Why media consumption enablement is a competitive advantage How the mobile checkout experience can make or break sales The danger of over-automation and what brands lose when they remove human touch Lessons from rebuilding a crashed e-commerce site into a high-performing platform Experiments that worked, ones that didn’t, and what they taught him Why messaging matters more than friction—and how to get it right If you’re navigating the ever-changing e-commerce landscape, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on customer behavior, digital strategy, and what’s actually driving conversions in 2025. Listen now to hear how Justin is staying ahead of the curve and keeping his customers at the center of every decision.

In this conversation, Adam Riback, Director of Digital at PS Seasoning, shares insights into the complexities of e-commerce marketing, the importance of understanding consumer behavior, and the challenges of managing digital strategies. He discusses his career journey, the role of agencies, the significance of consumer feedback, and the necessity of adapting to market changes. Adam emphasizes the importance of unit economics and the need for marketers to be proactive in testing and iterating strategies to drive growth. Takeaways: E-commerce marketers experience a range of emotions daily, influenced by consumer behavior and market conditions.Balancing daily tasks with long-term strategy is crucial for success in e-commerce.Box breathing and a structured approach to tasks can help manage stress and burnout.Understanding unit economics is essential for making informed marketing decisions.Testing and iterating on marketing strategies is key to finding successful growth opportunities.Consumer feedback is vital for product development and marketing strategies.Collaboration with agencies can enhance digital marketing efforts, but finding the right partner is essential.E-commerce leaders must be adaptable and ready to pivot strategies based on market feedback.The landscape of e-commerce is constantly evolving, requiring marketers to stay informed and agile.Learning from failures is an integral part of growth and development in the e-commerce space.    

In this episode of Checkin to Checkout, we sit down with Brit Tucker, VP of Product and Technology at Society6, to unpack the real-world chaos and clarity behind one of e-commerce’s most daunting projects: replatforming. Brit leads a team that spans product, technology, UX, analytics, customer service, and operations—and recently spearheaded Society6’s successful 18-month migration to Shopify. She shares how her team balanced redesign with replatform, why “technical debt” is the number one sign it's time to replatform, and what made this her fastest replatform ever. You'll hear: How to spot when technical debt is stalling your growth Why conversion rate optimization must start with first principles, not competitor copycats What most brands forget to plan for during a replatform (hint: it's not engineering) How Society6 saw major gains in add-to-cart and conversion rates post-migration The leadership mistake Brit would fix if she did it again Plus, Brit gets real about career detours, why failure often stems from solving the wrong problem, and how spiritual grounding (and yoga) helps her stay sane leading a 20+ person team across time zones. Whether you're planning a replatform, in the messy middle, or just want to hear how a seasoned e-commerce leader builds with empathy and rigor—this episode is packed with sharp insights and refreshing honesty. Listen now to learn how to replatform the right way—and why saying no might be your most valuable product strategy. Chapters (00:00:04) - Welcome to Checkin to Checkout(00:00:42) - How to Manage Stress in the Workplace(00:03:33) - Have You Got Enough Teams for Your Job?(00:05:38) - How Can E-Commerce Leaders Build a Digital Product?(00:07:55) - Sustainable Conversion: First Principles(00:09:50) - How Did You Get Started in E-Commerce?(00:11:22) - Mentors in E-Commerce(00:13:03) - Have You Changed Anything In Your Past?(00:14:38) - In the Elevator With Rich People(00:21:24) - How Much Engineering Is Necessary for a Digital Initiative?(00:22:33) - The Signs That Your Company Needs to Re-platform(00:28:59) - Replatforming: The Big Things to Know(00:31:37) - Does a Website Decently Need Navigation?(00:35:37) - Did you see a conversion rate bump when you guys moved to Shop(00:36:22) - E-commerce: The Future of Customer Engagement(00:39:52) - The Untethered Soul by Alan Singer

What do you do when your therapist can’t handle your conversion rate anxiety? You cancel therapy. At least that’s what Girish Joshi did. In this episode, Girish (Director of E-Commerce at LG) unloads the real emotional cost of running a P&L, why he checks revenue dashboards the way some people check horoscopes, and how irritation might be his secret superpower. We get into: Why most frameworks kill creativity How to chase ideas that feel like “oh f***” The surprisingly emotional side of attach rates and checkbox services When your team doesn’t need consensus—they need your conviction Why every E-Commerce director needs at least one diplomat on speed dial And how he’s trying to turn LG into the Apple of appliances, one trusted fridge at a time This episode is part group therapy, part MBA, and part stand-up set for over-caffeinated Directors of E-Com who are wondering if anyone else thinks like them. (They do. And he’s on this episode.) If you’ve ever canceled a vacation appetizer because your AOV dipped, this one’s for you. Chapters (00:00:00) - Interview(00:01:48) - In the Elevator With ECommerce's Director of Therapy(00:03:58) - Checking the Numbers(00:06:43) - Amazon CEO on Creativity and Purpose(00:08:17) - Don't Need a Frameworks(00:11:17) - Getting Your Welcome Offer to the Right Level(00:15:17) - e-commerce: Value vs. Services(00:18:46) - Will Willpower: The Need for Trust(00:20:57) - What's Your Biggest Strength and Weakest Element?(00:22:49) - LG CEO on Stories in Sales(00:27:10) - Justin on Leading From the Front(00:30:28) - Confidence in the Data vs. Personal Intuition(00:36:06) - Have You Ever Failed In Your Ideas?(00:37:01) - How LG Is Making the Brand Experience Reliable(00:39:22) - Three major areas of innovation at LG(00:40:33) - How to Build a Connected Future for Appliances(00:43:29) - LG CEO on E-Commerce Growth(00:47:46) - E-commerce Insights: What Excites You?

In this episode of Check In to Checkout, Mobile1st’s CPO Justin Aronstein and Director of Optimization Connor Burke sit down with Luis, the dynamic Senior Director of Digital Route to Consumer at Moët Hennessy. What starts as a laugh over shorts at a formal sales convention turns into one of the most insightful deep dives we've had into modern e-commerce strategy. Luis unpacks how digital is redefining brand-building in a category constrained by the 100-year-old U.S. three-tier system. He challenges the outdated idea that brand and conversion live in separate funnels, making the compelling case that seamless, well-timed ecommerce interactions are branding today. You’ll hear how he’s using platforms like Instacart and Uber Eats not just to sell—but to elevate premium brands like Veuve Clicquot and Hennessy. He also shares: The unexpected lessons from launching direct-to-consumer experiences that didn’t work Why focusing only on your business objectives (and not the consumer's actual needs) leads to flops His vision for how AI agents will change product discovery, recommendation, and even how brands get found online A “digital anthropologist” lens on how consumer behavior has evolved—especially in high-regulation industries His “video game” approach to e-commerce burnout and knowing when to put the controller down Sprinkled throughout are honest reflections on failure, a killer Pokémon metaphor, and some top-tier anime and video game recommendations. Whether you're a director of e-commerce, a digital strategist, or just someone obsessed with where the customer journey is heading, this episode is packed with value. Chapters (00:00:00) - The Biggest Failure Of The Week(00:01:18) - The Future of E-Commerce: Building a Brand(00:03:11) - Clara's Kira on(00:04:19) - Top Executives: Moet Hennessy's ECommerce(00:05:46) - Three-Tier system in the US(00:06:51) - The 3-Tier Alcohol Industry(00:08:19) - What's your day-to-day(00:11:02) - Bar and E-Commerce Director Burnout(00:14:33) - Hennessy CEO on the Digital Revolution(00:18:08) - On Real Conversations With the Customer(00:19:20) - Alcohol Brand Chat Online(00:22:10) - How Did I Get Into E-Commerce?(00:27:21) - Mo Hennessy's Ash Ketchum(00:28:16) - How many languages can you speak fluently(00:29:21) - What Are Some Of Your Failures?(00:34:07) - How E-Commerce is driving brand equity(00:38:56) - Uber Eats: Brand Discovery(00:41:26) - E-commerce: The Next Generation of Agents(00:43:43) - Will AI Transform the Consumer Shopping Journey?(00:45:58) - How Is AI Affecting Consumer Behavior?(00:48:03) - Beyond the Book: What's on your Feed?

Most e-commerce stories start with product-market fit. This one started with Frodo. On this episode of Check-In to Check-Out, we talk with Kyle Cole, co-founder of The Hero’s Journal—a journaling brand built on the idea that life gets easier when you start seeing yourself as the main character. What started as a nerdy side project turned into a seven-figure DTC brand powered by story, community, and a refusal to send boring emails. Kyle opens up about: Accidentally going viral during quarantine with a “Quarantine Quest” Scaling fulfillment from garage to 3PL—and the painful (but hilarious) budget mistake he made What every e-commerce leader gets wrong about community building How to forecast without deluding yourself Why the best marketing emails sometimes have no CTA If you’ve ever tried to justify a warehouse lease based on “the traffic you're manifesting” or had your team melt down over a 3PL gone rogue, this one’s for you. It’s funny, vulnerable, and weirdly practical. And yes, we talk about iOS 14. Perfect for: Directors of E-Commerce, DTC operators, brand builders who think “community” isn’t just a Slack channel Listen in and remember: you are the hero. Just maybe... also the operations oracle. Chapters (00:00:00) - E-Commerce: The Hero's Journey(00:01:40) - Kyle on the Podcast(00:02:11) - What's Your Day to Day at Hero's Journey?(00:02:42) - Have You Had A Good Week?(00:03:32) - What's Your Best Strengths and Weaknesses?(00:08:17) - The Story of The Book(00:09:09) - Startups as a Way to Get Out of Debt(00:12:41) - Do You Wish You Had Done This Lesson?(00:17:13) - How To Grow an E-Commerce Business(00:21:45) - Being Flexible in an E-commerce Business(00:22:56) - Community as a Force multiplier for E-Commerce(00:29:06) - Building a Community for Your Product(00:31:32) - Send inspirational emails to your fans(00:35:58) - E-Commerce Leadership: The Hero's Journal