Retail Therapy

Our next Retail Therapy guest is Kieron Ritchard, CEO and Managing Director at Fantastic Furniture.  Kieron leads one of Australia's most iconic furniture retail brands, known for offering stylish and affordable furniture solutions. Under his leadership, Fantastic Furniture has continued to expand its market presence and innovate in customer experience and product offerings.   Kieron has a wealth of experience as a leader and we’re thrilled to have him on the Retail Therapy podcast to hear about his journey and insights.   This episode explores:  Kieron's transitioned from hotel industry advisory to leading Fantastic Furniture How his leadership style has been shaped by past experiences The role of international experience to shape business development and strategy Balancing online and physical store sales for omni-channel growth The evolution and optimistic future for brick-and-mortar stores in the furniture industry How to foster a customer-centric culture that ensures satisfaction Fantastic Furniture's long-term goals to adapt to the changing retail landscape and achieving growth To learn more about what we do at the ARA, head to retail.org.au.   ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.

We're excited to announce that our final guest for Season Six of Retail Therapy is Dr. Ginni Mansberg, the founder of the science-based skincare line Evidence Skincare (ESK) and author of the bestselling book The M Word: How to Thrive in Menopause. Dr. Mansberg is a highly respected GP, TV presenter, podcaster, author, and columnist, specialising in women's health, menopause, and all things skin.  In this episode, ARA CEO Paul Zahra and Dr Manserg discuss:  Ginni's inspiring 30-year career journey as a doctor and her passion for what she does  The unique needs of women experiencing menopause and how to effectively address them The significance of positive representation of aging women in advertising and marketing The pivotal role of women aged 50+ as key decision-makers in households Strategies to support menopausal women in the workforce and help them maintain their careers The loyalty of women in their 50s and 60s as customers compared to other age groups Tune in for an insightful conversation on empowering women through all stages of life and the importance of recognising their contributions.  Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.  

Our next guest on Retail Therapy is Kate Russell (she/her), CEO of Supply Nation, Australia's foremost advocate for supplier diversity.   Kate brings a wealth of experience, including roles in the public sector and as a Board Director at the Diversity Council of Australia. As a proud Awabakal woman, she holds a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous businesses and advancing economic empowerment within Indigenous communities.   At Supply Nation, Kate has played a pivotal role in fostering the growth of First Nations businesses, contributing to the vibrant Indigenous business community in Australia.   This episode with Kate explores: Moving forward after The Voice referendum Kate's journey and inspiration to lead Supply Nation Success stories from Supply Nation connections Barriers faced by Indigenous companies and strategies to overcome them How to create opportunities for Indigenous peoples in public and community sectors The evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion in Australian businesses and society The role of the Australian retail industry in supporting Indigenous businesses Advice for meaningful engagement with and support of Indigenous suppliers Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.

Our next guest on Retail Therapy is Angel Dixon OAM, a passionate activist for disability inclusion and human rights. Angel is a two-time international Mercedes Benz Fashion Week model. In 2017 Angel became the first agency-signed model with a physical impairment to feature in a national television campaign.   Since then, she has used her profile to create positive changes towards community attitude, serving as CEO and Board Member at the Attitude Foundation. She was named 2019 Queensland Young Australian of the Year and has received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her work.  This episode explores:  Angel's journey as a person with a physical impairment Breaking barriers in the modelling industry  Advocacy for body positivity and inclusivity Insights for individuals encountering obstacles in their careers or daily lives due to disabilities Areas where society still lacks inclusivity and what can be done to address them Inclusivity in retail and the common challenges in making retail spaces more inclusive Common misconceptions about disability and strategies for combating them Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.

In this episode of Retail Therapy, we hear from Manisha Amin (she/her), CEO of the Centre for Inclusive Design. Manisha's dedication to innovation and social change has made her a pivotal figure in the realm of inclusivity. With expertise in strategic marketing, communication, and cultural transformation, Manisha illuminates the path toward creating products, services, and policies that truly embrace inclusivity. A thought leader renowned for her ability to think from the edge, Manisha brings a wealth of insights to this episode.  Throughout this episode, we delve into: Definition and context of inclusive design Manisha's journey to championing inclusive design Examples where retail excels, and the areas that need improvement Retail initiatives for neurodivergent customers Advice for retail leaders on DE&I Strategies for small businesses on inclusivity Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.

In this episode of Retail Therapy, we are honoured to welcome Mariam Veiszadeh, CEO of Media Diversity Australia. A trailblazing figure in human rights advocacy, law, authorship, and media commentary, Mariam has left an indelible mark in the fight against racism and xenophobia. Renowned for founding the Islamophobia Register Australia, Mariam's endeavours have earned her recognition, including the esteemed Fairfax Daily Life 2016 Woman of the Year accolade, for her profound impact on fostering positive change in workplaces and society. In this episode, we cover: Mariam's journey from law to becoming a leading anti-racism campaigner Personal experiences with racism and Islamophobia as catalysts for advocacy Founding the Islamophobia Register Australia and earning accolades for fostering positive change Leveraging skills and platforms to combat systemic discrimination Intersectionality of identity and its impact on advocacy Inspiring listeners to confront injustice and drive positive change Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.

Our next guest, Anyier Yuol, is not only an entrepreneur but also a catalyst for social change. With a strong commitment to making a difference, Anyier is the visionary behind Miss Sahara, an initiative for Lead Beyond Education (LBE) charity, as well as the founder and CEO of Anyier Model Management. Her advocacy spans a multitude of causes, including women's and girls' rights, refugee and gender equality, sport for development, and amplifying the representation of minority groups within Australia's sports, beauty, and fashion sectors. Through her unwavering dedication, Anyier has carved out a platform where young voices can resonate for impactful change. Notably, her remarkable efforts garnered recognition, culminating in the prestigious 2023 Australia for UNHCR – SBS Les Murray Award for Refugee Recognition, celebrating her diverse achievements across sports, women's empowerment, and refugee advocacy. In this episode, we delve into: Anyier's journey as a South Sudanese refugee Insightful perspectives on diversity and inclusion stemming from her refugee experience Identifying critical needs for refugees in their new homeland Advocacy initiatives focusing on diversity and refugee rights Unpacking the pivotal role of the retail sector in fostering inclusivity as the largest private employer Navigating genuine communication of diversity commitments Addressing diversity barriers within the fashion industry and strategies for fostering inclusivity Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.

Our next guest for Retail Therapy is Natalie Phillips-Mason (She/Her), Founder and Lead Consultant of Inclusive Change. Natalie is dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces and enriching customer experiences by celebrating our unique identities. Natalie encourages leaders to embrace all aspects of diversity – apparent and non-apparent – for the benefit of their employees and their customers. Through her collaborative approach, Natalie empowers individuals of all neurotypes to engage in meaningful conversations; driving education, authentic dialogue, and actionable change. This episode explores: Natalie's allyship journey Why language is important Employees and customer experiences – and why retailers should take notice Considerations and opportunities in the Australian retail landscape The latest research Educating retail staff on neurodiversity Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.

Our next guest for Retail Therapy needs little introduction: Natasha Stott Despoja, a prominent figure in Australia's advocacy for gender equality. With International Women's Day just around the corner, we're thrilled to host Natasha, whose legacy as a former Senator for South Australia speaks volumes. Throughout her career, she has passionately championed gender equality and tirelessly advocated for the prevention of violence against women and girls.   As the founding Chair of Our Watch, a renowned national organisation dedicated to preventing violence against women and their children, Natasha has played a pivotal role in shaping Australia's approach to these critical issues. Her dedication to embedding gender equality in the fabric of Australian society has been unwavering, making her an inspiration to countless individuals striving for a more equitable world.   This episode explores:  Natasha's journey and advocacy for gender equality Importance of gender diversity in retail leadership Government support for gender equality in business Successful gender equality initiatives in retail Promoting inclusive marketing in retail Global collaboration for gender equality Engaging customers and employees in gender-related issues Implementing family-friendly policies in retail Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.  

Celebrate Mardi Gras with a dose of Retail Therapy, spotlighting diversity, equality, and inclusion. Joining us for this special occasion is Katherine Wolfgramme (she/her), a nationally recognised Trans Advocate, award-winning gender diversity consultant, and Trans awareness trainer. As a pioneer in promoting equity and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community, Katherine's impact resonates through numerous media campaigns, accolades, and charitable endeavours. Proudly representing the Transgender community, Katherine leverages her journey to cultivate culturally safe environments for others. Prepare to be inspired as Katherine recounts her journey and advocacy efforts, marked by groundbreaking achievements such as being the first transgender woman in Fiji legally granted a female name by the government. This episode is a testament to her relentless pursuit of societal change and her commitment to improving future experiences. This episode explores: Highlights of Katherine's journey and advocacy work Legal precedents and societal progress in LGBTQIA+ rights Advice for employers supporting LGBTQIA+ employees Challenges faced by transgender individuals in retail Strategies for businesses to foster inclusivity Advice for individuals struggling with their gender identity Cultural and religious sensitivities in advocacy Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.

Joining us for some Retail Therapy focusing on diversity, equality and inclusion is Leila Naja Hibri (she/her), former CEO of the Australian Fashion Council. In the face of the pandemic, Leila emerged as a guiding force, steering the Australian fashion industry towards resilience. Her compelling personal narrative serves as a testament to the advantages that arise from fostering culturally diverse women in leadership roles. Leila's impact extends to the establishment of a standardised Australian fashion trademark, solidifying her status as a trailblazing role model within the retail sector. Join us as we uncover the inspirational journey and visionary contributions of Leila Naja Hibri. This episode explores: Leila's journey from accounting to leading the Australian Fashion Council Challenges related to cultural diversity in her career and how she overcame them Importance of diversity in the retail sector, addressing barriers and shaping leadership Steps for retail organisations to foster diversity in leadership teams Leila's impact on sustainability in the fashion industry Encouraging women's involvement in leadership roles Advice for culturally diverse individuals aspiring to leadership in retail and fashion Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.

Welcome to Season Six of Retail Therapy, where we delve into Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion. We're thrilled to kick off this season with a powerhouse guest, Lisa Annese (she/her), CEO of Diversity Council Australia. Lisa was named one of the AFR’s 100 Women of Influence in 2018. In 2019 she was elected to the Board of Amnesty International Australia and in 2021 to the Board of the non-partisan organisation, Women for Election. Under Lisa’s leadership, the Diversity Council has produced a broad array of groundbreaking, evidence-based research around diversity, equality and inclusion. With her wealth of expertise, Lisa is the perfect guest to inaugurate Season Six, offering invaluable insights into this crucial conversation. This episode explores: Lisa's journey into her career path and what motivated her Tackling gendered harassment, discrimination, and violence - the remaining challenges Resolving the persistent gender pay gap and necessary changes Advocating for a public register of gender pay discrepancies for corporate accountability First Nations inclusivity and thoughts on the Voice discourse Progress in addressing racial hurdles or ongoing concerns Supporting the LGBTIQ+ community's inclusion in businesses Encouraging employers to consider hiring individuals with disabilities or neurodivergence Balancing religious and cultural diversity within the context of DE&I The role of the retail industry in driving and exemplifying societal change Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.

Season 6 of the ARA’s Retail Therapy podcast is gearing up for an early 2024 launch! Join host, ARA CEO Paul Zahra, as we dive into the crucial conversation on diversity, equality, and inclusion led by the Australian Retailers Association. This season, Retail Therapy is going deep into the realm of DE&I in the retail landscape. It's not merely a buzzword; it’s a driving force fuelling innovation and change in the industry. Expect engaging discussions with pioneers and leaders in every facet of DE&I. Their diverse stories and insights promise an eye-opening journey into this vital topic. Stay tuned for a stellar lineup of guests, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Don't miss out on these insightful conversations! Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to be part of these great discussions. Get a sneak peek in our trailer - now live.  ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.

Joining us for some Retail Therapy is Eric Morris, former CEO of Brand Collective, which boasts a portfolio of iconic owned and licensed brands with more than 3,000 employees. Eric has over 35 years of industry experience covering retail, wholesale, licensing, marketing and product development in both international and national organisations. He has held senior management positions with a who's-who list of household name companies including Myer, Disney and Reebok. Eric knows a thing or two about leadership and we're thrilled to have him on as a guest. In this episode, we delve into: Gain first-hand knowledge from Eric's extensive industry experience Explore the leadership philosophy that has guided Eric throughout his career Understand the intricacies of managing change and transition in the retail sector Stay updated on the disruptive challenges reshaping the retail landscape Learn from Eric's personal journey and career advice for aspiring professionals Get inspired by Eric's approach to growth and decision-making in the industry Tune in to gain exclusive insights, discover innovative perspectives, and get inspired by Eric's transformative approach to the retail arena. Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.

Get ready for an exciting episode of Retail Therapy where we dive deep into the world of fashion, leadership, innovation, and sustainability with our special guest, Elisha Hopkinson, CEO of APG & Co. Elisha has been an instrumental part of APG & Co for more than a decade and has worked in the fashion industry both in Australia and internationally for over two decades. For over 50 years, APG & Co has curated a collection of Australia’s most beloved fashion brands including Sportscraft, SABA and JAG. Key highlights from the episode: How to stand out in the fiercely competitive fashion sector Embracing change and transformation for success The future of APG & Co’s brand portfolio Elisha’s inspiring journey in the fashion industry Overcoming self-doubt on the path to becoming a CEO Elisha’s invaluable advice for aspiring leaders Don’t miss out on this engaging episode! Tune in now and be inspired by Elisha Hopkinson and APG & Co’s incredible journey. Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $420 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.

Welcome to another episode of Retail Therapy, where we delve into the heartbeat of the retail industry. In this episode, we are thrilled to have a distinguished guest with us – Mark Ronan, the visionary CEO of Adairs. With over 15 years of diverse leadership experience within Adairs, Mark's journey is a testament to his profound understanding of the retail landscape. This episode with Mark and ARA CEO Paul Zahra covers:  Mark's leadership journey at Adairs The Adairs growth phenomenon Mark's evolution as a leader over the years and affinity for the retail industry  Guiding leadership principles, including the importance of adaptive leadership Putting innovation into focus We extend our gratitude to Mark Ronan for sharing his insights and experiences with us. Thank you for tuning in to this captivating episode of Retail Therapy.  Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body, representing a $400bn sector that employs 1.3 million Australians. Learn more: retail.org.au

Joining us for some Retail Therapy is Catriona Noble, Executive General Manager, Retail at Australia Post. Catriona is responsible for the organisation’s network of 4,320 Post Offices and is renowned for driving key transformation in many of her previous roles, including CEO of McDonald’s Australia and Managing Director at ANZ. Australia Post has been a cornerstone of the country’s social fabric for generations. From the humble beginnings of delivering mail, it has evolved into a multifaceted organisation. In this insightful discussion, we delve into the pivotal role that Australia Post stores play in different communities, serving as essential hubs for connection and convenience nationwide. In this episode, we discuss: What an Australia Post store means to different communities Aspirations for change at Australia Post Catriona's leadership journey The top career advice for budding leaders The importance of giving back Sustainability initiatives at Australia Post Tune in now for this enlightening episode, and discover the incredible stories and insights behind Australia Post's journey to making a meaningful difference in the lives of millions! Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html   ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body, representing a $400bn sector that employs 1.3 million Australians. Learn more: retail.org.au

Next up on the Retail Therapy podcast is Ian Bailey, Managing Director of Kmart Group. With a wealth of experience in the retail industry, Ian Bailey assumed the role of Managing Director at Kmart Australia in February 2016. Later, in November 2018, he took on the responsibility of leading Wesfarmers’ Kmart Group division, which encompasses the Kmart & Target Australia businesses, Kmart Australia Sourcing, and ANKO. Prior to this, Ian was Kmart’s Chief Operating Officer where he was instrumental in Kmart’s establishment and clarity of purpose, developing a strategic blueprint and an operational architecture for the transformation of Kmart’s business model from a traditional discount store chain to an innovative, modern, hybrid retail model. Kmart Group is a true powerhouse within the Australian retail industry, with its two iconic brands, Kmart and Target, which are beloved by millions of shoppers. The Kmart Group operates 452 stores across Australia and New Zealand, plus an impressive online offering, and employs nearly 50,000 team members. This episode of Retail Therapy delves into: Ian’s journey at Kmart over the last 15 years How to prepare for leadership at a high level The top values to instil within your team How Ian balances his work responsibility with his own lifestyle Innovation at Kmart – what’s next The best piece of career advice Ian has received Tune in to gain valuable insights from Ian Bailey on the retail industry, leadership, and the future of this dynamic sector. Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html   ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body, representing a $400bn sector that employs 1.3 million Australians. Learn more: retail.org.au

Join us for an inspiring episode of Retail Therapy with Mirja Viinanen, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA Australia. IKEA is the world’s largest furniture retailer and has cemented its status in Australia as the country’s most recognised Swedish homewares store, offering ready-to-assemble furniture, appliances, décor and other various goods. Mirja undoubtedly has a wealth of knowledge about the industry, leadership and sustainability so we’re very excited to have her join us and share some of her insights. This episode covers: Leadership aspirations from early childhood IKEA's work in embracing sustainability and renewable energy Fostering diversity, equality, and inclusion at IKEA The essence of great leadership Mastering customer retention in 2023 Plus, learn about Mirja's all-time favourite IKEA piece! Join us for an engaging conversation that unveils the secrets of IKEA's success in Australia, its unwavering commitment to sustainability, and the key qualities that define great leadership   Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html   ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body, representing a $400bn sector that employs 1.3 million Australians. Learn more: retail.org.au   Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Get ready for an exciting episode of Retail Therapy with special guest, George Tsoukalas, Managing Director at Heinemann Australia. George's impressive portfolio includes leadership positions at Nude by Nature, The Discovery Group, and L'Oréal. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of Heinemann, a global player in duty-free and travel retail, known for its exceptional offerings in perfumes, cosmetics, confectionery, and fashion. This episode covers: George shares Heinemann's vision to widen its scope and product range Insights into the pandemic's impact on travel retail, and the strategic initiatives implemented by Heinemann to navigate the crisis Leadership challenges faced during times of crisis and the critical qualities for effective leadership Complexities and rewards of serving a global market Heinemann's approach to catering to overseas customers Insights into effective strategies for customer retention in 2023 Tune in to this episode for these valuable insights, plus many more, as we explore the world of retail with visionary leaders. Thank you to our Principal Partner American Express for supporting this season of Retail Therapy. Learn more about American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/au/merchant/accept-amex-cards.html   ABOUT THE ARA: The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body, representing a $400bn sector that employs 1.3 million Australians. Learn more: retail.org.au   Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.