innovate ON purpose

What does it really take to disrupt a legacy category that hasn’t changed in decades?

In this episode of Innovate On Purpose, host Matt Mueller sits down with Sarah Holman, Chief Commercial Officer of Bobbie, to unpack how one mom-led challenger brand transformed the infant formula aisle — one of the most regulated, emotional, and overlooked categories in retail.

Sarah shares her unconventional journey from law and venture capital to building Bobbie from the ground up, including the raw consumer insight that sparked the brand’s creation (yes, it involves buying baby formula out of a stranger’s garage). Together, Matt and Sarah explore what true disruption looks like when you’re going up against industry giants — and why getting on shelf isn’t the win.

This conversation goes deep on:

• Why the center aisle — especially infant formula — resisted innovation for decades
• How Bobbie reframed formula as food, not a commodity
• The power of lived consumer experience in building trust
• What it takes to move from DTC to retail — and actually win
• Why “creating a community in the aisle” matters more than shelf placement
• How empathy, education, and advocacy can drive category growth
• What operational excellence really means when scaling an omnichannel brand

Whether you’re a founder, brand leader, retailer, or innovation strategist, this episode is a masterclass in human-centered disruption, retail strategy, and purpose-driven growth.

Learn more about Sara and Bobbie:

• Sara's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraahmed/
• Bobbie Website: https://www.hibobbie.com/

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation

In this episode, Matt Mueller interviews Maximilian Anderson, founder of SKUMAX, about how AI is transforming retail, particularly for small businesses. They discuss the importance of real-time inventory tracking, the emotional impact of data on retail owners, and the potential for small businesses to lead retail innovation. Maximilian shares success stories from clients who have improved their profits by addressing stale inventory and emphasizes the need for curiosity and playfulness in leadership. The conversation also touches on the future of retail and the collaboration opportunities with larger retailers.

Takeaways:
- AI is changing the landscape of retail.
- Small businesses can lead retail transformation.
- Real-time inventory tracking is crucial for profitability.
- Curiosity and playfulness are essential traits for leaders.
- Data should evoke emotional responses to drive action.
- Understanding inventory health can significantly impact profits.
- Item velocity is key to retail success.
- Big box retailers can learn from small business agility.
- Technology must catch up to innovative ideas.
- The future of retail involves digitization and real-time data access.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to SkewMax and Retail Innovation
04:03 The Spark Behind SkewMax
07:35 The Role of APIs in Retail Transformation
10:05 Client Success Stories and Emotional Insights
17:05 Turning Data into Actionable Insights
20:09 Learning from Small Businesses
24:31 Future Collaborations and Innovations

Learn more about SKUMAX: https://skumax.app/

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation

Retailers are investing millions into new technology—but most of it never gets adopted, never solves the real problem, and never delivers ROI. Why? In this episode, innovation strategist Matt Mueller sits down with retail technology expert and RETHINK Retail Advisor Jessica Couch to reveal the biggest mistake retailers make with tech—and the simple shift that can transform customer experience, store performance, and operational efficiency.

Jessica breaks down why retailers continually choose the wrong tools, overlook the true customer pain points, and assume they know what shoppers want. She shares powerful examples from Nordstrom, beauty retail, grocery, fashion, and DTC—plus the surprising truth behind why denim “declined,” how Good American cracked the code, and what retailers must do before implementing any new platform, POS, AI, or in-store technology.

Whether you're a CPG leader, retail operator, store innovation director, or tech provider, this episode will show you how to pick the right technology, drive adoption, reduce friction, and create real impact inside your stores.

In This Episode:

• The #1 mistake retailers make when choosing new technology
• Why surveys fail—and what customers actually respond to
• How to quickly uncover your biggest customer problem
• The role of AI in simplifying training, workflows, and adoption
• How to identify organizational friction before buying tech
• Why retailers are “bleeding money” without realizing it
• The secret to pitching tech that leadership will approve
• Real-world stories: Nordstrom Beauty, Good American, Wegmans, and more

Who This Episode Is For:

Retail leaders, CPG innovators, store operators, retail media professionals, customer experience teams, product innovators, technologists, founders, and anyone trying to modernize the retail experience.

Learn more about Jessica Couch.

If you enjoyed this episode:

Subscribe for more insights on retail innovation, customer psychology, and building technology that actually works in stores.

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation

In this episode of Innovate On Purpose, Matt sits down with Abby Czarniecki of New Belgium Brewing to explore how one of America’s most iconic craft beer brands is transforming its retail media strategy, e-commerce growth plans, sampling innovations, and AI readiness in a rapidly shifting marketplace.

Abby reveals how New Belgium balances “the now vs. the next”—executing today’s revenue-driving priorities while running smart experiments that shape planning for 2026 and beyond. She breaks down how her team tests new retail media networks, evaluates commerce media placements, and uses small-budget experiments to understand what truly moves the needle for brands like Voodoo Ranger and Fat Tire.

You’ll hear a rare inside look at a breakthrough GoPuff digital sampling campaign, where New Belgium drove explosive new-to-brand trial and repeat purchases—and even used the results to influence future packaging strategy.

Matt and Abby also dig into one of the biggest topics in CPG today: AI in marketing. Abby explains New Belgium’s measured approach, discussing how to choose the right AI tools, avoid bottlenecks, protect creative authenticity, and ensure organization-wide adoption.

Beyond the tech, this episode uncovers how to break down internal silos, build tighter relationships between digital and sales teams, navigate blind spots in consumer insights within regulated industries, and create authentic partnerships—from Borderlands (gaming) to Vans (lifestyle).

Whether you're a retail leader, CPG marketer, e-commerce operator, or brand innovator, this conversation is packed with tactics, frameworks, and fresh ideas you can apply immediately.

Chapters
00:00 Navigating the Craft Beer Landscape
05:39 Balancing Experimentation and Execution
10:10 Breaking Down Silos in Marketing
15:51 Understanding Consumer Insights in Alcohol
19:48 Innovative Sampling Strategies in E-commerce
20:14 Analyzing Sampling Results and Consumer Behavior
22:54 Strategic Innovations for Product Launches
26:14 Navigating AI in Marketing Strategies
29:16 Building Authentic Brand Partnerships

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation

Retail strategist DeAnn Campbell exposes the invisible forces draining 2–5% of your store revenue each week — and how to stop them. From poor lighting to “store blindness,” she explains how hidden frictions erode value and how employee workarounds often point to the real problems. A must-listen for leaders seeking friction-free store experiences and effortless customer journeys.
Keywords: retail friction, customer experience, DeAnn Campbell, store operations, retail efficiency, shopper fatigue.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Retail Challenges
02:06 Deanne's Unique Background in Retail
05:23 Understanding Store Blindness
09:40 Refocusing on Controllable Factors
12:38 Small Changes, Big Impact
18:49 Observing Customer Behavior
23:09 Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement
25:34 Taking Action on Insights
29:58 Mindset Shift for Retail Leaders

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation

Luxury has lost its meaning — and consumers have noticed. In this provocative episode, Marie Driscoll, one of fashion’s most respected analysts, joins Matt Mueller to dissect how “big is the enemy of cool.” Marie explains why skyrocketing prices and falling quality have created a trust recession, and how transparency, storytelling, and craftsmanship can win it back. They explore the rise of “mastige” brands, the dilution of exclusivity, and what younger labels can learn from heritage houses without repeating their mistakes. Whether you’re in luxury, CPG, or mainstream retail, this episode reveals how to rebuild value through authenticity, not hype.

Chapters
00:00 The Evolution of Luxury
03:36 Defining True Luxury Today
06:28 Consequential Shifts in Luxury Retail
11:36 Trust Breakers in Luxury Brands
17:24 The Impact of Growth on Brand Integrity
22:40 Strategies for Younger Brands
28:03 Distribution Strategies in Luxury
33:43 Future Risks and Opportunities for Luxury Brands

 Keywords: luxury retail, brand trust, consumer authenticity, fashion strategy, storytelling, premium brands, Rethink Retail 2026 

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation

What can you build with $180 and a bold idea? Josh Rockoff joins Matt Mueller to share how he resurrected a forgotten brand and turned it into a cult favorite — without paid media. In this episode, Josh reveals why performance marketing became an addiction for many brands, and how he replaced it with trust-driven, zero-paid-media tactics that deliver lasting growth. Matt calls it “wartime marketing” — where resourcefulness meets authenticity. If you’re rethinking your 2026 growth plan, this conversation is a masterclass in scrappy strategy, community building, and earning attention instead of buying it.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Retail Innovation
02:46 Reviving Dormant Brands
05:44 Marketing on a Budget
08:33 Leveraging Customer Data
11:10 Improving Margins in Retail
14:09 Mindset Shifts for Retail Success

Keywords: brand growth, zero paid media, marketing strategy, consumer trust, brand turnaround, authentic marketing, Rethink Retail 2026 

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation

Technology gets the headlines, but people drive the results. Retail veteran Barney Stacher joins Matt Mueller on Innovate ON Purpose to reveal why the most powerful tech in any store is still its associates. Barney shares practical lessons on training, acknowledgement, and the simple gestures that turn a shopper into a loyal customer. From reducing turnover to increasing spend, he explains how emotional connection fuels measurable growth — and why “a happy customer is a good spending customer.” This episode challenges leaders to rethink labor not as a cost center, but as their greatest competitive advantage.
Keywords: store operations, employee experience, retail innovation, customer loyalty, workforce optimization, people first retail, Rethink Retail 2026 

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation

Retail isn’t changing — it’s already changed. In this episode of Innovate ON Purpose, host Matt Mueller sits down with Scott Benedict, founder of Benedict Enterprises and former Director at Walmart, to explore how retailers can finally align the digital and physical worlds. Scott shares how store managers getting credit for online sales transformed Walmart’s culture overnight, why siloed teams still block omnichannel growth, and how today’s “digital-first consumer” navigates a non-linear path to purchase. Together they unpack what it means to measure what truly matters — from unified inventory to integrated marketing — and why alignment, not acceleration, will define retail success in 2026.

Keywords: omnichannel retail, digital transformation, Walmart, unified commerce, retail innovation, consumer behavior, Rethink Retail 2026

Chapters
00:00 The Digital Transformation of Retail
09:13 Understanding Consumer Behavior in a Digital World
17:40 The Importance of Integration in Retail Operations
25:04 Rethinking Retail Strategies for the Future
32:24 Leveraging Global Insights for Local Success

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation

Nestlé’s Head of Digital Marketing Analytics, Aaron Winkler, joins host Matt Mueller to reveal how the world’s largest food & beverage company turns consumer insights into impactful innovation. We dig into AI-enabled analytics, social/search listening, ratings & reviews mining, and the change management required to drive tool adoption across 30+ brands. Aaron shares a surprising sustainability insight (transportation > packaging), explains the “data scape” approach that blends multiple data streams, and shows how to connect insights to brand purpose so leaders take action. If you work in CPG, retail, or marketing analytics, this episode is your playbook for turning data into real business outcomes.

• How Nestlé operationalizes insights across websites, social, influencers, email, ratings & reviews, and the digital retailer shelf.
• Why AI is useful only if adopted—and the tactics Aaron uses to increase tool usage (dashboards, alerts, office hours).
• The “data scape” method: layering social + search + site behavior + reviews to see consumers’ true behavior (not just what they say).
• A counterintuitive sustainability learning: transportation of goods drove more conversation than packaging—and how that shifted PR outreach.
• How to evaluate and select tools (identify blind spots → RFP → pilot → measure stakeholder satisfaction and decision impact).
• The leadership unlock: insights come from analysts; purpose comes from leaders—tie data to brand goals to get action.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Data-Driven Marketing at Nestle
03:35 The Role of Data in Marketing Strategy
06:24 Purpose-Driven Campaigns and Consumer Insights
08:53 Leveraging Social Listening for Brand Strategy
11:45 Navigating Organizational Change and Stakeholder Buy-In
14:29 Integrating Digital Tools for Consumer Insights
17:26 Understanding Consumer Behavior Through Data
20:13 Evaluating the Effectiveness of Marketing Tools
22:55 Overcoming Challenges in Tool Adoption
25:39 The Importance of Transparency in Marketing
28:20 Connecting Insights to Brand Purpose
31:07 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

• Adoption > Features: A powerful platform unused is worthless. Design for ease; embed alerts/dashboards in workflows.
• Blend data sources: Social ≠ truth. Search, site journeys, and reviews uncover actual behavior.
• Show the shift: Visualizations over time make leaders comfortable changing course.
• Tie to purpose: Translate metrics to leader goals (e.g., revenue, conversion, trust).
• Continuously reassess: Annual tool reviews for fit, cost, and impact—don’t “set and forget."

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation