Retail Therapy

By Australian Retailers AssociationSociety & Culture Business Careers

Retail Therapy episodes

June 27, 2024From strategy to storefront with Natalie Davis
Our next guest on Retail Therapy, focusing on leadership is Natalie Davis, Managing Director at Woolworths Supermarkets.
Natalie Davis brings a wealth of experience to her role as Managing Director of Woolworths Supermarkets, a position she has held since October 2020. Her impressive career includes various senior positions within Woolworths, and a notable tenure as a Partner at McKinsey, where she spent 15 years advising on strategy and commercial transformation in the UK and Australia.
This episode explores:
Insight into Natalie’s career trajectory and rise to the Managing Director role at Woolworths Supermarkets
How Natalie navigates Woolworths Supermarkets through periods of significant change and uncertainty in the fast-paced retail sector
Methods for staying responsive to customer needs and maintaining a customer-centric focus
Importance of diversity in leadership and the integration of inclusion in leadership strategy
Strategies for keeping Woolworths competitive in a rapidly changing and highly competitive market
Words of wisdom for future leaders and key takeaways for leadership success
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Natalie Davis as we explore her remarkable journey and gain valuable insights into the world of retail leadership. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a retail professional, or simply interested in the dynamics of leading a major corporation, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice.
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.
30 min
June 13, 2024Leading through change with John King
Joining us today on Retail Therapy to kick off Season 7 is John King, the outgoing CEO of Myer.
John has been instrumental in revitalising Myer, steering the company through strategic transformations with his extensive background in retail management.
With over 30 years of experience in the retail industry, John has brought a wealth of knowledge and a renewed focus on customer service and digital integration to one of Australia's most iconic department stores.
In this episode, ARA CEO Paul Zahra and John discuss:
John's global career journey
Driving change at Myer
The importance of team diversity
Maintaining morale during uncertainty
Cultivating work-life balance at the CEO level
The role of mentorship broadly within the team
John's legacy and the best leadership advice he's received
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.
23 min
June 06, 2024 Season 7 Trailer: Leadership
Welcome to Season 7 of Retail Therapy.
This season ARA CEO Paul Zahra will be chatting with a fantastic line-up of retail leaders, including the CEOs of some of Australia’s biggest and most recognisable brands.
We’ll be learning about their career journey, what defines their leadership style and what got them, and keeps them, at the top of their game.
You won’t want to miss out on the wisdom, insights and stories that our guests will share. To be the first to know when we’ve released a new episode, make sure you follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your favourite shows.
To learn more about what we do at the ARA, head to retail.org.au.
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.

2 min
May 31, 2024Age diversity in focus with Dr Ginni Mansberg
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.
29 min
May 17, 2024Fostering Indigenous business growth with Kate Russell
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.
22 min
May 03, 2024Championing change with Angel Dixon
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.
37 min
April 19, 2024Designing for all with Manisha Amin
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.
26 min
April 05, 2024Trailblazing for change with Mariam Veiszadeh
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.
42 min
March 22, 2024From refugee to role model with Anyier Yuol
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.
28 min
March 08, 2024Navigating neurodiversity with Natalie Phillips-Mason
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.
32 min