Joining us to discuss his brilliant new book Rethinking Work: Seismic Changes in the Where, When & Why, is author, speaker, and trusted advisor Rishad Tobaccowala. Rishad returns to the pod to share important themes in how work is changing in profound ways and what leaders need to do to respond to emerging and powerful new forces. 

As usual we start by unpacking the week in retail news, including a wee bit of macro-economic news amid a fair amount of chaos. Then it's on to DeepSeek's shocking announcement, even more encouraging reports on GLP-1 drugs, and a big funding round for fast-growing fashion brand Quince. We also start off earnings season by commenting on lackluster results from both Starbucks and LVMH. We conclude with happy news that The Container Store has emerged from bankruptcy and that Walmart is going big in Canada.

About Us

Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling author of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.

Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast.  He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.