Among the many pandemic-related challenges that the consumer industry has weathered, increasing talent shortage and turnover rates of frontline workforce continues to be a major hurdle. How are companies navigating this current landscape of frontline talent? What are some of the leading talent strategies that companies can leverage to retain and reward their employees? Tune in to hear from Barb Wallander, SVP, Human Resources and FedEx Express, and Cathy Gutierrez, Workforce Transformation leader at Deloitte Consulting LLP.

Frontline workers are a crucial force to an organization's success. While early 2020 saw a growing demand for high-quality frontline workers, all major sectors of the consumer industry were hit hard by the pandemic, causing a halt in the hiring spree. With the industry seemingly bouncing back to normal, how are companies reimagining their talent strategies to acquire, retain, and reward frontline talent? Barb Wallander, SVP, Human Resources at FedEx Express and Cathy Gutierrez, Senior Manager and Workforce Transformation Leader at Deloitte Consulting LLP join this episode to discuss.

In recent years, consumers' expectations of greater convenience and desire to stay "hyperconnected" through multiple channels has pushed retailers to rethink their approach to innovative and customer-centric shopping experiences. How do you design a store that achieves this? How do you balance convenience with profitability? Daniel Eckert, Operating Partner at Corsair Capital; and Adam York, a senior manager at Deloitte Consulting LLP, join this episode to discuss.

In recent years, consumers’ expectations of greater convenience and desire to stay “hyperconnected” through multiple channels has pushed retailers to rethink their approach to innovative and customer-centric shopping experiences. How do you design a store that achieves this? How do you balance convenience with profitability? Daniel Eckert, Operating Partner at Corsair Capital; and Adam York, a senior manager at Deloitte Consulting LLP, join this episode to discuss.

As the VP of Loyalty Operations and Customer Experience Strategy at Marriott International, Nikhil Takalkar has witnessed and contributed to the evolution of loyalty programs in the travel and hospitality industry over the last decade. He joins this episode alongside Ramya Murali, co-leader of Deloitte Consulting LLP's Loyalty offering, to discuss the major changes they've seen and where they think loyalty strategy is going next.

When it comes to issues like DE&I and sustainability, consumers are putting their money where their mouths are, and they expect businesses to do the same. Organizations that lead with purpose are not only driving societal prosperity, but sustainable prosperity for the business, too. Joining this episode to explain the why and how behind organizational purpose are Dan Kihanya, Director of Corporate Development and Investment at REI, and Kwasi Mitchell, Deloitte's Chief Purpose Officer.

In the tradition of reflecting on the past year to prepare for the new one, this episode takes a look at how consumers, retailers, shipping providers, and manufacturers faced the challenges of this past holiday season. Plus, the trends to watch for in 2022. Featuring guest speakers Chloe Harootunian and Alyssa Casale of Deloitte Consulting LLP.

Thanks for tuning in to Season 2 of That Makes Cents! We'll be back in early 2022 with new episodes and new guests for Season 3. In the meantime, make sure to catch up on past episodes and share with your network—and don't forget to subscribe. Connect with our host, Bobby Stephens, on Twitter @BobbyStephens or @DeloitteCB.

Holiday travel is set to make a return this year for many Americans who are excited to celebrate with friends and family. Still, health and budget concerns are keeping others at home. Anthony J. Jackson, leader of Deloitte's US airline sector, joins this episode to help us make sense of this season's travel trends.