In this special episode, we're bringing you the highlights from the recent ARA Peak Season Insights Breakfast, where retail’s top leaders shared their expert perspectives on this year's holiday season!   Listen in as our panel of retail thought leaders shares their expertise, featuring:  Laura Demasi, Head of Retail Research at Roy Morgan Craig Woolford, Senior Analyst at MST Marquee Jo Jericho, Strategy Director at Monitor Deloitte Kevin Azzopardi, Director of Partner Marketing ANZ at...

In this special episode of Retail Therapy, we’re diving into the heart of peak season preparations with two expert voices in retail and technology. Fleur Brown, Chief Industry Affairs Officer at the Australian Retailers Association, is joined by Kate Box, Director of Retail ANZ at Meta, to explore how retailers can leverage cutting-edge technology and insights to thrive during the 2024 holiday season. Tune in to hear about: Key findings from Meta’s 2024 Holiday Insights Guide How AI is...

In this episode of Retail Therapy, ARA CEO Paul Zahra sits down with Gary Starr, Executive General Manager, Parcel, Post & eCommerce Services at Australia Post, to explore how the iconic postal service is preparing for the busiest time of the year - peak season! From delivering gifts across the globe to ensuring smooth customer experiences, Gary shares exclusive insights on Australia Post’s operations, including how they manage increased parcel volumes, hire additional staff and stay...

In this special peak season episode of Retail Therapy, Paul Zahra is joined by Craig Woolford, Senior Retail Analyst in the Consumer Sector at MST Marquee. Together, they explore what’s in store for retailers and consumers during the busiest time of the year—Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas shopping. The conversation covers the challenges retailers face with rising costs and supply chain pressures, as well as consumer behaviour shifts amid the ongoing cost-of-living crunch. Craig...

In this special Peak Season episode of Retail Therapy, we are joined by Laura Demasi, Head of Retail Research and Social and Consumer Trends at Roy Morgan. With over 15 years of experience in senior leadership roles at top social and consumer research firms, Laura is a data-driven storyteller and trend tracker. She works closely with the ARA to provide retailers with essential insights into market trends and shifting consumer behaviours. In this episode, Laura shares key findings from Roy...

Joining us on Retail Therapy is Sean McDonell, Director of Customers and Government for Google Melbourne. Sean has been with Google for over eleven years, holding various positions across the business. Most recently, he served as Industry Head, leading Google's Melbourne partnerships across automotive, retail, CPG, and media sectors. In this episode, Sean shares insights into leadership, business development and the role of technology in the evolving retail landscape. Discussion...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Matt Davis, CEO of Salvos Stores, as he shares his journey of leading one of the world’s most impactful charitable organisations. In this episode, Matt sits down with Paul Zahra to discuss leadership in the nonprofit sector, how to navigate crises and the future of humanitarian retail. 💡 What you'll learn: Matt’s personal leadership journey and pivotal career moments How Salvos Stores responds to crises like the cost-of-living emergency Insights on...

In this episode of Retail Therapy, we're joined by Joanne Mercer, a distinguished entrepreneur and the current Managing Director of Matilda Life. With an impressive career that includes senior roles at Myer and founding the premium footwear brand Jo Mercer as well as the lifestyle retailer Matilda Life, Joanne has consistently demonstrated her expertise in building successful businesses from the ground up.   Tune in as Joanne shares her invaluable insights on the challenges and triumphs of...

Joining us on Retail Therapy is Daniel Bracken, CEO at Michael Hill. Daniel has steered Michael Hill through transformative changes with his extensive background in retailing, fashion, and brand development. With over 25 years of experience managing some of the world’s most iconic brands, he has brought a fresh perspective to one of the most esteemed names in the jewellery retail sector.  This episode explores: Daniel’s career journey and motivation to join the jewellery sector Strategies for...

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...

Join us as we dive into the world of retail leadership with Angus McDonald, the CEO of Barbeques Galore. With over 25 years of retail experience, Angus has a wealth of knowledge and insights to share. In this special episode, we’ll explore his remarkable career journey, from his humble beginnings as a schoolboy working casual shifts at supermarkets to leading one of Australia’s most iconic brands. Highlights of the episode: Discover how Angus's early retail experiences have shaped his...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...