Kathy Leonard on LinkedIn: #publix #publixpharmacy #grandopening (2024)

Great advice for leaders

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Creativity! One of the things that we #leaders and professionals have the opportunity to do is to tap into our ability to innovate. In fact, I believe that #innovation is one of the key components of an EPIC culture that is Empowering, Purpose-Driven, Innovative and Collaborative. Yesterday, as I dashed around prepping for a quick “staycation” with the man I love, I was transported into a #mindset of whimsy and fun…. Yes, thanks to a grocery store! (The Publix in Riverview on 301 by Belmont) #publix . If creating an emotional state of possibility is a winning sales strategy, this Publix gets an A+++. The store looked more like a high end sweet 16 party than a place to pick up a box of Fruit Loops. Not only was the floral department brimming with balloons and flowers (even an entire section of balloons in Spanish), but every single aisle throughout the store cried out with Valentine’s Day playful whimsy.I can only imagine how much labor and inventory went into creating this Valentine’s Day experience and I would guess that some might have had reservations about committing to this expense. However, what I witnessed was a breath of surprise and awe from every single person who stepped through their front door. Virtually every single shopper stopped and picked up the bigger bouquet of flowers, the fancier balloon, the curated presentation of chocolates and a stuffed animal. It was so #easy and inviting. By buying into these products, it felt as if you were buying into the perfect magical Valentine’s Day experience. So as I sit here on this glorious day representing love and human kindness (including kindness to Self), I am reminded of the wonder that we each have the capacity to ignite when we step boldly into the realm of #creativity and innovation. Creating unexpected experiences is something that we as individuals can initiate or be part of in the context of our organizations and businesses. I would guess that some team members of that Publix may have felt that their role in inflating all of those balloons was insignificant, if not mundane. To me, those balloons serve as a reminder that the “mundane” tasks that we perform in the context of our companies might turn out to be that remarkable, “brighten your day” moment for one of our clients. So no matter how “small” your role, don’t underestimate your value. Even James Bond needed his Q. So on this lovely Valentine’s Day, what remarkably creative experience will you choose to create? And can you amplify your innovation by collaborating with someone else? Ideas? #leadershipdevelopment #keynotespeaker #motivation #epic #resilience #grit #gritmindsetacademy #meridithalexander #business #podcast #valentinesday

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Every time I mention Chewy, #PetParents and #Partners smile at me and say, "I use Chewy; I shop there. I love it 💙." This reaffirms that I am in the right place - a #company that lives by its Operational Principle and is dedicated to putting #CustomerFIRST, no questions asked. It's no wonder that we receive such recognition. As a #customer and #employee who witnesses how we all work together, I can personally attest that we consistently #deliverresults, #thinkBIG, #BuildHighPerformingTeams, #ActasOwners, and #LeadbyExample. #diversityequityandinclusion #TeamMemberResourceGroups #TeamMemberRules #BrandsThatMatters

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The story of the iconic Anheuser-Busch dynasty, written--for the first time--by a Busch heir.As an heir to the Anheuser-Busch company and fortune, Billy Busch was raised on the real stories of how his family built one of America's oldest and most iconic brands. Since the company was formed almost 150 years ago, the Busch family, their beer, the famous Clydesdales in their advertising, and even their style of business have become a symbol of the American dream--that not-so-outdated belief that hard work, grit, and a positive can-do attitude make anything possible.#BillyBusch #FamilyReins #newreleasesbook #bookreading #newreleasebook #newreleasesbookstagram #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookstoresofinstagram #bookish #bookstagrammers #bookinstagrammer #bookstore #bookshoplover #bookreviewers #igreads #bookreviews #bookishlove

Another guy with a dream and a pick up truck...Cleve Morman and his story is in the "Who Owns the Ice House?" book. It's the foundation for the entrepreneur mindset training by NC IDEA. Jay this us how most businesses start, and this is an actual training how to discover opportunities others overlook! Its not about Silicon Valley venture capital entrepreneurs, I facilitate changes to mindsets for people to achieve a successful future, starting with no ideas, no financial advantage, simply by solving problems in our world.. #whoownstheicehouse #entrepreneurs

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I read a lot about leadership and trusting leaders on LinkedIn. Although this article focuses on the CEO’s emotional intelligence, I think he also demonstrated good leadership and that the people who work at Taco John’s have a leader they can trust

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I started in retail at 18 years old- now turning 35I spent almost 14 years at Walmart, moving up the ladder. Never once interviewed for a job up the climb. The challenge of working and planning such a complex company was exciting and rewarding. Never did I see myself leaving Walmart but life happens.Joining Ollies as a Store manager after needing to relocate back to Pa and again tried to climb the ladder. An Ollies Store Manager their mission is simple and clear. Plan your manifest, make room for the freight, crush it in 2 days, easy lets roll. I grew bored and moved over to District LP. Covering four states worth of stores and endless travel, this became clear I should of stayed running a store. Me sitting still and searching for internals was not my thing.Petco Store Manager- before training was over it knew it wasn’t for me. Took a jump based on the pay specifically. I knew this was not for me. As an animal lover the idea of being over animals sounded great, till you as the gm are the one cleaning the cages. Very limited hours due to volume size, with a stock price hovering under $2.00Gabes Store Manager- Great bigger box than Ollies so time to roll again. More money so lets make the jump again. Five trucks a week, perfect lets plan some freight. If only it was that simple. Inconsistency with processes would be an understatement.I’m not sure if retail management is getting stale, or once you work for the giants of the world everything else seems less rewarding. Retail and retail management is surely changing.

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Having not too long ago married into a family rooted in Alabama and Tennessee, I have become accustomed to having Milo’s #tea at every family occasion (and I appreciate that they buy jugs of the unsweet version in addition to the sweet they all love). So I particularly enjoyed the lunchtime speaker at #BevTech today, Tricia Wallwork, CEO of Milo's Tea Company, Inc., who talked about what drives the company forward.It was never really the intent for Milo’s to be a #beverage company. Through the generations, this family-owned company has been driven by economic prosperity not only for themselves but also for the communities that they’re part of. It began with Tricia’s grandfather, Milo, who—after returning home from World War II, where he was an army cook—opened a restaurant selling burgers and fries in Birmingham, Ala. Tricia’s parents started franchising the restaurant in the 1980s. When her dad was looking to retire and sell the restaurants, the buyer didn’t want the tea, so he kept that.Along the way, Wallwork traded in her high heels for some steel-toed boots, dropping her law career to take over the family business. Manufacturing space grew from about 3 acres to over 100 in 2020 at a new greenfield facility in Tulsa, Okla., then expanded further to a brownfield dairy facility to make #lemonade, and now is building another facility in Spartanburg, S.C.Today, Milo’s is in all 50 states, at more than 50,000 retail locations across the country—doing just as well in Whole Foods as it does in Walmart. Regardless of how it grows, it’s still very much about communities, according to Wallwork, who talks about building institutions that make a positive impact in the world.“Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a Pollyanna thing. We are a culture of very high accountability, high results, and high trust,” Wallwork says. “But we know that we are also there to help one another—whether that’s our external partners, our associates, or anyone that is in our ecosystem.”ISBT - International Society of Beverage TechnologistsProFood World

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Ray Kroc's story is a testament to the power of persistence and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. He encountered numerous rejections and skepticism when he envisioned turning a small burger joint into a global phenomenon.At every corner, Kroc faced doubters and skeptics who couldn't see the potential in his ambitious plans. Friends, investors, and even the McDonald brothers initially turned down his ideas. They couldn't fathom the scale of what he envisioned for the fast-food industry.However, Kroc refused to succumb to discouragement. He persisted, fueled by an unshakable belief in his vision. He continued to refine his strategies, adapt to setbacks, and tirelessly pursued his goals despite the numerous obstacles.His breakthrough eventually came. Through sheer determination and persistence, Kroc managed to seize an opportunity, acquiring the rights to McDonald's and transforming it into a global empire.His story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the ambitious. It illustrates that even in the face of repeated rejection and doubt, those with unwavering dedication to their ambitions will eventually carve their path to success. Kroc's journey exemplifies how resilience, persistence, and an unyielding belief in one's vision can turn seemingly impossible dreams into reality. For all those striving for their ambitions, Kroc's story serves as a reminder that their time to shine will undoubtedly come.#mcdonalds #persistence #ambition #success

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“What is the city but the people?”— William ShakespeareLove this quote, and can’t help but feel this applies to Sam’s Club and Walmart. We have a huge, complex business by any standard, and each team is playing a unique and vital role in serving our Members and Customers. Today, I had the opportunity to travel with this cross-functional group of leaders to 2 of our DC’s. One in Searcy, AR which manages some amazing product - one of the most complex DC’s in our portfolio with an incredible group of leaders - and an FC in Memphis that is balancing intense innovation while serving their community. Each have an incredibly unique value proposition for our Members, and each have a crew that won’t settle for status quo. They are part of our “city.” Our people truly make the difference, and it’s incredible what they have accomplished. For Searcy, they’ve enabled triple digit comps YTD for the first time in the history of my team’s business. Unbelievably proud of all they’ve enabled so far this year. Also reminded of the value of stepping out of the day to day to spend time with cross-functional teams. Always a source of endless opportunities and value creation. I don’t have a pic of Searcy, but you know who you are, proud to be a part of this “city” they’ve helped build. #innovation #team #community #people #samsclub #walmart #greatplacetowork #proudmoment #crossfunctionalcollaborations #winningteam

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