This episode is brought to you by Mirakl. Because “Traditional eCommerce” Is Just Code for “Not Growing.” It’s time to do better than the status quo. Join 450+ retailers who are scaling 6X faster with AI, automation, and a platform built for what’s next. Marketplace, dropship, and retail media at enterprise-grade scale. It's time to accelerate with Mirakl.

Join us on a special Wednesday edition of The Watson Weekend with hosts Rick Watson and Jessica Laseski. We’re excited to welcome Sonal Gandhi, Chief Content Officer at The Lead, and Margo Oshry, Senior Director of Talent and Influencer Marketing at Authentic. We dive into The Lead's brand-new "D60 next list" and discuss the future of retail leadership, the power of non-traditional backgrounds, and the evolving world of influencer marketing.

Link: https://the-lead.co/the-d60-next-list/

In this episode, we explore:

• The Lead’s new list of up-and-coming retail leaders and what makes them stand out.
• The strategic role of in-house influencer marketing and brand-building at Authentic.
• The importance of nurturing relationships and personal branding for career growth.
• How non-traditional backgrounds and diverse perspectives are driving innovation in the industry.
• The need for adaptability and speed in a fast-paced market where waiting too long can mean missing opportunities.

This is a must-watch for anyone in the retail and e-commerce space who wants to stay ahead of the curve and understand what it takes to be a leader in the next generation.

• Welcome to The Watson Weekend - 00:00:00
• Headline Hangover Starts - 00:02:59
• Introducing Sonal & Margo - 00:16:24
• The Rise of the Next Generation of Retail Leaders - 00:27:44
• The Power of In-House Influencer Marketing - 00:30:30
• Closing Remarks - 00:41:45

This episode is brought to you by Mirakl. Because “Traditional eCommerce” Is Just Code for “Not Growing.” It’s time to do better than the status quo. Join 450+ retailers who are scaling 6X faster with AI, automation, and a platform built for what’s next. Marketplace, dropship, and retail media at enterprise-grade scale. It's time to accelerate with Mirakl.

Thanks to our sponsor, Crstl—The smarter way to EDI. See why brands like Neuro Gum and Andy Swim love it at CRSTL.ai.

Join Rick, Jess, and special guest Nate Skiver, founder of LPF Spend Management, as they dive into a fiery discussion about the state of shipping in e-commerce. In this spicy wing-eating challenge, Nate debunks a major shipping myth and shares his expertise from over two decades in the retail and consulting world.

In this episode, we explore:

• The biggest myth in shipping and why it's finally dying a slow death.
• How the e-commerce market has changed, creating more options beyond the "big three" carriers.
• The role of regional carriers and why more retailers are turning to them.
• How shipping technology advancements are making multi-carrier shipping easier to manage.

Grab a glass of milk and get ready for a fast-paced, insightful conversation that will change the way you think about your shipping strategy!

• Welcome to the Watson Weekend - 00:00:00
• Headline Hangover Starts - 00:02:49
• Introducing Nate Skiver - 00:16:31
• The Biggest Shipping Myth - 00:22:54
• The Future of the Parcel Industry - 00:26:56
• Final Thoughts - 00:46:17

Join us for a captivating episode of The Watson Weekend with guest Emmett Shine, the founder and creative director at Little Plains and co-founder of Pattern Brands. Known for helping launch and grow iconic brands like Harry's, Sweetgreen, and Warby Parker, Emmett sits down with Nick Kaplan to discuss the evolution of commerce, the role of human creativity in the age of AI, and what truly makes a brand resilient.

In this interview, we dive into:

• How AI is changing the game for agencies and brand builders.
• The critical difference between "pull marketing" and "push marketing."
• Why authenticity and vulnerability are more important than polished perfection.
• The concept of "brand as a club" and the human need for belonging.
• Why retail spaces are evolving into "content studios" for a new generation of "experience collectors."
• Emmett's philosophy on staying ahead of creative obsolescence by being "as close to the metal as possible."

This is a must-watch for founders, marketers, and creatives looking to understand how to build brands that matter in a rapidly changing world.

• Welcome to The Watson Weekend - 00:00:00
• Headline Hangover Sponsored by Crstl Starts - 00:01:44
• Introducing Emmett Shine - 00:15:10
• The Future of Commerce & AI - 00:19:45
• Brands as Ecosystems & the Agency Model - 00:29:51
• Closing Remarks - 01:07:41

This episode is brought to you by Mirakl. Because “Traditional eCommerce” Is Just Code for “Not Growing.” It’s time to do better than the status quo. Join 450+ retailers who are scaling 6X faster with AI, automation, and a platform built for what’s next. Marketplace, dropship, and retail media at enterprise-grade scale. It's time to accelerate with Mirakl.

Thanks to our sponsor, Crstl—The smarter way to EDI. See why brands like Neuro Gum and Andy Swim love it at CRSTL.ai.