Retail media is evolving fast, but not always in the right direction. In this episode of Leader Generation, Drew Cashmore, Chief Strategy Officer at Vantage, joins Tessa Burg fresh from the Cannes Lions Festival to break down the most significant conversations shaping the future of retail and commerce media. Drew shares what he’s seeing across the industry—the opportunities, the challenges, and where marketers should focus their energy. If you’re working with retail media in any capacity, you’ll benefit from Drew’s candid insights into what’s working, what’s not, and how to create real value through presence, simplicity, and strategic alignment. From the power of in-store media to the fragmentation of first-party data systems, this episode brings clarity to a complex landscape.
Deborah Fell reflects on her recent conversation with Jeff Grass and the stark reality facing mid-market businesses today. Drawing from hundreds of CEO conversations, she reveals why some companies thrive during crisis while others struggle for years—or don’t survive at all. Deborah unpacks the counterintuitive truth that the key to rapid growth is subtraction—eliminating the activities that cloud real results. When every department shows green but business growth shows red, it’s time to focus on what truly matters: your customers’ most significant pain points.
When Frank Scavo sent Susan Finch his latest article about consulting skills, she knew we had to dig deeper. After 20 years of working together—first as his client, then as colleagues—we’ve lived the collaborative consulting model he champions. In this conversation, Susan and Frank explore why seasoned executives often struggle to transition into consulting, the critical difference between having authority and wielding influence, and why the best consulting relationships blur traditional boundaries. Frank shares hard-won insights from his 50-year career, including the fascinating failure of his “retread model” and what it really takes to move from telling people what to do to helping them discover solutions together.
On the Granite List Live, they explore the powerful impact of Five Wishes at Work, an innovative employee benefit that integrates end-of-life planning into workplace healthcare offerings. This week, Paul Malley, President of Aging with Dignity, joins the show to share how Five Wishes was inspired by the need for more compassionate and comprehensive healthcare benefits, addressing gaps in employee well-being that often go overlooked. Leigh and Paul delve into the common pain points that HR leaders encounter when it comes to end-of-life conversations and planning. They also review why it’s critical for organizations to offer proactive solutions and real-world case studies that demonstrate the tangible benefits of implementing Five Wishes at Work. With trends around mental health and holistic well-being on the rise, this episode offers valuable insights into enhancing benefits programs with a thoughtful, impactful solution that truly supports employees!
You’ll hear a Mark Twain quote in this episode of All-Volunteer, All Heart from Binky Patrol. “The two best days are the day we are born and the day we figure out why.” That quote captures this episode with Texas EquuSearch’s team as they share their stories, how they discovered this organization, and how honored they are to have found their purpose. This is the first half of the interview with Tammy Phillips, Director – Business Operations; Angelina Farris, Deputy Director; Ken Sandor, Field Operations Manager; Mary Allbright, Research Analyst and Family Liaison; and Mark Edwards, Field Operations Manager.
We hope you enjoy this week’s playlist.
