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Cristina Marinucci & Jacqueline Dynowski

SHeCOMMERCE

A Careers , Business and Marketing podcast

#31 in Careers · 🇺🇸
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About the show

Bold Brands. Fierce Women. One Sisterhood. SHeCommerce is more than just a podcast, it's a community.  Hosted by Cristina and Jax, two seasoned CPG leaders with almost 50 years of combined international experience, SHeCommerce dives deep into the heart of the CPG revolution, tackling the issues that matter most to women in the industry. Tired of surface-level business podcasts? We get it. That's why we're committed to providing real talk, real solutions, and a whole lot of heart. From decoding the latest retail media strategies and accelerating omni-commerce growth to navigating work-life imbalance, shattering stereotypes, and fighting for wage equality – nothing is off-limits. With Cristina's unparalleled insights in consumer/shopper behavior, category management, and omni-channel strategy, combined with Jax's digital transformation prowess and global leadership experience, you're getting battle-tested strategies you can actually use. But SHeCommerceis about more than just business. It's about building a supportive sisterhood where women (and women advocates) can connect, share their stories, and inspire each other to achieve their full potential. Join us for smart, strategic, and unapologetically female conversations. We promise to be the happiest (and most insightful) 20 minutes of your week! SHeCommerce: It's not just business, it's personal. It's time to power up your career, your brand, and your life!

Newest episodes

Episode 48: Commerce’s Biggest Conversations, Decoded - Recap from Digital Shelf Summit, London & Advertising Week, NYC.

13 min

From London to Advertising Week: AI Hype, Human Connection & the Future of Commerce  AI is everywhere. But are we losing sight of what actually drives growth? From the Digital Shelf Institute Summit in London to Advertising Week, SHeCOMMERCE is taking you straight to the heart of the conversations shaping the future of commerce. We're going beyond the buzzwords to explore what's really moving the industry forward: AI, retail media, omnichannel growth, smarter measurement, human creativity, and the power of genuine connection. And because this is SHeCOMMERCE, we're also shining a spotlight on the women who are challenging the status quo and building what's next. 🎤 Stop 1: Digital Shelf Institute Summit | London Jacqui Dynowski takes us onto the event floor to capture the energy, emerging priorities, and conversations driving digital commerce. Featured voices include: Jamie, from the Digital Show – Sets the scene with an inside look at the event atmosphere and excitement surrounding the day's speakers and sessions.George Morton, CommerceIQ – Shares his interest in the industry's hottest topics, particularly generative AI, how businesses are putting it to work, and what lies ahead.Magdalena, ChannelSight – Highlights the importance of partnerships, collaboration, and staying connected to new capabilities and innovations across the commerce ecosystem.Anne-Marie Burda, Nielsen Brandbank – Emphasizes the value of open dialogue, learning from industry perspectives, and engaging with the challenges brands are facing.Key takeaways: AI is moving from industry conversation to practical business application.Partnerships and collaboration remain essential to commerce innovation.Staying curious, connected, and open to new perspectives is critical in a rapidly evolving industry.🎤 Stop 2: Advertising Week | Where AI Meets the Human Element Cristina Marinucci hits the floor at Advertising Week, asking industry leaders the questions that matter: What's overhyped? What's being overl...

Episode 47: $100 Million. No Playbook: Brendan Cawley on Building Righteous Felon, His Way

1 hr 4 min

What happens when a middle-school jerky hustle, a Kmart dehydrator, a few hundred bucks from friends and family, and a suspicious-looking baggie turn into a brand crossing $100 million in retail sales? You get Righteous Felon. In this episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Brendan Cawley, Founder & CEO of Righteous Felon, for a founder story that is equal parts accidental, audacious, scrappy—and refreshingly devoid of the usual startup theater. There was no giant funding round. No polished 50-page business plan. No army of employees. And definitely no traditional playbook. Instead, Brendan and a tight crew of childhood friends and family figured it out as they went—selling at farmers markets and beer festivals, hunting down manufacturers willing to take a chance on them, obsessing over flavor and storytelling, and turning a middle-school inside joke into one of the most distinctive brands in meat snacks. And then things got big. Really big. Today, Righteous Felon has crossed the $100 million retail sales mark while staying lean, founder-led, deeply personal and unapologetically weird. But this conversation isn't just about the number. It's about what happens after the scrappy brand starts winning. How do you evolve from founder to CEO without losing your edge?How do you bring new leaders into a company built by brothers and childhood friends?How do you professionalize the business without becoming painfully corporate?And how do you scale what consumers love without killing what made them love it?Brendan gets candid about all of it. About Brendan Cawley: Brendan Cawley is the Founder and CEO of Righteous Felon. His fascination with jerky started as a kid after watching his uncle turn raw ingredients into a product he could sell to coworkers at a Pittsburgh steel mill. That curiosity eventually became a childhood jerky operation of his own—and one memorable misunderstanding involving a teacher, a school bathroom and a hand-to-hand transaction. Years...

Ep 46:m Sparkling Sips: The Signal Era — Kait Stephens, Brij; Why Smarter Advertising Starts with Better Data

21 min

AI may be getting smarter. But are we giving it the full picture? Live from Advertising Week New York, where everyone is talking AI, algorithms, attribution, and measurement, SHeCOMMERCE sits down with Kait Stephens, CEO and Co-Founder of Brij, to challenge one of advertising's biggest blind spots: Brands are spending billions to reach consumers they don't fully understand. Welcome to the Signal Era, where the quality of the data feeding advertising algorithms may matter more than the sophistication of the technology itself. For CPG brands, the challenge is especially real. Consumers discover products on TikTok, engage with ads on Meta, and ultimately purchase at Walmart, Target, or Amazon. Yet much of that purchasing behavior remains disconnected from the advertising platforms trying to optimize performance. Kait breaks down how connecting retail and marketplace purchases back to digital advertising can transform measurement, improve customer acquisition, and help brands make smarter investments across the entire commerce ecosystem. But this conversation goes beyond algorithms. Kait shares her journey from private equity investor to technology founder, the realities of fundraising as a woman, and how embracing authenticity, empathy, and her public voice has become a leadership advantage. The big message? Smarter algorithms alone won't win the next era of advertising. Better signals, connected thinking, and leaders willing to challenge the status quo will. 🔥 Key Takeaways 1. We've entered the Signal Era. AI-powered advertising platforms are increasingly making targeting and optimization decisions automatically. That makes the quality and completeness of the data brands feed those algorithms a critical competitive advantage. 2. Your DTC customer isn't necessarily your retail customer. For a brand generating 80% of sales outside its DTC channel, algorithms trained only on website purchasers may be learning from just 20% of its actual customer base. And those customer...

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All episodes

Episode 48: Commerce’s Biggest Conversations, Decoded - Recap from Digital Shelf Summit, London & Advertising Week, NYC.

13 min

From London to Advertising Week: AI Hype, Human Connection & the Future of Commerce  AI is everywhere. But are we losing sight of what actually drives growth? From the Digital Shelf Institute Summit in London to Advertising Week, SHeCOMMERCE is taking you straight to the heart of the conversations shaping the future of commerce. We're going beyond the buzzwords to explore what's really moving the industry forward: AI, retail media, omnichannel growth, smarter measurement, human creativity, and the power of genuine connection. And because this is SHeCOMMERCE, we're also shining a spotlight on the women who are challenging the status quo and building what's next. 🎤 Stop 1: Digital Shelf Institute Summit | London Jacqui Dynowski takes us onto the event floor to capture the energy, emerging priorities, and conversations driving digital commerce. Featured voices include: Jamie, from the Digital Show – Sets the scene with an inside look at the event atmosphere and excitement surrounding the day's speakers and sessions.George Morton, CommerceIQ – Shares his interest in the industry's hottest topics, particularly generative AI, how businesses are putting it to work, and what lies ahead.Magdalena, ChannelSight – Highlights the importance of partnerships, collaboration, and staying connected to new capabilities and innovations across the commerce ecosystem.Anne-Marie Burda, Nielsen Brandbank – Emphasizes the value of open dialogue, learning from industry perspectives, and engaging with the challenges brands are facing.Key takeaways: AI is moving from industry conversation to practical business application.Partnerships and collaboration remain essential to commerce innovation.Staying curious, connected, and open to new perspectives is critical in a rapidly evolving industry.🎤 Stop 2: Advertising Week | Where AI Meets the Human Element Cristina Marinucci hits the floor at Advertising Week, asking industry leaders the questions that matter: What's overhyped? What's being overl...

Episode 47: $100 Million. No Playbook: Brendan Cawley on Building Righteous Felon, His Way

1 hr 4 min

What happens when a middle-school jerky hustle, a Kmart dehydrator, a few hundred bucks from friends and family, and a suspicious-looking baggie turn into a brand crossing $100 million in retail sales? You get Righteous Felon. In this episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Brendan Cawley, Founder & CEO of Righteous Felon, for a founder story that is equal parts accidental, audacious, scrappy—and refreshingly devoid of the usual startup theater. There was no giant funding round. No polished 50-page business plan. No army of employees. And definitely no traditional playbook. Instead, Brendan and a tight crew of childhood friends and family figured it out as they went—selling at farmers markets and beer festivals, hunting down manufacturers willing to take a chance on them, obsessing over flavor and storytelling, and turning a middle-school inside joke into one of the most distinctive brands in meat snacks. And then things got big. Really big. Today, Righteous Felon has crossed the $100 million retail sales mark while staying lean, founder-led, deeply personal and unapologetically weird. But this conversation isn't just about the number. It's about what happens after the scrappy brand starts winning. How do you evolve from founder to CEO without losing your edge?How do you bring new leaders into a company built by brothers and childhood friends?How do you professionalize the business without becoming painfully corporate?And how do you scale what consumers love without killing what made them love it?Brendan gets candid about all of it. About Brendan Cawley: Brendan Cawley is the Founder and CEO of Righteous Felon. His fascination with jerky started as a kid after watching his uncle turn raw ingredients into a product he could sell to coworkers at a Pittsburgh steel mill. That curiosity eventually became a childhood jerky operation of his own—and one memorable misunderstanding involving a teacher, a school bathroom and a hand-to-hand transaction. Years...

Ep 46:m Sparkling Sips: The Signal Era — Kait Stephens, Brij; Why Smarter Advertising Starts with Better Data

21 min

AI may be getting smarter. But are we giving it the full picture? Live from Advertising Week New York, where everyone is talking AI, algorithms, attribution, and measurement, SHeCOMMERCE sits down with Kait Stephens, CEO and Co-Founder of Brij, to challenge one of advertising's biggest blind spots: Brands are spending billions to reach consumers they don't fully understand. Welcome to the Signal Era, where the quality of the data feeding advertising algorithms may matter more than the sophistication of the technology itself. For CPG brands, the challenge is especially real. Consumers discover products on TikTok, engage with ads on Meta, and ultimately purchase at Walmart, Target, or Amazon. Yet much of that purchasing behavior remains disconnected from the advertising platforms trying to optimize performance. Kait breaks down how connecting retail and marketplace purchases back to digital advertising can transform measurement, improve customer acquisition, and help brands make smarter investments across the entire commerce ecosystem. But this conversation goes beyond algorithms. Kait shares her journey from private equity investor to technology founder, the realities of fundraising as a woman, and how embracing authenticity, empathy, and her public voice has become a leadership advantage. The big message? Smarter algorithms alone won't win the next era of advertising. Better signals, connected thinking, and leaders willing to challenge the status quo will. 🔥 Key Takeaways 1. We've entered the Signal Era. AI-powered advertising platforms are increasingly making targeting and optimization decisions automatically. That makes the quality and completeness of the data brands feed those algorithms a critical competitive advantage. 2. Your DTC customer isn't necessarily your retail customer. For a brand generating 80% of sales outside its DTC channel, algorithms trained only on website purchasers may be learning from just 20% of its actual customer base. And those customer...

Ep 45 - Sparkling Sips - Jessica Batty, Your Impressions Don't Impress Us Much

9 min

ATTENTION DIDN'T DISAPPEAR. IT MOVED. 💥 And if your marketing strategy hasn't moved with it, we need to talk. In this second pour of Sparkling Sips, Cristina and Jacqui welcome back Jessica Batty, SVP of Marketing at Fluent, for another sharp, unfiltered conversation about the future of commerce media, consumer intent, and the uncomfortable truth about how brands measure attention. Last time, Jessica called it: social media has gone from discovery to obligation. This time, she's taking us one step further. If consumers are tuning out the noise, where is the attention that actually converts? From Jessica's real-life adventures renovating a beach house (and becoming a self-proclaimed Lowe's superfan!) to the resurgence of nostalgia, community recommendations, and trusted voices, we unpack why the next era of marketing isn't just about reaching consumers. It's about reaching them when they're ready to care. 🔥 What we're spilling: Attention isn't created equal. There's a world of difference between interrupting someone who's doom-scrolling and showing up when they're actively looking for something.Trust is the new competitive advantage. Community, authenticity, nostalgia, and recommendations from people we actually trust are reshaping how brands earn engagement.Reach without relevance? What's the point? Jessica challenges marketers to look beyond impressions and rethink where they're investing their media dollars.The store is still a major opportunity. Jessica shares how Fluent is extending its post-transaction offering from online to in-store, creating new opportunities to connect with consumers.Your Monday-morning CMO wake-up call. Go back to the data. Understand your consumer cohorts. Find out where they spend time, who they trust, and whether your media investments are delivering actual outcomes.🎤 Mic-drop moments "Attention didn't disappear. It just moved." — Jessica Batty A simple statement with massive implications for how brands plan, measure, and invest. "On...

Episode 44: The Cornell 7 - More Than Tea. It's Accountability.

17 min

This is not Spill the Tea. This is accountability. In this special SHeCOMMERCE episode, Cristina and Jacqui step away from the usual banter to discuss the disturbing allegations surrounding the “Cornell 7” and the broader questions the case raises about consent, institutional responsibility, leadership, and what happens when systems designed to protect people appear to fail. As the investigation continues, Cristina and Jacqui unpack why this story has resonated so deeply with women, why due process and taking allegations seriously can and must coexist, and why organizations cannot hide behind policies, procedures, or technical compliance when trust and safety are at stake. They also examine the burden placed on women from an early age to protect themselves, from watching their drinks to sharing their locations, and ask a harder question: Why is so much of the conversation about teaching women how not to become victims instead of teaching men not to become perpetrators, enablers, or silent bystanders? In this episode: • The allegations and developments surrounding the Cornell case • Why institutional process is not the same thing as institutional accountability • The difference between compliance and leadership • Consent, intoxication, and the dangerous assumptions that still persist • Why women are responding so strongly to the story • The role men must play in preventing sexual violence and challenging harmful behavior • Why “believe women” and due process are not mutually exclusive • What leaders should ask when their systems fail the people they are supposed to protect When something goes wrong inside your organization, are you trying to understand what happened, or are you trying to understand your exposure? Because culture is not what an organization says when everything is going well. Culture is what it does when doing the right thing becomes uncomfortable. This episode discusses allegations of sexual assault and may be difficult for some listeners. Please tak...

Ep 44: Lauren Bolles, Tesco Media - How Great Businesses Scale; Leadership, Customer Obsession & Building Retail Media

1 hr 8 min

SCALE ISN’T A STRATEGY. IT’S AN OPERATING SYSTEM. 🔥Everybody loves talking about growth. The revenue. The shiny new products. The AI. The partnerships. The big freaking number on the slide. But here’s the question nobody puts on the keynote stage: What happens underneath the business when all that growth actually shows up? This week on SHeCOMMERCE, we’re going behind the strategy deck with Lauren Bolles, Chief Operating Officer of Tesco Media, to talk about the unsexy, absolutely essential machinery that turns ambition into execution. And Lauren knows a thing or two about building the machine. Her career has been anything but a neat little corporate ladder: Cartier → performance marketing → Bain → Walmart Connect → Tesco Media. At Walmart Connect, she spent five years helping build the strategy and operating infrastructure behind one of retail media’s biggest growth stories. Then she did what any sensible person would do next: changed companies, changed countries, moved her family across the Atlantic and stepped into a newly created COO role at Tesco Media. Incremental, apparently, is not Lauren’s thing. 🎯 THE BIG CONVERSATION Lauren gives us the operator’s view of growth: what breaks when companies scale, why heroic leadership eventually becomes a liability, which metrics actually tell you whether a business is healthy, and why a playbook that crushed it in America may absolutely NOT be the playbook you need in another market. Her definition of BizOps might be the best we’ve heard: “Strategy and operations sit in the gap between the ambition and the reality.”That gap? That’s where businesses either learn how to scale… or start creating chaos with really impressive revenue numbers. 💥 KEY LEARNINGS Scaling is an organizational challenge, not just a revenue opportunity. What works when five people can jump on a call and solve every problem does not work when you’re operating across hundreds—or thousands—of people. Leaders have to evolve at the speed of the business...

Ep 43: Sparkling Sips, Lydia Thacher - Access & Convenience, Delivered

22 min

🥂 This Sparkling Sips comes with bubbles, bite…and a few serious mic drops. We’re pouring one with Lydia Thacher, Vice President of Digital Commerce at Dollar General, for a conversation that goes way beyond “eCommerce strategy.” Because digital commerce isn’t about chasing the shiniest tech. It’s about solving real problems for real customers. Lydia takes us inside the thinking behind Dollar General’s evolving digital commerce experience—and why convenience, accessibility and understanding the customer you actually serve matter more than copying somebody else’s playbook. 💥 MIC DROP MOMENTS: 🎤 Digital isn’t just another channel. It’s another way to remove friction and serve the customer. 🎤 Innovation doesn’t only happen in big cities. Bringing digital convenience to rural communities can help close a very real access gap. 🎤 Your physical footprint can become a digital advantage. Stores, proximity and convenience hit differently when you connect them intentionally. 🎤 And maybe the biggest one: Stop building commerce for the customer you imagine. Build it for the customer standing right in front of you. We talk digital transformation without the buzzword bingo. Customer obsession without the corporate fluff. And what happens when a massive brick-and-mortar footprint meets an increasingly digital shopper. It’s smart. It’s practical. And yes—we brought the bubbles. 🥂 The COMMERCE in SHeCOMMERCE is showing up BIG in this one. 🎧 Grab your sparkling sip and hit play. Bold Brands. Fierce Women. One Sisterhood. SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SHeCOMMERCEPodcast DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from SHeCOMMERCE Podcast or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is...

Ep 42: Jane Hanson - Camera Ready, Career Ready: Finding Your Voice and Owning the Room

1 hr 14 min

Camera Ready, Career Ready: Jane Hanson on Finding Your Voice and Owning the Room AI can give you the words. It cannot outsource your credibility. And in a world of AI-generated everything, that may be your biggest competitive advantage. This week, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Jane Hanson—nine-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, longtime NBC New York anchor and host, and now executive communications coach—to talk about what it really takes to command a room, survive the unexpected, and make people actually listen when you speak. And yes, this particular SHeCOMMERCE friendship started exactly as all great professional relationships do: at Cannes, bonding over a questionable “Bates Motel,” a commandeered shuttle, and pink toilet paper. 😂 But Jane’s career was forged in considerably higher-pressure situations. She spent decades in live television, interviewing presidents, executives, celebrities and newsmakers—and shares what it was like to be the first person on air at NBC on 9/11, with almost no confirmed information and no script to hide behind. Her lesson? When everything goes sideways, clarity, judgment and adaptability matter more than polished talking points. That lesson feels even more urgent today. Jane gets real about why confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. Why accomplished women routinely undervalue themselves. Why becoming “Formal Jane” the second you walk onstage actually works against you. And why vulnerability, authenticity and listening can be far more powerful than trying to look perfectly buttoned-up. We also dig into the communication double standards women still navigate: be confident, but not intimidating. Assertive, but not aggressive. Warm, but authoritative. Speak up—but apparently not too much. Jane’s answer? Stop contorting yourself into someone else’s definition of leadership. Because communication isn’t a “soft skill.” In an AI-driven business world, Jane argues it’s a hard skill—and an increasingly es...

Ep 40: Sparkling Sips - Retail Media, Rewarded with Ariel Bishop, Downtime

19 min

What if the future of retail media isn’t about getting people to click more — but making their attention worth something? In this Sparkling Sips episode, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Ariel Bishop, Co-Founder of Downtime, to talk retail media, AI, loyalty, in-store engagement, and what happens when brands actually reward consumers for their attention. Downtime is building a rewarded media model designed to help retailers, publishers, brands, and agencies turn customer attention into measurable growth and new revenue. Through interactive engagement, rewards, zero-party data, retail media strategy, and measurement, the company is rethinking the traditional ad model: instead of simply buying impressions, brands can give shoppers something meaningful in return for engaging. Ariel also shares the personal story behind the business. Her career has moved through traditional ad sales, measurement, analytics, publishing, technology, and now entrepreneurship. She opens up about trusting herself enough to make the founder leap, navigating male-dominated rooms, building a company while raising twins, and discovering an unexpected — and powerful — sisterhood of women founders, investors, leaders, and advocates along the way. Key Takeaways: • Attention has value. Retail media shouldn’t just sell impressions; rewarding shoppers for genuine engagement can create stronger connections for brands, retailers, and consumers. • Loyalty needs a new reason to matter. As AI and LLMs make it easier for shoppers to ask what to buy and where to buy it, retailers have to work harder to give consumers a reason to come back. • Digital can drive physical behavior. Rewards, coupons, and loyalty incentives can connect media exposure to real-world store visits and product trial. • AI should accelerate the work — not replace the thinking. Ariel’s approach is to use AI to move faster through segmentation, execution, and platform workflows while keeping human judgment and authentic creative at the c...

Ep 39: Erin Lovingfoss, Loving Your Pause: Menopause, Medicine & Making Yourself Heard

1 hr 0 min

Loving Your Pause: Menopause, Medicine & Making Yourself Heard What happens when you know something is wrong with your body…but no one can—or will—tell you why? This week, we’re firmly on the SHe side of SHeCOMMERCE with a conversation women should be having long before menopause actually arrives. Our guest Erin Lovingfoss spent more than 20 years building her career in the beverage industry. After a hysterectomy in 2019, she began experiencing symptoms she had never dealt with before: insomnia, anxiety, mood changes, heart palpitations, brain fog, loss of confidence, and an overwhelming feeling that she simply wasn’t herself. She sought answers. She was offered antidepressants. She was told it was menopause and essentially something she would have to live with. Then she found a nurse practitioner who did something surprisingly simple: She listened. That experience ultimately led Erin to become a certified menopause coach and launch Loving Your Pause, where she now helps other women understand what may be happening in their bodies, advocate for themselves, and build their own toolbox for this stage of life. And this conversation goes well beyond hot flashes. We talk about the symptoms nobody warned us about, Erin’s personal experience with HRT, sexual wellness, sleep, strength training, pelvic-floor health, medical self-advocacy, and why perimenopause can hit women at exactly the same time they are juggling peak career years, children, aging parents, and everything else life throws at them. We also take menopause into the workplace. Erin shares why women don’t necessarily have to disclose menopause to ask for support, what reasonable accommodations can look like, and why employers risk losing incredible experienced talent when women feel they have to quietly “power through.” Because bringing your whole self to work also means supporting the parts of being a woman that may make people uncomfortable. 🎤 Mic Drop Moments “Consistency over perfection.” Your body may ch...

Ep 38: Kirsten Stendevad - Don't Upgrade Your Technology, Upgrade Yourself!

1 hr 1 min

Don’t Upgrade Your Technology. Upgrade Yourself. AI is moving fast. Consumer behavior is shifting. Business models are being rewritten in real time. But Kirsten Stendevad believes the biggest upgrade leaders need to make right now isn’t technological. It’s human. In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Kirsten Stendevad, Founder of the Illumina International Future Leadership Academy, author, speaker and leadership advisor, to explore what it really means to become a future-fit leader. Kirsten challenges the idea that we can solve tomorrow’s problems using yesterday’s thinking. Her argument? Our internal “source code” — the beliefs, fears and assumptions shaping how we lead — matters just as much as the technology we adopt. If leaders don’t evolve their thinking, even the best tools in the world won’t create meaningful transformation.  The conversation becomes profoundly personal when Kirsten shares the loss of her six-year-old son to complications following cancer treatment. In the darkest moment of her life, she remembers confronting a choice: allow grief to pull her down, or consciously look for a way forward. The phrase that changed her trajectory was simple: “Why go down when you can go up?”  That experience became foundational to her philosophy of leadership: we cannot always control what happens, but there is power in the space between what happens to us and how we choose to respond. The conversation also turns to feminine leadership — and why Kirsten believes the capabilities historically dismissed as “soft” may become some of our greatest advantages in the AI era. She describes feminine leadership as extending beyond purely head-led thinking into intuition, connection, sensitivity, embodiment and purpose. Her challenge to women is particularly provocative: after decades of learning how to succeed inside traditionally masculine systems, perhaps the next evolution requires some unlearning and rel...

Ep 37: Shelley Zalis, Rewriting the Rules - Why Access Changes Everything

1 hr 4 min

Shelley Zalis: Make Good Trouble. Build New Rooms. Fix the System. There are women who get invited into powerful rooms. Shelley Zalis builds new ones. Then she holds the door open. This episode of SHeCOMMERCE was a full-circle moment for us. Shelley Zalis — Founder and CEO of The Female Quotient, entrepreneur, movement maker, co-creator of #SeeHer and proudly self-appointed Chief Troublemaker — has spent decades challenging something many of us have been conditioned to accept: The rules. Who wrote them? Who do they work for? Who gets access? Who gets seen? And why are we still following rules that were never designed for the way women actually live, work and lead? Shelley’s philosophy cuts straight through the noise: Stop fixing the women. Fix the system. That became the thread running through our conversation — access, ambition, caregiving, AI, representation, leadership and the power of women moving together. 🔥 SPILL THE TEA: WOMEN REFUSING TO ACCEPT THE RULES THEY WERE HANDED First up: Paris Hilton — from survivor to system changer. Paris has spent years speaking publicly about the abuse she says she experienced as a teenager in residential youth treatment programs. She testified, went to lawmakers and Congress, and kept showing up. In December 2024, after years of advocacy from Paris, other survivors and lawmakers, the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act became federal law. Our takeaway? Influence isn’t about how many followers you have. It’s about using whatever platform you have to move something that wasn’t moving before. Voice → access → action. Then we talked about Chinese elite runner Li Mizhen, whose footage from the 2024 Hengshui Lake Marathon resurfaced after she unexpectedly got her period during the race. She kept running. What fascinated us was the reaction. Why are we still treating periods, pregnancy, menopause, motherhood, caregiving and the realities of the female body as things women are supposed to hide? Women aren’t succeeding despite being wo...

Ep 36: Women, Power & a Little Chaos: The Always Off Brand Crossover

54 min

What happens when SHeCOMMERCE goes Always Off Brand? Apparently… absolutely nothing is off limits. 🔥 In this special crossover episode, Cristina Marinucci and Jacqui Dynowski join Scott, Haley and Summer from the Always Off Brand podcast for a conversation that starts with commerce, takes a detour through Cannes, AI and retail media, goes deep on women and power—and eventually gets delightfully, spectacularly off brand. In other words: exactly our kind of episode. We kick things off with the story behind SHeCOMMERCE—from a Cornell introduction and an instant Cristina-and-Jacqui friendship to a few glasses of Prosecco in London and the realization that maybe the conversations we were already having were the conversations more people needed to hear. Fast-forward to today, and that little idea has become a growing community of leaders and advocates willing to talk about all of it: business transformation, confidence, motherhood, being underestimated, leadership, sacrifice, careers, commerce and what success actually costs. Because the best business conversations rarely stay just about business. 🎧 In this episode, we get into: 🤖 AI is everywhere—but humans still matter. A lot. Coming out of Cannes, one thing was impossible to ignore: AI is officially the salted caramel of business. It's in everything. But amid all the technology, automation and agentic everything, people were craving something decidedly old-school: other people. We talk about where AI creates value, where human connection becomes the differentiator, and why brands need to understand when technology should enable a relationship—not replace it. 🛒 Great commerce partnerships aren't transactions. They're relationships. We revisit the Dollar General + Milo's Tea conversation and what it showed about real joint value creation: test, learn, share, adapt and build together. Retail media works better when retailers, brands and partners aren't operating through a black box—but acting like one team with a shar...

Ep 35: Laura Thompson - Trust Never Gets Old, Reinventing Canada's Most Trusted Health Brands

1 hr 2 min

Reinventing Iconic Brands, Women’s Health & the Power of Getting Your Hands Dirty with Laura Thompson of Bayer Canada How do you reinvent an iconic brand without losing the trust that made it iconic in the first place? In this episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Laura Thompson, Country Division Head of Consumer Health at Bayer Canada, for a conversation that moves from data, brand building and consumer trust to women’s health, leadership and why sometimes the best leaders are still willing to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. Laura reminds us that building brands today looks dramatically different than it did even two years ago. Consumers have more information, more choices, more influence—and increasingly, more control. The answer isn’t changing who your brand is. It’s reinventing how consumers experience it. 🍵 Spill the Tea Before Laura joins the conversation, Cristina and Jacqui spill this week’s tea on the shifts reshaping consumer health and commerce: • Bayer’s leadership evolution: Samantha Avivi’s appointment as Global Chief Marketing Officer for Bayer Consumer Health—and why the integration of marketing, commercial leadership, data and analytics matters. • The convergence of beauty, wellness and health: Former Glossier CEO Kyle Leahy’s move to WHOOP sparks a bigger conversation about consumers no longer thinking in neat category silos. • AI is changing how people shop: Shopify data pointing to the power of AI-referred shoppers leads to one big question for healthcare brands: when consumers stop searching and start asking, how do you earn the recommendation? 💥 Inside the Conversation with Laura Building brands today is different. Data underlines nearly everything. Brands once controlled much of the information consumers received. Today, ratings, reviews, digital platforms and AI have shifted more of that control to the consumer. Reinvention doesn’t mean abandoning what made you iconic. For Bayer’s consumer health brands,...

Ep 34: Colette Laxton, Knowledge is the Moat - Building the INKEY List

1 hr 14 min

Skincare should not require a chemistry degree, a 12-step routine, or a luxury-sized budget. In this episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Colette Laxton, co-founder of The INKEY List, to explore how consumer obsession, founder resilience, and ruthless commercial discipline helped build one of beauty’s most disruptive brands. Colette shares how the rise of Reddit became an early aha moment. Consumers were turning to one another for answers because brands were not giving them the clarity they needed. That insight became the foundation of The INKEY List: better knowledge powers better decisions. But this is not just a story about skincare. It is a candid conversation about failure, ego, imposter syndrome, financial discipline, and learning how to sell yourself, your ideas, and your products. Colette explains why founders must stay curious, understand the P&L deeply, and approach opportunities by “starting at yes.” She also reveals how The INKEY List reverse engineers affordability in a way inspired by IKEA—first understanding what the consumer wants and what they are willing to pay, then building the business model around it. Because every penny counts. And every marketing dollar needs to pay back. The conversation also goes inside The INKEY Lab, a community-driven product development model launched nine months ago. Colette joined a call with more than 500 consumers to listen directly to their needs, helping inspire the development of the brand’s Milky Toner. Today, The INKEY Insider community has already grown to one million members. Cristina, Jacqui, and Colette also dig into: • Why clarity is part of the product—not just the marketing • The difference between founder conviction and founder ego • Why social commerce must be visual and built around storytelling • How community feedback can shape real product innovation • Why healthy skin starts with hydration • Why hyaluronic acid remains the gold standard for hydration • How curiosity creates bet...

Ep 33: Dollar General & Milo's Tea - Rooted in Purpose, Scaling & Precision

47 min

Rooted in Purpose, Scaling with Precision: How Milo’s Tea and Dollar General Are Building a Modern Growth StoryWhat happens when an 80-year-old beverage company with startup energy partners with a nearly 90-year-old retailer that is still finding new ways to innovate? You get a growth story built on shared values, customer obsession, disciplined experimentation—and proof that retail media can influence far more than clicks. In this SHeCOMMERCE Partner Spotlight episode, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Mihira Rami, Vice President of Marketing at Milo’s Tea Company, and Natalie Ong, Head of Operations for the Dollar General Media Network, to explore how two deeply rooted Southern brands are working together to connect media, merchandising, customer insights, and leadership. The episode also marks an exciting SHeCOMMERCE milestone: more than 50,000 podcast downloads, over 1,000 LinkedIn followers, and a growing global community of women and allies helping shape the future of commerce. Two Heritage Brands with Startup Energy Milo’s Tea and Dollar General may have been founded generations ago, but neither company is operating with an old-world mindset. Milo’s began when Milo Carlton returned from World War II and opened a small Birmingham, Alabama, restaurant with his wife, Bea. Customers quickly fell in love with the restaurant’s freshly brewed sweet tea, creating the foundation for what would become a nationally distributed beverage brand. Today, Milo’s is available in approximately 62,000 retail locations across all 50 states. The company has grown from selling 6.4 million cases annually a decade ago to approximately 61 million cases—while remaining committed to the same principles that shaped the original product: listening to customers, using high-quality natural ingredients, and never sacrificing taste. Mihira describes Milo’s as an “80-year-old startup”: a third-generation, family- and woman-owned business that is scaling quickly without losing the authenticity...

Ep 32: Alicja Spaulding - Disrupting Everything: From Artificial Intelligence to Authentic Intimacy.

49 min

AI. Innovation. Female pleasure. Career pivots. Yep…we’re going there.  This week’s episode of SHeCOMMERCE doesn’t just push boundaries—it asks why they existed in the first place. Fractional CMO, Marketing AI Strategist and educator Alicja Spaulding joins Cristina and Jax for one of our boldest conversations yet. From surviving the music industry’s Napster disruption to helping launch products like the Starbucks Cake Pop and Domino’s Brookie, Alicja has built a career by spotting change before everyone else. But this conversation doesn’t stop at AI. We tackle why curiosity may become the most valuable skill of the next decade, why leaders need a return on imagination—not just return on investment, and why the future belongs to people brave enough to build careers that don’t fit neatly into one job title. Then…we shift gears. Because innovation isn’t just about technology. It’s also about finally having the conversations women have been told to whisper about. We dive into the stigma surrounding women’s sexual wellness, intimacy, menopause, body literacy and the uncomfortable reality that many women know more about preventing pregnancy than understanding their own health. Why are men encouraged to openly discuss their wellness while women are still expected to stay quiet? We call BS. Because when we stop talking about women’s health, we stop making progress. This isn’t about being provocative for the sake of it. It’s about giving women permission to ask questions, advocate for themselves, and normalize conversations that have been considered “too uncomfortable” for far too long. Mic-drop moments: “Who’s telling me I can’t do more than one thing?” “Curiosity and learning get you halfway there.” “Think about what’s impossible—and how AI can make it possible.” “Don’t think about AI as a return on investment. Think about it as a return on imagination.” “You are enough.” “Trust your body.”This episode is equal parts AI masterclass, career blueprint and rallying cry for wo...

Episode 31: Cannes Confidential with Liz Roche - Rosé, AI & Retail Media

28 min

Episode 31: Cannes Confidential with Liz Roche — AI, iROAS and the Future of Retail Media AI may be the loudest conversation at Cannes—but practical application is where the real retail media transformation begins. In this Cannes Confidential episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina Marinucci and Jacqui Dynowski sit down with Liz Roche, VP of Media at Albertsons Media Collective, to explore how artificial intelligence, first-party data and retail media measurement are reshaping grocery commerce. Liz explains how Albertsons is moving AI beyond experimentation and into real shopper experiences. Its conversational AI search capability helps customers discover products, plan purchases and break out of habitual shopping patterns—and, according to Liz, is already delivering upwards of 10% basket growth. But better technology does not automatically mean better business outcomes. The conversation digs into one of retail media’s most urgent challenges: turning an overwhelming amount of data into clear insights and measurable action. Liz discusses why brands must move beyond vanity metrics and individual campaign reports toward incrementality, category growth, longitudinal measurement and sustainable partnership value. She also reveals just how much methodology matters. Research referenced during the episode found that measured incremental return on ad spend—iROAS—could vary by as much as 6.5 times, while more than 80% of campaigns could shift from positive to negative results depending on factors such as control-group construction and measurement methodology. From closed-loop attribution and clean rooms to AI-powered analytics and in-store shopping behavior, Liz offers a clear view of what is working, what remains imperfect and why human judgment still matters. The conversation then turns to leadership, representation and the women helping build the infrastructure behind the future of commerce. Liz shares her high-accountability, high-autonomy leadership philosophy—and the quality s...

Episode 30: Max Sinclair - The AI Visibility Revolution & Why Women Need To Shape It

27 min

AI isn’t coming for commerce—it’s already deciding what gets discovered, recommended, and purchased. In this special episode created in partnership with WIAB—Women in Amazon Business, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Max Sinclair, founder and CEO of Azoma, to unpack the AI visibility revolution and what it means for brands, retailers, founders, and women shaping the future of commerce. Max spent six years at Amazon, including helping establish its search operations in Singapore. Now, he’s helping brands understand a very different kind of discovery landscape—one where shoppers may no longer scroll through pages of products because AI assistants are narrowing the options for them. Think fewer search results. More personalized recommendations. And eventually? An AI agent choosing the product before the shopper ever sees the alternatives. Convenient? Absolutely. A little terrifying for brands still relying on yesterday’s SEO playbook? Also yes. Max introduces Azoma’s Five C’s of agentic commerce optimization—completeness, context, citations, correctness, and customer acquisition—and explains why brands need to start thinking beyond keywords and product-page rankings. The conversation also gets into the “SHe” in SHeCOMMERCE: why women cannot afford to sit politely on the sidelines while AI systems are being built, trained, and deployed. Women influence enormous portions of household and consumer spending. They understand the customers, categories, and real-life decisions these systems will shape. Their voices, experiences, and leadership need to be embedded in the technology—not added as an afterthought. Inside the episode: • Why traditional search strategies are no longer enough • How AI shopping agents are changing product discovery • What brands need to know about AI visibility and accuracy • Why curiosity—not technical expertise—is the first step into AI • Max’s framework for finding your founder edge and spotting the next inflection point • Why more women need to...

Episode 29: NIQ's Liz Buchanan & Emilie Darolles - The Commerce Revolution

48 min

Episode 29: Cannes Confidential with NIQ's Liz Buchanan & Emilie Darolles The Commerce Revolution: AI, Agentic Shopping & the Future of Global Retail The future of commerce isn't coming—it's already here. Recorded live from Cannes Lions as part of our Cannes Confidential series, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with two of the industry's most influential leaders: Liz Buchanan, President of North America at NIQ, and Emilie Darolles, President of Western Europe at NIQ. Together, they unpack the biggest transformation commerce has seen in decades—and why AI isn't simply changing marketing, it's redefining how consumers discover, decide, and buy. From the rise of agentic commerce and AI-powered shopping assistants to collapsing purchase funnels, retail media evolution, and the collision of East and West commerce models, Liz and Emilie offer an insider's view of where the industry is heading—and what leaders need to do now to stay ahead. But this conversation goes beyond technology. They explore why strong data governance—not shiny AI tools—will separate winners from followers, why authentic brands will outperform algorithmically optimized ones, and why the smartest companies are investing in their data foundations before chasing the next innovation. As two women leading NIQ's largest global regions, Liz and Emilie also share powerful leadership lessons on clarity, transparency, empowerment, and creating opportunities for the next generation of female leaders. In this episode, we explore: Why AI is collapsing the traditional consumer journeyWhat agentic commerce really means—and why every brand should be paying attentionThe critical role of data quality in an AI-first worldHow Asia is reshaping the future of global commerceWhat's next for retail media and measurementWhy brand authenticity matters more than ever in an algorithm-driven marketplaceLeadership lessons from two women shaping the future of global commerceIf you've been wondering how AI will transform commerce beyon...

Episode 28: From Ambition to Authority - Kelly Miller on Women, Commerce, and Owning the Room at ANY Age

42 min

From Ambition to Authority: Kelly Miller on Women, Commerce, and Owning the Room at ANY Age What happens when you're leading at the highest levels... before people think you're "old enough" to be there? In this episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Kelly Miller, SVP, EMEA at Flywheel, for an honest conversation about building authority, navigating bias, and redefining what leadership looks like for the next generation of women. Kelly shares the lessons that shaped her—from growing up in a household led by a fiercely independent mother to leading one of the world's most complex commerce regions. Along the way, she dismantles outdated ideas about age, confidence, and executive presence, proving that leadership isn't measured in years—it's measured in impact. Together, they unpack: Why "you're too young" or "you're not seasoned enough" isn't feedback—and how to ask for feedback that actually helps you grow.Anne Hathaway's powerful perspective on overcoming imposter syndrome through preparation, not perfection.Why authentic leadership doesn't mean bringing your whole self to work—but your best self.How vulnerability can strengthen trust, teams, and performance.What it really takes to lead through constant change ("Just another week, another change.")The slow—but meaningful—progress being made in gender equity, pay transparency, and representation.Why success should never come at the expense of doing work you genuinely love.Kelly also shares the personal mantra she relies on before stepping into high-pressure moments: "I'm good at my job, and I know what I'm doing."It's a simple reminder that confidence isn't something you're given—it's something you build. Whether you're an emerging leader, an experienced executive, or someone questioning whether you're ready for the next opportunity, this episode is a masterclass in preparation, resilience, authenticity, and owning your seat at the table—at any age. Because at SHeCOMMERCE, we believe leadership isn'...

Episode 27: Canapés from Cannes - The Hot Takes Everyone Was Talking About

4 min

🎙️ Canapés from Cannes: The Hot Takes Everyone Was Talking AboutWhat happens when you gather leaders from agencies, brands, financial services, and media coaching on the Croisette? You get a refreshingly honest pulse check on where our industry is headed. In this special Canapés from Cannes mini episode, Cristina and Jacqui caught up with Claudia Johnson and Sebastian Flynn from Omnicom, Marta Saunders and Melanie Samarasinghe from Chase Media Solutions, Francisco "Pancho" Cárdenas from Avocados From Mexico, and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and executive coach Jane Hanson to capture their unfiltered hot takes from Cannes Lions. While the temperatures were soaring, so were the conversations. A few themes rose above the noise: 🤝 Collaboration is replacing competition. Claudia Johnson and Sebastian Flynn from Omnicom reflected on how commerce continues to mature, with organizations recognizing that success requires greater collaboration across disciplines. As new technologies emerge, the challenge isn't just adopting them—it's cutting through the complexity they can create. 🎥 Authenticity needs a reboot. From Chase Media Solutions, Marta Saunders declared that we desperately need a new word for "authentic." Creator influence isn't a trend—it's the new reality. Melanie Samarasinghe expanded on that thought, highlighting the rise of sports creators, the growing importance of trust in an AI-driven world, and reminding us that despite the technology, our industry is still powered by great people and meaningful relationships. 🤖 AI conversations are finally getting more nuanced. Francisco "Pancho" Cárdenas of Avocados From Mexico offered one of the week's most balanced perspectives. Rather than framing AI as something that will replace creativity, he sees the conversation shifting toward how it can enhance it. The industry's most valuable discussions are no longer about choosing sides—they're about embracing thoughtful debate, experimenting with new possibilities, and r...

Episode 26: Regina Ye - Retail Media 3.0, Building the Infastructure Behind the Future of Commerce.

26 min

Episode 26: Retail Media 3.0 – Building the Infrastructure Behind the Future of Commerce Live from Cannes Lions with Regina Ye, Founder & CEO, Topsort Retail media has officially grown up—but is the industry ready for what comes next? Recorded live from Cannes Lions, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Regina Ye, Founder & CEO of Topsort, to unpack what they believe is the next evolution of commerce: Retail Media 3.0. While much of the industry is focused on new ad formats and AI buzzwords, Regina challenges the conversation entirely. Instead of asking what's the next shiny object?, she asks a far more important question: What infrastructure do we need to build for the future of commerce? From machine learning and AI optimization to agentic commerce, auction technology, and the democratization of retail media, Regina shares why the next era won't be won by the companies with the biggest budgets—it will be won by those building the smartest systems. Together, the conversation explores why retail media must evolve beyond sponsored products and display advertising into an intelligent, connected ecosystem capable of adapting to whatever comes next. Whether that's AI-powered shopping assistants, autonomous buying agents, or entirely new commerce experiences, success will depend on technology that's designed around decision-making—not just advertising. But this episode isn't just about technology. As one of the few female founders leading infrastructure innovation in ad tech, Regina opens up about navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry with authenticity instead of conformity. She shares candid advice for women building businesses, discusses the importance of unwavering self-belief, and explains why trying to fit in is often the biggest mistake founders make. One of our favorite takeaways? "Don't care. Be yourself. Believe aggressively in yourself." It's a refreshing reminder that leadership doesn't require becoming someone else—it requires doubling down on who y...

Episode 25: Preeya Goenke - Own Your Audience, Why Brands Can't Rent Their Customers Anymore

36 min

Own Your Audience: Why Brands Can't Rent Their Customers Anymore | Featuring Preeya Goenka, Chief Customer Officer at beehiv In a world where algorithms change overnight, AI is reshaping discovery, and social platforms control who sees your content, one question has never been more important: Who actually owns your customer relationship? Recorded live from Cannes, Cristina Marinucci and Jacqui Dynowski sit down with Preeya Goenka, Chief Customer Officer at beehiv, to unpack why the future of commerce belongs to brands that own—not rent—their audience. Preeya shares why newsletters have become one of the fastest-growing strategic assets for brands, creators, and publishers alike, explaining how email remains one of the few channels where businesses truly control the customer journey—from content creation and distribution to engagement and long-term loyalty. Together, they explore why many brands are still overly focused on customer acquisition while neglecting retention, why repeat purchase may be the most valuable growth metric, and how meaningful customer relationships are built through relevance, consistency, and trust—not simply discounts or promotions. The conversation also dives deep into AI's rapidly evolving role in marketing. Rather than replacing people, Preeya argues that the greatest opportunity lies in using AI to amplify human creativity, strengthen personalization, and help brands create memorable customer experiences without losing authenticity. Listeners will also hear candid perspectives on: Why platform dependency has become one of the biggest risks facing modern brandsThe resurgence of newsletters as powerful storytelling and commerce channelsThe future of creator businesses and why quality audiences outperform vanity metricsWhat true personalization looks like—and where brands continue to miss the markHow data can become a competitive advantage when paired with thoughtful customer experiencesWhy every company is becoming a media companyLeadership...

Episode 24: Cara Pratt From Media to Moment, Rewriting Commerce Through Connection

24 min

What’s really holding brands back in modern commerce? According to Cara Pratt, it’s not a lack of data. It’s a lack of alignment. In this CANNES Confidential episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Cara Pratt, President of Global Retail & Media at Circana, for a candid conversation about the future of commerce, retail media, and what it actually takes to turn data into growth. Cara gets real about the biggest mistake brands are still making: measuring in silos, organizing in silos, and expecting connected outcomes from disconnected teams. From retail media fragmentation to the rise of social commerce, TikTok Shop, and the agentic future already taking shape, this episode is a masterclass in why connected intelligence beats fragmented dashboards every time. But this conversation doesn’t stop at commerce strategy. Cara also shares the leadership lessons behind building and scaling new businesses inside legacy organizations, what she’s had to unlearn as a leader, and her advice for the next generation of women in CPG: speak early, say yes, and find sponsors—not just mentors. In this episode, we get into: Why most companies still aren’t actually doing end-to-end commerceThe real problem with retail media today: fragmented measurement and disconnected incentivesWhy brands need to stop obsessing over channels and start organizing around business outcomesHow TikTok Shop is reshaping discovery, influence, and conversion—especially in beautyThe thin line between personalization and intrusion, and why trust is the new currencyCara’s take on agentic commerce and why metadata, taxonomy, and data quality will define who wins nextLeadership at scale: what to unlearn when moving from startup mode to scale-up leadershipCara’s advice for women building their careers: be bold, use your voice, and build sponsorshipWhy listen? Because this episode calls BS on the idea that more dashboards = better decisions. Cara makes the case for a smarter, more human model of comme...

Episode 23: Power Couple Playbook - Love, Leadership & Loud Opinions with Danny & Mandy Silverman

1 hr 6 min

What happens when two ambitious people build careers, raise a family, chase big dreams, and somehow still genuinely like each other? In this candid and laugh-out-loud episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Danny and Mandy Silverman to unpack the real story behind the "power couple" label.  Spoiler alert: it's less about perfection and more about partnership. From college sweethearts to navigating nearly three decades of marriage, Danny and Mandy share the communication habits, leadership lessons, parenting realities, and mutual support systems that have helped them thrive through career growth, family life, entrepreneurship, and everything in between. Danny opens up about leadership, allyship, and why some of the best leaders aren't the loudest voices in the room. Mandy shares her journey as a creator, entrepreneur, and soon-to-be published cookbook author, offering an honest look at the chaos, creativity, and resilience required to build a personal brand while balancing family life. Together, they discuss: • Why successful partnerships aren't about keeping score • The importance of communication, trust, and shared accountability • What parenting teaches you that no leadership course ever can • The reality of balancing demanding careers under one roof • How support shows up during the hardest weeks—not just the easiest ones • Leadership, allyship, and creating opportunities for others to succeed • Why "having it all" looks different for every family The episode is packed with humor, heart, practical wisdom, and more than a few moments that will leave you rethinking what partnership really means. And yes, you'll also hear why Danny has earned the title of "Retail Media Nostradamus" and how Mandy's social content empire—and upcoming challah cookbook—continue to inspire thousands. Follow Mandy on Instagram: @mandyliciouschallah Check out Danny's weekly eCommerce newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7332937556671545346/ Because at SHeCOMME...

Episode 22: Andrew Pearson, Girl Dad Meets Gen AI: Creativity, Leadership & Life Outnumbered

52 min

🎙️ SHeCOMMERCE Podcast: Andrew Pearson on Fatherhood, Allyship, Creativity & the Future of Work In this special Father's Day episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui welcome a guest who knows a thing or two about navigating strong women, bold opinions, and high-performance environments—both at work and at home. Joining us is Andrew Pearson, award-winning creative leader, content strategist, storyteller, proud girl dad, and one of the industry's most respected creative minds. What started as a playful look into life as the only man in a household full of women quickly evolved into a powerful conversation about leadership, allyship, creativity, and the future of work. Andrew shared candid lessons from raising three daughters, reminding us that confidence, resilience, and self-belief aren't qualities we should be teaching girls someday—they're qualities many young girls already possess if we're willing to nurture them. He spoke openly about the realities of blended families, the importance of showing up consistently as a parent, and why trust is earned through presence, not authority. The conversation also explored the role men play in advancing equality in the workplace. Andrew challenged leaders to recognize the invisible labor many women carry beyond their jobs and reflected on the importance of creating opportunities based on merit—not outdated assumptions or unconscious bias. On the commerce side of SHeCOMMERCE, Andrew took us inside his remarkable career journey—from agency copywriter to leading creative strategy for some of the world's most iconic brands. He shared why understanding the entire marketing ecosystem—from top-funnel storytelling to shopper marketing and conversion—is more important than ever, especially as AI reshapes the creative landscape. One of the most compelling themes of the episode was this: technology may change how we work, but curiosity, empathy, creativity, and human connection remain irreplaceable. Whether discussing leadership, pare...

Episode 21 - Lauren Livak, Rethinking Success in the Age of Agentic Transformation

1 hr 6 min

AI Isn't the Strategy. Reinvention Is. | Featuring Lauren Livak Gilbert What happens when one of the sharpest minds in digital commerce joins SHeCOMMERCE? You get a conversation that challenges the way we think about AI, organizational transformation, leadership, and the future of work. This week, Cristina and Jacqui kick off the episode with some real talk on leadership, ambition, and the double standards women still face in business, inspired by Netflix's Ladies First. They also spill the tea on major industry headlines, including Amazon Freight's use of AI to optimize supply chains, improve safety, and create better experiences for drivers. They're joined by Lauren Livak Gilbert, Executive Director of the Digital Shelf Institute and one of the most respected voices in digital commerce. Lauren cuts through the AI buzzwords and delivers a powerful reality check: efficiency alone is not a measure of success. Together, they explore: • Why so many organizations are stuck in "AI pilot purgatory" • The difference between performative AI adoption and true business transformation • Why brands must stop "sprinkling AI fairy dust" on broken processes • The critical role of data, governance, talent, and change management in successful AI adoption • How agentic commerce and AI-powered shopping agents are reshaping the future of consumer decision-making • Why organizational structures built for the past won't support the future • The skills leaders need to cultivate now to stay relevant in an AI-enabled world Lauren shares practical frameworks for rethinking workflows, building cross-functional alignment, and creating organizations that can adapt at the speed of technological change. Whether you're leading digital commerce, marketing, sales, retail media, or transformation initiatives, this episode offers a candid and actionable roadmap for navigating what's next. Because AI isn't just changing how products are discovered and purchased. It's changing how organizations operate,...

Episode 20: Julie Talbot - Inclusive Feeding, Modern Parenthood & Reinventing a Legacy Brand

49 min

From Breastfeeding to Belonging: How Julie Talbot is Reinventing Parenthood, Leadership & Legacy Brands What happens when a 42-year-old brand built around breastfeeding evolves to meet the realities of modern parenting? In this episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Julie Talbot, CEO of Lansinoh Laboratories, to discuss how one of the most trusted names in maternal health is transforming from a breastfeeding brand into a modern parenting brand built around inclusion, empathy, and real-life family journeys. Julie shares how becoming a mother later in life through IVF fundamentally changed her perspective as both a leader and a consumer—and how those experiences now shape the way she leads one of the most iconic brands serving parents worldwide. Together, they explore: ✨ Why 85% of families today are combination feeding—and why brands need to stop forcing a "one-size-fits-all" narrative ✨ How Lansinoh is embracing personalized feeding journeys and supporting parents without judgment ✨ The role AI can play in parenting support—and where human empathy must remain irreplaceable ✨ Why women don't need a seat at the table anymore—we need to redesign the table ✨ The leadership lessons Julie learned from motherhood, IVF, and leading through transformation ✨ The myth of working mothers being "less committed" and why it's time to permanently retire that narrative Plus, Cristina and Jacqui spill the weekly tea on Dove's purpose-driven partnership with FIFA Women's World Cup, Fidji Simo's appointment to a major leadership role at OpenAI, and what the Publicis acquisition of LiveRamp could mean for the future of retail media measurement. This conversation is equal parts business strategy, parenting reality, and leadership inspiration—and a reminder that the strongest brands are built when empathy sits at the center of every decision. Because at SHeCOMMERCE, it's never just business. It's personal. Bold Brands. Fierce Women. One Sisterhood. SHeCOMMERCE:  W...

Sparkling Sips: Reading the Tea Leaves with Fluent's Jessica Batty

6 min

Sparkling Sips: Reading the Tea Leaves with Jessica Batty What if one of the biggest assumptions in commerce today is already outdated? In this episode of Sparkling Sips, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Jessica Batty, SVP of Marketing at Fluent, to unpack a shift many marketers are feeling—but few are willing to say out loud: consumers are tired of social media. Jessica shares her perspective on the growing disconnect between endless scrolling and meaningful engagement, arguing that marketers have become trapped in fragmented ecosystems designed to serve platforms more than brands. As consumers seek more intentional, human-centered experiences, she believes the future belongs to companies that can earn attention—not just buy it. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience across Salesforce, Thomson Reuters, Taboola, Protege, and now Fluent, Jessica reflects on what it takes to champion ideas before the market is ready. From trusting your instincts to navigating skepticism, she offers a candid look at the leadership required to identify emerging trends and bring others along for the journey. The conversation also explores: • Why social media may be losing its power as a discovery engine • The hidden cost of fragmented measurement and platform incentives • How brands can build deeper, longer-lasting consumer relationships • Why "what got you here won't get you there" has never been more relevant • The importance of balancing data, intuition, and conviction as a leader One of Jessica's most memorable observations? Brands have often been "buying a first date and calling it a marriage." The future of commerce will belong to those who invest in relationships that last far beyond the first click. This is a conversation about consumer behavior, marketing evolution, and the courage it takes to see what's coming next before everyone else does. Because at SHeCOMMERCE, we're always looking beyond the basket and asking: what's next? Bold Brands. Fierce Women. One Sisterhood. S...

Episode 18: Elizabeth Neubauer-Donovan, No Apologies, No Buzzword Bingo - Motherhood, Measurement & Modern Commerce

45 min

What happens when one of commerce media’s most respected voices gets radically honest about leadership, motherhood, ambition, burnout, and the invisible emotional labor women carry every single day? You get this episode. In this deeply personal and insight-packed conversation, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Elizabeth Donovan — commerce media leader, podcast host, connector extraordinaire, and recent honoree on The Drum’s Commerce Media Power 100 — to unpack the realities behind the titles, the travel, and the LinkedIn headlines.  From navigating motherhood while leading at the highest levels of commerce media, to discussing infertility, leadership empathy, work-life imbalance, and why women need to stop apologizing for being fully human at work — Elizabeth brings vulnerability, humor, and sharp industry perspective in equal measure. The conversation also dives into the evolving commerce media landscape:  • Why collaboration — not just consolidation — is the future of retail media  • The importance of being “data ready” and identity-led  • Why measurement is still one of the industry’s biggest unresolved challenges  • The danger of buzzwords without business outcomes  • How strong leaders create more leaders, not followers But beyond the commerce conversation, this episode is ultimately about redefining success on your own terms. About choosing what matters in different seasons of life. About creating your own village. And about building workplaces where women don’t have to hide motherhood, ambition, or vulnerability to succeed. Raw, funny, emotional, strategic — this is one of those conversations that reminds us why SHeCOMMERCE exists in the first place. Bold Brands. Fierce Women. One Sisterhood. 🎧 SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SHeCOMMERCEPodcast DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only....

Episode 17: Rachel Tipograph on Motherhood, M&A and the Myth of Omnichannel

59 min

What happens when one of commerce’s sharpest minds decides to call BS on outdated retail models and build something entirely new? In this episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Rachel Tipograph — founder and CEO of MikMak (now part of Spins) — for an unfiltered conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, retail media, and motherhood. Rachel shares the real story behind leaving Gap to launch MikMak before “retail media” was even an industry buzzword. From pitching skeptical investors as a solo female founder to building one of the most influential commerce enablement platforms in the market, Rachel breaks down the grit, conviction, and calculated risks it took to scale a business that changed how brands connect media to measurable sales. But this conversation goes beyond commerce. Rachel opens up about becoming a mother while navigating a major acquisition, why she has zero tolerance for corporate inefficiency, and how motherhood completely reshaped her perspective on time, leadership, and what actually matters. Cristina, Jacqui, and Rachel also dive into: • Why “no-b******t leadership” matters more than ever • The future of omnichannel commerce and retail media • Building high-performance cultures that actually value people • Why equity and employee ownership change company culture • The myth of “having it all” for women leaders • The evolution of DTC brands, Amazon, TikTok Shop, and shopper behavior • How MikMak was essentially “TikTok shopping before TikTok” This episode is equal parts founder masterclass, leadership therapy session, and commerce future-casting. Because at SHeCOMMERCE, it’s never just business — it’s personal. Bold Brands. Fierce Women. One Sisterhood. SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SHeCOMMERCEPodcast DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By liste...

Episode 16: When the System Bends: Career, Motherhood and Bold Choices that Change Everything with Fizza Ijaz

52 min

In this deeply honest and empowering episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with global marketing leader Fizza Ijaz for a conversation that goes far beyond career titles and polished LinkedIn headlines. Together, they unpack the invisible labor of working motherhood, the systems women are still forced to navigate, and the tension between ambition, identity, family, and fulfillment. From advocating for policy change at Nestlé Pakistan to navigating international relocations, dual-career dynamics, and career reinvention, Fizza shares what it really looks like to build a global career without losing yourself in the process. One of the episode’s most powerful moments centers around the groundbreaking travel policy Fizza helped implement for breastfeeding mothers — proving that meaningful workplace change often starts when women stop quietly adapting and start asking better questions. The conversation also dives into: • Why “having it all” is often the wrong conversation • The emotional reality behind career pivots and sabbaticals • Redefining success outside of hustle culture • Why sponsorship and advocacy matter more than ever • The courage it takes to bet on yourself — even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed Cristina and Jacqui also tackle the broader societal expectations placed on working mothers, calling BS on performative motherhood standards and the unequal burden women continue to carry at home and at work. This episode is equal parts vulnerable, strategic, and validating — a reminder that success does not have to look linear to be meaningful. Because at SHeCOMMERCE, we believe leadership, motherhood, ambition, burnout, identity, and career growth all belong in the same conversation. Bold Brands. Fierce Women. One Sisterhood. SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SHeCOMMERCEPodcast DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided...

Sparkling Sips: Sip & Tell Edition on 3-Hour Parenting - Boundary Setting or Out-of-Touch?

7 min

Sip Happens… and this week, Jacqui & Cristina are spilling ALL the tea.  In this Sparkling Sips – Sip & Tell edition, the ladies dive headfirst into the internet firestorm around “3-hour parenting” — the controversial idea that intentional, focused time with your kids matters more than endless hours of exhausted presence. But as always at SHeCOMMERCE… it gets deeper. Because this isn’t just about parenting. It’s about privilege, invisible labor, workplace expectations, and the exhausting performance metrics women are still being judged against — both at home and at work. Cristina and Jacqui unpack:  Why “quality over quantity” parenting feels liberating for some — and wildly unrealistic for others The invisible labor no one talks about (school forms, appointments, meal planning… sound familiar?)Emma Grede’s controversial take on presenteeism and why facetime in the office still impacts career growth Whether “being seen” matters more than actual output in today’s corporate culture Why younger employees may still need in-person mentorship and relationship-building How women are disproportionately penalized in both caregiving AND career progression Whether presenteeism is becoming the modern glass ceilingThis episode asks the uncomfortable questions: Are we rewarding impact… or optics? Is corporate presenteeism just performative productivity? And who can actually afford the luxury of “balance”? As always, Jacqui & Cristina keep it real, honest, funny, and unapologetically personal — because surviving bedtime counts too. Favorite moments: “The real luxury isn’t time—it’s help.”“Presence without support is just pressure.”“If you’re not in the room, you’re not in the conversation.”“Some days it’s three magical hours… some days it’s surviving bedtime. And both count.” So where do YOU land? Is this a genius reframe? Completely unrealistic? Or are we all just living somewhere in the messy middle? Because at SHeCOMMERCE… it’s not just business, it’s personal. Bold Bra...

Episode 14: New Beginnings & Ugly Middles w/ Tina Lambert

58 min

What if the biggest lie we’ve been sold about growth… is that it’s supposed to look polished? In this episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with powerhouse marketer and innovation leader Tina Lambert—author of Innovation Is Ugly—to unpack the messy, uncomfortable, and wildly transformative reality of reinvention. From leading brand turnarounds and driving billion-dollar growth in CPG to making a bold pivot into the automotive industry, Tina shares what it really takes to evolve your career, rebuild your identity, and lead through uncertainty. Because here’s the truth: growth isn’t linear—and innovation definitely isn’t pretty.    What We Cover Why innovation is messy, lonely, and often misunderstoodThe myth of the “perfect career path” (and what to do instead)How to navigate career transitions, layoffs, and identity shiftsThe problem with traditional innovation funnels—and what actually worksBig company vs. startup mindset: speed, risk, and decision-makingWhy fresh eyes can be your biggest competitive advantageBuilding resilience, adaptability, and confidence in the unknown Key Takeaways This episode is for anyone in a “messy middle”—whether you’re pivoting careers, rebuilding after a setback, or trying to drive innovation inside a complex organization. Tina reminds us: You don’t need to have it all figured out to move forward Innovation isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence Reinvention isn’t a reset—it’s an expansion Who Should Listen CPG leaders & brand buildersMarketers navigating transformation or innovation strategyWomen in leadership facing career pivots or reinventionAnyone questioning what “success” should look like nextBold Brands. Fierce Women. One Sisterhood.  SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SHeCOMMERCEPodcast DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By list...

Episode 13 New Beginnings: From Intrapreneur to Ally‑in‑Chief w/ Donte McCrary-McClain

44 min

What if your next career move is not about escaping something broken, but answering something deeper that finally clicked? In this episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Donté McCrary-McClain for a conversation that goes far beyond titles, pivots, and polished LinkedIn narratives. This is a real conversation about the internal audit behind the resume — the questions leaders ask themselves when ambition, purpose, family, time, money, and identity all collide. Donté opens up about the deliberate introspection that shaped his latest chapter, sharing how he evaluates growth not just through promotions or prestige, but through learning, energy, alignment, and the finite resource of time. He speaks candidly about hyper-independence, the weight and wiring that can come from early responsibility, and how family, serious life experiences, and proximity to mortality sharpened his bias for action. Together, the conversation explores what it means to pursue growth without abandoning presence. From relocating for career-defining opportunities to building a trusted personal board of champions, Donté offers a grounded and deeply human perspective on leadership, reinvention, and the courage to get uncomfortable on purpose. This episode also dives into the difference between intrapreneurship and entrepreneurship, and the often-overlooked skills leaders need to build before they ever step out on their own: seeing the forest through the trees, galvanizing people around change, building trust across functions, celebrating wins loudly, and leading with consistency when the playbook does not exist. And because this is SHeCOMMERCE, the conversation goes even deeper — into mentorship, allyship, access, and the responsibility of using proximity to power to widen the door for others. In a moment where support for underrepresented talent can feel quieter and more complicated, Donté makes the case for intentional leadership that is not performative, but practiced. This episo...

Episode 12: Fresh Take, Fierce Presence w/ Liz Mayer - Elevating Your Personal Brand This Spring

52 min

What happens when you’re doing everything right… but still not getting seen for the leader you already are? In this powerful SHeCOMMERCE podcast conversation, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with executive coach and consultant Liz Mayer to unpack one of the biggest traps high-achieving women face at work: being known for execution, but not recognized for influence. Together, they dig into what it really means to refresh your personal brand without reinventing yourself, why over-functioning is not the same as leadership, and how women can stop waiting for permission and start showing up with more clarity, authority, executive presence, and strategic influence. Liz shares why so many women are rewarded for being the “gets it done” person, yet overlooked when it comes to shaping direction, driving vision, and earning the next opportunity. She offers a smarter, more sustainable path forward — one rooted in self-concept, standards, career growth, executive presence, and intentional visibility. This episode is part mindset shift, part career development strategy, and all real talk. Inside the episode: Why your next level does not come from doing moreThe difference between being seen as reliable vs. being seen as strategicHow over-preparing and overworking can actually signal under-trust in yourselfThe personal branding shifts women need to make to lead with more influenceWhy “permission” is one of the most expensive things women keep waiting for in their careersA simple self-audit you can do this week to reclaim your powerIf you’ve ever felt stuck being the helper, the fixer, the workhorse, or the one carrying the room without getting credit for driving it — this one is for you. This is a must-listen conversation for women in leadership, marketing, commerce, CPG, and growth roles who are ready to move from execution to influence. Bold Brands. Fierce Women. One Sisterhood. SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shec...

Episode 11: Before Digital Was Cool: Dominick Miserandino on Building Early and Building Bold

51 min

What does it really take to break through in commerce today? According to Dominick Miserandino: stop hiding behind the buzzwords and get back to human connection. In this episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with digital pioneer, founder, author, board member, and RTM Nexus CEO Dominick Miserandino for a candid, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation on what brands still get wrong about storytelling, leadership, and growth. From building in the earliest days of the internet to advising modern commerce companies, Dominick shares why the fundamentals still matter most: understanding people, simplifying the message, and yes — “selling the damn product.” He unpacks why communication breakdowns are still one of the biggest blockers inside organizations, why data without humanity misses the point, and how storytelling is still the most powerful tool in the room. The conversation also goes deeper into leadership, respect, and what true advocacy looks like in practice. Dominick opens up about what women leaders have taught him about empathy, collaboration, and building stronger companies — and why curiosity is one of the most underrated traits of a real ally. This episode is equal parts sharp insight, career wisdom, and laugh-out-loud banter — with plenty of truth bombs for anyone building brands, leading teams, or trying to make commerce more human. In this episode, we cover: Why “controlling eyeballs” is really about understanding humanityThe gap between data, messaging, and real customer connectionWhy companies still struggle with simple communicationWhat commerce misunderstands about storytellingHow women leaders shape stronger, more collaborative businessesWhat allyship actually looks like beyond performative supportBold Brands. Fierce Women. One Sisterhood.  SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SHeCOMMERCEPodcast DISCLAIMER: The content...

Episode 10: Progress, Power & The Work Still Left to Do w/ Christine Nikolaou from The FMCG Guys

40 min

This week on SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui are joined by Christine Nikolaou of The FMCG Guys for a bold, no-fluff conversation on Women’s History Month, International Women’s Day, and the work still left to do. This is not a celebration episode. It’s an audit. An unfiltered conversation about power, progress, and the systems still holding women back at work. Together, they unpack the hard truths behind corporate gender equity conversations — from the “broken rung” keeping women from that critical first promotion, to the gap between visibility and actual power, to the reality that sponsorship, not just performance, still shapes who advances and who gets left behind. They also dig into the uncomfortable questions companies love to avoid: Are women being supported — or simply showcased?Has leadership equity become more of a branding exercise than a business priority?And are flexible work policies really helping women, or quietly penalizing them?With sharp insight, real talk, and zero patience for buzzwords, this episode explores what progress actually looks like, what’s still broken, and what needs to change next. If you’re tired of pink-washed corporate messaging and ready for a more honest conversation about women, leadership, and power in the workplace — this one’s for you. In this episode, we cover: The “broken rung” and why early promotions matter so muchThe difference between representation, influence, and authorityWhy sponsorship changes careersPerformative allyship vs. real structural changeFlexibility, caregiving, and the hidden penalties women still faceWhat companies continue to get wrong about women and ambitionSmart. Sharp. Honest. And exactly the kind of conversation Women’s History Month should make room for. Bold Brands. Fierce Women. One Sisterhood. SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SHeCOMMERCEPodcast DISCLAIMER: The content in this pod...

Episode 9 - Aisha Khan Unfiltered: Commerce, Confidence and Calling B.S.

43 min

What’s the biggest e-commerce lie brands still believe? According to Aisha Khan (WPP Media, Head of Retail Media & Digital Commerce for Unilever U.S.) that retail media alone is going to save the growth plan. In this unapologetically honest episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with the one and only Aisha Khan for a conversation that goes way beyond buzzwords and straight into the real work behind modern commerce leadership. Aisha brings the heat on why brands need to stop treating retail media like a magic wand and start thinking bigger. From social’s role in driving retail demand, to the reality that all media is now commerce media, she lays out a sharper, smarter playbook for growth. But this episode doesn’t stop at strategy. Aisha also gets real about the human side of leadership: the bold career pivots, the moments where things nearly caught fire, the lesson that creative still drives performance, and the truth about what women really need to lead transformation inside complex organizations. She opens up about sponsorship, boundaries, feedback, self-awareness, and recovering from toxic leadership without losing yourself in the process. This one is equal parts commerce masterclass and career therapy session. In this episode, we get into: Why retail media isn’t the only answer to growthHow social, culture, and demand creation fuel commerceThe mistake brands make when they over-focus on media and ignore creativeWhat it really takes for women to lead boldly in high-pressure environmentsWhy one sponsor is not enoughHow to protect your power, trust yourself, and stop apologizing for being greatSmart, sharp, and wildly relatable, this episode is for anyone building brands, leading change, and refusing to play small. Bold Brands. Fierce Women. One Sisterhood. SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SHeCOMMERCEPodcast DISCLAIMER: The content in this...

IWD Cup of Cocoa: Women in Leadership - View from the future!

3 min

During the month of March Cristina and I are providing sparkling sips and cocoa cups of hot takes from a whole array of gorgeous humans for Women's History Month and International Women's Day.  In this Cup of Cocoa episode, the Dynowski and Marinucci kids weigh in on why the International Women's Day is so very important. It's cute, unfiltered, and a ringing endorsement of kids who make us feel like maybe, the future is in good hands. Give it a listen for unfettered adorability (we might be biased)!  Their Give to Gain? Showcasing how women are the mainstay of historical achievements and the reason why we are all here.  SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SHeCOMMERCEPodcast DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from SHeCOMMERCE Podcast or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SHeCOMMERCE Podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. SHeCOMMERCE Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

IWD Sparkling Sips: Classical Music Leadership - Women can step up to lead and Dr Lisi Giselbrecht tells us how

1 min

During the month of March Cristina and I are providing sparkling sips and cocoa cups of hot takes from a whole array of gorgeous humans for Women's History Month and International Women's Day.  In this Sparkling Sip, Dr Elisabeth Giselbrecht, Lecturer at King's College London and a close friend talks about how important it is to show women in the field of classical music that they are absolutely worth a seat at the table.  Women are outnumbered at the head table in pretty much every sector and industry and those rising through the ranks need to know that, increasingly, they have support to get that seat.  Lisi's Give to Gain? Being the anchor support to rising up the ranks to get to those leadership positions and working with those female leaders as their support so everything doesn't rest on their shoulders.  SHeCOMMERCE: Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/ DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from SHeCOMMERCE Podcast or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SHeCOMMERCE Podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. SHeCOMMERCE Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/  YouTube: ww...

Episode 8: Seat Openers, Not Seat Waiters, Women on Boards

36 min

This International Women’s Day episode hits where it matters: the boardroom. Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Cassie Burr, Co-Founder and Board Member of Women on Boards Project, and Kierstin Riley, CEO, for a candid conversation about why women are still underrepresented on consumer company boards — and why the real issue is not a pipeline problem, but a demand problem.  Together, they unpack the power dynamics shaping board seats, the business cost of leaving women out of the room, and why brands cannot afford leadership teams that fail to reflect the consumers they serve. From practical advice for women who want a board seat, to what founders and investors can do right now to open the door, this episode is equal parts reality check and rally cry.  You’ll also hear Cristina and Jacqui spill the weekly tea on women making big leadership moves, retail shakeups at Target, and the rise of shoppable entertainment — because at SHeCOMMERCE, we’re always connecting the “SHe” and the “Commerce.”  If you care about governance, growth, representation, and building a future where women have a real voice in the rooms where decisions get made, this one is for you. Bold brands. Fierce women. One sisterhood. SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SHeCOMMERCEPodcast DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from SHeCOMMERCE Podcast or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SHeCOMMERCE Podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity t...

IWD Sparkling Sips: Progress is fragile — and Amanda Wolff came to remind us what’s at stake.

2 min

During the month of March Cristina and I are providing sparkling sips and cocoa cups of hot takes from a whole array of gorgeous humans for Women's History Month and International Women's Day.  In this Sparkling Sip, Amanda Wolff drops a truth bomb: women can’t afford to lose an inch of progress. Even with cracks in the glass ceiling, we’re still only at 10% of Fortune 500 CEO roles. She calls out the old “one seat for women” mentality, pushes for community over competition, and reminds us that progress is fragile. Her Give‑to‑Gain? “Always take the meeting.” Because access compounds — and one intro can change a career. Her wish for women: more momentum, more open doors, and rooms finally built with us in mind. SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SHeCOMMERCEPodcast DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from SHeCOMMERCE Podcast or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SHeCOMMERCE Podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. SHeCOMMERCE Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

Kick-off to International Women's Day & Women's History Month

3 min

Women’s History Month kicks off March 1, and we’re treating it like the main event. In this short kickoff video, Jacqui and I unpack this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” and why we’re reframing “giving” as a power move—not a drain. Women give intentionally: we build networks, stability, and pathways for the next generation. This month on SHeCOMMERCE, we’re bringing you: A short video series featuring women leaders we admireReal talk on what IWD actually means in 2026Stories of giving back through philanthropy, fundraising, and community impactPlus - on Sunday, March 8, we’re spotlighting Women on Boards—because representation at the top isn’t decoration, it’s direction. See you all month long. Bold brands. Fierce women. One sisterhood. Let’s build something worth inheriting. SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SHeCOMMERCEPodcast DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from SHeCOMMERCE Podcast or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SHeCOMMERCE Podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. SHeCOMMERCE Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

Episode 7 - Allyship: The Secret Weapon of Women Who Change the Game. Nicole Lesinski, Nestlé

37 min

This week on SHeCOMMERCE, Jacqui and Cristina sit down with Nicole Lesinski of Nestlé, a leader helping drive e-commerce, retail media, and omnichannel transformation inside one of the world’s biggest CPG organizations. Nicole unpacks some of Nestlé’s boldest moves—from major reorganizations that put category and consumer focus at the center, to evolving how field teams think about “total commerce” so account leadership understands the full path to purchase—not just what happens in-store. She’s candid about what nearly breaks the playbook: shifting mindsets, reallocating spend without “money trees,” and building new muscles in fast-changing digital ecosystems. A key turning point? When e-commerce became a clearer engine of growth—and the proof points, measurement, and storytelling made belief inevitable. Nicole also shares career wisdom for women leading change: be persistent, be confident, seek feedback, trust your gut, and remember that someone is always watching you—so “walk the talk.” And because it’s SHeCOMMERCE, we round it out with the real-life details: her hype playlist (Notorious B.I.G. and Kendrick), and a signature cocktail that perfectly fits her vibe—a tequila espresso martini. We close with the SHeCOMMERCE pledge—pay it forward, amplify women’s voices, and help shape the future of commerce.  Bold Brands. Fierce Women. One Sisterhood. SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SHeCOMMERCEPodcast DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from SHeCOMMERCE Podcast or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation b...

Episode 6 - Claiming Space in a Competitive World: The Blueprint for Fierce Founders. Melissa Burdick, PacVue

43 min

In this episode of SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Melissa Burdick, co-founder and president of Pacvue—and newly recognized as a Commerce Media Power 100 honoree by The Drum. From her early days at Amazon to bootstrapping, following a major health scare that sharpened her resolve to build the company she always knew she wanted to create.  We dig into what it really takes to go from corporate to  “hell yeah” moment when product-market fit became undeniable (hello, first paying customer in six months).  On the industry side, Melissa calls BS on one of the biggest retail media misconceptions: “If we build it, interest won't magically appear just because a retailer launches a network—and why brands’ budgets, cycles, and prioritization realities matter more than hype.  We close with a future-facing conversation on AI-first work, bold career growth (“say yes before you’re ready”), and Melissa’s passion project focused on engineering through creative ad building with real brand assets, real campaigns, and real measurement.  Bold brands. Fierce women. One sisterhood.  SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SHeCOMMERCEPodcast DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from SHeCOMMERCE Podcast or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SHeCOMMERCE Podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. SHeCOMMERCE Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, in...

Episode 5 - CES HotTakes (Live from Las Vegas)

12 min

Recorded live from CES, Cristina and Jacqui hit the show floor for a fast-paced “SheCommerce Champagne Bites” episode—short, sharp interviews with female leaders on what’s real vs. what’s hype in tech, AI, and the future of commerce. First up, Dara Joy Clay (Microsoft AI / Microsoft Advertising) shares a future-casting view of what happens when wearables + biometric data + generative AI collide. The big idea: commerce could shift from “shopping” to anticipation—where your data helps an AI assistant proactively recommend (and even reorder) the wellness products you need, before you even think to add them to cart. Next, Amishi Takalkar (CEO, Nailbiter) brings the grounded take: AI is the real deal, but the ROI is still catching up to the investment. Her advice is simple and actionable: don’t fear AI—use it as your assistant, not your replacement. The value comes from partnership: let AI handle the basics so humans can focus on higher-order thinking, judgment, and creativity. Then, Joanne O'Connell (Omnicom) delivers one of the strongest takeaways from the week: human creativity is still the superpower. AI can expand imagination—but it can also create a “sea of sameness” if teams use it like a crutch. The differentiator won’t be access to tools. It’ll be the discipline, talent, and originality behind how we use them. Cristina and Jacqui close with their own reflections: AI is everywhere at CES, and the bigger conversation is workforce readiness. This isn’t just about jobs disappearing—it’s about parts of jobs changing, fast. The challenge (and opportunity) is how we equip today’s professionals and future graduates to level up with AI, not get left behind. Because at SheCommerce, it’s never just about trends—it’s about who gets to shape them. Bold Brands. Fierce Women. One Sisterhood.  ... SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SHeCOMMERCEPodcast DISCLAIMER: The...

Episode 4: 2025 Reflections and 2026 Predictions with the CPG Guys

44 min

We’re closing out 2025 with a no-fluff, all-receipts conversation where power women and real talk collide. Cristina and Jackie are joined by industry heavyweights Peter and Sri from The CPG Guys to audit the year that was—and forecast what’s next. From the AI hype that fizzled to the retail media reality check, we call BS on overused buzzwords and dig into what really moved the needle (and what didn’t). Expect hot takes on: AI-powered everything—why it was the most overused phrase and what it actually delivered. Innovation drought—65% of launches were renovations, not true innovation. Retail media wins & fails—where it worked (in-store, search) and where it flopped (off-site display). Metrics that need to die—ROAS, influencer engagement, and “new-to-brand” obsession. Promo addiction & price-pack architecture—why frequency vs depth matters more than ever. Women in leadership—progress made, but why representation still lags behind consumer reality. Unspoken rules to retire—FaceTime ≠ commitment, and culture fit ≠ sameness. Plus, we tackle the big question: What does “Beyond the Basket” really mean? Spoiler: It’s about relationships, not transactions. This episode is bold, provocative, and packed with insights for anyone navigating the evolving world of CPG, retail media, and commerce. SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SHeCOMMERCEPodcast DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from SHeCOMMERCE Podcast or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SHeCOMMERCE Podcast. The views expressed by guests are their ow...

Episode 3: Breaking Silos & Reimagining Commerce — Christine Foster from 84.51, Kroger Precision Marketing (KPM)

31 min

This week on SHeCOMMERCE, Cristina and Jacqui sit down with Christine Foster, SVP of Strategy & Operations at 8451 and Kroger Precision Marketing (KPM), to talk about what happens when retail media stops acting like a “channel”… and starts behaving like a true commercial engine.  Christine opens up about stepping into leadership after Cara Pratt built an extraordinary foundation at KPM—and what it really means to “carry the torch” with progress over perfection (yes, it’s an honor… and yes, the pressure is real).  From there, we get into the future of retail media: breaking down silos across retail media + insights + loyalty, speaking the language of outcomes, and why the real unlock isn’t just better reporting—it’s faster decisions at the pace of commerce. And if you’ve ever spent your Monday drowning in dashboards… Christine’s newest “AI baby,” Agent Monday, is here to change that.    In this episode, we cover: Leadership transition done right: honoring the legacy, carrying the torch, and building what’s next Why fragmentation slows everyone down—and why unifying retail media + insights + loyalty creates “magic” The unlearning required to go cross-functional: “Speak the language of outcomes.” Agent Monday: moving brands from reactive insights to proactive action (and what’s coming next: insight → activation)   “Retail media isn’t just data”—the creativity + emotion that actually drives conversion ( “If you know the cart, you know the heart.”) The shift brands aren’t ready for (but it’s coming): dynamic experiences, real-time optimization, and perpetual learning Women as the architects (not just operators) of what’s next in commerce A leadership myth Christine is happily breaking: leaders don’t need all the answers Bold Brands. Fierce Women. One Sisterhood. SHeCOMMERCE:  Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/ LinkedIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecommercepodcast/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SHeCOMMERCEPodcast DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episo...

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