The CPG View

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT  People often think that getting on and getting to the top is all about hard skills: Decision-Making Skills Financial Acumen Budgeting and Forecasting Financial Statement Analysis Cost Management Investment Decisions Market Analysis Competitive Strategy Innovation and Creativity Risk Management But the truth is that soft skills are what make the difference. It’s the soft ski...

Expansion of Amazon's network (as called out in the attached WSJ article) + the new inbound shipping fee. How is it impacting customers? How is it impacting sellers? What can sellers do to fend off Amazon's increasing complexity with supply chain?   Innovation in supply chain. What does it look like? How are 3PLs using tech to optimize logistics? What are winners doing to continue to build...

How did you get your introduction to retail media and ecommerce? How do we fix that disconnect? How do you see organizations better aligning KPI’s and incentives to what generates growth? As you’ve built out ecommerce practices and helped other organizations hone theirs, how have you looked at creating and aligning KPI’s and incentives to drive growth? Talking about P&L ownership brings up ano...

Can you share some key insights from your experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry over the past two decades, particularly regarding driving growth and fostering strong team dynamics? In your book,  "Snap & Go," you draw parallels between the average punt play in football and leadership lessons in life. Could you elaborate on how these concepts intertwine, and how they appl...

Can you discuss some key trends and challenges you've observed in the marketing landscape, particularly in the consumer goods industry, and how you've navigated them throughout your career? As a marketing leader, what strategies do you find universally effective in driving brand awareness and engagement, regardless of the specific product or company you're working with? How do you appr...

Dr. Qubein, your journey from arriving in the United States with limited English and only $50 to becoming an internationally recognized leader is truly remarkable. Could you share some pivotal moments or decisions that contributed to your success? Dr. Qubein, under your leadership, as President, High Point University has experienced remarkable growth and transformation. Can you elaborate on the st...

Can you share more about your journey from a career in CPG to becoming a renowned career coach and consultant?   What inspired you to develop the ThreePieceLife online coaching course, and how does it help individuals navigate their career and life transitions?   In your experience, what are some common challenges people face when seeking balance in their work and personal lives, and how does your...

Recently all the main analysts have pointed VTEX as one of the main leaders in B2C and B2B. Can you explain the main reasons that have positioned you so well?  In your previous question, you mentioned the architecture focus and how this influences how your customers evaluate your support. Can you explain more about that?   Which would you say is VTEX's sweet spot?  Recently you guys holded VTE...

VTEX is known for its agility in helping businesses adapt to evolving market demands. Can you share some examples of how VTEX has enabled companies to quickly pivot their digital commerce strategies to meet changing customer needs? Multi-channel commerce is becoming increasingly important in today's digital landscape. How does VTEX empower businesses to seamlessly integrate and manage commerce...

As the President of NielsenIQ, what strategic initiatives or high-impact projects are you currently spearheading to further advance the company's position in the market and address industry challenges? In your role at NielsenIQ, how do you see the future of data analytics and customer servicing evolving, and what role do you envision NielsenIQ playing in shaping that future? Can you share insi...

How has media evolved over the past 40 years, and what cultural touchstones have we lost along the way?  What defines the Creator Era, and how does it represent a paradigm shift in media consumption and creation? How have traditional models of media, advertising, and commerce changed over time? Why do creators hold significant power in shaping the future of media, ads, and commerce? What sets succ...

Can you share some insights into how the evolution of eCommerce has impacted the strategies and approaches in shopper marketing, particularly within the CPG/FMCG sector? Given the proliferation of digital advertising channels, including retail media, how does your agency approach crafting effective campaigns that resonate with consumers in an omnichannel retail landscape? With your extensive exper...

Can you share a specific example from your experience at J&J, Coke, or General Mills where applying strategic thinking led to a notable success in brand positioning or marketing execution? Your marketing training emphasizes fundamentals like strategic thinking and brand analytics. How do you adapt these fundamentals to the evolving landscape of digital marketing and changing consumer behaviors...

E-commerce Evolution in CPG: In your experience with major brands like Reckitt and Coca-Cola, how have you seen e-commerce strategies evolve in the CPG industry over the years, especially in the context of health and wellness products? Could you share insights on how these strategies differed from traditional retail approaches? Digital Marketing Innovations: Throughout your career, you've been...

Given your role as an early adopter in the eCommerce channel and your focus on staying ahead of emerging trends, can you share a specific instance where your willingness to embrace new opportunities had a significant impact on advancing your organization within the consumer goods landscape? Could you elaborate on how your commitment to ongoing learning influences your leadership style? Additionall...

With experience spanning e-commerce, digital, key accounts, retail marketing, shopper marketing, indirect trade, and cross-functional projectsacross different geographies, how do you approach adapting your skills and strategies when moving between such diverse roles within the CPG industry?   Having led diverse teams of managers, what leadership principles have you found most effective in fosterin...

Reflecting on your time at The Citadel, how do you believe the institution's emphasis on discipline and honor has influenced your leadership style and decision-making throughout your military career? What were some of the key leadership challenges you encountered while commanding 1st Tank Battalion and how have these experiences shaped your leadership approach and growth as a military leader?...

Could you share with us some of the key insights into the evolving landscape of supply chain recruitment and the challenges that companies face today when it comes to hiring the right talent? A large portion of our works within CPG and they are keen on staying competitive in a rapidly changing market. How can they leverage innovative recruitment strategies and talent acquisition methods, especiall...

Your journey from studying physics and doing software development to becoming CEO of Grocery TV is quite unique. How have these diverse experiences influenced your leadership style and strategic decision-making at Grocery TV? Grocery TV has seen significant growth by focusing on digital in-store media in key areas of grocery stores. Can you elaborate on how this focus has driven your success and w...

You've been recognized as a leader in Digital, with accolades like being part of The Lead Top 60 in Digital U.S. and receiving nominations from DRUM & Glossy. How do you believe your experiences and expertise have contributed to shaping the digital landscape within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, and what trends do you foresee shaping the future of digital strategies for CPG br...

Innovation in eCommerce and Digital Marketing: In your experience, what have been the most significant changes in the landscape of eCommerce and digital marketing in recent years, and how have you adapted these changes at Rocketbook to maintain a competitive edge?        Leadership in Organizational Change: You’ve emphasized the importance of people leadership and organizational effectiveness in y...

Could you elaborate on how data is revolutionizing the way CPG companies approach retail media? What are some data-driven strategies that are proving to be game-changers? Can you elaborate on why these specific methodologies are crucial for Albertsons Media Collective? How does Albertsons Media Collective's approach to measurement transparency directly benefit your CPG clients? What are some o...

With the rebranding to Shipt Media™ and the introduction of new media assets and analytics, what are the key changes brands like Kraft Heinz, Unilever, and Target can expect? How will these changes enhance their advertising and customer engagement strategies? What are you hearing from brands when you engage with them on the platform? What are some of the key things they’re looking for when conside...

CPG Transformation through Shopper Insights:  In your current role as Global Director of Shopper & Channel Insights at Coca-Cola, you're at the intersection of consumer behavior and retail strategy. Could you share an example where your insights have led to a game-changing strategy in the CPG industry? Brand Localization in CPG:  You've had the unique opportunity to manage both global...

    Digital Transition & Target Partnership:  Your recent venture with Flywheel Digital on Target.com seems to be a pioneering effort in offering a comprehensive suite of full-service digital offerings. Can you share the journey behind this initiative and how it’s set to redefine the digital marketplace for brands?           SOV Measurement & Optimization:      In the context of Share of V...