The Huddle with John Furner

Respect for the Individual is one of our core values. As we continue taking steps to be an even more inclusive company, it’s important to constantly listen and educate ourselves about race and racism in our country. On this new episode of The Huddle with John Furner, he talks with Deena Hayes-Greene, Co-Founder of the Racial Equity Institute. She has a fantastic story and is so passionate about he...

We are so excited to announce the launch of our membership program, Walmart+! It gives customers access to services like unlimited free home deliveries from our stores, Scan & Go for fast checkout, and a 5-cent per gallon discount on fuel. Janey Whiteside is our Chief Customer Officer, and her team worked hard to get Walmart+ off the ground. Listen to this new episode of The Huddle with John Furne...

Steve Schmitt is the CFO for Walmart U.S. eCommerce and had great news to share this week. Walmart U.S. eComm sales grew by 97% in the second quarter! There are a lot of people behind that number – it doesn’t just happen. We’re evolving for our customers and making a difference. Listen to this newest episode of The Huddle with John Furner to hear Steve talk about Earnings, his love for Louisville,...

John Furner met with Fiona Tan back in January. She wears many hats as the SVP of U.S. Technology, but a big part of her team’s job is building experiences that save our customers time and money. While we couldn’t have predicted the impact of the pandemic, we’ve always worked to serve our customers. Listen to this newest episode of The Huddle to hear how we’ve gathered feedback, adjusted, been cha...

From bottles of bourbon to more than 5 million bottles of hand sanitizer, Sazerac switched up production at the start of the pandemic. The Louisville-based company has helped keep American spirits up for 150 years, and has been one of our most important spirit suppliers since 1985. Listen to this new episode of The Huddle to hear from Sazerac CEO Mark Brown and COO Matt Maimone on how their teams...

Claire Babineaux-Fontenot has a fascinating story. She’s a Walmart alum, practiced law, tax law, corporate law, is a cancer survivor, mother, one of 108 kids, and is now the CEO of Feeding America. We’ve partnered with the nonprofit for decades and Walmart has provided 4.5 billion meals over the years. Listen to this new episode of The Huddle to hear how you can take part in the Fight Hunger. Spar...

Kathleen McLaughlin has two big jobs at Walmart. She’s our Chief Sustainability Officer and President of the Walmart Foundation. A company can do good in several ways – everything from reducing emissions to developing a sustainable Supply Chain, creating opportunities for associates and advancing work on racial equity. Listen to this newest episode of The Huddle to hear the steps we’re taking to m...

Today was George Floyd’s memorial. There is anguish, trauma and heartache across America. We need to stand up against racism and discrimination. Store Manager NaToya Champion shared a really powerful message about what each of us can do. Be empathetic. Initiate conversations. Ask, “Are you okay?” And now more than ever, listen. We're so grateful to have leaders like NaToya serving our communities...

While we can prepare for a lot, the needs of our customers quickly changed due to COVID-19. In this last quarter, Walmart U.S. comp sales increased 10%, excluding fuel, and Walmart U.S. eCommerce sales grew 74%. Our merchants choose what we sell, how much we sell it for and whether it’ll be in our stores or online. Listen to this new episode of The Huddle to hear from Latriece Watkins, Charles Red...

Dacona Smith is all about simplifying the work. He joined The Huddle last week to talk about how we’ve responded to COVID-19. This week, we’re sharing an episode we actually recorded a couple of months ago with more about his career and leadership style. Dacona started with our company 30 years ago assembling bikes and pushing carts. He also used to play football and shared how his experience play...

Dacona Smith, Chief Operating Officer for Walmart U.S., is passionate about protecting our associates and customers. He joined John Furner on The Huddle to talk about steps we’ve taken in stores, how our teams have stepped up in their communities, and how the shopping experience has changed for customers during this pandemic. Listen to this new episode to hear how we’re preparing for a new normal...

COVID-19 is affecting the lives of our associates all over the world. Listen to John Furner and Judith McKenna, CEO of Walmart International, talk about what we’re seeing in different markets, what we’ve learned over the last few months, and how we can share best practices. We can learn a lot from each other.

These are unprecedented times. We’re making decisions hour by hour, and often minute by minute. Walmart is lucky to have Dr. Tom Van Gilder serving as our Chief Medical Officer. Listen to this new episode to hear how we’re working to keep our associates and customers safe and healthy during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Our associates are making a difference in their communities during this difficult time. Julie Murphy, EVP of People for Walmart U.S., joined The Huddle with John Furner to talk about our new COVID-19 policy, the importance of communication, and how we’ll be making decisions moving forward. Listen to the full episode.

One week ago today, John Furner recognized 85 store managers as Difference Makers. Amy McMullin leads a top-performing team in Norman, OK, and was selected to be celebrated in Bentonville for her achievements. She sat down with John to share challenges she faces and the role Walmart plays in every community. Give this new episode a listen to hear how we’re making a difference for our associates an...

We released our Q4 and full-year earnings this week. Walmart U.S. Chief Financial Officer, Michael Dastugue, keeps track of every dollar and helps guide our strategy. He spent some time on The Huddle with John Furner breaking down how comps and growth affect our associates. Hear their plans for moving the business forward in this new episode.

Scott McCall started his career with Walmart as an hourly management trainee in Grenada, Mississippi, more than 25 years ago. He was recently named Walmart U.S. Chief Merchandising Officer. Scott understands our customers and the ways they want to shop with us. Hear why being curious makes a big difference in retail in this new episode.

Monique Picou is one of the many Supply Chain associates making sure product gets to our store shelves. She joined The Huddle with John Furner and shared how our teams are constantly working to eliminate friction for our customers. Monique is also very passionate about women in STEM and was recently selected to be a part of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Next Gen Summit! From working internationall...

This week John sits down with Store Manager Kelly Clark from Fort Smith, AR. Kelly was the store manager when John was training to be an assistant manager back in 1995. They talk about how running a Supercenter has changed over the years, and Kelly shares how he continues to develop associates after 40 years in retail. They also have some great Mr. Sam stories. Give this new episode a listen.

You’ve heard a few episodes so far and it’s now officially called, “The Huddle with John Furner.” Give this new episode a listen to hear why he chose that name! John also shares how we should be communicating with our teams, serving our customers, and the role Walmart plays in people’s lives during this busy holiday season.

Doug McMillon and John Furner are looking back on all they’ve experienced over the last 25 years of holidays at Walmart! The two swap Black Friday stories and give shout-outs to all of our amazing associates who made this Thanksgiving week happen.

As we took time this week to honor all veterans, John Furner sat down with Army veteran Sal Giunta. Sal is the first living person since Vietnam to receive the Medal of Honor. He is an inspiration to many with his humility, integrity and commitment to serving others. The stories he shared are remarkable and impactful.

On his first day as President & CEO of Walmart U.S., John Furner shared what Walmart means to him, his leadership style, and why he's excited to connect with associates.