Getting Real with Retail Leaders
How should you prepare for the retail leaders at the NRF Foundation Student Program? The same way I prepare for my guests on NRF’s Retail Gets Real podcast.
Do Your Homework
I never go into an interview without doing some research on my guest. You can check out our fantastic list of retail leaders who’ll be speaking at this year’s event here. Do yourself a favor and dig a little deeper. Check them out on LinkedIn. Search for articles about these leaders and their companies. Get some background on these folks – and you’ll be better prepared to not just hear what they say, but to be able to put their comments into context.
Look for Themes
You’re going to hear from retail experts from every corner of the industry. And no matter how different their areas of expertise, you’re going to hear some common refrains. Look for those threads. What are the insights, the concerns, the predictions that seem to keep coming up? Connecting with those themes means you’re connecting with the future of retail.
I’m always ready to follow where my guests lead me. I’m always surprised by where the conversation goes – and I’m always excited that we’ve gone somewhere new.
Be Open to Surprises
I always have a list of questions for my guests – and you should have some questions ready for our speakers, too – but I’m always ready to follow where my guests lead me. I’m always surprised by where the conversation goes – and I’m always excited that we’ve gone somewhere new. Don’t limit yourself to what you know and what you think. Let the speakers help you discover new surprises.
The NRF Foundation Student Program is one of my favorite events of the year. I can’t wait to see you in New York City.