Get ready for a power-packed episode of The Brian Librach Show! We're diving deep into the playbook of PacSun's rise to industry dominance in the late '90s and early '00s, thanks to the visionary leadership of Greg Weaver. Weaver understood that above all, People were the priority. He recognized that people were behind every aspect of the business, from design and buying to allocation, sales, and real estate.

Discover how human capital became the cornerstone of their success, with Weaver's CEO approach emphasizing the right people, right place, and right time philosophy. But it didn't stop there—learn how Weaver ensured equal weight for all function leaders to prevent biases from clouding decision-making.

Then, buckle up as we tackle a fundamental truth: just because your boss says something, doesn't make it gospel. We're breaking down the steps to navigate this scenario with finesse. From clarifying your career aspirations to asking for constructive feedback, we've got you covered.

In our final segment, we're laying down some truth bombs: it's time to break free from the nest and get out of your parents' basement. We're diving into why it's crucial to embrace independence now, rather than later. Learn how to become a proactive hunter in the jungle of life, seizing opportunities and making things happen instead of waiting for the perfect moment to arrive. Don't miss out—tune in and start your journey towards freedom and success today!

In this next episode, we're delving into the crucial topic of allyship for women. We'll explore what might be hindering you from being a genuine ally and present six actionable ways to become a true champion for her.

Firstly, we're going to address the issue of interrupting her. Secondly, we'll discuss the importance of stepping in when someone else interrupts her. Thirdly, we'll emphasize the need to actively seek her input if she doesn't initially speak up, ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard and valued within the team.

Moving forward, we'll talk about the significance of giving her direct feedback without fearing her emotional response, refraining from using loaded terms like "assertive" or "aggressive" when describing behaviors. Furthermore, we'll challenge the tendency to attribute her successes to luck or others, advocating instead for recognizing her accomplishments and contributions. Lastly, we'll explore the critical role of championing, promoting, and opening doors for her advancement.

In light of Mental Health Awareness Month, we'll also address anxiety in the workplace, offering strategies for effective coping mechanisms. From how you kickstart your day to incorporating movement and monitoring what enters your mind and body, we'll explore holistic approaches to managing workplace anxiety.

Finally, we'll underscore the importance of recognizing your role as a role model and teacher. If you're in a leadership position but doubt your ability to embody these roles, it may be time to step aside and allow someone else to step in who can fulfill these responsibilities with conviction and integrity.

Get ready to cut through the Bullshit on the next episode of The Brian Librach Show! We're diving straight into the reasons why you're not getting what you want from people – no sugar-coating, just straight-up truth bombs. Plus, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we're spotlighting Douglas Blackman's book, "Driven: Understanding and Harnessing the Genetic Gifts Shared by Entrepreneurs, Navy SEALs, Pro Athletes, and Maybe You!" Get ready to uncover what it takes to unleash your full potential.

And hey, to all the folks at Rue 21 and Express facing bankruptcy, here's your reality check: Stay confident and keep pushing forward. I've got some tips to help you navigate your next steps.

But that's not all – we're also tackling the empathy deficit. What's holding you back from truly understanding others' perspectives? Tune in for some hard-hitting insights and practical strategies to become a more empathetic badass. Don't miss out – join us and let's kick some excuses to the curb!

Get ready for another riveting episode of The Brian Librach Show! This time, we're not holding back. We're tackling head-on why Mondays suck and Fridays flop. But we're not just complaining – we're dishing out three killer strategies to flip the script and dominate your week.

And hey, are you worried about AI stealing your job? Spoiler alert: it's not as bleak as you think. The good news is there's a skill for everyone, whether you're left-brained or right-brained, creative or operational. We're breaking down the five skills that'll keep you ahead of the game.

But wait, there's more! As a leader, the big question looms: should you conduct announced or unannounced visits? We're throwing down the gauntlet and declaring our stance. And here's a plus: who cares about visits if the expectations weren't properly set from the get-go?

Don't let the fear of Mondays hold you back. Tune in and let's kick some serious ass together!

In this episode, we're getting real about what not to do to nail those interviews. We break down three major interview blunders: 1) Forget the sales pitch, focus on problem-solving; 2) Always do your homework; and 3) Don't get caught up in hypotheticals. Drawing from my own experiences over three+ decades ago, I share how I cracked the code using tricks inspired by George Clooney and recently articulated by Ryan Holiday in the book the Obstacle is the Way.

We also dive into the latest trend: employee ghosting. Is it payback for all those times hiring managers left candidates hanging? We're calling for better relationships between employers and employees, ditching the ghosting culture and constant layoffs. Plus, we're shining a light on how ghosting hurts employees' and employer's reputations and productivity.

And let's tackle the big question: Can you ever find balance? Spoiler alert: Balance is bullshit. Instead, let's talk about integrating your life for happiness at work, in your personal life, and in your well-being. Tune in for practical tips on living your best life, on and off the clock.

I first met Librach in a three-day writer’s workshop in the soon-to-be-doomed fortress of what once was Scribe Media. Almost a month before the company imploded, Librach was the first person I met and shook hands with in the writer’s room. From that point on, the goal was the same- get a book out there that helps and speaks to someone who is oft-forgotten in our high-brow society- the retail industry, and the retail worker. That book, The Retail Leader’s Roadmap, is quickly becoming a smash it, already becoming a #1 bestseller in multiple categories.

Brian's career began at 21 as a District Manager, swiftly rising to Regional Director by 25, Director of Stores by 35, and VP of Stores for Urban Outfitters at 38. He later served as VP of Stores and Operations at Pacific Sunwear before leading Old Navy's Canadian operations.

Brian's journey exemplifies his unwavering dedication to excellence in retail leadership.

In this week’s episode of The Retail Tea Break podcast, I’m joined by a guest who really understands frontline retail. Brian Librach is author of The Retail Leader’s Roadmap. He followed in the footsteps of his Father and Grandfather having been brought up around retailers and merchants. With a career that saw him climb the corporate ladder (and fall down it a few times), Brian worked for Urban Outfitters, Pacific Sunwear and Old Navy.

Brain’s approach to leading a retail team is practical and timely. He appreciates the need to juggle business tasks while nurturing people to enable business growth. He continues to channel his passion for coaching, mentoring, and leading the next generation of retail stars with his new book. So grab your cup of tea, sit back and listen in!

Topics:

Writing the new book?

The three pillars, build your character, build your connection and build your plan.

The many mistakes

Paying it forward as a leader

Task or people first?

Join us to discuss retail, leadership, and Brian Librach’s book, The Retail Leaders Road Map.

Brian Librach has held leadership positions at various retail brands, from Old Navy to Pacific Sunwear and Urban Outfitters. Needless to say, he’s faced his fair share of hardships and lessons learned.

The one big thing he has found is that many retail leaders are “stuck halfway up the ladder.” This reality ultimately inspired him to write his book: The Retail Leader’s Roadmap.

During this episode of Retail Remix, Brian shares:

The big lessons he learned during his rich career in retail;

What he learned from his industry peers while writing the book; and

How retail leaders can get “unstuck” and embed learning, development and inspiration into their days.

In an industry that moves fast, feeling stuck can seem like the ultimate setback. But what if being "stuck" is just the pause you need to catapult your retail career to new heights?

In Episode 9 of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS, we'll explore the process of turning career stagnation into a launchpad for growth. 🚀

Our guest, Brian Librach, author of the brand new book "The Retail Leader’s Roadmap," has navigated the peaks and valleys of a dynamic career in retail management.

Starting his journey at 21 and scaling the heights to become the VP of Stores for Urban Outfitters by 38, Brian knows a thing or two about growth, resilience, and the courage to move forward when you find yourself stuck. ❤️‍🔥

In this revealing episode, host Ron Thurston and Brian Librach will dig into:

▪️ What it means to be "stuck" and how to recognize the signs in your own career journey

▪️ Brian’s “5 Principles of Performance” and how to integrate them into your daily workflow

▪️ Developing "high learning agility" and why it's a non-negotiable trait

Whether you're feeling stuck or simply looking for ways to proactively steer your career, this episode is a must-listen. 🎯

What's up, my friend? You're in for a real treat with this episode featuring Brian. We're going deep into the nitty gritty details of his proven blueprint for accelerating your career growth as a retail leader.

Right off the bat, Brian opens up about the profound influence his father had on instilling that insatiable drive to outwork, outlearn, and outlead everyone around him. The dude exudes an unwavering determination that's truly contagious.

He breaks down the strategic planning process that allowed him to systematically climb the ranks - mapping out long-term goals, identifying key experiences to pursue, and executing with laser-focus. This isn't just talk, it's a tangible game plan that you can apply.

But what really sets Brian apart is his mindset around leadership character development. We're talking about the grit, humility, and emotional intelligence required to inspire teams and become that leader people want to follow into the trenches. He's lived these lessons.

By the end, you'll have a revamped perspective on owning your leadership journey - crafting a personalized plan, embracing growth opportunities, and developing that unshakable sense of purpose. This dude lays it all out there with experienced-based wisdom.

So brace yourself, it's about to get real with a heavy dose of motivation, strategy, and battle-tested insights for senior retail leaders truly craving their "Best Next". Let's go!

The Endless Aisle podcast takes an inside look at the world of retail from the people living and breathing it every day. You’ll hear from brand leaders, innovators on the tech side, store associates, and more. Endless Aisle is presented by NewStore.

Top international business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and authors share their experience, insights and outlook on how to drive business growth, build better companies, new fast growing technologies and where the next big opportunities are.

In this latest episode in Carol Spieckerman’s People Powered Retail series, Brian and Carol delve into the crucial role that individual initiative and ownership will play in propelling retail forward.

In today's competitive business landscape, where efficiency and systems often take precedence, some leaders stand out for prioritizing people above all else. Brian, our guest, epitomizes this ethos.