🎙️Episode 105: The Power of Empathy & Authentic Leadership — A Conversation with Ron Thurston

Listen Now On:

Episode Summary:
What if retail could be more than just a job? Join us as we chat with Ron Thurston, co‑founder of OSSY and bestselling author of Retail Pride, to uncover the secrets of turning a retail career into a passion‑driven journey. From pioneering showrooming at Bonobos to redefining field leadership at Apple, Ron’s stories provide invaluable insights into strengths‑based leadership, the role of empathy and curiosity in guiding teams, and how AI can free up time for more meaningful customer interactions. It’s all about finding joy in your work and working for companies that recognize and value your strengths.

We talk about:

• Leveraging individual talents through strengths‑based leadership

• The evolving role of empathy and curiosity in retail management

• How technology and AI can enhance rather than replace human connection

• Building authentic trust between frontline teams and corporate leadership

About Ron Thurston:
Ron Thurston’s life mission is to celebrate, elevate, and empower the people and spirit of the retail industry. His passion is evident in over three decades of experience leading stores and operations for top American brands such as Gap, West Elm, Apple, Tory Burch, Bonobos, and Saint Laurent. He served as Vice President of Stores at Intermix, honing expertise in strategy, management, and innovation before co‑founding OSSY, a retail recruiting agency addressing industry hiring challenges.

As the bestselling author of Retail Pride, Ron traveled nationwide in an Airstream trailer to uncover and highlight remarkable retail stories, reinforcing his commitment to frontline teams. He also serves on advisory boards for retail tech companies - including Ometria, Butterfly, and YOOBIC - and on the board of directors for Goodwill NY/NJ. His blend of practical leadership advice and heartfelt storytelling makes this episode a treasure trove for anyone passionate about retail.

His latest book, Human Pride, is now available for sale through Amazon and is a must-read for anyone “seeking bold strategies for building meaningful connections and inspiring transformation.” (Click on the book below to order)

Favorite Quote from Ron:
"My leadership style is built on three core pillars: empathy, curiosity, and focus. Empathy allows me to connect deeply with my teams, curiosity drives me to constantly learn and innovate, and focus helps me channel my energy where it is most needed to achieve the best outcomes. Together, these qualities create a powerful framework for leading effectively in the ever-changing world of retail."

Follow Ron on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rthurston/

Continue the Conversation:
What resonated most about Ron’s journey? Share your thoughts or questions below—we love hearing from you.