Rolling with the punches of Risk Management with Mike Simmons

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley gets Mike Simmons , VP of Human Resource, Risk Management and Legal at WKS Restaurant Group (the 10th LARGEST franchisee in the COUNTRY!) in the HOT SEAT. Mike and Amber talk about how he fell into a 38-year career in Risk Management by accident. They also discuss the cumulative nature of his career, and how a series of Bolt-On’s in every step gave him the skills and experience needed to warrant that long title. Mike talks about the inherent preparedness it takes to work in Risk Management coupled with a love of the dynamic environment. In one word, resilient. Hurricanes to insurance renewal with the soon-to-be Dr. Simmons!

Connect with Mike here!

LAST Election Prep Details & Predictions with John Franchi

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley sits down with former CIA Station Chief John Franchi to get his insider info and predictions prior to the upcoming Presidential election.  John talks last minute prep advice for retailers as well as what *might* happen regardless of what side wins.

They also talk about potential insider cyber threats on the heels of a Disney ex-employee hacking into its menu to alter peanut allergy info.  Are you prepared for what employees have access to prior to firing them?  Here’s some insight that might be helpful – listen today!

Connect with John here or email him here to sign up for his Intel Briefing.

The Total Retail Loss Model at Kroger

Chris Harris, Director of Asset Protection and Safety at Kroger, finds himself in the HOT SEAT as he joins TalkLP host Amber Bradley to talk Kroger’s AP strategy, the Total Loss Model in grocery. Think it’s complicated? Uh, yep.  Definitely.

Chris and Amber discuss how the Total Loss model allows the AP department to branch out into all sectors of the business and reduce shrink whether that be in merchandising, supply chain, buying, retail operations, etc. He credits their success to the diverse team of AP talent and talks about finding AND keeping great talent. Everything behind the Total Loss model comes down to the company’s mission, Zero Hunger, Zero Waste. Listen today!

Connect with Chris here.

NEW Series: “Team Talk” with Topgolf

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley introduces a new series, Team Talk – Leadership Styles Uncovered in this episode of the TalkLPNews Podcast. She sits down with Jeff Mieseler, Director of Global Security, and Sarkis Grigorian, Senior Manager, Global Retail Security/Profit Protection and E-Commerce Fraud from Topgolf Callaway Brands to dig deep into the interplay of relationships within their department. Jeff discusses the three key steps to his leadership style, as well as his communication strategy when leading so many different skill sets within the program. While Sarkis talks about “No Egos,” managing up and the mantra of his communication with Jeff, “You never want the boss to be surprised.” Amber gets them both in the HOT SEAT as they reveal their Secrets (to leadership success). Hint: WWJD? What would Jeff Do? Listen today!

Connect with Jeff here and Sarkis here.

Navigating the Road to Director with Marcus Young

Director of Asset Protection at United Supermarkets, Marcus Young, sits down with TalkLP Host Amber Bradley to discuss his 28- year career path from sacker to Director. Marcus gets into the advantages of knowing the operations side of the business and how that benefits his work in Loss Prevention. To Marcus, his team is his #1 asset and the company’s refreshing take on career development backs that up.  They also talk trade shows and conferences and how the relationships he built there are some of the best resources for finding solutions to emerging problems. Marcus still wakes up every day with a passion for his work and his favorite part is the impact he has on all the people he encounters. He is WAY more than a good shoplifter spotter….listen today to find out why!

Betting On Risk Expert Mark Habersack with Resorts World

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley fangirled out for her love of all things Vegas before diving into the world of Risk Management with Resorts World’s Executive Director of Risk Management, Mark Habersack. Mark and Amber discuss his 40-year career in the industry and the strategies he used to find success. They also talk tech utilization and the buzzword of the moment, Enterprise Risk Management. Plus the best career advice he ever received AND a little advice of his own!

Connect with Mark here!

CIA Insider on Election Predictions, CrowdStrike Fail, and More

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley sits down with former CIA Executive & Station Chief John Franchi to talk assassination attempt, election predictions & explanations, the CrowdStrike update fail and more!  Get the behind the scenes download of the hottest topics PLUS an APEX session preview – listen today!

To request John Franchi’s regular email update, click here.  For more information on how you can attend APEX to ensure you’re prepared for the upcoming election and more – visit the APEX conference website here.

Prof. Emmeline Taylor Talks UK Crime Trends & Upcoming APEX Panel

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley was super excited to talk retail crime trends with Professor Emmeline Taylor, PhD, Professor of Criminology at City, University of London and Host of Retail Crime Uncovered Podcast!  Emmeline and Amber talk the differences between the US and the UK in terms of crime trends.  They also discuss the UK’s recent initiatives to try and crack down on organized retail crime.  Rounding out the conversation included Emmeline’s take on new AND existing technology trends and her predictions of those “can’t live without” tech trends!

Amber also previews the keynote session Emmeline will be moderating at the upcoming Asset Protection Executive Xchange (APEX) conference in Nashville.  If you want to learn more about the APEX conference click here!

Tune in and subscribe to Professor Taylor’s podcast by clicking here!

Busting Myths & Getting REAL about Body Worn Cameras with REI

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley gets REAL with Brian Friedman, Director of Asset Protection & Risk Management for REI and Mike Shore, General Manager – Enterprise at AXON, about body worn cameras. Learn a little history, a little tech understanding about this SUPER hot topic in the industry right now AND learn a LOT about the REAL impact body worn cameras are making in retail through Brian’s experience at REI.  How did AXON turn skeptic into believer? What was the reception from customers and employees? What problems does this technology solve MINUS all the obvious? (there are lots, btw)  Check out this chat with Brian and Mike to bust myths with actual data and REALtailer experience (see what we did there?)

Learn more about AXON and their offering into retail here.

Are we the “No” department?

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley and co-host NRF’s Vice President of Asset Protection & Retail Operations, David Johnston, chat with NRF’s Loss Prevention Council Chair Scott McBride, Chief Global Asset Protection Officer, CSO, Security Operations for American Eagle, about industry trends, what to expect at NRF PROTECT and what retail executives are planning for in the coming months/years.  How do you stay on top of everything going on in this fast-paced industry?  How do you make sure you’re not leading the “no” department?  How can LP/AP executives leverage the NRF to help them in their roles?  What PROTECT sessions are we looking forward to the MOST?  All of these hard-hitting questions = answered in this quick chat with David and Scott! Check it out!

NRF PROTECT is right around the corner, June 4 – 6 in Long Beach.  Register for NRF PROTECT or review the agenda here.