Hi, I’m Pete Nordstrom, and I'm the host of The Nordy Pod, a new podcast coming to you from the 6th floor of Nordstrom corporate headquarters in Seattle, Washington. In addition to hosting this podcast, I also happen to be the president of Nordstrom. And along with my brother Erik, CEO, and my cousin Jamie, President of Stores, we're the fourth-generation stewards of this business started by my great grandfather in 1901.
My Nordstrom journey began when I was 12 years old with my first job working in the stockroom. And along the way, I’ve met so many incredible people, from iconic artists and CEOs to cultural and community leaders and fashion entrepreneurs—as well as many of our thousands of employees and millions of customers.
One thing I've found helpful in running a company and hosting a podcast is the importance of having a strong sense of curiosity. Over the years, I’ve found myself in some very interesting conversations with people I greatly admire. These cumulative experiences have really enriched my life, and with The Nordy Pod, I'm excited to have the opportunity to share both professional and personal experiences with you.
So join me on a journey as I take you deep into a business that also happens to be a public company. You'll go behind the scenes with me and hear firsthand exactly what I do in my day job, warts and all, in the hopes of making a human connection with every episode.
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Hi, I’m Pete Nordstrom, and I'm the host of The Nordy Pod, a new podcast coming to you from the 6th floor of Nordstrom corporate headquarters in Seattle, Washington. In addition to hosting this podcast, I also happen to be the president of Nordstrom. And along with my brother Erik, CEO, and my cousin Jamie, President of Stores, we're the fourth-generation stewards of this business started by my great grandfather in 1901.
My Nordstrom journey began when I was 12 years old with my first job working in the stockroom. And along the way, I’ve met so many incredible people, from iconic artists and CEOs to cultural and community leaders and fashion entrepreneurs—as well as many of our thousands of employees and millions of customers.
One thing I've found helpful in running a company and hosting a podcast is the importance of having a strong sense of curiosity. Over the years, I’ve found myself in some very interesting conversations with people I greatly admire. These cumulative experiences have really enriched my life, and with The Nordy Pod, I'm excited to have the opportunity to share both professional and personal experiences with you.
So join me on a journey as I take you deep into a business that also happens to be a public company. You'll go behind the scenes with me and hear firsthand exactly what I do in my day job, warts and all, in the hopes of making a human connection with every episode.
Ep 90. Holt Renfrew: Proudly Canadian, Quietly Unstoppable
The Nordy Pod
34 minutes 50 seconds
1 month ago
Ep 90. Holt Renfrew: Proudly Canadian, Quietly Unstoppable
Anybody that works in our industry knows that retail is a moving target, and there’s a million different variables that influence success or failure at any given moment. Some of those variables are measurable and tangible enough to use to your advantage; but others are really out of your control.
So what do you do when, for example, the whole world shuts down amid a global pandemic? Or when nations collide in an all-out trade war? Or how do you adapt to combat new and formidable contenders that emerge in your market space?
Navigating this inherently unpredictable business takes a special kind of brand, and a special kind of person, and for this episode we’ve invited one such leader of a company that’s no doubt felt the weight of an uncertain and highly competitive marketplace. He’s a long-time friend and an industry confidant, Sebastian Picardo, President and CEO of the Canadian luxury department store, Holt Renfrew.
In our conversation we’ll discuss how Sebastian’s diverse career background provides him with a broad lens in which to view our industry’s unfamiliar territory, the value of feeding curiosity in his own personal growth, and the significance of clarity in brand identity for Holt Renfrew. We’ll also share a bit of a lesson in humility in regards to Nordstrom’s attempt to plant a foot in Canada. Spoiler alert! It didn’t work out so well.
Thanks for tuning in to episode 90. We hope you enjoy it!
Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to nordypodcast@nordstrom.com to be a part of the conversation! And, be sure to follow us on Instagram @thenordypod to stay up to date on new episodes, announcements and more.
The Nordy Pod
Hi, I’m Pete Nordstrom, and I'm the host of The Nordy Pod, a new podcast coming to you from the 6th floor of Nordstrom corporate headquarters in Seattle, Washington. In addition to hosting this podcast, I also happen to be the president of Nordstrom. And along with my brother Erik, CEO, and my cousin Jamie, President of Stores, we're the fourth-generation stewards of this business started by my great grandfather in 1901.
My Nordstrom journey began when I was 12 years old with my first job working in the stockroom. And along the way, I’ve met so many incredible people, from iconic artists and CEOs to cultural and community leaders and fashion entrepreneurs—as well as many of our thousands of employees and millions of customers.
One thing I've found helpful in running a company and hosting a podcast is the importance of having a strong sense of curiosity. Over the years, I’ve found myself in some very interesting conversations with people I greatly admire. These cumulative experiences have really enriched my life, and with The Nordy Pod, I'm excited to have the opportunity to share both professional and personal experiences with you.
So join me on a journey as I take you deep into a business that also happens to be a public company. You'll go behind the scenes with me and hear firsthand exactly what I do in my day job, warts and all, in the hopes of making a human connection with every episode.
