Grocery From Her Seat Welcome to "Grocery From Her Seat," the WGA podcast offering a unique perspective on the independent grocery industry, as seen through the eyes of remarkable women who shape and lead. Your host, Kristin Popp, President of WGA, will bring to light the inspiring stories, triumphs, and challenges of the women serving the industry of independent grocery. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a young person considering the profession, a woman making your mark in the grocery industry, an industry vendor or simply intrigued by the stories of powerful women, "Grocery From Her Seat" is where inspiration meets action.
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March 2, 2026Episode 1325 min
Emily Mallahan: Patience, Wonder, And The Power Of Independent Grocers
Did you love the show - Text and tell us why.Support the showSign up for women leadership opportunities in the independent grocery industryJoin WGAJoin NGAF: https://www.facebook.com/NationalGrocersAssnL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grocers-association/Grocery From Her Seat, Insights for Independent Grocers has been selected as one of the Top 35 Independent Women Podcasts on the web.https://podcast.feedspot.com/independent_women_podcasts/Host: Kristin PoppProduction: Rachael Melot, SWA.Marketing
February 16, 2026Episode 1228 min
Samantha Johnston: Modern Leadership Challenges in a Digital Era
What if a grocery store could feel like your people? We sit down with Samantha Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer at Clark’s Markets, to unpack how independent grocers build real loyalty by leading with care, operational clarity, and a deep commitment to community. From the Colorado high country to Sedona and Utah, Clark’s carries a bold, independent spirit—and Samantha reveals the practical moves that turn transactions into relationships.Samantha’s career path is anything but linear—media executive, hospital service excellence leader, even firefighter—yet each chapter shaped a leadership style rooted in courage and empathy. She shares how “alignment over balance” guides her priorities, why hiring for cultural fit prevents foundation cracks, and how rolling up your sleeves on the front line leads to smarter systems and higher trust. We also explore the power of NGA share groups and WGA’s network to accelerate learning, open doors, and support women thriving in a historically male‑dominated industry.Then we look forward. AI and personalization are redefining grocery marketing, loyalty programs, and e‑commerce, freeing teams to invest in what machines can’t: hospitality, storytelling, and memorable human touchpoints. Samantha outlines why prepared foods and cafés expand a grocer’s “seat at the table,” how to move beyond simple satisfaction to true devotion, and the practical habits that help rising leaders grow fast—curiosity about people, fluency in business fundamentals, and service grounded in the community. Along the way, she spotlights two essential reads: Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott and Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia.. If this conversation sparks ideas, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find the show.Did you love the show - Text and tell us why.Support the showSign up for women leadership opportunities in the independent grocery industryJoin WGAJoin NGAF: https://www.facebook.com/NationalGrocersAssnL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grocers-association/Grocery From Her Seat, Insights for Independent Grocers has been selected as one of the Top 35 Independent Women Podcasts on the web.https://podcast.feedspot.com/independent_women_podcasts/Host: Kristin PoppProduction: Rachael Melot, SWA.Marketing
February 1, 2026Episode 1128 min
Jenn Hahn: How A Humble Leader Built A National Recruiting Firm For Grocers
A chance encounter at a college career fair led Jenn Hahn into the Aldi training program, where she learned the store from the floor up and ran multiple locations at 22. That early trial by fire shaped a leadership style built on humility, directness, and full accountability—traits she later used to launch J Recruiting Services, a national search firm serving independent grocers, wholesalers, and CPG partners.We unpack how Jenn scaled from “laptop at the kitchen table” to a sophisticated team by refusing to post and pray, demanding premium candidate and client experience, and hiring for strategic thinking over bullet points. She shares the operating system behind balancing CEO life and motherhood: life-first calendars, clear role definition, and trusting a team empowered to tell the boss to step back. We also dive into why intentional networking through WGA, NGA, and peer communities is not optional—it is how opportunities, mentors, and great hires find you.On talent trends, Jenn flags where grocery is investing now: supply chain roles across food safety and logistics, the tech and AI layers that power them, and renewed focus on operations and the in‑store experience. E‑commerce matters, but connection at the register still wins loyalty, especially for Gen Z and millennials. The strongest candidates show resilience, business acumen, and comfort using AI and data to run better stores, not just better spreadsheets. Her closing advice is simple and sharp: stay open‑minded, take the intro calls, and let curiosity guide the next step. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s building their grocery career, and leave a review to help more leaders find these stories.www.jrecruitingservices.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/jrecruitingservices/?viewAsMember=trueDid you love the show - Text and tell us why.National Grocers Association FoundationWelcome to "Grocery From Her Seat," the WGA podcast offering a unique perspective on the independentDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showSign up for women leadership opportunities in the independent grocery industryJoin WGAJoin NGAF: https://www.facebook.com/NationalGrocersAssnL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grocers-association/Grocery From Her Seat, Insights for Independent Grocers has been selected as one of the Top 35 Independent Women Podcasts on the web.https://podcast.feedspot.com/independent_women_podcasts/Host: Kristin PoppProduction: Rachael Melot, SWA.Marketing
January 17, 2026Episode 1021 min
Emily Detwiler: Leading With Kindness In Grocery
The aisle might look calm, but the work behind it moves fast. We sit down with Emily Detwiler, Vice President of AWG Brands at Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), to unpack how private brands become a competitive edge for independent grocers—and how empathetic leadership keeps teams performing at their best. Emily shares a candid path from high school cashier to executive, spanning CPG analytics, fresh meat marketing, and wholesale strategy, with one throughline: say yes to stretch roles and learn quickly.We dig into the mechanics of winning private labels across Best Choice and Always Save—partnering with manufacturers, shaping assortments with category managers, and aligning brand positioning for retailers and their shoppers. Emily explains how storytelling with data drives decisions at the shelf, from price architecture to packaging. She also opens up about the realities of work and family, offering practical tactics like outsourcing low-value tasks and building strong carpools so she can be present at baseball games and swim meets without letting her team down.The conversation gets timely with a major reform: removing synthetic dyes by 2026. Emily outlines the steps to reformulate at scale, manage costs and quality, and keep communication clear for store owners and operators. We also look ahead at AI, ecommerce, and click and collect, emphasizing a people-first approach to technology that enhances forecasting, content, and customer experience without losing the human touch. Along the way, we highlight the power of mentorship and associations like WGA, WISE, PLMA, and FMI to accelerate careers—especially for women—through shared learning and real-world projects.If you care about independent grocery, private brand strategy, and practical leadership you can use tomorrow, this conversation delivers. Subscribe, share with a colleague who loves the industry, and leave a review to help more people find Grocery from Her Seat.https://www.linkedin.com/company/associated-wholesale-grocers/posts/?feedView=allDid you love the show - Text and tell us why.Support the showSign up for women leadership opportunities in the independent grocery industryJoin WGAJoin NGAF: https://www.facebook.com/NationalGrocersAssnL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grocers-association/Grocery From Her Seat, Insights for Independent Grocers has been selected as one of the Top 35 Independent Women Podcasts on the web.https://podcast.feedspot.com/independent_women_podcasts/Host: Kristin PoppProduction: Rachael Melot, SWA.Marketing
January 5, 2026Episode 928 min
Women Redefining Leadership In Independent Grocery, Best of Season 1 and 2
What if the most powerful playbook for modern grocery leadership comes from stories that start outside the aisle? We’re bringing together standout moments from seasons one and two to explore how women at every career stage transform constraint into creativity—blending e‑commerce, data, and deep community roots to keep independent grocers thriving.Representation takes center stage through Women Grocers of America, where visibility becomes a catalyst for ambition: if you can’t see it, you can’t be it. Research insights from Jenna Krakomperger map the real pressures of inflation and labor shortages and show how independents adapt with niche strengths and unwavering community support. The stakes are high: in many rural areas, these stores are the last defense against food deserts, making digital access and operational resilience non‑negotiable.You’ll leave with practical takeaways: translate intuition into metrics, cultivate mentors and share groups, invest in e‑commerce as table stakes, and protect the calendar blocks that keep life whole. If these stories spark ideas, share them with a colleague, hit follow, and leave a quick review—it helps more leaders find the strategies that keep local grocery strong.Full episode for Anne FederJenna KrakompergerDid you love the show - Text and tell us why.Support the showSign up for women leadership opportunities in the independent grocery industryJoin WGAJoin NGAF: https://www.facebook.com/NationalGrocersAssnL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grocers-association/Grocery From Her Seat, Insights for Independent Grocers has been selected as one of the Top 35 Independent Women Podcasts on the web.https://podcast.feedspot.com/independent_women_podcasts/Host: Kristin PoppProduction: Rachael Melot, SWA.Marketing
December 21, 2025Episode 813 min
Resilience, Leadership, And Community: Best of Season 1 and 2
We share standout moments from seasons one and two that trace how women across grocery build resilience, lean on community, and lead with authenticity. Jackie LaPointe connects endurance sports to career confidence, and Jena Sowers shows how adaptive leadership and grace create stronger teams.To listen to the full episodes, follow these links and be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any episodes of season three that will resume in January https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297578/14613298 - Jackie LaPointe's full episodehttps://www.bluecloudinc.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackielapointe/https://www.buzzsprout.com/2297578/14870470 - Jena Sowers full episodehttps://allianceretailgroup.com/www.linkedin.com/in/jena-sowers-9bb55515If you think someone should hear these stories of success journeys, please share this podcast with a friend You don't want to miss any episodes this season, so be sure to subscribe And remember, more people will hear about stories of her success if you like, follow, and leave a five star reviewDid you love the show - Text and tell us why.Support the showSign up for women leadership opportunities in the independent grocery industryJoin WGAJoin NGAF: https://www.facebook.com/NationalGrocersAssnL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grocers-association/Grocery From Her Seat, Insights for Independent Grocers has been selected as one of the Top 35 Independent Women Podcasts on the web.https://podcast.feedspot.com/independent_women_podcasts/Host: Kristin PoppProduction: Rachael Melot, SWA.Marketing
December 8, 2025Episode 727 min
Misty Bryant: Listen Deeper, Lead Better, Serve Bigger
A small moment in a grocery aisle can change a day—and sometimes a career. We sit down with Misty Bryant, Director of Merchandising Support at Houchins Food Group, to unpack how a curious part-time start became a purpose-driven path built on service, mentorship, and data that actually helps people. From a child’s joy over a Peppa Pig toy to the precision of electronic shelf tags and rapid out-of-stock scans, Misty shows how human connection and operational excellence can live side by side.We trace Misty’s journey across merchandising, buying, and category management to a role that bridges tech, marketing, and store operations. We also look ahead: balancing e-commerce growth with the enduring value of brick-and-mortar, adding services like pharmacies and hardware to stay essential in small communities, and building teams that out-learn and out-serve. Misty’s closing playbook is actionable: walk one more aisle, ask one more question, test a small fix, measure it, and share the credit. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who’s building a customer-first culture—what’s one small change you’ll test this week?https://www.hfginc.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/houchens-food-group-inc/Did you love the show - Text and tell us why.Support the showSign up for women leadership opportunities in the independent grocery industryJoin WGAJoin NGAF: https://www.facebook.com/NationalGrocersAssnL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grocers-association/Grocery From Her Seat, Insights for Independent Grocers has been selected as one of the Top 35 Independent Women Podcasts on the web.https://podcast.feedspot.com/independent_women_podcasts/Host: Kristin PoppProduction: Rachael Melot, SWA.Marketing
December 2, 2025Episode 620 min
GR Bonus Episode: Snap, Shutdowns, And The Penny Problem
A 43-day government shutdown turned food policy into a stress test for everyone from federal agencies to front-end cashiers. SNAP benefits were shut off for the first time ever, courts issued conflicting directives, and retailers faced a moving target of guidance while trying to keep communities fed. We sit down with Stephanie Johnson, Group VP of Government Relations at the National Grocers Association, to break down what actually happened, what changed at the register, and how independent grocers adapted in real time.If food access, checkout operations, and policy risk affect your business, this is your map for what changed and what’s next. Listen, share with your team, and tell us how you’re preparing for state waivers and rounding rules. If you find this helpful, follow the show, leave a review, and send the episode to a colleague who runs the front end.Government Relations - National Governors AssociationDid you love the show - Text and tell us why.Support the showSign up for women leadership opportunities in the independent grocery industryJoin WGAJoin NGAF: https://www.facebook.com/NationalGrocersAssnL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grocers-association/Grocery From Her Seat, Insights for Independent Grocers has been selected as one of the Top 35 Independent Women Podcasts on the web.https://podcast.feedspot.com/independent_women_podcasts/Host: Kristin PoppProduction: Rachael Melot, SWA.Marketing
November 23, 2025Episode 526 min
Natalija Paldrmic: Bravely Traveling the World Inspires an Open and Inquisitive Mind
Did you love the show - Text and tell us why.Support the showSign up for women leadership opportunities in the independent grocery industryJoin WGAJoin NGAF: https://www.facebook.com/NationalGrocersAssnL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grocers-association/Grocery From Her Seat, Insights for Independent Grocers has been selected as one of the Top 35 Independent Women Podcasts on the web.https://podcast.feedspot.com/independent_women_podcasts/Host: Kristin PoppProduction: Rachael Melot, SWA.Marketing
November 8, 2025Episode 437 min
Celebrating The First Woman: Amy Niemetscheck
Today, we take a look back at an episode from April of this year when Kristin had the opportunity to interview Amy Neimenscheck. This year, Amy has been named WGA’s Woman of the year and just this week installed as the first female chair of the ROFDA Board, Amy's journey reflects both personal achievement and industry wide progress. From her start as an accountant to leading as a CEO, her past shows what it means to combine technical expertise, visionary leadership, and unwavering advocacy for the grocery industry. Today we wanted to celebrate Amy not only for her individual accomplishments, but also for the doors she's opening for other women and future leaders in grocery. Here are two great takeaways to listen for today: 1st: Recognition validates impact. Being honored as WGA's Woman of the Year affirmed that Amy's years of leadership, advocacy, and passion for grocery are making meaning a meaningful difference, both inside her company and across the industry. As the first woman to serve on the board and now as the Chairperson of ROFDA, she is reshaping what leadership looks like in wholesale and distribution. 2ndly: Collaboration shapes the future. ROFDA share groups and NGA share groups show the power of collective learning. This culture of collaboration or Co-opetition as they call it, amplifies innovation and supports the independent retailers they serve. Amy's story is a reminder that Trailblazers in Grocery do more than lead their own teams. They open doors, elevate others, and redefine what's possible for the entire industry. Now enjoy this interview between Kristin and Amy on Grocery From her Seat. https://theshelbyreport.com/2025/02/10/co-opetition-encourages-rofda-members-to-share-ideas-resources-solutions/Did you love the show - Text and tell us why.Support the showSign up for women leadership opportunities in the independent grocery industryJoin WGAJoin NGAF: https://www.facebook.com/NationalGrocersAssnL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grocers-association/Grocery From Her Seat, Insights for Independent Grocers has been selected as one of the Top 35 Independent Women Podcasts on the web.https://podcast.feedspot.com/independent_women_podcasts/Host: Kristin PoppProduction: Rachael Melot, SWA.Marketing
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