The Nordy Pod

Hosted by Pete Nordstrom

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113

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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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60 recent

June 15, 202646 min

Ep 112. The World of Soccer in Seattle

Soccer is the world's game. It brings together billions of fans, transcends borders, and creates moments that live on for generations. And this year, in 2026, one of the biggest sporting events on the planet has come to Seattle. In this episode we’re exploring the business behind this culturally unifying game—from the incredible impact that it has on the communities that it touches, to the enormous undertaking for our city to be hosting the World Cup. Pete sits down with the Seattle Sounders and Seattle Reign Football Club’s Chief Revenue Officer, Courtney Carter, and Chief Marketing Officer, Ro Vega to discuss the evolution of professional soccer in Seattle, building passionate fan communities, and why the region has become one of the sport's greatest success stories in the US. After that we’re joined by Peter Tomozawa, CEO of Seattle's World Cup Organizing Committee to better understand the scale, complexity, and opportunity that this massive sporting event brings to the Pacific Northwest. Thanks for tuning in to episode 112. 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.

June 1, 202642 min

Ep 111. President of The UPS Store, Sarah Casalan: A Story in Every Package

Rated #1 for the past three years on Forbes annual list of companies with the “Best Customer Service” – a list formed by surveying 158,000 customers over a period of 12 months – The UPS Store has consistently proven an authentic and thoughtful commitment to the improvement of all things most valuable to their customers. And, as you know by listening to the Nordy Pod, improving Customer Service is the top priority for Nordstrom. So, in an attempt to further that pursuit, we felt strongly that Sarah Casalan, President of UPS Stores – a leader who has established and maintained a level of customer service that is considered to be "the best" across all industries – would have more than a few nuggets of wisdom to aid us in our journey. As presumed, insights were gained, and notes were taken. Sarah herself actually has an impressive background in retail, and coincidentally shares a handful of mutual acquaintances with Pete. But the gap between her past and her current role in the world of shipping, printing, and supply chain is not as vast as you might think. In her own words, “we get to serve a profoundly human population in any way”. In their conversation, Pete and Sarah talk about the incredible importance of simplifying your business, innovating from within, and meeting the customer on their terms. Selling clothes or delivering packages, the path to success looks the same: It’s all about making customers feel good. Thanks for tuning in to episode 111. 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.

May 18, 202645 min

Ep 110. Nordstrom’s 125th Anniversary - Part 6: Servant Leadership

What really is the role of a leader at Nordstrom? What are the inherent qualities of a good manager who promotes a healthy work environment, and ultimately builds a better business? Well, it’s not about having all the answers, and it’s not about bossing people around. You’ve heard us mention before on the podcast the concept of the inverted pyramid. We didn’t invent the idea, but it’s something that the third generation of Nordstroms adopted, and something that we swear by to this day. At Nordstrom, we believe that the most important people in our company are the ones that interact with customers every single day, and we expect our leaders to support them, remove obstacles in their way, and to empower and enable them to be accountable for great results. We encourage managers to lift people up, to bring their best authentic self to work every day, to sell more, to treat customers great, and to take advantage of the opportunities that are inherent in our business. For Part 6 of our 125th Anniversary series, we’re exploring the management philosophy that’s built our company, brick by brick – from Department Managers to Store Managers, Regional Managers to executive team members – mentors, and service gurus that share hard-earned lessons gleaned from years of experience in stock rooms, sales-floors, and beyond. None of it is too complicated, but it all culminates in a place where we can develop people to help make the business better – and that starts with valuing them, trusting them, enabling them, and allowing them to make an impact. Thanks for tuning in to episode 110. 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.

May 4, 202638 min

Ep 109. Nordstrom’s 125th Anniversary - Part 5: Service First

We never really tire of telling stories of satisfied Nordstrom customers. And if you’ve listened to the podcast for any amount of time, you’ll know this to be true. You’ve also likely heard either Pete, or any number of our incredible people profess, with unwavering certainty, that improving customer service is the key ingredient to our long-term success. Now, we don’t always get it right – and we hope that we’ve made that abundantly clear — but when we do, when we learn about someone in our company who’s completely laser-focused on customer satisfaction and exhibits the characteristics that bring that to life, you can bet we’re going to light that billboard up internally for all of our people to see. So, as we continue this year’s celebration of Nordstrom's 125th Anniversary, for Part 5 in our series, we’ve put together a highlight reel of service stories directly from our people, past and present, who’ve woven their own thread into the tapestry that is our service reputation. If anyone listening is curious about what makes for a satisfied customer, don’t reach for the handbook, because there isn’t one. At Nordstrom, we let the stories speak for themselves. Thanks for tuning in to episode 109. 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.

April 20, 202643 min

Ep 108. Nordstrom’s 125th Anniversary - Part 4: The Voice

In this episode we’re pulling back the curtain on a part of our business that we haven’t spent much time talking about on the podcast—which is ironic, because it has everything to do with how we talk—and that’s Communications. Specifically, we’re talking about how we here at Nordstrom think about developing and refining a unified “voice”, so to speak, for the company, and the decisions around how and when that voice gets deployed to our various different audiences, internally and externally—which includes the people that work for us, our brand partners, and of course, our customers. To help us unpack this subject we’ll hear from two people who speak the Nordstrom language better than just about anyone. First, you’ll hear from Brooke White, who previously led our Corporate Communications for over 30 years and who played a huge part in shaping the necessary conversations in and around our company. After that I’ll sit down with Grace Stearns, our current Senior Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, who has actually herself made a handful of cameos on the Nordy Pod. She’s been an incredible addition and asset to the team, and continues to be a trusted sounding board for Pete, Erik, and the rest of the corporate office. Together they’ll discuss the essential role our Communications team plays in telling the story of our brand, lessons learned through pivotal moments in our growth, and some of the challenges that arise for our PR professionals as they attempt to filter the many voices of Nordstrom down to one. Thanks for tuning in to episode 108. 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.

April 6, 202636 min

Ep 107. Mattel CEO, Ynon Kreiz: More Than a Toy Company

You grew up playing with them. You’ve shared them with your kids. And now, the brands we all know and love are flying off the shelves and into our hearts through every form of entertainment imaginable. Because Mattel isn’t just making toys anymore—It’s building worlds. Worlds shaped by brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels, Uno, Masters of the Universe, and so much more! Ynon Kreiz, CEO of Mattel, has led the charge in transforming this 80+ year-old, iconic company into a modern and culturally relevant behemoth, by reimagining the narrative and elevating the possibilities of play for all ages. In this episode Pete and Ynon discuss the persistent power of Mattel’s legacy brand portfolio, the role of world-class partnerships in building a bigger future, and the growing field of physical play potentially expanding the wanting toy aisles of Nordstrom. Thanks for tuning in to episode 107. 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.

March 23, 202643 min

Ep 106. Southwest Airlines CEO, Bob Jordan: The Heart Connection

Air travel may seem like a far cry from the retail world, but as it turns out, Southwest Airlines and Nordstrom have a lot in common in the ways that matter most. For anyone interested in learning about the essential building blocks of a great customer experience, this conversation—between two CEOs who have built their entire businesses around customer service—crosses industry boundaries and brings humanity to the forefront. Pete and Bob discover remarkable similarities in their leadership styles and approach to measuring customer satisfaction, evolving to meet ever-changing customer expectations, and nurturing a healthy internal culture that empowers and cares for the people working at all levels of the organization. Bob describes the incredible attention to detail Southwest gives to each and every touchpoint of the customer journey—from the most tactical and transactional to the most human and personal—because to the customer, it all matters. Thanks for tuning in to episode 106. 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.

March 9, 202641 min

Ep 105. Nordstrom’s 125th Anniversary - Part 3: The Experience

Retail today looks a lot different than it used to. Customers can shop on their phone from their couch. They can compare us to the entire world in about five seconds. They expect personalization. They expect overnight, or even two-hour delivery. And honestly? That’s fair! If we want to stay relevant, we have to evolve and grow to meet the customer’s changing needs. But one constant that’s anchored us through our entire 125 years is that we don’t define what good service looks like—customers do. In parts 1 and 2 of our 125th anniversary series we took a look back at our history, and how our culture has spread and grown along with the company. For Part 3 we’re bringing the focus to the present—to pay attention to what a modern customer is looking for, to meet them on their terms, and to empower our people to seek out new and better ways to serve. To help tell this story you’ll hear, once again, from my brother and Co-CEO, Erik Nordstrom, as well as our cousin and Chief Merchandising Officer, Jamie Nordstrom. You’ll also hear from a few current Nordstrom employees in varying roles—from the physical sales floor to our digital marketplace. No matter where our customers wish to shop with us—in a store face-to-face, or in sweatpants under a blanket in bed—we’ll be there for it. Yes, the business has become more complex, but the mission is simple: Make customers feel good, and look their best. Thanks for tuning in to episode 105. 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.

February 23, 202659 min

Ep 104. Nordstrom’s 125th Anniversary - Part 2: Resonance

How do you get people to share a good thing? In our last episode, we spent time talking with a few Nordstrom family members about how the company started, the values that shaped it early on, and the establishing of a culture and reputation that’s propelled this business through the last 125 years. But there’s one lesson—or fact—that’s been essential for us to understand and embrace as the business has grown. Yes, the family can set the tone—but what sustains us is “resonance”. It’s the adoption of our philosophy by tens of thousands of employees across the country. It’s the constant nurturing of our culture by the people who’ve joined our company and found something familiar that reflects their own character. Something that they can be proud to participate in and share with others. For Part 2 of our 125th Anniversary series we’ll be taking a closer look at what makes Nordstrom so sticky. How is it that we’ve earned such loyalty and passion from our people? You’ll hear from a handful of current and former Nordstrom employees to help paint a picture of what it feels like to be welcomed into—and become part of—the extended Nordstrom family. Thanks for tuning in to episode 104. 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.

February 9, 202651 min

Ep 103. Nordstrom’s 125th Anniversary - Part 1: Building a Business

If you’ve ever spent time in a Nordstrom store, you probably know this already: the way we show up for customers really matters to us—and that’s not a new thing. This year marks 125 years since our founder, John W. Nordstrom, opened a small shoe store in Seattle—only blocks away from our headquarters today. So to celebrate, we’re turning back the clock to retrace our steps and explore the roots of some of our most meaningful core values, passed down through the generations, that continue to define us to this day. Themes of hard work, taking care of customers, and trusting and empowering the people who work here. To help us tell the story we’ve brought in a few people who didn’t just witness it—the lived it. You’ll hear your host Pete Nordstrom talk with his brother and Co-CEO Erik Nordstrom, their aunt Anne Gittinger, and 3rd generation leader of the company John Nordstrom. This retrospective isn’t about nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. It’s about understanding what’s endured, and why it’s still relevant to our company going forward. Thanks for tuning in to episode 103. 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.