When Matthew Copeland and I first spoke, I didn't expect to launch a podcast.
I expected to listen. To understand. To create space for a real conversation.
What I got was insight you don't get in sanitized employee surveys or staged store visits: the unfiltered truth.
About how corporate visits trigger anxiety instead of excitement. About "communication solutions" that create more chaos. About the deep frustration—and deep care—store leaders carry with them every day.
Matt's story isn't just his own. When I started sharing insights from our conversations, the response was overwhelming. Store leaders, district managers, even directors and VPs reached out saying "YES—THIS!" People who want to do great work—but feel unheard, undervalued, or overwhelmed by systems that promise "engagement" and deliver the opposite.
So we created a podcast. One part reality check, one part bridge-building, one part confession, and all parts honest. It's the conversation corporate and stores need to have—but rarely do.
This isn't about blame. It's about finally hearing each other. About understanding the patterns holding us back, and co-creating solutions that actually work—for everyone.
Listen to Dear Corporate… Love Stores on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube.
If you've ever felt the disconnect between HQ and the frontlines, this podcast is for you.
It would mean a lot if you would give it a listen. And if you do, it would mean a lot if you would reach out to let me know what you think.
Love Bekki
