Power of Relationships in Grocery: Leadership, Sales & the Future Lori Brown | Grocery Pulse Podcast

"The grocery industry may be driven by logistics and supply chains — but it's still powered by relationships." In this episode of GroceryPulse, George Goodwin speaks with Lori Brown, a 40+ year grocery industry leader and President of The Illuminators. Lori shares insights from her experience across retail, CPG, and supply chain — revealing why communication, presence, and servant leadership are more important than ever. George and Lori dive deep into: -Showing up and building real connections -Why being physically present at events and in stores creates long-term opportunities and trust. -Communication during uncertainty -How consistent communication — even with no updates — builds stronger relationships during crises. -Servant leadership in action -Leading by serving others, sharing knowledge, and empowering teams at every level. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lori Brown and her journey 06:35 Lori's career path and experiences 10:15 The importance of communication in crisis 14:32 Building relationships in the grocery industry 17:24 Lessons from early career experiences 19:59 Balancing family, work, and community involvement 22:41 Understanding servant leadership 27:11 Insights from industry leaders 28:40 The importance of personal connection in retail 31:33 Brand strategies for modern retail 34:46 Finding your niche in the market 36:35 Building a supportive network 38:32 Effective time management in leadership 40:48 The reluctant leader's journey 43:48 Nurturing the next generation of leaders 45:02 Core values in leadership Connect with Lori Brown 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lori-brown-ms ✉️ Email: [email protected] Connect with George Goodwin 🌐 Kōbu: enjoykobu.com — promo code: podcast10 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/georgegoodwin [email protected] [email protected]