Stories from the River

Stories from the River Podcast explores the personal journeys of our very own Memory Makers. Whether it’s interviews or standalone narratives, Stories from the River will bring you closer to what it’s like to thrive together, wherever in the company you may be. We’ll share personal experiences from our stores, Distribution Centers, Call Centers, and corporate campuses, giving listeners a front row seat to what it's really like to be a Memory Maker furnishing life’s best memories every day.

Celebrating the Promise and Joy of Christmas with Jimmy and Suzi Kallam 12/25/2025

Special Announcement: Broad River Expands into Portland, Maine, in 2026 12/23/2025

2025 Holiday Town Hall: Growth, Store Remodels, Financial Performance 12/18/2025

New Broad River Store Set to Open in Spokane, WA - Behind the Scenes with Stacey McCormick 12/16/2025

Operation Tis the Season: Spreading Holiday Magic to Memory Maker Families at Broad River Retail 12/11/2025

Broad River Fast Tracks Easley Express and Other Exciting Updates 12/09/2025

Broad River Fast Tracks Easley Express and Other Exciting Updates Welcome back to Stories from the River. December is here, so Charlie Malouf, Broad River's CEO and Stories from the River podcast host is back with a laundry list of updates. First, we are happy to announce the opening of a brand new store in Easley, South Carolina. A two-in-one, dual concept Ashley Store & Outlet. Even though new store openings are most definitely kind of a big deal around here, the Easley store seemed to have sprouted out of nowhere, and that's all thanks to our incredible team that works tirelessly behind the scenes. Charlie explains the process and acknowledges the team members involved to make this seemingly impossible task come to life. It may look effortless, but thanks to the effort of everyone involved, store number 34 is now live. It will be followed shortly by the iconic, new 3-story Ashley Store & Outlet in Spokane, WA, later this month, and then another new Ashley Store in Moscow, ID, in early 2026 Charlie then moves on to discussing the recently completed 95-Day Challenge and what that means for Broad River's growth. Even though the challenge wasn't technically met all the way, Broad River is still on its way to complete its annual financial goal of reaching $272 million in revenue. This is part of a larger, 6-year goal of growing 12% YoY and reaching a doubling in 2030. Even though the 95-Day Challenge wasn't fully met, there are some teams that have done an exceptional job, and Charlie takes this opportunity to acknowledge them on the show. Their outstanding performance is what really shines through year over year. Stay with us as we complete the year with more exciting updates, holiday events, and maybe some remote footage from Spokane, WA, so we can see how that massive store opening is really going. This episode on YouTube: Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit Follow us on LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/e9b7065c-2505-469c-b447-c51c0d8d1e09/id/39337950

The Secrets of AFI Boot Camp - How to Teach Product Knowledge with Love and Passion 12/04/2025

Elevating Your Game: Behind the Scenes at the AFI Boot Camp at Broad River Retail! 12/02/2025

Inside Ashley 7.0: Showroom Transformation and Design Insights with Sandy Ruhlin 11/27/2025

Celebrating 11 Years of Grit and Community with Home Furnishings Expert Dan Pieszchala 11/25/2025

Changing the Question You Ask Yourself: Career Advice with Ewa Szmigiel 11/20/2025

Behind the Remodel: Nathan Jeter on Mooresville's Makeover & Operation 120 11/18/2025

Behind the Remodel: Nathan Jeter on Mooresville's Makeover & Operation 120 Welcome back to Stories from the River! We are continuing our recap series from the Grand Reopening Celebration of our latest Ashley Store 7.0 transformation in Mooresville, North Carolina. In today's episode, CEO Charlie Malouf sits down with Mooresville General Manager Nathan Jeter to discuss the remodel experience and results from the reimagined Lake Norman store, The Lake. The Mooresville Ashley store has been around for over 17 years, and its success was never questionned. Nathan Jeter and his winning team have stood out in the Company. However, this fall, the team at The Lake welcomed a long-awaited remodel of their beloved store to the Ashley 7.0 model. Expanding the Sleep Shop to twice its size and reinventing the showroom with the fresh 7.0 design will only help this team reach new heights in the coming season. In today's interview conducted in the showroom following the ribbon cutting held last month on October 7th, we get an insight into what Nathan and his team think about the brand new remodel. The conversation explores the journey leading up to the ribbon cutting, and they reminisce about the seventeen years since the store first opened, its journey to where it is now and the various wonderful Memory Makers who got it to this moment. Jeter particularly reflects on the instrumental impact that Renee Bradley has had on the store and how helpful Tim Sayles was during the construction process. In a surprising move, the Mooresville store managed to win Store of the Month, the presigious Yoda award, twice amidst the construction. Jeter credits this to his team of Memory Makers. He remarks that the team's resilient mindest, strategic planning, and the support of both long-term Memory Makers as well as some newcomers help make the Mooresville store the award-winning location. Stayed tuned for other conversations from this event as the stories will highlight Mooresville Memory Makers and their strength, resilience and ability to thrive during chaos. Watch this episode on YouTube: Visit for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit Follow us on LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/e9b7065c-2505-469c-b447-c51c0d8d1e09/id/39075735

Relive the Mooresville Grand Re-Opening: Speeches & Ribbon Cutting 11/13/2025

Relive the Mooresville Grand Re-Opening: Speeches & Ribbon Cutting On October 7, the Mooresville store (also known as The Lake) reopened its brand new doors, with a bang and a ribbon cutting! On today's episode of Stories from the River, we bring you the energy and atmosphere from right before the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Broad River leaders attended and spoke at the event, honoring the current and past leadership of the store. Today, we are joined by Tony Barr, Corporate Chaplain of America, who leads us into the event with prayer and gratitude. Charlie Malouf, Broad River's CEO, takes the stage next, reminiscing on the store's history, acknowledging the ongoing dedication and resilience of the Memory Makers, past and present, to make this store what it is today. Next is Manny Rodrigues, Broad River's President and COO, who shares the stage with Dan Pieszchala, a long-time Million Dollar Memory Maker and Home Furnishings Expert whose dedication to the team is palpable. (Stay tuned for a full interview with Dan, coming later this month to the channel.) We hear from Tim Sayles, Broad River's Director of Facilities and Construction, and Lynn Knowles, Director of Merchandising and Visual Impact, and the two share their stories of how the store really came together. Coach Stacey McCormick, EVP of Retail Performance, takes the stage next and thanks the hardworking team, both past and present, for creating in The Lake an extraordinary store. He highlights the sheer determination of the Memory Makers in Mooresville, winning the prestigious Store of the Month Yoda award, not once, but twice, during the construction process. We also hear from Chris Berrier, Area Manager and the multi unit leader for this store, who takes a moment to thank Renee Bradley for her past leadership in the store, and tells a story of hitting a very important milestone back in the day. Nathan Jeter, the General Manager at The Lake, takes the stage next and expresses all of the gratitude towards the leadership team and his own Memory Makers. Nathan has been looking forward to this renovation for years, and now that it's finally happened, he's ready to accelerate his success at the store. Hear from Nathan next week, during a full interview, here on Stories from the River. Kim Harkness ends the episode with community impact. Broad River's partnership with Beds for Kids is super important, and on this opening day, an additional donation to Beds for Kids was made. Enjoy this episode, as well as the next four interviews from the Grand Reopening of the Mooresville location. Watch this episode on YouTube: Visit for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit Follow us on LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/e9b7065c-2505-469c-b447-c51c0d8d1e09/id/39020755

Broad River's Sleep Summit: Sales Success and Personal Growth 11/11/2025

Lessons from Bamboo: Charlie Malouf Shares Broad River's Enduring Philosophy 11/06/2025

Getting to Know Charlie Malouf: Early Jobs, Failures, & Laying Foundation for Broad River's Culture 11/04/2025

Getting to Know Charlie Malouf: Early Jobs, Failures, & Laying Foundation for Broad River's Culture In today's episode of Stories from the River, the host becomes the guest. That's right, Broad River's CEO and Stories from the River's host becomes the main conversation topic, as Josh Hatchell, Broad River's Senior Retail Experience Manager, along with a room full of Retail Opertions Memory Makers, ask meaningful and insightful questions into Charlie's past, present, and Broad River's future. This episode was recorded on September 18, 2025, from Broad River's Fort Mill, South Carolina, campus, during a session with Retail Ops called "Get To Know You" with a leader from Broad River Retail. For this session, the Retail Ops Leaders asked Charlie if he would be interviewed for this Q&A session. During this part one of a two-part series, we see Charlie candidly reflect on his personal and professional journey, sharing stories from his earliest jobs, the lessons learned along the way, and his philosophy about company culture. If you've been a long term listener, you'll already know Broad River prides itself on the culture they've built, and in this episode, you get a glimpse into its early creation. Charlie emphasizes how Broad River's culture is rooted in recognizing unique contributions of Memory Makers, building identities, and helping furnish life's best memories. He discusses his inspirations, touching on books, podcasts, and personal interests, and provides insights into the company's growth strategy and vision for the future. Enjoy this honest and open conversation between Charlie and the entire Retail Ops team and come back for part 2! Books: Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia - A Million Little Miracles by Mark Batterson - Win the Day by Mark Batterson - Do It For a Day by Mark Batterson - Podcasts: Truly Human Leadership Podcast Acquired The Knowledge Project No Mercy, No Malice (by Scott Galloway) A Little Bit of Optimism (by Simon Sinek) This video on Youtube: Visit for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit Follow us on LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/e9b7065c-2505-469c-b447-c51c0d8d1e09/id/38908400

Meet the Pioneers: Broad River's Key Retail Presentations During the Purpose 8:28 Experience 10/30/2025

Culture You Can Feel: Inside the Purpose 8:28 Experience 10/28/2025

Culture You Can Feel: Inside the Purpose 8:28 Experience In this episode of Stories from the River, we sit down with three inspiring Broad River Retail General Managers at the end of an impactful day from the Fort Mill, SC, campus where Broad River held its "Pioneering the Path - a Purpose 8:28 Experience" full learning and development day for all of its retail leaders on August 28, 2025. We sit down with Sonya De La Cruz of Hickory; Brett Cary of Asheville; and Seth Logue of Gastonia to explore what makes the company’s culture so unique and impactful. Through their personal stories and leadership experiences, they reveal how Broad River’s servant-minded leadership approach and people-first values have shaped their careers and their teams. The conversation highlights the power of choosing positivity and leading with purpose, while also emphasizing how vision, planning, and intentional action help drive success. Each retail leader shares how Broad River’s senior leadership sets the tone by genuinely investing in every Memory Maker, knowing them by name, supporting their growth, and practicing the culture rather than simply talking about it. Their insights reinforce that success at Broad River is not solely measured by numbers or KPIs, but by elevating people, fostering belief, and building meaningful relationships. This episode is a reminder that the culture at Broad River Retail is alive in daily actions, not slogans on a wall. It paints a vivid picture of a company that dreams boldly, plans thoughtfully, moves with purpose, and grows together as one team. For anyone who values personal development, servant leadership, and the joy of helping others win, this is an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss. Watch the video on YouTube: Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit Follow us on LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/e9b7065c-2505-469c-b447-c51c0d8d1e09/id/38811315

Empowerment, Ownership, and Collaboration: Kristen Hadeed’s Framework for Modern Leaders 10/23/2025

Empowerment, Ownership, and Collaboration: Kristen Hadeed’s Framework for Modern Leaders Welcome to part two of our conversation with Kristen Hadeed on Stories from the River. Host Charlie Malouf continues his conversation with Kristen Hadeed, author of Permission to Screw Up, diving into resilience, ownership, and courageous leadership. Kristen shares why it’s okay to have a short “pity party” after setbacks—but emphasizes the importance of moving forward and learning from mistakes. She introduces practical tools like the “resilience resume,” where human-centered leaders reflect on lessons learned from their own screw-ups in weekly meetings, creating a safe space for experimentation, growth, and risk-taking. The conversation explores how leaders can foster ownership and identity capital while helping team members find their “sweet spot” at work. Kristen highlights the value of embracing both rock star (deep specialist) and superstar (fast-growth, versatile) mindsets as careers evolve. She also explains the “1:3:1” method for collaborative problem-solving, where individuals present a challenge, three potential solutions, and their preferred option—boosting both idea quality and personal accountability. Kristen underscores the power of courageous conversations and shares her 24-hour rule for addressing tough issues, all designed to build trust, authenticity, and stronger teams. She closes with an invitation to her Human Leadership Program, a pay-what-you-can initiative that helps leaders grow through intentionality, self-compassion, and creating lasting impact. Additional Resources: Kristen's Leadership Development Company Website - The Human Leadership Program by Kristen Hadeed - Permission to Screw Up by Kristen Hadeed - Chief Joy Officer: How Great Leaders Elevate Human Energy and Eliminate Fear by Richard Sheridan - The Defining Decade by Meg Jay - Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott - What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith - Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman & Raj Sisodia - Watch the video on YouTube: Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit Follow us on LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/e9b7065c-2505-469c-b447-c51c0d8d1e09/id/38759325

Reflecting on Pioneering the Path Opening Keynote w/ Kristen Hadeed, pt 1 10/21/2025

Reflecting on Pioneering the Path Opening Keynote w/ Kristen Hadeed, pt 1 In this episode of Stories from the River, host and CEO Charlie Malouf welcomes keynote speaker and author Kristen Hadeed, fresh off her impactful talk at Broad River Retail’s “Pioneering the Path - a Purpose 8:28 Experience” leadership event. Kristen opens up about her unexpected journey—accidentally launching the cleaning company Student Maid at just 19, navigating major failures, and discovering her passion for human-centered leadership. What began as a student side-hustle quickly became a laboratory for learning, where she uncovered how trust, communication, and belief in people can transform a culture. Kristen reveals the pivotal conversation with her friend and colleague Monique that ultimately shifted her company’s purpose, evolving from her cleaning company Student Maid to a leadership development organization. Her story sets the stage for a larger message: leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about courage, connection, and owning our impact. Charlie and Kristen also discuss how she prepares her keynotes, customizing every presentation to the culture and needs of her audience rather than delivering a pre-packaged speech. Together, they unpack themes from her session, including the power of a “resilience résumé,” confronting imposter syndrome, and recognizing fear as a signal that something truly meaningful is on the line. Kristen’s vulnerability, humor, and practical wisdom invite Memory Makers to lead with heart, take ownership, and collaborate boldly with courageous conversations. From her first interactions with Broad River, Kristen says she immediately felt the authenticity and electricity of the culture. Part 1 captures that energy—an inspiring conversation about growth, intentional leadership, and the courage to build environments where people can thrive. Come back for part two of this conversation on Thursday! Additional Resources: Kristen's Leadership Development Company Website - Permission to Screw Up by Kristen Hadeed - The Human Leadership Program by Kristen Hadeed - Kristen's Original 2012 TED Talk with over 3.3M Views: How to Retire by 20 - Kristen Hadeed and Millennials on the Truly Human Leadership podcast: Kristen Hadeed and Millennials on the Truly Human Leadership on Apple Podcasts: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield - The Imposter Phenomenon by Dr. Pauline Rose Clance - Silence the Imposter by Gary Frey - Combining Ministry and Football: The Unique Path of Pittsburgh Steelers Chaplain Kent Chevalier - Arthur Brooks - The Power of Teaching, The Arrival Fallacy, The Mad Scientist Profile, Lifting Heavy Weights, & The Two Best Practices To Be Happy - Watch this episode on YouTube: Visit for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit Follow us on LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/e9b7065c-2505-469c-b447-c51c0d8d1e09/id/38729950

Behind the Scenes: Columbia's Remodel & Transformation w/ Visual MVP Emily Boyle 10/16/2025

Behind the Scenes: Columbia's Remodel & Transformation w/ Visual MVP Emily Boyle Welcome back to Stories from the River! Host and CEO Charlie Malouf is on location in Columbia, South Carolina, celebrating the Grand Reopening and ribbon-cutting of the Columbia, SC Ashley Store on Harbison Blvd. Charlie sits down with Emily Boyle, Senior Visual Impact Manager, who oversees the visual presentation for three stores in the Midlands area. Emily reflects on her nearly four-year journey with Broad River Retail, sharing her excitement for collaborating with a dedicated group of Memory Makers during a major store remodel—the first of its scale for her. She details the extensive planning and teamwork that went into successfully managing the construction, highlighting the importance of constant communication among various departments, contractors, and retail leadership to keep the project running smoothly, despite the inevitable disruptions. Emily takes great pride in the store’s transformation, noting its elevated status as one of the highest-rated locations for visual impact, thanks to the relentless effort of all the Memory Makers involved. She discusses the satisfaction of receiving both positive customer feedback and impressive results in sales numbers, attributing the success to the collaborative spirit within Broad River Retail. Emily also shares her personal inspiration from brands like Restoration Hardware and Ballard Designs and talks about her educational background in interior decorating. The episode closes with excitement about upcoming initiatives, such as the Ashley Luxe program, and Emily’s unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, culture, and bringing creative energy to the Columbia store—a true flagship for Broad River Retail.Watch the other three episodes in this series: Bloodline's Rebirth: Troy Walker on Transforming Columbia and Leading with Purpose - Inside Columbia’s Store Remodel: Teamwork, Transformation, and Retail Innovation - Don't Give Up Before the Miracle Happens: The Power of Connection w/ the Bloodline's Lance Cline - Watch this episode on YouTube: Visit for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit Follow us on LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/e9b7065c-2505-469c-b447-c51c0d8d1e09/id/38603365

Don't Give Up Before the Miracle Happens: The Power of Connection w/ the Bloodline's Lance Cline 10/14/2025

Don't Give Up Before the Miracle Happens: The Power of Connection w/ the Bloodline's Lance Cline In this episode of Stories from the River, host and CEO, Charlie Malouf, continues the interviews from the Grand Reopening of the Columbia Bloodline store, which has undergone a major transformation into a stunning 7.0 Ashley prototype. Today, we hear from Lance Cline, Home Furnishings Expert, a committed Memory Maker with four years of service and success at Broad River Retail. Lance shares his excitement about the store’s new look—especially the expanded Sleep Gallery—and reflects on how his personal journey and focus on serving others has shaped both his life and success at work. He discusses shifting from a “top performer” mentality to one of service and connection, explaining that helping others is key to keeping what he’s gained, not only materially but mentally and spiritually. The conversation delves deeper into Lance’s story, from overcoming addiction to celebrating seven years of sobriety and dedicating himself to supporting his community, especially those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. He emphasizes the importance of connection—the core of his philosophy—and credits other Memory Makers for the store’s success, highlighting that retail truly is a team sport. Lance’s leadership and passion were recognized through the “Power of Connection” award at the January 2025 Annual Awards Gala, but he insists he prefers to work behind the scenes, driving big dreams for the store and his colleagues. The episode closes with Lance encouraging all Memory Makers facing challenges to “not give up before the miracle happens” and to focus on having fun, selling furniture, and helping others. Watch the other episodes in this series: Bloodline's Rebirth: Troy Walker on Transforming Columbia and Leading with Purpose - Inside Columbia’s Store Remodel: Teamwork, Transformation, and Retail Innovation - Watch this episode on YouTube: Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit Follow us on LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/e9b7065c-2505-469c-b447-c51c0d8d1e09/id/38576920

Inside Columbia’s Store Remodel: Teamwork, Transformation, and Retail Innovation 10/09/2025

Bloodline's Rebirth: Troy Walker on Transforming Columbia and Leading with Purpose 10/07/2025

Bloodline's Rebirth: Troy Walker on Transforming Columbia and Leading with Purpose In this episode of Stories from the River, host and CEO Charlie Malouf sits down with Troy Walker, the General Manager of the newly renovated Columbia Bloodline location for Broad River Retail. The conversation marks the Grand Reopening of this legacy store, which had been in operation in its original form for nearly two decades. Troy reflects on the transformation of the store, sharing details about its outdated appearance prior to the remodel—complete with old carpet, playground equipment, and a dated fountain. The episode dives deep into Troy’s journey, from joining Broad River as a co-GM in Augusta to being convinced, somewhat reluctantly, to accept the challenge of leading the Columbia store. He describes the atmosphere he inherited: a slow, low-energy environment jokingly referring to it as a “funeral home.” Together, with his fellow Memory Makers, especially Sales Manager Lance Cline, they began to reshape the culture, foster a strong sense of family, and ultimately form what they proudly call the “Bloodline.” The remodel marked a pivotal new chapter, bringing modern design and fresh energy into the space. Troy discusses how the changes, such as the new sleep gallery and polished floors, have greatly improved both the guest and Memory Maker experience. The process was challenging, with months of dust, noise, and mental strain, but ultimately resulted in a beautiful, revitalized showroom. Throughout the episode, Troy emphasizes the importance of culture, camaraderie, and shared success—highlighting how Memory Makers compete but also support one another so everyone can thrive. With big dreams ahead, including aspirations to become the store of the year, Troy and his Bloodline Memory Makers are focused on driving performance, providing meaningful experiences, and becoming a flagship for both Broad River and the wider community. Watch this episode on YouTube: Visit for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit Follow us on LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/e9b7065c-2505-469c-b447-c51c0d8d1e09/id/38493490

The Power of People: Broad River’s Secret Sauce and the Home Furnishings Experts Program 10/02/2025

A Toast to Dedication, Teamwork, and Home Furnishings Experts 09/30/2025

Retail Experts: Generating Performance, Rewarding Excellence, and Driving Culture 09/25/2025

Retail Experts: Generating Performance, Rewarding Excellence, and Driving Culture In the second episode featuring Broad River Retail's 4th Annual Home Furnishings Expert Soirée, host and CEO Charlie Malouf, President and COO Manny Rodrigues, and EVP of Retail Performance Stacy McCormick celebrate the exceptional achievements of Broad River Retail's elite Retail Performance Memory Makers. They delve into what makes the Home Furnishings Expert program so unique and challenging, emphasizing that achieving expert status requires much more than being a Million Dollar Writer — Experts must excel across multiple areas, consistently demonstrate outstanding habits, and set an industry standard for excellence. The group reflects on the journey to Expert status, revealing that only one in three Million Dollar Writers earn the Expert designation due to the program's rigorous standards and holistic approach to measuring success. The trio share insights about the culture at Broad River Retail, where recognition, career pathing, and genuine appreciation are cornerstones. The leaders describe the soirée itself, a glamorous night at STK Steakhouse, as a symbol of the company’s gratitude where the Experts and their plus ones are joined by the leaders of the Company as well as premier partners who do business with Broad River Retail. They discuss how the distinctive Experts program offers elite perks such as designated parking, elevated compensation, elevated PTO, greater autonomy, and meaningful recognition. Throughout this episode, they highlight how fostering a positive and growth-oriented environment inspires Memory Makers to aim higher and creates a sense of belonging, pride, and motivation to continue setting new benchmarks. The soirée is not just a reward, but also an opportunity for these Experts and their loved ones to experience firsthand the deep respect and gratitude the company holds for their dedication and achievement of mastery in their profession. Watch the first episode in this series: Watch this episode on YouTube: Visit for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit Follow us on LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/e9b7065c-2505-469c-b447-c51c0d8d1e09/id/38351685

Fresh Takes From the 4th Annual Home Furnishings Expert Soirée 09/23/2025

From Comfort Zone to Courage: Bradley Rapier's Engaging Groove Theory @ GLS 25 09/18/2025

From Comfort Zone to Courage: Bradley Rapier's Engaging Groove Theory @ GLS 25 It’s the 9th and final episode in the 2025 Global Leadership Summit Recap Series on Stories from the River! This week, Katrina Batchelor, Associate Manager of Retail Operations for the South and West Regions, and Meagan Guzman, Associate Director of People Operations, reflect on Bradley Rapier’s dynamic session at the Summit. Bradley Rapier—renowned choreographer, Emmy winner, and founder of the Groovaloos—brought incredible energy and inspiration through his “Groove Theory” and the concept of stepping into the circle. This powerful metaphor challenges leaders to embrace courage, vulnerability, and the boldness to use their voices. Katrina and Meagan share how Bradley’s message personally resonated with them, sparking insights about stepping out of comfort zones, embracing mistakes as part of growth, and encouraging bravery within the Broad River Retail community. The conversation highlights: - Why courage and vulnerability are essential for leadership growth - How creating a supportive environment empowers Memory Makers to collaborate and share ideas - The importance of “mining for the gold” within each individual - Practical ways to overcome self-doubt and lead authentically This episode is a reminder that leadership is a continual journey—one where every Memory Maker has the opportunity to step into the circle, grow in confidence, and inspire others to do the same. Additional Resources: Bradley Rapier - Connect with Bradley Rapier - Bradley Rapier on Instagram - The Groovaloos - The Groovaloos on Instagram - Watch the other episodes in the GLS 25 Recap series: Consistency Over Charisma: Takeaways from Craig Groeschel's Opening Keynote at the 2025 Global Leadership Summit - Unlocking Potential and Conquering Goals: Takeaways from Jon Acuff's Closing Keynote at the Global Leadership Summit - Live Life Like a Diversified Portfolio & More Insights from Thasunda Brown Duckett @ GLS25 - Less Really Is More: Takeaways from Juliet Funt’s Tactics to Cut Clutter at GLS25 - Leadership Lessons from Nick Saban: Process, Discipline, and Transformation at the Global Leadership Summit - How Regenerative Performance Can Transform Work: Insights from Dr. James Hewitt’s GLS Talk - How to Leave a Legacy that Matters: Reflections from John Maxwell's GLS Talk - Fighting Drift and Finding Purpose: Reflections on Christine Caine's Powerful Message at GLS 25 - Watch this episode on YouTube: Visit for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit Follow us on LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/e9b7065c-2505-469c-b447-c51c0d8d1e09/id/38265035

Fighting Drift and Finding Purpose: Reflections on Christine Caine's Powerful Message at GLS 25 09/16/2025

Fighting Drift and Finding Purpose: Reflections on Christine Caine's Powerful Message at GLS 25 Welcome to the eighth episode of the 2025 Global Leadership Summit Recap Series on Stories from the River! This week, CEO Charlie Malouf is joined by Carl Hillesland, Director of Retail Performance at Broad River Retail, to reflect on Christine Caine’s powerful session at the Summit. Christine Caine—author, speaker, and founder of the A21 anti-human trafficking campaign—shared her personal journey of discovering her life’s purpose and the critical turning point that led her to confront the realities of human trafficking. In her talk, she warned leaders about the danger of drift—the subtle but steady loss of vision and purpose that happens when we simply do nothing. Charlie and Carl explore how Christine’s stories, like discovering she was adopted and later encountering the vast scope of human trafficking, illustrate the need to stay anchored to a clear why. They unpack her vivid analogy of two beach umbrellas representing boundaries that prevent us from drifting and discuss how Memory Makers can apply these ideas in their own work and lives. The conversation highlights: - How to recognize and combat “drift” in leadership and life - The importance of boundaries, vision, and purpose to stay aligned - Practical ways Memory Makers are already using Christine’s message to realign with their mission - Why leaders must intentionally Re-Anchor, Rebuild, and Reignite their passion to avoid languishing or losing focus This episode is a call to action for Memory Makers to be intentional lighthouses—staying grounded, shining with purpose, and helping others navigate life’s currents toward meaningful impact. Watch the other episodes in the GLS 25 Recap series: Consistency Over Charisma: Takeaways from Craig Groeschel's Opening Keynote at the 2025 Global Leadership Summit - Unlocking Potential and Conquering Goals: Takeaways from Jon Acuff's Closing Keynote at the Global Leadership Summit - Live Life Like a Diversified Portfolio & More Insights from Thasunda Brown Duckett @ GLS25 - Less Really Is More: Takeaways from Juliet Funt’s Tactics to Cut Clutter at GLS25 - Leadership Lessons from Nick Saban: Process, Discipline, and Transformation at the Global Leadership Summit - How Regenerative Performance Can Transform Work: Insights from Dr. James Hewitt’s GLS Talk - How to Leave a Legacy that Matters: Reflections from John Maxwell's GLS Talk - Additional resources: Books by Christine Caine - ? The Vision Driven Leader by Michael Hyatt - Watch this episode on YouTube: Visit for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit Follow us on LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/e9b7065c-2505-469c-b447-c51c0d8d1e09/id/38236700

Stories from the River

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