FRONTLINE FRIDAYS S2 Ep.16: Calm Under Pressure: The Leadership Skill Retail Needs Most

Pressure isn’t the problem. How leaders respond to it is.

In this episode of Frontline Fridays, Ron Thurston sits down with Lesley Hawkins, former Head of Retail at adidas Canada and leadership advisor.

Lesley stepped into retail leadership during one of the most challenging moments in modern retail — leading 1,200 associates across 32 stores as teams faced burnout, constant change, and growing disconnection from head office.

Instead of pushing harder, she chose a different path: slow down, listen, and rebuild trust from the frontline.

By asking three simple questions in every store, Lesley uncovered what teams really needed — and used those insights to reset culture, re-engage teams, and shape a more resilient retail organization.

Now, she helps leaders across industries navigate pressure, lead through change, and build teams that can perform without burning out.

In this conversation, she shares:

how to lead calmly when everything feels urgent
the three questions every retail leader should be asking
why listening is the fastest way to rebuild trust
how small acts of initiative create powerful cultural shifts
why “raising your hand” is the key to growth and innovation

Her message is clear: pressure is constant — but calm, intentional leadership is what drives performance.

🎧 Linktree:https://linktr.ee/frontlinefridays
👤 Lesley Hawkins:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-hawkins/
👤 Ron Thurston:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronthurston/
💡 YOOBIC:https://yoobic.com | https://www.linkedin.com/company/yoobic/