Welcome to
Retail Relates
Where we explore the heart of retail through the personal journeys and lessons of industry influencers, from rising talents to revered icons. We invite you to discover the human stories and diverse perspectives that illuminate global commerce, transforming every insight into a relatable and deeply personal narrative. Join us to connect with the true spirit of retail, where every story resonates and inspires..
Listen on –
Paula Gean
“The Tech-Savvy Global Marketer”
with an Outsider’s Curiosity of Retail
Paula Gean is a seasoned global marketing professional recognized for her exceptional demand generation and strategic communications aptitude. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing, Paula has mastered the end-to-end management of expansive global programs, successfully spearheading initiatives that stimulate sales and build vibrant online communities. Her professional journey is marked by significant achievements, including leading projects with the World Economic Forum and SXSW, and generating nearly $100 million in B2B tech sales. Paula is celebrated as a thought leader in marketing and community cultivation, distinguished by her comprehensive experience that spans marketing, sales, strategic planning, and community development. This 360-degree perspective enriches her strategic approach, enabling her to conceive and execute highly effective marketing strategies that drive revenue growth and enhance brand visibility. Her leadership skills extend to orchestrating multifaceted cross-functional teams, committing to data-driven decision-making, and fostering innovation, yielding impactful results in competitive global markets.
Paula also serves as the producer and co-host for Retail Relates,, where she leverages her expertise to engage audiences and enrich discussions around marketing and strategic communications. She is passionate about connecting with like-minded professionals and believes in the power of collaboration and shared learning to achieve remarkable milestones in marketing and community development.
Gautham Vadakkepatt
“The Analytical Academic”
with a Passion for True Retail Transformation
Dr. Gautham Vadakkepatt is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the UCF College of Business, where he leverages over a decade of academic and industry experience to drive advancements in marketing and retail transformation. His research focuses on the intersection of product and non-product market strategies with emerging technologies, exploring their impact on customer mindset metrics, firm value, and social impact. A prolific scholar, Gautham has authored multiple papers in top-tier marketing journals and has been honored with prestigious awards, including the 2021 Davidson Award and the 2015 MSI/H. Paul Root Award. Passionate about education, Gautham has developed and taught innovative courses on marketing analytics, emerging technology and strategy, retail/e-commerce management, and business model innovations, earning outstanding teaching awards in 2017 and 2021. He also contributes his expertise to several advisory councils, including Coresight Research's AI Advisory Council and Rethink Retail’s Advisory Council.
As the founding director of the Center for Retail Transformation at George Mason University, he established significant private-public partnerships focused on research, teaching, and thought leadership. Recognized as a top retail influencer by Rethink Retail and a Coresight AI Influencer, Gautham continues to shape the future of marketing with his insights and leadership in the field.
Rich Honiball
“The Retail & Marketing Executive”
with a Love of Brand History & Story Telling
Rich Honiball is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of developing & executing long-term growth plans, creating impactful marketing strategies, and building world-class teams. Currently serving as the EVP, Global Chief Merchandising & Marketing Officer for NEXCOM, Rich is responsible for marketing, merchandising, planning, & execution for the $2.4B worldwide retail division, the Navy Exchange. He is also responsible for global marketing and brand leadership for the NEXCOM business portfolio, including the NEXCOM Hospitality Group, Ships Store Program, Uniforms & NEX Connect (Telecommunications). Rich also currently serves as an Adjunct Instructor at George Mason University, teaching Retail & E-Commerce at the Costello School of Business.
Rich founded PDB Advisory Group & the Brand(Co)Lab, working with established and start-up brands to develop strategic marketing efforts and purpose-driven branding. Rich previously held executive positions at Haggar as the SVP of Marketing, Licensing & E-Commerce, where he led a significant brand refresh attracting a new generation of customers, and at JC Penney as the VP of Men’s & Kid’s Private Brands, where he led the design, product development & trend teams that drove an annual sales volume of over $2.7 billion.
Rich holds an MBA from William & Mary's Mason School of Business and a B.S. in Marketing from SNHU, graduating with honors from both programs. Rich has earned multiple honors throughout his career, including being named a CMO Club Award winner for both Customer Experience and Innovation, a multi-year ONCON ICON Top 100 Marketer of the Year, and was named by RETHINK RETAIL as a Top Retail Expert. He is married to his high school sweetheart. They have a daughter who is attending college, and when not working, teaching, or writing, Rich loves to travel, having visited all 50 states and over 68 countries (and counting).
Connect with me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhoniball/
www.honiball.me