In this conversation, John Arquete, an experienced e-commerce director, shares insights on managing an e-commerce business through challenging times. He discusses the importance of team dynamics, effective communication, and understanding customer needs. John reflects on his career journey, the lessons learned from failures, and the impact of economic changes on e-commerce strategies. He emphasizes the need for authenticity in marketing and the potential of AI to transform the e-commerce landscape. Overall, the discussion provides valuable takeaways for e-commerce leaders looking to navigate the complexities of the industry.

Takeaways

• Managing burnout is crucial for e-commerce directors.
• Centralized command with decentralized control helps in team management.
• Effective communication with the team reduces burnout.
• Hiring the right team members is essential for success.
• Understanding customer needs is key to adapting strategies.
• Economic downturns require quick pivots in product offerings.
• Learning from failures can lead to significant growth.
• Authenticity in messaging resonates with customers.
• AI will reshape the e-commerce landscape significantly.
• Continuous learning and adaptation are vital for e-commerce leaders.

• (00:00:00) - E-Commerce Growth Podcast
• (00:00:32) - ECOM Director John Walsh on the Week
• (00:01:24) - E-Commerce Director: How to Manage the Team's Burn
• (00:05:41) - What's It Mean to Be an ECommerce Director at Gol's
• (00:08:38) - How to Be Great at Many Things
• (00:12:13) - How Did You Get Started in E-Commerce?
• (00:16:29) - Onboarding the Customer Service Managers
• (00:17:20) - E-Commerce Director: The Big Points
• (00:19:18) - In the Elevator With Rich People
• (00:21:56) - Amazon's 'All-Right' Product
• (00:23:48) - In uncertain times, how to run e-commerce?
• (00:26:26) - How Military Customers Get What They Need
• (00:34:06) - How to Reduce Interstitials on Your Site
• (00:36:51) - E-commerce: Future of AI & Modernity
• (00:44:01) - How to Keep Up With the Tech Industry

In this episode of Checkin to Checkout, we sit down with Justin Rinaldi, Director of Marketing and E-Commerce at Safety Speed Manufacturing, to unpack the trends shaping how customers make purchasing decisions today.

From the decline of trust in search engines to the rise of "brand shepherds" (not influencers), Justin shares why building great user experiences—both on and off your site—is now mission-critical. We cover:

• Why media consumption enablement is a competitive advantage

• How the mobile checkout experience can make or break sales

• The danger of over-automation and what brands lose when they remove human touch

• Lessons from rebuilding a crashed e-commerce site into a high-performing platform

• Experiments that worked, ones that didn’t, and what they taught him

• Why messaging matters more than friction—and how to get it right

If you’re navigating the ever-changing e-commerce landscape, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on customer behavior, digital strategy, and what’s actually driving conversions in 2025.

Listen now to hear how Justin is staying ahead of the curve and keeping his customers at the center of every decision.

In this conversation, Adam Riback, Director of Digital at PS Seasoning, shares insights into the complexities of e-commerce marketing, the importance of understanding consumer behavior, and the challenges of managing digital strategies. He discusses his career journey, the role of agencies, the significance of consumer feedback, and the necessity of adapting to market changes. Adam emphasizes the importance of unit economics and the need for marketers to be proactive in testing and iterating strategies to drive growth.

Takeaways:

E-commerce marketers experience a range of emotions daily, influenced by consumer behavior and market conditions.
Balancing daily tasks with long-term strategy is crucial for success in e-commerce.
Box breathing and a structured approach to tasks can help manage stress and burnout.
Understanding unit economics is essential for making informed marketing decisions.
Testing and iterating on marketing strategies is key to finding successful growth opportunities.
Consumer feedback is vital for product development and marketing strategies.
Collaboration with agencies can enhance digital marketing efforts, but finding the right partner is essential.
E-commerce leaders must be adaptable and ready to pivot strategies based on market feedback.
The landscape of e-commerce is constantly evolving, requiring marketers to stay informed and agile.
Learning from failures is an integral part of growth and development in the e-commerce space.