Best District Manager Training Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 21: Employee Safety Training That Sticks 3:04

5d ago3:04

3:04

Smoke Break - Episode 21: Employee Safety Training That Sticks Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to transform ineffective safety training into engaging, memorable programs that actually prevent accidents. Learn proven techniques for creating lasting safety habits across your district through storytelling, hands-…

1
Episode 22: Creating Safety Incentive Programs That Work 3:22

10h ago3:22

3:22

Smoke Break - Episode 22: Creating Safety Incentive Programs That Work Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to build safety incentive programs that actually change behavior and strengthen safety culture across your district. Learn why traditional accident-free day rewards can backfire and discover proven strategies…

1
The Ultimate Sales Presentation Checklist 15:02

1d ago15:02

15:02

A transformative must have tool if any retail jeweler wants to increase sales!! visit https://www.yourjewelrycoach.com/ In this episode I unveil my gift to you that has worked miraculously with all my stores - The Ultimate Sales Presentation Checklist. I designed it to pinpoint specific training needs and to celebrate wins. It's a game changer if y…

1
Moisture: the bane of all buildings (also breathability, sweatability, and vapour), with Valentina Marincioni (UCL) and Toby Cambray (Greengauge) 1:24:46

11d ago1:24:46

1:24:46

We are joined by Valentina Marincioni (UCL, UKCMB) and returning guest Toby Cambray (Greengauge) to talk about the bane of all buildings: moisture. Recently, they they’ve produced a simple explainer video about "breathability" in buildings for the UK Centre for Moisture in Buildings. Given Jeff's proclivity for referring to the 'sweatability' of bu…

1
Episode 20: Record Keeping - Your Safety Net 3:25

14d ago3:25

3:25

Smoke Break - Episode 20: Record Keeping - Your Safety Net Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals why effective documentation is crucial for health and safety compliance across your district. Learn how proper record keeping serves as both protection during inspections and a valuable management tool that identifies operat…

1
Why Sales Training Needs a Revolution 11:26

16d ago11:26

11:26

Your jewelry team is either your greatest asset or your biggest liability. In this episode, you will learn why most jewelry teams underperform. Discover the three biggest training gaps in the industry and how to fix them. Tammy shares her proven Jewelry Professional’s Mindset Transformation Framework, designed to turn disconnected salespeople into …

1
Episode 19: Making the Most of Health Department Visits 3:45

21d ago3:45

3:45

Smoke Break - Episode 19: Making the Most of Health Department Visits Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for the final episode in our health and safety series as he shares strategies for turning health department inspections into positive experiences. Learn how to prepare your store network for regulatory visits and use them as op…

1
Diamond Colour: Simply Explained & Understood 13:37

22d ago13:37

13:37

In this eye-opening episode, I challenge the traditional approach to explaining diamond colour to customers. You'll discover why industry jargon creates hesitation instead of sales, and learn a customer-focused method that builds trust and confidence. This podcast reveals the startling truth: we've been misleading people about diamond colour for de…

1
Selling Emeralds with Confidence and Connection 11:19

22d ago11:19

11:19

Emeralds deserve better than a quick birthstone mention. In this episode, we dive into the rich history, symbolism, and misunderstood beauty of emeralds and why they’re often overlooked in the showcase. I’ll walk you through my 3-phase sales approach that transforms hesitation into confidence and showcases emeralds as the royal treasures they truly…

1
Battery storage, lancing boilers, and decentralised energy grids: a Decent way to manage your electricity, with Tom Cox and Sally Sattary (Decent Energy) 1:09:16

25d ago1:09:16

1:09:16

By Jeff and Dan

1
Episode 18: Emergency Preparedness - When Minutes Matter 3:46

28d ago3:46

3:46

Smoke Break - Episode 18: Emergency Preparedness - When Minutes Matter Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for preparing your store network for emergencies before they happen. Learn how to develop and implement comprehensive emergency plans that protect your team, customers, and business when every…

1
Your Ideal Jewelry Salesperson 16:35

29d ago16:35

16:35

Are your jewelry store job postings attracting mediocre applicants while exceptional talent passes you by? In this eye-opening episode, I reveal why traditional hiring approaches in the jewelry industry are failing—and how to revolutionize your recruitment strategy to attract sales superstars. Two jewelry stores can have identical locations, produc…

1
Episode 17: Building Your Safety Culture 3:21

1M ago3:21

3:21

Smoke Break - Episode 17: Building Your Safety Culture Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for creating a genuine safety culture that goes beyond rules and procedures. Learn how to develop an environment where safety becomes part of your stores' DNA rather than just another compliance requirement. Episode Ov…

1
Translating retrofit for normal people, with retrofit influencer Judith Leary Joyce (Eco Home Retrofit) 1:27:38

1M ago1:27:38

1:27:38

This episode is a window into the consumer side of domestic retrofit that’s full of lessons for everyone involved in the retrofit sector. We speak with retrofit influencer Judith Leary Joyce about the experience of undergoing a deep retrofit and learning how to communicate about the subject with normal people. She talks us through her journey from …

1
Gold, Glorious Gold 22:41

1M ago22:41

22:41

It's not just a metal, it's a story of wealth, love and legacy. In this episode you'll hear about the art of selling gold jewelry and uncovering golden nuggets of wisdom that will help you turn price objections into powerful sales strategies. Learn how to highlight craftsmanship, emotional value and the timeless allure of gold. Discover expert tips…

1
Are You a Boss or a Leader 12:13

1M ago12:13

12:13

Leadership isn't about titles - it's about impact. You moment you shift from being a jewelry boss to a jewelry leader, everything changes. This episode touches on the difference between a boss and a leader and gives you practical ways you can start the shift of a personal transformation.By Tammy

1
Diamond Clarity: Simply Explained and Understood 21:09

1M ago21:09

21:09

Learn how to explain diamond clarity in simple, customer-friendly language that builds trust and drives sales. Discover how to stop overwhelming customers with technical jargon, avoid costly sales mistakes and present clairty as part of the bigger 4C's picture. Whether you're selling a flawless or I1 diamond, this episode will help you communicate …

1
Trailer 2:43

1M ago2:43

2:43

Are you a retail jeweller who wants to sell with more confidence, connect more deeply with your customers, and stand out in an increasingly competitive market? Welcome to Your Jewelry Coach, the podcast designed to help you transform how you sell, lead, and communicate in today’s evolving jewellery industry. Each week, you'll get practical tools an…

1
Building Trust and Navigating Change 24:40

1M ago24:40

24:40

Discover how the jewelry industry has transformed from the good ole days to today's digital age. learn why asking the right questions and truly listening to customers is the key to success in modern jewelry sales. From competing with online retailers to building genuine connections, this episode reveals how to adapt and thrive in today's evolving m…

1
Building Your Jewelry Brand Story 23:53

1M ago23:53

23:53

Join me on a journey from a life-changing encounter with a hesitant carpenter seeking an engagement ring to the birth of Your Jewelry Coach. Discover how one customer's transformation from intimidated browser to confident buyer sparked a mission to revolutionize jewelry sales training. Learn the essential elements that create a powerful brand story…

1
The Human Need for Jewelry 16:30

1M ago16:30

16:30

Is our fascination with jewelry woven into our DNA? What if I told you there is more to our love of jewelry than we realize because it's built into our Hierarchy of Needs on many levels. Once you hear this episode, it will put a whole new perspective on how you look at and sell jewelry.By Tammy

1
Episode 16: Mastering Health and Safety Inspections 3:46

1M ago3:46

3:46

Smoke Break - Episode 16: Mastering Health and Safety Inspections Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for preparing your store network for health and safety inspections. Learn how to develop systems that ensure your locations are inspection-ready every day, not just when inspectors are expected. Episode Over…

1
Episode 15: Health and Safety - Your Foundation for Success 4:10

2M ago4:10

4:10

Smoke Break - Episode 15: Health and Safety - Your Foundation for Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for implementing effective health and safety compliance across your store network. Learn how to create systems that protect your customers, employees, and business while building a strong safety cult…

1
Embodied carbon and how sustainable is MMC? With Richard O'Hegarty (RKD, UCD) and Oliver Kinnane (UCD) 1:26:46

2M ago1:26:46

1:26:46

Returning champions Richard O'Hegarty and Oliver Kinnane join us to discuss a recently co-authored paper: Understanding the embodied carbon credentials of modern methods of construction (MMC). Get ready for a long meandering discussion that gets into what they learned and what they think about accounting practices for embodied carbon, as well as pl…

1
Episode 14: Staying Adaptable in Today's Retail Landscape 4:09

2M ago4:09

4:09

Smoke Break - Episode 14: Staying Adaptable in Today's Retail Landscape Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for maintaining adaptability across your store network in a rapidly changing retail environment. Learn how to anticipate industry shifts, test new concepts, and prepare your team for ongoing evolution.…

1
Episode 13: Creating Consistent Customer Experiences 4:13

2M ago4:13

4:13

Smoke Break - Episode 13: Creating Consistent Customer Experiences Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for building consistency across your store network while preserving local store character. Learn how to create memorable customer experiences that maintain your brand standards while allowing for location-s…

1
Can we meet the skills gap the way we currently deliver training and what is the purpose of education? With Nathan Gambling (BetaTalk and BetaTeach) 1:12:15

2M ago1:12:15

1:12:15

For this episode we were joined by Nathan Gambling. For those that are new to him, he's heating engineer of some repute, a renowned educator, and a fellow podcaster. The episode revolves around the nature of education and learning, the skills gap—specifically focusing on heat pump and retrofit education—and a post that Nathan put up a few weeks ago…

1
Episode 12: Building a Collaborative Leadership Culture 3:53

2M ago3:53

3:53

Smoke Break - Episode 12: Building a Collaborative Leadership Culture Episode Duration: 4 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for creating a collaborative leadership approach across your store network. Learn how to build strong teams, facilitate cross-location learning, and multiply your impact as a district manager. …

1
Episode 11: Making Data Work for Your C-Store Network 4:06

3M ago4:06

4:06

Smoke Break - Episode 11: Making Data Work for Your C-Store Network Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for transforming raw data into actionable insights across your store network. Learn how to cut through the noise and focus on the metrics that truly drive business success. Episode Overview Maste…

1
There is methodology for defining what ‘net zero carbon’ means for buildings in the UK and it looks great, with Jess Hrivnak (RIBA), Jane Anderson (ConstructionLCA), and Julie Godefroy (CIBSE) 43:13

3M ago43:13

43:13

This time around we're talking about the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UKNZCBS) with three of its architects: Jess Hrivnak (RIBA), Jane Anderson (ConstructionLCA), and Julie Jodefroy (CIBSE). The UKNZCBS is the first cross-industry standard for net zero carbon-aligned buildings, albeit in a pilot form. The standard has been developed to en…

1
Episode 10: Strategic Pricing in Your C-Store Network 4:24

3M ago4:24

4:24

Smoke Break - Episode 10: Strategic Pricing in Your C-Store Network Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for implementing effective pricing across your store network. Learn how to balance competitive pricing with healthy margins while creating value for customers. Episode Overview Master district-wi…

1
Episode 9: The Power of Seasonal Merchandising 4:28

3M ago4:28

4:28

Smoke Break - Episode 9: The Power of Seasonal Merchandising Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategic approaches to implementing effective seasonal merchandising across your store network. Learn how to plan, time, and execute seasonal transitions that drive sales throughout the year. Episode Overview Master distri…

1
Episode 8: The Art of Visual Merchandising 4:45

3M ago4:45

4:45

Smoke Break - Episode 8: The Art of Visual Merchandising Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategic approaches to implementing effective visual merchandising across your store network. Learn how to create compelling shopping environments that drive sales and enhance customer experience. Episode Overview Master distr…

1
A 'global' standard for residential retrofit? With Paul Bagust (RICS Head of Property Standards), Steven Lees (RICS Senior Specialist - Residential Survey), and Robert Toomey (RICS Senior Public Affairs ... 1:22:50

3M ago1:22:50

1:22:50

Last year the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) released its residential retrofit standard. Given that they're one of the construction industry's oldest, largest, and most influential institutions this felt significant. Importantly, the RICS organisation has a global footprint, so it has the potential to influence good behaviour far a…

1
Episode 7: Mastering Merchandising in Your C-Store Network 4:36

3M ago4:36

4:36

Smoke Break - Episode 7: Mastering Multi-Store Merchandising Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategic approaches to implementing effective merchandising across your store network. Learn how to create consistent yet locally-adapted merchandising strategies that drive sales and enhance customer experience. Episode O…

1
Episode 6: Building Strong Vendor Relationships 5:05

4M ago5:05

5:05

Smoke Break - Episode 6: Building Strong Vendor Partnerships Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for developing and maintaining powerful vendor relationships across your store network. Learn how to transform vendor interactions from simple transactions into strategic partnerships that drive success. Episode…

1
Can we address the decarbonisation of homes by focusing on health? With Jenny Danson (Healthy Homes Hub) 1:06:04

4M ago1:06:04

1:06:04

Can we address the decarbonisation of homes by focusing on health? That's the mission that Jenny Danson has set for herself in establishing Healthy Homes Hub, and it's a question that manages to subvert Betteridge's Law of headlines, too. Healthy Homes Hub is a network, built around an online platform, that's dedicated to transforming the way peopl…

1
Episode 5: Loss Prevention: Protecting Your C-Store Profits 5:28

4M ago5:28

5:28

Smoke Break - Episode 5: Multi-Store Loss Prevention Strategies Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares comprehensive strategies for implementing effective loss prevention across your store network. Learn how to create consistent systems that protect profits while building a culture of accountability. Episode Overview Mast…

1
Innovating and maturing: Loco Home Retrofit is an "emerging" retrofit one-stop-shop, with co-founder Chris Carus 1:08:28

4M ago1:08:28

1:08:28

Joining us on Zero Ambitions this week is Chris Carus co-founder of Loco Home Retrofit, a Glasgow-based 'emerging one-step shop'. Loco Home Retrofit is a retrofit operation that's most interesting for its approach to developing a viable retrofit offer, focused on building trust in communities and with its supply chain as a means to catalysing the d…

1
Episode 4: Mastering Inventory Management in Your C-Store Network 4:35

4M ago4:35

4:35

Smoke Break - Episode 4: Mastering Multi-Store Inventory Management Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for essential strategies on managing inventory across multiple convenience store locations. Learn how to implement systems that keep your entire store network operating efficiently while maximizing profitability. Episode Overview…

1
Episode 3: Elevating Customer Experience Across Your Convenience Store Network 6:54

5M ago6:54

6:54

Episode 3: Creating an Outstanding Customer Experience in Your Store Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for building a customer-centric culture that will set your convenience store apart from the competition. Learn how to create memorable experiences that turn first-time visitors into loyal customers…

1
Eliminate construction waste – Loop Your Spare instead: circular thinking and platform technology that reduces the cost of construction for everyone, with Jay Stuart 1:13:11

5M ago1:13:11

1:13:11

The first episode of January 2025 marks the long overdue, first appearance of Jay Stuart, a long-time friend and colleague of Jeff and a firm fixture of the green building scene in Ireland. Jay joined us to talk about his latest project: Loop Your Spare. It’s a SaaS platform designed to match 'spare' construction materials with projects that need t…

1
Episode 2: Harnessing Data Analytics in Convenience Store Management 7:00

5M ago7:00

7:00

Smoke Break - Episode 2: Harnessing Data Analytics in Convenience Store Management Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down how district managers can leverage data analytics to drive performance across their store network. Learn practical approaches to collecting, analyzing, and acting on data to optimize your multi-st…

1
Episode 1: Navigating Multi-Unit Convenience Store Management 6:20

5M ago6:20

6:20

In this premiere episode of "Smoke Break," host Mike Hernandez explores the fundamentals of multi-unit convenience store management. Learn essential strategies for effective delegation, establishing consistent communication systems, and maintaining standardization across store locations while allowing for local flexibility. Perfect for district man…

1
Speeding up external wall insulation installation and preparing a retrofit start-up for scale, with Max Bloomfield (VundaHaus) and Alex Whitcroft (KIN; VundaHaus) 1:11:18

6M ago1:11:18

1:11:18

What's it like trying to scale a retrofit start-up? This episode welcomes Max Bloomfield and Alex Whitcroft, two of the folks from VundaHaus, to talk about their product, its ongoing design and development, and their preparations to scale the business as they raise funds from investors. VundaHaus designs and manufactures a rapid-fit insulation solu…

1
Experiments in low-carbon retrofit for a high-status building (with a basement), with Natalie Black (Enbee Architecture + Design) and Toby McLean (Allt Environmental Structural Engineers) 1:22:39

6M ago1:22:39

1:22:39

This week's episode is all about the lessons learned in carrying out a low-carbon retrofit. Natalie Black (Enbee Architecture + Design) and Toby McLean (Allt Environmental Structural Engineers) joined us to talk through their experiments and experiences on the renovation of a derelict house in Muswell Hill, London that was shortlisted for the Archi…

1
Why we need to tell better stories about the built environment, with Liz Male (LMC) 1:15:35

7M ago1:15:35

1:15:35

Our guest, Liz Male has been on our radar for a while. She is a figure who has been working in the construction sector since the 1990s, an ally to the sustainability sector, a great communicator, and an experienced thinker. When we met earlier in the year we talked about a lot of things, but the consistent theme of our conversation was 'why we need…

1
Don't Waste Buildings, which means retrofitting them and building them better. With Leanne Tritton (Ing Media), Will Hurst (Architect's Journal), and Richard Nelson (Abyss Global) 1:25:56

7M ago1:25:56

1:25:56

Apologies for the delay, the lost podcast has been returned and is ready for release. 'Don't Waste Buildings' should be a straightforward proposition. It seems obvious. Especially so in the face of the climate crisis. Unfortunately, the business of the built environment is not yet on board completely. Our guests for this episode are the founders of…

1
Performance guarantees, measuring what works, and EPC reform, with Steven Heath (Knauf Insulation) 1:27:43

8M ago1:27:43

1:27:43

This week we're speaking with Steven Heath, technical director at Knauf Insulation (UK and Ireland) and a really interesting and experienced person in the sector. So while we had him, we ran through a bunch of our favourite hoary subjects: measuring performance, performance guarantees, and what we think about EPCs. Knauf is a firm that's done some …

1
Sustainability, sufficiency, and sequestration – the language we use and what it means, with Lloyd Alter 1:08:21

8M ago1:08:21

1:08:21

A long-overdue episode with friend of the show, Lloyd Alter, about a blog he wrote and his book "The Story of Upfront Carbon". We get into the language of sustainability, carbon, and lots of the words that are ubiquitous in this space (sustainability and the built environment, obviously). We get into the sustainability of travel, to some extent too…

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District Manager Training Podcasts

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