Natalie Smith
Retail Leader at FIKA Cannabis- Claim this Profile
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Topline Score
Bio
John Huynh
It’s an absolute pleasure to work with Natalie. Natalie has been nothing short of EXCEPTIONAL. She is someone that has been very honest with me, dependable, incredibly hard working and most importantly, willing to provide support and help when needed. Beyond that, she is a FANTASTIC leader and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The knowledge and expertise in the retail industry was such an advantage to the store. With this, we were able to be profitable in my first month of being a full time key lead. In addition, she has always been an absolute joy to work with (especially when she brings in baked goods). She is a team player and will always foster positive discussions and bring the best out of everyone.
Faith Woodley
Great Leader with amazing coaching skills. Honest reliable and will push people to succeed. Reliable, outspoken, honest and knowledgeable in her field.
John Huynh
It’s an absolute pleasure to work with Natalie. Natalie has been nothing short of EXCEPTIONAL. She is someone that has been very honest with me, dependable, incredibly hard working and most importantly, willing to provide support and help when needed. Beyond that, she is a FANTASTIC leader and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The knowledge and expertise in the retail industry was such an advantage to the store. With this, we were able to be profitable in my first month of being a full time key lead. In addition, she has always been an absolute joy to work with (especially when she brings in baked goods). She is a team player and will always foster positive discussions and bring the best out of everyone.
Faith Woodley
Great Leader with amazing coaching skills. Honest reliable and will push people to succeed. Reliable, outspoken, honest and knowledgeable in her field.
John Huynh
It’s an absolute pleasure to work with Natalie. Natalie has been nothing short of EXCEPTIONAL. She is someone that has been very honest with me, dependable, incredibly hard working and most importantly, willing to provide support and help when needed. Beyond that, she is a FANTASTIC leader and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The knowledge and expertise in the retail industry was such an advantage to the store. With this, we were able to be profitable in my first month of being a full time key lead. In addition, she has always been an absolute joy to work with (especially when she brings in baked goods). She is a team player and will always foster positive discussions and bring the best out of everyone.
Faith Woodley
Great Leader with amazing coaching skills. Honest reliable and will push people to succeed. Reliable, outspoken, honest and knowledgeable in her field.
John Huynh
It’s an absolute pleasure to work with Natalie. Natalie has been nothing short of EXCEPTIONAL. She is someone that has been very honest with me, dependable, incredibly hard working and most importantly, willing to provide support and help when needed. Beyond that, she is a FANTASTIC leader and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The knowledge and expertise in the retail industry was such an advantage to the store. With this, we were able to be profitable in my first month of being a full time key lead. In addition, she has always been an absolute joy to work with (especially when she brings in baked goods). She is a team player and will always foster positive discussions and bring the best out of everyone.
Faith Woodley
Great Leader with amazing coaching skills. Honest reliable and will push people to succeed. Reliable, outspoken, honest and knowledgeable in her field.
Credentials
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Psychological First Aid
JOHN HOPKINS UNIVERSITYNov, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Cansell Ontario Standard ETC
CannSellOct, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Inspirational Leadership: Leading With Sense Certification
HEC ParisOct, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Mindshifting
McMaster UniversityOct, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Leadership Through Design Innovation
Northwestern University - Kellogg School of ManagementSep, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Leading Teams and People Certification
University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of BusinessSep, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Types of Conflict
University of California, IrvineAug, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Achieving Personal and Professional Success-4 course Specialization
University of PennsylvaniaJul, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Conflict Resolution Skills
University of California, IrvineJul, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Intercultural Conflict
University of California, IrvineJul, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Science of Success
University of PennsylvaniaJul, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Giving Sense To Your Leadership Experience
HEC ParisJun, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Improving Communication Skills
The Wharton SchoolJun, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Influencing People
University of MichiganJun, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Leadership Through Marketing
The Wharton SchoolJun, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Leadership: Leading The Life You Want
The Wharton SchoolJun, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Leading Teams
University of MichiganJun, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
High Performance Collaboration
The Wharton SchoolMay, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Inspiring and Motivating Individuals
University of MichiganMay, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Introduction to Marketing
The Wharton SchoolMay, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Leadership Through Social Influence
Northwestern UniversityMay, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Managing Social and Human Capital
Northwestern University - Kellogg School of ManagementMay, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Managing Talent
University of MichiganMay, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Science of Well Being
Yale UniversityMay, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Building Your Leadership Skills
HEC ParisApr, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Leadership Communication For Maximum Impact: Storytelling
Northwestern UniversityApr, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Success
University of PennsylvaniaApr, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
AGCO RML Liscence
Alcohol and Gaming Commision of OntarioJan, 2021- Nov, 2024 -
Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
University of Pittsburgh
Experience
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FIKA Cannabis
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Canada
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Retail
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1 - 100 Employee
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Retail Leader
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Nov 2022 - Present
FIKA Cannabis is redefining cannabis retail with a considered approach for the modern cannabis consumer. We embrace a new identity that is sophisticated, stylish and shameless. With multiple AAA locations, we are purpose driven and passionate people who embrace the FIKA Vision & Values. Our FIKA Family Members come from many backgrounds; united by an authentic motivation to create warm & welcoming environments where people can connect. Build Up + Breathe + Belonging + Bring Yourself
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GUESS?, Inc.
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United States
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Retail Apparel and Fashion
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700 & Above Employee
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Guess Canada Retail Operations
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Jul 2022 - Jan 2023
Assign teams to process Achieve targeted performance and quality targets Train and motivate all Coordinators through on-going programs and backroom organization Partner with key members of Retail and Operations team with recommendations Returns, cancellations, exchanges, changes to orders Provide reports and analysis in conjunction with management routines to monitor and drive improvements performance, quality and cost Upgrade policies for Retail Stores and Sales Operations Department Establish set of desktop procedures to drive daily, weekly and monthly management routines Monitor returns process performance and collaborate with the Logistics teams to drive improvements Communication with Retail Team Accurate and timely responses Concise information regarding order status and shipments Returns and exchanges should follow protocol Build positive working relationships with store managers to clarify priorities and best practices Manage the Sales Operations Coordinators Manage pool of inbound sales orders Generate and analyze the stores’ performance and promotional reports Responsible for optimizing in-store merchandise visibility and executing overall marketing plans Manage performance and incentives of cashiers Manage inventory, stock levels and merchandise replenishment cycle Maintain high standards of service and merchandise display Work with customers and branch operations to schedule services within contract requirements and customer expectations Generate and review all customer required reports Ensure all customer data is correctly entered into company systems Establishes an in-depth knowledge of industry regulations and requirements Review key performance indicators for service and facility operations
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Sessions Cannabis
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Canada
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Retail
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1 - 100 Employee
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Multi Unit Manager
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May 2021 - Oct 2021
Full cycle talent management, to include recruiting, training, coaching and talent development for full-time, part-time and temporary team members and managers. Identifying key talent to support the talent pipeline. Ensuring effective performance management and maintaining a culture of accountability. Developing cross-functional teams of engaged associates with the ability to execute initiatives and drive operational standards and business results. Providing staff training Developing and promoting a team environment and acts as a leader within the store to all staff levels. Making decisions relating to the selection and deployment of staff to meet sales and labor budgets. Preparing and implementing detailed operating plans for all store departments for standards operations, busy rush periods for each store. Analyzing store financials and making determinations regarding how to positively impact future sales/expense opportunities. (KPI’s, sales, gross margin, loyalty, employee engagement) Establishing, enhancing, and maintaining positive, responsive relationships with the community and employees Developing a customer-centric experience and engaging team members in the delivery/execution of that objective. Providing highest levels of customer service within the store and in all interactions with stakeholders. Managing the visual presentations to create an exciting shopping environment for customers in all their stores. Organizing the effective use of all social media platforms including FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit etc. - maintaining an honest business model and representing the goals and ideals of Sessions Cannabis Communicate directly with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) and Health Canada Ensuring all back-office functions, including the preparation of invoices, process of chargebacks and coordination of stock shipments are completed in accordance with company directives and/or policies
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Indigo
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Canada
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Retail
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700 & Above Employee
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General Manager and NSO Project Manager
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Nov 2007 - Jan 2021
Manage a much-loved book, electronics, toy, home décor, and seasonal gift store, providing leadership to customer experience managers and representatives Project Manager leading the peak season opening of Indigo's newest new concept location in Cambridge Ontario. Transitioned post opening into the General Manager role leading 5 Customer Experience Managers, 3 Operational Leads and 100 Customer Experience representitives through building this net new business through its key community, profitability and process foundational formative first fiscal year. Lead day-to-day store operations, business planning, and the marketing of the Indigo brand, reporting to the Regional Manager. Set clear vision, objectives, and achievable sales targets. Influence and build lasting relationships with stakeholders. Execute HR and people management, driving optimal performance through the maintaining of fair and accurate records. Launch and evaluate innovative programs that impact business performance and P&L results. • Increased sales by 12% in the last fiscal year, continuing to deliver double-digit competitive growth over the previous fiscal year. • Boosted employee satisfaction from 27% to 95% within 11 months. • Acquired, developed, and retained highly-skilled, passionate employees through comprehensive succession plans, staff development initiatives, and astute talent management. • Inspired client engagement with the Indigo brand, curating specific collections for each customer. • Improved the Customer Satisfaction Rating from 65% to 85% within a year, sustained across three quarters to date. • Maximized sales and profitability by generating and delivering new business growth opportunities and exceeding customer needs.
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Best Buy Canada
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Canada
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Retail
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700 & Above Employee
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Best Buy Mobile LaunchManager
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Jan 2006 - Jun 2007
Best Buy, Southern Ontario Led the planning, development, and implementation of various projects associated with the Best Buy Mobile launch in the south-western Ontario region. Steered internal and external projects as part of a team of three, reporting to the Senior Manager (Portfolio and Program Management). Developed and executed strategic planning, budget and resource management, and all aspects of the product launch. Managed multiple vendors and demonstrators, and interfaced with relevant departments, vendors, and key stakeholders. Worked with multidisciplinary teams encompassing finance, accounting, purchasing, inventory, marketing, advertising, promotions, merchandising, training, operations, and the Customer Solutions Group. • Achieved all project deliverables across the project lifecycle, including the smooth transition of operations across six locations. • Delivered a successful launch with an overall -0.2% underspend to the planned investment. • Successfully met all budget requirements for each of the six store locations. • Negotiated effectively with vendors and suppliers, resulting in project savings of 1.3%. • Significantly reduced staff turnover within 12 months of the launch to 3%, as opposed to the planned 15%.
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Logistics Executive Group
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Australia
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Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
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300 - 400 Employee
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Field Specialist
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Jun 2004 - Nov 2006
Onsite field logistical liaison for supply chain management. Civilian contractor supporting deployed Canadian military contingents abroad. Logistics review Operations Management Pivot deployment strategy is Communication gatekeeper Overall fix it and idea woman Onsite field logistical liaison for supply chain management. Civilian contractor supporting deployed Canadian military contingents abroad. Logistics review Operations Management Pivot deployment strategy is Communication gatekeeper Overall fix it and idea woman
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Subway
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Restaurants
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700 & Above Employee
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Manager Subway Restaurants
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Aug 2000 - Dec 2003
Manager of the 2 Subway Restaurants Quick Service Food Safety Accounting Inventory Rotation and Ordering Hiring Performance Management Manager of the 2 Subway Restaurants Quick Service Food Safety Accounting Inventory Rotation and Ordering Hiring Performance Management
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Education
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University of Waterloo
BA, Classics, History, -
University of Waterloo
post grad, Management Studies -
Cornell University
IMBA, Women in Leadership