In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson interviews David Johnston, Vice President of Asset Protection and Retail Operations at the National Retail Federation. They discuss David's extensive career in loss prevention, the evolution of communication in the industry, and the challenges faced in franchise environments.

David shares insights on the importance of building relationships, managing egos, and the transition from a practitioner to a business mindset. The conversation highlights the significance of effective communication and adaptability in various roles throughout one's career. In this conversation, David Johnston and Dave Thompson discuss the importance of intentional communication, building rapport, and the role of the National Retail Federation (NRF) in advocating for the retail industry. They explore the challenges of networking in a digital age, the significance of genuine relationships, and the complexities of engaging with media and legislators. The discussion also highlights the upcoming NRF Protect event, emphasizing its value for learning and networking within the retail sector.

Connect with David Johnston here: David Johnston | LinkedIn

Register for NRF Protect 2025: Registration Information | NRF PROTECT 2025

Retailers - use discount code WZ200 to receive $200 off registration as a "thank you" for being a listener to the Truth Be Told podcast, courtesy of the NRF!

Truths:

• Communication is a core skill in any profession.
• Building relationships is essential for success.
• Continuous learning is crucial for career growth.
• Transitioning roles requires adaptability and new strategies.
• Franchise environments present unique challenges.
• Understanding cultural differences is key in global operations.
• Effective communication can help manage difficult conversations.
• Sales skills can be developed from interviewing techniques.
• Every conversation can be viewed as an opportunity to negotiate or sell.
• Plan conversations with clear intent and goals.
• Active listening and open-ended questions foster better communication.
• Engagement in meetings is crucial for effective communication.
• Genuine relationships lead to successful networking.
• Effective communication is key in high-stakes situations.
• Helping others achieve success leads to personal growth.

In this conversation, Dave Thompson and Jia Rizvi explore the intricacies of conversation, the impact of wrongful convictions, and the journey into filmmaking. They discuss the emotional toll of storytelling, the ethics involved in documentary filmmaking, and the importance of understanding the criminal justice system. Jia shares her personal experiences and insights gained from working with wrongfully convicted individuals, emphasizing the need for genuine representation and advocacy in storytelling. In this conversation, Jia and Dave explore the intricacies of interviewing in the true crime genre, emphasizing the importance of creating a comfortable environment for subjects to share their stories. They discuss the emotional weight of these narratives, the challenges of resistance from various parties, and the purpose behind documentary filmmaking, particularly in raising awareness about wrongful convictions. The conversation highlights the power of silence in interviews and the impact of media on public perception of justice.

Learn more about Jia here: Documentary Filmmaker | Jia Rizvi

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• Wrongful convictions have a profound impact on individuals and families.
• Filmmaking can be a powerful tool for advocacy and storytelling.
• Understanding the criminal justice system is crucial for effective storytelling.
• Ethics in storytelling must be prioritized to avoid re-traumatizing subjects.
• Real stories deserve genuine representation without sensationalism.
• The emotional toll of filmmaking can be significant for creators.
• Advocacy for wrongfully convicted individuals is a driving force for many filmmakers.
• Personal experiences shape the passion for storytelling and advocacy. Creating a comfortable environment is key for interviews.
• Silence can encourage subjects to share more.
• Authenticity in storytelling is crucial.
• Many people are unaware of the prevalence of wrongful convictions.
• Documentaries can significantly influence public perception.
• Interviewing requires a balance of structure and flow.
• Emotional narratives can be challenging to navigate.
• The impact of wrongful convictions extends beyond the individual.

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson engages with Matt Halloran to explore the critical role of listening in effective communication. They discuss the undervalued skill of listening, the importance of silence, and how engaged listening can transform personal and professional relationships. Matt shares insights from his experiences, including his background in therapy and financial services, emphasizing that listening is not just about hearing words but understanding the underlying emotions and intentions. The conversation also touches on practical exercises to improve listening skills and the different types of communicators. In this conversation, Matt Halloran discusses various communication styles and the importance of adapting to different conversational dynamics. He introduces the metaphor of different types of 'divers' to illustrate how people engage in conversations, emphasizing the need for active listening and holding space for emotions. The discussion also touches on the significance of silence in communication and how these principles apply in both face-to-face and digital interactions. Halloran provides practical tips for improving conversational skills and building rapport, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of listening.

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Connect with Matt:

Matt Halloran | Shut The F Up

Shut the F Up and Listen

Matt Halloran on LinkedIn

Truths:

• Listening is often confused with hearing; true listening requires intention.
• Engaged listening is about understanding, not just responding.
• People often listen to respond rather than to understand.
• The ability to sit in silence can change conversations.
• Listening is a skill that can be developed and practiced.
• Empathy is crucial in understanding others' perspectives.
• Different types of communicators can impact the flow of conversation.
• Practical exercises can enhance listening skills in everyday situations.
• Understanding different communication styles can enhance interactions.
• Active listening is crucial for meaningful conversations.
• Holding space allows others to process their emotions.
• Adapting to the emotional state of others is essential.
• Using open-ended questions fosters deeper discussions.
• Listening is an act of love and respect.
• Practicing these skills can improve personal and professional relationships.