Walmart associates participate in training through the Walmart Academy.
Organizational success in retail ultimately comes down to people — finding the right talent, nurturing their growth and preparing them for the future.
In this episode of Retail Gets Real, Walmart’s first-ever Chief Talent Officer Lorraine “Lo” Stomski and NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie discuss how retail leaders are reimagining talent acquisition, development and retention in a rapidly evolving industry.
Walmart Chief Talent Officer Lorraine “Lo” Stomski
Talent acquisition has long been seen as a transactional function — filling open positions as quickly as possible. But as Stomski emphasizes, success today requires an end-to-end talent system. From selection and onboarding to succession planning and leadership development, Walmart has built an integrated “flywheel” that reinforces culture and career progression. “The most important thing I can help the organization do is make sure that the best talent is in the right chair at the right time,” she says.
Lukoskie agrees, noting that retail’s breadth is often misunderstood. While frontline roles remain vital, the industry also needs specialists in supply chain, technology, finance and more. With nearly 1 million STEM roles posted in retail in 2024, attracting this talent requires coordinated storytelling and cross-industry collaboration. NRF’s Talent Acquisition Group brings together recruiters to share strategies, pulse-check challenges and showcase retail’s vast career opportunities.
Many job seekers still associate retail solely with entry-level store positions, but the industry is changing that perception. Stomski highlights Walmart’s job simulators, which let candidates experience a “day in the life” of roles such as pharmacy technician or merchant, paired with real associate stories that demonstrate progression. Removing unnecessary barriers like degree requirements and doubling down on certificate programs helps democratize access and accelerate mobility.
Similarly, Lukoskie details the NRF Foundation’s RISE Up certification program, which partners with over 3,500 community organizations and 2,000 high schools to introduce young people to retail skills and pathways. By teaching both technical and soft skills early, these initiatives broaden horizons and help educators see retail as an industry of deep investment in people.
Recruiting is just the first step. Keeping associates engaged requires clear career pathways. Walmart’s Live Better U program offers debt-free education aligned to in-demand roles, ensuring associates are equipped for the future; participants are three times more likely to be promoted and to stay with the company. Meanwhile, programs like Associate-to-Technician and Associate-to-Driver showcase how front-line workers can move into specialized, higher-paying roles — sometimes doubling or tripling their income in the process.
Lukoskie underscores that these success stories are crucial for credibility. When associates share how education or training transformed their careers, it becomes proof that retail can truly be a place to grow and thrive.
Looking ahead, both leaders are optimistic about artificial intelligence. Stomski calls herself an “AI optimist,” predicting that technology will “unlock a lot of humanity” by removing administrative burdens and enabling recruiters to focus on relationships and candidate experience. AI can also surface internal talent by mapping skills across large organizations, making upward mobility more seamless.
Lukoskie says AI is helping recruiters act as true relationship managers rather than order takers, while the growing skills-first movement ensures companies recognize capabilities beyond degrees. Together, these shifts point toward a retail workforce that is more inclusive, purpose-driven and future-ready.
Listen to the full episode to hear how Walmart and the NRF Foundation are shaping the next generation of retail talent — and why a strong culture, clear purpose and focus on human potential remain the ultimate differentiators.
(00:00:00) Walmart’s first chief talent officer
Why adaptability is essential for success inside the world’s largest retailer
The bold decision that created an end-to-end talent system
How connecting the talent lifecycle became a powerful “flywheel” for careers
(00:05:20) Why talent acquisition matters more than ever
The critical role of first impressions in hiring
How retail recruiters face unique perception challenges
The staggering demand for STEM and specialized roles in retail
(00:09:00) Changing perceptions of retail careers
How Walmart showcases diverse roles beyond the sales floor
Why associate stories and job simulators make career paths real
The NRF Foundation’s programs shaping early career decisions
(00:15:02) Building skills and pathways for career growth
Inside Walmart Academy and its role in upskilling managers
How Live Better U offers debt-free education for the future
Why certificates are reshaping career mobility for associates
(00:19:24) Proof points that change lives
Why associate success stories matter more than corporate messaging
How Walmart’s Associate-to-Technician program created new careers
The pathway from hourly worker to six-figure driver
(00:23:02) Talent strategies in uncertain times
How economic shifts affect hiring and retention decisions
Why brands are turning to their own associates for growth
The evolving role of TA leaders from order takers to business partners
(00:28:12) The future of talent acquisition and AI
How AI can unlock humanity in recruiting and retention
The recruiter’s evolving role as a relationship manager
Skills-first hiring and the push for greater mobility across industries
Learn more about Walmart's Live Better U
Learn more about the NRF Foundation's RISE Up Program
Become an NRF member and join the world’s largest retail trade association
Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.com
