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PODCASTS

Gravitas Podcast Series

Listen to the Gravitas Consulting podcast covering QSR, retail, and strategy. Insights on growth, digital transformation, and operational excellence from industry leaders.

RETAIL AND QSR PODCASTS

Gravitas Retail Podcast EP 01 ft. Rabbiya Hussain (lululemon) and Samrat Biswas (Retail Expert)

Joining the conversation are two incredible leaders in the retail industry: Rabbiya Hussain – A global retail executive with experience at brands like Adidas and Lululemon, known for creating strategic commercial growth, enhancing consumer experiences and driving enterprise level transformation.

 

Samrat Biswas – A seasoned digital transformation executive with global leadership experience in building seamless omni-channel customer experiences, and spearheading innovation in retail and e-commerce across brands like Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, H.E.B, JC Penney, Levi’s, Lucky Jeans, Meijers and many more.

RETAIL AND QSR PODCASTS

Episode 02 QSR Podcast ft. Raph Sangiovanni (Subway) & Johann Westhuizen (uKnomi)

We’re excited to share the latest episode of the Gravitas Podcast Series, this time diving into the fast-evolving world of quick service restaurants (QSR). From digital ordering and AI-powered drive-thrus to shifting consumer expectations, we explore how technology and innovation are reshaping the future of the industry. Joining us are two incredible leaders:

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Rafael Sangiovanni – A creative and digital communications leader who’s built storytelling platforms for global brands including Subway, DHL Express, and Hilton.

Johann Westhuizen – Co-founder and CEO of uKnomi, an AI-driven “marketing-in-the-moment” platform, with 20+ years of experience driving digital innovation across retail and food service. This episode is packed with insights on where QSR is heading, and what brands must do to stay ahead.

RETAIL AND QSR PODCASTS

EP. 3 - The Future of Finance in QSR with Jubin Patel (ex-Papa John's)

Finance in quick service restaurants is no longer about reporting what happened. It’s about shaping what happens next. In this episode of the Gravitas Podcast, Ankit Singh sits down with Jubin Patel, Vice President of Finance & Insights at Blaze Pizza, to explore how modern finance leaders are navigating margin pressure, pricing complexity, franchise economics, and AI adoption in today’s QSR environment.

 

They discuss:

  • The “barbell” strategy of pricing — balancing value and brand

  • How to distinguish real incremental promotions from margin leakage

  • First-party vs. third-party channel economics

  • Labor optimization without sacrificing guest experience

  • Building resilience into food cost planning 

  • The evolving role of AI in finance and analytics

  • Why traditional FP&A roles are rapidly changing

 

If you’re a CFO, finance executive, operator, or PE-backed leader in the restaurant space, this conversation offers a practical look at how disciplined finance teams drive sustainable growth, without losing focus on unit economics.

RETAIL AND QSR PODCASTS

Episode 4: Franchise Growth and Innovation in QSR with Kevin Moran (Blaze Pizza)

Most brands chase growth. The best ones build it the right way. In the latest Gravitas Podcast episode, Blaze Pizza’s Chief Development Officer Kevin Moran breaks down:

  • Why franchising isn’t passive

  • What separates good operators from great partners

  • How top brands actually scale (and where most fail)

 

Whether you're a development executive or a franchisee, if multi-unit growth is on your radar, don’t skip this one.

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