The Loss Prevention landscape is an ever-changing space. Veteran retail LP professional Rui Rodrigues, speaks to the importance of staying ahead of the industry and the need to continually learn and grow as a professional.
Welcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.
The Loss Prevention landscape is an ever-changing space. Veteran retail LP professional Rui Rodrigues, speaks to the importance of staying ahead of the industry and the need to continually learn and grow as a professional.
In this episode of The Voice of Retail, I sit down with Rui to do a top-to-bottom analysis of the state of Loss Prevention work. Together, we compare shifts in Loss Prevention both over time and between Canada and the US and talk about his new role as Executive Advisor to Retail Council of Canada . Rui offers sobering insights on contemporary security and we talk about the industry as it pertains to retailers in the pandemic.
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Rui Rodrigues
An enthusiastic and influential Executive with extensive leadership experience in Loss Prevention, Risk Management, Safety and Security. Proven record of leading improvements to the bottom line and turnaround of underperforming teams and operations. Foster a culture of operational excellence, with a special focus on talent development and curating programs tailored to each organization. My expertise includes: Strategic and Tactical Program Design; People Development; Strong Business Acumen; Threat & Risk Assessment; Problem solving.
I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company, and if you’re looking for more content, or want to chat follow me on LinkedIn, or visit my website meleblanc.co!
Until next time, stay safe and have a great week!
Michael LeBlanc 00:04
Welcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host, Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.
Michael LeBlanc 00:09
The Loss Prevention landscape is an ever-changing space. Veteran LP professional Rui Rodrigues, speaks to the importance of staying ahead of the industry and the need to continually learn and grow as a professional.
In this episode of The Voice of Retail, I sit down with Rui to do a top-to-bottom analysis of the state of Loss Prevention work together, we compare shifts and loss prevention both over time and between Canada and the US and talk about his new role as executive advisor to Retail Council of Canada Rui offers sobering insights on contemporary security, when we talk about the industry as it pertains to retailers in the pandemic.
Rui Rodrigues 00:43
You know, you got to be able to muster through things and you know, in crisis, obviously people are going to turn to the LP/AP. And they're going to be pressure. So, you got to be able to face pressure well, and have the ability to talk to folks about it and get it through. Sometimes LP professionals tend to want to be strong and closed off, you need to have that ability to vent and do that to stay sane. So, thick skin dealing with stress.
Michael LeBlanc 01:11
Yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 01:11
You can't be a nine-to-fiver.
Michael LeBlanc 01:13
Let's listen in now.
Rui, welcome to The Voice of Retail podcast. How are you doing?
Rui Rodrigues 01:18
I'm doing great, Michael, how are you?
Michael LeBlanc 01:19
I'm good. Well, it's great to hear your voice. You and I first met I think a couple of years ago I was getting I was at RCC and getting involved with the LP, Loss Prevention committee you are you're leading that at the time, come a bit full circle, in, in a bit of a way. We'll get to that later. But you know, so, we've known each other a couple of years, and I've benefited from your, your wisdom and advice. So thank you for joining me on the podcast.
Rui Rodrigues 01:43
It's a pleasure to be here, Michael and reciprocal. You've always been a good person to talk to. So, I appreciate this opportunity to speak to you again.
Michael LeBlanc 01:51
Yeah, well, listen, let's start. I know a bit about your background. But let's start at the beginning. Tell us about yourself, your personal/professional journey, what you do and what you've done and what you're doing today.
Rui Rodrigues 02:03
You know, I've been in the loss prevention world for 25, 26 years started with a company called Eatons, which a lot of folks may not recall. Hopefully, you do. Professionally, I've been a workaholic most of my life. Personally, I'm a father, first and foremost, two beautiful girls that are 16 and 20.
In my journey in life, they have been my biggest teachers, as I've grown in my career and grown with them growing around me. They've taught me to be a learner. Don't mind sharing with everyone, you know, or sharing that I've been a bit of a worrywart. And maybe that comes with being a parent. So my journey has always been on finding that balance. And I don't want to sound cliche between personal professional, but I truly mean that. Because I'm a workaholic and want to spend more time with my family. It's always finding the balance where you can find happiness doing those things together.
Michael LeBlanc 02:56
And it's a bit of an ah-, you know, we're going to talk about this a bit more. And when I, when I want to kind of tap into what and how and who makes for great Loss Prevention professionals, but it's a bit of an occupational hazard, right. I mean, you're kind of always-on in an LP role, because trouble or challenges can happen, or opportunities, I guess, can happen anytime. And it's a very dynamic role. So I guess you're kind of hardwired a little bit to that, too. Yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 03:22
Yeah, for sure. And you said, like climbing the industry. And the business is you are always on call here. It's, you know, Crisis Management. And nothing has taught us that more than the last couple of years.
Michael LeBlanc 03:32
Yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 03:33
So it is for folks that are, you know, I want to I don't want to see adrenaline junkies, but action junkies are like that. But you, because of the demand, you always have to be someone who can organize balance.
Michael LeBlanc 03:47
Yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 03:47
Because there's also key things you need to move forward. So you can always be in the weeds in the action.
Michael LeBlanc 03:52
Right.
Rui Rodrigues 03:52
And as you grow your career and take on more serious responsibilities, it's finding that balance so it's a great role to learn how to be a great professional, learn organization and balance in something that LP professionals today I’m sure are facing and it's part of the evolution and development of our industry and the leaders in it.
Michael LeBlanc 04:10
Tell me about some of the organizations you work for and, and the roles throughout to your career. All retail right? If I, if I have that correctly, it's all been in one-way shape or another in retail, maybe a bit on the vendor side, but talk about that a bit.
Rui Rodrigues 04:23
Yeah, primarily retail. So I started with Eatons, as an investigator working on the floor, worked up to a manager role there. Obviously, we know Eatons closed up shop.
Michael LeBlanc 04:35
Yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 04:35
2000, 2001. I moved over to Hudson's Bay Company similar model big box store, worked my way up there to a regional manager role at a great opportunity to go to a company called ICI Canada, which is Culloden paints and primarily paints but they also had explosives so I started to play a lot more in the Health and Safety / Risk Management role at that time, as well as Supply Chain then went to Shoppers Drug Mart, very retail but started learning more about the pharmaceutical and the semi franchise environments were a little bit different.
So, love learning that, then went to Future Shop, Best Buy, I focused more on a corporate role looking after Physical Security, Loss Prevention, Health and Safety, supporting with insurance and other natures. So, continuing my learning and then working with the field and stores, after Best Buy went to staples for my first director role really loved the role, the opportunities, the accountability, and doing things that were relevant to the organization as well as starting to work more with the industry and organization and other leaders in retail. So, we really loved the opportunity there. From staples worked on the vendor side for a little bit with a company called ASAP, helping them operationalize their business and focusing on developing and improving the guard service delivery for retail, because that was a primary focus, and then joined Holt Renfrew for which is my last role before joining RCC, and leading the program there. And it was Loss prevention, Risk management, Safety Fraud. And again, doing what I've always continued to love doing back to a similar environment that I was at HBC, but reshaping the program and transforming, the program that was their asset protection, but what they had as a focus to make it more of a support operationalizes the Risk Management and Loss Prevention program. And then most recently, of course, joined the RCC, which to me is a great opportunity full circle, to continue to work with LP, Risk Management industry with retail, and peers and help shape the future of Loss Prevention and Risk Management.
Michael LeBlanc 06:45
Well, and that's, that's that full circ-, circle part. Now, the RCC role, not unlike mine, you're, they're a client of yours, right, you're, versus uh, you've got your own consulting work that you're going to wrap around it. Right. It's, it's a good bit of both right, represent the industry and also be on your own for the, harness all that and leverage all that wisdom. Yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 07:06
Yeah. So, yes, you know, at the beginning of this year, with COVID, it allowed me to pause and think about what's next for Rui. And I really saw a need for you know, mid and small-size retailers who don't have departments or access to Loss Prevention professionals to open a consulting business and do more of that on my own and build an offering there. And then with continued conversations with RCC, I had a great opportunity. You know, I've known Diane Brisebois for many, many years, as a member to join RCC, as a consultant to offer an advisory role.
Michael LeBlanc 07:42
Yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 07:42
And work with the industry around the big issues and easing out of COVID restrictions focusing on what's on people's minds, what are the common concerns, goals, interests, that the RCC can support the industry. And, you know, one of the things I've noticed talking to my colleagues, is there's a gap in leaders in Canada actually having the ability to get together to talk in the old people world, which you would think it happens, but we're all very busy. So I see this as a great opportunity to be able to bring that voice together, get them to talk through the issues, and be that facilitator through the RCC to offer the support to continue to bring us to the table move issues along, and then collectively work with government police legislation to be a voice in those change going forward. And I'm really excited about that opportunity, because it's something certainly the industry needs, and certainly allows me to continue to do something I love doing.
Michael LeBlanc 08:37
Alright, let's so you've been decades in Loss Prevention, let's start talking about how it's changed perhaps over the course of your career, and what stayed the same. So, how have you seen the role the profession evolve, maybe, maybe the challenges and the, and the tools? What's been the evolution and what, what are some of the things that have that have stayed the same? If you look back and go, that's exactly like it's always been.
Rui Rodrigues 09:02
Yeah, well, the industry has definitely evolved and continues to, I would say the things that have stayed the same, you know, Loss Prevention, Asset Protection, Resource Protection, which is a whole other topic, Michael. Key things, you know, investigations, both internal external, are still part of the core, shrink, is part of any LPs department focus at some level. So, inventory control and shrink product loss. So those things I think are key, how we go about it, I think continues to evolve. And today, I wouldn't say that there's a model that is consistent across Canada. And we're very different from the US. So, you know, I speak in Canada terms, our departments are typically smaller. Therefore it's more "What does the business need out of that department?" and "What's more critical?", I think what's also evolved is the way things have operated what technology has done over the last decade, whether it's cameras, access control, and different technologies and where LP can provide value-added services to the retail organization, leveraging the systems that they typically use for in theft investigations like cameras, which today can do, you know, hotspots and loitering and other things that no other areas of retail can benefit from. So, there's been a convergence, of, from technology and working with other departments operationalizing more of LP. And then, of course, things have changed naturally with violence, organized crime, and organizations’ response to it.
Michael LeBlanc 10:33
But let's talk about that a little bit. Has as violence going up, down, or is it a perception? Are we seeing it more? And, and if so, why do you think that is? Is that a response to something different? Like why, why is violence increased in the stores?
Rui Rodrigues 10:50
It's a, it's a most probably prevalent topic on people's minds right now. And I will say it this way, "has it increased?", well, there's a perception that it isn't and it is, however, we have to realize that for the last year and a bit retail stores have been closed.
Michael LeBlanc 11:05
Yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 11:05
So, when we think we have to go beyond a little further back than that. But with the element of desperation, the fact that people wear masks, hats, sunglasses, and, are more concealed.
Michael LeBlanc 11:13
Yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 11:13
Certainly, there's more prevalence of it. And we see it in certain pockets of Canada, for example, the West Coast, Vancouver, property crime and violence has always been a bit prolific out there. But certainly the increase and we're seeing that, and as I talked to colleagues, obviously, it's on everybody's mind around as we ease the restrictions that people are coming back in. And we see the violence starting up again, and some of it, are experience more than they have previously. How do we prepare for that? How do we educate our frontline OP team? If we have it. If it's just retail stores. What are people going to do about it? What is the police going to do in response? What is the Attorney General's and crown attorneys going to do if we bring matters like this forward? And partly because over COVID, we haven't been seeing the charges and prosecutions because courts were close.
Michael LeBlanc 11:13
Right.
Rui Rodrigues 12:08
We didn't want to have issues with jail cells and overpopulation. But certainly now a big topic as we zone. What are we going to do about it, and let's collaborate to have a plan, both for retailers, police and crowns on when we see prolific violent offenders, that we need to see that there's serious support for charges prosecution, so that we don't send the message the organized crime communities that it's okay to come into retail, because there's no consequences.
So is it increasing? Absolutely, as we ease out of restrictions and stores open, and it's on everybody's mind on how we best deal with this and collaborate with government police to send the message that it's not okay. and protect our customers, our associates.
Michael LeBlanc 12:57
Now, a follow-up question, if we think back to the before-time, pre-COVID because it's just been such an unusual time, we've had over the past 20 years of violence increased before COVID hit, you know, was it was that a trend as well?
Rui Rodrigues 13:11
Yeah, and it's pocket-related. So, if you look at Stats Canada, you know, overall, certain stats have gone down violence. And again, depending on how it's reported and categorize. Certainly, we have seen an increase of violence and violent offenders and weapons being used over the last few years. And we continue to see that increase, and again, more desperation and brazen tactics. It is a good time as we come out of the crisis to continue to have that discussion. So, that we have an idea of how we're going to deal and know that there's support from government.
Michael LeBlanc 13:48
Right.
Rui Rodrigues 13:48
Because again, the concern is if we don't address it, it will continue to go up.
Michael LeBlanc 13:53
And it'll become strategy, right? Basically, it'll become a strategy for, for organized crime as opposed to a tactic, in other words.
Rui Rodrigues 14:00
We saw that, Michael, examples, you know, the services that were essential that stayed open, like pharmacy and grocery saw those incidents of increased violence with people leveraging facemask or spitting incidents using that as a weapon.
Michael LeBlanc 14:13
Yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 14:14
And we saw police respond to say if people aren't doing that they do consider that a serious offense. So we definitely see that if we don't get a handle on it, and make sure the support is there. And there's collaboration certainly becomes a tactic. And naturally, the increased with continue if people know that the consequences are none or very low.
Michael LeBlanc 14:34
Picking up on something else. You said the differences between Canada and the US, I have listeners on both sides of the border actually around the world. Now, we would know in Canada that our resources are structured differently, we have more, I've always described it, we have more breadth and depth, right, because you just don't have the same number of people. So you have a lot of, you seem to have more specialization in the US because you've got more people and you've just got broader resources. Is that is that the extent of the difference or I mean, there's probably a notional difference in your, your line of work. There's, you know, a little less violence, gun violence. And, and but I don't know, is there a difference other than structurally so to speak on both sides of the border, like if you were going to go, you know, Staples, some of the organizations you work for, you've had counterparts in the States? What, what, what, if anything is different in the US in your line of work?
Rui Rodrigues 15:25
Yeah, so I think, you know, based on the sheer size of some of the organizations in the US, the departments can be larger, depending on the organization, of course. So, there's more opportunity at certain levels to work on other initiatives, meet with industry collaborate. So, I think that's, for, the difference between Canada, the US is one key difference that, you know, the leaders in Canada who have a lot of responsibility are typically inward-facing a lot, so less time to meet with industry to meet with colleagues strategize. So, I think that, that whole collaboration, the US probably has the setup to be able to do that better.
Crime, you know, some of the major cities in the US sheer population and, ke-, that, they feel, or deal with higher incident crime and violent crime, then we do however, we have certain cities where, you know, like in Vancouver, for example, where those in Vancouver would tell you, they're equal to, if not as bad as any of the US cities,
Michael LeBlanc 16:25
Right.
Rui Rodrigues 16:25
So, less often in Canada, but certainly some comparables, but I think just sheer nature of the number of big cities and population, certainly there's a bigger issue, in the US.
Michael LeBlanc 16:36
Bigger scale, sure, sure. Bigger scale.
Rui Rodrigues 16:37
And than the departments, I think, structure, if the department is larger, you know, some departments in the US may have more items under their portfolio like.
Michael LeBlanc 16:46
Sure.
Rui Rodrigues 16:46
Safety and Risk Management than some of the Canadian organizations. But we are seeing a trend, where the LPS protection departments in Canada are also now starting to, and some have for a number of years, taking on other responsibilities, whether it's Health and Safety, Cybersecurity, Risk Management, Business Continuity, and so on.
Michael LeBlanc 17:05
So, it's quite transferable between the two.
Rui Rodrigues 17:07
Yes.
Michael LeBlanc 17:07
And if I if you were, if we were talking about marketing departments, that we'd have a similar conversation. So, okay, that's, that's interesting. Knowing what you now know, is there anything you would have done differently in your career and I asked you that as, you know, we've had younger people perhaps earlier in their LP career starting out, is anything you would have done differently on the path that, that you took.
Rui Rodrigues 17:29
Tongue in cheek, I would say take pick a different career. However, I say that really tongue in cheek because I do love this industry. And partly because I love to learn, I love problem-solving. I love those aha moments, I love those moments, when you know, our industry does something that is value add or relevant, that isn't expected coming out of our group, or you feel really good, and you feel really good about what your team has accomplished. But that whole problem-solving piece has always been of interest. So, you know, I might have done some little things here and different. But I've come to where I am based on that. So, I think more it's looking future, Michael, and continue to learn, continue to grow, adopt, and I'm not done learning yet.
Michael LeBlanc 18:16
Yeah, oh yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 18:16
So, I'm more focused on the journey forward and what I can do to help this industry and do something that is very relevant, then work with a great group of leaders in Canada to shape that LP/AP world and be a value-added to the organizations they're with.
Michael LeBlanc 18:32
We've touched on this a couple of times, what, what makes for a great LP professional, I mean, clearly you, it's not a nine-to-five job. So, that's kind of the beginning point. But when you've hired lots of folks, and you probably give them a ton of advice, what, what are the key characteristics? Or if people are listening to this and saying, maybe that's a career for me, what are the what are those key things? And I imagine curiosity, and a sense of, of discovery and an end, trying to get to the bottom of things is a big characteristic, what are those, what are those top things?
Rui Rodrigues 19:06
Yeah, so, you mentioned the word and I'll come back to but I mean, thick skin is critical. You know, you got to be able to muster through things. And you know, when crises obvious, people are going to turn to the LP/AP.
Michael LeBlanc 19:18
Yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 19:18
And they're going to be pressured. So, you got to be able to face pressure well, and have the ability to talk to folks about it and get it through. Sometimes LP professionals tend to want to be strong and closed off, you need to have that ability to vent and do that to stay sane. So thick skin.
Michael LeBlanc 19:38
Sure.
Rui Rodrigues 19:38
You know, dealing with stress, you can't be a nine-to-fiver and you kind of set it you know, you have to know that you signing up for something that you're always going to be on call because when stuff hits the fan, or you're going to be the people, so, you have to have that mindset of not looking for the nine-to-five, you have to be curious. You can't just sit and be okay with things. You got to poke at things, you got to be curious, you got to look for solutions. And you have to be very professional, right, you have to be able to not look for blame, not look for the "Aha, caught you". It's looking for that aptitude and attitude of where can I help? What is the issue, understand that you're looking at things from a peripheral sense, put yourself in the other side of things and understand why things might be happening. And then be collaborative in nature. So, don't approach things, like you would arrest the bad guy to say, caught you. If you're working with your business it's working with, I see an opportunity. I can observe and make recommendations for changes, but work collaboratively. So bring that spirit of collaboration and problem solving and solution. But don't approach things with trying to find fault. Try to find, you know, the good and things and it makes for a happier work-life anyway. So for LP professionals, all that and then be a learner. You know, the industry continues to evolve, you know, whether it's Cybersecurity, Health and Safety technologies, you got to keep learning, you can't focus on just being good at the traditional because and I, you know, a lot of colleagues I talked to are learning more about Cybersecurity taking courses,
Michael LeBlanc 21:18
Yeah, yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 21:18
So, you have to continuously reinvest in yourself, because it continues to change and will continue to change because threats come from different places all the time. And if you're not learning about what's going on out there, you're going to be behind.
Michael LeBlanc 21:32
Is it the kind of role where you're best to start in the stores? You know, there's a lot of different starting points and in a career in retail, is it best? Is there a best practice? You know, if you're going to if you want to get into this career, you're best, you're best to start in the store at the investigation level at the people level and kind of work your way up? Or, or is that? Can you start at the at the office level? Like it would what would you advise?
Rui Rodrigues 21:58
Yeah, you know, when I say, if he if you want to lead something, you should, you should have spent some time in it to understand it. So, yes, I think you should start in the stores. Now, depending on where you are in your career and transition. If you can't start there, spend time there.
Michael LeBlanc 22:16
Sure.
Rui Rodrigues 22:16
Always invest in being closest to the issues, whether it's customer-facing store personnel, and we're speaking, retail applies to supply chain, make sure you spend a part of your time always on that shop floor, seeing what's going on, so that you can speak, you know from a position of knowing, but if you have the opportunity to
Michael LeBlanc 22:38
but an experience, right.
Rui Rodrigues 22:39
start and work your way up through the roles.
Michael LeBlanc 22:42
Yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 22:42
And learn and build that credibility for having spent in the role I think that provides great value. But if you don't have that opportunity to make sure you're taking some of your time to spend there, so, that you can live it, see it, understand it and be able to make better, more informed decisions when you are actually leading a program.
Michael LeBlanc 23:03
Let's talk about COVID, the COVID era and LP, we've touched on a couple of times in the conversation already. There's obvious challenges around masks. And there's been all kinds of back and forth on masks. But I mean, it also has the, the element of people walking around in masks in the store, they're harder to identify. But beyond that, the obvious we'll talk about the key trends and things that have happened in the COVID era. And this isn't really a history lesson because we're, thankfully we're kind of, you know, moving to the next phase of the COVID era. But what are the key trends, basically, you're hearing from everyone you're speaking to, members of Retail Council of Canada and other LP professionals, what are those things that are first and foremost on their minds around the profession?
Rui Rodrigues 23:47
Yeah, so I think the biggest shift from COVID has been the public safety and employee safety and, you know, safety and security have always kind of gone hand in hand. More so now obviously in a crisis, there's the theft, there's the crime, there's those issues. And then of course, most importantly, there's the safety of the employee. And of course, the customers coming in so the, the heightened awareness around safety is key, COVID, I think through COVID a taught us that, when we rally together crisis, we can come together we can make things happen. There's a lot of collaboration. So, it showed us that we can collaborate and crisis naturally does that to people. But I think it also sent a message that we need to continue to do that going forward. Which you know, I'm really looking forward to doing from my role here at RCC, I think out of COVID it also taught us how people band together you know, yes, there's the crime. There's the elements, there's the chronic issues, but it also showed a great collaboration of retailers working together chatting together. You know, such great humane examples of people helping each other out. So, I think that resonated that, you know, yes, you can focus on all the negative on the crisis, but there's a lot of goods that came out of it as well. So, I think that sticks with people, and there's a sense of need of let's keep that going. Let's keep that connectivity. And working together and a greater sense of community, I think evolved from that as well. I think LP,
Michael LeBlanc 25:19
I think it feels, it feels, you know, I've talked to executives, and it feels that's going to be a bit of a challenge, spoken differently. You know, it was one of those rare times probably in our lives, let's hope, let's hope, that there was this one galvanizing mission, right, everyone was going in the same direction, whether they wanted to or not, in some ways, you know, we got to get around this COVID crisis. And when the crisis abates, thankfully, so does the mission, you know, that aligning mission, right, I guess that's, that's a big part of your role at RCC is, okay, let's all let's keep, as you said, Let's keep that, that, together, let's keep that momentum together of collaboration, even though we don't have this big, bad thing hanging above our head. And it's kind of back to business as usual. Right. I mean, that's the I think the trick for all of us, I, Is that what you're thinking as well?
Rui Rodrigues 26:08
Yeah. And I would say, you know, beyond that, Michael, resonating in this, is very relevant for the LP, Asset Protection world is, you know, through this, I think any organization that has a Loss Prevention, Asset Protection department, saw the value from that department, right, these are the folks that have been there through and through, whether it's the front lines and your corporate supporting, amongst others, whether it's marketing, public relations operations. But I think though, you know, the one message I would take out of this, and even for the C suite and organizations is, and I think they do, is appreciate the department you have that when all things are down, and when there's issues you call upon, and they're always there.
Michael LeBlanc 26:51
Yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 26:52
And from that take, how do you continue that, you know, from a value add, recognize what was brought forward, you know, I don't see a lot of LP folks reporting to presidents or things of that nature, it is what it is, in multiple organizations, it's different levels. But if I think about trusted advisor in an organization, and LP being that, you know, unbiased department that is there to support and if doing the job really well, is that trusted advisor,
Michael LeBlanc 27:19
Yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 27:20
I think there's something to take out of this around, these folks are always there, and you can count on them, when it, how are we leveraging and our C suite, leveraging that department for future and making sure they're a voice, you know, at that C suite as advisory, part of the planning, part of the looking forward if they're not already there, and is there a way to incorporate that because obviously, speaking for the industry that I love, this isn't about just having a place there to have a place, this is about providing another opinion, from a trusted advisor capacity, that allows decisions to be shaped with that information. And I think at times that's missing, so I think, you know, if there's one thing I would take out of this message for that suite, is there's tremendous value there. And they're the folks who count upon when chips are down, and maybe there's more that you can pull them into on a strategic and forward-looking level, if not already there to be in role of the more of that advisory capacity.
Michael LeBlanc 28:24
Yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 28:24
And being, you know, more of your network at that level.
Michael LeBlanc 28:29
It's interesting, because what the, I, you know, my perception is what the profession is really good at, which is, you know, you're hardwired to respond and be and be helpful and solve issues, is also kind of the risk is, in some executives, it kind of puts you in that box, if there's trouble I'll call them and they'll take care of it because they're, you know, they're, they're great at you know, taking care of issues but I think your, what's your point is, is really good, is how do you kind of transform that or move that along to where let's, let's get them as a profession LP professionals AP at the table first, as we're designing programs, as we're creating stores as we're doing layouts as we're doing all these things, right? That's where I see the retailers moving forward fastest is where they go, get beyond, you know, the when there's trouble call and get to the, you know, how do we structure this to avoid a avoid trouble but be just get that, you know, you guys are on the floor, see it, you're in the, in the computer rooms, you're at all these different levels, right. I guess that's the, that's the aspiration, but the that that's kind of, you know, a nice point of arrival for any organization, I would say, yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 29:35
Yeah, and I think that's the key, Michael, it's full-circle, right, you and that's why, you know, whether it's Loss Prevention, Asset Protection, and Risk Management, there's the: you see things, you audit for things, you can bring those forward, you can help be part of shaping it at the top, from a Risk Management perspective, looking forward at what are the risks coming to the organization and threats,
Michael LeBlanc 29:55
Yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 29:55
and be part of that conversation and then make sure you're communicating that backdown. Through your teams or through the stores, from a protection awareness and so forth. But not only can you gather the information and bring it up and represent it, but you can help shape it and look forward. So there is the, the value for both, right, there's the tactical on the ground feet on the ground gathering, observing, dealing with.
Michael LeBlanc 30:19
Yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 30:19
And then there's that senior level of based on that it's summarizing, providing the insights, highlight and helping shape the forward-looking strategy, but also looking out of the organization and what risks are coming and starting those conversations at the top, from, helping formulate those programs, and then disseminating them to the organization. So, it, you know, part of the, the point is more about the placement of that leader in LP, and are they involved in the right positions where they can be the best at providing forward-looking threat risk assessment, and helping shape as one of the voices to shape what gets communicated, as well as gathering it and bringing it forward to that level, to make sure and again, it's part of the conversations and the programs that are being deployed.
Michael LeBlanc 31:03
So, top three issues. Last question top three issues in your mind, or in the, in the LP professionals that you're talking to top three, is it, Is it cybercrime, organized crime/violence in the store? And is there, is there, what are the top three issues that, you know, are on the top ledger of you know, when, when LP professionals are talking to the people, they work with their counterparts at the C level? What, what are those top three things that they spend most of their time on are most focused on?
Rui Rodrigues 31:32
Yeah, so, I'd say you know, organized crime is certainly up here. And it can be a different value, whether it's professional or organized crime groups, chronic thieves, and that, so, crime in nature is certainly one of the top topics for sure. I think just with the merging, you know, whether it's an all lumped into one cybersecurity fraud, ecomm fraud, that is definitely a big topic. You know, it's been emerging for a while, but it's continuous in focus.
Michael LeBlanc 32:00
I get with the rise of it's a good point, right? We've had this great acceleration of ecommerce that brings with it and not necessarily new challenges, but certainly more of them, would you say?
Rui Rodrigues 32:11
and companies don't, weren't in ecomm before, they are jumping into that need to have the programs, need to have fraud mitigation. And you know, the controls in place in that. So, there's definitely a tremendous role for LP Risk Management play in there to shape that out for organizations and protect it going forward. So I would say, that's a big topic. I think the other one is this collaboration, and, you know, it can be top 10, Michael, is working together with police, with Crown to deal with these other issues that are arising whether it's organized crime violence, so I would say a big focus for LP is identifying those key nuggets that are externally facing them and, and which groups we need to work with, and moving forward around some key decisions to protect their retail organization. So, I would say it's more the collaboration amongst retailers, LP police, Crown, talking about these big topics to shape what we do about it in the future.
Michael LeBlanc 33:10
Well, listen, we've covered, this is a great conversation, we've covered a wide gamut. Where can people go to learn more about you, get in touch? Find out, maybe perhaps, what you're doing on the consulting side? Tell us about that.
Rui Rodrigues 33:22
Yeah, so, you know, the business I formed, the name is Ruca Consulting, you know, most folks reach me because they know me, or that and word of mouth. I haven't really created a website. Maybe that's something I need to do.
Rui Rodrigues 33:34
They certainly can reach me.
Michael LeBlanc 33:36
You're on LinkedIn Right, Yeah,
Rui Rodrigues 33:37
They certainly can reach me on RCC.
Michael LeBlanc 33:40
Yeah.
Rui Rodrigues 33:40
Going onto the RCC site and finding me, to, well, work to help them from a retail perspective in RCC. And then, of course, you know, through LinkedIn, and colleagues in the industry, anybody who's looking for my support and a Loss Prevention, Risk Management support outside of RCC can reach out to me there, whether again, LinkedIn or just through colleagues, and hopefully in the future a website.
Michael LeBlanc 34:04
Yeah, all the, all the things will come but LinkedIn is a great place to start. And again, the RCC. Well, Rui, thanks so much for joining me. It's great to hear your voice, great to catch up. Always such an interesting conversation. And I thank you for taking the time to join me on The Voice of Retail and I look forward to keeping in touch and wish you much-continued success.
Rui Rodrigues 34:25
Thanks, Michael. It's been great catching up with you. Same to you. Enjoy the rest of this summer and we'll talk soon, I'm sure.
Michael LeBlanc 34:31
Thanks for tuning into today's episode of The Voice of Retail. Be sure to follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify or wherever you enjoy podcasts so you don't miss out on the latest episodes industry news and insights. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review as it really helps us grow so that we continue to get amazing guests onto the show.
Michael LeBlanc 34:50
I'm your host Michael LeBlanc, President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc. And if you're looking for more content, or want to chat, follow me on LinkedIn, or visit my website at or visit my website meleblanc.co!
Michael LeBlanc 34:59
Until next time, stay safe. Have a great week.