Using Pizza To Help Small Businesses And Local Communities

Survive & Thrive

The popular mobile app Slice had already been helping small businesses survive by giving them access to digital tools that only larger chains had the money to develop for themselves. But when COVID-19 hit, Slice’s commitment to local restaurants helped them not only survive but actually thrive when everyone needed them most.

Jacqueline Meyer, the CPO at Slice, joins the Survive & Thrive podcast. She discusses her journey with the company, how they’ve managed to adjust to life during the coronavirus pandemic, and how Slice has helped small businesses and communities through new initiatives.

Act 1: Joining Slice and getting thrown into a crisis

Jacqueline Meyer introduction (1:07)

Jennifer introduces Jacqueline and talks about how they met at Accenture.

Versatility (2:23)

Working in human resources, Jacqueline has been able to help people navigate major changes.

What is Slice (3:10)

Jacqueline talks about how Slice helps small restaurants stay relevant in a digital age by giving them access to online tools larger brands have built for themselves.

Starting at Slice (5:13)

Jacqueline began working at Slice early in 2020 before the pandemic officially became a pandemic. She talks about her role in the company and how both she and the company were impacted by COVID-19.

The difficulties of international business (7:14)

Though Slice’s customer base is in the United States, they have offices throughout Macedonia. The scattered offices presented some unique challenges for Jacqueline as Slice began working from home.

Act 2: Commitment to help small business

A commitment to small businesses (9:28)

One thing Jacqueline loves about Slice and is working to retain is the company’s drive to help small businesses thrive. From the product itself to the workers both in the United States and Macedonia, Slice as a company is helping small businesses meet the growing demand for takeout.

Re-investing (11:37)

One of Slice’s newest initiatives is an accelerate program that allows small businesses to apply for a $15,000 investment to get access to digital tools to improve their companies.

Thriving through partnership (12:34)

Shops that partner with Slice have seen massive increases in order value and re-order rates, helping small businesses survive. Slice is continuing that by partnering with some shops to help them with marketing, logistics, and more so they can grow even larger and thrive.

Act 3: Adapting and growing

Helping front-line workers (15:02)

Jacqueline discusses Slice’s creative campaign called “Pizza vs. Pandemic” to help small businesses connect with front-line workers. Through user donations, local businesses could deliver pizza to the country’s front-line workers to help during the pandemic.

How can they adapt (17:57)

Jacqueline believes it’s through a sense of purpose that Slice is able to so quickly pivot and adapt to help those in need.

Reflecting back (19:48)

With the sudden halt in the norms of daily life throughout the pandemic, there has been an opportunity for introspection. Jacqueline notes that reflecting back has allowed her to identify her motivation and inspiration triggers in order to better use them now.

Act 4: Resiliency through a crisis

Surprises and staying resilient (21:42)

For a person who has been a part of quick pivots and handled crises throughout her career, the pandemic has offered some surprises according to Jacqueline. She opens up about the things that have shocked her, including the resiliency of people.

How to become and remain resilient throughout crisis (24:24)

Jacqueline provides some examples of things people can do to help become and stay resilient throughout a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic -- From taking the time to take walks and have virtual coffee dates to giving people a forum to share feedback freely. Jacqueline also talks about how she believes these difficulties will spawn new innovations in both business and personal life.

Personal hurdles (27:07)

Wrapping up the interview, Jacqueline explains some of her own personal hurdles she’s had to battle throughout the pandemic.

Links:

Jacqueline Meyer - LinkedIn

Slice’s Pizza vs. Pandemic - Website

Ilir Sela - Twitter

Ilir Sela - Instagram