Leadership Roots - Executive Roundtable: Q4 2023

In 2023, AI-driven personalization revolutionized retail. Leveraging advanced algorithms to deeply understand customer preferences has become a commodity. Tailored recommendations and marketing resonated with individual tastes, fostering stronger connections and loyalty. This level of customization streamlined decision-making, elevating shopping experiences. AI's continual evolution enabled swift adaptation, ensuring relevance in real-time interactions. Personalization emerged as the industry cornerstone, redefining retailer-consumer relationships. Its precision and relevance set new standards for engagement, shaping the future of retail experiences.

Tobi Buxhoidt

CEO, parcelLab

Shahin Kohan, a seasoned and trusted technologist, businessman and advisor, is on a mission to catalyze the potential of people and organizations through the power of technology. Three decades of experience working across industries has granted him the knowledge, resources and perspective to effectively create solutions to problems of any size, and ultimately help others make their impact on the world. His companies, including AIMS360, the leader of fashion technology, and Kumo Technology, a pioneering workflow innovation and software development company focused on the private lending industry, allow him to achieve that goal. A proud American immigrant raised amidst the struggle of Tehran, Iran in the 70s, his inspiring journey of possibility, persistence and passion fuels his deep appreciation and endeavor to make technology more accessible, human and powerful for all.

There’s been a significant focus on improving the efficiency, cost and sustainability of products returns. Brands have realized they need to get better at managing the products that come back, not just what goes out. They are making new investments in returns management technology and experimenting with when, how, or whether to charge customers for returns. Customers are saying they prefer in-store returns over mailing in boxes, and so brands are following suit with new partnerships and drop-off options that also reduce waste and returns processing costs. Recommerce programs have exploded, and I expect we’ll see even more in the years to come as brands explore more sustainable options for their used items.

Gaurav Saran

Founder & CEO, ReverseLogix

Firstly, the industry has seen a dramatic increase in theft and shrink in 2023. Retailers have had to make operational changes in terms of security and additional measures for locking down more expensive products inside the store. We have even seen some retailers retreat in certain high shrink markets, more notably is Target.

Secondly, is the staying power of grocery e - commerce. Many analysts believed that the pandemic would only be a blip in terms of the increase in online sales. The reality is Brick Meets Click recently announced US eGrocery Sales for October 2023 of $8.2 billion, which is not that far off from $8.4 billion recorded in April 2021, following the $9.3 billion recorded at the height in March 2021.

Sylvain Perrier

CEO,Mercatus

2023: Retail's Standout Year

07/06/2024 07:24:29

Leadership Roots: How Childhood Shapes CEOs

My family was filled with idealists and activists who got involved in social as well as environmental issues. I remember them telling me no matter how far you are from a goal, you just have to start. And I remember my mother teaching me never to give up - we went on hundreds of mountain hikes together in Norway and we kept going until we reached the top. I’ve always had the feeling that everything in business is a marathon and we can’t stop until we reach the goal. And then we set a bigger goal and find the next mountain to climb.

Are Traasdahl

CEO and Founder, Crisp

Leadership Roots:

How Childhood Shapes CEOs

Growing up in Little Rock, I was always surrounded by strong, hardworking women, including my mother, aunt, and grandmother. Despite the challenges of being a single mother, my mother, Marion, received a doctorate degree and pursued a successful career in counseling psychology. She exposed me to different people, places, and opportunities to help me imagine what my life could be—and she encouraged me to develop a strong work ethic and ability to thrive no matter the circumstances.

Curtis Howse

CEO of Home & Auto at Synchrony (NYSE: SYF)

07/06/2024 20:08:26

Growing up as the son of immigrant parents, honesty was a cornerstone in my upbringing, shaping my approach as a CEO. My father emphasized the importance of truth, whether it involved good or bad news. This principle is crucial in business; it's about being intellectually honest and transparent. By sharing the complete picture, everyone can contribute more effectively to problem-solving and decision-making. Avoiding sugarcoating or partial truths prevents mistakes and fosters a culture of trust and collaboration. This isn't just about business leadership; it's a life philosophy. Embracing honesty, even in challenging times, guides my decisions and actions as a leader.

Henry Kim

Co-Founder & CEO, Swiftly

When I was 4, I moved from the Soviet Union to the USA. Growing up, my mother and grandparents ingrained in me the opportunity we had to create the lives we wanted through hard work — an opportunity they hadn’t had before. I saw my mother put herself through nursing school while also working a job and raising me on her own.

In my role today, I try to learn from the lesson she taught me: It’s a privilege to be where I am, and to get to help build a company, and every part of the work — from making important hiring decisions to helping a customer understand how to use an API — is part of the privilege.

Eli Finkelshteyn

Co-Founder and CEO, Constructor

I come from a family of entrepreneurs. Our lunches on Sunday’s were like business meetings, where my grandfather, father, brother and I were all working together. That experience has led me to my role at Contentsquare today. I believed that there had to be a better way for people to search the web and became obsessed with helping brands better understand what their customers were trying to achieve online. As I've hired over the years and continued to lead, I’ve learned that it’s not only important to be good but to also do the best possible job I can. My leadership style is that I trust others and I find the best people to surround myself with.

Jon Cherki

Founder and CEO, Contentsquare

Leadership Roots: How Childhood Shapes CEOs

LEADERSHIP ROOTS: HOW CHILDHOOD SHAPES CEOS

07/05/2024 17:15:37