Dive into the world of retail, consumer products, and luxury with our host Christian Zani and Elaine Parr, a visionary leader at IBM, as she shares her unique journey from a local grocery store to leading transformative digital and AI initiatives in the business world. Discover how passion, resilience, and a knack for embracing technology have shaped her career and how she champions the next generation of female leaders in an industry ripe for innovation.Get ready for an inspiring tale that bridges jam factories, luxury brands, and cutting-edge technology.

1. [00:44 - 03:35] How did you get into this world of retail and CPG and what attracted you to it?
2. [03:49 - 06:33] What early life values or lessons have shaped who you are today, and how do they influence your decisions and strengths now?
3. [06:56 - 11:40] Were there mentors, sponsors, or champions throughout your career who helped shape key decisions and influenced the direction you’re in today?
4. [11:53 - 15:04] How did you go about identifying and building relationships with mentors, sponsors, or coaches and was that process organic, intentional, or a mix of both?
5. [17:17 - 18:22] As an IBM alumni who returned to the organization, what was your experience like coming back, and was there a person or opportunity that drew you back?
6. [18:34 -21:33] You touched on your recruiting experience earlier, could you share what the executive search and integration process was like when you returned to IBM?
7. [22:12 - 26:44] As you reflect on your career, what ultimately brought you back to IBM, and why did you decide to return?
8. [27:15 - 31:38] How would you inspire young professionals and future leaders to explore careers in technology, including areas like AI, machine learning, and industries such as retail and CPG?
9. [31:52 - 36:53] Beyond the technology itself like AI and quantum, what makes IBM an attractive place to lead, grow, and build a career over the next five to ten years
10. [37:32 - 40:88] For someone interested in consulting who may be new to it, what advice would you offer on navigating the demands of the role while balancing life at home?