In this conversation, Parag Parekh, Chief Digital Officer at IKEA, shares insights into the evolution of retail, the importance of omni-channel strategies, and the challenges faced by leaders in adapting to rapid changes in the market. He discusses IKEA's journey from a traditional brick-and-mortar retailer to a digital-first organization, emphasizing the need for agility, collaboration, and a customer-centric approach. Parag also highlights the significance of fostering an entrepreneurial culture within teams and the role of AI in shaping the future of retail.

Parag Parekh has over 20 years of experience in digital leadership across retail, consumer products and industrial sectors. He has held influential roles at companies such as Adidas, General Electric (GE), and Tata. Parag has an MBA in Information Technology from NMIMS and completed an executive development program at Harvard Business School.

Following are several takeaways from our conversation.

• IKEA has evolved from a traditional retailer to an omni-channel leader.
• The concept of flat-pack furniture revolutionized the furniture industry.
• Leadership requires adaptability and resilience in times of change.
• The omni-channel approach allows seamless customer experiences across platforms.
• IKEA's history is rooted in innovation and customer-centric solutions.
• The retail landscape is rapidly changing due to technology and consumer behavior.
• Fostering a culture of entrepreneurship is key to organizational success.
• AI will play a significant role in the future of retail.
• Believing in oneself and learning from failures are essential for growth.

For further questions, please contact Parag on LinkedIn and reference the L2L Podcast Series:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paragmparekh/

To contact the StarQuest Group or Tom Athenour, please use the following links:

Website: www.starquestgroup.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starquest-group/?viewAsMember=true

Tom Athenour: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomathenour/