In this episode, host Karl McKeever is joined in conversation by the Vice President of Global Marketing for global lifestyle brand UGG, Carole Diarra.

UGG boots are back. But in truth, they never really went away. The brand has enjoyed several ‘fashion moments’ since it first rose to popularity back in the 1970s, and once again became one of the hottest (and the warmest) footwear trends of 2022.

Today, UGG is a two-billion-dollar company with numerous sales outlets worldwide. Building a modern brand means constantly evolving. For UGG that’s meant both a constant and progressive focus on cultivating a community, inclusivity, and brand delivery with authenticity – central tenets of UGG’s continuing success story. 

Diarra reflects on how a brand can stay relevant in today’s uncertain times, and the enduring principles that make great brands stand out. She also shares the story of her own personal career journey that saw her spend 15 years in New York honing her skills at L’Oreal, before eventually settling in her current role (and into a new life) in Paris.

The Interview: UGG, VP of Global Marketing Carole Diarra

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The Interview | Host Karl McKeever sits down in conversation with Chris Lipari, Director of Product Innovation at HAVI.

We explore the big challenges facing the QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) industry. From shifting consumer preferences, to the constant demand for innovation and efficiency. And discover how HAVI are helping leading names in QSR to navigate the complexities of supply and demand in this fast-paced industry.  

Presented by Kinaxis.

The Interview: HAVI Director of Product Innovation, Chris Lipari

In Focus | Lightspeed Commerce. Channel connectivity is nothing new. Advanced automation is now everywhere. Combine the two, and sales channels will never look the same again. But what does total visibility and control over your inventory online orders and fulfilment look like. And just how do retailers (big and small) go about effectively streamlining and controlling their entire ecommerce ecosystem.  

Joining host Karl McKeever to discuss this, on our latest episode of In Focus, is Rick Kelley, CRO of multichannel software and order management software integration specialists, Linnworks, and Ed Bradley, CEO of VirtualStock - Europe’s largest Dropshipping and curated marketplace SAAS platform.

Together, we explore why failure to embrace automation leaves retailers and partners vulnerable; how smaller multichannel retailers can better connect their business to multiple marketplaces; and the emerging solutions that will help to deliver a better experience for everyone - from supply chain to shoppers.

Presented by Linnworks.

In Focus Ep24: Online Marketplaces

In this episode of The Interview Series, host Karl McKeever is joined in conversation by Dawn Fichot, Head of Marketing North America for iconic British foldable bike manufacturer, Brompton Bicycles. 

From its humble beginnings in a South Kensington railway arch in 1975, Brompton has grown into an internationally renowned brand - famed for its ingenious design and impeccable craftsmanship.

Despite the unfolding uncertainty faced by other sectors in retail over the past couple of years, Brompton has experienced an unprecedented surged in demand. Looking ahead, Brompton has big plans for the future with strategic growth in the US market a top priority.

In this episode, we explore how this most British of companies is adapting its message to move in line with needs of the North American audience; the ways Brompton is leveraging digital solutions to track new consumers; urban change in the US; and why innovation and loyalty will always be Brompton’s obsession.

Recorded at NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show

The Interview: Brompton Bicycles Head of Marketing NA, Dawn Fichot

In this episode of The Interview Series, host Karl McKeever sits down with Ian Bailey, Managing Director of Kmart Group Australia.

With over 450 stores, Kmart Australia is the country’s number one performing general merchandise and apparel retailer, and one of the most trusted and loved brands in Australia and New Zealand.

We explore how Kmart Australia doubled down on clarity of purpose and innovation to develop a strategic blueprint and operational architecture to transform its business model, moving it from a traditional discount chain to an innovative, modern, hybrid retailer.

The Interview: Kmart Australia Managing Director, Ian Bailey

In this episode of The Interview Series, host Karl McKeever travels to Barcelona to sit down with Isabelle Aberman, Global Retail Director for iconic global footwear brand, Camper.  In this episode of The Interview Series, host Karl McKeever travels to Barcelona to sit down with Isabelle Aberman, Global Retail Director of iconic footwear brand, Camper. Passionate about retail in all its forms, she joins us to discuss Camper’s unique approach to retail design, share the inside story of CamperLab and ReCamper, and to look ahead to what the future of retail holds for us all.

The Interview: UGG, VP of Global Marketing Carole Diarra

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