In this episode of ⁠The Retail Tales⁠, our host ⁠Saurabh Vijayvergia⁠ sits down with Roland Ehigiamusoe (a.k.a. Roe), a seasoned partner at Deloitte Consulting, to discuss the path to data readiness for AI and Generative AI in Retail.

Roe shares his insights on how AI and Generative AI are transforming the retail industry, from personalized customer experiences to fraud detection. He then dives deep into the key components of data readiness that retailers must focus on, including data quality, integration, governance, architecture, and data literacy. Roe also addresses the common misconception that data maturity must be achieved sequentially before embarking on an AI initiative. He explains how retailers can start leveraging AI with their existing data, while simultaneously working to improve their data capabilities.

This episode is a must-listen for retail leaders who are looking to embark on (or currently on) AI and Generative AI journeys for their own organizations. It offers a wealth of practical advice and lessons learned that can be directly utilized to become data ready for an organization's AI and Generative AI ambitions.

Connect with Roland Ehigiamusoe on LinkedIn at: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/roland-ehi-392b36/

Connect with Saurabh Vijayvergia on LinkedIn at: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/svijayvergia/⁠

Follow The Retail Tales on LinkedIn at: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/company/retailaitales/⁠

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast episode is intended for general informational purposes only. By accessing and listening to this episode, you acknowledge that none of the information provided herein should be construed as advice from The Retail Tales, its individual author(s), hosts, or guests. It is not intended to replace independent research on any subject matter. Any mention of specific products or entities does not imply an endorsement or recommendation by The Retail Tales. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not constitute an endorsement by The Retail Tales or any associated entity. The host may have taken creative liberties to make the stories and experiences more appealing to the listeners.

The Retail Tales waives all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or other damages that may result from an individual's use of, reference to, or reliance on this podcast or the information it contains.

In this episode of ⁠The Retail Tales⁠, our host ⁠Saurabh Vijayvergia⁠ explores the journey of AI-enabled internal transformation for retail companies through a conversation with Scott Holcomb, a seasoned partner at Deloitte and the firm's Generative AI Transformation Leader.

Scott starts with sharing his professional journey and where he draws his passion for consulting and advising clients from. With over 20 years of experience advising some of the biggest brands in retail and consumer products industry, Scott provides a unique perspective on the challenges and strategies involved in driving AI-enabled transformation within a large, decentralized organization like Deloitte. Scott and Saurabh talk about the thought process behind Deloitte's transformation efforts, discussing the importance of setting a clear ambition and well-communicated strategy. They explore the critical role of change management, user adoption, and addressing trust and security concerns when implementing these transformative capabilities.

This conversation also sheds light on the importance of a company's "fail fast" mindset and the significance of making "no regrets" moves - such as getting the data estate in order - to lay the foundation for successful AI and Generative AI initiatives.

This episode is a must-listen for retail leaders who are looking to embark on (or currently on) AI and Generative AI-driven transformation journeys for their own organizations. It offers a wealth of practical advice and lessons learned that can be directly applied to drive impact across the retail value chain.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast episode is intended for general informational purposes only. By accessing and listening to this episode, you acknowledge that none of the information provided herein should be construed as advice from The Retail Tales, its individual author(s), hosts, or guests. It is not intended to replace independent research on any subject matter. Any mention of specific products or entities does not imply an endorsement or recommendation by The Retail Tales. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not constitute an endorsement by The Retail Tales or any associated entity. The host may have taken creative liberties to make the stories and experiences more appealing to the listeners.

The Retail Tales waives all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or other damages that may result from an individual's use of, reference to, or reliance on this podcast or the information it contains.

In this episode of ⁠The Retail Tales⁠, host ⁠Saurabh Vijayvergia⁠ shares a personal shopping story that sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of how Generative AI (GenAI) is reshaping the retail landscape. As retailers face a rapidly evolving marketplace, this episode unpacks the top 5 game-changing applications of GenAI that are already making a difference.

But it doesn’t stop there! Saurabh also introduces "GenAI Anchors," crucial points that every retail leader must understand before jumping into GenAI adoption, and reveals the three key value plays—Growth, Profitability, and Human Experience—that retail leaders should target in order to prioritize GenAI use cases for their companies.

Whether you’re a retail executive, an AI enthusiast, or just curious about the future of retail, this episode offers actionable insights and strategic advice on how to leverage GenAI to not just optimize current operations but to reimagine the entire business model for a smarter, more resilient future. Tune in now to uncover how GenAI can be a catalyst for growth and innovation in the retail world and give retailers a competitive edge.

Connect with Saurabh Vijayvergia on LinkedIn at: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/svijayvergia/⁠

Follow The Retail Tales on LinkedIn at: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/company/retailaitales/⁠

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast episode is intended for general informational purposes only. By accessing and listening to this episode, you acknowledge that none of the information provided herein should be construed as advice from The Retail Tales, its individual author(s), hosts, or guests. It is not intended to replace independent research on any subject matter. Any mention of specific products or entities does not imply an endorsement or recommendation by The Retail Tales. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not constitute an endorsement by The Retail Tales or any associated entity. The host may have taken creative liberties to make the stories and experiences more appealing to the listeners.

The Retail Tales waives all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or other damages that may result from an individual's use of, reference to, or reliance on this podcast or the information it contains.

In this episode of The Retail Tales, our host Saurabh Vijayvergia explores the transformative world of AI in retail with Ievgen Miasushkin, the founder and CEO of tur.ai. Ievgen shares his remarkable journey from a software engineer to the head of a groundbreaking AI automation startup that is reshaping how some of the Fortune 500 retail companies operate.

Ievgen provides a unique perspective on how AI-driven automation is streamlining processes, enhancing customer service, and delivering tangible bottom-line benefits for retailers. From automating lead-to-quote processes to transforming cross-functional workflows, tur.ai seems to be setting new standards in the industry. Ievgen also gives a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how tur.ai helped Heineken revolutionize its cashback loyalty campaigns, achieving significant cost savings and improving customer satisfaction.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how AI is driving operational efficiencies and innovation in retail, as well as for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to learn from Ievgen's experience. Whether you're a retail executive, an AI enthusiast, or someone curious about the future of technology in retail, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

Connect with Ievgen Miasushkin on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackmyasushkin/

Connect with Saurabh Vijayvergia on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svijayvergia/

Follow The Retail Tales on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retailaitales/

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast episode is intended for general informational purposes only. By accessing and listening to this episode, you acknowledge that none of the information provided herein should be construed as advice from The Retail Tales, its individual author(s), hosts, or guests. It is not intended to replace independent research on any subject matter. Any mention of specific products or entities does not imply an endorsement or recommendation by The Retail Tales. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not constitute an endorsement by The Retail Tales or any associated entity. The host may have taken creative liberties to make the stories and experiences more appealing to the listeners.

The Retail Tales waives all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or other damages that may result from an individual's use of, reference to, or reliance on this podcast or the information it contains.

In this episode of The Retail Tales (TRT), our host Saurabh Vijayvergia dissects a thought-provoking CNN article titled "Customers Didn’t Stop Spending. Companies Stopped Serving.", published on Friday August 9th, 2024. He explores the article's applicability to the retail industry and highlights a crucial shift in consumer behavior—customers are prioritizing value over price.

While exploring how and where this trend is affecting major retailers, Saurabh gives a real-life example of a struggling Fortune 500 retailer and compares their efforts and outcomes to that of Abercrombie & Fitch. He also shares his perspectives on the systemic challenges plaguing the retail industry—such as labor shortages, supply chain pressures, and outdated consumer engagement tactics—and how innovative companies are leveraging AI and GenAI to overcome these obstacles.

Key Topics Discussed:

Bonus: Saurabh also gives out a GenAI use case for retail companies to consider as the first step to start turning things around for themselves.

Connect with Saurabh Vijayvergia on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svijayvergia/

Follow The Retail Tales on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retailaitales/

CNN article Link: https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/09/business/consumer-spending-travel-value-nightcap/index.html

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast episode is intended for general informational purposes only. By accessing and listening to this episode, you acknowledge that none of the information provided herein should be construed as advice from The Retail Tales, its individual author(s), hosts, or guests. It is not intended to replace independent research on any subject matter. Any mention of specific products or entities does not imply an endorsement or recommendation by The Retail Tales. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not constitute an endorsement by The Retail Tales or any associated entity. The host may have taken creative liberties to make the stories and experiences more appealing to the listeners.

The Retail Tales waives all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or other damages that may result from an individual's use of, reference to, or reliance on this podcast or the information it contains.

In this episode of The Retail Tales, host Saurabh Vijayvergia takes us on a journey through one of his recent client workshop experiences, shedding light on the intricacies of GenAI governance. Drawing from real-world scenarios, Saurabh unpacks the nuances of the GenAI governance process and shares invaluable insights on how to make it more agile and effective.

The episode is focused on:

Bonus - A critical 16th principle is also highlighted in the episode.

Whether you're grappling with too many stakeholders, unclear prioritization, gatekeeping by central GenAI teams, or excessive administrative overhead, this episode provides actionable strategies to overcome these challenges and accelerate path to value realization for your GenAI initiatives.

Connect with Saurabh Vijayvergia on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svijayvergia/

Follow The Retail Tales on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retailaitales/

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast episode is intended for general informational purposes only. By accessing and listening to this episode, you acknowledge that none of the information provided herein should be construed as advice from The Retail Tales, its individual author(s), hosts, or guests. It is not intended to replace independent research on any subject matter. Any mention of specific products or entities does not imply an endorsement or recommendation by The Retail Tales. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not constitute an endorsement by The Retail Tales or any associated entity. The host may have taken creative liberties to make the stories and experiences more appealing to the listeners.

The Retail Tales waives all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or other damages that may result from an individual's use of, reference to, or reliance on this podcast or the information it contains.

Our host, Saurabh Vijayvergia, is joined by fashion retail industry expert - Karla Martin. Karla is a true visionary who has guided CEOs of Fortune 500 companies through their most critical decisions in the past. She brings over 25 years of experience to the table, and she has held key roles at organizations such as Deloitte, Google, Booz Allen Hamilton, and even co-founded a tech incubator.

Karla and Saurabh explore the world of Fashion Retail together with the lens of AI and Generative AI. They cover the following topics:

Connect with Karla Martin on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlamartin1/

Connect with Saurabh Vijayvergia on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svijayvergia/

Follow The Retail Tales on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retailaitales/

It is NOT a sponsored episode, but an attempt to explore the world of fashion retail in the age of Generative AI.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast episode is intended for general informational purposes only. By accessing and listening to this episode, you acknowledge that none of the information provided herein should be construed as advice from The Retail Tales, its individual author(s), hosts, or guests. It is not intended to replace independent research on any subject matter. Any mention of specific products or entities does not imply an endorsement or recommendation by The Retail Tales. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not constitute an endorsement by The Retail Tales or any associated entity.

The Retail Tales waives all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or other damages that may result from an individual's use of, reference to, or reliance on this podcast or the information it contains.

In this compelling episode of The Retail Tales, host Saurabh shares an intriguing encounter with a board member from one of the top five U.S. retailers. Saurabh provides an in-depth narrative of their discussion during this chance meeting where he ended up formulating five essential questions for retail board members to pose

This episode is indispensable for board members and retail executives who engage with board queries. Even if you are a retail enthusiast, this episode gives you a sneak

While the name of the retailer or that of the individual board member remains confidential for ethical reasons, the episode offers a thorough and enlightening summary of the meeting’s discussions.

Connect with Saurabh Vijayvergia on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svijayvergia/

Follow The Retail Tales on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retailaitales/

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast episode is intended for general informational purposes only. By accessing and listening to this episode, you

The Retail Tales waives all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or other damages that may result from an individual's use of, reference to, or reliance on this podcast or the information it contains.

In this episode of The Retail Tales, Saurabh is joined by Tracie Kambies, CEO and co-founder at IQRush.ai. Their discussion is focused on exploring impacts and possibilities of AI and Generative AI for retail small and medium businesses (SMBs).

Tracie covers the following topics during this episode:

Connect with Tracie Kambies on LinkedIn at:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/traciekambies/           

Follow IQRush on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iqrush/

Connect with Saurabh Vijayvergia on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svijayvergia/

Follow The Retail Tales on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retailaitales/

It is NOT a sponsored episode, but an attempt to learn about (and share) the value of AI for small and medium retail businesses.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast episode is intended for general informational purposes only. By accessing and listening to this episode, you

The Retail Tales waives all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or other damages that may result from an individual's use of, reference to, or reliance on this podcast or the information it contains.