Tech Transformation

Transformation inside large organizations almost never happens at once. Instead it’s usually thanks to steady shifts, whether in leadership mindset, data strategy, or in how tech teams partner with the business to drive impact. In this episode of Tech Transformation, Varun Kakaria, North America CIO at Reckitt, shares what it takes to lead transformation inside a global company, from building stronger data foundations to scaling revenue growth management.  Learn how they're deploying AI in practical ways and the new expectations for CIOs.

Personalization has come a long way from simply adding a first name to an email subject line. Today, leading brands are using data, technology, and a culture of experimentation to create experiences that truly connect — and scale. In this episode of Tech Transformation, sponsored by Contentful, Gabriel Dillon, go-to-market lead for personalization at Contentful, shares what “good” personalization looks like right now, and what it takes to move from good to great. Listen to learn: How leading brands are defining and measuring effective personalization Why success depends on connecting experiences across every channel The metrics and signals that show when personalization is actually working How to rethink content operations to keep up with rising personalization demands Cultural and organizational shifts needed to support continuous experimentation Common misconceptions about scaling personalization and how to overcome them Lessons from other industries that are setting the bar for personalization How AI is shaping the next generation of personalized customer experiences

Scaling a brand has never been easy — but today’s market of constant uncertainty makes things that much harder. In this episode of Tech Transformation, sponsored by Doss, Wiley Jones, CEO and co-founder of Doss, joins to break down how midsized CPGs are rethinking growth and operational change.  Listen to learn:  •How midsized brands are faring today and what it means for them when thinking about growth •What makes scaling in today’s environment especially tricky for this group •Common mistakes CPG leaders make when navigating operational decisions during market volatility •The tipping point that forces a company to realize it can’t scale any further with spreadsheets and duct-taped processes •Quiet inefficiencies that often go unnoticed in high-growth CPGs •Advice for leaders trying to navigate system or process change under pressure •Misconceptions about operational transformation

The Estée Lauder Companies has long been a pioneer in using AI, and they’re now breaking new ground with their in-house Beauty Trends platform. In this episode, we’re talking with Raheel Khan, SVP of foresight and growth Intelligence, about how it helps them stay ahead of today’s consumer preferences.  Listen to learn: Some of the most impactful ways Estée Lauder is leveraging generative AI How their Beauty Trends platform is driving value The role of data within their AI strategy  What he looks for when it comes to building and cultivating AI talent Why prompt engineering doesn’t need to be as complicated as it sounds.  What he’s most excited about when it comes to the future of AI in consumer goods and retail What's next for Estée Lauder with AI

In this episode, we’re joined by James Reid, chief innovation officer at AllSaints. James brings a wealth of experience from both software and sales roles across various consumer goods companies and retailers. We explore AllSaints' journey, from re-platforming and shepherding innovation across the enterprise to the success of their consumer app, boasting over 150,000 downloads in the UK and US. How did they manage that? James lets us in on how and looks ahead to other features and capabilities the company is hoping to add in the future. We also discuss the buzz around unified commerce versus omnichannel strategies.  A lot of what James and I talk about chimes nicely with our Analytics Unite event in Chicago on May 1st-3rd which is themed around building the future of unified intelligence. This event is awesome every year, but we’re incredibly excited about this year in particular, as we’re going to have speakers from Tractor Supply, Amazon, Sephora, and Molson Coors. It is shaping up to be incredible. Registration is open now, so visit analyticsunite.com to sign up.  Listen to learn:  •The importance of customer focus and efficiency in innovation and implementing new technologies. •The development and success of the AllSaints app, which has over 150,000 downloads in the UK and US.  •How AllSaints makes use of the app's ability to identify highly engaged customers and its higher conversion rates compared to other channels. •How AllSaints maintains the DNA of its brand while tailoring messaging and experience to the needs of specific markets and geographies.  •The concept of unified commerce versus omnichannel, and why James considers one to be superior to the other.  •Why and how AllSaints is emphasizing the seamless integration of online and in-store experiences.  •The importance of experimentation and innovation in the retail industry.  •Plans for the future, including partnerships with retailers and the evolution of wholesale, concession, and drop-ship models.

Innovation can be an architect of transformation, helping to build bridges from aspiration to accomplishment. A single misstep, however, and the entire structure can come tumbling down. With that in mind, how can leaders ensure their teams feel safe to take a chance, share their out-of-the-box ideas, and weigh up the risk versus the reward when it comes to innovation? In this episode, we’re talking all about this tricky topic with Andy Laudato, chief operating officer at the Vitamin Shoppe. In addition to his leadership role, Andy is also a published author, who has brought his 20 years of experience as a CIO to create a collection of lessons learned – and mistakes made – in the tech industry in his book, Fostering Innovation, How to Build an Amazing IT Team. Later in the episode, we connect with the recent insights shared by Andy on personalization and omnichannel, delving into practical steps for creating a supportive environment and nurturing a culture built around the three pillars Vitamin Shoppe lives by: quality, expertise and innovation. Listen to learn: •Why creating a culture of psychological safety is so important in retail and CPG. •How The Vitamin Shoppe approaches personalization initiatives catering to its diverse customer base. •How innovation extends beyond technology to products, processes, and the supply chain. •How The Vitamin Shoppe builds a culture of quality, expertise, and innovation. •The Vitamin Shoppe’s plans for AI-driven one-to-one personalization. •How The Vitamin Shoppe is balancing both front-end and back-end enhancements for a smooth customer experience. •Why failure is a valuable learning experience – sometimes more so than success. •Why Q1 is a more important time of year than Q4 for the Vitamin Shoppe. •How the Vitamin Shoppe shows its ongoing commitment to evolving technology for an integrated shopping experience.

On this episode, we’re joined by Linda Roman, Associate Director of Packaging ESG & Technology at The Kraft Heinz Company. Working at one of the biggest consumer goods companies in the world, Linda has a front-row seat to just how important packaging can be in the quest to be more sustainable. Discussing Kraft Heinz's approach, Linda delves into the crucial role of technology and collaboration across the value chain, and the challenges and opportunities in achieving sustainability goals. From aligning packaging strategies with business outcomes to measuring success through specific KPIs, Linda provides us with an optimistic overview of Kraft Heinz's journey toward a more sustainable future. Stay tuned for that and more, on this episode of tech transformation. Listen to learn: •How Kraft Heinz balances innovation with circularity goals •Why Kraft Heinz emphasizes a culture of creativity and innovation to drive sustainability and embeds ESG in all facets of its business •Why sustainability is such a key focus for Kraft Heinz •How Kraft Heinz leverages technology, including AI, machine learning, data analytics, and supply chain technologies, to drive its sustainability efforts •The importance of partnering with organizations and participating in committees to establish industry-wide protocols and standards for sustainability •Examples of Kraft Heinz’s collaborations with retailers in recycling soft plastics and refillable packaging •How Kraft Heinz measures success through KPIs, progress tracking, and reporting •Upcoming projects, including prototype testing for sustainable packaging solutions

When it comes to packaging and sustainability, small alternations can add up to huge differences over time. Ball Corporation recognizes this power of incremental change and has built its strategy around driving meaningful impacts through specific, targeted action. In this episode, we’re talking with Predrag Ozmo, Director of Sustainability at Ball Corporation about how the company collaborates with partners to mobilize value chains, drive decarbonization, and measure and improve the sustainability of aluminum packaging in a variety of forms. Listen to learn: • How Ball Corporation made sustainability central • How innovations like lightweighting save costs for retailers • Ball's plans to create a total circular solution for aluminum packaging • Where they see the future of sustainability • How they’re measuring success • How they're advocating for decarbonization across the supply chain • How sustainability is integrated into strategic planning, involving stakeholders and addressing emerging risks • How they're exploring refill and reuse applications with partners • What’s next for Ball Corporation 

While livestreaming and video shopping hasn’t taken off in the U.S. quite as quickly as other regions, it is a growing commerce channel for many retailers. For The Fresh Market, it’s one that they stumbled upon as part of their goal to jumpstart e-commerce sales after the pandemic's digital growth spurt. We’re talking with Kevin Miller, CMO of The Fresh Market, about why it works for them, the benefits they’re receiving, and where they see the future in retail.  Listen to learn:  •How The Fresh Market is leveraging video shopping and livestreaming  •When they first discovered this winning recipe •The gains they’re experiencing •Where they see the future of shoppable media  •How they’re measuring success •How they’re using AI to engage with consumers •How they’re tying this back into their stores  •The role of consumer and manufacturer education in livestreaming  •What’s next for The Fresh Market

As more consumer goods companies bring artificial intelligence into their operations, keeping their employees at the center is critical to success. For Mars, this has meant creating strategies that empower their associates in order to drive adoption and ensure they feel connected to all of the changes. In this episode of Tech Transformation, sponsored by Aera Technology, we’re talking with Guillaume Doriry, digital transformation senior director, global supply chain and ERP at Mars, and Fred Laluyaux, CEO, Aera Technology, about how Mars is using decision intelligence to gain more visibility into their supply chain.  Listen to learn:  •Why decision intelligence can be beneficial for CPGs •Why Mars partnered to operationalize AI for decision intelligence •How decision intelligence is changing Doriry’s work and the Mars business  •How Doriry helps drive adoption of the technology and the feedback they’re receiving •What other CPGs can learn from Mars’ experience •The impact that decision intelligence and AI decision automation may have on the CPG industry in the future