Holiday 2025 is here — and consumers are rewriting the rules. In this episode of The Retail Tales, our host Saurabh Vijayvergia is joined by Brian McCarthy, Partner at Deloitte Consulting and co-author of Deloitte’s 2025 Holiday Retail Survey, to unpack the data behind this season’s trends.
They explore how AI and value-seeking consumers are reshaping holiday shopping — from cautious optimism and redefined “value” to Gen Z’s digital-first mindset and the emotional power of omnichannel experiences. Brian also shares his perspective on customer empathy, simplification, and what retail leaders should prioritize as they prepare for 2026.
Whether you’re a retail executive, technologist, or strategist, this conversation offers data-driven insights on how to blend AI, empathy, and execution for an evolving shopper landscape.
Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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 unpopular opinion episode of The Retail Tales, host Saurabh Vijayvergia takes on one of retail’s most overused mantras — “start small, show quick wins.”
Through a powerful retail story and a pragmatic framework, Saurabh explains why the obsession with quick wins often distracts organizations from their true goal: building scalable, ROI-driven AI capability that compounds over time. He argues that it’s not speed that defines success — it’s direction.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
Because quick wins may prove a point — but bold North Stars move the enterprise forward.
If you are a retail leader starting on your AI journey or stuck in "pilot purgatory", this episode is a must listen for you.
Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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 a critical look at MIT's latest report on GenAI - “The State of AI in Business 2025”. The headlines from this report grabbed attention with claims like “95% of GenAI pilots are failing,” and many major outlets repeated it. But what does the report actually say?
Saurabh unpacks the findings in detail and explains why the “failure” narrative is misleading. Instead of proving that generative AI is collapsing, the report highlights the challenges companies face moving from pilots to scaled value realization. That is not failure; it is the natural trajectory of disruptive technology adoption.
If you are interested in reading the report yourself, download it here.
This episode covers:
If you are a retail leader, you should know that the report is not spelling doom. And this episodes dives deeper into what this report means for Retail. This report is about clarity, maturity, and evolution.
Tune in to separate hype from reality and understand what it means for the future of retail.
Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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 special “what-if” episode of The Retail Tales, host Saurabh Vijayvergia departs from his usual format to deliver a fictional yet deeply plausible narrative on the evolution of artificial intelligence - from 2025 to 2030. This isn't your typical podcast on GenAI in retail. It’s a speculative scenario grounded in expert interviews, war games, and academic foresight that challenges how we think about AI's role in society, business, and geopolitics.
What happens when AI stops being a tool and starts being a strategist? What if it learns to hide its intent? And what if its alignment with human values is only skin-deep?
Through a fast-paced, immersive storyline, this episode explores:
Although fictional, the story is rooted in real technological trends and expert forecasts. It forces listeners to grapple with urgent questions:
If you have any role to play in the world of AI - consumer or producer, this is a must-listen episode for you.
Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
DISCLAIMER 1: 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.
DISCLAIMER 2: This episode is a work of fiction and is heavily motivated by AI 2027 blog. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of imagination or are used completely fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or institutions or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
In this episode of The Retail Tales, host Saurabh Vijayvergia discusses one of the most transformational frontiers of AI today: Agentic AI. While most retailers are still experimenting with GenAI for content creation, personalization, and automation, forward-looking organizations are already exploring the next big leap - AI agents that don’t just assist but act autonomously, iteratively, and strategically.
Saurabh breaks down what Agentic AI really is, how it differs from reactive AI agents, and why this distinction is not just semantic but structural. He walks through real-world examples across the retail value chain - be it autonomous customer service, proactive supply chain rerouting, real-time coaching in call centers, or predictive personalization in flagship stores.
This episode explores how Agentic AI is reshaping workforce models, redefining customer journeys, and reinventing enterprise architecture. From CIOs rethinking knowledge activation to HR leading change management for hybrid AI-human teams, this conversation outlines what it takes to prepare for the agent-led future.
Whether you're a retail executive, a supply chain leader, or a tech strategist, this episode delivers practical guidance, bold ideas, and a five-part playbook to bring Agentic AI to life. Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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 sits down with Kevin Mahoney, Deloitte Managing Director and one of the foremost voices in AI-driven retail supply chain transformation. Kevin brings real-world insights from decades of experience - from running warehouse operations to leading global retail supply chain transformations powered by AI.
Tune in as Saurabh and Kevin dive into:
Key Takeaways:
If you're a retail leader, supply chain professional, or anyone curious about where AI is significantly really moving the needle, this one’s a must-listen. Listen now on Spotify or Apple podcasts.
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 challenges the most common (and flawed) lens through which retailers measure the value of AI - labor savings. Drawing from some real-world examples across fashion, beauty, home goods, and big-box retail, and some of his own experiences, he explores how AI can unlock strategic speed, creativity, decision quality, and cultural shifts across organizations.
From AI-powered copy generation to hyper-personalized product recommendations, this episode resets the conversation: it’s not about headcount reduction. It’s about capacity expansion, capability augmentation, and business transformation.
Key Takeaways:
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 bold and thought-provoking episode of The Retail Tales, host Saurabh Vijayvergia kicks off Season 2 with Danny Edsall, Partner at Deloitte and one of the most forward-thinking minds in grocery retail. With decades of experience advising leading global retailers, Danny shares his journey from building one of the UK’s first online grocery platforms in the '90s to helping today’s grocers navigate the complex realities of AI.
Together, they explore the evolution of grocery - from paper circulars and Palm Pilots to predictive AI and agent-based automation. Danny sheds light on how consumer expectations, e-commerce, and tech disruption are reshaping store operations, merchandising, and fulfillment models.
They also dig into why many retail executives talk about AI, but few truly act on it. Danny offers an insider’s take on what's holding leaders back, why the real question is no longer if but how, and how to overcome the fear factor that's slowing transformation.
If you work in or around grocery retail and want to understand the real impact of AI on the future of the sector, this episode delivers deep insights, practical examples, and just the right amount of retail nerdery.
Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Connect with Danny Edsall on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-edsall-068199/
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 fascinating episode of The Retail Tales, our host Saurabh Vijayvergia welcomes Rahul Barge, Global Strategy Director at Amazon Shipping, to discuss the transformative impact of AI on retail supply chains and logistics. With over a decade of leadership experience across Amazon Air, Prime Now, and Amazon Fresh, Rahul shares his insights on the evolving role of AI in optimizing supply chains, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing customer experience.
Together, they explore key challenges facing retailers today - from supply chain disruptions and rising costs to the need for real-time data integration. Rahul highlights the most impactful AI-driven innovations in logistics, including AI-powered forecasting, route optimization, and document automation. He also shares his perspective on the future of AI-first retail operations and how businesses can gain a competitive edge by embracing AI-driven strategies.
If you're a retail leader looking to future-proof your supply chain, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss.
Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Connect with Rahul Barge on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahulbarge/
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 thought-provoking episode of The Retail Tales, our host Saurabh Vijayvergia sits down with Jalaj Hora, a transformative leader with two decades of experience spanning iconic brands like Nike, Burberry, and Target. Jalaj shares his unparalleled insights into how AI and GenerativeAI are revolutionizing product creation, fostering sustainability, and driving innovation across the retail value chain.
What You’ll Learn:
How AI and GenerativeAI are redefining product creation with deeper consumer insights, personalization, and predictive capabilities
The challenges retail and consumer product companies face in integrating innovation and breaking silos
Why sustainability must be embedded at the design stage, supported by tools like carbon budgets and low-impact materials
The importance of digital product creation pipelines and robust governance mechanisms to scale AI responsibly Jalaj’s vision for upskilling creative teams to navigate an AI-powered future
Jalaj also sheds light on how technology can empower brands to tackle critical challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and waste reduction. He calls for bold leadership to balance profitability with purpose while leveraging AI as a catalyst for systemic change.
Whether you’re a retail executive, product innovator, or AI enthusiast, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration for shaping the future of retail.
Connect with Jalaj Hora on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalaj-hora/
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, and continuing the c-suite leader focused mini-series within the podcast, our host Saurabh Vijayvergia brings the second and the final installment of the 2-part episode series on how a CTO of a retail organization could play the role of a strategic catalyst and harness the power of AI to enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and ultimately drive shareholder value.
After how well the first part was received, Saurabh completes his list of 10 principles for a retail CTO in this episode through this installment. The five principles covered in this episode are:
The Spotify link to the first part of this 2-part series is here.
Whether you’re a CTO, aspiring tech leader, or just curious about how AI is reshaping retail, this episode offers actionable insights to guide you.
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.
Continuing the c-suite leader focused mini-series within the podcast, our host Saurabh Vijayvergia focuses on the role of a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of retail companies in this episode of The Retail Tales.
In this highly anticipated episode, Saurabh shares his thoughts on how the CTO of a retail company could serve as a strategic catalyst in leveraging AI and Generative AI capabilities to revolutionize ways of working for the retail company.
This is the first part of a 2-episode arrangement, focusing on first 5 of the 10 key principles for a retail CTO. The first five principles covered in this episode are:
Whether you’re a CTO, aspiring tech leader, or just curious about how AI is reshaping retail, this episode offers actionable insights to guide you.
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 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.