Retail & AI with Special Guest Kristen Hicks, Director, Retail & Consumer Goods, Microsoft

Introducing the London Drugs Partnership Podcast, where we dive into the inspiring success story of homegrown Canadian retailer London Drugs.The hype cycle is at maximum volume regarding all things AI. Still, in this episode, we parse the signal from the noise and get a sense of how London Drugs is leveraging AI-based technology in projects like Galileo to improve the customer experience, our understanding of our customers, and the supply chain that gets the right products on to the right shelves at the right time.London Drugs has undertaken a multi-year transformation called the Galileo Initiative that is changing and improving how we interact with our customers and vendors. It will ensure we have a 360-degree view of each customer to deliver a unique experience. We will also have a complete view of our supply chain from the vendor-partner to the customer.To help give us a broader context around AI and the Retail Industry, our special guest vendor-partner is Kristen Hicks,  Director, Retail & Consumer Goods, Microsoft. Kristen fills us in on the deep integrations AI will have in Microsoft products and services that power retail today and how this evolving technology will deliver tangible benefits to retailers and their customers in Canada and worldwide.But first, we talk about the genesis of the November Partnership Event, happening this year on November 6th in Mississauga. For London Drug's vendors, it is a do-not-miss event and Clint shares with us some of his favourite guest speakers over the many years of the event. Stay tuned for a future episode where we will feature a sneak peek interview with our keynote speaker for 2023!Microsoft AI Resources for Understanding AIMicrosoft Learning ResourcesBe sure to subscribe and follow us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you enjoy your podcasts today and get set for a thoughtful and entertaining look at what retail innovation looks like today, tomorrow and off into the future for this unique Canadian retailer and its partners. About KristenKristen Hicks is an award-winning marketer with a proven track record of curating integrated Go-To-Market experiences and impactful B2B campaigns. She has over a decade of experience in Sales and Marketing across various industries including Tech, Retail, and CPG, and an MBA from the Kelley School of Business. Kristen currently works at Microsoft as a Global Marketing Director governing Retail and Consumer Goods. About ClintClint Mahlman assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2011, was named Executive Vice President in 2014, and in 2018 became President and COO. In his 36 years with London Drugs, Clint has made a lasting impact on many aspects of the business. From part-time stock person to President, Clint has served in a wide range of store and head office roles, enabling him to develop a 360-degree perspective of the business. He is known for his passion for understanding how customer and employee behavior drives merchandising and operations.He spearheaded the award-winning sustainability and recycling initiatives that have put London Drugs at the forefront of retail in North America. Clint was responsible for the development of early versions of London Drugs’ first management training programs, and for the first Process Re-Engineering initiative. He helped design many of the sales and service initiatives, e-Commerce and loyalty concepts that London Drugs is known for throughout the industry.Clint was selected as one of BC Business Magazine’s top 20 Most Influential People in British Columbia 2013. In 2017, Clint was selected, with London Drugs, as the Retail Council of Canada “Distinguished Retailer of the Year”.During his time as President & COO, London Drugs has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of Canada’s best employers for four years in a row, and multi-year winner of BC’s Most Trusted Brand, and BC’s most loved brand (of any industry) for a number of years.About MichaelMichael is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc. and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada and the Bank of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, Today's Shopping Choice and Pandora Jewellery.   Michael has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. He has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions with C-level executives and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. ReThink Retail has added Michael to their prestigious Top Global Retail Influencers list for 2023 for the third year in a row. Michael is also the president of Maven Media, producing a network of leading trade podcasts, including Canada's top retail industry podcast, The Voice of Retail. He produces and co-hosts Remarkable Retail with best-selling author Steve Dennis, now ranked one of the top retail podcasts in the world. Based in San Francisco, Global eCommerce Leaders podcast explores global cross-border issues and opportunities for eCommerce brands and retailers. Last but not least, Michael is the producer and host of the "Last Request Barbeque" channel on YouTube, where he cooks meals to die for - and collaborates with top brands as a food and product influencer across North America.