Essays & Reflections
Work, Identity & a Life in Progress
I write about retail, AI, leadership, and the experiences that shape my perspective. More recently, I’ve begun sharing the work of learning Japanese, including what it means to start again, ask for help, and make room for change.
The Dark Side of Unpaid Internships: Navigating the Risks and Finding Solutions
In a recent article, Kinjil Mathur, the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Squarespace, shared her unconventional journey to success, which began with cold-calling companies listed in the Yellow Pages to land unpaid internships (Royle). While her story is inspiring, it raises important concerns about the implications of promoting unpaid work and the hustle mentality. This blog post explores the potential negative aspects of Mathur's advice and offers solutions to mitigate these risks.
Organizational and Leadership Credibility: The Key to Employee Retention
In response to the Harvard Business Review article, "Why Great Employees Leave Great Cultures," this post explores the crucial role of organizational and leadership credibility in employee retention. In today's competitive job market, retaining top talent goes beyond offering attractive perks or competitive salaries. The core of employee retention lies in organizational and leadership credibility. When words align with actions, it builds a foundation of trust and respect, essential for a thriving workplace culture.
The Power of Brand Distinctiveness and AI: A Response to Kantar's Insights
Reading Kantar’s recent article, "Meaningfully Different Brands Have a Head Start with AI," was both enlightening and invigorating. It brilliantly underscores how brands can harness AI to not only stand out but also create meaningful connections with their audiences. Here, I’ll dive into the key takeaways from the article and propose actionable strategies to implement these insights.
The Ultimate Mentor: How Generative AI is Driving Digital Transformation
Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are not just revolutionizing individual workstreams by acting as mentors; they are also spearheading a digital transformation across entire organizations. These tools are reshaping how businesses operate, innovate, and compete in the market by providing personalized guidance, enhancing organizational capabilities, and fostering continuous learning.
Stop & Shop Store Closures - A Sign of Potential Impact of the FTC Blocking Albertson's Kroger Merger
When Stop & Shop’s leaders list these stores as “underperforming” - what does that mean? I think it is safe to say competitive pressures would contribute to a stores closure, and a merger of their two biggest grocery rivals would certainly not benefit them.
Declining Loyalty to Hi-Low Retailers: AI Powered Strategies for Revitalization
In today's competitive grocery retail landscape, hi-low retailers—known for their alternating high regular prices and frequent promotional discounts—are facing declining customer loyalty. Here’s a look at the factors behind this trend and strategies for revitalization.
Out In Tech: Leadership Forum Learnings
I recently attended a leadership forum with Out in Tech (OIT). Career journeys are dynamic, and each is unique, so it is important to make space to learn from others. OIT and other organizations are great at facilitating events that share experiences, so you can leave with learnings that can be applied to your working style.