[RIA4] How to Build a Marketing Tech Stack That Actually Matters with Ometria's Co-Founders Djalal Lougouev and Ivan Mazour
In this episode of Retail Intelligence in Action, host Ron Thurston sits down with Ometria co-founders Djalal Lougouev and Ivan Mazur to explore how AI is redefining the future of retail marketing. Together, they discuss the realities of implementing AI within legacy systems, the transition from channel-based to customer-based marketing, and why data architecture is becoming just as critical as creative strategy. Through honest insights and practical examples, they reveal what it truly takes for modern CMOs to lead in an era where intelligence and innovation shape every customer interaction.👉🏼Trusted by leading retailers like Foot Locker, Sephora, and Steve Madden, Ometria helps retailers create experiences their customers love. Find out more at ometria.com🎧 Loved this episode? Discover more from the world of Retail Intelligence in Action here: http://ometria.com/retail-intelligence-in-action-podcast
--------
48:16
--------
48:16
92. Tariffs and US Holiday Season 2025 with Richard Kestenbaum
In this episode, Paula Macaggi sits down with Richard Kestenbaum, Partner at Triangle Capital, and Forbes contributor, to break down what’s really shaping the 2025 holiday season. From tariffs and inflation to shifting consumer confidence and cautious spending, Richard shares his perspective on why “flat is the new up,” how retailers can navigate uncertainty, and what signals in M&A reveal about the health of the retail industry heading into 2026.Check Richard's full article hereSee here KPMG's tariffs report
--------
32:22
--------
32:22
[RIA3] How AI fuels speed, insight, and story-doing with Miami Dolphins' Former CMO, Pri Shumate and Ometria's CSO, Djalal Lougouev
Retail Intelligence in Action returns with Episode 3, “Beyond the Hype: How AI Fuels Speed, Insight, and Story-Doing,” where host Ron Thurston speaks with Djalal Lougouev, President of Ometria, and Pri Shumate, former CMO of the Miami Dolphins and alum of Nike and Airbnb, about turning instinct into action through AI. The conversation covers talking to your data for rapid answers, using AI as a validator rather than a silver bullet, building small pirate teams that test, learn, and scale, elevating human creativity to find the disruptive idea, rethinking agencies and org design to move from insight to execution, and driving product-market fit and revenue without relying on discounts.👉🏼Trusted by leading retailers like Foot Locker, Sephora, and Steve Madden, Ometria helps retailers create experiences their customers love. Find out more at ometria.com🎧 Loved this episode? Discover more from the world of Retail Intelligence in Action here: http://ometria.com/retail-intelligence-in-action-podcast
--------
41:14
--------
41:14
91. (Trends) Kidulting, Experiences and Storytelling: A Revisit to Build-a-Bear's Growth
Build-A-Bear Workshop turned birthday rituals and heart ceremonies into a growth engine, with its stock up about 1,900 percent in five years and domestic store traffic up 3 percent while the national benchmark fell. Paula revisits her conversation with CTO Dara Meath to unpack the experience-first model, the rapid 18-month digital sprint from mobile POS to 2D/3D visualization, and the rise of the “kidult” that powers higher-value collecting and gifting. From clever social drops like the Fruit Stand to a culture that “sells stories, not items,” this episode breaks down how emotion, omnichannel execution, and brand discipline translate into real results. Listen for takeaways any retailer can apply.Check my interview with Dara Meath hereSee Build-a-Bear Workshop (BBW) latest results hereVisit the Bear Cave and get a CaBEARnet
--------
14:45
--------
14:45
[RIA02] How to stay authentic in the age of AI with 8thirtytwo's Fractional CMO, Julie Channing and Ometria's CEO, Ivan Mazour
In our episode 2 of Retail Intelligence in Action Series in partnership with Ometria, our host Ron Thurston speaks with Ivan Mazour (CEO,Ometria) and Julie Channing (Fractional CMO; ex-Allbirds, Levi’s, Nest) about leading with trust and authenticity in an AI-driven era. They unpack why clean, connected data is the bedrock of customer trust, how to use AI as an accelerant (not a replacement) to free teams for storytelling, where personalization truly adds value, and why transparency around AI usage will separate winners from the pack. Practical moves for retail marketing: start small, focus on retention, and partner for speed.👉🏼Trusted by leading retailers like Foot Locker, Sephora, and Steve Madden, Ometria helps retailers create experiences their customers love. Find out more at ometria.com🎧 Loved this episode? Discover more from the world of Retail Intelligence in Action here: http://ometria.com/retail-intelligence-in-action-podcast
OFFBounds is a podcast where commerce executives share their perspectives, successes, and lessons learned in their careers to inspire other global leaders in their journey and decision-making.Every week, the host Paula Macaggi meets industry leaders to discuss business strategies, careers, and leadership in one-on-one conversations challenging the limits of borders and boundaries.Paula unveils the person behind the leader and brings to her audience of commerce executives experiences to relate, motivate, and reflect on decisions that are shaping commerce.OFFBounds is the first podcast recorded in person with audio and video featuring executives in commerce from around the world.