Shows
The Retail Tales: Retail AI PodcastS2E05: The Tipping Point and the Journey AheadIn 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...2025-07-2139 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI PodcastS2E04: The Curious Case of Agentic AI in RetailIn 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...2025-06-2331 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI PodcastS2E03: From Chaos to Control - Rewiring Retail Supply Chain with AI | Feat. Kevin MahoneyIn 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:How AI is redefining modern retail supply chainsThe evolution from just-in-time to just-hold-on logisticsWhy small wins with AI adoption often make the biggest impactThe real reasons AI transformation succeeds - and why...2025-05-2738 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI PodcastS2E02: From Headcount to Head Start | The Real ROI of AIIn 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. Ke...2025-05-0525 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI PodcastS2E01: The Rise and Impacts of AI in Grocery Retail | Feat. Danny EdsallIn 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...2025-04-1442 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast20: The Future of Retail Supply Chains with AI | Feat. Rahul BargeIn 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 highligh...2025-02-1727 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast19: Sustainable Product Design and Creation with AI | Feat. Jalaj HoraIn 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...2025-01-2723 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast18: CTO's Role in AI Transformation in Retail (Part 2)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...2025-01-0626 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast17: CTO's Role in AI Transformation in Retail (Part 1)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 prin...2024-12-0220 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast16: Path to Data Readiness for AI & GenAI in Retail with Roland EhigiamusoeIn 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 mat...2024-10-1436 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast15: AI-enabled Internal Transformation with Scott HolcombIn 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 organiza...2024-09-3027 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast14: Top-5 Applications of Generative AI in RetailIn 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 prior...2024-09-1623 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast13: Enterprise Customer Ops with AI in Retail with Ievgen MiasushkinIn 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...2024-09-0329 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast12: Are Customers Price-Sensitive or Value-Conscious?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 chal...2024-08-1916 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast11: Nimble Principles of GenAI GovernanceIn 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:
Understanding the typical steps of GenAI governance tailored for retail companies
Learning about the four main roadblocks that can hinder GenAI initiatives. From stakeholder complexities to excessive administrative overhead, the episode...2024-07-2228 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast10: CFO's Role in AI Transformation in RetailWith this episode of The Retail Tales, host Saurabh Vijayvergia kicks off a mini-series within the podcast, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of different c-suite executives on the AI transformation journey of a retail company. This episode is focused on exploring the role and responsibilities of CFOs of retail companies.
To keep things simpler, the episode is categorized in three sections:
The first section focuses on how CFOs should prepare themselves to be the champions of AI transformation within the organization
The second section brings out how CFOs could lead by example by transforming Finance function with AI and...2024-07-0125 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast09: GenAI in Fashion Retail with Karla MartinOur 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:
Impacts on design exclusivity and originality...2024-06-1731 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast08: GenAI Questions for Board Members in RetailIn this compelling episode of The Retail Tales, host Saurabh shares an intriguing encounter with a board member from one of the top five U.S. retailers. Saurabh provides an in-depth narrative of their discussion during this chance meeting where he ended up formulating five essential questions for retail board members to pose
to their C-suite leadership. These questions address critical areas such as strategy, value, governance, risk, and organizational culture.
This episode is indispensable for board members and retail executives who engage with board queries. Even if you are a retail enthusiast, this...2024-06-0322 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast07: Impact of AI on Retail SMBs with Tracie KambiesIn this episode of The Retail Tales, Saurabh is joined by Tracie Kambies, CEO and co-founder at IQRush.ai. Their discussion is focused on exploring impacts and possibilities of AI and Generative AI for retail small and medium businesses (SMBs).
Tracie covers the following topics during this episode:
Her overall journey and motivation to start IQRush
Impacts and value of AI and GenAI for small and medium businesses
Her hopes and wishes for AI for retail SMBs
Connect with Tracie Kambies on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/t...2024-05-2029 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast06: Value of AI in Retail Marketing with Carolyn PollockIn this episode of The Retail Tales, Saurabh is joined by Carolyn Pollock, the dynamic Chief Marketing Officer at Tailored Brands, Inc. Their discussion is focused on exploring value and effectiveness of AI in retail marketing. Carolyn highlights how Tailored Brands is leading an AI-driven transformation journey, starting with building a solid foundation first with traditional AI, while experimenting with Generative AI (GenAI).
Carolyn and Saurabh talk about the following topics:
Carolyn's overall journey and her current role as the CMO for Tailored Brands Inc.
Common and unique aspects of Digital Transformation across...2024-05-0722 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast05: Data Readiness for AI in Retail with Scott JenningsIn this episode of TRT, Saurabh is joined by Scott Jennings, the Chief Strategist for Retail and Consumer Products companies at Informatica. The discussion is focused on exploring data readiness for AI and GenAI ambitions for retail companies out there. What it truly means to be data ready for retailers and what some retail executives or decision makers seem to overlook.
Scott and Saurabh talk about the following topics:
Scott's overall journey and his current role as the Chief Strategist at Informatica
Emerging data trends in light of AI and GenAI frenzy in the market
Importance...2024-04-2231 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast04: AI-driven Pricing in Retail with Alex GalkinIn the first-ever guest interview in TRT podcast's history, our host Saurabh is joined by Alex Galkin, the founder and CEO of Competera, to explore what truly works (and what doesn't) in revolutionizing pricing strategies in Retail using AI capabilities. Competera is an AI-based pricing platform designed to help retailers enhance their overall pricing strategy, increase revenue, and optimize profitability by leveraging a blend of advanced AI and smart data.
Alex and Saurabh talk about the following topics:
Alex's overall journey so far
Approach to pricing optimization with retailers
Explainability aspects of AI-driven pricing recommendations
Should p...2024-04-0840 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast03: GenAI in Retail | Build vs. BuyGet ready to dive deep into the fascinating world of Generative AI again - this time, to understand Build vs. Buy decision making for Generative AI capabilities within Retail landscape. You may already know, Build vs. Buy is a perennial topic of discussion for tech strategists, not just related to GenAI. But what you may not know is that GenAI has added new dimensions and variations to this discussion and associated decision making process. This episode is going to provide you a comprehensive view of these old and new dimensions and variations.
The host - Saurabh Vijayvergia...2024-03-2519 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast02: Top-5 predictions for AI in Retail for 2024The second episode of The Retail Tales (TRT) just dropped. In this episode, the host - Saurabh Vijayvergia - shares his top-five predictions for AI in retail for 2024. From potential disruptions in the industry to the increasing demand for transparency and data security from customers, Saurabh provides insights into the future of retail powered by Generative AI.
With engaging anecdotes and industry expertise, this episode offers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of retail and the pivotal role of Generative AI in shaping its future. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how Generative AI is continuing...2024-03-1117 min
The Retail Tales: Retail AI Podcast01: GenAI in Retail | Where should you start?The debut episode of The Retail Tales (TRT) delves into the pivotal question: Where should retail executives begin with GenAI? In an era marked by the convergence of retail and AI, executives face a daunting challenge amidst the Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD) surrounding AI adoption.
Host Saurabh Vijayvergia emphasizes the importance of aligning AI initiatives with strategic objectives, urging leaders to prioritize literacy and partnership in their GenAI journey. Through insightful anecdotes and pragmatic advice, the episode navigates the complexities of AI implementation, advocating for a proactive approach in embracing AI's transformative potential in retail.
2024-02-2512 min