Agenda | Women in Retail Leadership Days

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Our October 2020 programming is below. Our spring 2021 programming will be announced soon.

Keynotes

Panels

Networking

Activations

Workshops

All times Eastern Standard Time

Week 1

Thursday, October 1

11:00 am 11:10 am
Welcome!

Welcome to Women in Retail Leadership Circle’s Women in Retail Leadership Days!
Speaker
- Jennifer DiPasquale Co-Founder Women in Retail Leadership Circle

11:10 am 12:00 pm
Life Lessons From Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg is a true fashion icon: She entered the world of fashion in 1970 when she moved to New York and, two years later, founded her eponymous line. In 1974, von Furstenberg created the wrap dress, which came to symbolize power and independence for a generation of women and helped establish Diane as a legendary and crucial fixture in the industry. By 1976, more than 5 million dresses had been sold and Diane, at only 29 years old, was featured on the cover of Newsweek.

In 1997, Diane relaunched the brand with renewed vitality, and went on to receive numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), of which she now serves as chairman. Diane still holds the title of chairman and founder of Diane von Furstenberg (DVF). Her 2014 memoir, “The Woman I Wanted to Be,” has been translated into five languages, and in 2015, she was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People. Listen in as Diane chats with Sandra Campos, DVF’s former CEO, and discusses her career journey, her leadership style, why it’s important to take risks, how she sees fashion now, and so much more. This session will start with a few words from our premier sponsor, Synchrony.
Diane von Furstenberg is a true fashion icon: She entered the world of fashion in 1970 when she moved to New York and, two years later, founded her eponymous line. Listen in as Diane chats with Sandra Campos, DVF's former CEO, and discusses her career journey, her leadership style, why it's important to take risks, how she sees fashion now, and so much more. This session will start with a few words from our premier sponsor, Synchrony. | more
Speakers
- Diane von Furstenberg Chairman and Founder Diane von Furstenberg (DVF)
- Sandra Campos Former CEO Diane von Furstenberg (DVF)
Sponsor Speaker
- Paula Clayton Senior Vice President and General Manager, Lowe’s Synchrony
Sponsor

12:00 pm 1:00 pm
Networking Power Hour: Reunite

Get ready to reunite with your favorite women in retail during this networking session. Our Power Hour networking sessions work a lot like “speed dating” without the potential awkwardness. This is a structured opportunity to meet accomplished women in the retail industry, face to face, one at time. You’ll be randomly assigned a new attendee to chat with every five minutes. Enjoy!

Friday, October 2

6:00 am 7:00 am
Yoga With Jes!

Join us for a private yoga class! This class will be an hour Level 1-2 Intermediate Vinyasa Flow with Jes Gildea, marketing director at ThePureBag. We will move into half moon for our peak pose, and Jes will offer modifications along the way.
Speaker
- Jessica Gildea Marketing Director ThePureBag
Sponsor

11:00 am 11:45 am
How Leading Retailers Are Navigating Retail's Big Pivot

In this interactive discussion, executives from leading retailers will detail strategies for evolving their businesses to account for shifting consumer behaviors and demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. The panel will discuss a multitude of topics related to operating in today’s “new normal,” including leading remote workforces through a period of crisis; planning for an uncertain holiday shopping season; and much more. This session will start with a few words from our sponsor, Attentive.
Speakers
- Christine Currence President and Owner Badgley Mischka
- Sharon Leite CEO The Vitamin Shoppe
- Corie Barry CEO Best Buy
- Stacey Widlitz President; Co-Founder SW Retail Advisors; DealmakeHers
Sponsor Speakers
- Rebekka Brown Director of Client Strategy Attentive
- Giovanna Alfieri Head of Marketing and E-Commerce The Honey Pot Company
Sponsor

11:45 am 12:30 pm
Networking Peer Groups by Leadership Pain Points
In this session, join a targeted group of peers to discuss any or all of the similar leadership pain points you may be experiencing at your company right now. Ask questions, offer advice and share new ideas! Topics include the following:
- Building a Diverse and Inclusive Team (and Workplace)
- Boosting Motivation During a Crisis
- The Pursuit of Work-Life Harmony
- Leading in the Time of COVID-19
- Mastering the Entrepreneurial Mind-Set

Week 2

Monday, October 5

6:00 am 7:00 am
Self-Defense Class

Learn fundamental principles of self-defense, as well as the basics of easy and effective striking using arms and legs. Additional content will include techniques to escape common attacks such as grabbing, pulling and choking.
Speaker
- Teni Lopez-Cardenas Instructor Krav Maga Worldwide
Sponsor

Tuesday, October 6

11:00 am 11:45 am
How Kat Cole Leads With Hustle and Heart

In this keynote presentation, Kat Cole will share her unusual career journey, including her rise from server at Hooters to her current position as COO and president of Focus Brands, the parent company of Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Moe’s, Schlotzky’s, McAlister’s Deli, and Jamba Juice. This session will start with a few words from our sponsor, Acxiom.

In this keynote presentation, Kat Cole will share her unusual career journey, including her rise from server at Hooters to her current position as COO and president of Focus Brands, the parent company of Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Moe’s, Schlotzky’s, McAlister’s Deli, and Jamba Juice. This session will start with a few words from our sponsor, Acxiom. | more
Speakers
- Swan Sit Board Director Edgewell, NovaBay, Far Niente
- Kat Cole Chief Operating Officer and President Focus Brands
Sponsor Speaker
- Melissa Metheny Group Vice President of Sales and Account Management Acxiom
Sponsor

11:45 am 12:30 pm
Networking Meetup: Empower

Use this time to catch up with other attendees and discuss times in your lives when you’ve felt empowered. During this networking session, attendees will be paired up into groups of four, switching every 10 minutes. Have fun!

Wednesday, October 7

5:00 pm 6:00 pm
French Cocktails and Snacks With Sur La Table

Join Meredith Abbott, manager of culinary content and Sur La Table chef, for a fun, informative and hands-on cooking class! In this 60-minute class you’ll be making a seasonal, French-inspired cocktail and snacks. Make sure to download the class packet for the ingredient and equipment list ahead of time so you can follow along from the comfort of your own kitchen!
Speaker
- Meredith Abbott Manager of Culinary Content Sur La Table
Sponsor

Thursday, October 8

2:00 pm 2:45 pm
An Honest Discussion About Diversity and Inclusion

A diverse workforce brings diverse viewpoints and perspectives to companies, which in turn can generate higher revenue, more innovation, better decision making, and improved performance. However, diversity in the workplace doesn’t necessarily mean inclusivity in the workplace. This panel will address how our panelists’ personal and professional environments have changed to be more inclusive, the structural roadblocks that still need to be overcome, how their organizations are scaling up their diversity and inclusion efforts, and much more.
Speakers
- Denise Kramp Senior Client Partner, North America Retail Sector Leader Korn Ferry
- Sharonda Weatherspoon Senior Vice President of Stores and Co-Chair for Diversity and Inclusion Ralph Lauren
- Samara Tuchband Vice President of Merchandising and Chairman of Diversity and Inclusion Crate and Barrel
- Bahja Johnson Director of Customer Belonging and Co-Founder, Color Proud Council Gap Inc.
- Shawn R. Outler Chief Diversity Officer Macy's, Inc.
- Sonia Williams Senior Vice President, General Manager Strategic Accounts Synchrony

2:45 pm 3:30 pm
Coaches Workshops
We’re excited to present interactive workshops with Women in Retail Leadership Circle-certified career coaches. Settle in for expert advice on a variety of topics, such as making a career transition during COVID-19, leading and motivating a team through changes and challenges, creating work-life harmony, and more. Make sure to bring questions!
- A Road Map for Navigating a Career Transition (Danielle Moser, Executive Consultant, ManpowerGroup Talent Solutions)
- How to Lead a Team That Performs Miracles (Lizzie Alberga, Founder and CEO, Collective Gain)
- Creating a Mind-Set of Resilience (Courtney Seard, Founder, Master Coach and Trainer, Courtney A. Seard, LLC)
- Leading at Every Level (Betty Orlandino, Founder, Betty Orlandino, PhD, Inc.)
- Creating Work-Life Harmony (Blake Schofield, Founder, Connections Illuminated)
Speakers
- Lizzie Alberga Founder and CEO Collective Gain
- Betty Orlandino Founder Betty Orlandino, PhD, Inc.
- Courtney Seard Founder, Master Coach and Trainer Courtney A. Seard, LLC
- Danielle Moser Executive Consultant ManpowerGroup Talent Solutions
- Blake Schofield Founder Connections Illuminated

Week 3

Monday, October 12

6:00 am 7:00 am
High-Energy Kickboxing Class

Join us for a high-energy kickboxing class. Remember: It’s you vs. you . Punch, kick and fight your way to your best you yet!
Speaker
- Diva Richards Founder and President Hard Work No Excuses
Sponsor

Tuesday, October 13

11:00 am 11:45 am
Mindy Grossman on Taking the Unconventional Career Path

Mindy Grossman spent over three decades in the retail industry, and today, she is the President & CEO of WW International, Inc., the global wellness company powered by the world’s leading weight loss program. She is known as one of the most transformative leaders today and her career path is anything but conventional. In this session, moderated by Aliza Licht, Founder & President of Leave Your Mark LLC., you’ll hear from Mindy as she shares her extraordinary career journey – from her risk-taking spirit to her bold thinking. Tune in for leadership tips, how to navigate business in times of crisis and what Mindy‘s visions are as we look to 2021. This session will start with a few words from our sponsor, Podium.
Speakers
- Mindy Grossman President and CEO WW International
- Aliza Licht Founder and President LEAVE YOUR MARK, LLC
Sponsor Speaker
- Kelly May Group Product Manager Podium
Sponsor

11:45 am 12:30 pm
Think Tank Workshops
We’re excited to present these thought-provoking and interactive workshops featuring expert speakers on a variety of topics, such as landing a spot on a corporate board, winning with negotiation skills, building a diverse workforce, and more. Make sure to bring questions!
- Landing a Spot on a Corporate Board (Fran Philip, Board Member, Vera Bradley, Totes Isotoner, Sea Bags, Coats; Lisa Gavales, Board Member, Bluestem Brands, True Religion Jeans, Forever 21)
- Winning With Negotiation Skills (Carol Sankar, Founder, The Confidence Factor)
- Building a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce (Ayana Parsons, Senior Client Partner, Korn Ferry; interviewed by Melissa Campanelli, Co-Founder, Women in Retail Leadership Circle)
- Effectively Communicating With Your Team (Jennifer Thornton, Founder, 304 Consulting)
- How to Build (and Maintain) a Powerful Network (Carolyn Montrose Dub, Founder and CEO, Industrious Agency)
Speakers
- Carol Sankar Founder The Confidence Factor
- Jennifer Thornton Founder 304 Coaching
- Fran Philip Board Member Vera Bradley, Totes Isotoner, Sea Bags, Coats
- Carolyn Montrose Dub Founder and CEO Industrious Agency
- Lisa Gavales Board Member Bluestem Brands, True Religion Jeans, Forever 21
- Ayana Parsons Senior Client Partner Korn Ferry
- Melissa Campanelli Co-Founder Women in Retail Leadership Circle

Wednesday, October 14

4:00 pm 5:00 pm
Family Activation: Mario "The Maker" Magician

Your family at home will be dazzled by Mario “The Maker” Magician in his upbeat and hilarious magic show filled with robotics and DIY electronics. Mario will even teach you a thing or two about making magic out of everyday objects. Kids ages 3-11 will be mesmerized! This activation is co-hosted by CAMP.
Speaker
- Mario “The Maker” Magician

Thursday, October 15

2:00 pm 2:45 pm
Girls Who Green the World

Who in retail is stepping up to save our planet? Is it possible to prioritize sustainability and profits? What efforts are significant and what are “greenwashing”? We’ll hear from women on the cutting edge of the environmental movement inside retail, both big company changemakers as well as startup trailblazers. This session will start with a few words from our sponsor, Pepperjam.
Speakers
- Diana Kapp Journalist, Author Girls Who Run the World
- Saskia van Gendt Head of Sustainability Rothy's
- Caroline Danehy Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer Fair Harbor
- Jane Ewing Senior Vice President of Sustainability Walmart
- Kristy Caylor CEO and Co-Founder For Days
Sponsor Speakers
- Karilyn Anderson Vice President, Digital Commerce and Marketing Lucky Brand
- Maura Smith Chief Marketing Officer Pepperjam
Sponsor

2:45 pm 3:45 pm
Networking Power Hour: Explore

Get ready to explore and go deep on any topics you’d like with your favorite women in retail. Our Power Hour networking sessions work a lot like “speed dating” without the potential awkwardness. This is a structured opportunity to meet accomplished women in the retail industry, face to face, one at time. You’ll be randomly assigned with a new attendee every five minutes to chat with. Enjoy!

Week 4

Monday, October 19

6:00 am 7:00 am
Mind-Set Shifts for More Effortless Growth and Success

Most people are living a life that’s much harder than it needs to be. By making a few simple but extraordinarily powerful shifts in how they’re thinking and living, they can upshift into flow and start experiencing a far more stress-free, effortless, abundant and fulfilling life. In this deeply transformative workshop, Flow Consciousness Institute Co-Founder Jackie Knechtel will share the key mind-set shifts you need to master to start creating exponential growth and success in your life and career by working less and playing more.
Speaker
- Jackie Knechtel Co-Founder Flow Consciousness Institute
Sponsor

1:00 pm 2:00 pm
ENCORE PRESENTATION: Life Lessons From Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg is a true fashion icon: She entered the world of fashion in 1970 when she moved to New York and, two years later, founded her eponymous line. In 1974, von Furstenberg created the wrap dress, which came to symbolize power and independence for a generation of women and helped establish Diane as a legendary and crucial fixture in the industry. By 1976, more than 5 million dresses had been sold and Diane, at only 29 years old, was featured on the cover of Newsweek.

In 1997, Diane relaunched the brand with renewed vitality, and went on to receive numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), of which she now serves as chairman. Diane still holds the title of chairman and founder of Diane von Furstenberg (DVF). Her 2014 memoir, “The Woman I Wanted to Be,” has been translated into five languages, and in 2015, she was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People. Listen in as Diane chats with Sandra Campos, DVF’s former CEO, and discusses her career journey, her leadership style, why it’s important to take risks, how she sees fashion now, and so much more. This session will start with a few words from our premier sponsor, Synchrony.

Diane von Furstenberg is a true fashion icon: She entered the world of fashion in 1970 when she moved to New York and, two years later, founded her eponymous line. In 1974, von Furstenberg created the wrap dress, which came to symbolize power and independence for a generation of women and helped establish Diane as a legendary and crucial fixture in the industry. By 1976, more than 5 million dresses had been sold and Diane, at only 29 years old, was featured on the cover of Newsweek. | more
Speakers
- Diane von Furstenberg Chairman and Founder Diane von Furstenberg (DVF)
- Sandra Campos Former CEO Diane von Furstenberg (DVF)
Sponsor Speaker
- Paula Clayton Senior Vice President and General Manager, Lowe’s Synchrony
Sponsor

1:00 pm 1:20 pm
Synchrony: Leading With Empathy

Paula Clayton, senior vice president and Lowe’s general manager for Synchrony, and Jennifer DiPasquale, president and co-founder of Women in Retail Leadership Circle and Total Retail, have a candid conversation around the transformative year 2020 has been. Being a leader with an agile mind-set and prioritizing technology with safety — working to eliminate disruption for customers and partners — is key for retailers moving forward. Now that everyone is in each other’s homes, it removes a sense of privacy. Hear from Paula on the power of empathy and welcoming this changing time.
Sponsor Speaker
- Paula Clayton Senior Vice President and General Manager, Lowe’s Synchrony

2:00 pm 2:45 pm
From Fashion Icon to Philanthropist: Inside the Career of Donna Karan

Donna Karan is a household name from her eponymous namesake fashion brands Donna Karan New York and DKNY. She’s a leading figure in the fashion industry, revered for her work as a designer. However, at her core she knew she wanted to do more than just design clothes; she wanted to positively impact people’s lives, both on the inside and the outside. After becoming involved with The Clinton Global Initiative following the devastating Haiti earthquake in 2010, Karan began a new phase in her life. She launched the Urban Zen Foundation, which is partially supported by the luxe Urban Zen brand and stores, a lifestyle concept that brings together philanthropy and commerce.

In this keynote session, Karan chats with Helen Aboah, CEO of Urban Zen, about why she founded the brand and what it means to her, as well as what it means to live your purpose. She shares her thoughts on the country’s social and racial justice movement, the current state of the fashion industry and where it’s headed, what she believes makes a good leader in such unique and challenging times, and so much more. This session will start with a few words from our sponsor, Afterpay.
Speakers
- Donna Karan Founder Urban Zen
- Helen Aboah CEO Urban Zen
Sponsor Speaker
- Melissa Davis Head of North America Afterpay
Sponsor

2:45 pm 3:30 pm
Cocktails and Q&A With Spa Girl Cocktails' Karen Haines!

Join us for a fun and lively conversation with Karen Haines, founder of Spa Girl Cocktails, the highest proof, best tasting, lowest calorie, lowest sugar, most award-winning cocktail you can buy. During her Q&A, Karen will discuss her inspiring founder’s story, as well as whip up some cocktails from her own kitchen! Make sure to download the ingredients and shopping list first so you can follow along from the comfort of your own kitchen! We hope everyone will take a break and have a sip with us! Download the ingredients list here!
Speaker
- Karen Haines Founder Spa Girl Cocktails
Sponsor

Wednesday, October 21

5:00 pm 6:00 pm
Make Your Own Succulent and Herb Garden

In this fun, seasonal, make-at-home workshop, you’ll learn how to create a beautiful succulent and herb garden! A floral and gardening expert will walk you through planting, plant knowledge, plant care, and even share some cocktail ideas for your herbs. In this fully interactive event, you’ll be able to chat away with others and ask questions of the florist. Be sure to download the shopping list before class!
Speaker
- Briana Betts Owner and Designer Cactus and Cone
Sponsor

Thursday, October 22

11:00 am 11:10 am
Partner Presentation by Merkle
Sponsor Speakers
- Erin Condon Vice President of Front Store and Omnichannel Marketing CVS Health
- Anne-Marie Schaffer Executive Vice President, General Manager of Retail and Consumer Goods, Auto and Mobility Merkle
- Janine Flaccavento Senior Vice President, Media Solutions, New Stream Media and E-Retail Merkle
- Cathy Lewenberg Chief Operating Officer Drizly

11:10 am 12:00 pm
Retail Tech Startup Challenge!

In this “Shark Tank”-style session, retail tech startup founders compete to win the approval of the Women in Retail Leadership Days audience as well as a panel of expert judges. Contestants will pitch their technology service or solution to the audience and a panel of expert judges (tech leaders in their own rights). To obtain all the necessary details about each technology provider’s solution, our expert panel of judges will ask pointed questions to each of the contestants, and the audience will have a chance to ask questions, too.

The session will conclude with a winner. Join this session to learn about new technologies hitting the market, as well as to have some fun!
In this “Shark Tank”-style session, retail tech startup founders compete to win the approval of the Women in Retail Leadership Days audience as well as a panel of expert judges. Contestants will pitch their technology service or solution to the audience and a panel of expert judges (tech leaders in their own rights). | more
Speakers
- Annette Dunleavy Vice President Performance Marketing QVC & HSN
- Erica Geil Vice President, Global Engineering Operations Groupon
- Vanathy Lakshmi Vice President, Digital Product Sally Beauty Supply
- Deborah Weinswig CEO and Founder Coresight Research
- Rucha Nanavati Group Vice President, Information Technology Albertsons Companies
- Gina Ashe CEO ThirdChannel
- Nadia Masri Founder and CEO Persky
- Camilla Olson CEO Savitude
Sponsor

12:00 pm 1:00 pm
Networking Peer Groups by Technology Pain Point
In this session, join a targeted group of peers to discuss any or all of the similar technology pain points you may be experiencing at your companies right now. Ask questions, offer advice and share new ideas! Topics include the following:
- Integrating New Technology Systems With Existing Technology Systems
- Competing With Amazon
- BOPIS, Shipping, Order Fulfillment and Supply Chain Challenges
- Personalization Trends and Best Practices
- Customer Acquisition and Retention Strategies