Speaking
Andy’s presentations are designed to inspire, educate and provide actionable insights for leaders. They draw on his operational experience with engaging stories that bring these insights to life.
RECENT SPEAKING TOPICS
Staying Relevant: Embracing Tech to Lead in Retail
Over the past two decades, technology, particularly eCommerce, has transformed how consumers shop, increasing competition and challenging brand relevance. Online platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Temu have democratized access to products, intensifying competition and eroding brand loyalty. Brands now face rising customer acquisition costs and have added omnichannel capabilities, yet the core retail model has struggled to keep pace with evolving consumer needs and expectations.
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As technology continues to evolve with AI, Web 3, and immersive experiences like Apple’s AR headset, brands and retailers face existential questions about their relevance. Those that fail to adapt may cease to exist, while those that evolve will strengthen their identity and focus on customer-centric experiences. In a world where nobody can learn fast enough, building a culture that continuously pushes boundaries is essential.
Drawing on his experience leading global strategy, eCommerce, and omnichannel for Walmart, and founding venture-funded retail businesses, Andy offers insider perspectives on the macro forces reshaping retail and how brands can thrive in this new landscape. This talk goes beyond the technological changes, delving into how to build a culture of innovation and continuous learning to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.
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Foster curiosity about the future and inspire broader thinking.
Develop mechanisms to keep innovative team members involved.
Treat strategy as a dynamic target rather than a static annual planning process.
Embrace iterative experimentation over one-off initiatives.
Establish acquisition and investment strategies to stay connected to the startup ecosystem.
Build a culture and frameworks that promote continuous learning and new thinking.
Strategic Advantage Through Circular Economy: Integrating New Capabilities with Your Current Business
Younger generations are driving a movement towards thrifting, attracted by access to aspirational brands, the thrill of the hunt, and the unique backstories of their discoveries. Circular models address these trends by reimagining the lifecycle of brand items, creating new revenue streams, and deepening customer relationships.
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With 150 brands now embracing circularity through their stores and online platforms, and the sector projected to reach $350 billion by 2030, leading brands are taking the opportunity to outpace their peers. This shift is essential not just for adapting to market changes but for safeguarding brand equity, combating counterfeits, and navigating supply chain challenges amidst global uncertainties and environmental regulations.
The real challenge lies in integrating these models to existing business structures while balancing financial and operational demands.
Drawing on firsthand experience in pioneering branded resale–I have designed, launched and operated programs with leading brands such as Patagonia, lululemon, Gucci, Canada Goose, and Levi’s- I offer unique, actionable insights to help executives navigate this complex and evolving landscape.
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Conceptualize the breadth of circular models and their application to your business.
Understand essential elements to prepare for the shift in customer expectations.
Identify high ROI strategies to build critical capabilities in the circular economy.
Learn from current brand circular programs to replicate their successes and avoid common pitfalls.
Integrate circular models to existing business structures effectively.
Harnessing Sustainability: A Strategic Advantage for Forward-Thinking Leaders
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, new legislative mandates on emissions disclosure and carbon accountability, coupled with the rise of environmentally conscious generations, are compelling corporations to rethink their sustainability strategies. Executives today have a unique opportunity to make sustainability a strategic advantage while complying with upcoming regulations.
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Having envisioned and led Walmart’s groundbreaking sustainability efforts in the mid-2000s, I provide actionable insights that can drive significant competitive advantages including cost savings, new business opportunities, and attracting and retaining top talent.
For any organization looking to leverage this moment, these insights offer valuable guidance on framing, organizational structure, incentives and culture, and integration with existing business priorities and metrics important for any executive or leadership group.
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Identify where your business can lead versus participate.
Integrate sustainability strategies in existing business workstreams to accomplish more.
Foster a sense of ownership within your organization.
Attract and retain top talent though more explicit purpose.
Navigate legislative mandates to inform your strategy.
“When I need an executive to see the future of retail, I always call Andy because his strategic vision and years as a senior retail executive always provide focused, relevant and actionable insights.”
Speaking Highlights
Circularity Keynote, Denver, 2025
Goodwill Annual Meeting of Execs, Augusta, 2025
Groundbreakers, London, 2024
Reverse Logistics Association, Atlanta, 2024
McKinsey Green Business, San Francisco, 2024
Greenbiz, Scottsdale, 2024
Global Fashion Agenda, Boston, 2023
COP28, Dubai, 2023
World Retail Congress, Barcelona, 2023
Global Retailing Ideas Summit, San Francisco, 2023
TenWest Festival, Tucson, 2023
Circularity, Seattle, 2023
ShopTalk, New York, 2022
NRF Big Show, New York, 2019
Collision / Web Summit, New Orleans, 2017
Aspen First Movers Summit, Aspen, 2015
TED2010, Long Beach, 2010
Case Western Weatherhead Commencement Speaker, Cleveland, 2008
“Andy has spoken on our stage and in the studio on multiple occasions and multiple topics. The depth of his knowledge is only matched by his enthusiasm for them. When I need a strong voice on sustainability, entrepreneurship or business in general, my first thought is ‘Andy’! ”