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.
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.
Lauren Steinberg, Chief Digital Officer at Loblaw Companies Limited, shares how Canada’s largest retailer transformed from an in-store-only business into a multi-billion-dollar digital powerhouse. She reveals how building a “startup within the enterprise” enabled agility and innovation at scale, the role of personalization and AI in reshaping online grocery, and why true customer loyalty goes far beyond points. Lauren also reflects on leadership lessons from her 13-year journey and how Loblaw is connecting food, health, and technology to better serve millions of Canadians.
Lauren will be speaking at Groceryshop this September in Vegas. Click here to join us!
While in Singapore for NRF APAC 2025, Paula Macaggi sits down with Josh Friedman, SVP of Digital & E-commerce at Ulta Beauty, to explore how the iconic beauty retailer is blending personalization, AI, and omnichannel innovation to shape the future of shopping. From the Shop My Store feature and 45 million–strong loyalty program to a thriving online community and an upcoming curated marketplace, Josh shares how Ulta is creating seamless, relevant, and inspiring experiences that connect customers online and in-store.
Subcribe to our newsletter: https://offbounds.substack.com
In this special episode recorded live at NRF APAC 2025 in Singapore, Paula Macaggi sits down with Panchalee Weeratammawat, Chief People Officer at Central Retail Group, and Mia Anderson, GM of Retail and Channels at 2degrees, to explore how investing in employee happiness leads to stronger customer experiences and business growth. From transforming HR into a strategic powerhouse to turning around employee NPS from -19 to +72, this candid conversation reveals the fundamental strategies behind building a people-first culture in retail.
In this episode recorded in Singapore for NRF APAC 2025, Paula Macaggi sits down with Ian Burl, Chief Retail Officer at Mecca Brands, Australia's leading prestige beauty retailer. Ian shares how Mecca has built a cult-like following by designing every part of the customer journey around how people feel.
From spending every Friday on the store floor to investing 4% of revenue into team education and empathy training, Ian reveals how Mecca scales human connection across 110+ stores. Together, they explore why emotional intelligence (EQ) is becoming more valuable than IQ, how it drives loyalty, and why, in an AI-driven world, human connection will become the ultimate luxury.
In this episode, Shaoming Yang, VP of DingDong Fresh, shares how the company is transforming grocery retail in China through a deeply integrated, AI-powered model. From operating over 1,000 dark stores to delivering live seafood in under 30 minutes, DingDong combines precision forecasting, supply chain innovation, and customer personalization to create one of the most efficient grocery ecosystems in the world. Shaoming breaks down how AI drives everything — from replenishment and logistics to customer service — and why DingDong’s “one inch wide, one kilometer deep” approach is enabling not just fast delivery, but true sustainability and global scalability.
India is one of the fastest-growing retail markets in the world, and at the center of its fashion and lifestyle revolution is Myntra, one of the country’s largest e-commerce platforms. In this episode, Paula Macaggi sits down with Nandita Sinha, CEO of Myntra, to explore how the company is digitizing a still largely offline market, shaping Gen Z shopping behavior, and powering the rise of trend-driven retail through AI, personalization, social commerce, and even 30-minute fashion delivery. From brand partnerships to creator tools, this is a masterclass in building the future of fashion in a soon-to-be digital-first India.
Retail in APAC Series with NRF APAC 2025: Korea
Retail in South Korea doesn’t look like retail anywhere else. With over half of all shopping happening online, the line between digital and physical has completely disappeared. At the center of it all is Lotte Retail, a household name that’s now rethinking everything it does. In this episode, Group CEO Sam Kim shares what it really takes to lead transformation at this scale. From AI-powered experiences to ecosystem thinking, he opens up about the challenges, the mindset shifts, and the deep focus on customer experience that are driving Lotte’s next chapter, in a country that’s already living in retail’s future.
In this special episode recorded live at NRF APAC 2025 in Singapore, Paula Macaggi kicks off a six-part series exploring the boldest innovations and biggest challenges shaping retail across Asia-Pacific. From Indonesia’s 22,000-store convenience giant to India’s booming quick commerce scene and Korea’s "no-line" retail revolution, this episode is packed with insights on AI, customer experience, logistics, and emotional intelligence from some of the region’s most visionary leaders.
Welcome to the first chapter of OFFBounds' Retail in APAC Series.
In this episode, Paula Macaggi sits down with Dusan Vujovic, Head of North America at Tony’s Chocolonely, to explore how the Dutch-born chocolate brand is rewriting the rules of ethical business in the U.S. retail landscape. From turning a mission into a movement to breaking into a competitive $4B market, Dusan shares how Tony’s combines bold storytelling, radical transparency, and uncompromising taste to win shelf space and consumer trust — all while pushing the industry toward a more just and sustainable future.
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Sponsored by VTEX
In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Laudato, COO of The Vitamin Shoppe, a leading U.S. health and wellness retailer with 650+ stores, to explore how great IT teams are built, why innovation starts with operational excellence, and how AI is transforming retail. From vibe coding and RPA to inclusivity and composable commerce, Andrew shares why tech leaders must speak the language of business and why the best strategy isn’t about AI—it’s about using AI to better serve the customer.
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Sponsored by VTEX
In this episode of OFFBounds, I sit down with Tarek Müller, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of About You, to unpack how he built one of Europe’s most innovative fashion-tech companies from the ground up. From early bets on mobile and influencer marketing to launching a hybrid model that combines retail and enterprise software, Tarek shares the strategies behind About You’s $2B success, the tech powering 200+ online stores, their approach to AI and personalization, and why the upcoming merger with Zalando could reshape the future of online fashion in Europe.
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Sponsored by VTEX
In this special episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi invites you to Singapore for NRF APAC 2025, the region’s biggest retail event, to explore why Asia-Pacific is the most powerful engine of global retail growth. With 60% of the world’s population and 3.49 billion people expected to join the middle class by 2030, APAC is transforming how the world shops.
Paula is joined by Ryf Quail, Managing Director of Comexposium, and David Mann, Chief Economist APAC at Mastercard, to unpack the region’s complexity, economic resilience, and the retail innovation emerging from markets like Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and India. From geopolitical shifts to the rise of cross-border marketplaces, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand where retail is headed next.
Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn so you don't miss our coverage of NRF APAC 2025!
In this episode, Paula sits down with Mike Dupuis, Chief Digital Officer at Catalyst Brands (Aéropostale, Nautica, Lucky Brand, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, and JCPenney), to explore the art of digital transformation at scale. We discuss the evolution from 2 brands to 1,700+ stores, the challenge of building unified tech and data platforms, and the critical balance between building and farming brand equity. Mike also shares his insights on AI in retail, from early adoption to automation, and why mastering data will define the winners of the next retail wave. Whether you’re leading a legacy brand or scaling a startup, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of commerce.
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Sponsored by VTEX
Join me as I sit down with Paul Porter, Global Chief Experience Officer at Hamleys, the world’s oldest and most iconic toy retailer, for a deep dive into the art of creating unforgettable in-store experiences. In this episode, we discuss how Hamleys has captivated generations of shoppers for 265 years, the magic behind its seven floors on London’s Regent Street, and the power of play in a digital world. Learn how Hamleys scales joy across 200 stores in 17 markets, why emotion and storytelling still beat one-click convenience, and what the future of experiential retail looks like. If you’re passionate about customer experience and retail innovation, this one’s for you.
🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES
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Sponsored by VTEX
Shoptalk Europe - https://shoptalkeurope.com
OFFBounds listeners can get a discount using the codes below:
🎟️ Retailers and Brands, use code RBOFFBO20
🎟️ General Attendees, use code GAOFFBO20AD:
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In this special BONUS episode of the OFFBounds podcast, host Paula Macaggi had a coffee chat with Ben Miller, VP of Original Content & Strategy at Shoptalk & Groceryshop, for a rapid-fire chat about the upcoming Shoptalk Europe 2025 in Barcelona. They discuss what makes this event the go-to destination for retail leaders, the biggest trends shaping the industry, and what attendees can expect as Shoptalk Europe brings together the brightest minds in commerce for game-changing conversations.
Whether you’re a retail executive, tech innovator, or just passionate about the future of shopping, this episode offers a sneak peek into the ideas and innovations that will define the next era of retail.
You can secure your tickets here:
🎟️ Retailers and Brands, code RBOFFBO20 or https://lnkd.in/gC_uXBND
🎟️ General Attendees, code GAOFFBO20 or https://lnkd.in/gn8KK8g5
In this special episode recorded in London, bestselling author and retail leader Ron Thurston joins Paula Macaggi to launch his new book Human Pride—a bold call to embrace what makes us human in an age dominated by AI. They discuss how frontline retail, purpose-driven leadership, and personal pride are the real future-proofing tools in a changing job market. From multigenerational teams to algorithmic interviews, this episode is a masterclass in leading with heart and thriving in the digital era.
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Sponsored by VTEX
VTEX: https://vtex.com
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Step inside the yellow-bag world of Selfridges as host Paula Macaggi sits down with CTO Ross Beaumont to reveal how a 1906 department store stays at the cutting edge of luxury retail: from “Selfridges Unlocked” keys that trade spend for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, to ReSelfridges buy-back tech fuelling a circular economy, to AI that augments—never replaces—the human touch that turns shoppers into “Very Selfridges People.”
Ross lifts the curtain on juggling million-square-foot store ops with next-day delivery, building product-led teams that fail fast but protect customer data, and he explains why he believes Selfridges is less a shop than a cultural destination. Tune in for candid leadership lessons, backstage innovation stories, and proof that confetti cannons, skateboard parks, and Rihanna collabs coexist with rock-solid engineering.
VTEX: https://vtex.com
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In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Haselhurst, Chief Operating Officer at Currys, to unpack what it really takes to lead transformation at scale in one of the UK’s largest retailers. From navigating Brexit and pandemic-era supply chain chaos to pioneering innovation in re-commerce, 3D printing, and customer-centric operations, Lindsay shares a masterclass in operational excellence and people-first leadership. We dive into how Currys is building a culture of high performance and continuous improvement, why Right First Time is more than just a KPI, and how profit and purpose can (and must) go hand in hand. If you love a good leadership lesson, this episode is unmissable.
Lindsay will be speaking at Shoptalk Europe, our partner for this Europe's Retail Evolution series, and you can get discounted tickets on the links below:
🎟️ Retailers and Brands, code RBOFFBO20
🎟️ General Attendees, code GAOFFBO20
VTEX: https://vtex.com
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What does it take to digitally transform a £13B retail giant across eight countries and nearly 2,000 stores? In this episode, I sit down with Christopher Blatchford, Global CTO of Kingfisher PLC — the company behind B&Q, Screwfix, Castorama, and more — to unpack the tech strategy powering one of Europe’s biggest home improvement groups. We dive into why modularity (not just microservices) is the real key to agility, how to scale innovation across diverse banners, and what “do it for me” means for the future of DIY. Chris also shares a powerful take on the business case for DEI, and why backing down on it is simply weak.
✨ Thanks to VTEX for powering this episode — VTEX is the enterprise platform trusted by bold CIOs and CEOs to slash TCO by 50% and scale fast. Trusted by global leaders such as Carrefour, Walmart, and Cencosud, VTEX is the go-to choice for bold CIOs and CEOs who demand excellence. Discover how VTEX can elevate your business today—visit VTEX.com
VTEX: https://vtex.com
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What does it really take to build innovation that scales inside a legacy business? In this episode, Benjamin Thompson, Head of Global Insights & Strategic Partnerships at Endeavour Group, shares how one of Australia’s largest drinks and hospitality companies stays ahead by blending strategic foresight with cultural transformation. From global tech scouting to the real reasons digital transformation fails, Benjamin unpacks the mindset shifts, leadership dynamics, and operational models that separate innovation theater from meaningful impact. If you're leading change in a complex organization, this conversation is your blueprint.
✨ Thanks to VTEX for powering this episode — VTEX is the enterprise platform trusted by bold CIOs and CEOs to slash TCO by 50% and scale fast. Trusted by global leaders such as Carrefour, Walmart, and Cencosud, VTEX is the go-to choice for bold CIOs and CEOs who demand excellence. Discover how VTEX can elevate your business today—visit VTEX.com
00:00 Introduction to VTEX
01:30 Understanding Endeavour Group's Unique Market Position
04:10 The Role of Global Insights and Strategic Partnerships
08:30 Innovative Problem Solving in Retail
12:13 The Journey of Digital Transformation
16:30 Navigating the Future of Technology in Retail
19:57 The Reality of AI and Emerging Technologies
23:30 Leadership in Digital Transformation
26:03 Choosing the Right Technology Partners
29:53 Advice for Fostering Continuous Innovation
