After more than two decades in the CPG and retail world partnering with some of the biggest brands and retailers to drive category growth, I thought I had seen it all. I’ve spent years in stores, at shelves, and in boardrooms translating data into action plans that drive sales, profitability, and shopper engagement. Joining Lovelytics has opened a new chapter, one where data and AI aren’t just supporting decisions, they’re shaping them.
These first two months have been full of aha moments. I’ve realized that while the fundamentals of business haven’t changed, the tools and approaches have evolved dramatically. Today, brands and retailers can harness data in ways that were once unimaginable, predicting demand, optimizing assortments, improving execution, and personalizing experiences across every touchpoint. At Lovelytics, I’ve seen firsthand how the right data foundation and governance can turn those possibilities into real business outcomes, enabling teams to automate insights, connect decisions, and drive growth with confidence.
Data has always been part of my DNA. I’ve always believed it sits at the foundation of every great strategy and leadership decision. One of my former mentors used to say, “In God we trust; all others bring data.” This line has stuck with me for years because it reminds me that good instincts matter, but you build trust when data and insight back them up.
What’s most exciting to me now is how data and AI are helping us move from information to insight and from insight to action. Data is no longer just about looking back, it’s about looking ahead. AI helps translate complex data into meaningful, timely guidance that enables smarter, faster decisions. And perhaps most importantly, the real differentiator lies in how we empower people to use these tools confidently and consistently.
For me, this journey has been both humbling and energizing. I’ve gone from being the business partner asking for insights to helping design the systems and data products that create them. Every day I’m learning how to bridge the gap between business needs and technical possibility, how to speak both languages, and how to bring others along on that journey.
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned so far, it’s that the future of growth lies in connecting data to decisions, insights to action, and people across functions to unlock the real value of analytics and AI.
I’m grateful for this next chapter and excited for what’s ahead. I look forward to continuing to learn, collaborate, and help brands and retailers not just keep up with change but lead it. And as I continue this journey, I’m excited to share more reflections and lessons along the way.
