Retail Innovation, Strategy and Excellence (RISE):

Executive Leadership ProgramApril 8 -13, 2018

Build your executive leadership and analytical skills to drive innovation and excellence within your retail business.

Retail Innovation. Many disruptive forces are transforming the retail sector. Innovation is thekey to success.

Retail Strategy. New business models are creating greater value for customers and reducing friction in the marketplace. Retailers need to rethink their strategies for the future.

Retail Excellence. Operational excellence is a must in today’s hyper-competitive and fast-changing retail environment. Retailers who smartly use data can reduce ineffi ciencies and at the same time be more responsive to customers.

To rise above the rest, retailers need to address all of these areas. It starts with an investment in the leadership skills of current and future executives who will play a vital role in this transformation.

RISE above the rest

One of the benefi ts of the program was the breadth and depth of topics covered including retail innovation, strategy and marketing with a special emphasis on our own personal leadership capacity and results.Barb ChappleManager, Quality Services, LCBO

Emerging business models, new technologies and innovations present opportunities and challenges for today’s retailers. Technology, intense competition and changing customer demographics and preferences defi ne today’s retail landscape. To prosper in this environment, retailers need to become more customer-centric, build collaboration across organizational silos, and develop a culture of innovation and agility. All of this means change. Change does not happen without leadership. The Executive Leadership Program, RISE, will develop the leadership skills of participants and equip them with skills and tools that can be used to make their companies more innovative and competitive.

You will be exposed to current ideas by thought leaders and subject matter experts. Through a combination of personalized coaching, case studies, group exercises, simulations and discussions, you will not only hone your own leadership and analytical skills, but you will also identify innovation opportunities and develop an action plan for your company.

RISE Program Overview

Who Will Benefi tParticipants should have signifi cant responsibilities within their organizations, typically with 10 or more years of retail experience. Appropriate participants include executive and senior leadership. Job titles may include C-level executive, vice president and director.

Participants will leave the week-long intensive program with enhanced knowledge, attitude and skills in a range of areas. The program has several key learning outcomes. Participants will:

• deepen understanding of the disruptive forces impacting the retail sector• gain new perspectives into retail business models and innovation• demonstrate use of data analytics to improve retail operations and business performance• analyze strategic and operational retail challenges and formulate appropriate solutions• develop greater personal awareness of leadership and decision-making style, and improve ability to work in and lead teams• be able to identify and lead innovation and improvement opportunities

Participants will develop a personal action plan and a company action plan focused on an innovation opportunity.

RISE Program Benefi ts

The Sobey RISE Program primed everyone who attended from our organization not to be afraid to innovate. We realized innovation is stressful, but essential and the program structure allowed everyone to think innovatively and consider what happens if you aren’t. No one wants to be THAT company!Zlatan FazlagicChief Marketing Offi cer, Hillberg & Berk

RISE Program Topics Sunday (p.m.)Strategic Thinking in a Changing Retail Landscape

Monday (a.m.)Retail Innovation

Monday (p.m.) and TuesdayEffective Leadership in a Retail Environment

WednesdayDigital, Omnichannel and Customer Experience

ThursdayRetail Analytics and Operational Excellence

FridayIntegrative Exercise and Plan of Action

Our Approach The program leverages action-based learning in a highly dynamic and interactive teaching environment. In addition to using case studies, you will engage in role-playing, simulations, group and industry panel discussions, projects, and mini-lectures. Evenings will include guest speakers, team activities and entertainment.

Faculty Sobey School of Business faculty, guest faculty and industry experts will lead the sessions.

To apply or for more information:

Contact Client Services atthe David Sobey Centre:

DavidSobeyCentre@smu.ca

(902) 496-8272

DavidSobeyCentre.ca

Rise Above