The Robin Report Annual Forum explores Accelerants, how retail is being re-engineered based on the pandemic. Join us for four provocative, prescient and predictive sessions with retail executives and industry thought leaders.
Accelerating Change
The global pandemic accelerated so many changes that were already in the works. Many shifts that would typically take place in three years evolved within three weeks. If there was a crack pre-pandemic, it cratered over the past seven months. Simultaneously, there have been some positive outcomes from this enforced pause. The Robin Report takes a look at some of the changes that are reframing and resetting the retail industry through the lens of retail experts, and thought leaders. We explore a range of changing strategies about people, profits and the planet.
COMPLETED SESSIONS
People + Purpose
Originally aired December 3, 4:30-5:30 EST
Purpose-driven business practices have become even more embedded in forward-thinking organizations. We explore how social justice, aesthetics and purpose impact all stakeholders and have become a new pillar of the retail industry. Robin Lewis is in conversation with William Lauder to discuss how being a responsible leader can build a business, create customer loyalty and ensure employee growth.
Planet + Responsibility
Originally aired November 19, 12:30-1:30 EST
Sustainable business models have now become table stakes for the retail industry. Coupled with consumer demand and environmental imperatives, mindful resource management, circular commerce and a dedication to sustainability are embedded into the principles and practices of forward-thinking brands. Equally critical is transparency and an ethos of doing good by doing well.
Moderator: Matt Laukaitis, Executive Vice President and Global General Manager of SAP’s Consumer Industries, SAP
Panel: Dr. Jesse Daystar, Chief Sustainability Officer, Cotton Incorporated | Jasmine Glasheen, Next-Gen Trends Analyst | Hanna Hallin, Global Sustainability Manager, Treadler (H&M) | Ann Cantrell, Owner, Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store, Associate Professor, FIT
Profits + Consumer Trends
Originally aired November 11, 12:30-1:30 EST
Consumers will redefine the retail experience, as they accelerate retailers’ response to new behaviors, demands and needs. Robin Lewis is in conversation with Dave Kimbell to deconstruct how Ulta has retooled its business models to manage the trifecta of a global health crisis, economic disruption and civil unrest. They also outline plans for a challenging Holiday season.
Dave Kimbell, President, Ulta | Robin Lewis, CEO, The Robin Report
People + Emerging Experience,
Originally aired October 29, 12:30 – 1:30 EDT
We are entering the third wave of the digital economy that will be more connected and automated. Retail, voice and visual will make us more networked systemically and operationally. What innovations are shaping the future of retail? How will experience matter post-pandemic? And how will it bridge online and off?
Moderator: Robin Lewis, CEO, The Robin Report
Panel: Stacey Shulman, Chief Innovation Officer, Intel | Pauline Brown, Author, Aesthetic Intelligence
PARTICIPANT BIOS

Pauline J. Brown
Pauline Brown is the author of a new business book on “Aesthetic Intelligence,” based on a graduate school course that she taught at Harvard Business School from 2016 through 2017.…

Dr. Jesse Daystar
Dr. Jesse Daystar is the Chief Sustainability Officer and Vice President of Sustainability at Cotton Incorporated. In this role, Daystar oversees and coordinates internal and external sustainability efforts. These efforts…

Jasmine Glasheen
Jasmine Glasheen is a Next-Gen Trends Analyst, retail writer, speaker and thought leader with a focus on generational variances in purchasing behavior. She is a frequent contributor to prominent retail…

Hanna Hallin
Hanna Hallin is Global Sustainability Manager of Treadler (H&M) with over 15 years’ of experience working toward sustainable consumption and production, human rights and collective impact, of which +7 years…

Dave Kimbell
Dave Kimbell was named President in December 2019 after having previously served as Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer and Chief Marketing Officer. Prior to joining Ulta Beauty, he was Chief…

William Lauder
William P. Lauder is a son of Leonard and Evelyn Lauder and a grandson of Estée and Joseph Lauder. Mr. Lauder became Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board of…

Matt Laukaitis
Matt Laukaitis is the Executive Vice President and Global General Manager of SAP’s Consumer Industries organization and is responsible for the team’s people and business strategies, solutions portfolio, partner ecosystem,…

Stacey H. Shulman, VP Internet of Things Group, Intel
Stacey H. Shulman is a vice president in the Internet of Things Group (IOTG) and serves as the GM of Health, Life Sciences and Emerging Technologies at Intel Corporation. She…
Stacey H. Shulman, VP Internet of Things Group, IntelFind Out More

Ann Cantrell
Ann Cantrell is both an entrepreneur and an academic, owning an urban general store in Brooklyn, NY and also teaching full time as associate professor in the Fashion Business Management…