Screenshot 2024-06-04 at 08.47.09

- 38:32

Academia

or listen on

Training Future Retail Leaders: The Bensadoun School of Retail Management

📍Montreal, Canada

Paula Macaggi had the privilege of interviewing two pivotal figures from the Bensadoun School of Retail Management at McGill University—Charles de Brabant, Executive Director, and Carl Boutet, Senior Advisor and Lecturer. The interview provided deep insights into retail leadership’s evolving landscape and the Bensadoun School’s unique role in shaping future retail leaders. As Paula experienced her first visit to Montreal, she delved into a rich conversation about the necessity of specialized education in retail management and the innovative approaches the school employs to stay ahead in this fast-paced industry.

Charles and Carl emphasized the significance of having a dedicated institution for retail management, noting that traditional business programs often overlook the specific needs of the retail sector. The Bensadoun School was established to fill this gap, offering a curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world applications. They highlighted the school’s unique experiential learning approach, which includes class projects with leading companies like Aldo, Nespresso, and Kushtal, as well as a Retail Innovation Lab where students can test new technologies and products in a live store setting. This hands-on experience is invaluable, preparing students to tackle the complexities of modern retail.

One of the key topics discussed was the balance between data-driven strategies and the human touch in retail. While technology and data analytics play a crucial role in optimizing operations and enhancing customer experiences, both Charles and Carl stressed the importance of maintaining the core elements of retail—engaging with customers, providing excellent service, and offering quality products. They shared inspiring stories of how students have applied their learnings to real-world challenges, emphasizing that successful retail management is not just about crunching numbers but also about understanding and meeting consumer needs.

The interview concluded with valuable advice for aspiring retail professionals. Charles and Carl encouraged students to remain adaptable and open to the ever-changing dynamics of the retail industry. They also underscored the importance of sustainability, not just as a trend but as a fundamental aspect of modern business practices. The Bensadoun School’s comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped to lead with a global perspective, integrating sustainability and innovation into their strategies. Paula’s engaging discussion with Charles and Carl highlighted the pivotal role of education in transforming retail leadership and the bright future that lies ahead for students at the Bensadoun School of Retail Management.

Listen more

Trends

Running Into the Future: How Brands Are Riding the Running Wave

Brands are tapping into the running movement, leveraging the rise of the sport to engage with health-conscious consumers through innovative products, partnerships, and experiences.

Brands are tapping into the running movement, leveraging the rise of the sport to engage with health-conscious consumers through innovative products, partnerships, and experiences.

Trends

Brands are tapping into the running movement, leveraging the rise of the sport to engage with health-conscious consumers through innovative products, partnerships, and experiences.

Running Into the Future: How Brands Are Riding the Running Wave

Brands are tapping into the running movement, leveraging the rise of the sport to engage with health-conscious consumers through innovative products, partnerships, and experiences.

Markets

China’s Luxury Market: Understanding the Real Story Behind the “Slowdown”

Contrary to popular belief, luxury demand by Chinese consumers remains strong. Jacques Roizen helps us understand how the luxury market in China works.

Contrary to popular belief, luxury demand by Chinese consumers remains strong. Jacques Roizen helps us understand how the luxury market in China works.

Markets

Contrary to popular belief, luxury demand by Chinese consumers remains strong. Jacques Roizen helps us understand how the luxury market in China works.

China’s Luxury Market: Understanding the Real Story Behind the “Slowdown”

Contrary to popular belief, luxury demand by Chinese consumers remains strong. Jacques Roizen helps us understand how the luxury market in China works.

Interview

Inside Clarks’ Bold Digital Transformation: A Conversation with CIO Simon Clarke

Clarks’ 200-year-old legacy meets modern innovation as CIO Simon Clarke leads a bold digital transformation in just 18 months.

Clarks’ 200-year-old legacy meets modern innovation as CIO Simon Clarke leads a bold digital transformation in just 18 months.

Interview

Clarks’ 200-year-old legacy meets modern innovation as CIO Simon Clarke leads a bold digital transformation in just 18 months.

Inside Clarks’ Bold Digital Transformation: A Conversation with CIO Simon Clarke

Clarks’ 200-year-old legacy meets modern innovation as CIO Simon Clarke leads a bold digital transformation in just 18 months.

Markets

Inside China’s Commerce: A Conversation with Sharon Gai

Markets

Inside China’s Commerce: A Conversation with Sharon Gai

Interview

Casper’s New Chapter: How CEO Joe Megibow is Leading the Company’s Turnaround

Exclusive interview with Casper's new CEO, Joe Megibow

Exclusive interview with Casper's new CEO, Joe Megibow

Interview

Exclusive interview with Casper's new CEO, Joe Megibow

Casper’s New Chapter: How CEO Joe Megibow is Leading the Company’s Turnaround

Exclusive interview with Casper's new CEO, Joe Megibow

Receive new exclusive episodes


Sign up for our newsletter now!