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Discover how Sheryl Adkins-Green, a seasoned business executive, turned her diverse career experiences into a leadership and brand strategy masterclass. From her early retail days to her transformative roles at Kraft Foods, Citigroup, and eventually, at Mary Kay, Sheryl shares pivotal career moments and the unique challenges she faced. This episode promises valuable insights into maintaining healthy professional relationships, lessons from various industries, and leveraging one's unique talents and instincts.

Sheryl offers an inside look into the global brand strategy and marketing efforts at Mary Kay, discussing the challenges of maintaining brand consistency while empowering women globally. Drawing inspiration from successful retailers like Anthropologie and Disney, she emphasizes culture's role over strategy and personalization's power in creating memorable customer experiences. Young professionals will find Sheryl's advice on owning one's uniqueness and honing listening skills both practical and inspiring, as she underscores the importance of relationship-building in business success. Join us for a conversation that blends personal anecdotes with professional wisdom, equipping you with strategies to thrive in your career.

About Sheryl:
Recently retired from Mary Kay Inc., Sheryl Adkins-Green served as Chief Experience Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s global strategy and supporting the success of millions of women entrepreneurs. Her leadership was instrumental in delivering a 360-degree integrated customer experience, elevating brand engagement, and driving business growth. With a career spanning over three decades, Sheryl has consistently demonstrated a passion for innovation, leadership development, and strategic transformation.

Sheryl’s journey in business began with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Retailing from the University of Wisconsin, followed by an MBA from Harvard Business School. She quickly ascended into executive leadership, holding key roles at some of the world’s most recognized corporations, including Kraft Foods, Citigroup, Cadbury-Schweppes, and Alberto-Culver. Throughout her career, she built sales, marketing, and strategy development expertise, helping organizations expand their market presence and strengthen consumer connections.

Her impact in the industry has been widely recognized, earning her numerous accolades. She was named a Forbes Top 50 CMO Influencer and received Brand Innovators’ 2021 Top 100 Women in Marketing Award. In 2020, she was honored with the CMO Leadership Award, and in 2019, BLACK ENTERPRISE included her in its Most Powerful Women in Corporate America List.

Beyond her corporate career, Sheryl has remained deeply committed to leadership development and community service. She served on the Board of Trustees at Texas Christian University from 2016 to 2024 and currently holds the position of Vice President on the Dallas Museum of Art Board of Trustees. She is also an active member of the International Women’s Forum and The Executive Leadership Council, organizations dedicated to advancing diversity and leadership excellence. Additionally, she is featured in Valorie Burton’s best-selling book, Successful Women Think Differently.

A lifelong advocate for creativity and entrepreneurship, Sheryl continues to inspire through her passion for art, fashion, beauty, and business. She actively shares insights on leadership, brand strategy, and empowerment, helping individuals and organizations navigate change and succeed. Her legacy of strategic excellence and transformative leadership ensures that her influence will continue to shape industries and inspire future generations

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Discover how a childhood surrounded by intellectual conversations and the influence of a trailblazing mother in finance shaped the charismatic Deborah Weinswig, founder and CEO of Coresight Research. Her aspirations, from being a doctor to discovering accounting and then eventually analytics, coupled with a love for technology, paint a vivid picture of unexpected career pivots. Deborah's story unfolds with personal anecdotes about how playing the violin sharpened her listening skills, critical in her roles as an analyst and strategist, and how the wisdom imparted by her mother guided her through professional challenges.

Mentorship plays a starring role in overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities. Through personal stories and experiences, we explore how guidance from mentors can illuminate paths previously unseen. From competitive tax and audit programs to navigating overwhelming work commitments, listening and seeking advice from mentors has been a constant and invaluable resource. Deborah shares her gratitude for the support received as she ventured into an adjunct role, underscoring the ongoing significance of mentorship in cultivating professional growth and resilience.

Coresight Research is at the forefront of retail transformation, utilizing technology and AI to redefine the industry. This episode highlights how the company assists C-suite executives with strategic insights and innovative solutions, supported by a global team spanning nine countries. Debra and I delve into the challenges and opportunities in retail, from legacy systems to the transformative potential of predictive AI. We also reflect on the tensions between short-term pressures and long-term strategies, inspired by leaders like Mike Ullman, whose patience and people-first approach leaves a lasting legacy in the dynamic world of retail.

Biography:
Deborah Weinswig, CEO and Founder of Coresight Research Inc., leads the Coresight Research team to provide actionable insights and solutions for retailers and brands that accelerate innovation and growth in the fast-changing retail and technology landscape.

Previously, Deborah served as Managing Director of Fung Global Retail and Technology (FGRT), the think tank of Fung Group. Previously, she was Managing Director and Head of the Global Staples & Consumer Discretionary team at Citi Research.

Deborah has been a trusted thought leader at the crossroads of technology, finance, and retail for nearly two decades. As a leading analyst and strategist, Deborah has deep expertise in AI, Metaverse, China, live streaming, retail media, supply chain, commercial real estate, and data monetization. In 2023, Deborah conceptualized and launched the first AI Council for the retail industry.

Deborah is a best-selling author and a board member of several prominent retail and technology companies and several charitable organizations. A member of the prestigious LinkedIn Top Voices program, Deborah is recognized as one of the top retail influencers in the world and has received multiple awards and honors for her industry leadership and impact.

Deborah has been invited to share her insights and Coresight Research data at over 200 events across the world including the Consumer Electronics Show, ShopTalk, World Retail Congress, NRF, ICSC, Money 20/20, Retail Innovation Conference & Expo, Future Stores Summit, NACDS, Total Retail Tech, Groceryshop, Women in Retail, NACS and more.

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Join us for an inspiring journey with Theo Killion, a remarkable leader who transformed his life from a coal mining town in West Virginia to the pinnacle of retail success as a public company CEO. Theo’s story is a testament to resilience and adaptability, shaped by the profound influence of his grandparents and his early challenges at a prestigious New York private school. You'll uncover his rise through the ranks at Macy's, from a trainee to head of human resources, and his bold leap into new opportunities that defined his career. Immerse yourself in Theo’s world of retail wisdom, grounded in humility and the courage to embrace change.

Explore retail excellence and discover the foundational pillars that drive success: the customer experience, employee empowerment, and innovative product development. We reflect on Theo's shift from public school teaching to the retail industry, sharing transformative strategies that prioritize customer satisfaction and inclusivity. Delve into the integration of technology and AI in retail, reshaping supply chains and enhancing data recovery. Our discussion highlights inspiring leaders who've championed customer-centric approaches, showcasing how empathy and collaboration build high-performing teams.

Find inspiration through personal anecdotes and memorable experiences that illustrate quick decision-making and resilience. We celebrate transformative figures like Abraham Lincoln, Sam Walton, and others, drawing parallels between their humble beginnings and today’s retail success stories. Tune in to learn how these narratives shape the evolving landscape of retail, honoring modern-day leaders whose innovative visions have led to remarkable achievements.

Theo Killion's Biography

Theo Killion's career spans nearly five decades in the retail industry having served as a director for both public and private company boards of directors and in a variety of executive leadership roles for some of the most iconic retail brands in North America. Mr. Killion currently serves on the board of directors of Torrid Holdings Inc., a direct-to-consumer apparel and intimates brand, as well as Claire’s Stores, a jewelry and accessories retailer. He also previously served on the boards of directors of Tailored Brands, Inc., Libbey, Inc., Express, Inc. and The Zale Corporation. During his time as a retail executive, Mr. Killion served as Chief Executive Officer for The Zale Corporation and in a variety of other leadership positions for Tommy Hilfiger, Limited Brands, The Home Shopping Network and Macy’s.

Mr. Killion currently serves as a managing partner of the Sierra Institute, a Dallas based human resources consortium. In addition to his retail industry and corporate governance experience, Mr. Killion has deep expertise in all matters relating to human capital, including CEO succession planning, talent identification and leadership development, organizational design and effectiveness, building high-performance teams, and executive compensation and benefits. Mr. Killion is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors. He is a Vice-Chairman of the non-profit A Better Chance program and a member of the Advisory Board of his alma mater, Tufts University.