Patrick and Pauline discuss their experiences at the helms of two legendary retail brands and address the following topics:

• With leadership at luxury brands like LVMH and Estée Lauder, and now your board role at Neiman Marcus, what trends were already unfolding pre-COVID and which ones have accelerated as a result of the pandemic in this past year?
• With almost 120 years as the pharmacy that America trusts, what have you seen change in that trust equation for customers in the last year? What other changes have you seen in buying patterns? How has Boots informed some of the front of house at Walgreens?
• Digital transformation is accelerating across the retail landscape. How can businesses keep up with the trends and not get left behind? How can both aesthetics and associates tighten the customers’ connection to both brands and retailers?
• How do you increase customer satisfaction and loyalty through the smart use of technology? Through the smart use of experience and aesthetics (the other AI) in the physical footprints of retail?
• We’re quickly moving beyond just data. What are the critical privacy/security issues you are managing (general, not specific)? How does AI increasingly impact the in store and online experience, as well as your customization of the experience for customers?
• Do you think some of the shopping trends we have seen due to COVID will stay for good?
• As accomplished leaders, what one piece of advice would you share with the other executives listening as critical for 2021 and beyond?