Chameleon Collective

I had a fantastic time speaking with Georgia Institute of Technology Female Founders last week about how successful Founders listen first, and build later. The common thread to our conversation was how to leverage customer discovery to create a product idea that solves real problems, not imaginary ones. Every Founder I meet is passionate about solving problems and filling much needed gaps, but too many get sidetracked by common traps: 1. Your ideal customer may not be who you think it is. Prove it.  2. You do not need to appeal to everyone at this stage - find your tribe.  3. If you aren't solving real, urgent customer problems, your product won't survive - no matter how innovative it is.  4. Customers don’t buy features - they buy outcomes. Working for two incredibly customer obsessed organizations - SoulCycle Inc. and Compass - taught me how powerful seeking customer input and insight is. Not just for idea generation, but consistently and across most decision making. Thank you to Melissa Heffner for inviting me to connect with these incredible women and play even the smallest part in their success! 

Happy Fri-Yay folks! Mia Papanicolaou and I are at the incredible Crawford Technologies Industry Summit, and one theme keeps rising to the top: paperless. As organizations look to cut costs, print and mail often land on the chopping block—but digital adoption remains a challenge. In our quick conference recap, we dive into why going paperless isn’t a one-and-done checklist—it’s a strategic, evolving journey. Watch this episode of Coffee, Chats & Communications and join the conversation: What’s working (or not) in your move to digital? #paperless #digitaladoption #customercommunications #digitalcommunications #CCM #CXM

It is so exciting to see the new Suave Brands Company men's Matte Pomade featured in Men's Health as one of the the best April releases in men's grooming. Thank you Sean Zucker! Hearst Magazines https://lnkd.in/eu6yN53N

🚀 ShopTalk Recap: The Future of Commerce is Here Shoptalk 2025 did not disappoint! With an amazing lineup of speakers, engaging panels, and an impressive exhibitor floor, this year’s event was packed with insights on the future of commerce, AI, and brand storytelling. Here are my takeaways: 🤖 AI is Now Reality AI is no longer just a buzzword—it’s revolutionizing commerce! Arcade.ai, founded by Mariam Naficy, is an AI-powered marketplace that helps users find perfect accessory matches for their outfits. With exciting collaborations like Bitossi Italian, AI-driven commerce is here to stay. 📉 The Decline of Paid Ads Brands are moving away from traditional paid acquisition (Google Ads, anyone?). Instead, user-generated content (UGC) and authentic brand storytelling are taking center stage. Leaders like Richard Dickson (GAP) and Matt Baer (Stitch Fix) highlighted how personalization and organic brand building create stronger consumer connections. Even Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary shared insights on using TV for brand building. 📢 Brand Storytelling is the Future Top CMOs from True Religion, Taco Bell, and LAWLESS Beauty discussed how strategic influencer partnerships and omnichannel diversity are key to staying relevant. Kristen D’Arcy (True Religion) highlighted influencer marketing, while Taylor Montgomery (Taco Bell) emphasized inclusive brand messaging. 💡 Purpose-Driven Leadership Matters I had the honor of moderating a panel on leadership with Anu Gupta (Signet Jewelers), Alex Faherty (Faherty Brand), and Mary van Praag (Milani Cosmetics). Their stories reinforced that putting people first—both employees and consumers—leads to long-term success. 🌟 Thanks Marielle Bobo and HG O'Connell for the opportunity as always! 🔒 Fraud Prevention & Smooth Shopping Glossier’s partnership with Forter is tackling eCommerce fraud, ensuring hassle-free shopping. Shopify’s Madeline Michelson moderated a fantastic panel with Kaitlyn Johns (Glossier), diving into seamless consumer experiences and fraud prevention. 💎 Women in Retail: A Hidden Gem The Women in Retail Lounge was an inspiring space for fearless female leaders. Sarah Crockett (DSW) and Heather Bennett (Michaels) shared insights on mentorship, imposter syndrome, and customer-driven strategies. Their candid discussions showed that vulnerability and authenticity are powerful leadership tools. 👏 🔥 Final Thoughts Shoptalk 2025 was a masterclass in retail innovation. AI, brand storytelling, and people-first leadership are shaping the future. Brands embracing these shifts will thrive in the evolving commerce landscape. Until next year, Shoptalk! ✨

Reflections from Shoptalk 2025: Winning with Consumers, Culture & Content Just wrapped up an incredible few days at Shoptalk, where the best minds in retail and e-commerce came together to talk about the future of our industry. Here are some key takeaways that stood out: 🔥 Winning with Consumers – According to SharkNinja’s CEO, success starts with great products and constant iteration based on consumer feedback. The best brands don’t wait for a crisis to pivot—they spot challenges early and react quickly, whether it’s shifting strategies due to tariffs or changing consumer behaviors. 🎯 Culture is the New Marketing – Sephora highlighted how brand culture is becoming a major driver of marketing. In a world where differentiation is tough, the brands that build strong emotional connections with their customers will win. 🎨 Creative is the New Targeting – Meta emphasized that with new privacy regulations, creative strategy is replacing traditional ad targeting. Brands that deeply understand their audience and develop content tailored to them will gain a competitive edge. 📲 UGC & TikTok’s Influence – With 68% of TikTok Shop purchases being impulse buys, brands like Anastasia Beverly Hills are capitalizing on trends with exclusive bundles and viral content. Search campaigns on TikTok are also proving to be a powerful discovery tool. Beyond the sessions, Shoptalk was packed with amazing networking events, brand activations, and some fun after-hours gatherings. Always great to catch up with industry friends and meet new ones! What were your biggest takeaways from Shoptalk this year? Let’s discuss! 🚀 #Shoptalk2025 #Ecommerce #RetailInnovation #MarketingTrends