Artificial intelligence is everywhere, but are companies actually ready to put it to work? Retail technology leader, author and speaker Julie Averill is joining the Women in Retail Leadership Circle: On the Road Seattle event on Nov. 3 to discuss just that.

Drawing on her 30 years in technology leadership, including eight years as CIO of lululemon athletica, Averill will challenge the idea that simply adopting AI, launching pilots or adding “AI” to a job title constitutes transformation. She will explore the gap between AI ambition and execution, why so many enterprise AI initiatives stall, and what leaders need to get right across data, technology, people and processes before AI can deliver meaningful business value.

If this sounds like an impactful session that can help fuel your approach to AI execution, don’t miss your opportunity to be in the room.

And we’ll cover more than AI at our Seattle On the Road event. From decision failures and lessons learned to unexpected career pivots and leadership breakthroughs, a panel featuring some of retail’s most dynamic women executives will offer an honest and relatable look at what it takes to grow and lead in retail today. Speakers will share the influences that shape them — from mentors they’ve learned from to podcasts, books, and everyday rituals — offering a personal window into how they stay inspired and keep evolving as leaders. Panelists include:

  • Angie Callaway, Vice President, Global Stores, Nike
  • Mimi Swain, Chief Marketing Officer and Commercial Growth Leader, Amazon Devices and Services
  • Kim Waldmann, Chief Commercial Officer, REI

The half-day On the Road event in Seattle will also enable attendees to meet other local industry professionals through high-energy, facilitated networking, as well as learn from peers during a collaborative discussion tackling today’s top retail challenges.

If you’ll be in the Seattle area on Nov. 3, we’d love for you to join us! Register to attend here.

P.S.: WIRLC members receive a discounted rate to attend all of our On the Road events! Apply to become a member here.