The Beauty of Innovation with Ophelia Ceradini, former VP, Digital Technology & Innovation Group at Estée Lauder

Joining us for our final episode recorded live at last month's Lead Innovation Summit is Ophelia Ceradini, recently departed VP, Digital Technology & Innovation Group at Estée Lauder Companies Online. In a wide-ranging interview we go inside Estee Lauder's innovation process, digging into what inputs drive their strategic agenda, the role of employing a "test and learn" framework, and how to build a culture of experimentation. We also touch on the emerging world of "hyper-personalization."As usual we kick-off with the week in retail news. In the earnings battle between two of the world's biggest retailers, Walmart is the clear victor delivering solid sales growth and raising their guidance, while Target reports its first down quarter in six years. The home improvement sector struggles continues with Home Depot lackluster results, while the flight to value is clear as TJX and Ross Stores grab market share. We then move to the blockbuster merger between Tapestry and Capri Holdings, before wrapping up with worries about the commercial real estate market (and WeWork in particular) and the big pullback in online grocery shopping.Our interview with Judith McKenna, formerly President of Walmart InternationalOur interview with Nancy King, SVP Product at Target About OpheliaOphelia Ceradini is the former Vice President of Digital Technology and Innovation at The Estée Lauder Companies. In this role, Ophelia oversaw Digital Innovation for the company’s portfolio of over 25 prestige beauty brands, where she lead consumer experience-driven innovation for Mobile, In-Store Digital and other Multi-Channel Platforms.Over the last 15 years, Ophelia held various strategic digital and creative roles across The Estée Lauder Companies. In her previous role as the Executive Director of Production for the company’s Online division, Ophelia led the expansion of the company’s e-commerce footprint, contributing to the company’s position today as the number one e-commerce player in prestige beauty both globally and in the U.S. In addition, Ophelia launched The Estée Lauder Companies’ first mobile platform, which established the cornerstone of the company’s mobile-first strategy.Ophelia loves the outdoors, embracing a healthy and active lifestyle that includes participating in triathlons, biking, swimming and running. She’s an aspiring ceramic artist and loves spending time with her family. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor, keynote speaker, and bestselling author of focused on growth, innovation, and the impact of digital disruption. He is widely considered one of the foremost and influential voices in the retail industry. You can learn more about Steve on his  website.  His #1 bestselling book Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption is available at  Amazon or just about anywhere else books are sold. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior contributor and on Twitter and