The Retail Strategy Visionary
USA
Innovator, entrepreneur, experiential designer and retail expert guiding companies through changing consumer trends and the future of retail.
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Imagine your organization as a retail store, a bustling marketplace of ideas and opportunities. Melissa Gonzalez, a renowned motivational speaker, possesses the expertise to transform your “store” into a captivating brand experience that resonates with customers. Her keynotes provide invaluable insights into creating immersive, bespoke brand experiences, converting casual observers into devoted clients.
When you book Melissa Gonzalez for your event, you’re harnessing the brilliance of an industry luminary. Melissa’s remarkable achievements speak volumes: from being honored with the CLIO Image Award for her exceptional work in experiential engagement to her recognition as one of Design: Retail’s “40 under 40.” Her expertise transcends the ordinary, making her the ideal choice for organizations seeking to make their mark.
Melissa’s speeches offer a unique blend of entrepreneurial prowess and creative strategy, honed during her tenure as a Wall Street Executive. She doesn’t just talk the talk; she’s walked the walk, advising high-level entrepreneurs on how to lead with innovation and grow their businesses successfully.
The retail industry landscape, much like an ever-shifting marketplace, demands adaptability and vision. Melissa brings that vision to life with her dynamic, interactive keynotes. Through her visionary approach, she empowers businesses to tell their most compelling stories and elevate their brands.
Your organization’s journey toward brand transformation and immersive storytelling begins with Keynote Speaker Melissa Gonzalez. When you book her for your event, you’re embarking on a transformative experience that will leave your audience enlightened and energized. Elevate your organization today.
See keynotes with Melissa GonzalezLearn how an omni-experience approach to brick-and-mortar retail help brands unlock “super consumers” by bridging their online business to the physical world.
Via a dive into best-in-class examples of multi-channel retailers strategically meshing e-commerce and brick-and-mortar retail, your audience will learn:
With technology advancing and reshaping at today’s consumers’ at a speed of light pace, Melissa will dive you into forward thinking trends impacting the future of retail. Customers want brands and retailers to know them better than they know themselves regardless of how quickly they are evolving. Hear how you can leverage key trends to answer how people will shop in the coming years.
From a trading desk to leading the industry’s shift to pop-up retail, learn how a former Wall Street executive leveraged her skill set in business and finance to pursue a more creative endeavor. Through twists and turns hear how her experiences along the way constantly informed her decisions and path to success.
Why “failing” along the way is sometimes the most critical path to success
Technology is ever changing and your business should change with it. In this informative talk, Melissa will share how your business can evolve along with the future of your organization’s market.
You will learn:
"I have been researching, reporting on and creating content for the retail industry for more than 12 years and have interacted with my fair share of experts and thought leaders. The ones that provide the most value for our executive community are the ones that provide thought-provoking opinions, pointed advice and real-life examples that allow them to fully comprehend trends and how they impact their business. Melissa consistently checks all of these boxes--and more! She is a top voice on the future of retail and specifically, the power of digital-physical synergy in store environments. She has contributed to dialogue on a multitude of topics, from digitally native brands venturing to brick-and-mortar, to what retailers can learn from experiential spaces and activations. She also has participated in numerous of our content opportunities, including webinars, virtual events, podcasts, videos and in-person events, and is always a hit with our audience. Not to mention, she is a transparent and friendly collaborator and always leads with positive intentions. I would recommend her to any content creator or curator looking to empower the retail community!"
VP of Content - Alicia Esposito
"With her background working with brands across various sectors and her love of storytelling, Melissa Gonzalez brings deep retail expertise and a unique perspective to her speaking engagements — both on stage and on-screen. Drawing from her wealth of retail knowledge from working with some of the industry’s most innovative brands, Melissa shares actionable takeaways that inspire, educate and reinvigorate audience members to level up their retail games. Her warm personality and candid approach make her both an ideal panelist and solo presenter, allowing her to engage and connect quickly with fellow attendees. Her presentations draw audiences in through an immersive narrative and are easy to digest while being packed with valuable intel. She is easily the “go-to” retail expert every conference/event organizer should have on their shortlist."
Editorial Director - Jessie Dowd
Recently we have had the pleasure of having a conversation with our exclusive speaker Melissa Gonzalez, here are some nuggets that she shared with us.
Why do clients typically hire you to speak?
Thought leadership in retail, especially in the physical world. There is a titanic shift happening in the way in which consumers interact with brands and retailers and I sit at the intersection of how that shift is changing brick-and-mortar retail. We help brands and retailers rethink what’s possible, how to reposition the purpose of physical real estate assets.
What are your 3 habits for success? How do you implement these habits into your everyday or weekly routine?
I make lists, prioritize and focus. We are constantly pulled in so many directions that it’s hard to keep track without lists. I am also sure to prioritize the items on my list, and then I carve out blocks of time on my calendar to ensure I allocate the space in my day to dedicate focus to key deliverables. I also interweave open windows of 30 min blocks to allow for space for things like lunch or spontaneous calls or conversations.
What keeps you inspired?
On a daily basis my daughter’s fluid creativity keeps me inspired. In retail, I carve out time to read design magazines, blogs and visit stores weekly. I love seeing what’s happening in the world on an international level and across sectors and industries. We can learn a lot from the hospitality world when it comes to retail for example; as with the entertainment world and retail.
What is the most unique experience you’ve had as a result of your job?
A couple of years ago I was invited to the White House to ideate around how initiatives can be implemented to help small businesses and entrepreneurs in this country. It was two power packed days of meetings with senior executives in business and government with individuals like Shari Redstone, Kal Penn, Senator McCain, founders of Dannijo and others. It was a unique opportunity to sit with leaders, innovators and decision makers to help affect change on a national level.
What are your tips to individuals who are struggling with creativity?
Leave your desk and go for a walk. Allow yourself to engage in real life, in your 3D world, and allow it to inspire you. There are a lot of great online tools like Instagram and Pinterest to provide inspiration but daily interactions, nature and life can be the best way to fuel creativity.
If you were to start your own retail business, what would it be and what would be the 5 key components that you believe would be fundamental for that business’s success?
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