Retail executives looking to enhance their leadership skills are encouraged to attend RISE – Retail Innovation, Strategy and Excellence, the Retail Executive Leadership program, being hosted by the David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retailing and Services at Saint Mary’s University in beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia. The intensive six-day program runs from May 7 - 12, and includes retail-focused interactive lectures, simulations, a leadership assessment with personalized feedback sessions, case discussions and a group project.

The program is tailored to those in director level and senior executive roles, particularly those at mid-to-large retailers. High-potential managers may also register to participate.

The program will provide participants with a deep understanding of major current and emerging trends. Participants will be exposed to concepts and case studies by subject matter experts. The program provides participants with hands-on learning and the tools to develop necessary competencies to succeed in today’s dynamic retail environment. Last year’s participants reported emerging more confident, skilled and effective retail executives and leaders.

The program leverages action-based learning in a highly dynamic and interactive teaching environment. In addition to using case studies, you will engage in role-playing, simulations, group and industry panel discussions, projects, and mini-lectures. Evenings will include guest speakers, team activities and entertainment.

The David Sobey Centre is quickly developing a reputation as an industry thought leader. In March of this year, the Centre hosted a public talk by David Segal of DAVIDsTEA, and advisory board member Doug Stephens (the Retail Prophet) led faculty and researchers through a guided session mapping the future of retail. The Centre is also in the final stages of developing an exciting Living Lab project – more to come!

Topics include:

Sunday (p.m.): Strategic Thinking in a Changing Retail Landscape

Monday (a.m.): Retail Innovation

Monday (p.m.) and Tuesday: Effective Leadership in a Retail Environment

Wednesday: Digital, Omnichannel and Customer Experience

Thursday: Retail Analytics and Operational Excellence

Friday: Integrative Exercise and Plan of Action

Participants will leave the week-long intensive program with enhanced knowledge, attitude and skills in a range of areas. They will:

* Deepen understanding of the disruptive forces impacting the retail sector,

* Gain new perspectives into retail business models and innovation,

* Demonstrate use of data analytics to improve retail operations and business performance,

* Analyze strategic and operational retail challenges and formulate appropriate solutions,

* Develop greater personal awareness of leadership and decision-making style, and improve ability to work in and lead teams, and

* Identify and lead innovation and improvement opportunities

Participants will develop a personal leadership plan and a company action plan focused on an innovation opportunity.

Internationally-recognized faculty from the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University form the program's central core. Industry experts supplement the instructional team. Read about them here.

Cost to attend includes meals and all learning materials. Taxes, travel and accommodations are extra. You may contact Client Services at the David Sobey Centre For information on hotel rates or university accommodations.

There's still time to register. Group enrollment is also available. To apply or for more information, contact Client Services at the David Sobey Centre: Email: DavidSobeyCentre@smu.ca or Telephone: 902.496.8272.