🎙️Episode 109: Fostering Innovation in a Modern Retail Organization - A Conversation with Andy Laudato
How can today’s retailers drive real innovation while staying grounded in operational excellence?
In this episode, we’re joined by Andy Laudato, EVP & Chief Operating Officer at The Vitamin Shoppe and author of “Fostering Innovation: How to Build an Amazing IT Team.” Andy’s leadership journey offers a behind-the-scenes look at how innovation comes to life, from agile technology adoption to team culture, and what it means to lead in a world where change is the only constant.
Meet Our Guest: Andy Laudato
Andy Laudato is the Executive Vice President and COO of The Vitamin Shoppe, where he leads all aspects of operations, e-commerce, IT, supply chain, and more. With a track record spanning L Brands, Pier 1 Imports, and Brookdale Senior Living, Andy is a recognized leader in digital transformation and business strategy. He’s celebrated for building high-performance teams and pioneering composable architecture that enables flexibility and growth in modern retail. As an author and mentor, Andy shares practical advice on embracing technology and fostering an innovative mindset at every level.
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Episode Highlights
The Journey
Andy walks us through his career, from early days in IT to his current role as a retail operations leader. He shares pivotal moments that shaped his approach to innovation, the importance of lifelong learning, and the mentors who encouraged him to ask bold questions and challenge the status quo.
The Lessons
We dive deep into the realities of creating an agile tech and analytics organization:
What is “composable architecture” and how does it help retailers stay nimble?
How AI and data visualization are transforming both customer experience and back-end operations.
The essential connection between innovation, technology, and people—why team culture makes or breaks transformation.
Practical insights on creating a safe environment for experimentation and learning from failure.
Advice for Future Retail Leaders
Andy offers practical, candid advice to students and career changers considering a path in retail and technology:
Develop a growth mindset: Embrace change and view setbacks as learning opportunities.
Build bridges between technology and business teams—success requires both.
Invest in your team: Diversity of skills, ideas, and backgrounds is essential to spark innovation.
The “Relatable” Rapid Fire Round
Andy shares his favorite leadership book, the piece of tech he can’t live without, and his go-to way to recharge outside the office - reminding us that innovation also means knowing how to unplug and stay balanced.
Host Takeaways
Andy Laudato’s approach proves that real retail innovation is about more than technology - it’s about culture, collaboration, and leading with curiosity. His insights offer a roadmap for anyone eager to turn change into opportunity and build organizations where experimentation is encouraged and talent is empowered.
Follow Andy:
Andy Laudato | LinkedIn Profile
Continue the Conversation:
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