#United States #New York #Kellanova #Cornell University #Omnichannel Leadership

Transforming Grocery Shopping with Omnichannel Strategies

The landscape of grocery shopping has undergone a revolutionary shift, necessitating a new breed of leaders proficient in omnichannel strategies that seamlessly blend online, in-store, mobile, and social commerce. As professionals seek to adapt to these changes, the Omnichannel Leadership Program at Cornell University emerges as a pivotal resource.

Tomissa Smittendorf, a key figure in Kellanova’s Sales Learning Development, emphasizes the urgent need for training in this evolving landscape. For years, it was recognized that existing programs fell short in addressing the intricacies of omnichannel leadership. This realization spurred a collaborative effort between Kellanova and esteemed partners like Ahold Delhaize, culminating in a specialized program that not only provides academic rigor but couples it with real-world applicability.

Addressing the Skills Gap

Identifying a clear gap in the omnichannel skill set available to professionals, Kellanova, Ahold Delhaize, and Cornell came together to craft a program that supports dynamic real-world challenges. By honing in on the fusion of academic knowledge and industry expertise, they are paving the way for future leaders.

The program is designed with specific goals: to offer a high-impact learning experience that equips senior leaders with actionable strategies to drive tangible business results. Attendees experience a curriculum that is rich in cutting-edge research as well as hands-on applications facilitated by industry leaders.

Key Features of the Omnichannel Leadership Program

• - Immersive Learning Environment: The program is intentionally kept intimate, with limited participation of 50 individuals to foster deep engagement and networking.
• - Adaptive Curriculum: Each iteration of the program adapts to current trends, including topics such as AI, customer experience, and data analytics, ensuring that leaders walk away with pertinent knowledge.
• - Implementation-Oriented Insights: Participants benefit from the program's focus on actionable takeaways, ready to be implemented in their organizations.
• - Expert Faculty: The program features insights from distinguished Cornell faculty, marrying theory with practical applications in a learning-rich environment.
• - Reputable Certification: Participants earn a prestigious Omnichannel Leadership Certificate from the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, adding significant value to their professional profiles.

Since its launch, the program has trained 136 professionals from 54 companies, featuring insights from leaders such as Carrie Sander from Kellanova and Whitney Cook from Walmart. Feedback from alumni highlights the immediate benefits gained:

• - “The collaboration with industry leaders was phenomenal. I’ve already started applying the insights with my team.”
• - “This program reshaped my understanding of how to utilize data analytics for omnichannel growth.”
• - “I left equipped with new strategies to enhance customer experience and optimize marketing efforts.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Omnichannel Leadership

As the program gears up for its next iteration from June 23-26, 2025, in New York City, it aims to address relevant issues in AI-driven commerce, alongside customer engagement strategies that will shape the industry's future. Kellanova remains committed to nurturing talent through this exceptional learning opportunity, reinforcing the idea that investing in people is vital for the future of retail.

The collaboration between Cornell University and Kellanova exemplifies the potential of academic and industry partnerships to create transformative learning experiences. As the Omnichannel Leadership Program continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly shape the next generation of retail leaders.