121. AI in Retail: Risks, Realities, and the Future with Lee Gaul

121. AI in Retail: Risks, Realities, and the Future with Lee Gaul

Author: Shekar Raman Gary Hawkins September 16, 2025 Duration: 38:17

In this episode of The Retail Perch, Gary Hawkins and guest co-host Courtney Adams welcome Lee Gaul, AI Expert at Long Horizon AI, for a candid conversation about artificial intelligence.

Lee brings a cautionary perspective, looking beyond the hype to explore both the opportunities and the risks of AI. He discusses its manipulative and subconscious effects, addresses common concerns about an “AI takeover,” and shares how businesses can engage with AI responsibly to drive innovation while mitigating the risk of failure. This thoughtful discussion sheds light on what the rapid evolution of AI means for the future of retail and customer engagement.


Hosted by Shekar Raman, CEO of Birdzi, and Gary Hawkins, CEO of the Center for Advancing Retail & Technology, The Retail Perch offers a unique vantage point on the rapidly changing world of retail. This isn't just industry analysis; it's a series of conversations that dig into the practical intersections of technology, consumer behavior, and business strategy. Each episode provides a fresh perspective, challenging conventional thinking about how everyday retail operations are being transformed. The hosts draw from their deep frontline experience to build a new framework for understanding everything from your local grocery store to global e-commerce trends. Recognized among the top grocery industry podcasts to follow, the discussions here are grounded in real-world application. Tuning into this podcast means hearing directly from two thought leaders who are actively shaping the future of the sector, breaking down complex ideas into actionable insights for entrepreneurs, executives, and anyone curious about the business of selling. You'll find a focus on the tangible forces-data, AI, logistics, and customer experience-that are redrawing the competitive landscape right now.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Retail Perch
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