Angela Ahrendts, Head of Retail at Apple, discusses her successful career at Burberry and her transition to Apple. She shares her approach to innovation, the transformation of the retail experience at Apple, and the power of effective listening. She also emphasizes the importance of assembling passionate and united teams for delivering an enriching customer experience.
Apple's unique retail model integrates analog and digital experiences, outperforming the industry in sales per square foot.
Listening and thoughtfulness are crucial in leadership; silence and deep understanding drive innovative solutions.
Creating high energy environments through building relationships, fostering empathy, and uniting teams around a shared vision leads to extraordinary accomplishments.
Deep dives
The Vision: Transforming Apple Retail into Town Squares
Angela Ahrendts has spearheaded the transformation of Apple retail stores into town squares, creating a community hub where the best of Apple comes together. By integrating analog and digital experiences, Apple has created a unique retail model that outperforms the industry in sales per square foot.
The Power of Listening and Thoughtfulness
Angela Ahrendts emphasizes the importance of listening and thoughtfulness in leadership. She believes in the power of silence and taking the time to truly understand the needs and perspectives of employees and customers. By reframing questions and thinking deeply about challenges, Ahrendts is able to make powerful recommendations and drive innovative solutions.
Mobilizing People and Creating High Energy Environments
Ahrendts is skilled at mobilizing teams and creating high energy environments. She focuses on building relationships, fostering a culture of empathy and compassion, and instilling a sense of purpose and passion in her employees. By bringing together great teams and uniting them around a shared vision, she is able to accomplish extraordinary things.
The Importance of Energy and Emotional Electricity
Ahrendts recognizes the importance of energy in driving success. She believes that energy is like emotional electricity, uniting ordinary people to do extraordinary things. By cultivating a high energy and passionate environment, she is able to create a positive and enriching experience for employees and customers alike.
Reframing Challenges and Thinking Different
Ahrendts excels at reframing challenges and thinking different. She approaches problems with curiosity and asks "what if" questions that challenge conventional thinking. By reframing the question and seeking new possibilities, she is able to drive innovative solutions and bring about positive change.
The Moonshots Podcast kicks off the much expected Apple Inc series. We start with the newest addition to the leadership team, the head of Retail - Angela Ahrendts. Join us for a journey into positive energy and the art of listening. Furthermore, you'll discover the secret recipe used by Apple to create the best performing shops on the planet.