Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with ambition, resilience, and transformation. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with a seasoned retail expert turned entrepreneur,Mr. Laurent Guitart, whose career spans over 26 years across key markets such as France, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. With a strong foundation in retail leadership and a recent Executive MBA from Bayes Business School, ranked 22nd in Europe, our guest took a bold leap in 2022 to establish a consultancy firm dedicated to driving business growth and transformation.
From navigating the evolving retail landscape to integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, our guest shares insights on staying ahead in a competitive industry. We discuss strategic planning, leadership, and overcoming challenges while fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a business leader looking for inspiration, this conversation offers valuable lessons on resilience, vision, and the future of retail consultancy. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of turning experience into impactful solutions for businesses worldwide.
Can you describe your entrepreneurial journey and the motivation behind starting your business?
The spark that ignited my entrepreneurial journey! After 26 incredible years in retail, spanning senior roles in France, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, I felt an insatiable hunger to leverage my expertise and drive business growth in a new way.
The catalyst? Earning my Executive MBA from Bayes Business School (ranked 22 in Europe) in 2022. This milestone marked a pivotal moment, empowering me to turn my vision into reality.
With my EMBA in hand, I took the bold step of launching my own consultancy firm in 2022. My motivation was clear: to harness my extensive retail experience, combined with my newfound knowledge, to help businesses thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. I’m passionate about guiding leaders, entrepreneurs, and companies through transformation, enhancing their operations, and unlocking their full potential. My consultancy firm is built on a foundation of innovation, agility, and customer-centricity, reflecting my commitment to delivering tailored solutions that drive tangible results. I’m excited to embark on this new chapter, collaborating with forward-thinking businesses and making a lasting impact in the industry. The journey has begun in 2022, and I’m eager to see what the future holds!
How do you stay ahead of technological advancements in your industry, and how has this impacted your business model?
Staying ahead of the tech curve is a top priority for me! As a business consultant and transformation expert, I’m constantly scanning the horizon for the latest innovations and trends. My recent Executive MBA from Bayes Business School (ranked 22 in Europe) has been a game-changer, providing me with a solid foundation in digital transformation, AI, and data analytics.
I stay up to date through ongoing learning, attending industry conferences, and networking with fellow innovators. This has significantly impacted my business model, enabling me to offer cutting-edge solutions to my clients.
By embracing technological advancements, I’ve been able to expand my service portfolio, offering bespoke solutions that cater to the evolving needs of my clients. My business model has become more agile, flexible, and responsive to the market, allowing me to stay competitive and deliver exceptional results in different industries including retail, F&B, media production, sales management… The future is exciting, and I’m committed to continuing my learning journey, ensuring my clients receive the best possible guidance to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
What role does artificial intelligence play in your current operations or future plans?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key player in my consultancy firm’s operations and future plans! With 26 years of retail experience and an Executive MBA from Bayes Business School, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the transformative power of AI. I’m leveraging AI to drive business growth, improve efficiency, and deliver data-driven insights to my clients.
Currently, I’m using AI-powered tools to analyse market trends, predict customer behaviour, and identify areas of operational improvement. My AI-driven approach enables me to provide personalized recommendations, automate routine tasks, and enhance the overall client experience. Looking ahead, I plan to integrate more advanced AI technologies, such as machine learning and natural language processing, to develop bespoke solutions for my clients.
My goal is to create an AI-enabled consultancy firm that can help businesses navigate the complexities of transformation, optimize their operations, and unlock new revenue streams. By embracing AI, I’m confident that my firm will stay at the forefront of the industry, delivering innovative solutions that drive tangible results for my clients. The future of business consulting is AI-driven, and I’m excited to be at the forefront of this revolution!
Can you share a significant challenge you’ve faced in your business and how you overcame it?
The journey of entrepreneurship is not without its challenges! One significant hurdle I faced was transitioning from a senior corporate role to becoming a solo entrepreneur. After 26 years in retail, I had to adapt to a new mindset, shifting from a large organizational structure to a lean, agile consultancy firm.
The challenge was daunting, but I drew upon my Executive MBA learnings from Bayes Business School to navigate this transition. I leveraged my network, built during my EMBA program, to seek guidance from fellow entrepreneurs and industry experts. I also invested in developing a robust online presence, creating a professional website, and engaging on social media platforms to establish my personal brand.
Through perseverance and strategic planning, I successfully overcame this challenge. My consultancy firm has gained traction, and I’m now working with a diverse range of clients, helping them drive business transformation and growth. The experience has taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning in the entrepreneurial journey. By embracing this challenge, I’ve emerged stronger, more agile, and better equipped to support my clients in achieving their business goals.
How do you approach strategic planning and decision-making in your organization?
Strategic planning and decision-making are at the heart of my consultancy firm! With 26 years of retail experience and an Executive MBA from Bayes Business School, I’ve developed a robust approach to driving business growth and transformation. I start by setting clear, ambitious goals, aligned with my clients’ needs and market trends.
My strategic planning process is agile, flexible, and data driven. I leverage tools like SWOT analysis, PESTEL, PORTER 5 FORCES, market research, and financial modelling to inform my decision-making. I also prioritize stakeholder engagement, collaborating with clients, partners, and team members to ensure everyone is aligned and invested in our shared vision.
As a seasoned entrepreneur, I’m adept at navigating uncertainty and making informed, timely decisions. I balance intuition with data analysis, using my EMBA learnings to stay ahead of the curve. My approach is centred on innovation, customer-centricity, and continuous improvement. By combining strategic planning with a nimble, adaptive mindset, I’m able to drive meaningful results for my clients and stay ahead in a rapidly changing business landscape. With a focus on delivering exceptional value, I’m committed to helping businesses thrive and grow in an ever-evolving world.
What is your approach to leadership and fostering a positive company culture?
Leadership and company culture are at the core of my consultancy firm’s success! With 26 years of retail experience and an Executive MBA from Bayes Business School, I’ve developed a leadership approach that’s collaborative, inclusive, and empowering. I believe in fostering a positive company culture that’s built on trust, transparency, and open communication.
My approach is centred on servant leadership, where I prioritize the growth and well-being of my team members and clients. I encourage innovation, creativity, and experimentation, providing a safe and supportive environment for people to take calculated risks and learn from their mistakes. I also prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse and inclusive team is better equipped to drive business growth and transformation.
As a leader, I’m committed to leading by example, demonstrating the values and behaviours I expect from my team. I’m approachable, accessible, and transparent, always willing to listen and learn from others. By fostering a positive company culture, I’ve created an environment where people feel valued, motivated, and inspired to deliver exceptional results. My goal is to build a consultancy firm that’s not only successful but also makes a positive impact on the lives of our clients, team members, and the wider community.
How do you ensure your business remains adaptable and responsive to market changes?
Can you discuss a recent innovation or project that has been particularly successful for your company?
One of our flagship projects involved transforming a struggling brick-and-mortar store into a thriving omnichannel retail hub.
By implementing a data-driven approach to category management, merchandising, inventory management, streamlining logistics, and introducing immersive in-store experiences, we boosted sales by 25% within six months. Our team also developed a tailored loyalty program, which increased customer retention by 30%. The client’s online presence was amplified through social media and e-commerce platforms, resulting in a 50% rise in digital sales.
This project’s success demonstrates the power of combining traditional retail expertise with innovative strategies. As a consultant, I’m passionate about empowering retailers to navigate the ever-changing landscape and achieve remarkable results. With a focus on customer-centricity, operational efficiency, and digital integration, we’re revolutionizing the retail landscape, one business at a time!
What are your long-term goals for your business, and how are you working towards achieving them?
As a seasoned retail expert turned entrepreneur, my long-term vision is to establish my consultancy firm as a go-to partner for retailers seeking transformation and growth. Within the next 5 years, I aim to expand my client base across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, while maintaining a high client satisfaction rate of 95%.
To achieve this, I’m focusing on building a strong network of industry experts and thought leaders and investing in ongoing education and training to stay ahead of the retail curve. My Executive MBA from Bayes Business School has given me a solid foundation in business strategy, innovation, and leadership, which I’m leveraging to drive my business forward.
I’m also developing a proprietary framework for retail transformation, which will enable my clients to navigate the complexities of the industry and achieve sustainable success. By combining my 26 years of retail experience with cutting-edge business strategies, I’m confident that my consultancy firm will become a driving force in the retail industry, empowering businesses to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence, I’m excited to shape the future of retail and make a lasting impact on the industry!
What advice would you give to emerging entrepreneurs in your industry?
To emerging entrepreneurs in the retail consultancy space, I’d say: stay curious, be bold, and never stop learning! With 26 years of retail experience under my belt, I’ve seen the industry evolve at lightning speed. My advice?
Stay agile and adapt quickly to changing consumer behaviours and market trends. Develop a deep understanding of your clients’ needs and pain points, and tailor your services to address them. Build a strong network of industry experts and thought leaders, and don’t be afraid to collaborate and seek guidance.
Investing in my Executive MBA from Bayes Business School was a game-changer for me, as it equipped me with the strategic thinking, innovation, and leadership skills to drive my business forward. I’d encourage emerging entrepreneurs to prioritize ongoing education and self-development, whether through formal programs or industry events and workshops.
Lastly, be passionate about making a meaningful impact on the retail industry and stay true to your values and vision. With hard work, determination, and a willingness to take calculated risks, you can turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a reality and make a lasting difference in the world of retail!
