We continue to face a volatile world that provides more and new challenges for us and for our industry. So, to become more resilient to these challenges we must plan for multiple scenarios. But these can be difficult, inconvenient and uncomfortable for us – so we tend to not do this. So, in this podcast episode, Dr Jackie Mulligan joins to explore the why and how disruptive and creative thinking will get you prepared for the future of retail in 2021 and beyond.
So, listen to this podcast to discover:
- Why futurologists are often interesting but wrong.
- How you can foresee multiple futures.
- The key to keeping yourself creative to think of different possibilities.
Introducing Jackie Mulligan
Dr Jackie Mulligan is CEO and founder of ShopAppy.com – helping local businesses showcase and sell their products or services online.
Previously, Jackie was a Principal Lecturer and Director of Enterprise in Leeds. Plus, she has a PhD in social psychology and creativity. Her doctoral research into experience, psychology and behaviour helped her discover the importance of mental health and wellbeing. As a result, she has a deep understanding of the thought processes required for innovation, creativity and disruptive thinking.
Additionally, Jackie has been a communications director and consultant in the Caribbean focusing on topics as diverse as business development, tourism and public health awareness. Finally, she has also worked for a lottery body managing funding decisions, programmes, events and communications for towns and cities across the UK.
Find Jackie Mulligan on LinkedIn
Or follow her on Twitter (@jackiemulls)
And of course, find out more about how her business is transforming retail at ShopAppy.com
Scenario planning matrix
During this episode, two questions were asked.
- Will we do more or less shopping online
- Will we do more or less shopping in physical stores
These answers form a 2×2 matrix as detailed below, with each of the categories explained.
You must accept and even get comfortable with the idea of each quadrant.Try asking yourself these questions:
- What do you like? And what do you dislike?
- What are the difficulties or challenges in each quadrant?
- Also consider, what are the new requirements or rules?
- What products and services would not be popular in this future scenario?
- And what products and services would be very popular?
- Plus, what brand new products and services would be possible?
- Ultimately consider, what are the opportunities?
In turn, you can explore actions and opportunities for each potential future. This will help you become more resilient and adaptable for any of the possible events that unfold.
Watch the full session from Retail Transformation Live
Contact Oliver Banks
Reach out by email on oliver.banks@obandco.uk
Or connect with Oliver Banks on LinkedIn (just remember to personalise an invite)
Or follow @ollie_banks on Twitter.
Other podcast episodes to listen to
Firstly, hear more from Jackie Mulligan in episode 104: Forging A Better Future
In addition, you may also enjoy episode 83: Being Remarkable In Adversity (part 1) and episode 84: (part 2) with Steve Dennis. In these episodes, you’ll hear how the pandemic is changing retail and how you can still stand out.
Also, in episode 66: Profit vs. Planet, listen and explore some of the options that could result in a declining retail market. Or at least, an evolving market rather than a declining market. In particular, some of the ideas are highly relevant for the “make do and mend” scenario discussed.
Finally, mental health remains a top priority so listen to episode 57: Building Your Emotional Resilience (part 1) and episode 58: (part 2), featuring Steph Tranter.
