Retail IT professionals must continuously enhance their skills to overcome new challenges and capitalize on new opportunities as technology evolves and consumer behaviors shift. The RSPA asked select members of the RSPA NextGen Rising Stars about the practicalities and preferred ways of engaging in ongoing industry education. Sharing their perspectives are:
- Bobby Bauer, BMC
- Jean Boling, Clearent (Xplor Pay)
- Eder Caceres, M-S Cash Drawer
- John Maieli, Star Micronics
- Jessica Maroney, Metropolitan Sales
How do you balance ongoing training with the demands of your daily operations?
Boling: Balancing ongoing training while staying on top of my daily tasks and demands can be very difficult. It comes down to setting aside the time to learn about the products and features that are predominant in the market. I have also been able to successfully request specific trainings when there is a need to understand new trends.
Caceres: I integrate training into my schedule by setting aside dedicated time slots for learning because additional education strengthens new ideas. When the ideas are new and fresh, it reflects on the company and, in turn, the company feels new and fresh, adding more value to our customers.
Maroney: I make training a priority by weaving courses and webinars into my daily tasks. As a marketer and event planner, it is important for me to stay on top of retail IT trends and take note of how the industry is evolving.
Maieli: I block out time for training and education and stick to it. Transparent priorities give your team visibility on what’s important, and they will prioritize ongoing training too.
Bauer: Lifelong learning isn’t an option for any business owner. I prioritize listening to our customers’ needs, understanding their business challenges, and addressing their problems. I’ll also review resources I’ve been recommended on topics where I or the business needs to grow.
What emerging skills or technological knowledge do you see as essential for the future of retail IT?
Bauer: People skills will always be needed – leadership, management, sales, partnership. Marketing yourself and your business will continue to be relevant while the skills needed to do so may change. Regarding technical knowledge, understand the fundamentals of cloud computing, edge computing, and AI. How these technologies play into the independent retail space remains to be seen.
Maieli: Management, communication, and adaptability. Even as emerging technologies like AI, cybersecurity, automation, and robotics come center stage, it’s still going to require great human skills to manage these technologies.
Boling: Understanding how the technology works. We are now in the world of integrations, APIs, and very slick advances in software and customer use. The emerging skills needed are knowing the technology and how it works for each end user. This includes the partner integrating into the technology and the needs of the customers using the technology. End-to-end understanding. Most of all, we need to take something complicated and turn it into a simple process.
Caceres: Understanding artificial intelligence and machine learning is becoming increasingly crucial in retail IT. Proficiency with data analytics tools will be essential to stay ahead in the evolving tech landscape.
Maroney: I believe expertise in AI and automation is a key skill for the future of retail IT. Tools like ChatGPT can be a tremendous help if we know how to ask the right questions. Proficiency in data analytics is also important to create positive customer experiences.
What are your preferred methods for learning new skills or staying updated?
Maroney: Still being somewhat new to this industry, I learn from those who have been in it for a long time. There are so many experts in retail IT that just have a plethora of knowledge. I love attending events, like RetailNOW and Inspire, to engage and learn from those people.
Bauer: I love reading books, but as with everyone time is precious. Audio books and podcasts allow me to make progress on my learning objectives while driving in the car. This is key for me.
Boling: Webinars are great. I also think podcasts are helpful. We want to hear real-life situations. Networking and talking to each other. Even when we are competing in the same market is a great way to learn. Real-life examples and experiences will be a very resourceful way to learn and stay updated on the market.
Caceres: I prefer a mix of methods to stay updated, including attending webinars for real-time knowledge, listening to industry-specific podcasts during commutes. Watching YouTube clips that illustrate methods is helpful. I think my strong suit in learning is visual. I have to see it.
The RSPA NextGen Community meets throughout the year to provide a support network and resources for future generations and their companies to advance in the retail technology industry. If you would like to get involved in the NextGen Community, please email RSPA VP of Member Services Ashley Naggy at ANaggy@GoRSPA.org.
About RSPA NextGen Rising Stars
RSPA NextGen Rising Stars acknowledges the contributions of young professionals who exemplify the industry’s next generation of channel leaders. Each Rising Star possesses expertise, innovation, and leadership skills that has propelled them to the forefront of the industry, inspiring their peers and colleagues. The RSPA is proud to recognize and showcase these Rising Stars online year-round and in person at our RetailNOW trade show and conference. Meet the 2024-25 RSPA NextGen 50 Under 40 Rising Stars on this webpage.
About RSPA NextGen Community
The RSPA NextGen Community works to identify and develop opportunities for future leaders and the rapidly changing technology landscape. Joining this community allows you to meet others who share passion for retail technology and provides a forum to share ideas on how the industry, and the RSPA, should move into the future. The NextGen Community hosts virtual discussions throughout the year and meets in person at RSPA’s signature conference RetailNOW. Learn more about the RSPA NextGen Community on this webpage.
