Every customer interaction in retail leaves an impression that can define a brand, inspire trust, or drive a purchase. From creating exceptional shopping experiences to delivering personalized service, retail professionals bear the responsibility of meeting diverse customer expectations while navigating competitive markets and balancing the needs of clients, associates, and stakeholders.
But who equips retail professionals to handle these pressures with clarity, confidence, and purpose? Sylvie di Giusto, a renowned keynote speaker for retail and consumer goods, empowers professionals with The Power of Choice, her signature decision-making framework.
Whether leading retail chains, luxury brands, e-commerce platforms, or specialty stores, retail professionals learn to manage perceptions, make intentional choices, and achieve the best outcomes for their customers, associates, and organizations.
In retail, the constant demands of serving customers, managing associates, and navigating competitive markets can leave professionals operating on autopilot, with little time for intentional decision-making. Yet, in these everyday interactions, small choices can profoundly shape how customers, colleagues, and stakeholders respond and engage.
When retail professionals act with intentionality, they unlock the full potential of their relationships and operations. Customers feel valued and supported, associates collaborate effectively, and stores are managed with precision and trust. The entire shopping experience becomes seamless and rewarding.
With Sylvie di Giusto’s Power of Choice framework, retail professionals learn to navigate challenges thoughtfully, embrace intentional decisions, and transform customer interactions into thriving relationships that drive success and build lasting reputations.
With leadership experience in Europe’s largest retail and tourism organization, Sylvie di Giusto understands retail from every angle. From working on the front lines with associates to collaborating with CEOs, she has firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities that retail leaders and teams face daily. Her client-centric approach, combined with a deep appreciation for the complexities of the industry, makes her uniquely equipped to inspire and empower retail professionals at every level.
Retail professionals operate in an industry where perceptions matter, competition is fierce, and every interaction has the potential to shape customer experiences and drive sales. Sylvie di Giusto’s Power of Choice Framework™, rooted in her bestselling book, now reimagined as The Image of Leadership in Retail, provides the foundation for navigating these challenges with confidence and purpose.
Drawing from her cutting-edge research and actionable insights, Sylvie’s keynotes empower retail professionals across all areas, whether managing luxury brands, leading e-commerce innovations, optimizing store operations, or delivering exceptional customer service. Tailored for audiences at any stage of their career—from aspiring associates to experienced leaders—her engaging presentations guide participants to refine their professional identity and transform customer interactions into meaningful outcomes through five critical cornerstones.
Visual intelligence
Behavioral intelligence
Verbal and non-Verbal intelligence
Digital intelligence
Social intelligence
She developed an instant connection and kept her audience captivated. She was responsive, well-organized and took the time to prepare well in advance, which even included visiting an AutoZone store! We would highly recommend Sylvie; she has set the bar high.
Brigitta T. PhillipsTeam Customer Satisfaction | AutoZone Inc.
It couldn't have gone better! With her high energy style and sense of humor, she quickly had everyone's attention. She was a gem and I highly recommend Sylvie and her program in today's return to work business environment.
Marie ShubinCEO | SOCAP International
This was the BEST presentation we had during this meeting and that I have ever experienced. There was so much value in what you left with us. I think you have taught me something that will stick with me forever and that I will be able to share with others in and out of work.
Christine BronneBoutique Operations Manager | Nespresso
We all know the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” yet in retail, first impressions often determine whether a customer trusts your brand, feels welcomed, or chooses to return. Customers form opinions quickly based on visual cues like dress code, grooming, or level of self-care—judgments that can significantly impact their trust, satisfaction, and decision to purchase.
For retail professionals, recognizing and addressing these unconscious biases is transformative. By refining their visual presentation and understanding how appearances influence perceptions, they create trust, convey professionalism, and foster an inviting shopping environment. This awareness empowers retail leaders and their associates to establish authentic connections that drive customer loyalty and elevate brand experiences.
Retail professionals uncover the unconscious impact of their appearances. By presenting themselves with purpose and confidence, they build trust and professionalism, creating customer relationships that go beyond first impressions and drive lasting loyalty.
We often don’t know what drives customer behavior—stress, financial constraints, or even minor factors like a long wait in line. Behavioral intelligence helps retail professionals look beyond surface actions, stay composed, address root causes, and adapt their responses for more productive outcomes.
For retail professionals, mastering behavioral intelligence means understanding not only their customers’ needs and behaviors but also their own attitudes, habits, and triggers. By cultivating self-awareness and recognizing unconscious drivers, they can respond thoughtfully to challenges, foster stronger customer relationships, and create lasting positive impressions in every interaction.
Retail professionals gain a deeper understanding of the power of behavioral cues, freeing themselves from impulsive reactions. By adopting a purposeful approach, they build trust and professionalism, creating customer interactions that are meaningful and lasting.
Communication isn’t just a two-way street—it’s a 10-lane superhighway where words are only one lane. Active listening, facial expressions, gestures, tone, and volume fill the others. For retail professionals, who interact with customers daily, it’s essential to ensure that verbal and nonverbal communication aligns with their intentions.
Communicational intelligence enables retail professionals to synchronize their internal emotions with external expressions, projecting confidence, approachability, and attentiveness. This clarity ensures customers focus on the message without distractions. By regulating emotions, retail teams can communicate effectively, build rapport, and foster stronger customer relationships that drive satisfaction and loyalty.
Retail professionals harness the power of communication intelligence, mastering the art of impactful expression. By refining verbal and nonverbal cues, they cultivate trust and empathy, building meaningful connections that enhance every customer interaction.
In retail, where first impressions often begin online, a single careless review response, unfiltered post, or unprofessional email can cause lasting damage to reputations, customer relationships, and brand loyalty. From accuracy and tone to responsiveness and online behavior, every digital interaction leaves an enduring impression—one that’s nearly impossible to undo.
Digital intelligence equips retail professionals to make intentional choices in their digital communication, ensuring that emotions and impulsivity don’t dictate their online presence. By adopting a thoughtful approach before posting, responding to customer feedback, or engaging on social media, they safeguard reputations, build customer trust, and create a polished digital presence that strengthens loyalty and drives future opportunities.
Retail professionals develop the expertise to navigate the digital landscape with care and precision. By making intentional online choices, they protect their reputations, create a digital presence that reflects professionalism and trust, and leave a lasting positive impression on customers and the industry.
The relationships retail professionals cultivate play a critical role in shaping their decision-making, behavior, and ability to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Surrounding themselves with individuals who inspire, support, and align with their goals fosters confidence, resilience, and stronger collaboration with associates, customers, and industry partners.
Family, friends, and professional networks not only shape perceptions but also impact how others view retail professionals. Social intelligence helps them evaluate their social circles, ensuring they align with their values and customer-focused goals. By harmonizing their personal and professional connections, retail leaders and associates strengthen their reputation, create meaningful relationships, and elevate customer satisfaction in the competitive retail landscape.
Retail professionals recognize the connection between their inner and outer lives. By surrounding themselves with supportive, inspiring, and like-minded individuals, they build confidence, enhance resilience, and foster effective collaborations that elevate customer experiences.
Rebecca Clark
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“While Sylvie is jetting to the next city, inspiring audiences on stage, or brainstorming her next big idea, I’m the glue holding it all together. Got questions? Reach out—I’ve got you covered!”
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