…on the contrary, I studied computer science in college, and worked for businesses doing computer engineering, electronic mail, and interactive television. But then I was offered a position managing technology for a provider of inventory management solutions for retailers. I knew next to nothing about retail at the time, but I worked with some very smart people who patiently educated me, and I got to listen to, and work with, experienced retailers as we developed world-class supply chain solutions. In the process, I discovered a passion for analyzing, articulating, and solving retailers’ business challenges.
Those who have worked with me can tell you that I operate by a few simple guiding principles:
- Think big, but start small: in the spirit of the agile movement, test your approach to solving the problem by finding the quickest first step that can show positive results. Use that to build confidence and do course corrections.
- It is difficult to improve what you don’t measure: one of the first things I do on any project is identify the metrics that will be used to determine success; then I measure those metrics to establish a baseline for improvement.
- Be transparent: never ask your client to take your word for it; whatever analysis you do must be reproducible by them (using the code, data, and instructions you provide).
- Offer beautiful evidence: we absorb information better when it is skillfully arranged to engage us on multiple levels: visually, verbally, and quantitatively.
So here I am, the accidental retailer, ready to tackle your inventory and supply chain puzzles. Let’s get started.
Dave Leonard, Chief Analyst
LEONARD ANALYTICS 