When it comes to female retail eCommerce trailblazers – who’s making waves and catching your attention?

I always view retail through the lens of total retail—focusing on those who excel across every critical touchpoint, driving growth and transformation in a rapidly evolving landscape. These female leaders stand out for their exceptional contributions in NZ:

• Sally Copland – Managing Director, Woolworths NZ: Having made a significant impact in Australia (after being a total rock star when she was previously in the WWNZ business), Sally’s return to New Zealand brings deep market insight and strategic vision, set to elevate the retail landscape in powerful ways. She is kind, firm but fair and understands not only the customer but her people which is powerful. One powers the other.
• Lesley Francis-Ziogas – CEO, Ngahuia Group: Leading with remarkable agility, Lesley oversees not only Hannahs and Number One Shoes but also Torpedo 7. Her journey showcases strategic leadership and the ability to navigate complex brand portfolios.
• Chloe Vos – Sustainability Advisor, Briscoe Group: An emerging leader in sustainability, Chloe is pioneering initiatives that are setting new standards for responsible retailing in New Zealand. She isn’t the most senior female leader in the Briscoe Group but trust me – I have not yet met such an elegant, educated and pragmatic sustainability retail leader. One to watch.
• Diane Clark – Head of Marketing and CX, Four Square: Diane has masterfully revitalised the Four Square brand, preserving its iconic Kiwi identity while modernizing its relevance for today’s consumers. Nailed it.
• Kate Gatfield-Jeffries – Co-Founder, Moodi Blends: A dynamic entrepreneur, Kate has built Moodi Blends into a thriving community-driven brand, fostering deep customer loyalty through innovation, advocacy, and co-creation. She is knocking it out of the park.

In your opinion, how might a well-constructed and engaged Advisory Board elevate the overall experience and outcomes for attendees at summits like ours, particularly in terms of content relevance and agenda effectiveness?

The renaming and refocus to iMedia Retail—shifting from Online Retail—reflects a pivotal evolution in the industry. It acknowledges that digital is now an integral part of retail rather than a separate entity. This unified perspective is critical as businesses strive to deliver seamless customer experiences across all channels.

A well-structured Advisory Board plays a crucial role in this transformation by curating content that resonates with today’s challenges while anticipating tomorrow’s opportunities. Their responsibility is twofold: maintaining relevance in addressing current pain points while also inspiring forward-thinking strategies.

The Advisory Board must strike a balance between the urgent and the important, guiding the narrative to ensure the agenda remains both practical and visionary. This approach empowers attendees to explore innovative ideas while staying grounded in actionable insights that drive growth and transformation.

When preparing to speak before an audience of retail and eCommerce leaders, what aspect of the opportunity excites you the most?

What excites me most is the chance to challenge conventional thinking and ignite curiosity. Retail executives are deeply knowledgeable in their respective fields, but they often operate within tight cycles, leading to an echo chamber of familiar ideas.

I am passionate about digging into the “why” behind industry trends and strategic decisions. It’s about moving beyond the surface to explore the underlying motivations and future implications. I love bringing fresh perspectives to the table—whether through new ideas or revisiting old lessons in a modern context.

For me, it’s about giving back—sharing knowledge, fostering dialogue, and collectively uplifting the industry. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people connect the dots and leave inspired to apply new insights to their own challenges.

What are you looking forward to most at the upcoming iMedia Retail Summit NZ this May?

I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to connect with new brands and delegates, especially those I haven’t had the chance to engage with before. I am endlessly curious about their challenges, opportunities, and how they’re navigating today’s retail landscape.

The Summit is a powerful platform for idea exchange and collaboration, where everyone brings unique experiences and perspectives to the table. I look forward to learning as much as I share and discovering innovative approaches to common challenges.

Share your best tips for a first-time iMedia Summit AU, NZ, or SEA attendee. How can they best prepare and capitalise on their summit experience?

1. Fully Immerse Yourself: Step away from daily responsibilities as much as possible. Resist the urge to check emails during breaks—use that time to reflect, decompress, and let new ideas resonate.
2. Embrace the Community: Approach people, introduce yourself, and join conversations, even if it feels awkward. Everyone was a first-timer once, and this is an incredible opportunity to build connections that go beyond the event.
3. Leverage the Network: Collect contact details, connect on LinkedIn, and nurture the relationships you form. The iMedia community is close-knit and collaborative, and these connections can offer valuable perspectives long after the event.
4. Plan and Prioritise: Review the agenda in advance and strategically select sessions that align with your goals. Don’t just follow the crowd—choose topics that challenge your thinking and expand your expertise.
5. Be Present and Engaged: The magic of iMedia lies in being present, engaging in meaningful conversations, and embracing the learning experience. This is a rare chance to step outside of your day-to-day routine, think big, and be inspired.

Join the inspirational Juanita and a collection of other female retail leaders at iMedia Retail Summit New Zealand this May in Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand.

Register your interest to attend now