Andrea Macdonald, founder of ideaXme, interviews Ryan Patel, ‘act human’ evangelist.
“If you can make one person’s day better, do that, focus on that. If you can focus on the small things you can see the life line. Find something you enjoy and give back. Have fun with it!” – Ryan Patel
Background:
Ryan Patel, a thought leader in building brands globally, serves on several Advisory Boards and Boards of Directors across different sectors from social responsibility to technology. As a global executive, he has worked for startups to publicly traded companies; his deep knowledge in global economies, innovation, strategy and consumer trends has made him an expert in scaling businesses worldwide. He has been featured in articles in Entrepreneur, Yahoo, WWD and several others. He was awarded the 2015 Executive of the Year Award by the LA Business Journal and Special US Congressional Recognition for outstanding services to the community.
Patel recently served as the Vice President of Global Development for Pinkberry. Over his 5-year tenure, the company had gone from less than 95 locations to over 270 stores in 23 countries. Prior to Pinkberry, he worked for Wet Seal Retail, Inc (Arden B, WS) Jamba Juice, BJ’s Restaurants, Inc and Panda Express.
Patel is a highly sought out keynote speaker, who has given talks at some of most prestigious universities across the globe such as London School of Economics, Wharton Business School, Oxford University, Osaka University, and others. Due to his vast knowledge in multiple disciplines, he has been able to speak at some of the top conferences covering audiences from HR to marketing to tech. He has developed a unique and diverse view of the changing nature of trends, social impact, shoppers, employees, competition, CPG, economics, supply chain, and management styles.
He is a strong believer in giving back to the community and paying it forward.
Covered in the ideaXme interview:
The Big Ideas:
Giving back: the highest standard of altruism can be found in the younger generation. Companies need to recognise that.
GIVN: How these principles are reflected within this organization.
“One of those brands that has grown up very quickly in the US. There is this genuineness..what makes them different is their transparency..consumers want this. It is all about the mission.” – Ryan Patel
“The mission is more important than the product. My job as a board member is to ensure that the product stays true to the mission.” – Ryan Patel
“Companies in the future will have to make this decision. Do I make more profit or do I really do good?” – Ryan Patel
What to do when things are going great? “Ask more questions” – Ryan Patel
Linking purchases with causes
Communities for cause
“They created an online platform – non profits get funds, businesses do more transactions and consumers get to give back.” Ryan Patel
How to communicate with millennials – genuineness and authenticity is everything for this target, as customers and employees.
“They will change their shopping pattern if a company does not behave how they like”. – Ryan Patel
“Millennials are now asking at interview level what are you doing to support my mission to give back.” – Ryan Patel
The Impact of AI on retail.
The importance of empowering your people.
The necessity to understand and help your people.
Do things a little differently. Be open. Be agile.
The Human Story:
How Ryan’s ‘act human’ mission begins at home.
Education
How Ryan’s global experience has helped his human experience.
His best retail experience: A surprise!
The person Ryan would like to meet.
The question he would like to ask that person.
Follow Ryan Patel @RyanPatelGlobal
Credits: Andrea Macdonald interview video, text, and audio
Follow ideaXme on Twitter: @ideaxm
On Instagram: @ideaxme
On YouTube: ideaxme
Find ideaXme across the internet including on iTunes, SoundCloud, Radio Public, TuneIn Radio, I Heart Radio, Google Podcasts, Spotify and more.
ideaXme is a global podcast, creator series and mentor programme. Our mission: Move the human story forward!™ ideaXme Ltd.
