As editor-in-chief of Retail Leader, Mike sets the editorial direction for the publication. He focuses on providing business intelligence to senior retail and consumer goods executives to help them become more effective leaders and drive growth within their organizations. Mike leverages extensive industry experience and first-hand experience to manage content for the publication.
KG: What do you think are the biggest changes (technology or otherwise) most impacting the retail industry?
Mike Troy: At a high level, retailers are attempting to keep pace with shoppers’ rapidly shifting expectations. Trying to stay on top of constantly shifting customer behaviors driven by new technology is impacting retail in a big way.
KG: How do you most like to stay up to date on trends?
Mike Troy: The best way to stay up to date is to read anything you can get your hands on. Read through press releases, research reports, 10-Ks, S-1’s, conference call transcripts and stuff my colleagues at EnsembleIQ write. It is also important to learn from peers in the industry. I actively attend key industry events and listen to the thought leaders who are inventing the future.
KG: Where do you see retail headed 10 years from now?
Mike Troy: I have no idea. I’m not as smart as I used to think I was because retail is changing so fast. With technology constantly changing, it’s hard to say where any industry is going to be 10 years from now. The next big thing could come along next week or next month and ruin what sounds like a good prediction today. Directionally speaking, there are some well-established trends in place, but anyone can predict those.
KG: You must get thousands of emails a day with pitches and ideas (including from us!). Which emails stick out to you the most and why?
Mike Troy: I wouldn’t say I receive thousands a day, but the ones that stand out tend to be personalized to my brand. I’m more likely to notice pitches that make it clear the sender understands my style of storytelling.
When you’re not writing or setting the editorial direction for Retail Leader, what can we find you doing?
Mike Troy: I’m rehabbing a house that is taking way too long and costing way too much.
KG: What’s the best piece of personal or professional advice you’ve been given?
Mike Troy: Tell the truth.
Austin
