Sean Macmillan is a distinguished leader in luxury retail development, currently serving as the **Senior Vice President of Real Estate, Store Design & Construction** at **David Yurman**. With over **20 years of experience**, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the retail presence of renowned global brands through strategic expansion, innovative store design, and meticulous construction execution. His expertise lies in blending aesthetics, functionality, and brand identity to create immersive retail experiences that drive customer engagement and business growth. Having held leadership positions at **Harry Winston, Aesop, and Estée Lauder**, Sean has a proven track record of delivering high-profile projects that uphold the highest standards of craftsmanship and operational efficiency. A collaborative and results-driven executive, he continues to push the boundaries of retail excellence, ensuring that every store reflects the artistry and heritage of the brand while embracing modern and sustainable design principles.

Billy Cole is a seasoned creative director and brand strategist with over 40 years of experience transforming retail fashion, home décor, and luxury brands through innovative storytelling and marketing. Known for his instinctive approach and strategic vision, Billy has led award-winning campaigns for global brands like Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and White House Black Market, driving significant revenue growth and customer engagement. His expertise spans omni-channel marketing, content creation, and digital transformation, making him a sought-after leader in brand evolution. With a passion for pushing creative boundaries and crafting compelling narratives, Billy continues to shape the future of retail through his consultancy, Billy Cole Creative, and is actively seeking board opportunities to share his knowledge and leadership.

tories shape how people understand and navigate the world, and in business and leadership, they are essential tools for building trust, credibility, and influence. A well-crafted personal narrative aligns your identity, values, and capabilities—helping others recognize your unique value and advocate for you when opportunities arise. Yet, many executives hesitate to shape their own stories, fearing self-promotion or feeling overwhelmed by the process. Without a clear narrative, others may struggle to articulate your strengths, making it harder to secure key opportunities like board seats or leadership roles. By defining your story with authenticity and strategic intent, you give your network the tools to refer and support you with confidence. Your story isn’t just about your past—it’s a vision for your future, positioning you as a leader with purpose, expertise, and impact.

Ashlyn Cassity is a dynamic UX Designer and Researcher with a passion for crafting intuitive, human-centered digital experiences. With expertise spanning UX design, research methodologies, creative direction, and digital strategy, she seamlessly blends data-driven insights with innovative design solutions. Currently a UX Designer and Researcher at Intrinsic, Ashlyn specializes in AI-driven tools, aviation simulations, and cloud-based solutions, ensuring accessible and high-quality digital products. Her career spans roles in performance marketing, editorial design, and brand development, backed by a strong educational foundation in UX design, graphic design, and human development. Dedicated to inclusivity, accessibility, and strategic problem-solving, Ashlyn continues to shape the future of digital experiences through research-backed, user-first solutions.

In my experience, businesses succeed by making a clear strategic choice: positioning themselves as either the best low-price option or the best higher-priced, high-quality alternative in their market. Companies that fall between these positions often lose relevance and market share. One mistake leaders make is chasing short-term trends at the expense of their core brand identity. When I took over ConAgra’s Banquet brand, previous attempts to elevate the brand’s quality and pricing had failed because they ignored the needs of its core consumers—families with limited income who relied on Banquet for affordable meals. Instead of transforming Banquet into something it wasn’t, I embraced its identity as a provider of “Good Food at a Great Value.” We refocused on delivering dependable, low-cost meals, which resonated with both consumers and retailers. Initiatives like multiple-unit promotions and the successful launch of Banquet Crock Pot Classics, which addressed specific consumer needs, drove significant growth. By leaning into Banquet’s core strengths and staying laser-focused on cost containment, we revitalized the brand, outperformed competitors, and turned Banquet into one of ConAgra’s most successful divisions. The key lesson is simple: understand what your brand stands for, embrace it, and don’t lose sight of your core value proposition in pursuit of fleeting market trends.