Business
Christine Washburn has been recently appointed Chief Marketing Officer for Berkshire Grey, an AI robotic fulfillment company in the retail distribution and logistics industry. Christine joined the company shortly after the pandemic and has been working in her new leadership role 100% remotely. In this episode, Christine talks about her career in politics, how to break through the AI buzzword and stand out, and how she solves work problems in her dreams. Key Takeaways: [2:40] How has Christine been able to foster connection and build her leadership profile while starting her new job remotely? [4:55] Berkshire Grey is a company that you had to be in the office to get good work done because of the industry. How has the company adapted since the pandemic? [9:20] Christine admits she doesn’t understand a lot of things, but by taking a complex topic and being able to simplify it and explain it to herself, she knows she can explain it to anyone after that and that’s key when leading in this field. [11:10] What have been some of the challenges Christine has faced as the recent CMO? [15:45] In a startup, there isn’t always a process yet and you have to be comfortable with change. [17:35] How has the retail/logistics industry been managing voluntarily during this time? [19:50] Christine sees a shakeup happening. Christine is fairly certain we’re going to see some new players who were able to pivot successfully because of this pandemic. [20:25] Where is the future of retail headed three to five years from now? [22:35] How does Christine break through the AI noise and make sure the work she is doing is meaningful and moves the needle? [25:15] Christine loves to bring in different perspectives from different parts of the company into marketing to better elevate her department. [27:00] To be successful in this field, you have to have the freedom to try things and be okay with failure. [28:10] What are Christine’s thoughts on women in tech and how this industry has been getting better/worse? [32:40] Remember back when you could check luggage filled with food inside? Well, what happens when the luggage gets lost? Christine shares a story. [35:30] Christine shares a little bit about being an empty nester and the different emotions she was feeling at the time. [37:15] When you think of others and give back, there is a lot of growth and positivity you can take from that, even during times of crisis. [40:00] What kind of legacy would Christine like to leave behind? Mentioned in This Episode: Demandspring.com Berkshiregrey.com Christine on LinkedIn “The Case of the Mysterious Missing Veal Cutlets”