We're thrilled to have Cathy Hotka on the show today, a seasoned veteran in the retail industry whose career journey is nothing short of remarkable. From her days as VP of Information Technology for the National Retail Federation and a congressional liaison for the White House, to her unique insights as a sixth-generation native Washingtonian, Cathy's story is nothing but fascinating. Her progression in the retail industry is a testament to her resilience - starting out as Fritz Mondale's receptionist, she has gone on to make significant strides in the industry, including running the CIO Council for Big Oil CIOs and creating the NRF CIO Council.In our conversation, Cathy sheds light on the creation of the StoreOps Council and the profound effect it has had on the retail industry. Through her unparalleled insights, we examine the importance of networking and benchmarking in the retail space, and the role it plays in improving the industry and customer experience. Cathy also unveils how her single person consultancy has redefined the expectations for networking opportunities and brought about an open exchange of ideas and resources.Our discussion wouldn't be complete without touching on the future of retail - Artificial Intelligence (AI). Cathy shares how AI has been instrumental in revolutionizing the customer's experience at CarMax, from creating comprehensive descriptions of their cars to personalizing the shopping experience. If you're curious about the impact of AI in the retail sector, Cathy's insights are a must-listen. Plus, we explore the potential that lies in having a single person consultancy and networking opportunities in retail. Subscribe for more intriguing discussions on the retail industry!-----Connect with Cathy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyhotka/RetailWire is the retail industry's premier source for news, analysis, and discussion. With a focus on the latest trends, technology, and consumer behavior, RetailWire provides a platform for industry experts and thought leaders to share their insights and perspectives. Whether you're a retailer, supplier, or service provider, RetailWire is your go-to destination for staying informed and ahead of the curve.Be sure to leave us a comment and let us know what you think. You might even hear your comment read on the next episode!To learn more, or to join our Daily Discussions, visit RetailWire.com.