Retail is evolving faster than ever, and few leaders have shaped that evolution with true retail innovation more than *Michelle Pacynski,* former VP of Innovation and Consumer Technology at *Ulta Beauty.* In this episode, Michelle breaks down the strategies behind Ulta’s massive growth, including how the company approached retail transformation, scaled its digital ecosystem, and built one of the most influential beauty tech programs in the industry.
We explore how Ulta grew its digital business from $125M to over $2B, why digital transformation in retail requires deep operational change, and how AI in retail is reshaping customer experience, mobile commerce, and the next generation of beauty engagement. Michelle also shares how her innovation team evolved into an AI Center of Excellence, paving the way for experimentation, virtual try‑on, and early applications of agentic AI.
If you’re exploring retail innovation, building a roadmap for retail transformation, or trying to understand how AI in retail and agentic AI will redefine the future of retail, this conversation delivers practical insights and real‑world examples you can apply immediately.
*In This Episode*
- How Ulta scaled digital from $125M to $2B
- Why retail transformation must be tied to business outcomes
- The foundations of digital transformation in retail
- How AI in retail is changing customer expectations
- The evolution of GlamLab and virtual try‑on technology
- Startup collaboration and experimentation frameworks
- Early use cases for agentic AI in beauty
- What leaders must understand about the future of retail
👉 Don’t forget to *LIKE, COMMENT,* and *SUBSCRIBE* for more episodes spotlighting *inspiring journeys* and *practical insights* from retail's top minds!
👉 *Subscribe to our Newsletter:* https://retailrazor.substack.com
👉 *Subscribe to the Retail Razor Podcast Network:* https://retailrazor.com/
*The Retail Razor: Retail Transformers S2:E1*
*Released on January 29, 2026*
*Guest info:*
*Michelle Pacynski,* Senior Digital Executive | Digital Transformation | Futurist | Innovation | Board Member | Strategic Advisor, https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-pacynski/
A high performing, visionary leader, Michelle Pacynski shapes – and reshapes – the retail industry with leading innovations and designing new ways to discover and shop. For over six years, she founded and led a team of global digital innovators, overseeing work that connects digital and physical shopping journeys with leading technology to create differentiated, relevant guest experiences. She also championed the creation of a corporate venture fund, Prisma Ventures (™) to accelerate innovation by forming strategic partnerships with the startup community. She’s currently a strategic advisor for several tech startups and while overseeing Prisma Ventures (™) she deployed over 50% of the $20M fund to some 12 early-stage startups over 3 years.
Recently named one of the Top 25 Leaders to Watch in 2025 by CommerceNext, Michelle is currently a Strategic Advisor with iVantedge Advisors, LLC a company she founded specializing in guiding innovative technology startups through pivotal growth stages. She helps tech founders navigate complex challenges, drive product-market fit, and positions them for long-term success in dynamic, fast-paced markets.
*Chapters:*
00:00 Preview Teaser
00:38 Show Intro
04:19 Introduction and Welcome Michelle Pacynski
05:05 Michelle's Retail Journey
06:15 Transforming Ulta's Digital Business
09:29 Mobile First Strategy
12:25 Building a Native App
15:00 Innovation and Experimentation
29:53 Virtual Try-On and Gamification
34:54 Challenges in Retail Tech
39:13 Strategic Partnerships and Innovation
40:43 Experimentation and Quick Wins
43:59 Future of Retail Innovation
45:13 Interactive Commerce and Video
49:26 Heads-Up Displays and AR
52:34 AI and Practical Applications
59:33 Recognition and Personal Reflections
01:02:50 Mindset Shifts for Retailers
01:04:51 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
01:07:15 Show Close
#retail #RetailTransformation #RetailInnovation #FutureOfRetail #RetailLeadership #AIinRetail #RetailStrategy #CustomerExperience #RetailCulture #PeopleFirstLeadership #RetailPodcast #CommerceInnovation #leadership #leaders #RetailRazor #podcast #innovation #RetailTransformers #AI #podcasts #topretailpodcast #retailleaders #retailcareers #leadershipmindset