Coworking with Alyx Kaczuwka

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Alyx Kaczuwka is director of AI product development at XY Retail, a cloud platform helping retail brands manage stores, customers, and products.

How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in retail? I work at the intersection of tech and retail, understanding the needs of a retail business, the behavior of shoppers, and then creating solutions that bridge the gap between the two—all while keeping customer data privacy and global legal frameworks in mind.

One thing we can’t guess about your job from your LinkedIn profile? I think many people would be surprised at how much creative thinking is involved in my role. Sure, it can be technical, but imagining what’s possible in terms of new ways to improve the retail experience— from the customer experience to every aspect of the supply chain—is a huge part of what I do.

What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on? I’m excited by every implementation we do at XY because the brands we work with are constantly pushing the envelope to deliver the best possible experiences for their customers. We recently deployed at Fender’s new flagship store in [the Tokyo neighborhood of] Harajuku and it’s an honor to be trusted with the in-person, transactional customer experience in such a seamless, immersive, experientially focused store.

Which emerging retail trend are you most excited about this year, and why? I’m really excited about the convergence of AI and sustainability in retail. AI can help us make supply chains more efficient, reduce waste, and even help customers make more environmentally friendly choices. If you’re recommended products you will love and wear or use again and again rather than a bunch of things you wear or use once or not at all, you’re making a really powerful commitment to sustainability without even thinking about it.

What’s your go-to coffee order? My go-to coffee order is a flat white. I discovered them while working in Australia and they followed me back to the States.

Worst piece of advice you’ve received? I can’t tell you how many times people advised me with various versions of “play it safe.” In life and your career, playing it safe all the time can prevent you from reaching your full potential and ensures you’ll miss out on a lot of interesting opportunities, including the challenges that will allow you to grow. If you truly want to do something transformative, in the retail industry or otherwise, go for those opportunities that might look “riskier” but have more fulfilling rewards.

What was your favorite retail product when you were 15, and what’s your favorite retail product now? At 15, it was probably my Nintendo 64. I feel like that was the golden age of video games. Right now, it’s my Lagree microformer, which is decidedly non-tech, though I’m very interested in connected fitness devices and also own a Peloton Guide, which uses AI and machine learning to track your workout reps.