In today’s business landscape, digital transformation has become more than just a buzzword; it’s a necessity for companies looking to thrive in the digital age. On our most recent episode of the CMO Insights podcast, Lauren Sallata, Chief Marketing Officer of Ricoh North America, discussed how she leads her company to embrace digital transformation and foster a culture of innovation and inclusion.
Lauren’s journey from figure skating to marketing leadership has been shaped by her strong focus on people, adaptability, and passion for making a positive impact. Her leadership style reflects her commitment to building a culture that values inclusivity, innovation, and employee development.
A Digital-First Mindset
One of the key takeaways from Lauren’s approach to digital transformation is the importance of adopting a “digital-first” mindset. She emphasizes that starting with people is crucial rather than just focusing on technology and processes. Organizations can effectively navigate the digital landscape by prioritizing the needs and aspirations of employees and customers.
Building a Culture of Excellence
Sallata places great emphasis on creating a culture of excellence within the organization. This culture involves shared values, accountability, and expectations around how employees work and collaborate. The commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion has led to positive results, including improved employee engagement and a 96% acceptance rate for job offers at Ricoh.
Embracing AI and Emerging Technologies
With AI becoming increasingly prevalent in business, the Ricoh marketing team is actively exploring ways to leverage AI and other emerging technologies. They’ve initiated projects to identify the most suitable use cases for AI within the company, focusing on enhancing productivity and driving efficiency.
Mentorship and Leadership Development
Lauren Sallata strongly advocates mentorship and leadership development, both within and outside her organization. She encourages aspiring marketing leaders, especially women, to develop a general manager mindset. Understanding business principles, financial acumen, and strategy are essential skills that can pave the way for marketing professionals to become effective CMOs.
Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
Lauren’s career journey includes a pivotal moment when she stepped outside her marketing role to explore a service-oriented position. The experience taught her valuable lessons about adaptability and embracing diverse experiences in one’s career.
Watch the full interview here:
Lauren Sallata’s journey from figure skating to becoming the CMO of Ricoh North America is a testament to the power of digital transformation and the role of leadership in fostering innovation and inclusion. Her insights provide valuable guidance for aspiring marketing leaders looking to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape and build cultures of excellence within their organizations.