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Episode 048 – Dave Kimbell, CEO, Ulta Beauty

On this episode of the Executives’ Exchange, we dive into the profound role of beauty in our lives with two exceptional leaders: Dave Kimbell, CEO of Ulta Beauty, and guest host Michelle Collins, President of Cambium LLC. Discover how Ulta Beauty revolutionized the industry by making beauty accessible to all. Get ready to be inspired and gain invaluable insights as we explore beauty, technology, leadership, and community engagement.

00:00 – Intro
00:58 – Michelle introducing Dave
01:35 – Dave’s background & early influences
03:47 – Roles prior to Ulta Beauty
05:55 – Ulta Beauty’s beginning – Beauty in a New Way
09:27 – Technology enhancing the Ulta Beauty experience
12:04 – Data insights from loyalty customers & beauty enthusiasts
15:36 – Ulta Beauty’s partnership with Target
18:00 – Challenges with retail theft
21:26 – Message from our sponsor, Shure
21:57 – Ulta Beauty’s differentiators
24:06 – Deepening investments in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
26:53 – Setting industry & company standards
29:20 – Supporting new and emerging brands – Sparked
30:47 – Opportunities for Men as beauty consumers
32:16 – Advice for potential CEOs
34:49 – Dave’s community involvement
37:25 – Supporting Chicago
39:44 – How leadership starts with heart
41:36 – Rapid fire questions
46:54 – Outro

Episode Link: Ulta Beauty

Guest Host: Michelle Collins, President, Cambium LLC 
Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago 

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated.
For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.

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