2920: Cisco Live: Exploring Retail Tech With Steve Madden

How can a fashion-forward brand like Steve Madden redefine the intersection of style and technology? In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I'm live at Cisco Live, engaging with Steve Madden's top tech minds: Kamran Siddique, Global CISO and head of infrastructure and Nitin Srivastava, Director of IT Infrastructure & Operations. We delve into the dynamic world of retail technology and explore how Steve Madden, a brand celebrated for its trendy footwear and accessories, leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance customer experiences worldwide. Despite its traditional association with fashion rather than tech, Steve Madden is making significant strides in integrating technology into its operations, particularly with its recent shift to a new SaaS-based POS system designed for iPads. During our discussion, Kamran will share insights on the crucial security measures Steve Madden prioritizes to protect customer data and ensure transaction integrity. We'll uncover how the brand maintains a balance between robust security protocols and a seamless user experience, especially in high-traffic retail settings. Furthermore, Kamran will reflect on the evolving role of a CISO in the retail sector, particularly as digital and SaaS-based solutions become more prevalent. We will also hear about the challenges of aligning IT infrastructure with broader business strategies and the metrics that are pivotal in evaluating the effectiveness of IT security and infrastructure efforts. Join us as we uncover the technological pulses behind a global fashion giant at one of the biggest tech events of the year. After listening, what do you think are the biggest tech challenges facing the retail industry today? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.