Navigating market expansion with data: An interview with Shelly McDougal, Head of Product Operations and New Markets
Discover how Shelly leverages data to shape the future of market growth at Walmart Data Ventures
In this third installment of our Women in Data series, we had the pleasure of speaking with Shelly McDougal, Head of Product Operations and New Markets at Walmart Data Ventures, about her career journey and the role data plays in shaping the future of market expansion.
Shelly’s career began in the heart of Walmart Operations, where she rose through the ranks before transitioning to the Home Office, gaining invaluable experience in Store Design, Operations, and Merchandising. Her passion for problem-solving and data-driven decision-making ultimately led her to Walmart Data Ventures.
In this conversation, Shelly shares her insights on the power of data in driving business growth, the exciting challenges of expanding into new markets, and the importance of staying curious and adaptable in the ever-evolving world of data.
Join us as we explore her journey and learn how she’s leveraging data to create real-world impact.
Q: Tell us about your career and what led you to Walmart Data Ventures.
A: My career began at a Walmart store during college, where I worked in various roles, from apparel to cashier. I developed a passion for merchandising and was promoted to Assistant Manager after graduation. I then transitioned to the Home Office, gaining experience in Store Design, Operations, and Merchandising, including supporting the Apparel business. Throughout these roles, I focused on solving complex problems and driving results for customers.
My move to Walmart Data Ventures was fueled by a passion for problem-solving, a deep curiosity about data and insights, and the opportunity to work with an exceptional leadership team that values data strategically. I thrive in collaborative environments with a culture of innovation, curiosity, and customer obsession. Walmart Data Ventures is that place.
Q: What excites you most about working at the intersection of data and new market expansions? What have you learned along the way?
A: The expansion of Walmart Data Ventures to Mexico and Canada continues to be an amazing journey. We're maximizing global products and building an operating model that prioritizes speed, all to benefit Walmart Merchants, suppliers, and ultimately the customer. What I find most exciting about data is its ability to surprise us, revealing unexpected customer use cases. I've learned that those "spark" moments, the most granular details, can lead to the biggest wins, as long as we're willing to follow the data.
Q: Expanding into new markets requires a mix of strategy, agility, and deep insights. How has your passion for data shaped your approach to bringing Scintilla into Canada and Mexico?
Data has been a critical tool for navigating the intricacies of expanding Scintilla into Canada and Mexico. We continue to leverage data and insights to identify market opportunities and minimize risks. To understand each market, we prioritized research and analytics, focusing on customer needs, building global products and an operational business model that is both adaptable and scalable. A data-driven mindset ensured we addressed potential barriers and made decisions that balanced innovation with measurable business impact.
Q: Market expansion is a long game, but some moments make it all worth it. What’s been the most rewarding aspect of seeing data-driven strategies succeed in new markets?
A: One of the most rewarding aspects is that “aha” moment when you see the data start to drive decision-making and see how Merchants and suppliers are leveraging the data in success stories. Seeing how data translates into real-world impact like through driving business growth, improving customer experiences, and changing the way our teams work globally…that’s what makes the long game exciting!
Q: For those considering a career in data and insights, particularly at a place like Walmart Data Ventures, what advice would you offer to help them thrive and find their passion within the field?
A: Stay curious - that is my advice for anyone, anywhere, anytime! The most successful people in any field ask good questions, challenge assumptions, and look beyond the data to understand the bigger picture.
For anyone considering a career in data and insights, curiosity is critical as well as embracing a problem-solving mindset. Start by building a strong foundation in analytics, but most importantly, learn how to translate data into meaningful stories and actionable insights. Seek out experiences to help you shape your passion, the more hands-on projects you tackle, the better you will understand where your passions lie– could be predictive modeling, market research, AI, or business strategy.
Data is a powerful tool, but its real impact comes from being able to use it creatively and strategically.
Shelly’s journey highlights the power of curiosity, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making in shaping a successful career in data. Her insights into market expansion, the strategic use of data, and the impact of innovation are both inspiring and valuable for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the field.
If you're ready to take the next step in your career and explore the exciting opportunities that come with working at the intersection of data and business growth, we invite you to learn more about the impactful work happening at Walmart Data Ventures. Visit our website at www.WalmartDataVentures.com to discover how you can join our team and help shape the future of data.
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