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Mikko Kärkkäinen is co-founder and CEO at RELEX Solutions, an AI-based supply chain and retail planning platform that works with retailers like Lowe’s, PetSmart, and Whole Foods.
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in retail? I try to help our organization provide services that enable retailers to serve their customers better and with lower cost and waste.
One thing we can’t guess about your job from your LinkedIn profile? I spend an inordinate time reading about ways to improve process efficiency and operational decision making in retail and how those can be helped with technology.
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on? Many projects from the early days of RELEX where I had the opportunity to do hands-on work on many roles including solution design, training, and change management. The biggest joy for me is to see the new ways of working providing better results in practice.
Which emerging retail trend are you most excited about right now, and why? The possibilities of AI in improving operations and retail decisions—especially the possibility of working effectively, also with more fuzzy data.
Worst piece of advice you’ve received? “Do not apologize.”
What was your favorite retail product when you were 15, and what’s your favorite retail product now? Back then, Metallica’s Black Album; now, Favero Assioma power pedals.