AI promises to revolutionize retail workflows, yet the hype gap reveals real hurdles like integration failures, data silos, and cultural resistance that stall adoption and breed skepticism. Leaders must navigate team pushback, ethical dilemmas, and measurable ROI demands to bridge this divide without alienating talent or overpromising miracles. In this keynote panel debate, provocative voices clash on turning AI rhetoric into reality, exposing pitfalls and charting paths for genuine transformation amid workforce realities.

• Navigating the gap between AI hype and practical business realities by identifying real-world challenges
• Addressing cultural resistance and employee concerns around AI adoption and workforce impact
• Evaluating the technical hurdles of AI integration, including data quality, legacy systems, and skill shortages
• Balancing ethical considerations, privacy, and regulatory compliance while scaling AI initiatives effectively