Merchants have more data, more technology, and more tools at their fingertips than ever before. But great merchandising still requires something that can't be found in a report: instinct.

In Part 1 of this Behind the Thread conversation, Anna Kenney, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Thread Advisory Group, sits down with Dani Bentley of Ulta Beauty to discuss the art and science of merchandising, the evolution of the merchant's role, and why human judgment still matters in an increasingly data-driven industry.

Dani's merchandising career has taken her across department stores, apparel, activewear, and beauty, with experience at Bon-Ton, Kohl's, and now Ulta Beauty. Along the way, she's learned that while product categories and customer behaviors may change, the fundamentals of great merchandising remain remarkably consistent: knowing your customer, understanding your product, building relationships, and recognizing opportunity.

But with more information available than ever before, how do merchants know when to trust the data—and when to trust themselves?

As Dani puts it, "The data gives you the confidence to make a decision, and the instinct gives you the courage to do it."

Anna and Dani discuss how merchants develop that instinct through experience, why taking calculated risks remains essential, and how AI could reshape the profession by giving merchants more time to focus on strategy, relationships, and understanding what customers want next.

Dani also shares a real-world example of a merchandising bet that paid off, even when the data alone wouldn't have pointed toward success.

And because this is a conversation between two longtime friends, there's plenty of laughter along the way—including a fun round of beauty-themed "This or That."

In This Episode

• Dani's unexpected path into retail merchandising and her career across apparel, activewear, and beauty
• What great merchandising has in common across different retail categories
• The balance between data, experience, and merchant instinct
• Why more data doesn't always make decisions easier
• How taking calculated risks can uncover opportunities the numbers don't reveal
• A real-world example of a successful merchandising bet
• How AI could free merchants to spend more time on strategy and customer relationships
• Why spending time in stores remains essential to understanding the business
• The importance of curiosity in anticipating what customers want next
• A fun beauty-themed "This or That" with Dani

The Bigger Merchandising Lesson

Technology is changing how merchants work, but it doesn't replace what makes them great.

Data can help identify patterns, validate decisions, and reduce uncertainty. AI may eventually take on more of the analytical work that consumes so much of a merchant's time. But understanding the customer, recognizing opportunities that aren't obvious in the numbers, and having the courage to make a bet still require human judgment.

As Anna and Dani's conversation reinforces, great merchandising isn't about choosing between art and science. It's about knowing how to bring them together.

Carrie Habel, host of Behind the Thread, is a dynamic leader operating at the intersection of retail, leadership, and wellness. As the owner of multiple ventures—including Thread Advisory Group and the Scottsdale chapter of Collective Women’s Leadership—she brings deep expertise in operational transformation, change management, and business growth. With a career that started on the frontlines of retail and expanded into consulting for major brands like Estée Lauder, Nordstrom, and T-Mobile, Carrie is known for helping organizations bridge the gap between strategy and execution.

DISCLAIMER:
The information shared on this podcast is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or other professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Behind the Thread, Thread Advisory Group, or Collective Women’s Leadership. This podcast is not a substitute for professional guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening does not establish any professional, client, or advisory relationship. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional regarding any questions you may have related to your health, wellness, business, or other specialized matters.

What happens when you finally realize your voice belongs in the room?

Sandra Scibelli has built an impressive career leading teams and retail organizations for some of the biggest names in the industry, including Gap, Ann Taylor, Williams Sonoma, Bath & Body Works, Athleta, Under Armour, and Untuckit.

But her biggest career lesson may have nothing to do with the brands on her résumé.

On this episode of Behind the Thread, host Carrie Habel sits down with Sandra for a candid conversation about leadership, career pivots, mentorship, personal growth, and the moment she realized that sharing her perspective was essential to becoming the leader she wanted to be.

From Art History to Retail Leadership

Sandra graduated with a liberal arts degree focused on art history and visual arts. With a love of fashion, creativity, sports, and leading teams, she found an unexpected starting point by answering an ad in the Boston Globe.

That first opportunity at Gap launched a career that would take her through some of retail's most recognizable brands and into senior leadership.

From managing stores to leading regional teams and eventually becoming Head of US Retail at Untuckit, Sandra has continually expanded her skills and perspective.

The Career Lesson That Changed Everything

One of the most revealing moments in the conversation comes when Sandra shares a time she held back her opinion during a business meeting.

She knew why a product wasn't selling, but her previous experience had taught her to focus on execution rather than challenge the thinking behind the product.

A conversation with her boss changed that.

Her takeaway?

If you can't share your opinion and perspective, it may not be the right place for you.

That realization became a major turning point in her leadership journey.

What You'll Discover

• How Sandra went from a liberal arts degree to a career in retail leadership
• The leadership lessons she learned from iconic brands
• Why mentorship can completely change a career
• What Bath & Body Works taught her about discipline, accountability, and execution
• How being part of smaller companies expanded her entrepreneurial thinking
• The importance of speaking up and sharing your perspective
• How career setbacks can create space for something better
• Why great leaders never stop learning
• The unexpected connection between leadership and BMX style curiosity, creativity, and teamwork

Question for you: Have you ever held back your opinion at work because you thought you were supposed to simply execute?

Watch the episode and tell us in the comments.

Because sometimes the biggest career breakthrough starts with one simple decision:

Speak up.

About Behind the Thread

Behind the Thread, hosted by Carrie Habel, explores the people, leadership lessons, careers, and stories behind the brands and businesses shaping today's world.

Subscribe to Behind the Thread for more conversations with leaders who are building, influencing, and changing the way we work.

Carrie Habel, host of Behind the Thread, is a dynamic leader operating at the intersection of retail, leadership, and wellness. As the owner of multiple ventures—including Thread Advisory Group and the Scottsdale chapter of Collective Women’s Leadership—she brings deep expertise in operational transformation, change management, and business growth. With a career that started on the frontlines of retail and expanded into consulting for major brands like Estée Lauder, Nordstrom, and T-Mobile, Carrie is known for helping organizations bridge the gap between strategy and execution.

DISCLAIMER:
The information shared on this podcast is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or other professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Behind the Thread, Thread Advisory Group, or Collective Women’s Leadership. This podcast is not a substitute for professional guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening does not establish any professional, client, or advisory relationship. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional regarding any questions you may have related to your health, wellness, business, or other specialized matters.