This is the first time we have had the opportunity to interview someone who has been at the forefront of loyalty in the convenience and fuel retail channel since the mid-1990’s.
Lesley Saitta, Chair, Impact 21, has worked with many of the most notable retailers and suppliers and was involved in attempts to launch several loyalty programs even before technology allowed for integrations with the POS and pump. As co-owner of Impact 21, she has led innovation in customer loyalty across multiple retailers and has been personally involved with loyalty strategies that strongly influenced the transformation of convenience stores and "gas stations" into retailers that attract customers with environments and offers that rival those from casual dining, QSR, and grocery.
Her contributions to the Convenience and Fuel industry were collectively recognized when she was honored as one of the “Top Women in Convenience” in 2018 by the Network of Executive Women and Winsight. Lesley was also elected to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Supplier Board in 2020.
Lesley Saitta knows a thing or two about convenience. She has been engaged in the chemical, petroleum and convenience channels, as a consultant and retailer, for over 35 years. Lesley leads Impact 21’s Advisory Board and serves on the NACS Supplier Board. She works closely with both domestic and international retailers, consumer goods companies, software providers and industry associations. Lesley’s focus on leadership, organization, infrastructure and change management transforms companies and yields significant returns. Born in Alaska and growing up with the feminist influences of her father, Lesley set her goals high and graduated from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business with a B.S. in Marketing/Management and an Executive MBA. As the founder of a company owned by women, a wife, and mother of two fine men, Lesley is a mentor to many successful retail executives and entrepreneurs. Her personal work with Make-A-Wish keep her both humbled and inspired.
WOMEN IN LOYALTY HOST
Cindy Faust is known for driving strategy, vision development, and revenue creation programs in partnership with clients to help position them for customer growth and success. She has spent the past 20+ years as a technology and marketing leader, most recently as the global President & Chief Commercial Officer for Aimia Loyalty Solutions (now part of Kognitiv Corporation). Cindy specializes in customer engagement strategy, SaaS technology, and behavior analytics to deliver amazing brand experiences. Prior to joining Aimia, Cindy held technology leadership positions with Carlson Companies and GE Capital. She has earned various collegiate degrees, including an MBA from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. She is actively involved as a volunteer with several University programs, including Carlson Women Global Connect. In addition, she works with the National Alliance for Grieving Children, TeamWomen and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Twin Cities.
Missed the last episode? Here’s Episode 4: Rachel Bicking.
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The Women in Loyalty™ Series is presented by The Wise Marketer and The Loyalty Academy.