May Monthly Dinner Presenter - Tom Waller

Tom Waller is the Senior Vice President of Whitespace™, lululemon’s in-house innovation and R&D team. Comprising inventors, engineers and scientists, Whitespace™ is committed to building lululemon’s future guest experience through the discovery and application of industry-shifting initiatives. Recognizing the effect of sensation on performance, Whitespace pioneered the “science of feel" - its primary lens for imagining products.

Tom brings expertise in enabling human potential that was honed as a member of the Sports Technology Institute, based at Loughborough University. He has experience leading innovation for numerous large athletic brands, and successes have assisted in breakthrough consumer products, gold medals, world records, and championship titles.

 

Q&A with Tom Waller

1. What is the achievement you are the proudest of in your career?

Building a team of wonderful human beings from scratch whom I am pleased to recognize as both friends and colleagues.

2. What’s one advice or tip would you tell your 30-year-old self?

Enjoy the moment, all of your dreams will come true and you have plenty of time

3. How would you describe what you do in a single sentence to a stranger?

We research human potential and build new businesses and categories for Lululemon's long term growth and yes, we know a lot about putting fabrics on a body!

4. Do you have any favorite quotes you would like to share?

Illegitimi non-carborundum!

5. What one book has inspired you or one that you have recommended most?

Legacy by James Kerr

6. Can you think of any failure that later set you up for success?

Building the fastest swimsuit in the world that athletes could not actually swim fast in! Recognizing the power and significant importance of feel as it relates to achieving the highest levels of human performance.

 

You will find past speakers and their responses here: https://pmi.bc.ca/news-and-events/news

Thank you, Tom, for taking the time to answer our questions and allowing us to get to know you better! We are looking forward to your presentation.