Up Next In Commerce

After more than two-and-a-half years and nearly 300 episodes of uninterrupted commerce content, we're taking a brief pause. Stephanie and the team behind Up Next in Commerce is busy cooking up some fun and exciting ideas for our next season of the show, and while that's happening, we'll be pushing pause on releasing new episodes. But we'll be back, and we want to hear from you about what you want to see and hear when we return! So get in touch by emailing info@mission.org. And in the meantime, you can keep up with Stephanie by listening to the Mission Daily podcast! Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Sustainability and consciousness are often seen as buzzwords coming from ecommerce companies. But for those who build their businesses around doing right in the world, these terms are nothing short of foundational. In this episode, Jeff Scult, founder of sustainable retailer One Golden Thread, discusses how his company gives more back to nature then it takes to create products in the company's wildly popular clothing line.Tune in to learn:0:00 Episode start6:51 The rise of consciousness among consumers10:14 The origin of One Golden Thread14:41 The inspiration for the company's process and design37:39 What it means to be truly sustainableMentions:AdidasAvery DennisonNASATED TalksBurning ManDave ZebrowskiRosario DawsonKellogg'sUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Although it may seem like Chomps has been an overnight success, behind the scenes there has been a lot of hard work, risky bets, and beneficial partnerships that has helped elevate the brand. On this episode, Pete Maldonado, the Co-founder and CEO of Chomps and Stacy Hartnett, the Vice President, E-Commerce & Marketing at Chomps, discuss how the company was bootstrapped, and how it has scaled through both retail and online platforms.Tune in to learn:The beginnings of Chomps (2:00)The timeline of success (5:45)Lessons learned after getting into Trader Joe's (13:30)How and why Stacey came on board (15:00)Creating an appetite for risky bets (21:20)Identifying the right platforms (23:00)Contrarian ideas or data to track (31:20)Mentions:Tim Ferris/Noah Kagan blogUncrate.comUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Before she became the VP of Ecommerce and Marketing at Pharmaca, Elizabeth Garry cut her teeth in the digital and marketing world at brands such as Wayfair, Walmart, and Camping World. In this episode, Liz shares with us the lessons she's learned along the way, including how to vet a potential manager to see whether they have your best interests at heart, and what it looks like to create success as a team.Tune in to learn:Liz's background and her pivot to ecommerce (2:20)Learning directly from the Wayfair founders  (5:30)How to vet a potential manager (12:25)Creating success with your team (22:15)What is Pharmica? (30:00)Creating a digital journey that helps customers (34:45)Predictions for 2023 (38:00)Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

When a company is as large as AT&T and has a legacy that dates back nearly 150 years, you might think that it's difficult for the brand to adapt and innovate. Maryanne Cheung, the VP of ecommerce at AT&T, is here to tell you you're wrong. On this episode, she details all the ways that AT&T has been able to change with the times in order to serve today's more digitally-focused customers. Tune in to learn:How AT&T evaluates change (3:00)Small bets that have made a big impact (5:00)The omnichannel mix at AT&T (9:50)Some predictions for the next five years (14:45)Outside of customer service, how does AT&T separate itself from competitors? (19:45)What is the future of call centers? (28:45)What keeps work exciting? (38:45)Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

The DTC world is forever shifting and evolving. Staying on top of changing trends and best practices takes work. We try to make that easier for you by sharing insights from experts throughout the industry. Today, we're doubling our efforts by speaking with fellow podcast host Eric Dyck, who is the founder and CEO of DTC Newsletter and host of DTC Podcast. Eric shares his latest findings and gives some tips on how to win with newsletters and content marketing.Tune in to learn:How Eric got into the DTC space (2:00)Winning with your newsletters (6:20)How to stand out when everyone is moving in the same direction (9:50)The role AI will play for brands moving forward (15:20)The challenges companies face in 2023 (26:00)Mentions:DTC EventsMidday Squares episode of Up Next in CommerceUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Shinola is a lifestyle brand that partners with family businesses and iconic brands to showcase a wide range of American-designed products. Which means the company has to know how (and where) to continually reach all segments of an ever-growing audience. Joel Layton, the VP, Head of Ecommerce, Digital & Marketing for Shinola discusses what that looks like.Tune in to learn:Are we in a DTC vs retail world? (6:30)Enacting a test and learn strategy (9:35)Going all-in on TikTok (12:55)Thinking ahead for the coming year (19:00)Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

In an innovative move, Scott Lynn, CEO and Founder of Masterworks, democratized art investing by registering art pieces with the SEC and selling shares to investors. The first company of its kind, Masterworks is now a major art dealer with more than 600,000 investors on its platform. Scott dives into the future of art investing, the historical data the company analyzes, and how to determine which art pieces will perform.   Tune in to learn:Historical data in the art industry (7:00)Art investing over the next couple of years (10:46)The role of alternative asset classes in coming decades (20:55)How do you determine which art will perform financially? (25:40)Evolutions and trends in art valuation (27:20)Mentions:Sotheby'sBasquiatPaul Allen's $1.5 billion collection saleBanksyJoan MitchellSam GilliamUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

In an effort to fight off a debilitating autoimmune disorder that struck him years ago, Kevin McCray turned to a strict Paleo diet free of gluten, refined sugars, and soy. It was a decision that would spark a truly inspirational and wildly successful entrepreneurial mission. The President and Co-founder of the healthy prepackaged meal company Kevin's Natural Foods joins us to talk about how his clean-eating lifestyle took him from the hospital bed to spearheading a brand that can now be found in some of the largest retail stores across the country.Tune in to learn:The origins of Kevin's Natural Foods (2:06)How Kevin negotiates prices with suppliers (14:40)Advice on getting a product into major retail stores (24:00)The importance of fortifying a brand position (30:55)Mentions:Dr. Mark HymanDan Costa23andMe: DNA Genetic Testing For Health, Ancestry And MoreChief Health HackerCookout With KevUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

What do Apple Pay, WhatsApp, and Crypto have in common? They are all preferred channels of payment and messaging that customers may prefer to use. Michael Affronti, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Payments and Messaging at Salesforce, shares his perspective on how companies should evolve their options for communication and payments to build better, more personalized relationships with their customers. Tune in to learn:About Michael's patents (05:15)What international payments trends will be emerging in the US (14:30)Why Michael is keeping a close eye on cryptocurrency (24:00)How brands should reevaluate their messaging systems (29:00)Mentions:Stat for preferred payment method“Innovation Stack: Building Unbeatable Business One Crazy Idea at a Time” by Jim McKelvey“The Innovation Stack: How Square Co-Founder Jim McKelvey Thinks About Disruption” - James' Episode on Up Next In CommerceCharacter.AI - Character botWhatsApp - Free, world-wide messaging and calling appMichael Affronti's LinkedInUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How do successful CPG companies build a following? Nick Saltarelli, Co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, shares how he and his partners “celebritized” themselves through an Instagram reality show to break into the chocolate industry. He dives into social media strategy, building a fanbase that asks grocery stores to stock their products, and fighting back against attacks. Tune in to learn:Fighting cyberattacks and legal battles against Mid-Day Squares (01:45)Launching without support from grocery stores (14:55)Why you should remove yourself from the data tracking obsession (24:40)“Cracking” TikTok (31:15)Mentions:Pepsi, Where is My Jet?Liquid Death, CEO and Cofounder, Mike CessarioUp Next In Commerce Interview with Hamid Saify, SVP of Digital Retail at Liquid DeathMid-Day Squares Uncensored Podcast Loverboy and Summer HouseUp Next in Commerce Interview with Nick Califano, COO, LoverboyUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

On this special end-of-year crossover episode, the hosts from Up Next in Commerce, Marketing Trends, and IT Visionaries meet up again to discuss their biggest takeaways from their guests over the past year, and to make some predictions for what should be an exciting 2023 in marketing, tech, and ecommerce.Tune in to learn:Why your employees are your greatest customers (7:50)Why good business instincts can help overcome a lack of data (13:55)Why intuition matters, even in data-driven industries (22:00)Mentions:David Ting, ZenniDavid Heinemeier Hansson, 37signalsStephanie Dobbs Brown, CMO, Intercontinental ExchangeLil' WayneKevin Warren, UPSEric Toda, MetaUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerceMission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

As instant commerce becomes increasingly popular, how can consumers rely on products being in stock?  Daniel Folkman, SVP of Business at Gopuff, explains that with more than 500 micro fulfillment centers, Gopuff can guarantee delivery of its stocked products as the customer builds their order. Listen to the episode to learn more about how Gopuff is leading experiments on sample feedback data for advertisers and how the company is staying ahead of its competitors.Tune in to learn:About the benefits and challenges of providing products through company-owned fulfillment centers (06:40)Why Daniel thinks Gopuff will outlast its competitors (12:10)The Gopuff ad platform (17:33)What avenues Gopuff is exploring to capitalize on sample tracking (22:17)Mentions:“GoPuff forecasts mass extinction for ‘majority, if not all' rivals this year” by Emily Hawkins for City A.M. on 08/29/2022Rafael Ilishayev, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of GopuffYakir Gola, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of GopuffPepsiCoCoca-ColaUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How do you build a socially-conscious product business within a competitive market? Mike Beckham, CEO and Co-founder, Simple Modern, shares his experience as a founder, diving into finding and protecting white space in the market, building brand loyalty and creating a great culture.Tune in to learn:Identifying white space in the market (7:20)Building “moats” in competitive markets (13:30)The need to have a good product in order to give back (23:20)Mike's advice for founders (33:15)Mentions:YetiThermosStanleyHydroflaskInternational Housewares Association's Inspired Home ShowQuibidsAll Birds Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How can an ecommerce brand serve middle to low-income African consumers, even those that are offline or lack access to technology? Tracey Turner, Founder and Chair of Copia Global, is bringing e-commerce to the mass market in Africa and dives into the details of their approach. She shares the logistics of their unique model, how they have built consumer trust and insights into the market across Africa.Tune in to learn:Using a for-profit model for social impact (04:45)Bringing ecommerce to the African mass market (10:00)Copia Global's impact (20:25)The mindset needed to enter new markets (22:43)The importance of earning customer trust in new markets (28:00)Mentions:Anita Roddick / The Body ShopBen and Jerry's Jason Murray Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more athttp://www.mission.org.

What should companies be most concerned with in this era of commerce? Lena Korres, Co-Founder and CIO at KORRES, explains the importance of keeping production sustainable so consumers can feel good about the products they're using. Tune in to learn more about how natural ingredients not only benefit the consumer, but also the companies that produce skincare. Tune in to learn:What KORRES values about herbal remedies (3:40)The benefits of Greek Yogurt (12:55)Why Santori grapes are amazing (18:50)How to gain awareness for your products (25:05)Mentions:Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

With so many new commerce options available, what avenues can companies explore to reach more consumers? Vassil Mladjov, Board Member at Tallio, shares his thoughts on the growth of live stream shopping and how it is becoming a more prevalent way to purchase products online. Also, tune in to hear how collecting user data can help provide an optimal consumer experience, breaking boundaries within e-commerce opportunities.Tune in to learn:Why live stream shopping isn't as popular in the U.S. (06:00)How Tik Tok can help with targeting the right customers (11:35)Keeping live shopping relevant even after the live event (18:44)How companies can implement personalization through user data (26:20)About thinking outside of the box to reimagine the traditional revenue stream (28:45)Mentions:Bambuser - live video shoppingTikTok - short-form video serviceMetaverse - virtual reality iteration of the internetUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How did an alcoholic beverage company manage to reach nationwide distribution without a single dollar spent on marketing? Nick Califano, the COO of the hard tea and canned cocktail maker Loverboy, joins us to discuss the unique journey that propelled the company from reality TV scene-stealer to retail shelves across the country.Tune in to learn:The backstory of Summer House and Loverboy (09:15)How Loverboy stays ahead of trends in the industry (25:00)Nick's thoughts on the potential of branded content (37:55)Mentions:Summer House | Bravo TV Official SiteUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Unconventional health treatments like cryotherapy and infrared sauna baths are not exactly known for their affordability. One rapidly growing company, however, is transforming the wellness landscape by democratizing access to such cutting-edge health services. With over 175 locations across the country, Restore Hyper Wellness is quickly bringing its holistic healthcare approach to the mainstream. Tune in to hear Restore CEO and Founder Jim Donnelly and CMO David Fossas discuss the joys and challenges of operating within a franchise model, and why they are committed to making health and wellness treatments safe, fun, and affordable.Tune in to learn:An overview of Restore and its services (3:40)Why Restore uses a franchise model (16:20)The marketing approach at Restore (23:55)How Restore avoids the pitfalls of the biohacking frontier (38:00)The future of using space for wellness and production (46:30)Mentions:Steven Welch, Founder and Executive Chairman, Restore Hyper WellnessSTEMREGEN® - Stem Cell Supplements - KalyagenUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How do you make a popular Asian product thrive in the U.S. market? Irvin Gunawan, Founder and CEO of Irvins, shares his experience building a snack food brand out of their restaurant in Singapore and later bringing these products to the U.S, introducing Americans to a new snacking sensation. Tune in to hear about the company's backstory and what Irvin learned from this unique expansion.Tune in to learn:Irvin's journey from a Singaporean restaurant into a viral snack product (1:50)Building relationships with major U.S. retailers (11:00)What changes are needed to bring a product from Asia to the U.S. (16:30)Mentions:Cardi BUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Michael Ibrahim, Senior Vice President of Digital Product at Fox Corporation, has several patents under his belt and a skill for building successful teams; he is contributing to major success at Fox Corporation. He shares his insights into the world of digital, diving into the most important metrics for Fox and how they make themselves available to consumers wherever they want to access their media. Tune in to learn:What it takes to earn patents (1:45)How to make media available to consumers across platforms (9:10)The metrics that matter for Fox (16:20)Sparking consumer interest in watching content (19:30)How to manage teams and get people working well together (28:40)Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, how are businesses handling the busiest commerce period of the year? On this special crossover episode, the hosts from Mission.org podcasts, Up Next in Commerce, Marketing Trends and IT Visionaries join forces for the first time ever to discuss all things retail. Tune in to hear Stephanie, Jeremy, and Albert share their thoughts and expertise about the latest shopping technology, holiday cyber threats, and whether shifting consumer attitudes will make Black Friday a thing of the past.Tune in to learn:Themes surrounding Black Friday and Cyber Monday (2:10)Cybersecurity's role in Black Friday and Cyber Monday (11:55)Is there consumer optimism in today's uncertain market? (16:45)End capping and its evolution into ad-buying (25:30)Mentions:“Bringing Build-A-Bear Alive in New Ways With Jenn Kretchmar, Chief Digital and Merchandising Officer of Build-A-Bear Workshop” (Marketing Trends podcast; Episode 359)“How The Simple P&L Statement Can Be Key To Long-Term Success” (Up Next In Commerce podcast; Episode 33)“Not Dumbing It Down: DECIEM and the Art of Straightforward Marketing with Jordanne Dyck” (Up Next In Commerce podcast; Episode 197)“Flipping Ecommerce on its Head” (Up Next In Commerce podcast; Episode 90)Common Thread Collective“Where ‘Credit' Is Due with Randy Kern, CTO, Marqeta” (IT Visionaries podcast; Episode 417)Stephan Pretorius - Chief Technology Officer - WPP“Smart TV and Smarter TV Marketing With Jordan Rost, Head of Ad Marketing, Roku, Inc.” (Marketing Trends podcast; Episode 341)American Giant: American Made Clothing & ActivewearDanny Fields - EVP Engineering and Chief Technology Officer -  Avalara“Why Liquid Death Didn't Water Down Its Marketing Strategy” (Up Next In Commerce podcast; Episode 262)Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How should companies think about AI? When should it be used? Should it be regulated? Dr. Athina Kanioura, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer of PepsiCo, shares her expert insights and explains how AI increases efficiency at PepsiCo. She also dives into their cross-functional “digital hubs” and the bias problem with hiring algorithms. Tune in to learn:Athina's most contrarian thought about AI (2:08)How AI makes PepsiCo more efficient (15:15)Addressing the bias issues and creating ethical AI (19:45)The purpose of PepsiCo's digital hubs (29:50)Measuring KPIs (32:30)How to upskill talent (34:30)Mentions:Wuthering Heights (novel by Emily Brontë)Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

What are the benefits of having a passion project for a career? Rob Bossen, CEO of Grey Duck, shares that his passion for stand-up paddleboarding allows him to innovate within the niche spaces of outdoor water activities to bring solutions to consumers. Tune in to hear more about Rob's transition from finance to outdoor water activities and what his experiences have taught him throughout his journey.  Tune in to learn:About Grey Duck's stand-up paddle board innovation (08:40)How Grey Duck sells direct to consumers (13:25)About the growing trend for inflatable products (16:00)Why the used product market is on the rise (28:00)Mentions:Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How does e-commerce completely alter the way alcohol businesses reach consumers? Derek Correia, President of ReserveBar, knows that B2C can widen the horizon for beverage sales across the country and provide curated, personalized experiences for customers. Tune in to hear how ReserveBar is changing the market through partnerships and a vision to optimize how people explore, learn about, and purchase premium wines, champagnes, and spirits.   Tune in to learn:The behind-the-scenes of building a B2B and B2C company (5:55)Why one-to-one relationships with the customer are valuable (13:00)How the ecommerce everywhere vision originated at ReserveBar (29:40)How to avoid cannibalizing your sales (23:20)Mentions:Anheuser-Busch Brewing CompanyUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How do you find white space in your market? And when you do, how should you time your product release? Ken Wegner, President of Jel Sert, and his son Gavin, Senior Brand Manager of subsidiary SLIQ Spirited Ice, share their approach at Jel Sert. They discuss their experience at this nearly 100-year-old family business, and how the company successfully transitioned into the competitive alcoholic beverage industry.Tune in to learn:Lessons from Jel Sert's history that resonate today (8:46)How to grow and innovate responsibly (13:50)How to find white space and time your entry into the market (22:57) Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How can companies capture customer attention and spark interest in their brand? Hamid Saify, SVP of Digital Retail at Liquid Death Mountain Water, discusses the brand's “tongue-in-cheek” approach and its “connection-first” marketing strategy. Tune in to learn about the company's success stories and how to drive loyalty through merchandise.Tune in to learn:Which metrics matter and why you should not be hyper-reactive (7:20)How to use merchandise to actually build brand loyalty  (12:55)Coming up with design ideas for merchandise (19:04)Mentions:Austin City Limits Music FestivalMike Cessario (CEO and Co-Founder of Liquid Death)Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How can a company stand out in an overpopulated market? Jasper Falluca, Director of Business Development at Palermo's Pizza, shares innovation through ecommerce to create a new platform for DTC frozen pizzas. Tune in to learn more about Palermo's Pizza and its accomplishments in the pizza business by building meaningful connections with customers and using data to create successful products. Tune in to learn:The story behind founding the family business (02:05)More on the driving force behind growth (07:00)How to build lasting relationships with customers (16:10)The tech stack behind the expansion to DTC (23:30)Mentions:Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How do startups aim to disrupt the current market? Gabe Coyne, CEO of Stix Golf, explains that businesses need to create affordable options in the middle ground between bargain and luxury. Tune in to learn more about Gabe's process for finding the right channels to showcase quality products for affordable prices.   Tune in to learn:Behind the scenes of designing the Stix clubs (8:45) How Stix built awareness during a second launch effort (15:40)Thoughts on retail for DTC companies in today's market (17:20)Mentions:Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How should ecommerce brands be thinking about advertising strategy? What will work now and into the future? Alexa Kilroy, Head of Brand at Triple Whale, shares her hot takes based on the data and her industry experience. Tune in to hear her thoughts on the ad platforms that you should pay attention to and the return to some old-school ad strategies. Tune in to learn:Triple Whale's DTC reality TV show “DTC After Dark” (2:30)Dissecting inaccuracies in platform advertising data (18:30)Recent shifts in “behind the scenes” data (24:20)Interesting and lesser known data metrics (38:48)A “hot take” on the advertising industry (32:30)Mentions:DTC After Dark, Presented by Triple WhaleHuronUp Next in Commerce EpisodeJambysUp Next in Commerce EpisodeEastern Standard ProvisionsOlli PopFlying Embers Hard KombuchaHop LarkWincDara DennyKristin JonesSonya RobinsonRyan MaloneReed Smith Liam CassZachary MurrayObvi CollagenBarry HottUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

What is the recipe for exceptional customer experiences? Michael Bair, SVP of Customer Experience at FIGS, thinks the ingredients to create the best experiences is by listening to the customer, speaking the customer's language, and asking for opinions. Listen in to hear more about  Michael's strategy for building the right team to ensure customer experience success. Tune in to learn:How do you know if you have a good customer experience? (2:15)Optimizing your team in an uncertain time (7:30)The north star metrics Michael pays attention to (12:30)Why using customer language is important (18:30)Why personalization is about being a product expert (24:25)What to pay attention to moving forward (38:00)Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

What strategies should retail steal from the tech startup world? David Ting, CTO of Zenni Optical, shares his experience moving from tech startups into DTC retail, outlining the big impact his team was able to make in their first two months and the details of how they did it. Tune in to hear his insights on building a best-in-class engineering team, a highly ranked mobile app, and more.  Tune in to learn:The day-to-day life of a CTO (6:40)How to increase the success of a mobile app (13:30)How to build a best-in-class engineering team (21:12)The best tech tools for DTC companies (34:30)Mentions:celential.aiUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

It's fair to say that Crocs has had its share of highs and lows. People have loved them and hated them, but there is no disputing that the shoes have become ubiquitous whether you like them or not. But what has it been like to be inside the Crocs car on this roller coaster ride and how has the company found ways to win over and over? Feliz Papich, VP of Digital Product and Consumer Experience at Crocs, discusses that and more on this episode.Tune in to learn:When did digital become a priority for Crocs and how is it going? (7:20) The Crocs comeback story and how Crocs listens to customers (13:33)Thoughts on globalization (20:28)Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Meta has gone all-in on the metaverse but how do users and shoppers feel about this virtual future? Martin Gilliard, the Head of Meta Store at Reality Labs at Meta, is helping to make sure that those who step into the metaverse are leaving with a positive experience, and he's got advice for brands on how to start experimenting and building for more virtual experiences in the future.Tune in to learn:Martin's contrarian belief about the Metaverse (2:00)What is Martin betting on for the future? (6:00)What is Meta learning from how customers interact with products (11:20)What is Meta experimenting with now? (17:10)When will we see virtual shopping as part of our daily lives? (23:30)Mentions:CityDAOUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How do you learn from your successes and failures to inform future innovation? Mark Edmonson, Chief Marketing Officer at GoGo squeeZ, gets honest and specific about what is going well, what could have gone better, and what he and his team are learning at GoGo squeeZ. Tune in to hear how he is navigating his new role as CMO, his thoughts on building great culture, and more. Tune in to learn:What is working well at GoGo squeeZ (13:30)What marketing campaigns could have gone better at GoGo squeeZ (15:10)Current thinking about retail media (25:20)Building a great culture (29:00)Mentions:Kroger 8451RokuHEBProfiteroTerraCycleInstacartUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

There are lots of conflicting views on NFTs and Web3, as well as an onslaught of mixed messaging on the topic from the mainstream media. Avery Akkineni, President of Vayner3, shares her perspective on the NFT market today and how enterprises can navigate the complexities of this new frontier to build brand value.  Tune in to learn:Some perspective on the NFT market right now and where the space is going (6:25)Better understanding your customer with the right data (13:40)An example of a larger enterprise that is exploring NFTs (17:15)Building community in the Web3 world (21:10)Mentions:Gary Vaynerchuck (“GaryV”)Kevin RoseVeeFriendsBobby HundredsBFF (Cofounders Jamie Schmdit and Brit Morin)Ledger Market Pass“The Network State” (Book by Balaji Srinivasan)Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How do you overcome resistance when launching a company? Caleb Ulffers, Co-Founder and CEO of Haven Athletic, set out to design, manufacture, and sell “organized gym bags” after experiencing frustrations with his own outdated duffel. Tune in to hear how his team persevered to successfully pre-launch their product. Tune in to learn:Caleb's background (2:00)The story of Haven Athletic (11:30)How Caleb and his team overcame resistance while building the company (18:40)What the Haven launch looked like and where the company is today (24:30)What Caleb would do differently if he were launching the brand today (34:40)Mentions:Peak Design (Peter Dering, Founder and CEO)"Knocking Out Knock-Offs: A Look at Crowdfunding and Copycats" (Previous Up Next in Commerce episode featuring Peak Design)Climate Neutral (Peter Dering, Co-Founder)Outdoor Retailer EventUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Because technology, platforms, and even customer expectations are changing so quickly, brands are in need of service and IT consulting firms like SoftServe. SoftServe has more than 450 clients around the world and across industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, software and more. Adam Gabrault is the President of Strategic Verticals & Industry Solutions, North America and on this episode, he details some of the challenges SoftServe's clients are facing, and what kinds of solutions are on the table. Enjoy!Tune in to learn:The challenges Adam has faced (2:10) SoftServe's roots in Ukraine (7:00) Adam's thoughts on A.I. (21:55) Can we start putting health data on the blockchain? (32:10)Mentions:Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Can a tech career lead to success in retail? Jenna Flateman Posner, a former professional rugby athlete, is a tech expert turned retailer who is now the Chief Digital Officer of SNIPES, a successful sneaker and streetwear company. Tune in to hear her unique perspective on how to win by utilizing technology in retail.Tune in to learn about:Jenna's experience as a rugby player (2:15)What Jenna describes as SNIPES' “hype selling” model (11:30)About Jenna's journey from tech to retail (15:00)How tech investments add incremental value to SNIPES (27:48)Mentions:Brigitte Cooperman, COO of Snipes Jimmy Jazz“Five Dysfunctions of a Team” (Book by Patrick Lencioni)"My Life in Full: Work, Family, and Our Future" (Book by Indra Nooyi)Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

GOOD PLANeT Foods was established with a mission in mind, but how did that mission end up as products in the hands of consumers? On part two of this two-part episode, we welcome back David Israel, Founder and CEO at GOOD PLANeT Foods, who is joined by his Co-CEO, Bart Adlam, to fill us in on how they built the business and a partnership. Enjoy!Tune in to learn:How to walk the fine line when working with a co-CEO (10:50)What's the balance between getting the product to market and educating the consumer (12:15)How GOOD PLANeT Foods is competing against a glut of lower quality products from competitors (15:50)How, according to Bart, GOOD PLANeT Foods is becoming “a market of one” (27:30)Mentions:Malcolm Gladwell (Author)"They Can Kill You… but They Can't Eat You" (Book by Dawn Steel) Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

David Israel has had an incredible journey to where he is now, serving as the Founder and CEO at GOOD PLANeT Foods. In part one of this special two-part episode of Up Next in Commerce, hear David's backstory, including a long, drawn-out legal battle and creating a business from behind bars and growing it into a leader in the snack category. And tune into the next episode to hear more about GOOD PLANeT Foods. Tune in to learn:David's journey through legal battles (6:30)Running a business while in legal limbo (9:20)How David found the idea for POP! Gourmet Foods in prison (23:00)Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

In the ever-evolving world of ecommerce, brands are constantly looking for data and resources to help them carve out a path forward. Salesforce wants to be that font of information for brands, and it's delivering valuable insights via the Second Edition State of Commerce Report. On this episode, Caila Schwartz, the Director of Industry Insights at Salesforce, digs into some of the report's findings and provides some tips and predictions for how brands should handle the holiday season.Tune in to learn:What has been most surprising when compiling the report (2:20)Brands and trends to watch in the automation space (12:06)How to think about the holiday season (16:33)Mentions:Second Edition State of Commerce ReportSalesforce Holiday ReportUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.