Podcasts about Agility

#662: Most teams hire for skills. The best teams hire for wiring. What if the reason someone accelerates your organization, or quietly derails it, has more to do with their response time, processing style, or sense of mission than their résumé? This episode dives into the hidden patterns that shape how people work, make decisions, and handle pressure; the clues we often overlook, and the tiny tells that reveal who will thrive. We're joined by William Vanderbloemen, whose firm has completed nearly 4,000 executive searches. After reviewing years of candidate data, he discovered why some people create momentum everywhere they go and others struggle, even when they look perfect on paper. We explore what “fast thinkers” and “slow thinkers” bring to a team, how to spot agility before you hire someone, and why some workers need a mission while others need a measurable win. Along the way, we reflect on our own tendencies and how understanding them can change the way we build teams, manage energy, and make long-term decisions. Key Takeaways Response speed can signal mental wiring, not politeness, which makes it a powerful hiring clue. The real interview starts long before the formal meeting, which means every informal interaction counts. Agility shows up when plans change, so micro-tests can reveal how someone handles shifting conditions. Many high performers are driven either by purpose or measurable progress, and knowing which matters. Understanding our own lane helps us hire better, delegate better, and build systems that reduce friction. Resources and Links Simon Sinek, Start With Why https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA Vanderbloemen Group https://vanderbloemengroup.com/ Be the Unicorn by William Vanderbloemen https://www.amazon.com/Be-Unicorn-Data-Driven-Separate-Leaders/dp/1400247101 Chapters Note: Timestamps are approximate and may vary greatly across listening platforms due to dynamically inserted ads. (00:00) What thousands of executive searches revealed (10:35) The nine markers of high performers (22:01) Fast thinkers, slow thinkers, and finding your lane (25:35) Why response time predicts performance (25:48) Testing agility in real-world scenarios (47:16) Why purpose matters more to younger workers (55:13) Why curiosity is a career superpower Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whether working with your first agility dog or your fifth, the right foundation can play a huge role in your team's success. Join us for a conversation on how to build the skills you'll need as a team... even if you have minimal access to equipment.

In this episode, I break down the core habits that set successful CEOs apart and how those habits directly influence organizational growth. We explore the risks of overcommitting and getting too deep into day-to-day operations, a common trap that can cloud strategic focus. I make the case for a more disciplined approach to choosing opportunities and explain why shifting from monthly to weekly performance metrics can dramatically improve agility. We also dive into the value of developing strong leaders at every level and the role of clear, consistent communication in preventing costly misunderstandings. Ultimately, this episode is designed to help leaders sharpen their habits, elevate their impact, and accelerate growth. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 1:07 Good CEO Habits 2:56 Delegation and Ownership 5:17 The Power of Selectivity 7:27 Agility in Metrics 9:18 Building Leadership Depth 10:44 Communication Clarity 12:06 Reflecting on Improvement The Hidden Traps CEOs Fall Into: Good CEO Habits Start Here In this episode of Grow Think Tank, we're having an honest conversation about the everyday habits that can make or break a CEO's effectiveness. I'm Gene Hammett, and I'll walk you through some of the subtle traps leaders fall into, starting with the urge to say yes to everything. As CEOs, we're wired to see possibilities everywhere. I've been there myself, feeling like every new idea or opportunity could be "the one" that drives big growth. But a packed calendar isn't a sign of progress. In fact, it often pulls us away from the handful of initiatives that truly move the business forward. We also dig into one of the biggest bad habits: trying to stay involved in every operational detail. Research shows that CEOs spend an incredible amount of time in meetings, up to 72%, according to Harvard. That's a lot of hours that could be spent on creativity, strategy, and vision. I talk about how letting go, delegating more intentionally, and staying out of the weeds is actually one of the Good CEO Habits that fuels growth. Choosing the Right Opportunities: Not All "Yeses" Are Created Equal Next, we talk about the cultural pressure inside organizations to chase every possibility. Saying yes feels productive, but spreading yourself too thin rarely leads to meaningful impact. I share why developing a disciplined approach to opportunity selection is a hallmark of Good CEO Habits. Leaders who grow consistently don't chase more; they chase better. Warren Buffett said it best: the difference between successful people and really successful people is that the latter say no to almost everything. From there, we explore how shifting from monthly performance metrics to weekly check-ins can transform agility. Monthly metrics tell you what went wrong last month. Weekly metrics help you fix what's happening right now. That faster feedback loop helps teams stay aligned, spot issues early, and maintain momentum. Build Leaders, Build Clarity, Build Growth Finally, we look inward, specifically at how CEOs develop the strength of their team and the clarity of their communication. A powerful CEO doesn't try to be an expert in everything. Instead, they build depth in their leadership team, ensuring every department has someone capable, confident, and empowered. Closing those leadership gaps is essential for scaling it's another core Good CEO Habit that separates high-growth organizations from the rest. We also talk about communication, the kind of communication that goes beyond "good enough." Assumptions create confusion, rework, and frustration. Clear, intentional communication creates alignment and trust. I share how being explicit rather than vague can eliminate misunderstandings before they start. Throughout the episode, I encourage you to reflect on your own habits. Which ones are helping you grow, and which ones might be holding you back? When we ask better questions about how we lead, we uncover opportunities to evolve both as individuals and as organizations. That's what we aim for here on Grow Think Tank: helping leaders become more effective, more intentional, and more equipped to scale with confidence. Key Takeaways Fewer commitments lead to better focus. Saying yes to everything creates noise. The most effective CEOs choose opportunities selectively and focus on initiatives that truly drive growth. Staying out of the weeds is a leadership strength. CEOs who try to oversee every detail lose valuable time for strategy, creativity, and vision. Delegation is not just helpful it's essential. Weekly metrics create agility. Shifting from monthly to weekly performance reviews helps teams catch issues earlier, adapt faster, and maintain momentum. Depth in leadership beats well-roundedness. CEOs don't need to be experts in every area they need strong leaders around them. Building leadership capacity at every level accelerates scale. Clarity in communication prevents costly mistakes. "Good enough" communication isn't good enough. Explicit, intentional clarity avoids misunderstandings and keeps teams aligned. Good CEO Habits require intentional reflection. Sustainable growth comes from regularly reassessing your habits, asking better leadership questions, and making small adjustments with big impact. Ideal For: Founders, CEOs, executives, managers, and anyone committed to elevating their leadership capacity. Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.

What if the very system you invested in to create brand consistency and efficiency is now the biggest thing slowing down your digital transformation and costing you innovation? Agility requires more than just speed; it demands a shared language and a foundational framework that allows teams to build, test, and innovate without being crushed by the weight of their own complexity. This episode is brought to you by The Office of Experience, a design-driven, digital-first, vertically integrated and collaborative agency that believes in the power of ideas and the strength of people. Today, we're going to talk about design systems. But probably not in the way you're used to thinking about them. We're moving past the idea of a design system as just a rulebook or a library of components, and exploring how it can become a true catalyst for digital transformation—a tool that breaks down silos, accelerates business outcomes, and fundamentally changes how teams work together. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Nigel Dennis, Creative Director at The Office of Experience. About Nigel Dennis Nigel Dennis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelevandennis/ Resources The Office of Experience: https://www.officeofexperience.com This episode is brought to you by The Office of Experience, a design-driven, digital-first, vertically integrated and collaborative agency that believes in the power of ideas and the strength of people. Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, host KJ interviews Rob Creighton, founder and CEO of Windlift, about pioneering in the drone industry by advancing unmanned flight abilities and energy efficiencies ready to empower defense and security operations in new ways. Windlift has created a drone platform that enables airborne surveillance and security systems that can fly higher, see further and stay aloft longer due super-smart, wind-friendly design. Rob shares his journey from genetics and environmental science to developing tethered drone technology for both military and civilian applications, aiming to create a world of energy abundance and security. Key Takeaways: How Windlift’s airborne wind friendly technology works and its advantages over traditional systems. — [10:55] The unexpected military applications of tethered drones for surveillance and security. — [20:30] The broader impact on agriculture, security, and global stability. — [36:22] Quote of the Show: (00:15:40) "We can actually take energy out of the wind, and use it to accelerate the vehicle."— Robert Creighton Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Robert Creighton: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-creighton-3572702/ Company Website: https://www.windlift.com/ How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the increasing investment in marketing by SMBs a sign of growth and optimism, or is it masking a deeper struggle with confidence and effectiveness? Agility requires not only adapting to the rapid pace of technological change but also understanding the core challenges faced by your customers, like SMBs struggling to measure marketing ROI. It also demands a willingness to simplify complex tools and processes, empowering businesses to achieve more with less. Today, we're going to talk about the evolving landscape of marketing for small and medium-sized businesses, the challenges they face, and how B2B marketers can become essential partners in their success. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Frank Vella, CEO at Constant Contact. About Frank Vella I am the CEO of Constant Contact, a comprehensive digital and ecommerce marketing platform that makes it simple and effective for a business to market or sell their idea in today's complex online marketing world. We strive to anticipate our customers' needs and provide them with the tools and support they need to improve their businesses. Because when they succeed, we succeed.Prior to joining Constant Contact, I built best-in-class operations at various sized tech firms across the globe, including top-tier companies like Microsoft, GE Capital, HP Enterprise and Xerox. I have led companies through growth, transformation and successful exits while remaining focused on building a terrific culture and keeping a company's product and presence ahead of the crowd. I'm a proud Canadian expat now living in New York City, and in my free time I enjoy traveling with my family. Frank Vella on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-vella/ Resources Constant Contact: https://www.constantcontact.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Jason Averbook and Jess Von Bank are joined by ⁠Joey Price⁠. to discuss the importance of empathy and self-awareness as antidotes to loneliness, especially in the context of AI's growing presence. The group reflects on insights from industry thought leaders like Scott Galloway and explores how technology can enhance efficiency while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human decision-making and emotional intelligence. The episode also features personal anecdotes, cultural references, and a sense of camaraderie, underscoring the podcast's focus on navigating the next chapter of work with purpose, agility, and impact.

Send us a textIn this episode, Pragya Dubey, Agility PR's VP of Global Services & Analytics, joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how AI is reshaping PR, media intelligence, and measurement for smarter, data-driven strategies.Tune in to learn more!Meet Our Guest:Our episode guest is Pragya Dubey, Agility PR Solutions' VP of Global Services & Analytics. With more than 20 years of experience across three continents, she helps organizations transform media data into meaningful insights that demonstrate ROI and elevate the impact of communications.Five things you'll learn from this episode: 1. How AI is changing the media intelligence landscape and how we can measure it2. Ways PR professionals can use AI to make smarter, data-driven decisions3. What the emerging AI landscape means for PR professionals4. How to use AI to enhance productivity and creativity in PR5. How press releases are regaining power as vital tools for AI-driven search visibilityQuotables“AI is really reshaping the way we are accessing information and our need for information.” — Pragya Dubey“PR teams can be empowered with more data-driven decisions as opposed to basing their decisions on anecdotes, or an impression, or simply instincts – that's the biggest shift.” — Pragya Dubey“AI is the assistant that PR never had that can help public relations professionals work smarter.” — Pragya Dubey"The question to ask is how AI is getting its information. AI is getting that information from the web, from Google, Yahoo, all those aggregator websites and media. So if you're not putting yourself out there more and more, you're missing out on that opportunity to be read and analyzed by AI.” — Pragya Dubey“The press release that we all thought was on life support and losing credibility year after year is suddenly the new sexy PR tool that everybody's talking about again and getting excited about.” — Jason MuddIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review.More About Pragya DubeyPragya Dubey is Vice President of Global Services and Media Analytics at Agility PR Solutions, where she leads strategy and client success for media monitoring, measurement, and insights. With over 20 years of experience across Canada, the U.S., and India, she specializes in turning complex media data into actionable narratives that demonstrate ROI and drive smarter decision-making.Since joining Agility in 2006, she has helped clients — including Fortune 500s, governments, and nonprofits — align media analysis with strategic goals. Pragya is a passionate advocate for using meaningful metrics to elevate the role of communications.Guest's contact info and resources:Pragya Dubey on LinkedInAgility PR Solutions websiteAdditional Support the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America's Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

My guest is Matt Abrahams, lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business and a world expert in communication and public speaking. He explains how to speak with clarity and confidence and how to be more authentic in your communication in all settings: public, work, relationships, etc. He shares how to eliminate filler words ("umm"-ing), how to overcome stage fright and how to structure messages in a way that makes audiences remember the information. He also shares how to recover gracefully if you "blank out" on stage and simple drills and frameworks that dramatically improve spontaneity, storytelling and overall communication effectiveness. People of all ages and communication styles will benefit from the practical, evidence-supported protocols Matt shares to help you communicate with greater confidence and impact. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Pre-order Andrew's book Protocols: https://go.hubermanlab.com/protocols Thank you to our sponsors AGZ by AG1: https://drinkagz.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman Mateina: https://drinkmateina.com/pages/store-locator Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman Timestamps (0:00) Matt Abrahams (3:21) Public Speaking Fear, Status; Speech Delivery (5:36) Speech, Connection, Credibility; Authenticity (9:05) Monitoring, Self-Judgement; Memorization, Tool: Object Relabeling Exercise (13:13) Sponsors: Eight Sleep & BetterHelp (15:40) Cadence & Speech Patterns; Lego Manuals, Storytelling & Emotion (19:18) Visual vs Audio Content, Length, Detail (23:19) Understanding Audience's Needs, Tool: Recon – Reflection – Research (24:25) Judgement in Communication, Heuristics (27:33) Questions, Responding to the Audience, Tool: Structuring Information (31:34) Feedback & Observation; Tools: Three-Pass Speech Review; Communication Reflection Journal (39:09) Movement, Stage Fright, Content Expertise (42:54) Sponsors: AGZ by AG1 & Joovv (45:34) Multi-Generation Communication Styles & Trust; Curiosity, Conversation Turns (50:32) Linear vs Non-Linear Speech, Tool: Tour Guide Expectations (53:21) Develop Communication Skills, Audience Size, Tools: Distancing; Practicing (1:01:43) Tool: Improv & Agility; Great Communication Examples; Divided Attention (1:09:36) One-on-One Communication vs Public Speaking (1:11:00) Sponsor: Mateína (1:12:00) Neurodiversity, Introverts, Communication Styles; Writing & Editing (1:16:30) Calculating Risk, Tool: Violating Expectations & Engaging Audience (1:21:20) Authenticity, Strengths, Growth & Improv (1:23:23) Damage Control, Tools: Avoid Blanking Out; Contingency Planning, Silence (1:30:32) Nerves, Tool: Breathwork; Spontaneous Communication; Beta-Blockers (1:34:29) Communication Hygiene, Caffeine, Tools: NSDR/Yoga Nidra; Vestibular System & Sleep (1:40:08) Conversation Before Speaking; Delivering Engaging Speeches (1:42:56) Sponsor: Function (1:44:43) Anticipation, Tool: Introduce Yourself; Connect to Environment, Phones (1:51:30) Customer Service & Kids Jobs; Tool: Role Model Communication; COVID Pandemic (1:56:04) Quiet But Not Shy, Extroverts; Social Media Presence (2:00:25) Martial Arts, Sport, Running, Presence & Connection (2:04:16) Apologizing; Communication Across Accents & Cultures (2:07:36) Interruptions, Tools: Paraphrasing; Speech Preparation (2:10:57) Public Speaking Fear, Tool: Envision Positive Outcome; Arguments & Mediation (2:13:19) Omit Filler Words, Tool: Landing Phrases; Time & Storytelling (2:16:52) Asking For a Raise; Poor Communicators & Curiosity; Memorization (2:19:49) Pre-Talk Anxiety Management; Acknowledgements (2:23:47) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow, Reviews & Feedback, Sponsors, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a world obsessed with conversion rates and customer acquisition costs, have we forgotten the one thing that actually makes both of them better?Agility requires more than just the ability to react quickly to market signals. It demands a stable, strategic core—a brand—that provides the necessary context and direction to ensure your pivots are purposeful, not just panicked. Today, we're going to talk about a fundamental truth that many organizations are wrestling with: what looks like a growth problem is often a brand problem. When acquisition costs are climbing and churn is a constant threat, the default response is often to double down on performance marketing. But in crowded markets, that's a race to the bottom. We'll explore why brand is the ultimate lever for creating sustainable demand, pricing power, and the kind of loyalty that performance channels simply can't buy. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Kimberly Storin, CMO at Zoom. Kim, welcome to the show! About Kim Storin I've always believed that great marketing is about creating real connections with customers, partners, and teams. These connections are the moments that define a brand. As CMO of Zoom, I lead a global marketing organization focused on evolving how the world sees and experiences Zoom. We're much more than a meetings platform—we're a modern communications platform that powers collaboration, culture, and connection across the customer journey and employee experience. I draw from my experiences scaling marketing at fast-growth startups and global enterprises alike, grounded in a passion for people, purpose, and performance. I've helped bring AI-powered solutions to market, and today, I use AI to supercharge our team and unlock speed, creativity, and focus across everything from content and campaigns to strategy and insights. Throughout my career, I've navigated complexity, balanced brand and pipeline, and built teams that thrive in change. Today, my role is as much about strategy and positioning as it is about building a culture that can adapt and lead.,Yes,This will be completed shortly Kim Storin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlystorin/ Resources Zoom: www.zoom.us The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Two New Designing Your Life groups kicking off in January Your Future, Designed: Turn curiosity into action with design thinking.  Early registration discount ends 12/15 Learn more and sign up today   Limited to 10 spots per group ________________________ What does it mean to age with agility? Dr. Michelle Pannor Silver, University of Toronto professor and author of Aging with Agility: How Elite Athletes and Ordinary Folks Embrace Exercise with Age , rejoins us and shares what she discovered after studying everyone from retired Olympians to octogenarians in their best shape ever. Her core messages may flip your assumptions about aging, exercise, and body image. You'll hear how elite athletes taught her about the power—and pitfalls—of lifelong discipline; why negative role models can be surprisingly motivating; and how small, practical habits like brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand can strengthen both your body and your brain. If you want to thrive as you age, her insights will inform and inspire you. Michelle Pannor Silver joins us from Toronto. ________________________ Bio Michelle Pannor Silver is a Professor at the University of Toronto and author of numerous studies on aging. Her first book, Retirement and Its Discontents, draws from in-depth interviews she conducted with people whose departure from their life's work meant losing a core and fundamental component of their personal identity. Her second book, Aging with Agility examines how our perceptions of aging shape the way we take care of our bodies. Her work calls attention to ageism and societal loss while highlighting the personal struggles that can be arise when there is a mismatch between personal identity and social expectations about age. Michelle received her PhD from the University of Chicago and completed undergraduate degrees at the University of California Berkeley. ________________________ For More on Michelle Pannor Silver Aging with Agility: How Elite Athletes and Ordinary Folks Embrace Exercise with Age Website __________________ Michelle Pannor Silver's Previous Visits If You Love Your Work, What Challenges Will You Face in Retirement? – Michelle Pannor Silver The Retirement Roundtable III __________________ Podcast Conversations You May Like The Stress Paradox – Sharon Bergquist, MD The Benefits of a New Challenge – Joe Simonetta The Joy of Movement – Kelly McGonigal _________________________ I'm Just Asking for a Friend Retirement brings so many tough questions. Share your question (for a friend, of course…) to be answered in an upcoming retirement podcast episode. Click here to leave a voice message or email me at joec@retirementwisdom.com _______________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You'll get smarter about the investment decisions you'll make about the most important asset you'll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren't quite done yet, discover what's next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn't just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how the Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one — on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a 26-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Joe has earned Master's degrees from the University of Southern California in Gerontology (at age 60),

In a world obsessed with conversion rates and customer acquisition costs, have we forgotten the one thing that actually makes both of them better?Agility requires more than just the ability to react quickly to market signals. It demands a stable, strategic core—a brand—that provides the necessary context and direction to ensure your pivots are purposeful, not just panicked. Today, we're going to talk about a fundamental truth that many organizations are wrestling with: what looks like a growth problem is often a brand problem. When acquisition costs are climbing and churn is a constant threat, the default response is often to double down on performance marketing. But in crowded markets, that's a race to the bottom. We'll explore why brand is the ultimate lever for creating sustainable demand, pricing power, and the kind of loyalty that performance channels simply can't buy. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Kimberly Storin, CMO at Zoom. About Kim Storin Kimberly Storin is the CMO at Zoom, where she leads global marketing and communications. Prior to Zoom, Kim held marketing leadership roles at various tech companies, from SaaS start-ups to Fortune 50 companies, and was an M&A consultant at Deloitte earlier in her career.  She lives in Austin, is deeply involved with the Austin philanthropic community through the Austin Community Foundation, and serves on the Advisory Board for Women in Revenue. Kim Storin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlystorin/ Resources Zoom: www.zoom.us The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

How can large organizations embrace the speed and adaptability of a startup while navigating the complexities of established processes and legacy systems, especially in the rapidly changing world of AI-driven consumer experiences? Agility requires adopting new technologies while fundamentally shifting how teams operate, experiment, and learn from data. It demands a cultural evolution that embraces change and empowers individuals to respond quickly to market demands. Today, we're going to talk about the transformative potential of AI-powered shopping and the significant implications it has for brands, retailers, and the entire supply chain. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Eugene Amigud, Chief Innovation Officer at Infios. About Eugene Amigud As Chief Innovation Officer, Eugene is leading Infios's transformation of intelligent supply chain execution, creating a differentiated set of solutions for warehousing, transportation and order management that help businesses turn supply chain volatility into a competitive advantage. His career is marked by purposeful innovation, customer-centric design and a focus on measurable business impact, delivering adaptable solutions that meet businesses where they are - regardless of size or complexity – and equipping them with the innovative edge to thrive in an everchanging world.  Before joining Infios, Eugene founded Yantriks, pioneering a microservices-based order management platform adopted by some of the world's largest retailers. He also drove advancements in order management and supply chain execution at Blue Yonder and IBM. With over 25 years of experience, Eugene consistently delivers adaptable solutions that enable enterprises to rapidly deploy new capabilities and realize business value faster.  Eugene holds a master's degree in software engineering from Harvard Extension School and a bachelor's degree in computer science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Based in the U.S., he works with organizations and partners worldwide.  Eugene Amigud on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-amigud-a054992/ Resources Infios: https://www.infios.com/en?_gl=1*tszg0*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjw_fnFBhB0EiwAH_MfZld1UyefOsqEBs3kGimP6qfyNQvUpQ-ejrgPcQCqt45G0VOwg6PwABoCKNQQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAog9AS9c2QH86yGM6ujUe-E13sbIZ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Our guest on this week's episode is Alex Saric, CMO at Ivalua. We have definitely seen a lot of uncertainty this year due to changing economic policies and the supply chain shifts that have resulted. It has placed a lot of companies on the sidelines trying to figure out what to do next with their technology investments. How do they get from just being in survival mode to thriving? Our guest today joins Ben Ames with some insights.  Working with small businesses can help strengthen supply chains and boost local economies; that's according to a report from supplier intelligence platform Supplier.io, released earlier this week. The company analyzed data from more than 500 large enterprises for its 2025 Small Business Impact Report—to learn more about those companies' small sourcing initiatives. We share some highlights from that report.A report from the supply chain software company Kinaxis reveals that there is a gap between AI ambition and AI implementation. The report found that at many organizations, business leaders tend to underestimate the new risks and complexities that AI may introduce. But on the other hand, their staffers are very well aware of those complexities, because they're focused on the practical realities, such as the effort, change management, and technical challenges. The executives want a fast ROI from AI, but staffers see the hurdles.Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:IvaluaSmall business spending fortifies supply chainsAI reality cap - C-Suite executives expect quick ROI but staff see hurdlesVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comThis podcast episode is sponsored by:  Storage SolutionsOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

How can large organizations embrace the speed and adaptability of a startup while navigating the complexities of established processes and legacy systems, especially in the rapidly changing world of AI-driven consumer experiences? Agility requires adopting new technologies while fundamentally shifting how teams operate, experiment, and learn from data. It demands a cultural evolution that embraces change and empowers individuals to respond quickly to market demands. Today, we're going to talk about the transformative potential of AI-powered shopping and the significant implications it has for brands, retailers, and the entire supply chain. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Eugene Amigud, Chief Innovation Officer at Infios. About Eugene Amigud As Chief Innovation Officer, Eugene is leading Infios's transformation of intelligent supply chain execution, creating a differentiated set of solutions for warehousing, transportation and order management that help businesses turn supply chain volatility into a competitive advantage. His career is marked by purposeful innovation, customer-centric design and a focus on measurable business impact, delivering adaptable solutions that meet businesses where they are - regardless of size or complexity – and equipping them with the innovative edge to thrive in an everchanging world.  Before joining Infios, Eugene founded Yantriks, pioneering a microservices-based order management platform adopted by some of the world's largest retailers. He also drove advancements in order management and supply chain execution at Blue Yonder and IBM. With over 25 years of experience, Eugene consistently delivers adaptable solutions that enable enterprises to rapidly deploy new capabilities and realize business value faster.  Eugene holds a master's degree in software engineering from Harvard Extension School and a bachelor's degree in computer science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Based in the U.S., he works with organizations and partners worldwide.  Eugene Amigud on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-amigud-a054992/ Resources Infios: https://www.infios.com/en?_gl=1*tszg0*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjw_fnFBhB0EiwAH_MfZld1UyefOsqEBs3kGimP6qfyNQvUpQ-ejrgPcQCqt45G0VOwg6PwABoCKNQQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAog9AS9c2QH86yGM6ujUe-E13sbIZ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

What if your customers could talk directly to your brand, without scaling your your customer service teams to a 1:1 capacity? This episode is brought to you by Krisp.ai, the all-in-one voice AI that makes every conversation sound professional. With industry-leading noise cancellation, real-time accent conversion, accurate transcription, and smart call summaries, Krisp helps teams and individuals stay clear and productive. Trusted worldwide and powering over 75 billion minutes of conversations each month, Krisp is the easiest way to elevate every call. Try it free at krisp.ai. Agility sometimes requires fundamentally rethinking the core business assumptions around how we fund growth, build teams, and create value.Today, we're going to talk about the strategic decisions that underpin the AI revolution. It's not just about the technology itself, but about the crucial choices leaders make around how to finance innovation, how to structure teams, and how to stay ahead of the curve on what's actually possible versus what's just hype. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Arto Minasyan, Co-Founder & President at Krisp.ai. About Arto Minasyan Arto Minasyan is a visionary entrepreneur and co-founder of Krisp.ai and 10Web, two successful VC-backed startups that collectively raised $28 million and achieved profitability. He leads teams of around 300 professionals across both companies, driving innovation and operational excellence. Under his guidance, Krisp was honored as one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2020, while 10Web's AI Website Builder has powered over one million websites. Arto frequently shares insights on balancing venture capital with bootstrapping, advancing AI voice technology, and building diverse global tech teams beyond Silicon Valley. Arto Minasyan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artominasyan/ Resources Krisp.ai: https://www.krisp.ai This episode is brought to you by Krisp.ai, the all-in-one voice AI that makes every conversation sound professional. With industry-leading noise cancellation, real-time accent conversion, accurate transcription, and smart call summaries, Krisp helps teams and individuals stay clear and productive. Trusted worldwide and powering over 75 billion minutes of conversations each month, Krisp is the easiest way to elevate every call. Try it free at krisp.ai. Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Jason Averbook and Jess Von Bank are joined by Joey Price. to discuss the importance of empathy and self-awareness as antidotes to loneliness, especially in the context of AI's growing presence. The group reflects on insights from industry thought leaders like Scott Galloway and explores how technology can enhance efficiency while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human decision-making and emotional intelligence. The episode also features personal anecdotes, cultural references, and a sense of camaraderie, underscoring the podcast's focus on navigating the next chapter of work with purpose, agility, and impact.

In this episode, host Justin Burniske (Meta-Dao), sits down with Elizabeth Engel (Spark Consulting), Jamie Notter (Culture Scientist), and Adam Savino (ASIS International) to explore how the Lean Startup methodology can help associations innovate smarter, faster, and with greater impact.The group discusses how associations can apply Lean principles—like rapid experimentation, the build–measure–learn cycle, and data-driven decision-making—to test new ideas and develop non-dues revenue streams without wasting limited resources. They also dive into the cultural side of innovation: how to create space for change, embrace learning from failure, and move beyond the “loudest voice in the room.”From overcoming internal resistance to exploring how AI can accelerate learning, this conversation offers practical advice and real-world examples for any association ready to adapt and grow.

Join Joanna Płaskonka and Ashutosh Garg as they explore the journey from robotics to agile leadership. Discover insights on Scrum, Agile Kata, psychological safety, and small steps that drive big impact in teams and organizations.00:35- About Joanna PłaskonkaJoanna is a professional scrum trainer, a consultant and an effectiveness expert.She's the first agile Kata trainer in Poland, a certified action learning coach and a team psychological safety certified expert. 

What if your customers could talk directly to your brand, without scaling your your customer service teams to a 1:1 capacity? This episode is brought to you by Krisp.ai, the all-in-one voice AI that makes every conversation sound professional. With industry-leading noise cancellation, real-time accent conversion, accurate transcription, and smart call summaries, Krisp helps teams and individuals stay clear and productive. Trusted worldwide and powering over 75 billion minutes of conversations each month, Krisp is the easiest way to elevate every call. Try it free at krisp.ai. Agility sometimes requires fundamentally rethinking the core business assumptions around how we fund growth, build teams, and create value.Today, we're going to talk about the strategic decisions that underpin the AI revolution. It's not just about the technology itself, but about the crucial choices leaders make around how to finance innovation, how to structure teams, and how to stay ahead of the curve on what's actually possible versus what's just hype. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Arto Minasyan, Co-Founder & President at Krisp.ai. About Arto Minasyan Arto Minasyan is a visionary entrepreneur and co-founder of Krisp.ai and 10Web, two successful VC-backed startups that collectively raised $28 million and achieved profitability. He leads teams of around 300 professionals across both companies, driving innovation and operational excellence. Under his guidance, Krisp was honored as one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2020, while 10Web's AI Website Builder has powered over one million websites. Arto frequently shares insights on balancing venture capital with bootstrapping, advancing AI voice technology, and building diverse global tech teams beyond Silicon Valley. Arto Minasyan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artominasyan/ Resources Krisp.ai: https://www.krisp.ai This episode is brought to you by Krisp.ai, the all-in-one voice AI that makes every conversation sound professional. With industry-leading noise cancellation, real-time accent conversion, accurate transcription, and smart call summaries, Krisp helps teams and individuals stay clear and productive. Trusted worldwide and powering over 75 billion minutes of conversations each month, Krisp is the easiest way to elevate every call. Try it free at krisp.ai. Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

As we're increasingly inundated with AI-generated content and algorithm-driven ads, what's more powerful: yet another new technology, or the authentic voice of the small business owner on the corner? Agility requires not just reacting to market shifts, but deeply understanding the very fabric of the communities you serve and having the conviction to amplify their voices over your own. It's about finding strength not in shouting louder, but in listening closer. Today, we're going to talk about how a brand can cut through an increasingly crowded market by turning its most loyal customers into its most powerful advocates. We'll explore the strategy of reasserting brand relevance through authentic, community-driven storytelling, and what it takes to execute this when competitors are focused on features and scale.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Lindsey Irvine, Chief Marketing Officer at Square. About Lindsey Irvine Lindsey Irvine is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Square, the technology company that makes commerce and financial services easy and accessible. With nearly two decades of experience in marketing, strategy, and leadership across both large enterprises and fast-growing startups, Irvine is responsible for overseeing Square's global marketing efforts, driving brand awareness, customer engagement, and market growth around the world, all in service of the company's mission to empower businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide.Before joining Square, Irvine was CMO at Benchling, pioneer of the R&D Cloud powering the biotechnology industry. Prior to that, she spent nearly a decade at Salesforce, where she held several leadership roles, including global CMO for MuleSoft, and played a key part in developing go-to-market strategies across IoT, industry verticals, and cloud solutions. She is credited with driving high-impact global marketing strategies and helping position Salesforce as a leader in the enterprise software space. Lindsey Irvine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseyirvine/ Resources Square: https://squareup.com/us/en The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Send us your thoughtsIn this special live episode, recorded at the ACCA Finance Futures Conference, Hannah Munro joins Alex Falcon Huerta (ACCA) to cut through the hype and explore what it really takes to choose and implement the right finance technology.From agility in software selection to preparing for the rise of AI, they share stories, frameworks, and practical advice to help finance leaders stay ahead of the curve.In this episode, Hannah and Alex discussWhy agility is key when selecting and assessing finance softwareHow to rethink ROI beyond time and cost, and measure real business valueThe dangers of traditional RFPs and how to adopt a more flexible, iterative approachUnderstanding the technology lifecycle from bleeding edge to rusting edgeHow to future-proof your finance team with the right AI readiness and mindsetManaging resistance to change and building momentum for digital transformationLinks Mentioned:Hannah's Linkedin Alex's Linkedin Learn more about ACCA Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here. Subscribe to our Podcast!

When it comes to your digital experience, how often does a ‘great idea' from a senior leader's gut feeling get completely dismantled by actual user data?Agility requires the willingness to be wrong and the systems to prove it quickly. It's about building a culture that values learning over being right and relentlessly iterates based on real human behavior, not internal assumptions. Today, we're going to talk about moving beyond ‘best practice' and intuition to build a truly data-driven digital experience. We'll explore how to create a disciplined conversion rate optimization program where usability testing, A/B experimentation, and personalization aren't just separate tactics, but a unified system, especially within a powerful platform like SitecoreAI, to build experiences that adapt to customer needs, not just our assumptions about them. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, George Chang, Senior Director, Digital Experience & Technology Corporate Marketing at Hexagon AB. About George Chang George Chang is the Senior Director of Digital Experience at Hexagon, leading digital transformation efforts to modernize web experiences, streamline operations, and drive business impact. With 25+ years of experience in development, marketing technology, content strategy, and digital platforms, he brings a unique ability to turn technical insights into strategic impact. A 9-time Sitecore MVP, George is an active voice in the DX community, advocating for scalable, user-centric experiences. George Chang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgechang/ Resources Hexagon AB: https://www.hexagon.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

What if the secret to staying ahead in business isn't mastering every new technology — but learning how to adapt faster than it changes? In this episode, Jonathan Kersting's TechVibe Radio Cohost and Tech Council CEO Audrey Russo talk with Michelle O'Neill, Senior Director of Web Solutions and Delivery at Brunner — a marketing agency that's been fusing creativity and technology for decades. Michelle shares: How she carved her own path inside Brunner, What entrepreneurs can learn about agility and lifelong learning, and  Why she believes AI should be seen as a tool — never a replacement for human creativity and connection.  Dive into this conversation to find your entrepreneurial edge.. And if you have a few more minutes, be sure to listen to our entire Techvibe interview here. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces this podcast for tech and manufacturing  entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What if your brand's voice is drifting off-key in the ears of your customers, and you're the last one to know? Agility requires more than just rapid execution; it demands a real-time, nuanced understanding of customer sentiment and the ability to translate that intelligence directly into action. We are here at Sitecore Symposium in Orlando, Florida, and today we're going to talk about closing the gap between brand promise and customer perception. In an era of endless customer reviews, social media posts, and feedback channels, how can a large organization truly listen at scale and ensure its voice remains consistent and effective? To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Mark Wagner, Senior Director of Strategy at Horizontal Digital. About Mark Wagner With over 20 years of experience in digital product strategy, design, and innovation, I am a Senior Digital Experience and Product Strategist at Horizontal Digital, a leading digital consultancy specializing in serving and delivering amazing solutions for clients, their customers, and their employees. I am a highly collaborative, strategic client partner tirelessly focused on helping solve the things that keep our clients up at night.My core competencies include digital experience and product strategy, customer experience strategy, Lean UX, agile product design and delivery, service design, and user research. I specialize in financial services, diversified, commerce, and B2B products and services that are people-centered and purpose-built for both business and customer value. As part of my large portfolio of noteworthy accomplishments, I am most passionate about solving complex digital transformation challenges, delivering needle-moving digital products, and fostering collaboration and inclusion. Mark Wagner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrkwgnr/ Resources Horizontal Digital: https://www.horizontal.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Pega provides the leading AI-powered platform for enterprise transformation. The world's most influential organizations trust Pega's technology to reimagine how work gets done by automating workflows, personalizing customer experiences, and modernizing legacy systems. Since 1983, Pega's scalable, flexible architecture has fueled continuous innovation, helping clients accelerate their path to the autonomous enterprise. Learn more at Pega.comWhat if the most valuable use of AI in the enterprise is actually the often overlooked yet incredibly costly work of untangling decades of legacy code and process documents? Agility requires the ability to adapt and evolve, but for many enterprises, that ability is trapped inside decades of legacy systems and byzantine processes. What if the same AI that's creating the new could also be the key to understanding and modernizing the old? Today, we're going to talk about moving beyond the hype we're so used to hearing about AI and into the practical, high-impact world of agentic AI. We'll explore how this approach can help large organizations finally tackle their technical debt, not by ripping and replacing, but by understanding and redesigning from the inside out, fostering a new level of collaboration between business and IT along the way. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Don Schuerman, CTO at Pega. About Don Schuerman As CTO and Vice President of Marketing & Technology Strategy at Pegasystems, I see my role as being a "Chief Translation Officer" – bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world business value. With 25 years of experience in orchestration and AI technology, I'm passionate about translating complex technical concepts into meaningful solutions that drive digital transformation for global organizations.My approach to technology leadership has been shaped by an unexpected source: 20 years of improv comedy at ImprovBoston's Mainstage. The skills I honed there – active listening, storytelling, and thinking on my feet – now help me connect with both technical teams and business leaders. It's where I also met my wife, proving that sometimes the best partnerships form when you say "yes, and..."At Pega, I lead the intersection of technology and go-to-market strategy across our enterprise AI decisioning and workflow automation platform. My focus is two-fold: translating the power of technology into tangible value for our Fortune 500 clients, while ensuring our technology roadmap reflects the evolving needs of these organizations. I believe that inclusivity is a key ingredient of innovation and am honored to service as Executive Sponsor of the Pride@Pega Employee Resource Group. Don Schuerman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donschuerman/ Resources Pega: https://www.pega.com Pega provides the leading AI-powered platform for enterprise transformation. The world's most influential organizations trust Pega's technology to reimagine how work gets done by automating workflows, personalizing customer experiences, and modernizing legacy systems. Since 1983, Pega's scalable, flexible architecture has fueled continuous innovation, helping clients accelerate their path to the autonomous enterprise. Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

With customer expectations constantly evolving, how can large organizations avoid using obsolete methods and instead embrace agility to thrive and drive meaningful growth? Agility requires both adapting to change and anticipating it in the first place. It demands a willingness to experiment, learn, and iterate quickly, especially when it comes to connecting with your target audience in new and innovative ways. Today, we're going to talk about the challenges and opportunities of scaling a brand nationwide while maintaining a strong local presence. It's a balancing act that requires a deep understanding of both digital innovation and grassroots tactics. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Renaud Delaquis, Head of Product Marketing at Coastline Academy. About Renaud Delaquis Renaud Delaquis is the Head of Product Marketing at Coastline Academy, the nation's largest driving school. With a strong background in e-commerce, digital marketing, product scaling, and SEO, Renaud leads the company's marketing and growth strategies. Specializing in developing and executing marketing plans across a variety of paid and organic channels, Renaud has helped Coastline achieve rapid growth in a slow-moving industry. His experience creating grassroots marketing campaigns at scale in a business spanning over 500+ cities gives him unique insight into both local and national marketing.  Renaud Delaquis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renaud-delaquis/ Resources Coastline Academy: https://coastlineacademy.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Agility dogs are some of the most dynamic patients we see - but returning them to sport requires precision. Dr. Jana Gams shares her approach to progressive loading and therapeutic exercise, ensuring performance is restored without compromising long-term soundness. Learn more about Jana Gams: https://dogs4motionacademy.com/ Learn more about Paw Prosper: https://pawprosper.com/ Learn more about Paw Prosper's special offer: https://pawprosper.com/OPH Find out more about the Vet Rehab Summit: https://vetrehabsummit.com/ To learn about Onlinepethealth, watch a free webinar, or join any of our Facebook groups, click here: https://onlinepethealth.com/podcast

What if the very foundation of your marketing cloud, the one you've spent years building, is at worst actually giving your AI amnesia, and at best missing key opportunities to connect with your customers? Agility requires more than just reacting quickly; it demands an intelligent foundation that can anticipate customer needs and empower your teams to act on them with confidence and precision. Today, we're going to talk about the AI-driven reinvention of marketing. For years, marketing clouds have promised a unified view of the customer and personalized engagement, but many leaders are still struggling with fragmented systems, disconnected data, and unpredictable costs. Now, the demands of AI are exposing the foundational cracks in that legacy architecture, forcing a fundamental shift in how we think about the relationship between data, intelligence, and execution. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Kaz Ohta, CEO and Karen Wood, CMO at Treasure Data. About Kaz Ohta and Karen Wood Kaz Ohta is CEO & Co-Founder of Treasure Data.Karen Wood is Chief Marketing Officer at Treasure Data. Kaz Ohta and Karen Wood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kazukiohta/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekarenwood/ Resources Treasure Data: https://www.treasuredata.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Most people wait until they feel ready — Jahnaya didn't have that luxury. In this honest conversation, she shares what it's like to build a career and a business at the same time, how she's learned to trust the process, and why entrepreneurship is more about courage than confidence.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The future of Identity and Access Management (IAM) is already being built — but are we preparing for 2040? In this episode, Matthias Reinwarth and Martin Kuppinger explore how organizations can design future-ready identity fabrics, avoid tool sprawl, and build the platformized IAM architectures needed to thrive in a fast-changing digital landscape. Key Topics Covered: ✅ What the “Identity Fabric 2040” means for IAM strategies

Being a small roastery is beautiful thing. Agility, lower waste, and a different flavor intentionality and flexibility offer many advantages that can aid in building an engaged community around your coffee. Today on Rate of Rise, brought to you by our friends at Mill City Roasters, we will be talking with Adrian Seligman whose small batch roastery, Scandinavian Alps Coffee Roasters, has exemplified these traits with a community of customers who have joined him in his coffee journey.  Adrian Seligman is the founder of Scandinavian Alps Coffee Roasters, an independent specialty coffee roastery based in Hemsedal, Norway. Blending his passion for the mountains with a dedication to precision and storytelling, Adrian has built a small-batch roasting company known for its clean, expressive Nordic-style coffees, fun easy going blends, and creative collaborations with brands like Salomon and Blundstone. His roasting philosophy centers on clarity, terroir, and craftsmanship — treating each batch as a reflection of both nature and discipline. Through Scandinavian Alps Coffee Roasters, Adrian continues to champion quality, consistency, and community from the heart of the Norwegian Alps. We will discuss:  Adrian's journey from ski instruction to coffee roaster Limitations due to the size of available spaces. The power of local community  Why entrepreneurship in remote areas requires creativity The intersection of tradition and modern business. Shifting styles of roasting from feedback  The advantages of small operations     Related Episodes: RoR Live! #9 : Roasting Innovation and Consistency w/ Scott Rao RoR#38 : A Better Way to Think About Roasting Dark, w Erik Johnson of Thinkwell Coffee RoR #35: The Core 7 : Practical Disciplines for a Successful Roastery w/ Luke Waite | Pomelo Coffee Consulting   Our Sponsor for Rate of Rise! www.millcityroasters.com

When customers continually demand hyper-local relevance, is the concept of a "global brand" an asset or a liability? Agility requires not just the ability to pivot, but the intelligence to know *when* and *how* to pivot based on real-time customer understanding. This means moving beyond global assumptions and empowering local teams with the data to make smarter, faster decisions. Today, we are here at Treasure Data's CDP World in Las Vegas, and we're going to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing any multinational company: how to maintain brand consistency and operational efficiency on a global scale, while delivering the locally relevant, personalized experiences that actually build relationships with customers. It's a classic battle between standardization and personalization, and the key to winning often lies in how you unify and activate your data.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Daniel Damasio, Senior CRM Analyst at Nestle. About Daniel Damasio Daniel Damasio is Senior CRM Analyst at Nestle. Daniel Damasio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-damasio-674190150/ Resources Nestle: https://www.nestle.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

With AI making it easier than ever to generate content, and consumers demanding more privacy than ever, is the promise of true 1:1 personalization now an impossible myth? Agility requires both adaptation to new AI-based tools and methods while also navigating the complex and shifting landscape of consumer trust and data privacy. It's about being responsive to both the opportunity and the responsibility. Today, we're going to talk about the central paradox facing marketers: the mandate for deep, AI-powered personalization is growing at the exact same time that access to the data that fuels it is becoming more restricted by privacy regulations and consumer skepticism. We'll explore how brands can bridge this gap, build trust, and turn privacy from a compliance hurdle into a competitive advantage. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Phyllis Fang, Head of Marketing at Transcend. About Phyllis Fang Phyllis Fang is Head of Marketing at Transcend, the leading privacy infrastructure company. Before joining Transcend, Phyllis held senior marketing roles at Uber, where she drove the company's safety products. Her work included launching features like the Door-to-Door Safety Standard, which went live in 70+ countries during the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier in her career, Phyllis worked across digital and product marketing for e-commerce and consumer applications. Phyllis graduated from UC Berkeley and is based in San Francisco. Phyllis Fang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pdfang/ Resources Transcend: https://transcend.io/ This show is brought to you by Transcend, the privacy infrastructure company that unleashes growth for the world's leading brands. Unlike legacy tools which create manual bottlenecks, Transcend embeds data and consumer preference governance directly into business systems–so teams can confidently and quickly activate data for AI, personalized experiences, customer engagement and growth at scale and with reduced risk. Learn more at www.transcend.io.  Read Transcend's report: Hidden in Plain Sight: How Consent and Preference Data Are Driving Enterprise Growth: https://transcend.io/hidden-in-plain-sight-report Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com  The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Building on last week's episode on AI and Operating Systems in SMBs, Dave West and PST Yuval Yeret dive into the challenges of scaling small and medium-sized businesses.Dave shares lessons from growing an organization from a small team to over 100 people—navigating silos, new stakeholders, and keeping teams outcome-focused. Yuval highlights common scaling pitfalls and explores frameworks like EOS, Scaling Up, and D4X, emphasizing vision, strategic goals, and evidence-based management.Learn how to maintain agility at scale, build cross-functional teams, and create an operating system that drives sustainable growth.Resource - Mastering Organizational Traction Trail Map

What if bankruptcy, a global financial crisis, and other hurdles along the way aren't the end of your brand, but instead a way to help you define what it truly is? Agility requires a willingness to experiment and adapt, not just in your technology stack, but also in your organizational structure and the very culture of your company. It also demands a deep understanding of your customer and a commitment to delivering personalized experiences.Today, we're going to talk about building a resilient brand in the face of uncertainty, balancing the need for both efficiency and innovation, and the critical role of company culture in achieving long-term success. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Shawn D. Nelson, CEO at Lovesac. About Shawn D. Nelson Shawn D. Nelson is the author of Let Me Save You 25 Years: Mistakes, Miracles, and Lessons from the Lovesac Story. He is the founder and CEO of the Lovesac Company, which designs, manufactures, and sells such furniture as modular couches and bean bag chairs. Nelson holds a BA in Mandarin Chinese from the University of Utah and a Master's degree in Strategic Design and Management from Parsons, The New School for Design in New York City, where he later became an instructor. Shawn D. Nelson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndnelson/ Resources Lovesac: https://www.lovesac.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

In this episode, Dr. Kelsey Reed, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center and Cathy Turner, RN, Chief Nurse Executive at Meditech invite listeners to consider how today's nurse leaders are evolving the profession—blending technology, mentorship, and community engagement to support teams and strengthen patient care. Dr. Reed shares how Phoebe Health is combining visionary leadership with digital transformation to ensure a sustainable and connected nursing workforce and inspire the next generation of nurses.This episode is sponsored by MEDITECH.

Mike Hayes is a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer who served 20 years in Special Operations. A graduate of one of the toughest SEAL training classes—one of only 19 out of 120 to complete—he deployed throughout South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, including in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Hayes commanded SEAL Team TWO and led a 2,000-person Special Operations Task Force in southeastern Afghanistan. He also served as Deputy Commander for all Special Operations in Anbar Province, Iraq, and was selected as a White House Fellow (’08–’09). At the National Security Council, he served as Director for Defense Policy and Strategy, where he helped draft a proposed START Treaty and led the White House response to the Maersk Alabama hijacking. His decorations include the Bronze Star for Valor in Iraq, a Bronze Star for Afghanistan, and the Defense Superior Service Medal. After retiring from the Navy, Hayes transitioned to senior leadership roles in technology and investment, and authored Never Enough: A Navy SEAL Commander on Living a Life of Excellence, Agility, and Meaning, donating all profits to support Gold Star families. He lives with his wife, Anita, and their daughter, Maeson, and most enjoys spending time and laughing with them when not mentoring others or speaking about leadership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marketing is quickly evolving - is your team agile enough to navigate the waters of evolving customer expectations, best practices in marketing measurement, and the rise of AI?Agility requires more than just quick reactions; it demands a proactive understanding of emerging trends and the ability to adapt your strategies, processes, and tech stack accordingly. It's about building a brand that can continuously learn and evolve.Today, we're going to talk about navigating the complexities of modern marketing measurement and the critical role data plays in building an agile brand, especially as AI rapidly transforms the landscape. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Fredrik Skantze, CEO & Co-Founder at Funnel. About Fredrik Skantze Fredrik Skantze is the CEO and Co-Founder of Funnel, the marketing intelligence platform offering customers such as Adidas, Sony and Samsung advanced marketing data, analytics and visualization. An alumnus of MIT and Stanford, Fredrik is a serial entrepreneur and co-founded Funnel over ten years ago. In that time, the platform has become a global frontrunner in marketing intelligence, serving some of the world's best-known brands, e-commerce companies, media agencies, b2b businesses, mobile apps and gaming companies. Fredrik Skantze on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredrikskantze/ Resources Funnel: https://funnel.io/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

In this final episode of The Resiliency Quest series, the mic remains in the hands of guest host Adam Mock, who turns the focus toward the fifth and final trailhead, Agility, as he interviews Dr. McKinley, the author of the book that inspired the series.Agility is more than a leadership skill, it's a survival trait for the uncertain, complex world we're all navigating. In this candid conversation, Dr. McKinley unpacks what it means to stay grounded while everything around you shifts. Together, they explore how resilient leaders develop “a mind like water”: fluid, responsive, and calm under pressure.If you've ever been knocked off course by uncertainty, change, or internal chaos, this trailhead offers a way back to solid ground.

Today, host Kirk Offel sits down with Craig Pennington, CTO of Montera Infrastructure, and Joe Walsh, Montera's Chief Delivery Officer, for an energetic, candid conversation about the future of data centers in the age of AI. With decades of combined experience across companies like PSINet, NTT, Equinix, Oracle, Digital Realty, and Facebook, Craig and Joe bring unique perspectives on how the industry has evolved — and where it's heading next.For more about us: https://linktr.ee/overwatchmissioncritical

Are retailers leaving money on the table by treating retail media networks as just another advertising channel, rather than a strategic lever for growth and profitability?Agility requires a willingness to adapt and evolve strategies in response to real-time data and changing consumer behaviors. It also demands a commitment to iterative testing and optimization, allowing brands to continuously refine their approach to retail media.Today, we're going to talk about how advanced AI is transforming retail media networks, enabling more targeted, personalized, and ultimately, profitable campaigns.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Jeff Baskin, Chief Revenue Officer at Eagle Eye. Jeff, welcome to the show! About Jeff Baskin Jeff Baskin is an accomplished senior executive with a proven track record in the origination and management of strategic partnerships with multi-million dollar revenue outcomes. 4x successful exits including IPO and private equity acquisitions. P&L ownership and revenue responsibilities of over $150M. He builds and leads highly functional teams that deliver growth and high margins. He is a results driven leader with start – up, turn around and public company experience. A proven leader who has led teams in sales, business development, marketing, customer success, product implementation, solution engineering and all aspects of revenue generation.Jeff has a 25+ year portfolio of success in a diverse set of roles and a unique ability to manage cross functional relationships, analyze KPIs and navigate complex business deals to create long term partnerships. He has created deals with companies across many different verticals including omni-channel retail, grocery, restaurant / hospitality, sports and entertainment both direct and through channel partnerships. Jeff Baskin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbaskin/ Resources Eagle Eye: https://www.eagleeye.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

What if your perfectly crafted brand message, your multi-million dollar ad campaign, and your carefully designed user experience are completely ignored by your next customer... because your next customer is a machine? Agility requires not just adapting to changing customer behaviors, but completely rethinking the very definition of a "customer interaction." It means building the technical and strategic flexibility to engage with autonomous agents as effectively as we do with people. Today, we are at MAICON - the Marketing AI Conference - in Cleveland, Ohio, and we're going to talk about a concept that's moving from science fiction to strategic planning: agentic commerce. This is the world where AI agents don't just help us, they act for us. On one hand, brands are using internal agents to optimize their own operations. But the more disruptive side, and our main focus today, is when consumers deploy their own AI agents to research, negotiate, and purchase on their behalf. This shift could fundamentally change everything from marketing and branding to the very nature of e-commerce. About Robin Ross I'm a marketing and strategy executive with 20+ years of experience driving growth through data, loyalty, and digital transformation. I've led initiatives that expand membership, strengthen customer engagement, and scale innovation across functions.My expertise includes marketing analytics, loyalty programs, digital transformation, and applying AI and data to accelerate decision-making. I focus on simplifying complexity, aligning teams, and building systems that deliver measurable results.I thrive at the intersection of strategy and execution—partnering with leaders to clarify goals, design customer-centric programs, and turn them into business impact. Robin Ross on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-ross-activateinsight/ Resources Activate Insight: https://www.costco.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Is your marketing organization built for disruption or doomed to be disrupted? Agility requires both rapidly responding to market changes while also anticipating and shaping your products or services to map to evolving customer expectations. This means embracing new technologies and strategies while maintaining a laser focus on delivering value. Today, we're going to talk about how leading marketing organizations are leveraging AI and collaborative work management to not only survive but thrive in today's dynamic landscape. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Christine Royston, Chief Marketing Officer at Wrike. About Christine Royston Christine Royston serves as Wrike's Chief Marketing Officer and is responsible for overseeing the global marketing program, driving a customer-first strategy, and focusing on enterprise growth. Christine joined Wrike with more than 20 years of B2B enterprise marketing experience. She most recently served as Vice President and Global Head of B2B Marketing for Udemy and Vice President and Head of Marketing at Bitly. Christine has also held senior leadership roles at Dropbox, Imperva, and Salesforce. She holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia and an International MBA in Global Marketing from the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business. ,Yes, this will be completed shortly Christine Royston on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christineroyston Resources Wrike: https://www.wrike.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Is your organization truly agile, or are you still clinging to outdated processes and siloed teams instead of a platform mindset?Agility requires a fundamental shift in mindset, embracing collaboration, rapid iteration, and a willingness to adapt to change. It demands a commitment to not just talking about silos, but meaningfully breaking them down, while fostering a culture of shared ownership across the organization.Today, we're going to talk about the power of a platform mindset in driving innovation and achieving true agility within large organizations. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Marcus Fontoura, Technical Fellow at Microsoft, as CTO for Azure Core at Microsoft, and author of the book “A Platform Mindset: Building a Culture of Collaboration” About Marcus Fontoura Marcus Fontoura has spent more than 20 years in big tech companies and has been at the forefront of industry-shaping technology innovations, from computational advertising to cloud computing to fintech. He is currently a Technical Fellow at Microsoft, where he works on cloud computing infrastructure.His new book, A Platform Mindset: Building a Culture ofCollaboration (8080 Books, Feb. 11, 2025), shares how companies can expand and scale processes to bring about competitive advantages.Learn more at fontoura.org. Marcus Fontoura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusfontoura/ Resources Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Get Marcus' book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Platform-Mindset-Building-Culture-Collaboration/dp/B0DSY849P8Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

What's the real cost of juggling too many priorities, and how do you recognize when you—and your team—are reaching a breaking point before it's too late? Agility requires more than speed—it demands clarity in prioritization and the ability to say “no” to distractions that derail long-term growth. Today's executive leaders are under increasing pressure to grow revenues while simultaneously reducing costs, a balancing act that often leads to burnout and misalignment. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Lisa Nirell, Founder of EnergizeGrowth. Resources    EnergizeGrowth: https://www.lisanirell.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com  

In today's hyper-competitive retail landscape, is it even possible to build a sustainable brand without a thorough, real-time understanding of your customer and your market? Agility requires more than just fast reactions; it demands proactive insights driven by robust, real-time data. It's about anticipating the next move, not just responding to the last one. Today, we're going to talk about the critical role of real-time data in navigating the complexities of modern retail, from combating fraud and unauthorized sellers to personalizing the customer journey and staying ahead of the competition. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Rochelle Thielen, CEO at Traject Data. About Rochelle Thielen Rochelle Thielen is the CEO of Traject Data, where she champions the vital role of data aggregation in driving transformative advancements in AI, machine learning, and software development. Rochelle Thielen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochelle-thielen/ Resources Traject Data: https://www.trajectdata.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

With all the fragmentation in the media landscape, how can brands cut through the digital noise and create meaningful connections with their customers... without resorting to yet another intrusive pop-up ad?Agility requires not only adapting to changing consumer behaviors but also proactively anticipating them. It demands a willingness to experiment with new channels and tactics, even those that might be considered “traditional"Today, we're going to talk about the surprising resurgence of physical marketing in the digital age and how it can be a powerful tool for building brand loyalty and driving business growth. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Corin Mills, Brand Marketing & E-commerce Director at Moo. About Corin Mills Corin Mills is the Brand Marketing & E-Commerce Director at MOO, specializing in data-driven marketing strategies that revitalize brand experiences and foster meaningful organizational change. With over 15 years of extensive brand management experience driving business transformation across multiple sectors and international markets, his passion for impactful branding drives MOO's success in bridging the gap between quality design and human connection. As former Head of Brand and Comms at Currys, his transformative approach centers on genuine collaboration and inclusive leadership at all levels of business. With previous success at major brands including EE, Tesco, Currys, Google, Orange, and AXA, Corin brings unique cross-industry perspective to discussions about e-commerce strategy and optimization. Corin holds a BSc in Product Design from Brunel University of London.  Corin Mills on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corin-mills-a2678211/ Resources Moo: https://www.moo.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

"Are you building a brand that's building customer relationships—and the data behind them—to last or one that's just trying to keep up with today's omnichannel consumer? Agility requires not just reacting to change but anticipating it and even shaping it. It demands a deep understanding of your customer and the ability to adapt your strategies in real-time. Today, we're going to talk about the critical role of data reliability and identity resolution in building an agile brand. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Andrew Frawley, CEO at Data Axle. About Andrew Frawley Andrew (Andy) Frawley, with over 30 years of operational experience, including 25 years in senior leadership, has excelled in diverse industries such as agency, marketing services, software, and professional services. As a seasoned leader, he specializes in SaaS, Digital Marketing, CRM, Big Data, and Marketing Automation. As the CEO of Data Axle, Andy is dedicated to further developing industry-leading client solutions and delivering world-class services to Data Axle clients.   A published author of “Igniting Customer Connections” (2014), Andy is a sought-after speaker on various business and technical topics related to Digital Marketing, Product Innovation, Agency Innovation, Customer Analytics, Big Data, and Customer Value Management. During his distinguished career, he has advised many clients, ranging from small digital businesses to the largest global marketing organizations. Andy's breakthrough thinking and methodologies, including ROE2, Cliquity, Continuous Customer Management, and Value in Play, have guided organizations in delivering tangible ROI from their customer and marketing investments. Andrew Frawley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfrawley/ Resources Data Axle: https://www.data-axle.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/ Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company"

How can large organizations harness the power of AI for content creation while simultaneously mitigating the risks that come with exponentially scaling content volume and velocity? Agility requires adaptation to new ways of working as well as adapting governance and oversight processes to maintain brand integrity and manage risk in the new paradigm that AI has helped to create. It also requires the ability to quickly react and adjust content strategies in response to real-time performance data and market shifts. This episode is brought to you by Markup AI. AI can create content, but Markup AI's Content Guardian AgentsSM perfect your content. Markup AI instantly scans, scores, and rewrites any content to enforce your standards for brand voice, terminology, and compliance, giving you the confidence you need to scale your use of AI. Learn more at www.markup.ai. Today, we're going to talk about navigating the exciting but often treacherous landscape of AI-driven content creation. The sheer volume of content being generated presents unprecedented challenges for maintaining quality, consistency, and brand integrity. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Matt Blumberg, CEO at Markup AI. About Matt Blumberg Matt is the CEO of Markup AI and has more than 30 years of leadership in scaling global disruptive technology businesses. Matt is passionate about the power of language — being precise with it, using it to move people, and ensuring brands maintain a consistent voice with it — and he is equally passionate about the power of technology to change lives for the better. Before launching Markup AI, Matt successfully launched and led brands and companies including Acrolinx, MovieFone.com division of 777-FILM (acquired by AOL), Return Path (#2 on Fortune Magazine's “Best Companies to Work for” list and later acquired by PSG/Validity), the nonprofit Path Forward, and Bolster, a disruptive platform for executive search in the tech industry. Additionally, Matt is the author of a blog (Startup CEO), a podcast (The Daily Bolster), and three acclaimed books on startup leadership (Startup CEO, Startup CXO, and Startup Boards), further underscoring his expertise and commitment to innovation. Matt is based in New York City. Matt Blumberg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blumbergmatt/ Resources Markup AI: https://markup.ai/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/ Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company