Podcasts about Agility

When it's a struggle for marketers to even keep up with the latest trends, are brands truly keeping pace with their customers, or are they stuck playing catch-up with outdated strategies and technologies? Agility requires a willingness to experiment, learn, and adapt quickly. It also demands a deep understanding of your customer and the ability to anticipate their evolving needs. We are here today in New York City at Opticon25 and seeing and hearing some amazing things about the future of martech and how AI will shape the role of marketing in the months and years to come. Today, we're going to talk about building an agile brand in the age of digital transformation, focusing on the power of experimentation, personalization, and continuous improvement. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Muqtadaa Miandara, Principal, Digital Growth at Upbound Group. About Muqtadaa Miandara Muqtadaa Miandara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muqtadaa/ Resources Upbound Group: https://www.upbound.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

With so much noise around AI, changing customer expectations, and the ever-evolving martech landscape, how can marketing leaders avoid the noise to focus on what truly drives long-term value? Agility requires not only adapting to change but also anticipating it. It demands a willingness to experiment, learn, and iterate quickly, especially when it comes to leveraging new technologies and understanding evolving customer behaviors. We are here today in New York City at Opticon25 and seeing and hearing some amazing things about the future of martech and how AI will shape the role of marketing in the months and years to come. We're going to talk about the evolving role of the marketing leader in a world increasingly shaped by AI, automation, and the demand for personalized experiences. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Tara Corey, SVP of Marketing at Optimizely. Tara Corey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taracorey/ Resources Optimizely: https://www.optimizely.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

Marketers' roles are changing, but their goals are still the same: reach and engage customers, meeting them where they are, and for better or worse, often needing to do more with less while delivering greater value. Agility requires both adapting to change quickly while also having the wisdom to know which changes truly matter. It demands a delicate balance between embracing new technologies and staying laser-focused on core business objectives. Today, we are here in New York City at Opticon25. We are going to talk about the growing role of AI for both marketers and consumers, how organizations can leverage an agentic platform to create better internal and external customer experiences, and how marketers can both do more with less while delivering exponentially greater value. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Rupali Jain, Chief Product Officer and Kevin Li, SVP Product at Optimizely. About Rupali JainRupali Jain is the Chief Product Officer at Optimizely. Previously she has held product leadership roles at several SaaS software companies, including Microsoft's PowerBI and Qualtrics. Throughout her two-decade career, Rupali has shared Optimizely's vision of prioritizing the end user's daily needs. Rupali is committed to advancing practical, growth-driving applications of AI and machine learning to help marketers take control of their workflows, experiment at scale, and deliver digital experiences that meet and exceed customer expectations Rupali Jain on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupali/⁠ About Kevin LiAt Optimizely (previously Episerver before rebrand), I describe my job as a "tale of two mirrors" with one being a telescope and one being a microscope. On the telescope side of product strategy, I own long-term strategy covering build/buy/partner, M&A (thesis, due diligence, etc.), new product launches (SaaS CMS, Personalization, etc.), analyst relations (leader in 11 categories across Gartner, Forrester, and IDC), etc. On the microscope side of product operations, I own the product commercialization process, product operations, product analytics, documentation, and competitive intelligence. Kevin Li on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinsyli/ Resources Optimizely: https://www.optimizely.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

This episode is brought to you by Reka, a developer of industry-leading, multimodal, AI models that enable individuals and organizations to deploy generative AI applications. Agility requires brands to utilize technology like AI in new and innovative ways to better understand information and interact with their customers, giving them what they want, when and how they want it. To help me discuss this topic and some of the recent announcements from Reka, I'd like to welcome Meenal Nalwaya, Head of Product at Reka. Meenal Nalwaya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meenalnalwaya/ Resources Reka: https://www.reka.ai This episode is brought to you by Landrum Talent Solutions, a national recruiting firm specializing in marketing and HR positions. https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.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

Being strategic means asking the right questions and meaningfully applying the learnings. How do you do this while innovating and outpacing the competition? Agility requires a willingness to experiment and adapt quickly to changing market conditions and customer preferences. It also demands breaking down silos and fostering collaboration across teams. Today, we're going to talk about how leading brands are leveraging automation and AI to drive efficiency and optimize their merchandising and trading capabilities in today's complex retail environment. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Karthik Ramakrishnan, Director, Planning Systems and RPA at Tapestry. About Karthik Ramakrishnan Karthik Ramakrishnan is a seasoned IT professional with 20+ years of experience in leading, architecting, consulting and delivering novel IT solutions. Karthigeyan has worked in the Retail IT industry spanning different functional areas ranging from warehouse management, planning, merchandising, customer service, automation and Gen AI. He has global consulting experience in various markets encompassing Europe, India, South America and the U.S. At Tapestry, he leads the Planning and Automation space. He is passionate about Gen AI and enjoys leveraging Gen AI to not just solve problems but identify new opportunities that are yet to be unearthed. He has a degree in Chemical Engineering from Anna University, Chennai and loves applying reactor design principles to technology solutions. Karthik Ramakrishnan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karthikram007/ Resources Tapestry: https://www.tapestry.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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 UIPath: https://www.uipath.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

Show Highlights: Spotlight on Platinum Crush in soybean mainstay Iowa. [05:06] Erik Lightner's reverse-trajectory from ADM and Haskell to startup leader. [11:36] Lessons in pacing business building and asset readiness. [15:48] Four strategic allocation categories for capital. [22:50] What are “must-haves” vs. “wants” in a $400M startup? [27:33] How regional crushers can compete with industry giants. [31:36] Why agility is a daily choice to prevent bureaucracy. [36:44] Gaining trust and market share amid local competition. [44:00] What Platinum Crush would do in a deficit area scenario. [48:43] Erik's core takeaway for leaders on the preeminent value of people. [50:20] Find out more about Platinum Crush by visiting https://platinumcrush.net/. To connect with Erik Lightner on LinkedIn, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/eriklightner/. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

Being strategic means asking the right questions and meaningfully applying the learnings. How do you do this while innovating and outpacing the competition? Agility requires a willingness to experiment and adapt quickly to changing market conditions and customer preferences. It also demands breaking down silos and fostering collaboration across teams. Today, we're going to talk about how leading brands are leveraging automation and AI to drive efficiency and optimize their merchandising and trading capabilities in today's complex retail environment. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Karthik Ramakrishnan, Director, Planning Systems and RPA at Tapestry. About Karthik Ramakrishnan Karthik Ramakrishnan is a seasoned IT professional with 20+ years of experience in leading, architecting, consulting and delivering novel IT solutions. Karthigeyan has worked in the Retail IT industry spanning different functional areas ranging from warehouse management, planning, merchandising, customer service, automation and Gen AI. He has global consulting experience in various markets encompassing Europe, India, South America and the U.S. At Tapestry, he leads the Planning and Automation space. He is passionate about Gen AI and enjoys leveraging Gen AI to not just solve problems but identify new opportunities that are yet to be unearthed. He has a degree in Chemical Engineering from Anna University, Chennai and loves applying reactor design principles to technology solutions. Karthik Ramakrishnan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karthikram007/ Resources Tapestry: https://www.tapestry.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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 UIPath: https://www.uipath.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 the pursuit of the "perfect" customer experience actually holding brands back from achieving true agility? Agility requires a willingness to embrace calculated risks and adapt quickly to changing market dynamics. It also demands a shift in mindset, from a focus on rigid planning to iterative experimentation and continuous learning. Today, we're going to talk about how brands can navigate the ever-evolving retail landscape by prioritizing agility and leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Tom Schmitt, CEO at Radial. About Tom Schmitt As Chief Executive Officer, Tom oversees the leadership of Radial North America's Managing Committee, bringing his strategic vision and operational expertise to our team. Tom joins Radial with over 20 years of executive leadership experience in supply chain logistics. Most recently, Tom led commercial growth and rigor for Nikola Corporation serving as Chief Commercial Officer. Prior to Nikola, Tom spent 12 years at FedEx and serving as CEO of FedEx Supply Chain; leading Forward Air Corporation as President, Chairman and CEO; leading Canadian parcel and freight corporation Purolator as CEO; and also heading up the global Contract Logistics business as a management board member for DBSchenker. In addition, Tom has served on several Boards of organizations focused on various aspects of the supply chain. Tom holds an MBA as a Baker Scholar from Harvard Business School as well as a Bachelor of Arts in European Business Administration, First Class Honors, from Middlesex University. Tom Schmitt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tschmitt1965/ Resources Radial: https://www.radial.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 Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brandsDon'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

Is the pursuit of the "perfect" customer experience actually holding brands back from achieving true agility? Agility requires a willingness to embrace calculated risks and adapt quickly to changing market dynamics. It also demands a shift in mindset, from a focus on rigid planning to iterative experimentation and continuous learning. Today, we're going to talk about how brands can navigate the ever-evolving retail landscape by prioritizing agility and leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Tom Schmitt, CEO at Radial. About Tom Schmitt As Chief Executive Officer, Tom oversees the leadership of Radial North America's Managing Committee, bringing his strategic vision and operational expertise to our team. Tom joins Radial with over 20 years of executive leadership experience in supply chain logistics. Most recently, Tom led commercial growth and rigor for Nikola Corporation serving as Chief Commercial Officer. Prior to Nikola, Tom spent 12 years at FedEx and serving as CEO of FedEx Supply Chain; leading Forward Air Corporation as President, Chairman and CEO; leading Canadian parcel and freight corporation Purolator as CEO; and also heading up the global Contract Logistics business as a management board member for DBSchenker. In addition, Tom has served on several Boards of organizations focused on various aspects of the supply chain. Tom holds an MBA as a Baker Scholar from Harvard Business School as well as a Bachelor of Arts in European Business Administration, First Class Honors, from Middlesex University. Tom Schmitt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tschmitt1965/ Resources Radial: https://www.radial.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 Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brandsDon'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

Is the hype around AI in marketing justified, or are we setting ourselves up for another "tech bubble" disappointment? Agility requires not only embracing new technologies like AI, but also a fundamental shift in mindset, processes, and even organizational structure. It demands a willingness to experiment, learn, and adapt quickly to the ever-changing marketing landscape. Today, we're going to talk about how AI is poised to revolutionize marketing, from personalization and customer engagement to the very structure of the SaaS market itself. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Rafael “Rafa” Flores, Chief Product Officer at Treasure Data. About Rafael Flores As an accomplished technology executive and proud immigrant from Honduras, I specialize in scaling SaaS companies from startup to high-growth enterprises. My career is built on my family's deep-rooted principles: valuing education, treating others with equal respect regardless of background, and uplifting younger talent—because I was once that little boy with big dreams. Throughout my career, I have led transformative initiatives at some of the most recognized names in the technology landscape:Meltwater: Played a pivotal role in the company's successful IPO, showcasing expertise in product innovation and market readiness.Datanyze: Led strategic initiatives that culminated in a successful acquisition by ZoomInfo, enhancing data intelligence capabilities.ARM Holdings: Spearheaded innovation in Retail SDK and IoT solutions, advancing the company's technology ecosystem and driving new business opportunities. 6sense: Led all automation, data, and AI-products, fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusion, while delivering data-driven solutions that empower GTM team(s) to sell effectively.Treasure Data: Orchestrated a landmark $600M acquisition by ARM and secured record-breaking Customer Data Platform (CDP) funding. Today, I am back leading Treasure Data through a transformative era of intelligence and automation fit for scale, while returning to an organization that feels like home—rich with talent, poise, and a passion for progress. I am also a devoted father of three beautiful children and grateful for the unwavering support of my wife—a registered nurse who embodies strength and compassion. My core expertise lies in defining and executing product strategies, roadmaps, and key performance indicators (KPIs). I possess deep knowledge of CDPs, data management, privacy frameworks, and SaaS go-to-market (GTM) applications, scaling solutions for businesses ranging from agile SMBs to Global 2000 enterprises. Rafael Flores on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ref2019/ 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 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

Welcome to our fall season of new episodes! After a busy summer of family time and travel, I'm excited to be back with you on the podcast. Today's conversation is an important one about mindful language in conversations touching on race and culture. Join us!Our Featured GuestDr. Nathalie EdmondDr. Nathalie Edmond is a licensed psychologist and the author of Mindful Race Talk: Building Literacy, Fluency, and Agility. She is the perfect guest to help us approach race as clinicians in the therapy room and in our advocacy work. We are covering topics such as what it means to have an “embodied” conversation about race, the importance of our language, and how we can strike a balance between honesty and accountability. Our discussion includes the elements of conversations that are truly beneficial in light of today's racially charged climate of cancel culture and “colorblindness.” We wrap up with a look at how clinicians can build cross-racial solidarity. WebsiteYou'll Learn:The impetus and inspiration for writing Mindful Race TalkAn “embodied conversation” about race—What does that mean?The importance of practicing to balance compassion and accountabilityNot talking about race is NOT the answer!The danger that clinicians face regarding multicultural awarenessThe myth of “colorblindness” vs. living with an attitude of racial and cultural awarenessSteps to build racial competence, literacy, and agilityThe “charge” associated with the topic of raceDr. Nathalie's advice for clinicians about tuning in and developing mindfulness and awarenessActions clinicians can take to develop cross-racial solidarity—What does this look like?Resources:Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That's why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you'll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients.You support your clients. Alma supports you.Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners. Want to launch your online course?Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit.If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That's why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you'll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those...

What happens when your best sales strategy from a year ago is now driving customer attrition instead of acquisition? Agility requires brands to rethink how they create consumer value in real time, especially when traditional strategies no longer work as consumer behavior shifts unpredictably. Today we're going to talk about driving sales growth amidst economic uncertainty—something every brand leader is trying to figure out right now.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Chris Cubba, Chief Revenue Officer at Snipp. About Chris Cubba Christopher Cubba is a seasoned executive with over two decades of expertise in the loyalty and promotions industry, focusing on the CPG, Retail, and Technology sectors.In his previous agency, Cubba was pivotal in scaling the business through its private equity transaction in 2016 and its eventual acquisition by a strategic buyer in 2021. Currently serving as the Chief Revenue Officer at Snipp, Christopher oversees the sales, strategy, and customer success teams.His deep industry knowledge, coupled with a passion for delivering impactful data driven results, has made him a trusted partner to companies aiming to expand their customer base and strengthen brand loyalty. Chris Cubba on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cubba/ Resources Snipp: https://www.snipp.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

Niklas and Marco break down SAP's new clean core levels using relatable metaphors, explain the evolution from the classic extensibility model, and share practical advice for developers and architects. Learn about essential tools like the SAP Discovery Center, Guidance Framework, and ABAP Test Cockpit, and get actionable best practices for your clean core journey. Whether you're a seasoned SAP developer or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights, real-world examples, and even a few personal recommendations to inspire your next steps.

If Google sent you zero traffic tomorrow morning, would your P&L still be breathing by lunchtime? Agility requires re-engineering your revenue model at the speed of AI.Today we're going to talk about how AI chatbots are siphoning off audience attention—and what forward-thinking publishers can do about it instead of panic-refreshing their analytics dashboards. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Sean King, Chief Revenue Officer and GM of Media & Entertainment at Veritone. About Sean King Sean King is the Chief Revenue Officer & GM, Commercial at Veritone, leading all sales and marketing activities for the organization in addition to overseeing Veritone's Commercial division, including SaaS technologies and managed services. With a keen ability to drive growth and operational excellence, Sean has played a pivotal role in scaling Veritone's AI-driven solutions. His leadership was instrumental in establishing Veritone Licensing as North America's premier AI-powered content licensing firm and in guiding Veritone One to become a top AI-driven audio and influencer advertising agency before its successful divestiture in 2024. With over 20 years of experience in sales management, technology operations and strategic partnerships, Sean is passionate about optimizing business operations, unlocking new opportunities and applying AI and synthetic media to drive innovation. Sean King on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryansteelberg/ Resources Veritone: https://www.veritone.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

Show Notes: Sri Kaza is a former McKinsey partner and the author of Unconvention, A Small Business Strategy Guide. Sri explains why he left McKinsey after nearly a decade of working with large corporations, to start working with small businesses. Around 12 years ago he decided to pursue entrepreneurship and independence. He worked for Tor Hagen at Viking Cruises, who was a former McKinsey partner, and Sri was impressed by Tor's ability to allow his vision to take risks and drive decision-making. This inspired Sri to look more broadly at entrepreneurship. The Tax Credit Company After working with Hagen, Sri joined a new entrepreneurial venture, the Tax Credit Co., which focused on small businesses with less than 100 or 500 employees. His focus was operationalizing their work opportunity tax credit business, helping them access the government credits they simply were not aware of.  Sri's company spent a significant amount of time and money acquiring customers, focusing on providing value and helping them navigate the complex world of tax credits. Explaining The Work Opportunity Tax Credit Sri explains how The Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which allows small businesses to claim tax credits up to 2000 dollars for hiring individuals on government assistance or from unique districts with socio-economic issues. Sri talks about the scale of tax credit opportunities available as well as the potential for fraud and exploitation. To build a scalable back end, Sri drew from his McKinsey experience and suggests thinking about the business from the perspective of the small business owner and providing guidance on where the big problems are. Small Business Lending  Sri shared examples from his most recent role as CEO of ForwardLine Financial, a small business lender about being informative and helping businesses research their problems. This approach helped both the small business clients and Sri's company scale up well; but many of their clients' business faced challenges during the COVID pandemic and a third of their customers did not survive the pandemic. Sri then developed a framework for building business cases and understanding the strategies of small firms, helping them apply funds and succeed. It was this experience that inspired the concept of his book. Agility and Speed of Decision-Making Incorporating agility and speed of decision making into a small business framework is crucial for success. Small business owners have the advantage of knowing their customers day-to-day and making decisions quickly. This is different from CEOs of big companies, who have to make decisions based on government restrictions. Sri explains that, during the post-COVID period, many businesses didn't wait to set up their standards for their in-store experience. They adjusted their offerings based on customer preferences, even in states with more freedom. For example, in Florida and Texas, businesses with a large number of operations struggled and saw higher revenue declines on average than some California cities. Business owners in these states didn't wait for the government to dictate their practices, but instead understood their customers' concerns and did their own research. This allowed them to make decisions quickly and reflect their customers' preferences, which helped them stay in better shape than chains that were waiting for national rules. The Importance of Purpose and Pride for Small Businesses Sri discusses the concept of purpose in small businesses, comparing it to the concept of Shokunin, or craftsmanship. Sri talks about  his time in Japan and what he learned from small businesses there. He found that these businesses focused on their craft rather than profit or growth. He later realized that purpose allows individuals to choose their return on investment and pursue their passions. Individuals often leave consulting to pursue independence, not to make more money. They value the freedoms they gain from doing so. When making decisions, it's crucial not to compromise on their purpose, as it's powerful and doesn't have to follow the path of larger corporations. Pricing for Small Businesses Sri discusses the concept of raising prices for small businesses, which can be a challenge. He explains that there is more to understanding customer value than just price, and that small businesses should be conscious of the benefits they are sharing. He suggests that small businesses should not solely focus on profit but also on what they are trying to accomplish. He lays out pricing principles in his book to help small businesses understand how to calculate pricing and be conscious of the driving factors behind it that may not simply be profit.  Plans for the Future Sri's personal plans for his book include becoming a coach or consultant to small businesses, launching a nonprofit foundation, and having an impact on 30 million entrepreneurs in the country. He believes that these entrepreneurs are challenged and need advice from people who have practical experience. He plans to create a nonprofit foundation and help build tools and reach a wider distribution. Timestamps: 02:15: Sri Kaza's Background and Entrepreneurial Journey  03:52: Challenges and Successes in Small Business Consulting  08:02: The Concept of Underdog Principles  22:40: Purpose and Craftsmanship in Small Businesses 26:27: Agility and Speed in Small Business Decision-Making  27:03: Value and Pricing in Small Businesses 28:42: Future Plans and Impact of the Book  Links: Website:https://sri-kaza.com Gift for Unleashed Listeners: https://sri-kaza.com/media/unleashed Substack: https://substack.com/@srikaza?utm_source=global-search The Book: https://www.amazon.com/Unconvention-Small-Business-Strategy-Guide-ebook/dp/B0FM41LNWX?ref_=ast_author_mpb Unleashed is produced by Umbrex, which has a mission of connecting independent management consultants with one another, creating opportunities for members to meet, build relationships, and share lessons learned. Learn more at www.umbrex.com.

Are brands prepared for a consumer base that's simultaneously more confident and more cautious? Agility requires not just reacting to current consumer behavior but anticipating the shifts to come. It also requires a deep understanding of the nuances within different consumer segments, particularly as generational behaviors diverge. Today, we're going to talk about the evolving landscape of consumer confidence, especially among Gen Z and Millennials, and what this means for brands navigating the current market. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Eric Miao, Chief Strategy Officer at Attentive. About Eric Miao Eric Miao on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-miao-62313b9/ Resources Attentive: https://www.attentive.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

Send us a textIn this episode, I'm joined by Tina Tang—a former Wall Street trader turned jewelry designer and now strength coach. At age 40, unexpected life changes led her to the gym for the very first time, and by 42 she had completed an intensive personal training course. Since then, Tina has coached over 3,800 sessions, discovered her own love for strength, and created the Return to Strength Mentorship, designed to help women 45+ get stronger, leaner, and more confident.We dive into the role of impact and plyometrics as we age, from where to begin and how to overcome fear, to making jumping feel playful again. Tina shares practical strategies for programming impact and helping women progress safely while navigating perimenopause and menopause.If you've ever wondered how to reclaim agility, strength, and confidence later in life, this conversation is for you.We talk about:-Where to begin with impact trainingLeakage and symptoms with jumpingMaking plyometrics feel like playHow to program impact safelyOvercoming fear around jumpingUsing weighted vests for progressionDeveloping speed and agility as you ageBreaking barriers in midlife strength trainingNavigating perimenopause and menopause in fitnessBuilding sustainable exercise habitsTime Stamps1:00 Introduction6:06 importance of plyometrics10:48 the fear of jumping15:27 developing speed as you age21:57 building up your agility30:25 helping women progress38:10 breaking barriers41:10 the perimenopause and menopause conversation48:45 adding in new exercise habits56:40 rapid fire questionsCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH TINA:IG: https://www.instagram.com/ironstrongfit/Website: IronStrongFitness.netThe Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey. This show has been a long time in the making! You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry. If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST! If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)

Episode 137: Scott Leech- Designing and Implementing Better Agility Drills   Scott Leech is the Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning at the University of Rhode Island (URI), where he has been since 2020. Scott started there as an assistant and was promoted to Head Strength Coach in 2021, followed by a promotion to Associate AD in 2023. Prior to URI, he spent five years as an Assistant S&C Coach at Merrimack College. Scott is currently the NSCA Rhode Island State Director as well. He is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).   https://thegridironwarrior.com/    Follow Scott on Instagram   Check Out My Game Speed Course and Programs at www.multidirectionalpower.com   

Are most brands still designing customer journeys, or are they just trying to keep up with where their customers are leading them? Agility requires a willingness to meet your customers where they are—not just where you wish they'd convert. In an era where the consumer journey can begin and end on a social platform or anywhere in between, brands must be fluid enough to engage meaningfully across channels while still connecting the dots behind the scenes. Today we're going to talk about the changing consumer journey and why a connected ecosystem that includes social commerce, audience targeting, and measurement is now table stakes.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Janna Navarro, VP, Brand & Media Strategy at Wpromote. About Janna Navarro Janna has two decades of experience spearheading brand evolution across sectors such as automotive and quick-service restaurants. As VP of Brand, Media & Consumer Strategy, she leads with an integrated approach to digital-first marketing. Before Wpromote, Janna led teams at CPB, collaborating with brands like Domino's Pizza to leverage data-driven decision-making and new media. Her experience also includes working with GM on its Cadillac EV line. Janna Navarro on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannatopolewski/ Resources Wpromote: https://www.wpromote.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

Agility is one of today's favorite leadership buzzwords, but too often it gets reduced to simply moving faster. In this episode, we go beneath the buzzword to explore what true agility really means: the ability to adapt wisely and steadily in the face of uncertainty. Drawing on Gallup's latest global research, we'll look at why hope is now the number one thing people need from their leaders, and how stability and adaptability can actually fuel that hope. You'll hear how leaders can calm their own stress responses, hold space for multiple futures, and model steadiness that sparks possibility,  even in the middle of change fatigue.________________________If you're tired of avoiding tough conversations or regretting how you handled them, the Courageous Conversations Leadership Sprint is for you. This four-week, small-group coaching experience starting in October uses LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, unlocking creative new perspectives and approaches to difficult conversations.Learn more and reserve your spot at https://www.strongleadersserve.com/buildConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-m-schmidt/Get 1-on-1 leadership support from Teri here: https://www.strongleadersserve.com/coachingSet up an intro call with Teri: https://calendly.com/terischmidt/discoverycall

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Meghan Henning sits down with Marilena Vrana, Vice President of Public Affairs and EU Operations at the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), to explore what it takes to lead a global association strategy with unity, speed, and impact.From Brussels to Washington, Marilena shares how her team navigates cultural, regulatory, and political complexity while keeping member needs and patient access front and center. With decades of experience in European health policy and a deep commitment to collaboration, she offers powerful lessons in stakeholder engagement, cross-border communication, and values-based leadership.

Merrell presenta en UTMB 2025 la Agility Peak 6, un modelo que verá la luz a mediados de febrero de 2026, pero que con la ayuda de Arnau C., técnico de producto de MERRELL, analizamos desde Chamonix.Contacto:juan@ellaboratoriodejuan.com

In this compelling episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter sit down with Amber English, President, Digital & Online of the Americas at The Estée Lauder Companies. From launching on Amazon to leading organizational transformation, Amber shares the inside story of how one of the world's most iconic beauty companies is navigating the future of commerce.With transparency and conviction, Amber unpacks how Estée Lauder is adapting to shifting consumer behaviors, optimizing for agility, and balancing heritage with innovation. She also gets personal, revealing the brave decision that shaped her career path in a surprising way.Key Takeaways:Commerce Meets Consumer Intent: Estée Lauder's move to Amazon wasn't just a distribution shift—it was a strategic response to consumer demand. Amber explains how the company protects brand equity while embracing the reality that Amazon is both a retail and media platform.Organizing for Agility at Scale: To keep pace with modern commerce, Estée Lauder is reengineering how teams work, empowering faster decisions, embracing real-time data, and aligning KPIs across channels to reflect the interconnected consumer journey.Career Bravery Beyond the Resume: Amber's decision not to return to college, despite the prestige-driven culture of corporate America, became one of her bravest—and most transformative—moves. Her story challenges traditional definitions of leadership and success.

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, Alex Rawlings is joined by Brett Hickey, the CEO and founder of Star Mountain Capital. Brett shares his unique journey from humble beginnings in Northwestern Canada to leading a multi-billion-dollar asset management firm in the U.S. With deep reflections on leadership, value-based investing, building collaborative ecosystems, and what truly drives sustainable success in private markets, this is a masterclass in private equity thinking.Brett also discusses the strategic opportunities in the U.S. lower middle market, the implications of aging demographics, his risk-aligned investment strategy, and the power of culture in scaling a firm. If you're looking to understand how to build a high-performing investment organization from the ground up—and what books, frameworks, and philosophies support that—this episode is essential listening.⏱️ Episode Highlights & Time Stamps:00:00 – Welcome and Introduction to Brett Hickey 00:41 – Overview of Star Mountain Capital and its focus on U.S. lower-middle market private credit, secondaries, and private equity 01:12 – Key mistake PE firms make: passive asset management vs. active value creation 03:08 – Aging demographics as a key investment opportunity 04:05 – Valuation arbitrage in lower middle market businesses 05:05 – Reflections on a possible downturn: macroeconomic risks and “air pockets” 07:59 – Aging populations and structural economic concerns 09:53 – The importance of cash flow and capital protection 10:21 – Brett's entrepreneurial journey – from launching his first fund at 26 to building Star Mountain Capital 12:41 – The S-shaped growth curve and persistence through innovation 13:40 – Brett's data-driven approach to strategy and decision making 15:35 – Why aging demographics and inefficient markets create opportunity 17:08 – Biggest challenge in building the firm: People 19:30 – Aligning team culture and expectations through transparency and shared values 20:57 – Why Star Mountain is 100% employee-owned – benefits and challenges 22:54 – Building trust and long-term alignment through ownership 24:45 – Observations on asset management failures and strategic missteps 25:44 – What is the Collaborative Ecosystem and how it drives results at Star Mountain 27:34 – How peer networks like EO and YPO influenced the firm's internal culture 28:31 – Leveraging insights between secondaries and direct investments 29:59 – Case studies, adjusted EBITDA, and forensic underwriting 31:18 – Using real business alignment as a differentiator in competitive deal processes 33:13 – Recommended reading: Brett's top books and content on leadership and execution 33:41 – Never Lead Alone by Keith Ferrazzi 34:37 – Agility by Leo Tilman and General Chuck Jacoby 36:54 – Harvard Business Review and Rob Kaplan's work on leadership 38:48 – Principles by Ray Dalio and how it influences Brett's thinking 39:18 – A practical tip: triangulating decisions with deep experts 41:13 – Final reflections on value investing, risk management, and staying grounded 42:09 – How to get in touch with Brett and Star Mountain Capital 42:38 – Wrap-up and takeaways from Alex

If you had to pick one of the biggest challenges facing CMOs today, how high on your list would customer loyalty be? Agility requires a deep understanding of your customer and the ability to adapt to their ever-changing needs and expectations. It also requires a willingness to experiment and learn from failures, quickly iterating on strategies and tactics. Today, we're going to talk about the evolving landscape of travel loyalty programs and how brands can best engage with different generations of travelers, particularly in the face of changing economic conditions and emerging generational trends. To help me discuss this topic and other highlights from arrivia's Loyalty and the Changing Traveler report, I'd like to welcome, Jeff Zotara, Chief Marketing Officer at arrivia. About Jeff Zotara Jeff Zotara is the Chief Marketing Officer of arrivia, a travel technology company providing travel loyalty, booking, and marketing solutions to consumer-facing companies that want to deliver exceptional value to customers, uncover new revenue streams, and drive growth through exciting travel rewards and member benefits. With more than two decades as a strategic and operational marketing leader, Jeff is focused on driving growth and marketing technology across brands and providing the best member experience at the intersection of travel and tech.   Jeff Zotara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffzotara/ Resources arrivia: https://www.arrivia.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Get a copy of arrivia's Loyalty and the Changing Traveler report: https://resources.arrivia.com/report-survey-loyalty-changing-traveler 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

During what he calls a “terrible soccer game” his son was playing, Ademir Sarcevic picked up a recruiter's call that would change his career. The game was lopsided, but the timing was fortunate. Within months, Sarcevic was interviewing with Standex International's leadership team. By 2019, he was CFO of the diversified manufacturer, helping guide a portfolio that spans precision electronics to specialty machinery.Sarcevic's readiness for that moment was shaped years earlier in Sarajevo. He came to the United States during the Bosnian war in the mid-1990s, an experience that taught him to “be ready for anything.” His first job after graduate school was at General Instrument Corporation, where a finance rotational program exposed him to audit, FP&A, and accounting. Later, at a pre-IPO company, he helped take the firm public—only to see the dot-com crash unfold immediately after. It was a lesson in resilience and the unpredictability of markets, Sarcevic tells us.International assignments added new perspectives. In Paris, he served as controller for a billion-dollar Tyco business, and in Switzerland he became CFO for a Pentair global unit. Along the way, he experienced more mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures than he can count, reinforcing the value of flexibility and objectivity.At Standex, Sarcevic applies these lessons through a disciplined M&A approach. Every acquisition, he tells us, must meet three tests: “strategic fit, financial sense, and culture.” That rigor has paid off—recent acquisitions, he notes, “have been phenomenal…performing better than we even thought.”

In this episode of the Logistics & Leadership Podcast, Justin Maines sits down with Nick Califano—beverage industry veteran and first employee at Loverboy—to unpack the inside story of building one of the fastest-growing alcohol brands.From co-founding Yonkers Brewing to launching Loverboy with Kyle Cooke of Bravo's Summer House, Nick shares how grit, innovation, and disruption fueled their rise. He opens up about reverse-engineering supply chains, scaling nationwide, and navigating chaos from COVID to supply shortages.Nick also reveals Loverboy's secret sauce: constant innovation, deep consumer engagement, and always having “backups to your backups.” This conversation is a playbook for anyone scaling a CPG brand, building resilient systems, or breaking through in a crowded market.The Logistics & Leadership Podcast, powered by Veritas Logistics, redefines logistics and personal growth. Hosted by industry veterans and supply chain leaders Brian Hastings and Justin Maines, it shares their journey from humble beginnings to a $50 million company. Discover invaluable lessons in logistics, mental toughness, and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. The show delves into personal and professional development, routine, and the power of betting on oneself. From inspiring stories to practical insights, this podcast is a must for aspiring entrepreneurs, logistics professionals, and anyone seeking to push limits and achieve success.Timestamps:(00:05) – Innovation and Agility in Operations(09:12) – Disrupting the Beverage Industry(10:10) – Navigating Early Challenges in Beverage Launch(23:52) – The Impact of COVID-19 on Beverage Brands(34:24) – Navigating Growth Challenges in Beverage DistributionConnect with Nick Califano:Website: http://www.drinkloverboy.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-califanoConnect with us! ▶️ Website | LinkedIn | Brian's LinkedIn | Justin's LinkedIn▶️ Get our newsletter for more logistics insights▶️ Send us your questions!! ask@go-veritas.comWatch the pod on: YouTube

Podcast: Error Code (LS 27 · TOP 10% what is this?)Episode: EP 69: Adding Crypto Agility to OT SystemsPub date: 2025-08-19Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationQuantum computers could break today's encryption, leaving many OT systems—which often lack encryption entirely—at even greater risk. Dave Krauthamer, Field CTO at QuSecure, warns that nation-state attackers may target critical infrastructure like power, water, and food supplies first, making it urgent to adopt quantum-resistant cryptography across both IT and OT systems.The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Robert Vamosi, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.

Is your brand ready to thrive, not just survive, in the face of evolving global consumer expectations and market shifts? Agility requires more than just quick reactions; it demands proactive foresight, strategic adaptability, and a willingness to embrace continuous evolution. This is particularly critical in today's ever-changing global ecommerce landscape. Today, we are here at eTail Boston and we're going to talk about navigating the complexities of global ecommerce, from peak season delivery strategies and regional fulfillment, to the latest on de minimis thresholds and tariffs. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Helaine Rich, Vice President Strategic Sales and Administration at ePost. About Helaine Rich As the VP of Strategic Sales and Administration at ePost Global, Helaine's team is responsible for onboarding and managing multi-carrier platforms, involved with the development of new services and tools for customers while growing revenue through strategic account acquisition.  Helaine Rich on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helaine-rich-b61a207/ Resources ePost: https://epostglobalshipping.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

8/20/25 - Episode 166Episode SummaryTL;DR SummarySmall brands should delay ad spend until product-market fit is proven (around 100 sales). Focus on Google and Meta ads, understanding the difference between search-driven intent and interruption-based discovery. Video ads are essential and can be created cheaply and reused across platforms. Expect technical setup hurdles with ad platforms, but the payoff is worthwhile. Finally, keep control early, and only outsource when you find the right partner.Episode Highlights1. Speed & Agility of Small BrandsSmall brands can move quickly, test ideas, and pivot without bureaucracy.Direct access to decision-makers allows rapid experimentation and execution.2. Start Only After Market FitSecure product-market fit first.A common milestone: get your first 100 sales before spending on ads.Those initial sales usually take more effort than the next 900.3. Intent vs. Interruption AdsIntent-based ads (Google Shopping, PPC): best when customers are actively searching.Interruption-based ads (social media, video): best for creating awareness of unknown products.The most effective starting platforms: Google and Meta (Facebook/Instagram).4. Video & CreativeNearly all small e-commerce brands should use video, but very few do.One raw video can be repurposed into multiple versions (different voiceovers, subtitles, edits).Video is more forgiving than text or photos—mistakes are less noticeable.5. Leverage Resources Across PlatformsCreative made for one channel (e.g., Amazon infographics) can be reused across other platforms.6. Setup ComplexityRunning Google ads requires multiple integrations: Shopify, Analytics, Merchant Center, and Ads.The setup can be tedious, but once done, it's smooth to maintain.7. Other Key TakeawaysBe aware of pitfalls when copying strategies from big brands.Track effectiveness with metrics like ROAS and conversion attribution.Budget realistically and allow time for optimization.Hire agencies carefully—better to start in-house and only bring on partners when aligned.Show Links PPC Pitbulls Checklist - https://www.ppcpitbulls.com/shopifyBadgezilla - Trust Badges & Icons - https://apps.shopify.com/badgezillaTranscript & Videohttps://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-166-ad-strategies-for-small-brands

Quantum computers could break today's encryption, leaving many OT systems—which often lack encryption entirely—at even greater risk. Dave Krauthamer, Field CTO at QuSecure, warns that nation-state attackers may target critical infrastructure like power, water, and food supplies first, making it urgent to adopt quantum-resistant cryptography across both IT and OT systems.

Are you building your customer data strategy around your goals, or are your goals constrained by your data platform? Agility in today's marketing technology landscape isn't just about speed—it's about flexibility. Brands need data architectures that adapt to their needs, not the other way around. And with the right approach, that agility can fuel personalization, better customer outcomes, and real business value. Today we're going to talk about composable customer data platforms and how AI is enhancing decision-making to increase customer lifetime value.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Tejas Monahar, co-CEO and co-Founder of Hightouch. About Tejas Manohar Tejas Manohar is the cofounder/co-CEO of Hightouch. Prior to founding Hightouch, Tejas was an early engineer at Segment, the leading company in the Customer Data Platform (CDP) space that was acquired by Twilio for $3.2B. At Segment, Tejas realized that many of the challenges of building a best-in-class CDP would be better solved on top of the data warehouse and a modern data stack and hence, he founded Hightouch. When Tejas isn't thinking about data, he likes running and playing competitive table tennis. Tejas Manohar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejasmanohar/ Resources Hightouch: https://www.hightouch.com https://www.hightouch.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 Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brandsDon'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

https://teachhoops.com/ hooting Mechanics and Repetition

Join hosts Vassilis and Marc as they dive into the transformative power of AI in market research. They welcome Steve Phillips, Chief Innovation officer from Zappi to discuss creative effectiveness and consumer-centric approaches and how platforms like Zappi are reshaping the industry by enhancing data analysis, accelerating decision-making, and balancing creativity with data-driven insights.Enjoy the show!Our Guest:Steve Phillips, Founder, Chair and Chief Innovation Officer at Zappi https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-phillips-2121ab/Follow Our Updates⁠⁠ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sleeping-barber/https://www.sleepingbarber.caGet in touch with our hosts:Marc Binkley: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbinkley/Vassilis Douros: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vassilisdouros/Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and Episode Overview 02:15 - AI's Impact on Market Research05:30 - Discussion on Synthetic Data10:00 - Agility in Marketing through Rapid Testing 15:45 - Balancing Creativity and Data in Advertising

In business as in life, longevity often invites assumptions. When we hear about a company that has thrived for over a century, it's easy to picture a large, slow-moving, and rigid organization. But surviving, and thriving, across generations requires quite the opposite: adaptability, agility, and a willingness to evolve. Jayne Millard embodies this mindset as the fourth-generation leader of Turtle & Hughes, a family-run electrical and industrial distributor. Rather than resting on tradition, Jayne and her team are embracing innovation by focusing on sustainability and partnering with startups to stay ahead of industry trends. In this Tugboat Institute® talk, Jayne shares the rich history of Turtle & Hughes alongside her own unconventional personal journey, one that fuels her courage and inspires her leadership today. Watch and discover how enduring businesses stay relevant by blending heritage with forward-thinking action.

When consumer trust is more fragile than ever, how can brands, particularly in highly scrutinized categories like infant nutrition, utilize the latest approaches to not only build trust but also deepen consumer relationships? Agility requires not only adapting to evolving consumer expectations and technological advancements but also maintaining ethical and transparent practices, especially when dealing with sensitive topics such as infant health. It also demands a willingness to experiment, learn, and iterate quickly in response to market feedback and emerging trends. Today, we're going to talk about building trust in a digital age, navigating the complexities of launching a purpose-driven CPG brand, and redefining what “healthy” means for a new generation of parents. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Meika Hollender, Chief Marketing Officer at Nara Organics. About Meika Hollender Meika Hollender is the Chief Marketing Officer of Nara Organics, a pioneering brand redefining infant nutrition with its first-of-its-kind USDA-certified organic whole milk formula. Before joining Nara, Meika served as Vice President of Brand and Corporate Communications at Grove Collaborative, a leading sustainable consumer products company and the first plastic-neutral retailer in the world. At Grove, she led the development and execution of communications strategy across brand, sustainability, and innovation, driving awareness through powerful storytelling and purpose-driven campaigns. Grove, a certified B Corp, is on a mission to move Beyond Plastic and be 100% plastic-free by 2025. Meika first made her mark as the Co-Founder and CEO of Sustain, the pioneering brand of natural sexual wellness products for women. After growing Sustain into a category leader, the company was acquired by Grove in 2019. Meika stayed on as President of Sustain while stepping into a broader role at Grove, where she brought her passion for product innovation, social impact, and women's health to a wider CPG platform.She holds an MBA from NYU's Stern School of Business and is the author of Get on Top, published by Simon & Schuster in 2018. Meika also serves on the board of Net Impact and the Young Visionaries Committee for Planned Parenthood of New York City. Meika Hollender on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meika-hollender-b574b519/ Resources Nara Organics: https://nara.com/ https://nara.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 Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brandsDon'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

Is the most effective way to understand real human behavior to simulate it first?Agility requires a willingness to test ideas that sound strange at first—like asking bots to act more human by narrowing their point of view, or treating synthetic personas as real sources of insight. But when applied correctly, this thinking unlocks entirely new ways to scale customer understanding. Today we're going to talk about how synthetic research is reshaping how we understand audiences—and how asking the right questions can make these insights feel far less synthetic and far more human. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Mike Taylor, Founder & CEO of AskRally. Mike – welcome to the show! About Mike Taylor Mike Taylor is the CEO & Co-Founder of Rally. He built a 50 person marketing agency in the US and EU, has taught 300,000 students in online courses, and wrote a prompt engineering book for O'Reilly. Mike Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjt145/ Resources AskRally: https://www.askrally.com https://www.askrally.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

A slowdown in retail sales is rippling through the industry, with new tariffs and supply chain volatility forcing retailers to rethink everything from pricing to inventory management. In this episode, inspired by Retail and tariffs: Stockpiles, agility, and a supply chain reckoning, we break down the economic forces and operational shifts behind the headlines.Drawing on the latest NRF Retail Monitor data, RELX Solutions' supply chain study, and real-world cases from Target to the toy industry, we explore how consumer caution, trade policy, and global disruptions are converging—and how retailers are responding with AI, automation, and supplier diversification to stay resilient.What You'll Learn in This Episode:1. The Current State of Retail SalesJune 2025 marks the first monthly sales decline since FebruaryConsumer caution is slowing momentum despite year-over-year growth in some categoriesDigital goods stand out with a 24% YoY increase, while big-ticket items slump2. Why Consumer Psychology MattersUncertainty around tariffs and the economy is driving a “wait-and-see” approachHow sentiment influences spending beyond inflation or interest rate changes3. The Supply Chain Pressure CookerFindings from RELX Solutions: 60% of companies restructuring supply chainsTop pain points: demand volatility, trade disruptions, lack of real-time dataMoves toward nearshoring, automation, and AI for agility4. Three Major Pressure Points and SolutionsSupplier diversification: real-time info-sharing and AI trade-off modelingInventory planning: unified data, AI simulation engines, and multi-echelon optimizationDemand planning: dynamic AI forecasting that adapts to policy changes5. Case Studies in ChangeTarget: Ending competitor price-matching amid tariff cost pressuresToy industry: 145% tariffs on Chinese imports threaten half of SME toy makers6. Technology as the Strategic LeverAI-driven visibility and optimization for resilienceInventory pooling and RFID for better tracking and cost controlPredictive analytics to match stock levels with volatile demandKey Takeaways:Retail sales are slowing as consumer caution deepens amid economic uncertaintyTariffs and trade policy shifts are driving supply chain reinvention at scaleAI and automation are essential tools for resilience and agilityRetail policies, from price-matching to product availability, are shifting in real timeThe impact reaches every shopper's cart—what's available, and at what priceSubscribe to our podcast for expert insights on retail strategy, supply chain innovation, and the evolving consumer landscape. Visit The Future of Commerce for in-depth research on how global trade and technology are reshaping retail. Share this episode with supply chain leaders, retail strategists, and consumer market analysts navigating the current volatility.

Jason Tham, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Nulogy, joins the Do Good to Lead Well podcast to share his insights into effective leadership in a rapidly evolving world. Authenticity, relatability, and a compelling purpose are not just buzzwords for Jason—they're the foundation of a resilient leadership style that thrives on change. As we navigate complexities in fields like supply chain management, Jason emphasizes the critical role of adaptability and agility. His personal TEDx talk and numerous accolades craft a leadership narrative where values lead the way.Moving beyond traditional business frameworks, we explore the transformative power of core values in building purpose-driven organizations. Jason reveals the importance of prioritizing people and relationships over products, a strategy that has guided Nulogy to sustainable success. By focusing on co-creation and community, we discuss how maintaining alignment with an organization's North Star fosters growth and adaptability. With a culture rooted deeply in positive leadership, continuous improvement, and shared success, there's a refreshing take on how regular reflection and dialogue integrate new members into this thriving ecosystem.Resilience and mentorship take center stage as we uncover the intricate balance between persistence and knowing when to pivot. Jason shares personal stories that illuminate the journey through adversity and the empowering role of a supportive network. We weave in narratives of psychological safety, addressing loneliness at the top, and the insidious nature of imposter syndrome. He even shares a powerful leadership lesson he learned from his daughter. Listen in as Jason makes the compelling case that strong leadership is inextricably linked to authenticity, purpose, and the courage to embrace challenges while fostering an inclusive environment.What You'll Learn- The transformative power of core values in building purpose-driven organizations.- How adaptability and agility are essential to navigate complex times.- The balance between persistence and knowing when to pivot.- The role of mentorship and a supportive network in fostering resilience.- Addressing challenges like imposter syndrome and fostering psychological safety within teams.Podcast Timestamps(00:02) – What are the Key Leadership Qualities in a Changing World?(14:09) - Strategic Alignment Through Core Values(26:21) - Building Resilience Through Mentorship(40:34) – Personal Journey of Resilience and Community(46:36) - Leadership and EmpowermentKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Innovation, Authenticity, Adaptability, Agility, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Purpose, Resilience, Mentorship, Psychological Safety, Growth Mindset, Core Values, Continuous Learning, Overcoming Adversity, Maximizing Engagement, Energy Management, Learning Conversations, Values-Based Leadership, CEO Success

Florian Georgescu: When Teams Embody Agility Without Having To Thinking About It Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Florian defines success for Scrum Masters as achieving teams that embody agility naturally, without conscious effort. He identifies key behaviors that indicate true team maturity: team members openly discuss their needs and how to fulfill them, they embrace constructive conflict as productive and necessary, and developers can communicate with business stakeholders in accessible language rather than technical jargon. This level of success represents the ultimate goal for Scrum Masters – creating self-organizing teams that have internalized agile principles so deeply that they become second nature, enabling authentic collaboration and effective business communication. Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: Naikan Retrospective The Naikan Retrospective, based on a Japanese self-reflection practice, proved invaluable when Florian's team faced a catastrophic release failure during a Champions League game at a sports betting company. This format addresses three key questions: "What have I done successfully for my team?", "What did I get back from my team?", and "How did I support my team in these hard moments?" Despite initial concerns about team acceptance, this retrospective format provided structured relief during high-tension situations, allowed team members to express missing support needs, and created lasting positive impact. The human-centered approach helped the team process failure constructively and build stronger relationships through structured self-reflection. self-reflection Question: What behaviors in your team indicate they're truly embodying agility, and how might you recognize when they no longer need your guidance? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

What could your CX teams do to strategically move your brand forward if they weren't tethered to dashboards? Agility requires CX teams to move beyond reactive reporting and embrace proactive insight delivery. In an era where insights are instantly available through conversational AI, the strategic role of CX is about to shift—big time.Today we're going to talk about how AI is reshaping customer experience by freeing CX teams from dashboards, static reports, and manual data analysis—and allowing them to lead strategically with real-time intelligence. About Sid Banerjee Sid Banerjee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidbanerjeewdc/ Resources Medallia: https://www.medallia.com https://www.medallia.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 Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brandsDon'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

How do you infuse startup agility into a $3B global commerce engine?On this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter sit down with Andrew Lederman, VP of Global Digital Commerce at Mondelez, for a wide-ranging conversation on building at scale while moving with speed. From founding a startup acquired by Alibaba to transforming digital commerce at AB InBev and now Mondelez, Andrew shares how his entrepreneurial DNA shapes his leadership at one of the world's largest CPG companies.He opens up about balancing local autonomy with global vision, the value of taking big swings instead of "safe bunts," and navigating the signal vs. noise of today's crowded tech landscape. With deep candor and clarity, Andrew explains how consumer obsession—not competitor fixation—drives long-term growth, and why brave leadership often means placing smart bets on the future.Plus, hear his answer to our signature closing question—and why he says being a father tops his list of courageous moves.Key Takeaways:Lead with Empathy, Act with Clarity: To drive transformation in large organizations, meet teams where they are and align them with a shared vision of the future.Prioritize Consumer Needs Over Competitive Noise: Long-term growth comes from solving real consumer problems—not chasing what others are doing.Make Strategic Bets with Confidence: Balancing short-term impact with long-term vision requires bold decision-making and operational excellence.Whether you're scaling digital commerce or trying to future-proof your brand, this episode offers a grounded, strategic, and motivating listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One thing is for certain: the world of e-commerce never sits still. But what should retailers be paying attention to now?Agility requires not only adapting to changing consumer behaviors but also anticipating them. It's about proactively shaping the future of retail, not just reacting to it. Today, we're going to talk about navigating the ever-shifting landscape of e-commerce, from micro-shopping moments to the evolving role of AI, as we get ready for eTail Boston, August 11-14, in Boston, Massachusetts. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Lena Moriarty, Head of eTail Marketing at Worldwide Business Research. About Lena Moriarty Lena Moriarty is the Head of Marketing at eTail, the conference community designed to power your growth 365 days a year. At eTail, she takes charge on all things omnichannel marketing and strategy, from point A to point Z. Lena Moriarty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenamoriarty/ Resources Worldwide Business Research: https://www.wbresearch.com https://www.wbresearch.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 Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brandsDon'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

What if your life isn't a fixed plan, but a living, evolving blueprint?In the final episode of our 4-part Inner Architect summer series, you'll discover five practical, science-backed strategies to adapt with clarity, turn setbacks into growth, and build a life that keeps pace with who you're becoming. If you're craving more meaning, momentum, and flexibility, this one's for you.Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode:You can find the 1-page worksheet HERE.Find all of the Summer Series 2025 episodes.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesBeam Dream Powder: Visit https://shopbeam.com/GOODLIFE and use code GOODLIFE to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Agility requires more than just speed—it demands relevance and empathy, especially when AI is stepping in to play a bigger role in the customer experience. What if the problem isn't that AI moves too slowly—but that it moves without context, without empathy, and without earning trust?Today we're going to talk about how Agentic AI is changing that—offering a way to transform experience management from reactive to proactive, and from transactional to genuinely helpful. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Manisha Powar, VP, Head of Product, Customer Experience Suite at Qualtrics. About Manisha Powar Manisha Powar is a product and business leader specialized in building B2B Enterprise SaaS Products. Passionate about incubating new products and expanding mature products into new markets/use cases. 15+ years of experience in building, growing and scaling teams of high performers to drive innovation and deliver high quality results through data-driven decision making and scrappy execution. Strong leadership track record in delivering strategies to enter new markets that have led to a billion-dollar acquisition and building out global teams to win. Manisha Powar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmanisha/ Resources Qualtrics: https://www.qualtrics.com https://www.qualtrics.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

If your marketing grew like a dividend-reinvestment plan, would you still let a quarterly target dictate every decision? Agility requires stacking returning gains faster than the market changes—think compound interest, but for marketing campaigns. Today we're going to talk about the Compound Marketing Engine, agentic AI, and why “data-driven” still needs greater adoption among leaders.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Chris O'Neill, CEO of GrowthLoop. About Chris O'Neill Chris O'Neill is CEO of GrowthLoop and a board director at Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS). His 25+ year career includes leadership roles at Google Canada, Evernote, and Xero, and board experience at Tim Hortons. As an advisor and investor, his portfolio includes Koho, Plus AI, and Neeva (acquired by Snowflake). Chris lives in Northern California with his wife, two children, and their dog Teddy. Chris O'Neill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/croneill/ Resources GrowthLoop: https://www.growthloop.com https://www.growthloop.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 Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brandsDon'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

How often do big, meaningful shifts inside a company actually start small? And more importantly, how do you avoid squashing them before they have a chance to grow? Agility requires more than vision—it requires giving your team the power to act on that vision. Today we're going to talk about how a global company like Belkin empowered its employees to lead a sustainability transformation from within. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Steve Malony, CEO of Belkin. About Steven Malony Steven Malony is the CEO of Belkin International, a role he has excelled in since 2021, following nearly 20 years with the company. Malony began his career at Belkin as a sales representative for Apple resellers in the U.S., where his commitment to understanding customer needs and delivering value helped him rise through the ranks. His deep focus on relationships with distributors, partners, and end users, combined with a relentless drive to innovate, has shaped Belkin's global success and aligned with the company's core values of customer-first service. Before becoming CEO, Steven held various leadership roles in sales and management, where he was responsible for driving strategic direction, performance, and international operations. He demonstrated exceptional resilience and strategic foresight, particularly during challenging times such as the global pandemic. Under his leadership, Belkin successfully navigated the separation of Linksys, integrated the Phyn brand, and maintained strong financial performance. In addition to his role at Belkin, Malony provides strategic guidance to the FIT team, overseeing the production of Apple products like Beats Audio. Since becoming CEO, Malony has overseen significant growth at Belkin, with revenue, gross profit, and operating profit all experiencing substantial increases. His ability to leverage the company's design, manufacturing, and sales capabilities, especially through FIT, has positioned Belkin for continued success. A champion of corporate culture, he has fostered a sense of community within the organization, empowering teams and launching voluntary employee groups called VIBEs to further enhance Belkin's workplace environment. Steven Malony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-malony-67786b/ Resources Belkin: https://www.belkin.com https://www.belkin.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 Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brandsDon'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

Agility requires that brands have a fundamental understanding of why they're doing things, and what customer expectations are, rather than chasing trends and implementing the latest tech. Without this, customer satisfaction will continue to slide, and brands won't be any closer to knowing what to do to solve for that. I am here in Edinburgh with my guest today, who has worked with some of the world's largest brands, written several books, and hosts a great podcast of his own. To talk about a few things today, I'd like to welcome Adrian Swinscoe, Host of the Punk CX Podcast. About Adrian Swinscoe Described as an experimental CX thought leader and visionary, Adrian Swinscoe is a best-selling author, Forbes contributor, speaker, investor, advisor and aspirant CX Punk. He has been growing and helping develop customer-focused large and small businesses for over 25 years now. His clients have included brands such as Adobe, Apple, Cancer Research UK, Costa Coffee, the UKGov's Crown Commercial Service, ING, Intercontinental Hotel Group, KFC, KPMG, ING, Kramp, Lloyds, Harper Collins, Médecins Sans Frontières, Megger, Microsoft, Nespresso, NowTV, Olympus, Pearson,Philips, Sky, Talk Talk, and Zoom as well as numerous tech vendors and many smaller and medium-sized businesses.Adrian is a frequent writer, podcaster and speaker on all things related to customer service and experience. He published a best-selling book in 2016 called How to Wow: 68 Effortless Ways to Make Every Customer Experience Amazing (Pearson), published a genre-busting book: Punk CX in 2019and published an exciting follow-up: Punk XL at the end of 2021. Adrian Swinscoe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianswinscoe/ Resources Punk CX Podcast: https://www.adrianswinscoe.com/ https://www.adrianswinscoe.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 Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brandsDon'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

Agility requires marketing leaders to evolve from campaign-based thinking to relationship-based strategy—especially when working with creators who influence not just clicks, but for a meaningful connection with customers.Today we're going to talk about the creator economy and how brands like PepsiCo, Unilever, and more are leaning into long-term creator partnerships to drive relevance, resonance, and ultimately, ROI. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Brit Starr, CMO of CreatorIQ. About Brit Starr Brit Starr is the Chief Marketing Officer at CreatorIQ, the leading enterprise platform revolutionizing influencer marketing for thousands of brands and agencies, including Nestlé, Sephora, and Unilever. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and consulting, Brit has played pivotal roles at some of the most iconic consumer brands, including Lyft, Guitar Center, Shiner Beer, Verve Coffee Roasters, and Trulia. Brit Starr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britmccorquodale/ Resources CreatorIQ: https://www.creatoriq.com https://www.creatoriq.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 Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brandsDon'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

If the web is no longer one-size-fits-all and instead geared towards segments of one, how do brands avoid creating a thousand disconnected experiences, and manage each experience effectively? Agility requires embracing both technology and customer behavior shifts at the same time—without losing your brand voice. Today we're going to talk about how AI and more connected digital experiences are shaping the future of the web.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Eric Stine, CEO of Sitecore. About Eric Stine Eric Stine is the Chief Executive Officer of Sitecore, driving the company's vision and strategy to enable brands to create digital experiences so powerful they connect the world. Eric was previously Chief Operating Officer, where he led all customer-facing functions. Before Sitecore, Eric was Chief Executive Officer of Elemica. Previously, he was Chief Commercial Officer of Skillsoft and Chief Revenue Officer of Qualtrics. Eric has also held executive roles at companies such as SAP, Ciber, and Blackboard. Eric earned a law degree at Boston University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts at Northwestern University, where he and his husband are the founders of the Eric and Neil Stine-Markman Scholarships. They are the first permanent endowments at either institution directing funds toward LGBTQ+ students. Eric Stine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-stine-ceo-sitecore/ Resources Sitecore: https://www.sitecore.com https://www.sitecore.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 Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brandsDon'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