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Hosted by evan kirstel
25 episodes with evan kirstel
3 episodes with evan kirstel
7 episodes with evan kirstel
4 episodes with evan kirstel
2 episodes with evan kirstel
2 episodes with evan kirstel
2 episodes with evan kirstel
2 episodes with evan kirstel
Watch on YouTube.On this episode of the UC Big News Show, host Kieran Devlin is joined by an expert-packed panel including Jon Arnold, Blair Pleasant, Craig Durr, Evan Kirstel, Mel Brue, and newcomer Derrick Kelly, Vice President of Solutions Enablement at AVI-SPL. The panel tackles the shifting tides of the SaaS and UCaaS landscape in 2025, questioning whether we've hit a saturation point, and whether AI is living up to the immense hype, and what Microsoft's layoffs might mean for both the business's strategy and the future of the jobs market.Is the SaaS market in decline, or just evolving? And is AI revolutionising the workplace - or just overpromising? In this wide-ranging and insightful discussion, industry leaders explore:Why UCaaS growth is flattening, while CCaaS continues to outperform—and what that means for vendors like Zoom, Cisco, RingCentral, and NICE.The growing backlash against SaaS sprawl and why CIOs are prioritising vendor consolidation and tighter spend controls.A reality check on AI adoption: hype vs. genuine enterprise deployments, especially in smaller businesses and government.Why successful AI integration demands strategy, guardrails, and realistic expectations—plus cautionary tales of botched implementations.This candid debate shines a light on the challenges and opportunities facing unified communications and enterprise tech in 2025.Watch the full video to hear how leaders like Blair Pleasant and Jon Arnold are advising clients on navigating the AI hype cycle.Thanks for watching, if you'd like more content like this, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel.You can also join in the conversation on our X and LinkedIn pages.
Watch on YouTube.In this episode of The Big UC News Show on UC Today, host David Dungay and co-host Kieran Devlin bring together an all-star panel of experts: Zeus Kerravala, Irwin Lazar, Melody Brue, Evan Kirstel, and Craig Durr. They break down the biggest developments in UC and collaboration—from Google's jaw-dropping AI showcase from Google Next and Canva's surprising push into productivity, to Microsoft Copilot's evolution and the massive impact of U.S. tech tariffs. If you're in the UC space or simply trying to keep up with where work tech is headed, this is the must-watch conversation.Our expert panel shares sharp insights, strong opinions, and some healthy skepticism on:Google's AI OverdriveFrom turning the Wizard of Oz into a Sphere-worthy immersive experience to embedding Gemini into chat, Docs, and Sheets—Google's enterprise AI play is bold, but will it stick?Canva's Quiet DisruptionWith new AI tools like MagicCharts and Canva Code, the design platform is now elbowing its way into the productivity suite arms race—complete with integrations into Teams and Slack.Microsoft Copilot's VisionScreen-reading, task-completing, memory-enabled Copilot is here. Useful or creepy? Our panel weighs in on its bold new direction.Tariff TurbulenceLogitech pulls back guidance, and vendors brace for pricing chaos as 100–150% tariffs loom. Will innovation and supply chains survive the hit?Plus, hear about Enterprise Connect's big move to Vegas, whether it's still got its mojo, and which show is stealing its thunder.Thanks for watching, if you'd like more content like this, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel.You can also join in the conversation on our X and LinkedIn pages.
In this UC Today News Panel, David Dungay and Kieran Devlin are joined by a powerhouse lineup of experts to unpack the latest game-changing shifts in UC and CX. From AWS Chime shutting down to Avaya's strategic pivot, the conversation gets deep into industry consolidation, AI's growing influence, and the future of unified communications.Join Blair Pleasant, Craig Durr, Evan Kirstel, Dominic Black, John Arnold, and Faye Bennett as they explore what these big moves mean for service providers, enterprises, and the UC market at large.Main Description:AWS Chime's Demise & UC ConsolidationIs UC commoditization inevitable? With AWS Chime shutting down, following Verizon BlueJeans and Meta Workplace, what does this mean for Zoom, Teams, and Webex?Avaya's Controversial Contact Center ExitAvaya is cutting support for contact centers with less than 200 seats—but is this a strategic refocus or another sign of decline? Our experts weigh in.RingCentral's AI Play & CX EvolutionWith AI-powered receptionist services and a booming CX portfolio, is RingCentral leading the next wave of UC innovation?MWC, Cavell Summit & Enterprise Connect: What to ExpectThe biggest events in UC, CX, and telecom are around the corner. What will be the key trends and announcements shaping the industry in 2025?Thanks for watching, if you'd like more content like this, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel.You can also join in the conversation on our X and LinkedIn pages.
Curious about how AI is changing the game for creators? On the latest episode of Talking Too Loud, Chris Savage and Sylvie dive into the impact of AI on business from a solopreneur's POV. They chat with Evan Kirstel, a B2B thought leader and host of the ‘What's up with Tech' podcast, about how AI and SaaS apps have revolutionized his solopreneur venture into a media company. From enterprise tech to personal branding, Evan shares his insights on leveraging AI tools to scale influence, boost engagement, and meet audiences where they are. Highlights include:Exploration of AI tools and content generationBuilding a social media audienceAdvice for new content creatorsContent clipping and scaling reachLinks to Learn More:Follow Evan on LinkedInFollow Savage on LinkedInFollow Sylvie on LinkedInSubscribe to Talking Too Loud on WistiaWatch on YouTubeFollow Talking Too Loud on InstagramFollow Talking Too Loud on TikTokLove what you heard? Leave us a review on AppleLeave us a review on Spotify
Watch on YouTube.In this UC Today special, host David Dungay and co-host Kieran Devlin bring together an all-star panel of industry experts, including Craig Durr, Melody Brew, Evan Kirstel, Urwin Lazar, Elka Popova, Zeus Kerravala, and Dominic Black.With January just underway, this discussion dives into hot topics and news stories of the year (so far) like Gamma's strategic acquisition spree, the cost strategy behind AI features from the big vendors, and the evolving role of voice in unified communications. If you want to stay ahead of industry trends, this is a must-watch!Get ready for a jam-packed episode where the UC Today panel unpacks the latest developments shaping the unified communications landscape. Here's what's in store:How Gamma's acquisition of Starface is poised to reshape the German market, giving them a foothold in Europe's under-penetrated cloud communications space.AI Wars Heat Up: Google, Microsoft, and Zoom are battling it out over AI costs and adoption. The panel explores the strategies behind free AI features and their long-term implications for businesses.The Rebirth of Voice: From AI assistants to multimodal communication, learn why voice technology is making a strong comeback in enterprise applications.Governance and Regulation: Tackling data sovereignty, AI governance, and the complexities of rolling out AI globally.With insights from top experts and fresh takes on pressing issues, this episode delivers actionable intelligence for service providers, enterprises, and anyone invested in the UC ecosystem.Thanks for watching, if you'd like more content like this, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel.You can also join in the conversation on our X and LinkedIn pages.
On today's episode of Health UnaBASHEd,our guest is B2B thought leader, content creator, and top technology influencer Evan Kirstel. We discuss tools and platforms available to build and curate community in the health innovation economy. Evan has built, quite the digital footprint and following in the tech space including 420K Twitter, 56K LinkedIn, 70K Instagram, 6K Clubhouse, and 5K YouTube followers and/or subscribers. Additionally, he has 35K newsletter subscribers. Evan focuses on educating and informing his audience to grow sustainable, long-term businesses. His expertise lies in areas like Telecom, Cloud, Unified Communications, 5G, IoT, CX, and more. B2B tech brands such as Intel, Amazon AWS, Dell, Microsoft, and others hire him to achieve massive visibility and scale through the power of social media12. If you'd like to learn more, you can visit his website at evankirstel.com or explore his work on Forbes Business Council and Thinkers360.
What kind of impact will losing its antitrust lawsuit have on Google, and does anyone even care given all of the hype around generative AI? In addition, Microsoft strikes back against Delta over the CrowdStrike outage, and we are wondering if anyone is paying attention to the two American astronauts that remain on the International Space Station. Evan Kirstel, the Techfluencer, joins the show as guest co-host to discuss this and other technology news from previous weeks.
Many signs, both on the business side and consumer side, indicate that the technology industry's love affair is about to head down a slippery slope. In other words, the “Bubble Pop Brigade” is ramping up, whether it's companies abandoning AI projects or Big Tech firms dropping AI tools. Evan Kirstel, the Techfluencer, joins the show as guest co-host to discuss this and other technology news from previous weeks.
Host Gil Bashe and Gregg Masters welcome B2B thought leader, content creator, and top technology influencer Evan Kirstel. They discuss tools and platforms available to build and curate community in the health innovation economy. Evan has built, quite the digital footprint and following in the tech space including 420K Twitter, 56K LinkedIn, 70K Instagram, 6K Clubhouse, and 5K YouTube followers and/or subscribers. Additionally, he has 35K newsletter subscribers. Evan focuses on educating and informing his audience to grow sustainable, long-term businesses. To stream our Station live 24/7 visit www.HealthcareNOWRadio.com or ask your Smart Device to “….Play Healthcare NOW Radio”. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen
Watch on YouTube.In this episode of The Latest Big UC News, hosts David Dungay & Rob Scott welcome some of the industry's top analysts to talk about the latest news in the UC space.The panellists discuss a variety of hot topics in the UCaaS space, including:NEC's decision to exit the on-prem market Intermedia raises $350 to double down on its cloud proposition Microsoft launches Security Copilot Our panel features the following UC experts:Craig Durr, Senior Analyst, Futurum Group Jon Arnold, Principal Analyst, J Arnold & AssociatesEvan Kirstel, Social Media Strategist, BCStrategiesBlair Pleasant, President of COMMFusionThanks for watching, if you'd like more like this, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our channel.You can also join in the conversation on our Twitter and LinkedIn pages.
Watch on YouTube.In this episode of The Latest Big UC News, hosts David Dungay & Rob Scott welcome some of the industry's top analysts to talk about the latest news in the UC space.The panellists discuss a variety of hot topics in the UCaaS space, including:The latest news from Enterprise Connect includingRingEX from RingCentral, Microsoft Teams Mobile, new devices launched, top AI picks from the panelMicrosoft finally decouples Office365 and Team globallyThe big industry events coming up Our panel features the following UC experts:Craig Durr, Senior Analyst, Futurum Group Jon Arnold, Principal Analyst, J Arnold & Associates Evan Kirstel, Social Media Strategist, BCStrategies Blair Pleasant, President of COMMFusion Maribel Lopez, Principal Analyst, Lopez Research Elka Popova, Vice President and Senior Fellow, Connected Work Research, Frost & SullivanThanks for watching, if you'd like more like this, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our channel.You can also join in the conversation on our Twitter and LinkedIn pages.
Guests: Irma Rastigaeva, Co-Founder & Chief Digital Storyteller for eViRa Health [@eViRaHealth]On Twitter | https://twitter.com/IrmaRasteOn LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/irmaraste/On Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/rastegayevaEvan Kirstel, Chief Digital Evangelist / Cofounder eVira Health and Top B2B Tech InfluencerOn Twitter | https://twitter.com/EvanKirstelOn LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/evankirstel/On Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/evan.kirstel_____________________________Host: Tyler Cohen Wood, Host, Health Exposed PodcastOn ITSPmagazine | https://itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/tyler-cohen-wood_____________________________This Episode's SponsorsAre you interested in sponsoring an ITSPmagazine Channel?
AI and robots and drones, oh my! The blockbuster Consumer Electronics Show returns to Las Vegas in 2024 with a rock-em sock-em lineup of amazing technologies! What's in store for the hordes of tech aficionados? Check out this very special DM Radio to find out, as Host @eric_kavanagh interviews legendary Canadian Broadcaster Jim Harris, along with world-renowned Influencers, Evan Kirstel, Chris Pereira and Irma Rastegayeva! They'll cover the hottest trends and technologies shaping the world today!
In this episode of The Latest Big News, host David Dungay welcomes some of the industry's top analysts to talk about the latest news in the industry.The panellists discuss a variety of hot topics in the UCaaS space, including:The latest round of layoffs at CiscoMicrosoft Inspire newsThe proposed Copilot pricing RingCentral's expansion plans in IndiaOur panel features the following UC experts:Evan Kirstel, Social Media Strategist, BCStrategiesZeus Kerravala, Principal Analyst, ZK ResearchBlair Pleasant, Principal Analyst, COMMfusion
In this episode of The Latest Big News, host David Dungay welcome some of the industry's top analysts to talk about the latest news in the industry.The panellists discuss a variety of hot topics in the UCaaS space, including:Avaya's Engage event highlightsWhy Meeting Experience has become front and centre for businessesOur panel features the following UC experts:Evan Kirstel, Social Media Strategist, BCStrategiesMelissa Swartz, Cloud Phone Expert, Swartz Consulting
UC Today's David Dungay hosts Andy Macqueen, EMEA Business Development Director, Spectralink & Evan Kirstel, B2B Social Influencer, BC Strategies.In this session we discuss the following:Why do UCaaS solutions make a difference when connecting deskless with the rest of the business?How can IT teams effectively manage their distributed workforce in a hybrid environment?Where can partners add tangible value to companies with a distributed workforce?
In this episode of The Latest Big News, hosts Rob Scott and David Dungay welcome some of the industry's top analysts to talk about the latest news in the industry.The panellists discuss a variety of hot topics in the UCaaS space, including:Zoom's latest financials, including Zoom Phone growthAvaya's emergence from Chapter 11Lifesize enters bankruptcy proceedingsMicrosoft Executive pushes back on return to the office policyWhich communications channel would you drop? - survey resultsOur panel features the following UC experts:Evan Kirstel, Social Media Strategist, BCStrategiesZeus Kerravala, Principal Analyst, ZK ResearchDom Black, Head of Research, Cavell GroupIrwin Lazar, President, Metrigy
In this episode of The Latest Big News, hosts Rob Scott and David Dungay welcome some of the industry's top analysts to talk about the latest news in the industry.The panellists discuss a variety of hot topics in the UCaaS space, including:Microsoft Decoupling Teams from Office365Creating Employee Engagement with MeetingsSecurity in the Hybrid WorkplaceOur panel features the following UC experts:Evan Kirstel, Social Media Strategist, BCStrategiesDan Root, Senior Analyst, WainhouseMelissa Swartz, Cloud Phone Expert, Swartz ConsultingSean Spradling, Senior Analyst, Wainhouse
Bullseye Marketing: How to Grow Your B2B Business Faster 2nd Ed. by Louis Gudema About the Book: Do you want to accelerate the growth of your B2B company? In Bullseye Marketing, you'll learn how to develop, launch, and scale a successful marketing program for your B2B company. Louis Gudema focuses his Bullseye Marketing Framework exclusively for B2B companies in this second edition. The first edition was named One of the Best Marketing Books of All Time by Book Authority. I have written a new foreword in which I say, “Over the past decade-plus, for my Marketing Book Podcast I've read nearly 500 excellent marketing and sales books, cover to cover. As you can imagine, with that many titles under my belt, so to speak, the range of authors and quality of titles is considerable. Louis Gudema's original Bullseye Marketing is one of my favorites. This new edition is even better.” At the strategic level, readers of Bullseye Marketing will learn the three-phase Bullseye Marketing Framework that prioritizes the fastest, most cost-effective ways for B2B companies to grow faster. Louis then goes into detail on what it takes to successfully implement close to two dozen marketing tactics, providing hundreds of tips, best practices, and examples for successfully executing B2B marketing campaigns. While many companies put too great of an emphasis on short-term lead generation, in this second edition Louis presents research around the importance of long-term building of a company's brand and its mental availability to optimize long-term business growth. He also provides evidence of the importance of creativity in building mental availability, and many examples of creative B2B marketing that go beyond the more typical product-centric marketing seen by many companies. The book also includes interviews with nationally-known marketing and sales leaders Ann Handley, Scott Brinker, Evan Kirstel, Gini Dietrich, Jeanne Hopkins, Jim Ewel, James Carbary, and Zorian Rotenberg, and new case studies. About the Author: Louis Gudema helps B2B companies build their brands and generate leads as a fractional CMO and marketing strategist. He also mentors MIT startups as part of its Venture Mentoring Service, and since 2015 has led an annual marketing boot camp for the MIT startup community. Louis previously founded a marketing agency serving enterprise companies such as IBM and the Boston Globe. He then pivoted it into a SaaS company and grew it into one of the top companies in its national market before a successful exit. He has acted as vice president of business development at two mid-sized marketing agencies. For several years, Louis was the head of the executive committee for Boston's Sales and Marketing Innovators professional association. Louis speaks frequently on marketing and business at regional and national events and has written for leading business sites including The Harvard Business Review, MarketingProfs, IDG Connect Marketer, Chiefmartech, Venture Beat, The Content Marketing Institute, and Econsultancy. And if that's not enough, he also ghostwrites and co-writes business and marketing books. And, interesting fact - he grew up on a farm in Illinois, and he has won poker tournaments - at casinos! Click here for this episode's website page with the links mentioned during the interview... https://www.salesartillery.com/marketing-book-podcast/bullseye-marketing-2-louis-gudema
Tech Influencer Evan Kirstel joined me on this episode to discuss: the impact of AI on content creation - including writing and design what skills marketers need to learn the impact on jobs and more... Join us and connect with Evan at the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evankirstel/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/evankirstel Learn more about ChatGPT here: https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/ And Dall-E-2 here: https://openai.com/dall-e-2/ Don‘t miss these previous episodes: How to use LinkedIn newsletters Announcing a new job on LinkedIn How executives can build their brand --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ctrappe/message
In order to succeed as a ‘TechFluencer' in today's digital society, you have to be plugged into a lot of different trends and markets. From supply chains to consumer electronics, to community building to virtual connections, the landscape is constantly shifting and evolving.Evan Kirstel is a B2B thought leader and technology influencer focused on B2B networking, engagement, and social selling. Rather than just establishing his own expertise and using it to guide others, he is still on a learning journey of his own – exploring new disciplines and platforms as he becomes aware of them.In this interview, Evan and Scott discuss some of the trends affecting digital media, modern business, and consumer tech:• The groundbreaking changes in content creation and writing made possible by a new Generative AI technology called ChatGPT• The rise of electrification in mobility showcased at CES 2023, including multiple modes of transportation, personal and commercial vehicles• How to build communities and network reach by expanding into new forms of content, moving from written to spoken to visuals to engage different audience members• Places where tech and automation have met their limit, failing to overcome the human preference for authentic, trust-based relationshipsAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comCheck out our new Supply Chain Now Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3zKRLyLSubscribe to Supply Chain Now and all other Supply Chain Now programs: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLeveraging Logistics and Supply Chain for Ukraine: https://vectorgl.com/stand-with-ukraine/2022 Q3 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://freight.usbank.comWEBINAR- Using Rebates and Pricing to Align Your Supply Chain: http://bit.ly/3iJBSUPThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/never-know-who-meet-1067
Haydn Faltyn Cloud Connections 2023 CPaaS Showcase Meet Haydn Faltyn, CEO of BroadSource “We want to bring what we call, secure payments, as a differentiated product offering, to the CCA,” says Haydn Faltyn, CEO of BroadSource. In this sixth part of our podcast series on the CPaaS Showcase at Cloud Connections 2023, Faltyn is joined by Kevin Nethercott, Managing Partner of the CPaaSAA who will be both hosting and judging the event. Previous episodes of this series include Clark Peterson and Evan Kirstel, who will also be hosting and judging the showcase. “We know that security is a huge issue,” says Nethercott, who is happy to see the CSPs being offered a secure payments financial solution. BroadSource is among the small group of companies that were present at the creation of the CCA and at the dawn of cloud communications. In this podcast, Faltyn links decades of service to the cloud communications community and innovations to the CSPs to BroadSource's ideas on CPaaS and creating very practical, applicable products that the CSPs can deploy to create new experiences for customers. Kevin Nethercott In this podcast series and at the CPaaS Showcase we will not only learn about the importance of this technology but the larger transformative picture of how this technology is set to revolutionize the way people communicate by voice, by video and much more. Visit Cloud Communications Alliance Visit Cloud Connections 2023 Visit CPaaSAA Visit BroadSource
Adnan Saleem Cloud Connections 2023 CPaaS Showcase “People should not have to be telecom engineers,” says Adnan Saleem, CTO, Software and Cloud Solutions at Radisys Corporation. In this podcast, Saleem lays out the Radisys approach to CPaaS, which he will be presenting at the upcoming CPaaS Showcase at Cloud Connections 2023. Saleem is joined by Kevin Nethercott, Managing Partner of the CPaaSAA who will be both hosting and judging the event. Previous episodes of this series include Clark Peterson and Evan Kirstel, who will also be hosting and judging the showcase. Saleem outlines what he describes as the fundamental principles of CPaaS architecture and links them to the idea of delivering real world breakthrough solutions with much on the underlying complexity drained from process by CPaaS. Saleem tells us that CPaaS holds the promise opening the doors to many new ideas and people. One of the things that we will see from Radisys are approaches that will enable people without deep and direct telecom experience to begin to design and invent new solutions and introduce new ideas. Kevin Nethercott In this podcast series and at the CPaaS Showcase we will not only learn about the importance of this technology but the larger transformative picture of how this technology is set to revolutionize the way people communicate by voice, by video and much more. Visit Cloud Communications Alliance Visit Cloud Connections 2023 Visit CPaaSAA Visit Radisys
Cloud Connections 2023 CPaaS Showcase Evan Kirstel “What's most compelling are the real word stories about how CPaaS is being used,” says Evan Kirstel, a leading thought leader, writer, podcaster, and influencer, who's B@B practice has paid a lot of attention to the communications sector of technology. In this podcast Evan Kirstel joins Kevin Nethercott, Managing Partner of the CPaaSAA as they discuss what they will be looking for as judges in the upcoming CPaaS Showcase to be held at the inaugural Cloud Connections event next week in Fort Lauderdale. The event is being hosted by the Cloud Communications Alliance. Kirstel describes CPaaS as a type of technology that can deliver the type of breakthrough solutions that AI is beginning to deliver across the technology field. We learn that the judges of the showcase are looking for real world applications. “I think what you're looking to do is to empower innovators and developers to build things we don't have yet,” says Kirstel, noting how apps such as Uber brings together several different technologies such as location, payment, SMS and much more into a seamless customer experience. Kirstel notes that WebRTC began as a novel idea, while now it has become “baked-in”, a path we might see with CPaaS. Kevin Nethercott In this podcast series and at the CPaaS Showcase we will not only learn about the importance of this technology but the larger transformative picture of how this technology is set to revolutionize the way people communicate by voice, by video and much more. Visit Cloud Communications Alliance Visit Cloud Connections 2023 Visit CPaaSAA Visit Evan Kirstel
Evan Kirstel is a B2B thought leader and top technology influencer who helps B2B clients grow their social media audience and leverage LinkedIn and Twitter for sales, networking, engagement, and social selling. He is actively building a network of fellow B2B influencers to help brands with scale and thought leadership. Evan shares the strategies he recommends small businesses use to get their business noticed and their lead funnels growing. Resources Shared: EvanKirstel.comeViRa HealthThryv
Building Own Social Media Community at CCA Event “I'm seeing a tremendous appetite for digital content,” says Evan Kirstel. In this podcast, Kirstel, a very prominent social media influencer and observer of the telecommunications industry discusses social media in what he describes as “building a community of interest” around products, services, and brands. In an era where people are increasingly disdaining traditional sales approaches, Kirstel argues that companies should take a fresh approach to customer outreach. Kirstel offers a blend of approaches that combine the personal in person touch with the power of social media. Going to a customer and just simply learning about their business, hearing about their challenges, but refraining from selling them on such a visit, is part of the picture. But then Kirstel says, “… shine a spotlight on it.” Share the experience on social media. These are steps towards a different sales posture where one is a citing more like a trusted advisor, a technology partner than a vendor trying to push products. Such a visit might not only strengthen a relationship with a specific customer but become more visible in an entire local sector. “Do you know who's who in your community,” challenges Kirstel, offering the insight that businesses need social media visibility, and targeted social media visibility. Cloud Connections 2023: Building Own Social Media Community In this podcast, we hear about the forthcoming Cloud Connections 2023 Conference coming up in January 2023 in Fort Lauderdale. “This is the place to be,” noting how cloud has shoved aside many competing technology platforms and that the Cloud Communications Alliance is the premier cloud communications group. Kirstel will be hosting a session on Building Your Own Social Media Community. It's a must go to,” adds Kirstel. Kirstel also discusses his upcoming participation at ITEXPO and Enterprise Connect. Visit https://www.evankirstel.com/
Evan Kirstel & Irma Rastegayeva, co-founders of eViRa Health, a digital marketing agency, review the implications of private 5G networks, the proliferation of wearable medical devices, and telehealth.
The content marketing in B2B is changing. But what will that look like? Evan Kirstel, Top B2B Technology Influencer, joined your host Bryan Kramer to discuss the future of content marketing in B2B, how recycling content is a major opportunity for content creators, and why community will be the key to your marketing strategy moving forward. --- More about Leadtail: https://www.leadtail.com Follow us on social! Twitter: https://twitter.com/Leadtail Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadtail Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadtail/
B2B Thought Leader and Tech Influencer, Evan Kirstel, joins Coruzant Technologies for the Digital Executive podcast. He shares his amazing career transition from the corporate world to being a digital evangelist and entrepreneur. Evan can be found speaking about B2B and tech around the world - both virtually and physically.
Evan Kirstel is a B2B thought leader and top technology influencer with an aggregate social media audience of 470,000 people (350K Twitter, 54K LinkedIn and 70K Instagram followers, 3K Clubhouse). Evan has built an organic reach in the tens of millions, in just 10 years and has been named the 4th Most Engaging Digital Marketer by Brand24. B2B tech brands like Intel, 3M, AT&T Business, Qualcomm, HPE, Telefonica, Samsung, Citrix and Ericsson have hired Evan to help them to achieve massive visibility and scale, leveraging the power of social media in a variety of market segments including: mobile, blockchain, cloud, 5G, HealthTech, IoT, AI, Digital Health, crypto, AR, VR, Big Data, Analytics and CyberSecurity. Evan has 30 years of enterprise sales, alliances & biz dev experience in the telecom and IT arena, He brings a unique perspective on opportunities in the Unified Communications & Collaboration space, including extensive practical knowledge of mobile, voice/video/web collaboration and cloud technology. Evan understands emerging cloud & mobile technology and market convergence dynamics, and has a strong track record in selling and marketing disruptive technology to enterprise and service providers. He is the Co-Founder of EvIRA Health, a close-knit network of fellow B2B thought leaders and digital social practitioners tirelessly serving the global health tech community. www.evirahealth.com www.evankirstel.com Twitter @evankirstel --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/crypto-hipster-podcast/support
Interview of Evan Kirstel. Learn how to use social media for thought leadership from a social media master, B2B thought leader and top technology influencer. What this episode will do for you: Gain insights in using social media for thought leadership from a social media master: Evan Kirstel. Understand common barriers in social media implementation and how to overcome them. Learn how Evan built a social audience of 470K followers. Visit the episode page for curated snippets of the interview with Evan as well as the free offers mentioned in the podcast : https://www.thoughtleadershipstudio.com/b/podcast/Evan-Kirstel-Interview---Using-Social-Media-for-Thought-Leadership
Over the past decade, social media became a primary way for consumers to connect with large-scale businesses. It offers public transparency to customers which empowers their voices, and it gives companies an opportunity to build trust among their followers. In this episode, B2B tech influencer and content creator Evan Kirstel shares his insights on how some companies use social media to its full potential and how others use it in ways that could harm their brand identity. Ready to rethink what's possible in CX? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or anywhere you get podcasts.
Check out our latest episode of Data Movers with Andrew Ruef the Director of Sales and Marketing for Janitza North America. Join us as we discuss how Janitza can help your data center better manage energy.About the latest series ‘Data Movers' PodcastTelecom PR pro, Jaymie Scotto Cutaia and top B2B social media influencer Evan Kirstel sit down with the most influential men and women of today's leading telcos and data centers, supporting the network infrastructure requirements of our modern world. If you are interested in learning more about the people behind the industry's top headlines, this podcast is for you! Follow Jaymie at @jscotto and Evan at @evankirstel.
In this episode of Data Movers, JSA's, Jamie Scotto Cutaia, and B2B Social Media Influencer, Evan Kirstel, sit down with DRFortress Co-founder and Chief Financial Officer, Rosa White. White goes into detail about why Hawaii isn't just a travel destination, it's a connectivity destination. She explains how to leverage the most connected data center facility in Hawaii without hopping on a plane. Listen to the podcast here or watch it above!About the latest series ‘Data Movers' PodcastTelecom PR pro, Jaymie Scotto Cutaia and top B2B social media influencer Evan Kirstel sit down with the most influential men and women of today's leading telcos and data centers, supporting the network infrastructure requirements of our modern world. If you are interested in learning more about the people behind the industry's top headlines, this podcast is for you! Follow Jaymie at @jscotto and Evan at @evankirstel.
In a special Greener Data episode of JSA's Data Movers podcast series, Jaymie Scotto Cutaia and top B2B social media influencer Evan Kirstel caught up with Wes Swenson, CEO at Novva Data Centers, and contributing author to the much-anticipated book “Greener Data: Actionable Insights from Industry Leaders.” During this episode of Data Movers, hear Wes discuss his chapter and expound on what steps can be taken to make data centers more sustainable, the future of data centers and his favorite city on the planet. SUBSCRIBE to JaymieScottoTV for the latest Telecom News: https://www.youtube.com/JaymieScottoTVHOMEPAGE: http://www.jsa.netLIKE JaymieScottoTV on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JaymieScotto...FOLLOW JaymieScottoTV on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/jsatv
In a special Greener Data episode of JSA's Data Movers podcast series, Jaymie Scotto Cutaia and top B2B social media influencer Evan Kirstel caught up with Brad Meissner, Product Manager for Global Large Diesel Generators at Kohler.Brad is also a contributing author to the much-anticipated book Greener Data: Actionable Insights from Industry Leaders, making its debut on Amazon on Earth Day - April 22, 2022.With a background in engineering, Brad has worked on engineering projects outside of those aimed at the data centers industry, such as conveyor belts, solar panels, and control systems. He kicks off the podcast discussion by unveiling commonalities and differences between engineering for data centers and other sectors. Brad also heads up the environmental policy and sustainability for Kohler's diesel generator division. Kohler is now one of the biggest suppliers of emergency backup power for data centers globally, but generators are notorious for their negative ecological impact. Brad reveals how he reconciles the two and how Kohler approaches these seemingly opposing goals. Additionally, as a current MBA candidate, he explains how the environmental movement impacts how we educate business leaders today.In the chapter of Greener Data, co-authored by Brad and his colleagues, Melissa Reali-Elliott and Sean Farney, they explore the exciting new green technology foreseen on the horizon, from hydrogen cells to sustainable fuel sources. During this episode of Data Movers, Brad expands on this and discusses the concept he calls “sustainable thinking” as something data center designers need to adopt. SUBSCRIBE to JaymieScottoTV for the latest Telecom News: https://www.youtube.com/JaymieScottoTV HOMEPAGE: http://www.jsa.net LIKE JaymieScottoTV on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JaymieScotto... FOLLOW JaymieScottoTV on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/jsatv
In a special Greener Data episode of JSA's Data Movers podcast series, Jaymie Scotto Cutaia and top B2B social media influencer Evan Kirstel caught up with Karim Shaikh, CTO at Virtual Power Systems (VPS) and a faculty member of the Integrated Innovation Institute at Carnegie Mellon University.Karim is also a contributing author to the much-anticipated book Greener Data: Actionable Insights from Industry Leaders, making its debut on Amazon on Earth Day - April 22, 2022.Karim discusses what intrigued him about technology from an early age and what led him to change his way of thinking about power infrastructure when he met Shankar Ramamurthy in 2014, the founder of VPS.In Karim's chapter of Greener Data, he discusses the idea of Autonomous Digital Infrastructure and Software-defined Power and how it is now being accepted as a key differentiator by data center operators. During this episode of Data Movers, Karim expands on this and why he sees it as the future of the industry.When it comes to green initiatives, Karim is a thought leader in the industry. Karim discusses with us how the data center industry has adopted building sustainable data centers as an important green initiative over the past two decades and the reasons power infrastructure is underutilized.Karim also discusses what he would recommend to data center designers and operators to help them rethink how they construct contracts and build in order to future-proof their data centers from a sustainability standpoint. Plus, learn more about Karim and what he enjoys doing when he is not working on the next big green initiative.SUBSCRIBE to JaymieScottoTV for the latest Telecom News: https://www.youtube.com/JaymieScottoTV HOMEPAGE: http://www.jsa.net LIKE JaymieScottoTV on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JaymieScotto... FOLLOW JaymieScottoTV on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/jsatv
In a special Greener Data episode of JSA's Data Movers podcast series, Jaymie Scotto Cutaia and top B2B social media influencer Evan Kirstel caught up with Dean Nelson, Chairman & Founder of iMasons and CEO of Virtual Power Systems.Dean is also a contributing author to the much-anticipated book Greener Data: Actionable Insights from Industry Leaders, making its debut on Amazon on Earth Day - April 22, 2022.In this podcast, Dean discusses why he was drawn to the vision of uniting builders of the digital when he started iMasons and how that vision has evolved over the years.We also get a sneak peek into Dean's chapter of Greener Data where he elaborates on defining the digital infrastructure industry. Dean discusses the key takeaways from his chapter that he hopes readers will gain from it. Dean also talks about the important ways we can face the challenges of slowing down climate change. SUBSCRIBE to JaymieScottoTV for the latest Telecom News: https://www.youtube.com/JaymieScottoTV HOMEPAGE: http://www.jsa.net LIKE JaymieScottoTV on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JaymieScotto... FOLLOW JaymieScottoTV on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/jsatv
Data Movers Podcast: Bill Kleyman, Executive Vice President of Digital Solutions with Switch Data Centers Talks Greener Data, Sustainability in Digital Infrastructure, and MoreIn the latest episode of JSA's Data Movers podcast series, Jaymie Scotto Cutaia and top B2B social media influencer Evan Kirstel caught up with Bill Kleyman, Executive Vice President of Digital Solutions with Switch Data Centers, and a contributing editor with Data Center Knowledge, Data Center Frontier, AFCOM, and Data Center World Program Chair. SUBSCRIBE to JaymieScottoTV for the latest Telecom News: https://www.youtube.com/JaymieScottoTV HOMEPAGE: http://www.jsa.net LIKE JaymieScottoTV on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JaymieScotto... FOLLOW JaymieScottoTV on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/jsatv
This week on DisrupTV, we interviewed Evan Kirstel, B2B thought leader and top technology influencer, Sree Sreenivasan, CEO of Digimentors and inaugural Marshall R. Loeb visiting professor at Stony Brook University School of Journalism and Deb Mills-Scofield, Strategic & Innovation Consulting, Venture Capitalist, Mentor, Advisor. DisrupTV is a weekly Web series with hosts R “Ray” Wang and Vala Afshar. The show airs live at 11:00 a.m. PT/ 2:00 p.m. ET every Friday. Brought to you by Constellation Executive Network: constellationr.com/CEN.
During the latest episode of Data Movers podcast series, Jaymie Scotto Cutaia and top B2B social media influencer Evan Kirstel chat with Phillip Marangella, Chief Marketing and Product Officer for EdgeConneX.Phillip discusses his must-see travel destination + EdgeConneX sustainability efforts, with the EdgeConneX mission and importance of Customers, People, Planet, including what the ultimate impacts will be for Greener Data.SUBSCRIBE to JaymieScottoTV for the latest Telecom News: https://www.youtube.com/JaymieScottoTV HOMEPAGE: http://www.jsa.net LIKE JaymieScottoTV on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JaymieScotto... FOLLOW JaymieScottoTV on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/jsatv
In the latest episode of Data Movers podcast series, Jaymie Scotto Cutaia and top B2B social media influencer Evan Kirstel catch up with Craig McKesson, Chief Customer and Marketing Office for T5 Data Centers.Craig discusses his background with the United States Air Force, his passion for gourmet cooking and what sets T5 apart as the only full-service life cycle partner in the data center development space today.SUBSCRIBE to JaymieScottoTV for the latest Telecom News: https://www.youtube.com/JaymieScottoTV HOMEPAGE: http://www.jsa.net LIKE JaymieScottoTV on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JaymieScotto... FOLLOW JaymieScottoTV on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/jsatv
S1E1 – The Retail Avengers & The Future of Frontline Staff, Part 1Welcome to Season 1, Episode 1, the first-ever episode of The Retail Razor Show!I'm your host, Ricardo Belmar, a RETHINK Retail Top 100 Retail Influencer, RIS News Top Movers and Shakers in Retail for 2021, advisory council member at George Mason University's Center for Retail Transformation, and lead partner marketing advisor for retail & consumer goods at Microsoft.And I'm your co-host, Casey Golden, CEO of Luxlock and slayer of retail frankenstacks!Together, we're your guides on the retail transformation journey. Whether you're thinking digital and online, mobile, or brick & mortar stores, there'll be something for you!In episode 1 we dive into the future of retail frontline workers, with none other than Ron Thurston, author of Retail Pride, The Guide to Celebrating Your Accidental Career. Ron joins our Retail Avengers team on Clubhouse to talk about what retailers need to do to foster the right environment for their store teams.For more information about Ron, and how you can Take Pride Today in your retail career, visit Ron's website: https://www.retailpride.comThe Retail Razor ShowFollow us on Twitter: https://bit.ly/TwRRazorConnect with us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/LI-RRazorJoin our club on Clubhouse: http://bit.ly/RRazorClubListen to us on Callin: https://bit.ly/RRCallinSubscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/RRShowYouTubeSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetailRazorShowRetail Razor Show Episode Page: https://bit.ly/RRShowPodHost → Ricardo Belmar,Follow on Twitter - ****https://bit.ly/twRBelmarConnect on LinkedIn - ****https://bit.ly/LIRBelmarRead my comments on RetailWire - ****https://bit.ly/RWRBelmarCo-host → Casey Golden,Follow on Twitter - ****https://bit.ly/twCaseyConnect on LinkedIn - ****https://bit.ly/LICaseyRead my comments on RetailWire - https://bit.ly/RWCaseyTRANSCRIPTThe Retail Avengers & The Future of Frontline Staff, Part 1[00:00:20] Ricardo: Hello. Good morning. Good afternoon. Good evening. No matter what time of day you're listening. Welcome. Welcome to season one, episode one, the first ever episode of the retail razor show. I'm your host Ricardo Belmar, a top 100 retail influencer and lead partner marketing advisor for retail and consumer goods at Microsoft.[00:00:37] Casey: And I'm your co-host Casey Golden CEO of Luxlock and Slayer of retail frankenstacks, [00:00:43] Ricardo: retail, frankenstacks. I love that intro. I really need to get a tagline like that. Casey. [00:00:48] Casey: Slaying, frankenstacks. It's a messy job it's earned.[00:00:51] Ricardo: Oh, I believe it![00:00:52] Casey: So I'm super stoked to kick off our first episode ever of the show! [00:00:56] Ricardo: I am too. I am too. So let's talk a little bit about what the show will be like. This all started some months ago with the retail razor club on clubhouse and a powerhouse group of retail experts and thought leaders to just talk retail, talk tech and host some really good deep discussions on what we think people in this industry need to make a difference and to be a change maker.[00:01:14] Casey: Tell us more Ricardo, tell us more. I feel like we need some dramatic [00:01:20] music here [00:01:20] Ricardo: and maybe for episode two, we'll add some budget for dramatic music. So our goal is to cut through all the noise, cut through the clutter, make it all actionable. Let everybody learn from the people who've actually done things.[00:01:33] Anyone who's solving challenges and not afraid to expose the hard truths.. [00:01:37] Casey: And best of all, since we started this on clubhouse, we made it interactive. So people could ask tough questions and voice their opinions. [00:01:44] Ricardo: A hundred percent, a hundred percent all the way. This is an open forum. One that really moves the industry forward.[00:01:50] By sharing deep, deep knowledge, we started an amazing series of rooms initially called retail tech predictions 2025. But you know, our group quickly earned the nickname, the Retail Avengers, [00:02:00] Casey: Captain America., right here![00:02:02] Ricardo: And I am iron man, you know, you're right Casey. We really do need some dramatic music and we got to work on that [00:02:06] Casey: maybe by episode three next time, next time.[00:02:10] Ricardo: Yeah, episode three, that I'm going to take, make a note of that. Okay. So in each episode listeners will hear one of our fabulous clubhouse rooms and we'll bring back [00:02:20] guests from those discussions for a few last words. But don't think that's all we have to offer in future episodes. We're going to introduce new segments, extra guests, and we'll also have some unique interview sessions that we're going to record in another app called Callin. [00:02:32] Casey: Can't wait for those. [00:02:34] So Ricardo, who's our special guests for the opening episode. [00:02:37] Ricardo: We are starting up strong with one of the best out there. Ron Thurston, the author of the book, Retail Pride, former head of stores at Intermix and quite possibly, one of our favorite retail executives out there.[00:02:48] Right? Casey, [00:02:49] Casey: I'm a fan. Let's get to it! [00:02:50] Ricardo: Okay. So let's quickly introduce the rest of our Retail Avengers team and everyone will be hearing from them quite often in these sessions. So besides Casey and myself, we have Jeff Roster, fellow RETHINK Retail, top one hundred influencer and fellow advisory council member at the George Mason University Center for Retail Transformation and former analyst.[00:03:11] Then we have Shish Shridhar, the global retail lead at Microsoft for Startups.[00:03:16] Casey: And Brandon Rael transformation delivery strategy leader at [00:03:20] Reach Partners, and one of my faves, Trevor Sumner, CEO of Perch Interactive. [00:03:25] Ricardo: All right. So without further delay, let's give a listen to the Retail Avengers and the future of Frontline Staff, Part 1.Clubhouse Session[00:03:42] Ricardo: So with that my name is Ricardo Belmar. I host the retail razor club here on Clubhouse. Retail tech guy have been in retail tech for the better part of the last two decades, working at various different solution providers and managed service providers, and of course, I like to say the best technology in retail is the kind that's seamless and transparent that you don't even notice.[00:04:02] Jeff: Hi Jeff Roster co-host of this week in innovation and serve on several advisory boards and a former Gartner and IHL retail sector analyst [00:04:11] Brandon: Hi, Brandon Rael here. I'm currently one of the transformation and delivery and strategy leaders here at Reach Partners a consultancy. My background is retail and consumer products, industries, and I've been working in the strategy consulting space, focusing predominantly on digital and it's impact on organizations and helping companies transform and evolve.[00:04:29] Casey: Hi, Casey here, founder of Luxlock we're a retail experience platform and we are deploying an independent workforce and re-skilling them. So I love this topic of the conversation. Worked a lot in enterprise retail tech [00:04:42] and on the e-commerce side. So excited to be here you guys, fun conversation! [00:04:46] Ricardo: Definitely will be! Shish. [00:04:47] Shish: Hi, good afternoon. I'm the retail lead at Microsoft for Startups and I'm actually working on building out a portfolio of retail tech B2B startups solving complex business challenges in retail. Absolutely love the topic that we're we're we're we're talking about today. Looking forward to it. Thank you. [00:05:03] Ricardo: I see Trevor has joined us. Trevor why don't you do a quick intro. [00:05:06] Trevor: My name is Trevor Sumner. I'm the CEO of perch. We do interactive displays in IOT that detect which products you touch and like minority report. They just wake up and start telling you about the product, they call them shelf talkers. So I've been deep in retail and retail tech for almost a decade now. So excited to be on board with everybody here. [00:05:26] Ricardo: All right. Wonderful. We have a special guest with us this week, Ron Thurston author of the book, retail pride, which I highly recommend.[00:05:33] Ron, why don't you go ahead and give us your introduction [00:05:36] Ron: hi everyone. Thank you. Yes. My name is Ron Thurston and I am the author of Retail Pride, the guide to [00:05:42] celebrating your accidental career, which is really about recognizing the hard work that the millions of people that work in all of our stores all around the world do every day.[00:05:50] And my full-time role is as the vice president of stores Intermix which officially today is a freestanding business on its own no longer under the Gap umbrella. And so we have a lot of exciting momentum behind us now being privately held and it will be an exciting adventure. And I sit on the board of directors of Goodwill here for New York and New Jersey, which also has a really exciting retail component to it, which I'm happy to talk about.[00:06:18] So thanks for inviting me, Ricardo. [00:06:19] Ricardo: Fantastic. We're really happy to have you here with us today, Ron, this is a topic that I know many of us on the panel have been wanting to do for a while. Not the least of which is because of the added focus that retail frontline workers have seen over the past 15 months.[00:06:34] Frontline Worker Sentiment[00:06:34] Ricardo: I want to ask everybody on the panel, What's the sentiment these days about frontline workers, has it swung more positive to the point where [00:06:42] frontline workers are going to get the recognition that they deserve to have for the job they do and the service they provide to customers and retail brands? [00:06:49] Ron, I'm going to ask you to respond first because I'd really like to hear what your feeling is on that. [00:06:53] Ron: Sure. Thanks, Ricardo. I have probably never been more excited about the opportunity for store teams. And I think as customers have come back in and , every day it's getting bigger, the opportunity to recognize in many ways the increased skillset necessary to manage the emotional, the tougher part of retail in conjunction with more tech in conjunction with higher customer demands and kind of new ways to shop has put this pressure and, excitement back into stores and the training that's necessary. [00:07:29] The up skill in the hiring process has never been more important. They, kind of challenge of the value of the brick and mortar business in compared to e-commerce.[00:07:39] This is the time where more [00:07:42] than ever, we need highly skilled people that are, that work in brick and mortar, retail, and are compensated for that work and the business models that are evolving out of it.[00:07:52] And I think it's just every day, I'm more excited about what I'm seeing my own business and what I'm reading about every day.[00:07:59] Brandon: I could not agree more with Ron. , if anything, the pandemic has accelerated the recognition of how critical the retail staff or brand ambassador to the store associates and how important they are to run the operation of building that trusted relationship with the customer.[00:08:15] I consider that the retail associates, part of the last mile of fulfillment and not necessarily the product, but of the relationship of the brand or the brand equity. [00:08:23] people go to the store to engage, to get inspired, to discover. And, , I'm all digital first. We know everyone is digital first and shopping e-commerce, , percentage wise, it's still , 15% of the business is converted on ecommerce.[00:08:36] The physical stores are as critical as ever to bridge that digital and physical gap and the journey [00:08:42]may begin in the store may ultimately end on the retailer's app, but the store associates plays a vital role in that relationship.[00:08:47] Casey: A hundred percent. , one of our biggest goal, which was to deploy an on-demand distributed workforce and it's been pretty amazing to put a lot of people back to work and give them opportunities to sell products that they've never had access to because they worked at a single brand.[00:09:02] Shish: agree with everyone I think there is going to be a big transformational element to it as well. I kind of look at the convenient spot of retail. There's a lot of things that has accelerated, during COVID, , BOPIS in particular. And I think that is going to change what the frontline workers do and, how to do it.[00:09:23] For example, I think there's going to be so much more focused on click and collect orders, because, cashierless becoming more prominent and accelerated. I also think the assisting the self checkout will be one aspect that frontline workers will be doing more of. There might also be a lot of clientelling [00:09:42] that has accelerated as a result.[00:09:43] And also I think from the experiential part of retail, that's going to be a lot more skills and expertise needed because that is leaning more towards that personalized, aspect of it where engaging with customers becomes more more of a requirement. [00:10:02] Trevor: Yeah. I agree with that. I think one of the transformational changes underlying is data. Because of the need for real-time inventory and product information for BOPIS for better supply chain management and COVID is an accelerator for that.[00:10:17] All of a sudden, we've normalized all this data that we can now put in the hands of sales associates. It's not their fault. If you go to a Macy's and you ask your question about what inventory looks like. Yeah, go look at those screens. They're green screens, right? I think they were programmed with punch cards.[00:10:29] Now that has all been changing, right? So the data is now available in normalized and formatted. It's now accessible, not just to be a tablets and iPads in the hands of sales associates, but, even like with Theatro in [00:10:42] a, in a mic format in an ear piece. So that's one piece of it. The second Shish hit on around you have the experiential being more part of it.[00:10:49] And that means being able to do brand storytelling. And while I love the thought that that's all gonna be done by purchasing digital tools like that, I, the role as a sales associate is going to be critical.[00:10:56] Ricardo: Interesting points there about the added roles for store associates to do, especially in light of things like picking up online orders in the store, other operational processes, either for picking product off the shelf to fulfill those orders, that these are new roles, new skills, new functions, we're asking those store associates to do and asking them to leverage real-time data about customers they're working with or items in the store, whether it's product information or other operational components.[00:11:23] Frontline Roles[00:11:23] Ricardo: One of the things that I would like to get into next is what are some of these additional roles? We've mentioned a few now, which were brought about by the nature of the pandemic, but what other new roles are we going to see frontline workers in retail taking on and particularly what are the required skills and I'll reference, really interesting article that I believe was in the wall street [00:11:42] journal about Levi's offering machine learning training for their retail workers. Presumably because it's a recognition that the need to understand data is going to become so much more important in how these frontline workers work with customers.[00:11:56] So what does everyone think of that? [00:11:58] Ron: I can jump in Ricardo , it's Ron. I actually think that the, width of the skillset has become so wide today that it's kind of become less about we're all cross-trained and we're all good in retail. We could work in stock room and we can work on the sales floor and we can do visual merchandising.[00:12:15] I think it's actually become a little more segmented than said if I have a skillset that is highly engaged and motivated and I'm good on camera for live selling, I'm good in front of customers, I can sell via chat that you have that level of personality. It's actually fully embracing that and saying, let's give you[00:12:34] that kind of customer facing roles or chat roles and not try to expect you to also run out to the curb and do a BOPIS [00:12:42] order and also fulfill a web order in the stock room, or when can you work an overnight to change the visual merchandising? I think we have to say, we have a team of people who are really good at tech people who are maybe good at tasks and people who are highly customer centric because what's coming with the customer coming in today more than ever wants a level of engagement.[00:13:03] And has it's curious, wants to be educated, wants to be styled once all the things that they haven't had. And that, that skill is really high. So I'm actually even looking at my own organization and saying, it's actually less about cross training and more about specialization and being the best version of that specialty based on your skills and your experience and your personality.[00:13:26] Because today, we're also expecting you to be on Instagram. We expect you to live sell. We expect you to, kind of show up every day in a new most highest version of what that would look like in the past. [00:13:39] Trevor: I really loved that. And one of the reasons [00:13:42] is because, I think this provides a new sense of career pathing, and compensation structures.[00:13:48] And so, Ron, I would love to, to understand better how you start thinking through that as the head of stores at the end, you get certified as, an influencer or as a live seller, or for example, there are technologies where during your downtime, you might do online clientelling and reach out in on a one-to-one basis.[00:14:05] Are you.becoming a certified personal shopper. And each of these, has a course associated with that. Some type of certification, some real-time training and evaluation, but also a better pay, better training. And not feeling like you're stuck in a specific kind of job that says a generalist with no place to go.[00:14:25] Ron: I was just going to say it, and having led apple stores. That's very much the apple model. You are a specialist and maybe you in phone or Mac or in software, and then you're next. kind of even more of a specialty or in training or in genius bar. [00:14:42] And that every step is a career trajectory. And I think in fashion, we've also kind of thought of it as we all have to be good at everything.[00:14:50] And I actually think it's more of the apple model, which is very structured and create benchmarks for growth. I agree with you, Trevor.[00:14:59] Casey: I was just going to say that, now that sales associates are able to sell online and get that commission tracked and productivity tracked, it changes the entire model of every single salesperson is able and has the opportunity to become a million dollar seller and not make $35,000 a year or 40,000, $50,000 a year.[00:15:20] We've seen the most of having what the industry used stylists for before, which is doing content on a, on an Instagram or putting lookbooks together or working in, like a stitch fix model and putting outfits or clothes into a box. They're coming to us and they have the passion. They have the skillset, they have the know-how, but they've never talked to a customer before.[00:15:41] And [00:15:42] so they don't know fit, they just get returned. And so, being able to communicate with the client, maintain that relationship over time and learn fit. We've actually had to start segmenting just like Trevor was saying is we're essentially segmenting talent into different talent pools and putting programs together to bring people who have worked at Citrix for the last six years into being able that they would be skilled enough to walk into Gucci on the floor and do a million dollars in sales. And so it's been really interesting and I think that there's going to be a lot of, differentiation between I'm a stylist versus I'm a sales person or a personal shopper right now.[00:16:24] I can't get a single person to agree on what they want to be called because salespeople don't want to be called the stylist and everybody gets called and everybody's called the stylist on Instagram. If you can put an outfit together. So it's like almost [00:16:42] diluted that job title almost in a way where no, I'm more than that. It's been interesting. We're still trying to figure out what. What everybody is going to be called.[00:16:54] Brandon: Is this the transformation evolution of what a store associate really is? I think to Ron's point and Trevor's point, there certainly is doing an operation stocking shelves or whatever else. Actually, what I want engagement with the customer is blended with the arts and sciences of social media, digital marketing, and micro influencing [00:17:14] Ricardo: I agree. I think it's fascinating point here about segmenting and the skills and Ron I like how you compare that to an apple model. One of the things that comes to my mind when I hear everyone saying that is a sort of implies a need for more staff in the store, as you get more specialized, depending of course, on what kind of store it is for format. It is the size of the store. The product categories are in, but if I were to generalize it, it makes me believe that I'm going to need [00:17:42] more staff. The more I specialize in to handle each of these different aspects. And if I compare again to an apple store for me as a consumer, walking into an apple store, there's an overwhelming number of staff.[00:17:52] Trevor: And also think about the revenue per square foot. [00:17:55] Ricardo: That too. Exactly. [00:17:57] Ron: I think that [00:17:58] on a really high margin business, you do have more room for that.[00:18:04] Ricardo: So you distinguish between luxury retailers at that point versus a discounter value retailer, where the model may be sufficiently different, that you don't need to apply that. segmentation or specialization of skills. [00:18:15] Trevor: You mean there's not going to be stylists at dollar stores[00:18:21] Ricardo: that would be, the question, [00:18:22] Shish: natural progression, but there is a customer expectation, which is generally followed by retail tech, responding to it. And one of the aspects that's really happening out there is technologies providing capabilities to address some of these things. For example, expertise in stores.[00:18:39] Today there is an expectation for [00:18:42] expertise. When you go into a store, a specialized store where, electronics or something like that, where you need a store associates to have a lot more knowledge, but with technology capabilities, it is possible to sort of democratize that make available. The expertise from different stores right across all of the stores. And those kinds of things are really making it possible to, to address those expectations as well. [00:19:09] Trevor: Yeah. I mean, one of the things that I'm a big fan of is that's kind of pushing out a technology to the edge. And certainly I look at this through my perch lens.[00:19:17] Which is, when you think about putting the digital experience has guided product storytelling that is available to obviously all the consumers on their own, but also the sales associates. But similarly, if you've got an iPad in your hand, that's a training device for downtime.[00:19:31] That's a career pathing and improvement device. and you can make the most of the hours that you're in store. So I think this pushing technology to the edge and into the fingertips of everyone, has the ability for those [00:19:42] who have the motivation and the desire to hold those skillsets up rapidly than what was available to them in the past.[00:19:48] Ron: A bit of a counter to the, more is better is that this is an industry in brick and mortar retail that has not always been given the accolade as a career that it deserves.[00:19:59] And sometimes this, people that are highly committed and highly skilled, and this is very much an intentional career become that much better at their job. They are retained longer and sometimes it's kind of a quality versus quantity. And so you could actually have a smaller team that's highly skilled, very engaged, works really well under, whatever kind of product categories you're selling and the culture of the company, but provide a level of service because of their expertise and their commitment to the industry.[00:20:30] And that's, I think the kind of temporary nature sometimes of people in stores then requires, more of them versus fewer that are highly skilled. And then, so it's a conversation and a balance that I [00:20:42] think every retailer, is talking about today. [00:20:44] Ricardo: I think that's true. I agree with you I like to view the technology piece of that in many cases, equalizer, sometimes to address the point, you just mentioned about the temporary aspect of people coming and going, and then the turnover and some ways if done properly and seamlessly enough, I think the technology can help normalize that approach a little bit and compensate for loss of skill. When you have people that leave that were perhaps one of those high-end skilled individuals that really knew how to do that job. And therefore they could handle working with many customers at once versus perhaps some of the other staff that are newer at the role might only be able to handle one or two at a time, depending on the type of store environment that you were in.[00:21:25] Question from Evan Kirstel[00:21:25] Ricardo: I want to turn attention over to, Evan who's joined us on stage. Why don't you go ahead and give us your question for the panel. [00:21:30] Evan Kirstel: Yeah. Happy Friday, everyone. I've been most interested in the technology side of retail behind the scenes. I laughed out loud, referenced to green CRT screen [00:21:42] flashing. Sadly, see that far too often. [00:21:46] Ricardo: still see that too often. I agree. [00:21:48] Evan Kirstel: Yeah. Well, the other hand, I talked to a lot of clients who are participating in the kind of digital transformation of retail. And I'd love your opinion on who were some of the players to watch.[00:21:58] I mean, when I'm talking to a lot lately with Facebook workplace or workplace from Facebook, it's their enterprise communications division. So basically taking all of their messaging and video and apps and tools and enabling, or powering retailers like Petco and Domino's and others to improve the employee experience.[00:22:18] So think about, group messaging and calling video tension, live video streaming education, all kinds of analytics around that as well. Are you seeing adoption of more modern communication tools like that or others or what's most interesting to you when it comes to, real-time communication messaging, voice, video, or other apps within the frontline for the workers. [00:22:40] Jeff: Are we talking about [00:22:42] retailers or are we talking about services, service providers to retail? [00:22:45] Evan Kirstel: Yeah, the retailers are adopting a lot of these tools with their frontline employees, for employee engagement, employee communications messaging. We used to call the intranet, but it's basically apps on phones now.[00:22:57] Ricardo: And so we could look at this from both perspectives. I think Jeff, from the prospective of which retailers are doing this well, and what kind of technology are they using?[00:23:04] Ron: I mean, I can share what I use on today, which is retail zip-line line, which is actually used by all of gap, Inc. which is an incredible platform and not an intranet. But it's a communication tool. It's a tracking tool. It's a way to send out quick messages. There's a lot of functionality from multiple reasons. But I think within the store team at every level, day in day out, I've not actually not seen one that does that, come seamlessly that everyone uses without providing, devices to everyone, which is depending on the state and depending on what's happening, that can be a tricky conversation.[00:23:38] But so far that's what I've seen and, has worked really well for me. [00:23:41] Casey: [00:23:42] I'm obviously biased, but, there's going to be a lot more tools that are going to be coming in over the next, 12 to 18 months just because this was a really hard product to sell into a brand three years ago.[00:23:55] A lot of people, in this space that wanted to do it, had to pivot into doing something else because it was just a hard sell. But now I think that, It's going to be a requirement. Just as standard as, having a computer at work, if you have sales associates, and they're going to have to have a tool.[00:24:12] So I think we're going to see more of a standardized school. That's going to be coming out that more brands will start using the same one. But right now everybody's kind of spread all across the board. And there's reasons that brands are choosing one over the other. There hasn't really been one that does everything necessarily doesn't necessarily even do everything well, but obviously I'm biased with my own, but, there's pros and cons to kind of everything right now.[00:24:35] I think we'll see the leader next year. [00:24:36] Shish: And a lot of examples that I've seen, one of them is a startup that I'm working with, called askSID[00:24:42] they have to QR code, on wine bottles or the shelves and customers can scan it and it instantly brings an expert to them and they can ask questions have a conversation.[00:24:52] So this is one way that retailers have actually, really figured out how can they have experts in every store that knows their wines really well without necessarily staffing every store. [00:25:04] Another example I've seen as for call centers itself, where, the expertise that they wanted to provide was to a chat bot. So when a customer calls a call center, the challenges the call center person is looking up information. There's a lot of delays. They're following up an app in the background, doing the search, trying to find the answers to the question the customer wants. So what they're doing to empower this is there is a chat bot and AI based chat bot that is picking up the customer call at the same time in parallel to the human operator.[00:25:39] And the chat bot is [00:25:42] transcribing the call, learning the intent of the questions that the customer is asking, connecting to backe nd showing it to the call center operator at the same time. And this essentially means that the call center operators is far more intelligent in his responses is able to respond very quickly and efficiently to the customer.[00:25:59] So that was one area from a communications perspective that I thought was, very interesting. The third one is really empowering the store associates and, and today there's many companies that provide communication devices. for example, there's a company called Theatro that does a headset based communication device for store associates.[00:26:20] yeah, [00:26:23] Ricardo: love their solution.. [00:26:25] Shish: Turnpike turnpike is out of Sweden and they have, , a, wearable. DASSI wristwatches that send information over to the store associates and it's generally far more discrete, , and store associates can actually use those communication devices to talk to systems in the back [00:26:42] end.[00:26:42] So if they have a question about, do we have a certain product in stock right now? They can ask a chat bot the chat bot will look up the systems instantaneously and be able to get the responses. And this again, I think is another thing that's really transforming the frontline worker, in a way, making them far more efficient , with tools like this.[00:27:03] Jeff: Yep. Hang on, hang on a sec. Let me follow up on that question. Are you doing anything with voice, voice AI? [00:27:10] Shish: Yes. there is, a lot of, I would say controversy around voice. So in terms of voice, for store associates, the one scenario that I talked about last was one where store associates are actually using the headsets to talk to a chat bot.[00:27:27] So if a customer is looking for a certain product, typically what they would do is radio someone in the back room to say, do we have that in the back room? Or is it an order or something like that. But, in this situation they're actually using voice [00:27:42] to talk to a chat bot that is connecting to backend systems to determine if something is in the backroom.[00:27:48] If it does an order, if it's in a nearby store and it is providing the response by voice immediately to the store associate. And that to me is extremely powerful, where the store associates are empowered, but all that information that they using voice queries to query back end systems. [00:28:05] Jeff: How about sentiment or, sense of, either happiness or urgency in the invoice. I'm actually going to be talking to a couple of startups that are actually going to that level of sophistication.[00:28:16] Shish: So, , in call center, there is, I've seen situations where, when, someone calls a call center and the operators talking to that person, there is AI models that the chat bot that it was talking about earlier, that it's, transcribing the call looking at the intent of the questions. At the same time, it is also detecting the sentiment, of each speaker. So if there is, frustration, for example, it'll detect that and it will [00:28:42] notify the call center supervisor that here's the call where there's potentially a problem, and you want to listen to what you want to intervene. So it's actually detecting all of that.[00:28:52] Jeff: Yeah. Interesting.[00:28:53] Brandon: We also need to consider the human element of the organization, the frontline associates, or our ambassadors, how we want to refer to them. The stylist interacting with the customer technology are all referencing it innovative is right up there and on trend and having this be powered by AI AR , virtual reality or critical components of driving personalization, seamless, intuitive, and we're driving adoption rate by the store associates of stylists and the way.[00:29:25] Their ability to effectively serve the customer and effectively providing outstanding customer experience in store and connect that digital aspect of it as well. And help drive conversion as customers come to the store for advice or engagement or a building connection to the brand.[00:29:41] Ricardo: Yeah, [00:29:42] there's an interesting element there I'm reminded of one retailer I talked to a few years back who was deploying devices just as we're talking about and some of the feedback they had from their associates in the pilot stores, is that they were starting to feel like Batman wearing a utility belt because they were being asked to carry all this technology everywhere they went around the store. That tells us there's a threshold somewhere where it becomes too cumbersome to just hand over technology to the associates that way. I think that's a consideration, Brandon, maybe that's what you're getting at as far as paying attention to the human component of this, you can't just ask a store associate to say, here's three devices you need to carry around all day to do these three different tasks. Or there has to be a little bit more thought behind how transparent the technology is and how seamlessly it can be incorporated into their workflow in a way that makes sense. [00:30:28] Brandon: Correct. And we see companies do clienteling and then trying to streamline it to one app or one ipad or mobile first and it's worked for most situations, but again, it has to be connected to the [00:30:42] customer, empowering the store associates and driving outstanding customer experience.[00:30:46] Then I'd love to hear Ron's perspective on that. How technology can help the store associates drive a outstanding customer experience. [00:30:52] Ron: Yeah, no, thanks, Brandon. And you're exactly right. And I think the experience that is most, I think, recognized and celebrated by the customer is, how much history you have to the idea of in clientelling, which, the facts show that the average spend is that much higher.[00:31:10] The retention rate is higher. The return rate is lower. Like the benefits are enormous, but if you can say to someone, oh my gosh, like, let me. Quickly look at your purchase history on my phone, on my iPad that I have in my hand. Wow. It looks like you were here last month and this is what you bought. I have some things I know you're going to love.[00:31:28] And so you begin this relationship building with facts and with information that arms you to provide an exceptional experience. And so the technology kind of in your pocket provides you [00:31:42] information and then you can go and then, the client is entirely engaged because they, feel seen and heard.[00:31:49] They know that their business is appreciated. You can say that kind of along the way. I'm so glad that you came back. I'd really love to help you build on those wardrobe pieces or add that, that other. You know, the technology piece too. your last purchase here at apple. So there's, there's a lot that can happen with technology that just supports relationship building and all of the data in how that benefits an overall company is all positive.[00:32:15] There's no downside to it when done well, other than overwhelming at the store team. And that's where I think you can dial back and say, well, actually who's really good at this let's arm them. This person actually is much better just converting on the sales floor. Doesn't need to have the full deck in front of them.[00:32:34] So I think great leaders can look at that. I do at my own using hero in chat functions and who does confinements, who [00:32:42] converts, who sells more? You can dial in, and it's not one size fits all. And that's where people really, that retention piece starts to escalate because you would say thank you for recognizing that I'm actually not comfortable using this technology, but I'm really good doing this.[00:33:00] Let me do this more. That's a winning formula to retaining your team, building great client relationships and growing your business. But , that's where I put a lot of effort and time today. And, I believe that it really pays off. [00:33:14] Ricardo: That's not even advice specific to retailers organization, but many businesses adopt that approach and, let's call it company culture around how to encourage certain behaviors and how to reward people who are doing the job the best way they can. And also to create an environment that promotes this, the ability to do better and do more, whether it's with technology or without, or is that really, isn't the point, right?[00:33:39] This comes back to your earlier point Ron, about more [00:33:42] specialization and segmentation and the skills and the roles within the store. [00:33:46] All of this plays together into building that better company culture that fosters an environment that encourages this kind of activity and rewards people in these roles because they're filling a really important need for the retailer.[00:34:00] Ron: Yeah. I think that's where we had sometimes dug ourselves into our own trap of saying everyone needs to be good at everything. And then it'd be kind of to become a generalist as at all of it. And the customer's ability to remember their experience is diluted because no one really stood out in their mind, but we created that ourselves.[00:34:21] We created this kind of generic retail, you know, everyone's nice. Are you finding everything? Okay. And then you walk away and that, kind of generic version of retail, you know, Steve, Dennis likes to talk about Is what got us in trouble. And so that's where I'm saying it should not be generic. It should actually be very specialized.[00:34:41] We should hire [00:34:42] people with specialty, and invest in them and be better at what you hired them to do. And those are the people when you see NPS surveys that mention people by name, and I see it every day, you don't go home and write a survey about your experience and reference people's names. If you didn't have an experience that created, it's not through a business card in your shopping bag, you remembered their name because you were so engaged.[00:35:08] That's what happens when you invest in them. And then they deliver that to the customer. And it's like this winning cycle. But not everyone plays that game. And that, is so much fun because you see it in your business. And that's what we're all trying to reestablish today in our industry. [00:35:24] Ricardo: That is so well said, Ron, it's all about embracing the uniqueness and the skill sets that you're bringing into the environment and to the team and encouraging more of that to make the entire team better and ultimately that's reflected in the revenue that you're going to generate through that team, because they're such a [00:35:42] critical part of that process. [00:35:44] Question from Jeff Brand[00:35:44] Ricardo: I, I've, brought a few more folks up on stage so I'm Jeff, I'm going to go to you next , what was your comment for us? [00:35:50] Jeff Brand: Yeah, thank you. I'm an owner of a brick and mortar retail buildings. I'm a landlord, but I'm also a consumer and something that Trevor said, which was interesting to me is that his goal is to create engaging content for consumers that would draw them into the store, but giving them a lot of information to really engage them.[00:36:11] So what I wanted to find out about frontline workers, how do you make sure that the frontline worker knows more than the consumer does when they walk in the store? Because the consumer has the ability to research ad nauseum about the products they're going to shop for. [00:36:28] Trevor: I think that's a great question. I think about that often, right. 70% of shoppers think that they know more than the sales associates, because they have access to that very data. so I think there, are a couple of different ways to think through this. One is, making sure you've got all the [00:36:42] learning management systems for your sales associates, but the other way to think about it is to really think through proprietary tools that walk you through the category.[00:36:51] Most of this content out there is product by product. And what I'm seeing a lot of is digital tools that are being deployed in store and online to do a needs analysis and walk you through the category. I'll give you an example. If I'm buying a drill at home Depot, you got all the drills on the shelf.[00:37:09] But, I don't want to pick control, oh, this is this many Watts and this is that many Watts and great, well, what does that mean? , I don't know the difference between the wattage's . And , what will I be able to do or not be able to do what, walk me through, like, what do I need to strive for?[00:37:23] It's just like, Hey, Trevor just needs to make sure not to call the handyman too much, you know? And, and to look good in front of his wife, that he can fix some things or Trevor, you're really into home improvement projects to do a lot of serious work. And so, thinking through a category type tour and a needs [00:37:42] analysis and providing some of these proprietary tools, I think we'll create a type of guided experience that ends up lending itself in a differentiated way to what you can find out.[00:37:50] Jeff: And I also think we're really getting to , a paradigm where we shouldn't expect store associates to know more than customers coming in. If it's a passionate purchase. When I bought my kayak, I knew probably more about that. I guarantee you, I knew more about that kayak that I settled on, than the REI associates, because I researched it.[00:38:07] I spent days researching it. And so I think, we're sort of at that point where retailers just have to be comfortable with, sort of that, that maybe shift in knowledge and, accelerate and work with that and not necessarily try to fight against it.[00:38:19] Jeff Brand: That's very interesting. Thank you.[00:38:21] Ron: Yeah. And, I think apple again, does a really nice job of putting so much effort into training and yes, clients come in all day. And I remember when I joined apple as a store manager, The launch of iPhone two, and I was really nervous about, I don't know how this is going to work.[00:38:40] And [00:38:42] the calming kind of words are, they, customers will always know more than you do about the product. People are obsessed with this brand, but to say, you know what? I don't know, but I'm going to find out I'm going to help you learn how to use this. I'm going to find someone who's an expert in this particular skill of what you're looking for.[00:39:01] And if you can say, you know what, I don't have any idea how to do that, but I'm going to find someone that does, can calm it down. And the customer's like great, happy to make that happen. So I also think we don't always want to put so much pressure on ourselves. Everyone at every store has to be an expert in everything it's not realistic, but we can just drill down and think about expertise and putting the right people with the right customers for that specific ask that applies in all of our businesses, including, fashion for me. And I love this idea of it. Every experience should be unique and individual based on what the customer came in looking for.[00:39:41] Ricardo: [00:39:42] Yeah. I agree with that absolutely critical to deliver a great service that you want to have in your store. So Jeff, thank you for that question. [00:39:50] Question from Tim Tang[00:39:50] Ricardo: Tim, do you have a comment or question for us? [00:39:52] Tim Tang: Yeah, the question I wanted to ask you was, when we think about retail and we think about employment, frontline workers in retail, there's an enormously high turnover rate, as well as, some studies suggest, suggested very low engagement rate.[00:40:06] And I was wondering if you were aware of any progress or any meaningful innovations or any changes, in recent years on those two fronts.[00:40:15] Ron: Hi Tim. To answer your question on, on evolutions of the, great part about some of the technology that we're talking about, that there are ways to survey teams more quickly. So there's, apps like butterfly that where you can, you're in constant contact of how, how are you feeling today?[00:40:34] Kind of on a, on a scale of different faces or on numbers. How are let's check in with you about how [00:40:42] you're feeling, which is a really important, component to emotional leadership today, emotional intelligence. So you're, kind of constant checking in and, feeling connected, but I think , more importantly than anything that the quality and the intent of retail leadership today at the store level specifically, but at the multi-store space that all of us today in any kind of retail leadership that touches store teams and has influence on that experience, it is really our responsibility to do that in a way that is more emotionally, engaged than ever before.[00:41:20] And I think the idea of store visits that are checklist of numbers and. Store operations and audits and things that seem very tactical are really a thing of the past. And today I just, I was in stores all week. And what I did was spend time on the floor, talking to the teams, engaging with customers side by [00:41:42] side, learning how they're, how they feel learning, how they're experiencing the math challenge of week two and what it all means.[00:41:52] And that actually goes a really long way to engaging with those teams and say, I really appreciate that. Ron spent the day on the floor with selling with us today, and [00:42:01] I was able to ask questions and I was able to get solutions and hear what's happening at the company today. We just have to be closer than we've ever been before to what's really happening face-to-face with the customer and we have to listen and learn and act and engage and be curious more than ever before. And that's, that's what will change our industry. And that's how teams are repaying. And you, you learn, I come back to the office today with armed, with so much information about spending the week on the sales floor and about how people really feel.[00:42:37] And I can pretty much guarantee that those people I engage with [00:42:42] are happy that someone listened to them this week. I hope that answers your question.[00:42:48] Tim Tang: I think that's an interesting perspective, I mean that it's, if I'm hearing you correctly, it's the idea of using that customer feedback. That's kind of a motivator for the employees and you mean something to be celebrated, something to be highlighted, but it's, that kind of, positive feedback to get encouraged more out of the employee base.[00:43:06] Ron: Yeah. I actually think the employee feedback is more important than customer feedback sometimes. So that's the first thing that I would ask is how do you feel, how was your experience working here right now? How you feel having the math conversation it's uncomfortable. Let's do this together so that you can feel more comfortable when someone comes in and, wants to have a more difficult conversation.[00:43:27] So their feedback about their experience as an employee drives the customer experience that drives the business. And that's, why I would talk about surveys or being really close to them. That's what's going to change the game [00:43:39] Brandon: That ties back, Ron [00:43:42] to outstanding employee experience, customer experience. And you, you can say once that the, this empowered customer who has access to data to other brands and social media channels picked up once at the head of them and really personalize things.[00:44:05] Ricardo: That's a pretty impressive approach. And I say that Ron because listening to you describe how you've gone and collected that feedback on the floor reminds me of many retailer conversations that I had in years past and Tim may even remember some of these as in full disclosure for the audience, here Tim, and I used to work together.[00:44:26] And he may remember that being in some retailer meetings where we would ask them the question. When was the last time you were walked your store floor and understood both your customer and employee experience? And there, I think too many times that I remember being met with blank faces, when asking that [00:44:42] question?[00:44:42] And I always thought to myself, wondering how could they not have had a response for that? How could we be in a room full of retail executives that didn't have an immediate answer as to not only when was the last time they did this, what kind of feedback did they get? I would expect this is something you should know, because you're not going to be able to improve on your associates environment.[00:45:01] You're not going to be able to improve on that customer experience without ongoing feedback. And I don't think it's sufficient to claim that the feedback process could just be asking customers to fill out a response form and an email post-transaction or asking employees to do the same thing at the end of their Workday.[00:45:19] So please go in and fill out this survey form, but tell us how the day went. You really want to get that direct one-on-one feedback to really understand exactly how things are going. [00:45:29] Ron: And I would just add the store teams know that. And when decisions are made in the C-suite by people who have not spent time in stores and it impacts them, that's where [00:45:42] the problem lies is in the turnover happens because the responses will, did they not understand what we do every day? How hard this is the conversations that we have to have, and the workload that happens every day in brick and mortar stores. There's an assumption that people that sit in our leadership chairs don't understand that. And if you can demonstrate your at least willingness to show up and listen, you may not be able to solve every problem. If you use just show up and you say hello, I went to Greenwich the other day and some new team members.[00:46:14] And just to be able to sit in the morning, have a coffee, listen, where did you work before? I'll like, that will keep them going for months. And it was very little effort on my part and a huge return. And that's what all of us in leadership, we have to do that more. And particularly today, they're in a very difficult situation of being customer engaging.[00:46:37] Not only last year, it's still hard today. And that's why I just [00:46:42] encourage everyone be as close as you can, to the people doing the work technology aside. The human conversation goes a really long way. [00:46:49] Shish: Yeah. That's the great point also from the employee perspective, one of the things I'm looking at is, stores are putting more emphasis on customer engagement and employee spending more time with customers versus doing mundane jobs. And that's another transformation I'm seeing where automation comes in.[00:47:09] A very common example that I'm seeing in terms of automation is, on-shelf availability where almost every retailer is. Automating that in the past, it was, employees going round and making sure that the products are on shelf. And today they're looking at cameras and sensors to do that job so that the store associates can spend that time engaging with customers rather than doing that.[00:47:35] Ricardo: Yeah, that is absolutely an interesting point. And we could probably another room just on that topic alone and [00:47:42] going through the reality versus perceptions, right, automation, AI, and machine learning. What does that mean for other jobs? Whether we're talking about frontline staff or other roles within a retail organization, where's the balance you can draw between those areas.[00:48:00] So thanks Tim . That was a great, topic to touch on.[00:48:02] Question from Jeff Sward[00:48:02] Ricardo: Jeff, What was your question or comment for us and welcome to the stage. [00:48:06] Jeff Sward: Actually, the last conversation is going to be a perfect segue for my question, which is how does the frontline associates become, more useful, I guess, in helping the whole company understand the why of best sellers and worst sellers. Ron was describing these great interactions between sellers and customers that are data-driven about past history and prior purchases. So when the customer buys something, the system captures all the hard information, but it doesn't capture is the [00:48:42] why, why was something that bestseller, why was something a worst seller. Nobody sets out and puts worst sellers in the stores to begin with. So what happens? [00:48:53] Brandon: It's a great question. And I think that that's where it'd be social selling aspect comes in, that the sentiments could be the emotional multisensory sentiments through Instagram and Twitter and other feedback loop that retailers will receive from the customers. And it's not captured within the transactional systems, ERP systems, et cetera, social commerce, digital marketing is where that system lies.[00:49:18] So I think it's a very complex challenge to capture all the emotional sentiment, but that might be a place to start.[00:49:24] Shish: I totally agree. I think it's a data challenge. Many of the retailers that I work with, look at the other influencing data factors that will tell them why something a best seller. And this could be anything from the demographics around the store and the correlation of a certain [00:49:42] product or plan with that demographic, being the cause, it could be something going viral on the internet.[00:49:49] It could be other factors and influences that make something a best seller. And a lot of times is the inference models that they build from the combinations of data. And that typically is one of the approaches that many retailers use. [00:50:05] Ron: Yeah. And it's Ron. I would just add, I think again, Jeff, the more we can engage with the sales teams that are selling the product the better. So there's definitely feedback that can come through customers on social, or maybe it's live selling and you can capture information via chat.[00:50:22] There's a lot of ways to learn, but my office that's right out in front of, the design team for our own private label at intermix. And, you know, I spend a lot of time with them about this is what I've seen. This is what I've heard. Let's bring a team of New York stylist to the office and give you feedback from sketch review.[00:50:41] Like I [00:50:42] I'm, we're doing walkthroughs on sketches before they even become samples before fit before production. Like we stayed so close to it every step of the way so that we try to minimize the risks and the misses. I recognize that that's a small business compared to many people on this phone, but it's important that at every and every part that we've listened and we've learned and we've acted accordingly. , and I think the benefit from that is enormous.[00:51:11] Jeff Sward: Great, thanks, Ron. [00:51:12] Ricardo: Thanks, Jeff. For that question - good discussion topic, [00:51:16] Question from Amanda Fetch[00:51:16] Ricardo: Amanda, what is your question or comment for us? [00:51:19] Amanda Fetch: Yeah. Hello, thank you so much for the opportunity to join the stage. I know that the wave of the future has been to the point of the topic of the room, the future of frontline staff and how that's been sort of disappearing. We had, for example, Amazon Go in Rock Center where there is nobody to basically check you out. And, how now we have tech companies pivoting off of Amazon, like Facebook, [00:51:42] who is looking to have the live shopping Fridays and things like that.[00:51:45] Where again, it's not totally eliminating what we want to call a checkout. There's a human being involved, but again, it's online. So you still have the tech aspects, but so what I wanted to present to the panel and hear your thoughts on is what about, the customer of, for example, a Lulu lemon where their core is assisting the customer, what they like to call was more educating their customer on the fabrics and on the brand of things of that nature.[00:52:10] So I'm curious to hear your thoughts on companies like that. As the world's going to this really tech and to the point of the room, you know, future front Line staff.[00:52:18] If they start disappearing, what happens to companies or retailers like Lulu lemon, will they survive if we start seeing less and less of these, how do you see companies like that weathering this sort of tech storm that's coming on the horizon there? [00:52:33] Ricardo: Thank you for bringing up this topic. Where are we headed in the reality of more automation versus human interaction the [00:52:42] way frontline staff operationally works in a store as well as interacts with customers, as well as what's the customer preference going to be.[00:52:49] If we think about our consumers and what they expect when they come to the store. I think a lot of this depends on what the brand relationship is with the consumer I would argue that, for a Lululemon there is a consumer expectation that when they come to the store, they know they can count on the staff there.[00:53:05] Would that same customer have a similar expectation if they knew that they were going to be greeted by some kind of AI or a bot or some other automated process instead of a human being, I don't know that that would meet the customer's satisfaction for a brand like Lululemon.[00:53:21] I think that becomes a differentiator. So while there could be a discussion in a board room at Lulu lemon that says. You know, is our labor costs getting too high? Do we need to balance our a rising labor costs with some form of automation to handle certain customer interactions? I think they're going to conclude that they can't just [00:53:42] ignore this aspect.[00:53:43] I think that the filter you can apply to this is to say, is the brand relationship purely transactional.[00:53:49] If it is, then chances are a lot of that relationship could be replaced with automation, and to the retailer that's probably a cost saving exercise at some level. If that relationship is not purely transactional, if it's really based on what I think everybody on the stage would define as a real brand relationship where there's an emotional connection for the customer.[00:54:10] I personally don't believe that those relationships can be easily replaced with automation in that way. I think it requires a person to be involved, and I think it's required from the customer's point of view, but would younger generations be more okay with the thought of being greeted by some form of AI or automation rather than a human being versus an older generation?[00:54:33] I don't know that I can predict. But I think that would just be another interesting way to look at. [00:54:38] Jeff: I love that question so much because, I get asked all the [00:54:42] time is, so what is retail doing? Literally they're doing everything at all all the same time. So when I start thinking about, the role of automation and AI, there's clearly going to be a very significant chunk of retail that is going to embrace that. And there's going to be clearly another chunk of retail that's not. It's going to be high touch, high experience. And the best example I can point to right now is in an in and out burger, in and out burger has always paid well above market rate for, for really fast food jobs. And people go there. Me included, literally go by far cheaper solutions and sit in pretty darn long lines because we want that experience.[00:55:16] And I love the fact that people like that experience. And I love the fact that a retailer has created an opportunity for fast food workers to actually become, real career opportunities and a whole lot of people that are going to be running companies in 10 or 15 or 20 years really got their start there under that training.[00:55:32] So the answer is, we're going to see it's going to be the future is going to be all of the above. The key thing is what do people want and what do people want from their [00:55:42] retail experience. That's also going to be the big driver. So if, if all of a sudden the next three or four years people say, you know, I like the human touch. I don't want to be greeted by an AI. Retailers will respond. I think there clearly will be a lot more automation and there's clearly going to be a lot more people involved.[00:55:58] Ron: I definitely agree with, Jeff. I think it will depend on the business, but I would say today where we sit in the way the client is behaving, that her expectation of engagement and the time spent in the store and the amount of energy that goes into these very human interactions has never been higher.[00:56:18] And that may be a surge of, having spent 18 months online and really craving that human interaction. But I don't think it's going to completely pendulum swing the other way. I think there will always be a need for great human engaged selling, educational, retail. And for me that, that the best version of that, not just [00:56:42] in luxury will be the ones that kind of set the bar for
What's the key to having a successful career later in life? Personal branding and marketing expert Wendy Marx has a conversation with tech influencer Evan Kirstel who shares his insights on how to be more successful. Learn from one of the most accomplished older professionals on how to boost your career.
Evan Kirstel (@EvanKirstel) joins the lounge, to talk about the impact and the sheer breadth of Social Media. Nowadays, with Quora, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook, Patreon, and more, it's sometimes daunting to figure out where to get started, and where and when to promote content. Evan and Roh chat about what companies can do, especially b2b companies, to utilize social media to its fullest extent. Roh points out that the discussion about Social Media, is actually a subset of an overarching and ongoing discussion, here at the Lounge, surrounding unstructured data & information, as social media is, by nature, unstructured. Till next time, The Information Lounge
In the never-ending noise that is social media, how do you stand out? That's the question business owners and entrepreneurs are asking. Kim talks to top technology influencer Evan Kirstel about ways to shine in a crowded social world. And learn the biggest mistakes to avoid if you're trying to build your brand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the never-ending noise that is social media, how do you stand out? That's the question business owners and entrepreneurs are asking. Kim talks to top technology influencer Evan Kirstel about ways to shine in a crowded social world. And learn the biggest mistakes to avoid if you're trying to build your brand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People spend more time on social media than any other online activity. B2B social media consultant talks about how software vendors and partners can use this channel to drive business results.
When it comes to digital transformation, there's fear of the unknown and comfort in the status quo. Leaders should go within in the organization and start experimenting. Try to seed transformation opportunities from within without the big bang approach that often lead to failures. Leverage "change-makers" within the company. Hear Evan's thoughts on digital transformation, Facebook's portal, bitcoin, social selling and much more. https://www.linkedin.com/in/evankirstel/ @evankirstel
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