Podcasts about teksystems

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Best podcasts about teksystems

Latest podcast episodes about teksystems

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Freeosk's Matt Eichorn and Dilini Fernando on the next evolution of retail media

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2026 25:25


With trillions spent on digital ads to capture consumer attention, is the most powerful and effective channel for product discovery the one your brand is overlooking?Agility requires brands to move beyond a digital-only mindset and recognize that the modern customer journey fluidly moves between online and offline moments. It means building the capabilities to engage and measure impact in the physical world with the same precision we've come to expect from digital.Today, we're going to talk about the next evolution of retail media and why the physical store, far from being obsolete, is becoming the next great frontier for data-rich, high-impact customer engagement. We'll explore how brands can bridge the gap between their digital strategies and in-store realities to not only drive discovery but create measurable, full-funnel marketing moments.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Matt Eichorn, CEO and Co-Founder and Dilini Fernando, CMO at Freeosk.About Matt EichornVisionary entrepreneur Matt Eichorn has been at the forefront of evolving brand and shopper marketing experiences for the better part of 20 years. As the current CEO, President, and Co-Founder of Freeosk, Eichorn has built a one-of-a-kind technology platform to deliver multi-sensory experiences at scale. His foresight to digitize millions of real-world intent signals in-store, as they happen, is unlocking new insights and shaping the landscape of retail media 3.0 for brands, category managers, and retailers alike.Dilini Fernando is the Vice President, Marketing at Chicago-based Freeosk – the only omnichannel discovery platform with in-store automated sampling. Dilini joined Freeosk in October of 2020 to lead integrated marketing programs, including brand, product and partner initiatives. Prior to Freeosk, Dilini spent ten years at MolsonCoors in brand marketing, digital innovation, new product development, and portfolio strategy. Dilini received her BA from Brown University and her MBA from the University of Chicago. She is a previous recipient of Brand Innovators “40 Under 40”.LinkedIn: Matt EichornAbout Dilini FernandoDilini Fernando is the Vice President, Marketing at Chicago-based Freeosk – the only omnichannel discovery platform with in-store automated sampling. Dilini joined Freeosk in October of 2020 to lead integrated marketing programs, including brand, product and partner initiatives. Prior to Freeosk, Dilini spent ten years at MolsonCoors in brand marketing, digital innovation, new product development, and portfolio strategy. Dilini received her BA from Brown University and her MBA from the University of Chicago. She is a previous recipient of Brand Innovators “40 Under 40”.LinkedIn: Dilini Fernando---------- Resources ----------FreeoskThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems.We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save!Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit!Chaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose.Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off.Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show.Connect with Greg on LinkedInDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more.Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia—the wiki for marketing technology.Produced by Missing Link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Qualified Digital Chief Client Officer Kate Dalbey on building an adaptive martech operating model

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2026 29:34


How much of your marketing technology budget is quietly underperforming, not because the software is flawed, but because your teams can't, or won't, fully adopt it?Because real agility was never about buying faster tools. It's about having an operating model that can actually turn a tool's potential into results, and keep doing it as the tools keep changing.Today we're digging into the phase that quietly decides whether any martech investment pays off: what happens after the contract is signed with things like implementation and adoption. We'll get into:- Why rollouts stall — and why the real cause is usually the operating model, not the tool.- What it takes to move a team from "trained" to genuinely changed.- How to measure real value without fooling yourself with usage metrics.- And what shifts once the platform starts doing some of the work itself.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Kate Dalbey, Chief Client Officer at Qualified Digital.About Kate DalbeyAs CCO, Kate leads client management and growth initiatives at Qualified Digital, bringing over 20 years of digital marketing experience from both client-side and agency-side roles. She's responsible for driving organic and net new growth by leading multi-disciplinary teams who turn light-bulb ideas into fantastic outcomes for the brands QD works with. Kate is guided by the client philosophy that "we grow because they grow." Kate has consistently delivered year-over-year growth in her portfolio within fast-paced, high-growth start-up environments. She passionately believes that digital experiences can change people's lives for the better and works diligently to see these outcomes arrive in real time. In her daily life at QD, Kate enjoys what she calls "the relentless pursuit of better business results" and takes pride in building the teams that can create them, from idea to strategy to plan to execution and measurement. Because what's next isn't enough, it's what's north that really gets her excited. Kate's career experience is deeply rooted in healthcare, across provider, payer, and life sciences. The client roster she's managed includes category powerhouses CVS Health, CommonSpirit Health, Mayo Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, Cigna, Aetna, Sunrise Senior Living, Gelesis, UNCH, Jefferson Health, Cedars-Sinai, Spaulding Rehabilitation, UHS, and Wedgewood Pharmacy. She's also led digital transformation for AmeriGas, Hitachi Vantara, Thomson Reuters, ScanSource, U of Pennsylvania, and the Am. Board of Internal Medicine. When Kate isn't delivering her unique brand of magic at QD, she's with her husband and 2 sons. She loves cheering on Philly sports teams, coaching youth soccer with her husband, and traveling with her family.Kate Dalbey on LinkedIn---------- Resources ---------- Qualified DigitalThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems.We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save!Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit!Chaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off.Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show.Connect with Greg on LinkedInDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more.Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology.The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Domo Chief Design Officer Chris Willis on speed vs. trust in product design

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2026 26:32


What if the real risk with AI isn't moving too slowly, but instead moving fast on a foundation that hasn't quite earned its trust?Because agility was never really about speed. It's about being able to change again and again without the whole thing coming apart — and that depends on groundwork most organizations are tempted to skip.Today we're going to dig into that groundwork — the unglamorous part that decides whether AI actually pays off. Specifically:- Why the same AI investment can compound trust in one company and quietly erode it in another — and what makes the difference.- The tension between personalizing an interface for every individual user and keeping one coherent, recognizable product.- Why building a real data culture is the step nearly everyone skips, and no one can skip for long.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Chris Willis, Chief Design Officer & Futurist at Domo.About Chris WillisChris Willis is Chief Design Officer at Domo, where he brings more than 25 years of design and product leadership to the company's data, analytics, and AI platform. Since joining Domo early in its history, he has played a key role in shaping the platform's design strategy, helping make complex data more accessible and useful for customers across industries. Before Domo, Chris co-founded HOUR Detroit magazine and Footnote.com (now Fold3.com), which was acquired by Ancestry.com, and worked as an award-winning illustrator, journalist, and author. His experience blends design thinking, technology, and emerging trends to drive innovation and build tools that solve real business problems.,Yes,This will be completed shortlyChris Willis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwillis---------- Resources ---------- : https://www.domo.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fEnjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716baCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
ISM's Paul Brenner and IAB's Collin Colburn on why the old rules no longer apply to retail media measurement

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2026 28:30


What if the biggest barrier to scaling your retail media investment isn't technology, but a fundamental disagreement on what success even looks like?Agility requires not just adopting new tools, but also being willing to challenge the measurement frameworks we've grown accustomed to.Today, we're going to talk about the nuanced world of in-store retail media measurement and why the old rules no longer apply. Specifically, we'll cover:- Why the standard approach to measuring in-store media, often borrowed from digital, is creating friction and stalling budget growth.- How to create a unified measurement language that aligns brands, retailers, and agencies around a common definition of success.- Practical steps to move in-store media from experimental budgets to scalable, repeatable investments grounded in actual product movement.To help me discuss this topic and ISM and IAB's recent report, I'd like to welcome Paul Brenner, SVP, Global Retail Media and Partnerships at In-Store Marketplace (ISM) and Collin Colburn, Vice President, Commerce & Retail Media at IAB) and Collin Colburn, Vice President, Commerce & Retail Media at IAB.About Paul BrennerPaul Brenner is Senior Vice President of Retail Media and Partnerships with 25+ years of leadership in media, entertainment, and ad tech. He has led innovation in audio and broadcast, driving advancements in audience measurement, in-car experiences, and data attribution, and later scaling in-store audio advertising through strategic growth and partnerships. Known for identifying high-impact technology and revenue opportunities, Paul now focuses on evolving the in-store retail media landscape.Paul Brenner on LinkedInAbout Collin ColburnCollin Colburn serves as Vice President, Commerce & Retail Media at IAB where he leads the Commerce Center of Excellence. In this role, he drives innovation, education, and standards across the commerce ecosystem to help brands, retailers, and technology partners deliver better media opportunities, customer experiences, and business outcomes. Prior to IAB, Collin led Growth and Go-To-Market Strategy at Horizon Commerce and spent over a decade at Forrester, where he pioneered the firm's performance marketing and retail media practice. He partnered with B2B and B2C CMOs to advance their marketing strategies, while also expanding Forrester's Fortune 500 client portfolio. Collin's insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Digiday, and MediaPost. A popular industry speaker, Collin has keynoted global industry events in addition to being a quarterly guest on Bloomberg TV.Collin Colburn on LinkedIn---------- Resources ----------In-Store Marketplace (ISM)The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems.Read the report mentioned in the show.We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save!Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit!Chaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose.Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off.Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show.Connect with Greg on LinkedInDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more.Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology.The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
AdRoll's Alison Clark on connecting CTV to an omnichannel approach

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2026 18:28


What if the biggest screen in the home could be treated less like a billboard and more like a direct response channel?Agility requires moving beyond the "set it and forget it" mindset of traditional media. It means having the data and the tools to react to performance signals in real-time, whether that's on a social feed or a living room screen.Today, we're going to talk about unlocking the full potential of Connected TV. We'll explore how marketers can move beyond treating CTV as a simple awareness play and start leveraging it as a true performance channel, driven by first-party data and connected to a full-funnel measurement strategy.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Alison Clark, GTM/Strategy Lead at AdRoll. About Alison ClarkeAlison Clark is the Head of GTM Sales Strategy for AdRoll. She developed her career building and scaling advertising solutions across digital and programmatic, with a focus on driving real results for clients. She is the AdRoll customer's number one champion to inform CTV product priorities that solve your biggest challenges.Alison Clarke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-clark-7566265/---------- Resources ---------- AdRoll: https://www.adroll.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/93531742a7625a20Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716baCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
From Ai4: Dataiku CMO Mark Abramowitz on speed versus agility in AI adoption

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 25:58


What happens to a brand when the story it tells about its AI adoption moves faster than the results it can actually show?Agility isn't about telling that story faster. It's about being able to change what you say — repeatedly, as the technology changes — without losing the thread of what your company is actually for.Today, we're going to talk about the widening gap between AI ambition and business reality, and what that means for enterprise marketing leaders. Specifically, we'll cover:- The shift from selling an AI vision to proving tangible value.- How AI is pushing marketing into closer alignment with product and revenue.- What it takes to build trust — inside the company and out — when the outputs of AI systems are hard to explain.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Mark Abramowitz, Chief Marketing Officer at Dataiku.About Mark AbramowitzMark Abramowitz is Chief Marketing Officer at Dataiku, The Platform for AI Success. In his role, he oversees global brand and demand strategy, and is responsible for building awareness of Dataiku as the platform that unifies people, governance, and AI systems to deliver real results at scale.Mark brings extensive experience scaling enterprise platform businesses. Prior to Dataiku, he served as SVP of Product and Solutions Marketing at ServiceNow, leading product marketing as the company scaled from $6 billion to nearly $11 billion in revenue and spearheading the launch of Now Assist—the fastest-selling product in ServiceNow history. Before ServiceNow, Mark spent 15 years at Salesforce and 5 years as SVP of Product Marketing for Service Cloud.Mark Abramowitz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markabramowitz/---------- Resources ---------- Dataiku: https://www.dataiku.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/93531742a7625a20Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716baCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlstrom
From Ai4: Dataiku CMO Mark Abramowitz on speed versus agility in AI adoption

The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 25:58


What happens to a brand when the story it tells about its AI adoption moves faster than the results it can actually show?Agility isn't about telling that story faster. It's about being able to change what you say — repeatedly, as the technology changes — without losing the thread of what your company is actually for.Today, we're going to talk about the widening gap between AI ambition and business reality, and what that means for enterprise marketing leaders. Specifically, we'll cover:- The shift from selling an AI vision to proving tangible value.- How AI is pushing marketing into closer alignment with product and revenue.- What it takes to build trust — inside the company and out — when the outputs of AI systems are hard to explain.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Mark Abramowitz, Chief Marketing Officer at Dataiku.About Mark AbramowitzMark Abramowitz is Chief Marketing Officer at Dataiku, The Platform for AI Success. In his role, he oversees global brand and demand strategy, and is responsible for building awareness of Dataiku as the platform that unifies people, governance, and AI systems to deliver real results at scale.Mark brings extensive experience scaling enterprise platform businesses. Prior to Dataiku, he served as SVP of Product and Solutions Marketing at ServiceNow, leading product marketing as the company scaled from $6 billion to nearly $11 billion in revenue and spearheading the launch of Now Assist—the fastest-selling product in ServiceNow history. Before ServiceNow, Mark spent 15 years at Salesforce and 5 years as SVP of Product Marketing for Service Cloud.Mark Abramowitz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markabramowitz/---------- Resources ---------- Dataiku: https://www.dataiku.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/93531742a7625a20Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716baCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
NiCE CTO Kevin Lee on moving from AI pilot to production

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 24:40


What if the real risk in your AI adoption plan isn't that the pilot fails — it's that it succeeds, and you still can't get it into production?Agility isn't how fast you can launch a pilot. It's whether the organization can absorb what works and still behave like one company while it does.Today, we're going to talk about moving enterprise AI from theory to practice in customer experience. Specifically, we'll cover:- What separates an AI pilot that scales from one that quietly stalls.- How to govern AI agents proportionately — enough accountability to be defensible, not so much that nothing ships.- How to tell a program that's creating business value from one that's simply handling volume.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Kevin Lee, CTO at NiCE.About Kevin LeeKevin Lee serves as Chief Technology Officer and Key Pursuits Leader at NiCE, where he leads the company's technology vision and its most strategic customer engagements by aligning platform capabilities, AI strategy, and architectural vision to deliver differentiated outcomes.Kevin joined NiCE in 2021 and has held multiple leadership roles across the company's digital and go-to-market organizations. He founded and scaled the Customer Service Automation team, transforming it into a cornerstone of NiCE's growth strategy. He has played a pivotal role in many of NiCE's most competitive and highimpact pursuits, shaping both technical and commercial strategy across global opportunities. Prior to his current role, Kevin served as Global Head of Digital Sales & Strategy, where he led the growth of NiCE's digital portfolio and helped customers transition into the self-service era. With more than 15 years of experience in cloud and software sales, Kevin brings a comprehensive approach to account strategy, technical storytelling, and executive engagement. Kevin Lee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekevinlee/---------- Resources ----------Coca-Cola FEMSA, NiCE: https://www.nice.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/93531742a7625a20Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716baCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlstrom
NiCE CTO Kevin Lee on moving from AI pilot to production

The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 24:40


What if the real risk in your AI adoption plan isn't that the pilot fails — it's that it succeeds, and you still can't get it into production?Agility isn't how fast you can launch a pilot. It's whether the organization can absorb what works and still behave like one company while it does.Today, we're going to talk about moving enterprise AI from theory to practice in customer experience. Specifically, we'll cover:- What separates an AI pilot that scales from one that quietly stalls.- How to govern AI agents proportionately — enough accountability to be defensible, not so much that nothing ships.- How to tell a program that's creating business value from one that's simply handling volume.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Kevin Lee, CTO at NiCE.About Kevin LeeKevin Lee serves as Chief Technology Officer and Key Pursuits Leader at NiCE, where he leads the company's technology vision and its most strategic customer engagements by aligning platform capabilities, AI strategy, and architectural vision to deliver differentiated outcomes.Kevin joined NiCE in 2021 and has held multiple leadership roles across the company's digital and go-to-market organizations. He founded and scaled the Customer Service Automation team, transforming it into a cornerstone of NiCE's growth strategy. He has played a pivotal role in many of NiCE's most competitive and highimpact pursuits, shaping both technical and commercial strategy across global opportunities. Prior to his current role, Kevin served as Global Head of Digital Sales & Strategy, where he led the growth of NiCE's digital portfolio and helped customers transition into the self-service era. With more than 15 years of experience in cloud and software sales, Kevin brings a comprehensive approach to account strategy, technical storytelling, and executive engagement. Kevin Lee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekevinlee/---------- Resources ----------Coca-Cola FEMSA, NiCE: https://www.nice.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/93531742a7625a20Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716baCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
From Ai4: Big Spaceship's CEO Taryn Crouthers on prioritizing human judgment while moving fast

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 23:55


When a brand says it "used AI," that could mean anything from a tool speeding up a human's first draft to a system generating and shipping work on its own — and almost all of the real risk lives in the difference. So as AI moves deeper into creative work, which decisions are you certain still belong to a human?Real agility here isn't being quick with the latest tools. It's moving fast without losing the through-line that makes a brand recognizable — the ability to know exactly where human judgment stays non-negotiable.Today we're recording live at Ai4 2026 in Las Vegas at the Venetian, and we're going to talk about:- Drawing a clear line between where AI sharpens creative work and where it introduces unacceptable brand risk.- A practical look at how AI was used in a national campaign to improve the creative process, not just automate it.- The strategic shift as consumers move from traditional search engines to AI-powered platforms for discovery and research.To help me dig into this, I'd like to welcome Taryn Crouthers, CEO at Big Spaceship.About Taryn CrouthersTaryn Crouthers is the CEO of Big Spaceship, MSQ Partners' award-winning creative agency. A passionate leader, Taryn has spent her decades-long career inspiring teams to create work that moves both people and business. Her work spans advertising, media, entertainment, and the distribution and commercialisation that scale them. She is the former President of social-first global media company ATTN:, where she helped lead the company from pre-revenue through its $100M acquisition.Along the way, she earned recognition including Campaign's Inspiring Women (2026), 40 Over 40 (2025), Ad Age Leading Women (2024), Cynopsis' Corporate Visionary, and Top Women in Digital.An entrepreneur at heart and a nationally recognised voice on the future of creativity and AI integration, Taryn brings a founder's mindset to scaling creative businesses and developing new revenue models. She has served on juries for Cannes Young Lions, The One Show, ADC, Webby Awards, and other prestigious industry competitions. She serves on the Advisory Board of Miami Ad School and is an active investor in emerging creative and technology-driven companies.She is also a co-founder of the Women in AI Summit for the Creative Community and launched the Women in AI Creative Cohort, which selects 15 top global executives for a six-month AI mentorship program.Taryn Crouthers on LinkedIn---------- Resources ---------- Big SpaceshipThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems.We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit!Chaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off.Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show.Connect with Greg on LinkedInDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more.Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology.The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlstrom
From Ai4: Big Spaceship's CEO Taryn Crouthers on prioritizing human judgment while moving fast

The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 23:55


When a brand says it "used AI," that could mean anything from a tool speeding up a human's first draft to a system generating and shipping work on its own — and almost all of the real risk lives in the difference. So as AI moves deeper into creative work, which decisions are you certain still belong to a human?Real agility here isn't being quick with the latest tools. It's moving fast without losing the through-line that makes a brand recognizable — the ability to know exactly where human judgment stays non-negotiable.Today we're recording live at Ai4 2026 in Las Vegas at the Venetian, and we're going to talk about:- Drawing a clear line between where AI sharpens creative work and where it introduces unacceptable brand risk.- A practical look at how AI was used in a national campaign to improve the creative process, not just automate it.- The strategic shift as consumers move from traditional search engines to AI-powered platforms for discovery and research.To help me dig into this, I'd like to welcome Taryn Crouthers, CEO at Big Spaceship.About Taryn CrouthersTaryn Crouthers is the CEO of Big Spaceship, MSQ Partners' award-winning creative agency. A passionate leader, Taryn has spent her decades-long career inspiring teams to create work that moves both people and business. Her work spans advertising, media, entertainment, and the distribution and commercialisation that scale them. She is the former President of social-first global media company ATTN:, where she helped lead the company from pre-revenue through its $100M acquisition.Along the way, she earned recognition including Campaign's Inspiring Women (2026), 40 Over 40 (2025), Ad Age Leading Women (2024), Cynopsis' Corporate Visionary, and Top Women in Digital.An entrepreneur at heart and a nationally recognised voice on the future of creativity and AI integration, Taryn brings a founder's mindset to scaling creative businesses and developing new revenue models. She has served on juries for Cannes Young Lions, The One Show, ADC, Webby Awards, and other prestigious industry competitions. She serves on the Advisory Board of Miami Ad School and is an active investor in emerging creative and technology-driven companies.She is also a co-founder of the Women in AI Summit for the Creative Community and launched the Women in AI Creative Cohort, which selects 15 top global executives for a six-month AI mentorship program.Taryn Crouthers on LinkedIn---------- Resources ---------- Big SpaceshipThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems.We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit!Chaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off.Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show.Connect with Greg on LinkedInDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more.Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology.The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
From Ai4: Coca-Cola FEMSA's Jose Martinez on balancing continuous improvement and CX consistency

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 22:25


Jose Martinez, Global Chief Data Officer at Coca-Cola FEMSA, says customers don't experience an AI system's mistake as a data problem — they experience it as a company that doesn't know them. Recorded live at Ai4 at the Venetian in Las Vegas, he and Greg Kihlström get into what has to be true underneath before AI systems can act on your data at all.A data foundation AI can act on is a different thing from one that produces reports. Martinez on what actually separates the two, and why a company can have working dashboards and still not have the foundation an automated decision requires.Across many markets and millions of points of sale, consistency is the constraint — not speed. Agility isn't really about moving faster; it's being able to change repeatedly without the company starting to contradict itself. Martinez on what keeps decisions consistent as more of them get automated.Foundational data work has to be justified without a campaign-shaped payoff. How to make the case internally when the return doesn't show up as a lift number, and what enterprise leaders can use instead.About Jose MartinezJose De Jesus Martinez Camara, MS, PMP, is an innovative executive currently serving as the Global Chief Data Officer at Coca-Cola FEMSA. Previously, he served as the Americas Head of Data & Analytics at Nissan North America for Finance, with a dual track record as well as Chief Information Officer.With over 20 years of experience driving organizational excellence, Jose specializes in managing complex IT portfolios and commercializing technology products across the consumer goods, automotive, finance, entertainment, and consultancy sectors. He is a visionary professional known for aligning technology initiatives with long-term business objectives and fostering Agile and DevOps cultures.In his current global role at Coca-Cola FEMSA, he leads the enterprise data strategy, governance, and advanced analytics capabilities to drive digital transformation and value creation at scale. Prior to this, as Americas Head of Data & Analytics for Nissan Finance, Jose oversaw the data landscape across Mexico, Canada, and the United States, ensuring strategic alignment with corporate needs. Jose Martinez on LinkedIn---------- Resources ----------Coca-Cola FEMSAThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems.We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save!Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit!Chaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose.Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off.Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show.Connect with Greg on LinkedInDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more.Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology.The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlstrom
From Ai4: Coca-Cola FEMSA's Jose Martinez on balancing continuous improvement and CX consistency

The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 22:25


Jose Martinez, Global Chief Data Officer at Coca-Cola FEMSA, says customers don't experience an AI system's mistake as a data problem — they experience it as a company that doesn't know them. Recorded live at Ai4 at the Venetian in Las Vegas, he and Greg Kihlström get into what has to be true underneath before AI systems can act on your data at all.A data foundation AI can act on is a different thing from one that produces reports. Martinez on what actually separates the two, and why a company can have working dashboards and still not have the foundation an automated decision requires.Across many markets and millions of points of sale, consistency is the constraint — not speed. Agility isn't really about moving faster; it's being able to change repeatedly without the company starting to contradict itself. Martinez on what keeps decisions consistent as more of them get automated.Foundational data work has to be justified without a campaign-shaped payoff. How to make the case internally when the return doesn't show up as a lift number, and what enterprise leaders can use instead.About Jose MartinezJose De Jesus Martinez Camara, MS, PMP, is an innovative executive currently serving as the Global Chief Data Officer at Coca-Cola FEMSA. Previously, he served as the Americas Head of Data & Analytics at Nissan North America for Finance, with a dual track record as well as Chief Information Officer.With over 20 years of experience driving organizational excellence, Jose specializes in managing complex IT portfolios and commercializing technology products across the consumer goods, automotive, finance, entertainment, and consultancy sectors. He is a visionary professional known for aligning technology initiatives with long-term business objectives and fostering Agile and DevOps cultures.In his current global role at Coca-Cola FEMSA, he leads the enterprise data strategy, governance, and advanced analytics capabilities to drive digital transformation and value creation at scale. Prior to this, as Americas Head of Data & Analytics for Nissan Finance, Jose oversaw the data landscape across Mexico, Canada, and the United States, ensuring strategic alignment with corporate needs. Jose Martinez on LinkedIn---------- Resources ----------Coca-Cola FEMSAThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems.We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save!Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit!Chaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose.Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off.Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show.Connect with Greg on LinkedInDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more.Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology.The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Thryv's Patricia Rollins on what enterprise leaders can learn from small business

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026 22:48


Is the biggest threat to your market share a traditional competitor, or is it a wave of thousands of hyper-specialized small businesses powered by accessible AI?Agility requires not just adapting to change, but also understanding the forces driving it at every level of the market. This includes recognizing how the barriers to entry for starting and scaling a business have fundamentally changed.Today, we're going to talk about the powerful, often overlooked engine of the economy: small business. We'll explore how a new generation of entrepreneurs is leveraging sophisticated, accessible technology to compete, and what enterprise leaders can learn from their nimble approach to growth, automation, and customer engagement.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Patricia Rollins, Executive Director of Growth Marketing at Thryv.About Patricia RollinsPatricia Rollins is Executive Director of Marketing at Thryv, a global AI-powered marketing platform for small and medium-sized businesses. Inspired by her roots as the daughter of small business owners, Patricia's career has focused on equipping entrepreneurs with the technology and tools they need to thrive. A career-marketer and growth architect, she led the worldwide performance marketing team that launched IBM Watson and spearheaded digital marketing campaigns and events at Oracle CX Cloud. Patricia also accelerated the adoption of emerging technologies at Smartsheet, Typeform and Wellsaid, an AI text-to-speech provider. Known for blending creativity with data-driven strategy, she builds momentum for technologies that expand what's possible.Patricia Rollins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rollinspatricia/---------- Resources ---------- Thryv: thryv.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/93531742a7625a20Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716baCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlstrom
Thryv's Patricia Rollins on what enterprise leaders can learn from small business

The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026 22:48


Is the biggest threat to your market share a traditional competitor, or is it a wave of thousands of hyper-specialized small businesses powered by accessible AI?Agility requires not just adapting to change, but also understanding the forces driving it at every level of the market. This includes recognizing how the barriers to entry for starting and scaling a business have fundamentally changed.Today, we're going to talk about the powerful, often overlooked engine of the economy: small business. We'll explore how a new generation of entrepreneurs is leveraging sophisticated, accessible technology to compete, and what enterprise leaders can learn from their nimble approach to growth, automation, and customer engagement.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Patricia Rollins, Executive Director of Growth Marketing at Thryv.About Patricia RollinsPatricia Rollins is Executive Director of Marketing at Thryv, a global AI-powered marketing platform for small and medium-sized businesses. Inspired by her roots as the daughter of small business owners, Patricia's career has focused on equipping entrepreneurs with the technology and tools they need to thrive. A career-marketer and growth architect, she led the worldwide performance marketing team that launched IBM Watson and spearheaded digital marketing campaigns and events at Oracle CX Cloud. Patricia also accelerated the adoption of emerging technologies at Smartsheet, Typeform and Wellsaid, an AI text-to-speech provider. Known for blending creativity with data-driven strategy, she builds momentum for technologies that expand what's possible.Patricia Rollins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rollinspatricia/---------- Resources ---------- Thryv: thryv.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/93531742a7625a20Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716baCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Adobe CMO Enterprise Rachel Thornton on agents as customers

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2026 21:59


What happens when the thing evaluating your brand isn't a person — but an agent shopping on their behalf, one that doesn't respond to a great story and doesn't care how your homepage makes anyone feel?Agility has usually meant adapting faster than the market. This is a different kind of adaptation: the audience itself is changing shape, and the brands that handle it well will be the ones that adapt without becoming unrecognizable in the process.Today, we're going to talk about:- What actually changes for a brand when autonomous agents enter the discovery and purchase path- Creating content that holds up to an agent's evaluation without flattening into sameness- Closing the AI capability gap inside marketing teams — and what that unlocksTo help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Rachel Thornton, CMO Enterprise at Adobe.About Rachel ThorntonRachel Thornton is committed to helping businesses create amazing customer experiences at the intersection of marketing, creativity and AI. As Chief Marketing Officer for Adobe's enterprise business, Rachel is responsible for Adobe's global enterprise Creativity & Productivity and Customer Experience Orchestration marketing.Rachel develops marketing, messaging, positioning strategies and activations that expand awareness of Adobe as the world's best marketing and AI platform for delivering brand-changing customer experiences. Her team amplifies Adobe's unique enterprise story in ways that energize, celebrate and empower CMOs and experience makers worldwide.Rachel has more than 25 years of experience in B2B technology marketing, having held leadership roles at Amazon/AWS, Salesforce, Cisco Systems and Microsoft. She has deep experience building and scaling enterprise marketing, customer acquisition, and self-service revenue contributions.Rachel Thornton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhthornton/---------- Resources ---------- : adobe.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fEnjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716baCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Taelor CEO Anya Cheng on AI, fashion, and sustainability

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 24:53


In an era where personalization is king, can a brand truly be sustainable, or are we just using new technology to fuel the same old consumption patterns?Agility requires a willingness to challenge established business models and integrate new technologies not just for efficiency, but for purpose. It demands we rethink the entire value chain, from production to the end of a product's life.Today, we're going to talk about the intersection of artificial intelligence, sustainability, and retail. We'll explore how technology isn't just a tool for optimization, but a catalyst for building entirely new, purpose-driven business models that challenge the status quo of consumerism.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Anya Cheng, CEO at Taelor. About Anya ChengAnya Cheng is the Founder & CEO of Taelor, an AI-powered men's clothing subscription service promoting sustainable fashion. A Silicon Valley entrepreneur, she has been recognized among "Girls in Tech 40 Under 40" for her expertise in tech product management and marketing. Anya played a pivotal role in launching Facebook and Instagram Shopping at Meta, led new business expansion at eBay, and helped grow McDonald's global food delivery. She also shaped Target's mobile commerce and has led teams in AI, product management, UX, and marketing across Fortune 500 companies. Her work has earned 20+ prestigious awards, including the Webby Award for Best Shopping App, Best Mobile App Award, and The Communicator Award. A best-selling author, adjunct professor, and two-time TED speaker, she lectures at Northwestern University and 500 Global and is a sought-after keynote speaker. Anya's award-winning venture, Taelor, won first place at Draper University's Startup Competition and was named a Startup to Watch by Bay Area Inno. She holds a Master's in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.Anya Cheng on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anyacheng/---------- Resources ---------- Taelor: https://www.taelor.aiThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/93531742a7625a20Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716baCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Cyara CEO Sushil Kumar on finding the right balance of AI in your CX

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2026 27:28


What if your biggest CX innovation is also your biggest source of customer churn?Agility requires a clear-eyed view of both the promise and the peril of new technologies. It's the ability to embrace innovation like AI not just for efficiency, but with a rigorous focus on the customer outcomes that build long-term value.Today, we're going to talk about the delicate balance of implementing AI in the customer experience. Specifically, we'll explore the rise of sophisticated, agentic AI voice bots, and the critical "dealbreakers" that cause customers to abandon interactions and, potentially, your brand altogether.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Sushil Kumar, CEO at Cyara.About Sushil KumarSushil leads Cyara's strategy and growth with a vision to redefine how enterprises build trustworthy, AI-driven customer experiences. A builder at heart, he has spent his career creating platforms that change how software is engineered, validated, and delivered. His focus is helping global organizations achieve new levels of reliability, speed, and customer trust. Before joining Cyara, Sushil was the co-founder and CEO of RelicX.ai, a generative AI test automation pioneer acquired by Harness. He previously led major product and business organizations at Oracle, CA Technologies, and Broadcom, where he built and scaled category-defining AI, DevOps, and cloud solutions adopted by thousands of enterprises worldwide. With more than 25 years of experience leading high-growth teams and multi-hundred-million-dollar product lines, Sushil is known for blending deep technical insight with a pragmatic, product-first approach to leadership. His work centers on transforming how modern software and customer experiences are created, making them more resilient, more intelligent, and more human. Sushil holds a Bachelor of Technology from BIT Sindri and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.Sushil Kumar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sushil-kumar-343780/---------- Resources ---------- Cyara: cyara.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/93531742a7625a20Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716baCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Georgia-Pacific's Jason Ippen on the intersection of brand creativity and AI

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026 22:13


"As algorithms and AI increasingly automate the ""what"" and the ""how"" of marketing, what is the enduring value of human creativity, and how do we prove its worth?Agility requires not just adapting our tools, but fundamentally rethinking how we define, nurture, and measure creative value in a world increasingly guided by machine logic.Today, we're going to talk about the intersection of brand creativity and artificial intelligence. We'll explore:- Why brand distinctiveness becomes a critical differentiator when algorithms favor homogeneity.- The new operational model for creative teams, where human judgment guides machine-speed execution.- Strategies for building lasting brand memory in a media landscape optimized for short-term performance.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Jason Ippen, Vice President, Brand Strategy & Content at Georgia-Pacific. About Jason Ippen Jason Ippen is Vice President, Brand Strategy & Content at Georgia-Pacific, where he leads brand strategy, innovation and marketing for a portfolio of some of the country's most recognized consumer brands. Over the course of more than 16 years with the company, he has held leadership roles across brands including Quilted Northern, Sparkle and Vanity Fair, helping drive growth through consumer insight, product innovation and brand building.Jason has more than 25 years of experience spanning consumer packaged goods, marketing and general management. He earned an MBA from Columbia Business School and a bachelor's degree from Colgate University. Jason Ippen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-ippen-1120086/ ---------- Resources ---------- : https://www.gp.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1 Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/93531742a7625a20 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Infolinks CEO Bob Regular on getting ad tech to work better for brands

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2026 29:17


In a world obsessed with optimizing the ad tech supply chain, what if the focus on 'shorter' paths is a complete misdirection from building 'smarter' ones that actually align with brand value?Agility requires brands to move beyond incremental optimization and fundamentally rethink their media operating models. It's about building a framework that is inherently resilient to platform shifts, privacy changes, and evolving audience expectations.Today, we're going to talk about the disconnect between the technical ad tech conversation and the strategic needs of the brand. We'll explore how leaders can bridge this gap by focusing on smarter media paths, curated inventory, and an operating model built for long-term value creation.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Bob Regular, CEO at Infolinks Media. Bob, welcome to the show! About Bob RegularBob Regular is a long-established pioneer in the digital media industry with over 25 years of advertising experience. As CEO of Infolinks Media, he drives the company's mission to provide innovative contextual and native advertising solutions to web publishers and advertisers worldwide. Bob has founded and scaled multiple digital businesses, generating over $1 billion in revenue, and he is the founder and managing partner of Delivering Yield, an investment and advisory firm focused on advancing digital media through strategic investments. With extensive experience in capital raising, he has successfully secured over $250 million in funding and excels in operating ad platforms, developing products, training teams, and implementing efficient processes to meet the industry's evolving needs. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership, Bob continues to influence the future of digital advertising, significantly contributing to Infolinks' success and the broader digital media ecosystem, with a mission to transform the landscape by leveraging data, technology, and creativity to enhance advertising effectiveness. Bob Regular on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rregular ---------- Resources ---------- Infolinks Media: The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1 Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/93531742a7625a20 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Onfire CEO Tal Peretz on AI that actually drives revenue

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 21:15


In the push to integrate AI into go-to-market strategies, are we optimizing for activity or for intelligence?Agility requires not just adopting new technologies like AI, but critically evaluating how they deliver contextual intelligence. It's about adapting your strategy based on smarter signals, not just automating existing processes at a higher volume.Today, we're going to talk about moving beyond the hype of generic AI in sales and marketing to focus on what actually drives revenue. We'll explore the concept of vertical AI, specifically for go-to-market teams selling to technical audiences, and how decoding intent signals from public developer conversations can create a significant competitive advantage.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Tal Peretz, CEO and Co-Founder at Onfire. About Tal PeretzTal Peretz is the CEO and Co-Founder of Onfire, a contextual AI platform that helps technology companies decode real-time market signals and drive revenue growth using developer and IT buyer intent data. Prior to Onfire, Tal was Chief Technology Officer at OwnID, a Tel Aviv based startup focused on identity security solutions. Tal served at the 8200 intelligence force and built and scaled advanced data and AI systems focused on large-scale entity resolution and signal intelligence. Drawing on this background, he recognized a fundamental gap in modern go-to-market technology: while AI promised precision, revenue teams were still operating on incomplete, noisy, and outdated data. Under his leadership, Onfire was designed from the ground up to solve the data layer for IT sales by combining structured third-party intelligence with first-party customer context into a continuously updated market map. Tal is married to Shai and is a proud father of two, Dan and Ran. Tal Peretz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tal-peretz/ ---------- Resources ---------- Onfire: The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1 Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/93531742a7625a20 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Lou Carbone on a new understanding of brand

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 31:11


If a brand is no longer what a company says it is, but the sum of every experience a customer has, what does that mean for the marketing department's role in the organization?Agility requires more than just adapting to market changes; it demands a fundamental shift from broadcasting a message to engineering an experience. It requires a willingness to unlearn old definitions of brand and embrace a new reality where customer perception is the ultimate truth.Today, we're going to talk about what some are calling a "reformation" in branding. It's a move away from the traditional model of logos, slogans, and campaigns, and toward a new understanding where the brand is the cumulative effect of every single customer interaction. This shift has massive implications for organizational structure, strategy, and how we measure success.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Lou Carbone, Professor of Practice, Michigan State University & Founder/Chief Experience Officer at Experience Engineering. About Lou CarboneLou Carbone, often called the "Godfather of Experience Management," has been a pioneer in experience engineering since the 1980s. He's a globally recognized thought leader, author of Clued In (Fast Company's Reader's Choice Award winner), and co-author of award-winning research like “Sticktion.” He developed the proprietary Experience Engineering® methodology and has advised top organizations including Microsoft, IBM, John Deere, Pizza Hut UK, Allstate, and the UAE government. A frequent keynote speaker and guest lecturer at leading business schools, he's also Professor of Practice at Michigan State University, shaping future leaders in customer experience. His innovations, like the Paperless Rental Agreement at National Car Rental, have become industry standards. He holds a Distinguished Alumni Award from Thiel College, where he also served as Board Chair, and is active on several healthcare and academic boards including Brown College. Lou also serves as a Professor of Practice in the Eli Broad Business College at Michigan State University, teaching within the Masters of Market Research and Analytics program, as well as the startup of the Masters degree in Customer Experience Management.Lou Carbone on LinkedIn---------- Resources ---------- Experience EngineeringThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Chaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose.Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off. Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show.Connect with Greg on LinkedInDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more.Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology.The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Acoustic CMO Alexi Hatch on rebuilding your customer relationship strategy

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 25:39


What if the marketing playbook you've relied on for the past decade is quickly failing to get results? When customers rapidly shift their behaviors, agility requires being willing to rethink how you build and earn customer relationships from the ground up.Today, we're going to talk about the shift away from rented audiences and unreliable signals toward building durable, first-party data assets. Specifically, we'll cover:- Why the classic B2B and B2C buyer intent signals are becoming less reliable and what to look for instead.- How to navigate a new era of marketing measurement when privacy regulations and platform changes obscure the full picture.- The practical steps required to build a first-party data strategy that creates durable customer relationships, not just a larger database.To help me discuss this, I'd like to welcome, Alexi Hatch, CMO at Acoustic. About Alexi HatchAlexi Hatch is Chief Marketing Officer at Acoustic, where she leads global marketing, brand, communications, product marketing, demand generation, and go-to-market strategy. Over the past decade, Alexi has helped enterprise SaaS companies grow by building brands people remember, modernizing marketing organizations, and turning customer insight into business impact. Her work sits at the intersection of AI, customer engagement, and modern marketing leadership.She believes the next competitive advantage in marketing won't come from knowing more about customers but from responding to them better.Alexi Hatch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexihatch/---------- Resources ---------- : acoustic.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/93531742a7625a20Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716baCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
HubSpot CMO Kipp Bodnar on brand discovery in an age of AI search

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 27:37


What if your most valuable future customers are discovering solutions in a place your current attribution models can't even see?Agility requires not just adapting to new channels, but completely rethinking how we measure discovery and value when the customer journey starts with a conversation with an AI.Today, we're going to talk about:- How the shift from keyword-based search to conversational AI is creating a new discipline: Answer Engine Optimization.- Why your current team structure might be the biggest obstacle to winning in the AI era, and how to reorganize talent and process for this new reality.- The critical role of unified customer data in influencing AI-driven recommendations and why it's becoming the ultimate competitive advantage.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Kipp Bodnar, Chief Marketing Officer at HubSpot.About Kipp BodnarAs CMO of HubSpot, Kipp leads global marketing strategy to drive awareness and demand across a rapidly evolving product suite. He previously served as VP of Marketing, scaling international teams and overseeing demand gen, strategic partnerships, and social media. He's also a marketing advisor to several SaaS companies, co-author of The B2B Social Media Book, and a respected speaker and blogger.Kipp Bodnar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kippbodnar/---------- Resources ----------HubSpot website: https://www.hubspot.com/The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/93531742a7625a20Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716baCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
California Pizza Kitchen Co-Founder Rick Rosenfield on building a brand from the inside out

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 25:17


With brands being defined by every customer interaction, who is really in charge of your customer experience: your C-suite, or your frontline employees?Agility requires more than just the right technology; it demands a culture where empowered teams can make decisions and respond to customer needs in the moment.Today, we're going to talk about building a brand from the inside out, focusing on the powerful connection between internal culture and external customer experience. We'll explore:- How a "reverse pyramid" leadership model can directly impact customer experience and brand perception.- Translating core values into an operational framework that empowers employees and fosters accountability.- The principles of scaling a culture of empowerment as a brand grows from a single location to a global presence.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Rick Rosenfield, Co-Founder at California Pizza Kitchen, and author of the new book, The California Pizza Kitchen Story. About Rick RosenfieldRick Rosenfield is the co-founder of California Pizza Kitchen and a former federal prosecutor and defense attorney. He helped grow CPK to 265 restaurants and a national retail line while shaping a new era of American casual dining. His forthcoming memoir blends legal battles, entrepreneurial inflection points, and lessons in partnership and culture.Rick Rosenfield on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickrosenfield---------- Resources ---------- California Pizza Kitchen: www.rickrosenfield.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716baCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Crunchbase CRO Ann Davis on the pressure to show ROI from AI

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2026 23:00


What if the biggest obstacle to AI-driven ROI isn't the AI itself, but everything you're feeding it?Agility requires not just the speed to adopt new technologies like AI, but the clarity to recognize when foundational elements, like your data strategy, must be fixed first to unlock true potential.Today, we're going to talk about the intense pressure on revenue and marketing leaders to demonstrate ROI from AI. We'll explore the counterintuitive idea that simply chasing 'better AI' is a distraction, and that the real gains come from addressing the foundational data gaps that plague most organizations.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Ann Davis, Chief Revenue Officer at Crunchbase. About Ann DavisAnn Davis is the Chief Revenue Officer at Crunchbase, where she leads global sales strategy and drives adoption of the company's AI-powered predictive intelligence solution. With more than 30 years of experience scaling enterprise sales teams at high-growth SaaS companies, Ann brings deep expertise in data analytics, customer engagement, and revenue growth. She joined Crunchbase from Google Cloud, where she led sales for data analytics solutions—including BigQuery and Vertex—across multiple U.S. regions. Prior to that, she was Vice President of Sales at Looker, playing a key role in expanding its enterprise business ahead of its acquisition by Google. At Crunchbase, Ann is focused on helping customers unlock the power of AI-driven market insights to anticipate shifts and act faster.Ann Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anndavis3/---------- Resources ---------- Crunchbase: https://www.crunchbase.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716baCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Furniture.com's CMO Dan Bennett and SVP Alexandra Seaman on helping consumers navigate endless choice

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2026 31:49


What if the infinite shelf of e-commerce hasn't made customers more confident, but has instead created a new kind of friction: the paralysis of endless choice?Agility requires brands to shift their focus from simply providing more options to actively helping customers navigate them.Today, we're going to talk about:- Understanding the modern customer journey when discovery is no longer the primary problem.- Building value as a "decision layer" that sits on top of commerce, rather than competing with it.- Using AI not just for personalization, but for simplification and decision support.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Dan Bennett, CMO, and Alexandra Seaman, Co-Founder and SVP at Furniture.com.About Dan BennettDan Bennett is Chief Marketing Officer and founding team member at Furniture.com, where he's reshaping furniture retail through AI, data, and an open marketplace model. Since 2022, Dan has helped scale the company to 80+ employees across two offices, connecting millions of shoppers with hundreds of brands. Before Furniture.com, he was CMO at Packable, a Carlyle-backed e-commerce platform that grew into Amazon's largest third-party marketplace partner and reached a $2 billion valuation. Earlier, Dan spent over a decade leading digital and brand strategy at McCann and Grey, driving growth for global names like P&G, Facebook, Microsoft, and Nike. Dan brings a focus on clear priorities, fast execution, and building teams that fuel sustainable growth.Dan Bennett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennettdaniel/About Alexandra SeamanAlex Seaman is Co-Founder and SVP at Furniture.com, where she leads strategy and partnerships for a fast-growing furniture shopping platform redefining how people discover and buy furniture. Since launch, she has expanded the platform to more than 70 participating retailers and earned recognition as one of Furniture Today's “40 Under 40.”---------- Resources ----------Furniture.com: https://www.furniture.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other generative AI tools, Chaser is the only platform that brings AI-powered project management into Slack, where teams already work. Chaser is based in Toronto, Canada. Learn more at trychaser.com.The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716baCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
ReflexAI CEO Sam Dorison on the gap between sales training and what happens in the real world

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2026 26:08


How much of your marketing and CX investment is being undermined in the final mile by a sales conversation that goes off the rails?Agility requires our customer-facing teams do more than recite a script; they need the situational awareness to navigate complex conversations in real time. This capability isn't just a sales skill—it's a critical component of the overall customer experience.Today, we're talking about the gap between traditional sales training and real-world performance. Most reps forget the majority of what they learn, and classroom theory often fails to prepare them for the pressure and unpredictability of live buyer interactions. We'll explore how AI-powered simulation is moving beyond static role-play to create deliberate practice environments where teams can build the muscle memory needed for high-stakes conversations.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Sam Dorison, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at ReflexAI. About Sam DorisonSam Dorison is the Cofounder and CEO at ReflexAI. An expert in artificial intelligence strategy and product deployment, Dorison has been involved with AI-powered products in industries ranging from mental health to cybersecurity to smart cities. Before launching ReflexAI, he served as Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at The Trevor Project, the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people. There, he published 5 peer-reviewed articles on mental health and oversaw teams including crisis services, training, research, technology, and finance. Dorison previously worked at McKinsey & Company and Harvard Kennedy School. He graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Princeton University's School of Public and International Affairs. He also holds an LL.M. from Cambridge University and a master's degree from University College London, both as a Marshall Scholar. Beyond ReflexAI, Dorison is heavily involved in causes that support families impacted by cancer. Dorison lives in New York City with his husband. Sam Dorison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samdorison/ ---------- Resources ---------- ReflexAI: https://www.reflexai.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other generative AI tools, Chaser is the only platform that brings AI-powered project management into Slack, where teams already work. Chaser is based in Toronto, Canada. Learn more at trychaser.com.The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Infobip's Ben Lewis on building deeper relationships with sports fans

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2026 23:04


In a world of infinite entertainment choices, how does a sports franchise earn a fan's loyalty when the game isn't being played?Agility requires meeting fans where they are, with the right message at the right moment, whether they're on their couch or in their seat. This means adapting communication strategies in real-time to create a conversation, not just a broadcast.Today, we're going to talk about how sports franchises are navigating an incredibly crowded calendar to build deeper relationships with their fans. It's no longer just about what happens on the field or the court; it's about merging technology and creativity to design a seamless fan journey that extends from their living room to the stadium and back. This means looking beyond traditional broadcast and email to create interactive, personalized experiences that add real value.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Ben Lewis, VP of Marketing and Growth at Infobip. About Ben Lewis Ben Lewis is the Vice President of Marketing and Growth at Infobip, a global cloud communications platform, appointed in December 2022. Based in Israel, he leads global marketing, aiming to increase brand awareness and market share. He previously held roles at OpenMarket and has extensive experience in omnichannel communications and strategic commercial innovation. Ben Lewis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-lewis-082b7915/ ---------- Resources ---------- Infobip: infobip.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other generative AI tools, Chaser is the only platform that brings AI-powered project management into Slack, where teams already work. Chaser is based in Toronto, Canada. Learn more at trychaser.com.The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
LiveRamp's Daniella Harkins on distinguishing AI hype and real innovation

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2026 25:56


With every vendor claiming their platform is a revolutionary AI silver bullet, how do enterprise leaders distinguish between genuine innovation and what's essentially just marketing hype wrapped in a new algorithm?Agility requires a clear-eyed strategy for adopting new technologies, especially AI, focusing on practical outcomes over speculative promises.Today, we're going to talk about moving past the theoretical promise of AI and into its practical application for enterprise marketing. We'll discuss:- How to demystify AI for the broader marketing organization so your teams can actually use it.- Moving beyond theory to discuss tangible applications that drive efficiency and better customer experiences.- Why a solid data foundation isn't just important for AI, but is the absolute prerequisite for its success.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Daniella Harkins, SVP, Product GTM at LiveRamp. About Daniella HarkinsDaniella Harkins is SVP, Product Go To Market at LiveRamp (NYSE: RAMP), the leading data collaboration platform. She works at the intersection of product and commercial teams to drive the structure and transformation of the two functions team toward the next evolution — empowering them to achieve max productivity. She holds a deep understanding of the market and field and translating it into GTM activities such as pricing, product stories, salesplays, and launches. Daniella holds a Bachelor of Arts in French from Temple University and an MBA from St. John's University Rome, and speaks French and Italian. Daniella Harkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dharkins/ ---------- Resources ---------- LiveRamp: https://www.liveramp.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other generative AI tools, Chaser is the only platform that brings AI-powered project management into Slack, where teams already work. Chaser is based in Toronto, Canada. Learn more at trychaser.com.The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Salesforce's Nitin Mangtani on how AI is evolving on-site search

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 30:01


What if the most common point of failure in your digital customer experience: the 'no results found' page, could become your greatest opportunity for conversion and discovery?Agility requires not just adopting new technologies, but fundamentally rethinking core customer interactions, like search, that have remained static for far too long. It demands a shift from rigid rules to responsive, intelligent systems that learn from and adapt to customer intent in real time.Today, we're going to talk about the evolution of on-site search. For years, it's been a functional, yet often frustrating, utility for customers. But with advancements in AI, it's transforming from a simple keyword-matching tool into a conversational discovery engine that can anticipate intent and drive a more intelligent customer experience.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Nitin Mangtani, GM and EVP of Agentforce Commerce at Salesforce.About Nitin MangtaniAbout Nitin MangtaniI am EVP & GM at Salesforce leading the Commerce Cloud and Retail Cloud team. Joined Salesforce executive team with the acquisition of PredictSpring in Sep 2024.I was Founder & CEO at PredictSpring, a leader in the Modern POS space. I led the company as CEO from the founding in my garage to raising $32M from top tier VC's. Acquired amazing customers and delivered high value to global brands from Crate & Barrel, CB2, Under Armour, Janie & Jack, Bouclair, SuitSupply, Orvis, Steve Madden, Deciem (Estee Lauder), LoveSac and others. Maintained highest capital efficiency and delivered top quartile returns to employee's and investors. Salesforce acquired PredictSpring in Sep 2024.Prior to founding PredictSpring, I was a Group Product Manager at Google. During my 7 years at Google, I led strategic initiatives including Google Shopping and scaling the product to hundreds of thousands of merchants in 40 countries. I also Co-led the Google Adwords - Offer Extensions team and Founded Google Apps Search product.Nitin Mangtani on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitinmangtani/Nitin Mangtani on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitinmangtani/---------- Resources ----------Salesforce: https://www.salesforce.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fDon't miss We Make Future - the International Festival of Innovation in AI, Tech, and Digital Marketing, June 24-26 in Bologna. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c80991afff416bb2The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716baCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Twilio's Vanessa Thompson on moving to a unified view of your customers

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 24:05


What if the marketing funnel, the foundational model we've relied on for decades, is fundamentally flawed and actively misleading us about what our customers actually want?Agility requires not just reacting quickly, but reacting with intelligence, which is impossible when your customer data is telling you the wrong story.Today, we're going to talk about the shift from legacy metrics to a more intelligent, unified view of the customer. Specifically, we'll cover:- Why traditional funnel metrics can obscure true customer intent and what to focus on instead.- The architectural shift required to move from generic, disjointed interactions to a unified, personalized customer experience.- How context-aware AI is graduating from simple automation to becoming a core driver of intelligent customer engagement.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Vanessa Thompson, VP of Revenue & Growth Marketing at Twilio.About Vanessa ThomsponVanessa Thompson is Vice President of Revenue & Growth Marketing at Twilio, leading a global team that drives top-of-funnel growth. Her expertise spans all facets of go-to-market including demand generation, growth, lifecycle, analytics, product marketing and product strategy. Vanessa leads high-impact initiatives that drive acquisition and fuel business expansion - helping Twilio execute its vision to make every digital interaction between consumers and businesses amazing. Vanessa Thomspon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessathomps/---------- Resources ----------Twilo: https://www.twilio.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fThe most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716baCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Asana CMO Prachi Gore on realizing AI's true potential for marketing operations

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2026 30:59


What if the biggest risk of AI in marketing isn't about job replacement, but about creating more fragmented, siloed work?Agility requires more than just adopting new tools; it demands a fundamental rethinking of how teams collaborate and orchestrate work. When a technology like AI promises to accelerate individual tasks, true agility means ensuring that acceleration translates into collective momentum, not organizational friction.Today, we're going to talk about moving beyond the hype of AI experimentation and into the reality of its operational impact on marketing teams. We'll explore what happens when AI graduates from being a personal productivity tool to becoming an integrated part of a team's workflow, and how that shift changes everything from campaign execution to the very structure of marketing itself.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Prachi Gore, CMO at Asana. About Prachi Gore Prachi Gore is the Chief Marketing Officer at Asana, where she leads the company's global marketing strategy and brand development. Prachi brings extensive experience scaling product-led B2B organizations, having previously served as SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Checkr, where she built the company's demand engine, elevated its brand, and launched its product-led growth business. Prior to Checkr, Prachi led Marketing at SmartRecruiters, guiding the company's evolution from an SMB-focused product to a leading enterprise talent acquisition suite. This diverse background across consumer, SMB, and enterprise markets gives her deep expertise in demand generation, brand strategy, and AI-enabled go-to-market innovation. Prachi is passionate about creating marketing that combines human creativity with rigorous, data-driven execution, and is committed to helping teams work more effectively and tell clearer stories. Prachi Gore on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prachigore/ ---------- Resources ---------- Asana: asana.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fDon't miss We Make Future - the International Festival of Innovation in AI, Tech, and Digital Marketing, June 24-26 in Bologna. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c80991afff416bb2The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Vasion Chief Strategy Officer JD Carter on Building a responsive brand

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2026 27:22


To keep up in a changing market, are you building a responsive brand, or are you constantly playing catch-up?Agility requires more than just quick reactions; it demands a proactive understanding of evolving customer needs and emerging technologies. It also means building adaptable processes and systems that can flex with market demands.Today, we're going to talk about navigating the complexities of modern business strategy in a world of constant disruption. Specifically, we'll explore how Chief Strategy Officers can balance long-term vision with the need for near-term execution, particularly in the face of external pressures like economic shifts, competitive dynamics, and the transformative power of technologies like AI.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome JD Carter, Chief Strategy Officer at Vasion. JD, welcome to the show! About JD Carter JD Carter is the Chief Strategy Officer at Vasion. JD joined Vasion in 2013 as employee number five. A self-described “jack of all trades” executive, he has served during his tenure as the company's VP of sales, CMO, and chief experience officer. In his current role, he helps develop the company's strategy and works with his executive peers to drive performance across the organization. JD also oversees Vasion's mergers and acquisitions function and plays an active role in defining the culture and values by which the company operates. JD Carter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdcarter/ ---------- Resources ---------- Vasion: https://www.vasion.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fEnjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Mintegral's Phoena Pang on the new playbook for performance marketing

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 23:15


Is the relentless pursuit of measurable ROAS fundamentally at odds with building long-term customer trust in a privacy-first world?Agility requires marketers to move beyond legacy attribution models and embrace a more dynamic approach to measurement and monetization. This is especially true in the rapidly evolving mobile ecosystem, where the rules of engagement are constantly being rewritten.Today, we're going to talk about the new playbook for performance marketing in the mobile app ecosystem. We'll explore how to drive growth and measure return on ad spend in an environment defined by signal loss, look at the innovative ad formats that are capturing user attention, and discuss the role of AI in balancing automation with creative effectiveness.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Phoena Pang, Vice President of Sales and Global Partnerships at Mintegral. About Phoena Pang Phoena Pang is the Vice President of Sales and Global Partnerships at Mintegral, a leading global mobile advertising platform. Based in the US, Phoena brings deep expertise in mobile advertising, strategic partnerships, and business development to drive Mintegral's go-to-market growth and operational excellence across global markets. Phoena has held senior roles at top-tier technology companies including Google, Moloco, Vungle, and Chartboost. At Moloco, she led product go-to-market strategy and partnerships for mobile performance marketing. During her time at Google, she served as Global Product Lead and Strategic Partner Lead, where she spearheaded global gaming ads solutions and scaled high-impact partnerships worldwide. At Mintegral, Phoena focuses on optimizing operational performance and cultivating strong, strategic partnerships with advertisers and publishers, reinforcing Mintegral's leadership in programmatic mobile advertising solutions. Phoena Pang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phpang/ ---------- Resources ---------- Mintegral: https://www.mintegral.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fDon't miss We Make Future - the International Festival of Innovation in AI, Tech, and Digital Marketing, June 24-26 in Bologna. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c80991afff416bb2The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Sitecore CMO Michelle BB on 25 years of marketing technology evolution plus what lies ahea

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 33:48


Twenty-five years ago, the goal was to build a website as a digital "single source of truth." In an era of AI agents and hyper-personalized realities, is the very concept of a single, universal brand "truth" now an obstacle to creating a truly relevant customer experience?Agility requires not just adopting new channels and technologies, but fundamentally rethinking the role of content and data in a constantly shifting landscape. It's the ability to move from managing a static digital property to orchestrating a fluid, dynamic relationship with your audience.Today, we're going to talk about the 25-year evolution of digital experience, from the early days of enterprise content management to today's complex ecosystem of AI-driven, composable platforms. We'll explore how seismic shifts—from the introduction of the iPhone to the rise of agentic AI—have not just changed the tools we use, but have fundamentally redefined the relationship between brands and their customers.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek, CMO at Sitecore, a company that is turning 25 this year and has managed to maintain its leadership in the space through many changes and a few curveballs. About Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek (BB) is the Chief Marketing Officer at Sitecore, where she leads a global team of marketers who are redefining what's possible in modern marketing. Together, they're putting the power of generative and agentic AI to work – creating digital experiences that connect people and possibilities across the globe. Michelle is a trailblazer in bringing AI into marketing. At IBM, she served first as Global Head of B2B Marketing at the Weather Company, and then as CMO of IBM Watson, the company's pioneering AI platform. There, she served as the steward of the Watson brand, helping the world understand how AI can transform both work and life. Since then, she's become a Fellow at the Marketing Academy, a founding member of CMO Huddles, and has held CMO roles at both Skillsoft and IDC. At IDC, Michelle reimagined marketing as a strategic growth engine, launching a bold new brand identity, spearheading the company's first GenAI initiatives, and aligning brand, demand, and strategy to drive global impact. Michelle is a frequent speaker on marketing leadership, AI, and purpose-led growth. A lifelong learner, she's also a runner, rescue dog mom, and dark roast devotee. Her best ideas rarely arrive in a meeting, but often hit mid-stride or mid-walk. Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebb/ ---------- Resources ---------- Sitecore: sitecore.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fDon't miss We Make Future - the International Festival of Innovation in AI, Tech, and Digital Marketing, June 24-26 in Bologna. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c80991afff416bb2The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Intuit Mailchimp's Head of Email Product discusses removing friction from martech

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 23:37


What's the hidden tax your organization pays every time a creative asset moves from a design tool to a marketing platform, and how can you shorten the time to gain important insights about how your campaigns perform?Agility requires more than just speed. It demands that we eliminate the friction between our systems and processes so teams can move from concept to customer with minimal translation errors and maximum impact. It also means that we need to find the best ways to understand campaign performance without requiring everyone in marketing to be a data scientist.We're going to discuss:- the persistent gap between creative design and marketing execution- the value that AI-based capabilities can add to the understanding of analytics and performanceTo help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Ose Amiegheme, Head of Email Product at Intuit Mailchimp. About Ose Amiegheme Ose Amiegheme is a product leader building the future of creation and growth tools.Today, he leads product for Intuit Mailchimp's Email and omnichannel campaigns creation experiences, shaping how small businesses create content, launch campaigns, and grow across channels.Previously, he led advertising products at TikTok supporting multi-billion-dollar revenue businesses and helped launch products spanning GenAI creative tooling, campaign optimization, and advertiser control systems.Before TikTok, Ose spent four years at Adobe helping build Adobe Express, where he worked across editor experiences, AI-assisted creation, and products used by millions of creators globally. His career has followed a consistent theme of building products that empower creators and marketers to tell their story in a way that feels genuine but also standout.Outside of work, Ose is a huge soccer fan and he is excited for the upcoming soccer World Cup. Ose Amiegheme on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ose-amiegheme/ / https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyejones/ ---------- Resources ---------- Intuit Mailchimp: https://mailchimp.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fDon't miss We Make Future - the International Festival of Innovation in AI, Tech, and Digital Marketing, June 24-26 in Bologna. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c80991afff416bb2The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Lean Startup author Eric Ries on building a brand for the long term

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026 39:39


In an era of relentless pressure for quarterly growth, is it even possible for a large brand to stay true to its core mission, or is compromising a brand's values just an inevitable part of achieving scale?Agility requires more than just reacting quickly to market changes. It requires a resilient, long-term mission that acts as a north star, ensuring that every pivot and experiment builds enduring value, not just short-term gains.Today, we're going to talk about the tension that every marketing leader feels: the conflict between the relentless demand for measurable, short-term results and the need to build a brand with a durable, long-term mission. We'll explore how the very systems designed to measure success can sometimes corrupt a company's purpose, and how a new definition of value can create a strategic advantage that outlasts fleeting market trends.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Eric Ries, Author of The Lean Startup, and the new book, Incorruptible. About Eric Ries Over the last two decades, Eric Ries's ideas about continuous innovation, long-term thinking, governance, and market reform have reshaped company building and management practices. He is the creator of the Lean Startup method, and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Lean Startup; The Leader's Guide; and The Startup Way. As a founder, he has put his own ideas into practice with The Long-Term Stock Exchange (LTSE); Answer.AI, an AI R&D lab; the Lean Startup Co, which teaches and supports the implementation of Lean Startup; Virgil, a legal services startup; and IMVU, where the ideas that became the Lean Startup method were forged. On his podcast, The Eric Ries Show, he talks to guests including world-class technologists, thought leaders, and executives working to build profitable companies for the long-term benefit of society. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three children. Eric Ries on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eries/ ---------- Resources ---------- The Lean Startup: https://www.leanstartup.co The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Get Incorruptible by Eric Ries: https://amzn.to/4dERCRyDrive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fDon't miss We Make Future - the International Festival of Innovation in AI, Tech, and Digital Marketing, June 24-26 in Bologna. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c80991afff416bb2The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
RGP Chief Strategy & Experience Officer Jennifer Jones on the human experience of digital transformation

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 26:39


What if the biggest obstacle to delivering a world-class customer experience isn't your technology or your strategy, but the very way your teams are structured and enabled to work?Agility requires creating an internal environment that can fluidly adapt to—and even anticipate—the needs of the external customer.Today, we're going to talk about: the often-overlooked foundation of successful business transformation: the human experience. We'll explore: Why the employee experience isn't just an HR initiative but a direct driver of customer outcomes How designing systems around the way people actually think—not just how we're organized on a chart—is critical. The practical application of a human-centered lens to business processes Why so many large-scale changes fail when they don't properly connect the dots between people, processes, and technology.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Jennifer Jones, Chief Strategy & Experience Officer at RGP. About Jennifer Jones Jennifer Jones is Chief Strategy & Experience Officer at RGP, a global professional services firm, where she leads enterprise strategy and experience end-to-end—aligning go-to-market, customer and employee experience, and operating models to accelerate growth and retention. She is responsible for translating strategy into execution across the business, partnering across sales, delivery, finance, technology, HR, and talent to remove friction, strengthen adoption, and drive measurable outcomes. Jennifer also leads global marketing and communications, shaping RGP's market voice, positioning, and demand generation engine. Previously, she served as Chief Marketing Officer, where she unified the company's brand, go-to-market strategy, and growth programs to support its evolution into a differentiated, execution-focused consulting firm. With more than 28 years of experience, Jennifer is known for closing the gap between vision and execution. She has led large-scale transformations across brand, customer and employee experience, service design, and AI-enabled operating models—helping Fortune 500 organizations modernize in ways that drive adoption, unlock value, and deliver sustained impact. Her work is grounded in human-centered design, ensuring transformation is not only strategic, but people-focused, actionable and enduring. Jennifer Jones on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifergardnerjones/ --------Resources-------- RGP: https://rgp.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fDon't miss We Make Future - the International Festival of Innovation in AI, Tech, and Digital Marketing, June 24-26 in Bologna. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c80991afff416bb2The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Resident Expert: Bill Staikos on the CX landscape in 2026

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 27:18


As a leader, you often spend so much time on the strategies and tactics that keep your brand growing that it's difficult to keep up with what's going on in the background with the platforms and the companies behind them.That's why I'm always glad to talk with our guest today, who is both focused on the business of CX as well as the business behind CX and the SaaS platforms driving so many customer experiences. I'm excited to talk again with our Resident Expert on the CX and MarTech platform landscape. We talked right at the beginning of 2026 as a look back at last year. Now that we've had a quarter behind us in 2026, it's time to talk about how this year is shaping up and what we can expect in the months ahead.To help me discuss these topics, I'd like to welcome, Bill Staikos, Founder at Be Customer Led. About Bill Staikos Bill Staikos is a senior customer experience executive with over 20 years of leadership across financial services, consulting, and technology. He has held senior roles at American Express, Freddie Mac, JP Morgan, and BNY Mellon, where he led global initiatives to transform client and employee experiences. A former SVP at Medallia, Bill helped organizations turn insights into measurable outcomes.Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice and one of the Top 50 Global CX Influencers, Bill is also the founder of the Be Customer-Led podcast and is now preparing to launch The Multimodal Experience. Known for his pragmatic, impact-driven approach, Bill advises leading brands, including Apple, Bank of America, Marriott, and T-Mobile, on connecting customer experience to business growth. Bill Staikos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billstaikos/ Resources Be Customer Led: https://becustomerled.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fDon't miss We Make Future - the International Festival of Innovation in AI, Tech, and Digital Marketing, June 24-26 in Bologna. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c80991afff416bb2The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
University of Phoenix Chief Strategy Officer Ruth Veloria on higher education and the workforce of the future

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 29:30


With the half-life of professional skills shrinking every year, is the traditional model of corporate learning and development fundamentally broken, and what role should employers play in the new era of continuous education?Agility requires a workforce that can adapt and acquire new skills as quickly as the market changes. This means the old models of education and professional development must be re-engineered for a world that demands continuous learning integrated with professional life.Today, we're going to talk about the evolution of higher education, specifically how online programs are being redesigned from the ground up to meet the complex needs of working adults. We'll explore how concepts we often discuss in customer experience—like personalization and flexibility—are being applied to learning to help professionals advance their careers without putting the rest of their lives on hold.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Ruth Veloria, Chief Strategy and Customer Officer at University of Phoenix. About Ruth Veloria Ruth Veloria is Chief Strategy and Customer Officer at the University of Phoenix, where she leads strategic vision, customer experience innovation, and the use of student data to support progress, graduation, and career success. She joined the University in 2009 and has held roles including chief customer officer and executive dean of the Business School, with prior strategy experience at Booz Allen, BCG, and Charles Schwab. Veloria holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from New College at the University of Oxford and a master's in management from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. Ruth Veloria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthveloria/ Resources University of Phoenix: https://www.phoenix.edu/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873f Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
#858: MarketingOps CEO Mike Rizzo on Marketing Operations as a strategic driver of growth

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 29:22


Most leaders see Marketing Ops as the team that keeps the trains running on time, essentially the plumbers of the marketing department. But what if I told you they're actually positioned to be the architects of your company's most durable competitive advantage? Agility requires moving beyond the transactional nature of campaigns and technology. It demands building a durable, responsive ecosystem around your brand, one that can listen and adapt not just quarterly, but constantly.Today, we're going to talk about how to reframe the marketing operations function from a cost center or tactical execution engine into a strategic driver of growth. And we'll explore a powerful, and perhaps counterintuitive, way to do it: by building a genuine community, not just as a marketing channel, but as the core of your go-to-market strategy. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Mike Rizzo, CEO at MarketingOps. About Mike Rizzo Mike Rizzo is a career marketing operations professional passionate about using a people-first approach to building scalable and efficient solutions to the challenges faced by marketing, business operations, and client success teams. With his extensive background in marketing Mike helped build, launch, manage and optimize Mavenlink's first user community and Client Advisory Board programs. In 2017 he also founded the growing community of MO Pros - a place where thousands of Marketing Operations Professionals connect, collaborate and help elevate the practice of Marketing Ops. He is also the co-host of the podcast called Ops Cast.As the founder of MarketingOps.com, Mike is taking a community-led approach to building a platform purpose-built to elevate Marketing Operations Professionals. Mike Rizzo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aharze/ Resources MarketingOps: https://www.marketingops.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658 Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873f Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
MarketingOps CEO Mike Rizzo on Marketing Operations as a strategic driver of growth

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 26:52


Most leaders see Marketing Ops as the team that keeps the trains running on time, essentially the plumbers of the marketing department. But what if I told you they're actually positioned to be the architects of your company's most durable competitive advantage?Agility requires moving beyond the transactional nature of campaigns and technology. It demands building a durable, responsive ecosystem around your brand, one that can listen and adapt not just quarterly, but constantly.Today, we're going to talk about how to reframe the marketing operations function from a cost center or tactical execution engine into a strategic driver of growth. And we'll explore a powerful, and perhaps counterintuitive, way to do it: by building a genuine community, not just as a marketing channel, but as the core of your go-to-market strategy.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Mike Rizzo, CEO at MarketingOps.About Mike Rizzo Mike Rizzo is a career marketing operations professional passionate about using a people-first approach to building scalable and efficient solutions to the challenges faced by marketing, business operations, and client success teams.With his extensive background in marketing Mike helped build, launch, manage and optimize Mavenlink's first user community and Client Advisory Board programs.In 2017 he also founded the growing community of MO Pros - a place where thousands of Marketing Operations Professionals connect, collaborate and help elevate the practice of Marketing Ops. He is also the co-host of the podcast called Ops Cast.As the founder of MarketingOps.com, Mike is taking a community-led approach to building a platform purpose-built to elevate Marketing Operations Professionals. Mike Rizzo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aharze/ Resources MarketingOps: https://www.marketingops.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fEnjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
Tealium's Zack Wenthe on the hidden challenge of AI-driven commerce

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 24:47


As you race to adopt AI-powered shopping experiences, are you creating a new data black box that will make your customer journey less understood, not more?Agility requires not just the speed to adopt new channels like generative AI, but the foresight to ensure these new touchpoints don't become blind spots in your customer journey. It demands that our data strategy evolves as quickly as our customer-facing technology.Today, we're going to talk about the hidden challenge of AI-driven commerce. As major brands roll out compelling shopping experiences on platforms like Google's Gemini, they risk creating a new data black box. When customer interactions happen inside these AI environments, the insights from those conversations can become disconnected from the overall customer journey, making it difficult to measure impact and act on what you've learned.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Zack Wenthe, Director of Product Marketing & Customer Data Evangelist at Tealium. Zack, welcome to the show!About Zack Wenthe Zack Wenthe is a seasoned product marketing and customer data expert, currently serving as Director of Product Marketing & Customer Data Evangelist at Tealium, where he helps brands unlock the power of unified customer insights and drive meaningful engagement through data-driven strategies with the power of value-add storytelling in product marketing. He's a prolific speaker, writer, and storyteller in the martech space, known for breaking down complex ideas into practical, revenue-focused narratives. Zack Wenthe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackwenthe/ Resources Tealium : https://tealium.com/products/tealium-for-AI/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703  Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873f Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
#857: Tealium's Zack Wenthe on the hidden challenge of AI-driven commerce

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 27:17


As you race to adopt AI-powered shopping experiences, are you creating a new data black box that will make your customer journey less understood, not more? Agility requires not just the speed to adopt new channels like generative AI, but the foresight to ensure these new touchpoints don't become blind spots in your customer journey. It demands that our data strategy evolves as quickly as our customer-facing technology. Today, we're going to talk about the hidden challenge of AI-driven commerce. As major brands roll out compelling shopping experiences on platforms like Google's Gemini, they risk creating a new data black box. When customer interactions happen inside these AI environments, the insights from those conversations can become disconnected from the overall customer journey, making it difficult to measure impact and act on what you've learned. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Zack Wenthe, Director of Product Marketing & Customer Data Evangelist at Tealium. Zack, welcome to the show! About Zack Wenthe Zack Wenthe is a seasoned product marketing and customer data expert, currently serving as Director of Product Marketing & Customer Data Evangelist at Tealium, where he helps brands unlock the power of unified customer insights and drive meaningful engagement through data-driven strategies with the power of value-add storytelling in product marketing. He's a prolific speaker, writer, and storyteller in the martech space, known for breaking down complex ideas into practical, revenue-focused narratives. Zack Wenthe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackwenthe/ Resources Tealium : https://tealium.com/products/tealium-for-AI/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703  Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873f Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
#855: Fullstory President Jason Wolf on moving from observation to actively assisting digital customers

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 22:25


What's the bigger blind spot for most brands' digital experience: knowing that a customer is struggling, or understanding why and being able to help them in that exact moment? Agility requires not just identifying customer friction quickly, but having the tools to resolve it in the moment. It's about shortening the gap between insight and action to create better experiences, faster.Today, we're going to talk about a strategic evolution in digital experience management: moving beyond passively observing user behavior to actively intervening and guiding users toward success, directly within the product. We'll explore how this shift is being accelerated by strategic acquisitions and how it empowers product, marketing, and CX teams to solve problems in real time.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Jason Wolf, President at Fullstory. About Jason Wolf Jason Wolf is an accomplished technology executive with over two decades of experience driving strategic growth and operational excellence across the technology sector. As President of Fullstory, Jason leads sales, customer success, support, professional services, partnerships, and revenue operations.Before joining Fullstory, Wolf served as Ping Identity's Chief Revenue Officer, leading an international team that cemented the company's position in intelligent identity solutions that make digital experiences secure and seamless. Preceding his time at Ping Identity, Wolf spent over 15 years at SAP, where he held several executive positions, ultimately culminating in his role as CRO, overseeing the business's spending management and network line. His career also includes valuable experiences at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and as a consultant for Ernst and Young. Jason Wolf on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-wolf-ismatsap/ Resources Fullstory: https://www.fullstory.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873f Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
#855: Fullstory President Jason Wolf on moving from observation to actively assisting digital customers

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 19:55


What's the bigger blind spot for most brands' digital experience: knowing that a customer is struggling, or understanding why and being able to help them in that exact moment? Agility requires not just identifying customer friction quickly, but having the tools to resolve it in the moment. It's about shortening the gap between insight and action to create better experiences, faster.Today, we're going to talk about a strategic evolution in digital experience management: moving beyond passively observing user behavior to actively intervening and guiding users toward success, directly within the product. We'll explore how this shift is being accelerated by strategic acquisitions and how it empowers product, marketing, and CX teams to solve problems in real time.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Jason Wolf, President at Fullstory. About Jason Wolf Jason Wolf is an accomplished technology executive with over two decades of experience driving strategic growth and operational excellence across the technology sector. As President of Fullstory, Jason leads sales, customer success, support, professional services, partnerships, and revenue operations.Before joining Fullstory, Wolf served as Ping Identity's Chief Revenue Officer, leading an international team that cemented the company's position in intelligent identity solutions that make digital experiences secure and seamless. Preceding his time at Ping Identity, Wolf spent over 15 years at SAP, where he held several executive positions, ultimately culminating in his role as CRO, overseeing the business's spending management and network line. His career also includes valuable experiences at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and as a consultant for Ernst and Young. Jason Wolf on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-wolf-ismatsap/ Resources Fullstory: https://www.fullstory.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873f Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
#854: PGA TOUR's Zach Carlson on creating an amazing fan experience

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 19:01


In an era dominated by high-definition home entertainment and endless digital distractions, what does it take to convince a fan that a live, in-person experience is not just worth their time and money, but is something they can't afford to miss?Agility requires not just having a plan, but building a system to listen and respond to your audience in real time. It's about turning feedback from a retrospective report into an in-the-moment action plan.Following the recent Qualtrics X4 Summit in Seattle, we're going to talk about what it takes to engineer a world-class fan experience. We'll explore how a legacy brand moves beyond the traditional event model to create personalized, memorable moments, and how they use real-time data not just to measure satisfaction, but to proactively shape the fan journey from the moment someone buys a ticket to long after they've left the course.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Zach Carlson, Director of Fan Engagement at PGA TOUR. About Zach Carlson As a Director of Fan Engagement - Decision Sciences at PGA TOUR, I leverage my consumer research expertise and project management skills to gather feedback and insights from various stakeholders, including fans, players, and employees. I have over 10 years of experience in applying data-driven marketing and research strategies to support business decisions and optimize outcomes.I am passionate about enhancing the fan experience and creating value for the PGA TOUR brand and partners. I built and managed the PGA TOUR Fan Council, a research community of over 12,000 fans who help us identify what golf fans want and shape the products and experiences we create. I also lead the implementation of @Qualtrics CX and EX solutions throughout the organization to measure and improve customer and employee satisfaction and loyalty. I enjoy working with cross-functional teams and communicating effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences. Zach Carlson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharyjcarlson/ Resources PGA TOUR: https://www.pgatour.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873f Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
#854: PGA TOUR's Zach Carlson on creating an amazing fan experience

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 21:31


In an era dominated by high-definition home entertainment and endless digital distractions, what does it take to convince a fan that a live, in-person experience is not just worth their time and money, but is something they can't afford to miss? Agility requires not just having a plan, but building a system to listen and respond to your audience in real time. It's about turning feedback from a retrospective report into an in-the-moment action plan. Following the recent Qualtrics X4 Summit in Seattle, we're going to talk about what it takes to engineer a world-class fan experience. We'll explore how a legacy brand moves beyond the traditional event model to create personalized, memorable moments, and how they use real-time data not just to measure satisfaction, but to proactively shape the fan journey from the moment someone buys a ticket to long after they've left the course.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Zach Carlson, Director of Fan Engagement at PGA TOUR. About Zach Carlson As a Director of Fan Engagement - Decision Sciences at PGA TOUR, I leverage my consumer research expertise and project management skills to gather feedback and insights from various stakeholders, including fans, players, and employees. I have over 10 years of experience in applying data-driven marketing and research strategies to support business decisions and optimize outcomes.I am passionate about enhancing the fan experience and creating value for the PGA TOUR brand and partners. I built and managed the PGA TOUR Fan Council, a research community of over 12,000 fans who help us identify what golf fans want and shape the products and experiences we create. I also lead the implementation of @Qualtrics CX and EX solutions throughout the organization to measure and improve customer and employee satisfaction and loyalty. I enjoy working with cross-functional teams and communicating effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences. Zach Carlson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharyjcarlson/ Resources PGA TOUR: https://www.pgatour.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873f Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom
#853: Sköna CEO Jenny Sagström on design consistency in high-growth brands

The Agile World with Greg Kihlstrom

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 25:18


In the race for B2B growth, we often prioritize speed over everything else. But what's the real cost when your brand starts to look like a collection of spare parts cobbled together by different teams?Agility requires a strong, foundational framework to enable speed without sacrificing coherence. It's about empowering teams to move quickly and independently, while still ensuring every customer touchpoint feels like it comes from one unified brand.Today, we're going to talk about why brand and design consistency is often the first casualty of high-growth B2B environments, and paradoxically, one of the most critical assets to protect. We'll explore how that fragmentation happens, from different teams launching products to rapid hiring, and discuss why building a consistent brand isn't just a "nice-to-have"—it's a direct line to building trust and long-term value with your customers.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Jenny Sagström, CEO at Sköna. About Jenny Sagström Jenny is cofounder and CEO of Sköna, a B2B creative agency that's been building brave brands for innovative technology companies since 2004. Jenny entered the agency world in 1998 with Kraftverket in her native Stockholm, Sweden, shortly after graduating with a BA in Economics and International Relations from the University of Reading. In 2000, she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to work at Corsi & Partners, where she was responsible for a multitude of clients, including the Oakland Raiders. Since founding Sköna, Jenny has helped lead it from a two-person shop to a flourishing global business, where she currently oversees strategy, account management, and global expansion. An occasional public speaker, article writer, and podcaster, she spends her spare time skiing, tinkering with (and even completing!) DIY projects, and enjoying the company of her husband and two daughters. Jenny Sagström on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennysagstrom/ Resources Sköna: www.skona.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873f Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.