The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström®: Expert Mode Marketing Technology, AI, & CX

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the race to adopt AI, how do we avoid creating a sea of sameness and alienating the very customers we're trying to connect with? Today, we're going to talk about the intentional design of our marketing future. We’ll explore how leading brands are moving beyond the hype of AI to build practical, collaborative frameworks between humans and machines, shifting from outdated customer segments to real-time signals, and ultimately, creating experiences that are not only efficient but deeply empathetic and relevant. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek, CMO at Sitecore and Talisha Padgett, GM MArTech, AI & Automation at Microsoft, who will be doing a fireside chat at the upcoming Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. We’re going to get a sneak preview today of some of the topics they’ll be discussing. About Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek and Talisha Padgett Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebb/ Talisha Padgett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talishapadgett/ Resources Sitecore: https://www.sitecore.com Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando, Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/ Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is your content strategy guided more by hunches than data? Agility requires being nimble enough to adapt everything from a single post to key components of your content strategy based on how real customers are interacting and engaging. Today, we are in New York City at Contentsquare’s CX Circle and we're going to talk about listening to what your customers want and how they interact with your content to help a brand create the strongest possible content strategy. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Chip Lewis, Director of Web Analytics at Shutterfly. About Chip Lewis Chip Lewis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ulianau/ Resources Shutterfly: https://www.shutterfly.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

In a world saturated with marketing messages, how can brands cut through the noise and create truly resonant experiences that go beyond transactions to create genuine, long-term customer relationships? Agility requires a willingness to constantly adapt and evolve your strategies based on real-time data and customer feedback. It also demands a culture of experimentation and a commitment to iterating quickly on what you learn. Today, we are in New York City at Contentsquare’s CX Circle and we're going to talk about leveraging AI and personalization to drive success in direct-to-consumer marketing. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Kelly Soligon, VP of Consumer Digital Direct Sales at Microsoft. Kelly, welcome to the show! About Kelly Soligon Kelly Soligon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksoligon/ Resources Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Is your brand agile enough for the changing expectations of your customers in a world increasingly driven by AI? Agility requires more than just fast reactions; it demands proactive adaptation, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace emerging technologies. It also requires understanding how these technologies can transform customer experience and drive business value. Today, we are in New York City at Contentsquares CX Circle and we're going to talk about the convergence of digital experience analytics and the power of voice of the customer insights, particularly in light of the increasing impact of AI. We'll also dive into how these insights can drive a more agile and customer-centric approach to brand building. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Dave Anderson, VP of Product Marketing at Contentsquare. About Dave Anderson Dave Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveando/ Resources Contentsquare: https://www.contentsquare.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company