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

What if the biggest threat to your brand’s agility and security isn't a competitor, but the welcome mat you lay out for your own partners? Agility requires not just the ability to move quickly, but the confidence to do so securely. It’s about building a foundation of trust that enables seamless collaboration without introducing unnecessary risk. Today, we're going to talk about a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of brand agility: the digital experience we provide to our third-party partners. From marketing agencies to technology vendors, these relationships are essential, but the very processes meant to enable them—like onboarding and system access—can often be the source of massive friction, security risks, and a fundamental breakdown of trust. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Haider Iqbal, Director, Identity & Access Management at Thales. About Haider Iqbal Haider is a technology leader and strategist with a career that spans consulting, sales, acquisitions, and product marketing across multiple regions. He has guided multimillion-dollar sales efforts, played a key role in a $100 million identity-sector acquisition, and now leads product marketing for Thales’s IAM business. With roots in management consulting and a track record of translating complex technology into business growth, Haider brings both breadth and depth of expertise. Driven by a mindset of constant learning and unlearning, he is passionate about building technology that is inclusive, trustworthy, and safe for future generations. Outside of work, Haider can often be found on a cricket pitch, volleyball court, or golf course, with very occasional success. Haider Iqbal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haideriqbal/ Resources Thales: https://www.thales.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 multi-million dollar AI initiative you're championing is being silently sabotaged, not by a competitor, but by your own data infrastructure?Agility requires more than just fast decision-making; it requires a data foundation that can deliver insights at the speed of business, without the traditional delays of moving and duplicating information. This ability to access and act on real-time, comprehensive data is what separates brands that lead from those that follow.Today, we're going to talk about the silent killer of AI projects. While everyone focuses on the glamour of AI models and algorithms, the reality is that most enterprise initiatives stall or fail at the data layer. We’ll be discussing why even modern data warehouses can create new roadblocks, and how a different approach to data management can make your enterprise data truly AI-ready.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Ravi Shankar, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Denodo. About Ravi Shankar Ravi Shankar is the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Denodo. He is responsible for Denodo’s global marketing efforts, including product marketing, demand generation, field marketing, communications, social marketing, customer advocacy, partner marketing, branding, and solutions marketing.,Yes,This will be completed shortly Ravi Shankar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravishankardevaraj/ Resources Denodo: https://www.denodo.com/en/document/analyst-report/denodo-lakehouse-roi This episode is brought to you by Denodo. Powered by logical data management, the Denodo Platform accelerates data integration, management, and delivery for all your business’s data needs. 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

During the chaos of the holiday season, is it possible for small retailers to turn their fragmented customer data into a perfectly timed, personalized marketing, or are they destined to just add to the noise? Agility requires not just collecting customer data from every channel, but having the insight and tools to act on it in the moments that matter most. It’s the ability to translate a customer signal into a relevant experience, instantly.Today, we're going to talk about how small and mid-sized retailers can punch above their weight during the critical holiday season. We'll explore the challenge of turning fragmented customer data from online browsing, email clicks, and even in-store visits into a cohesive strategy that drives precision-targeted campaigns, creates loyal customers, and, most importantly, delivers measurable ROI in a complex, multi-channel world. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Diana Williams, VP of Product Management at Intuit Mailchimp. About Diana Williams Diana Williams is VP of Product Management at Intuit Mailchimp. She is a dynamic leader who excels at turning concepts into revenue-generating products in fast-paced environments. Her experience includes launching e-commerce and business platforms, with expertise in product strategy and accelerating high-quality product execution. Previously, she held leadership roles at technology startups and companies like Meta and eBay. She resides in the Bay Area. Diana Williams on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianalwilliams/ Resources Intuit Mailchimp: https://www.mailchimp.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

Is your contact center ready to become a profit center? Agility requires not just adopting new technologies like AI, but also fundamentally rethinking how we structure our teams, measure success, and interact with customers. It demands a willingness to experiment, learn, and adapt quickly in a constantly evolving landscape. Today, we're going to talk about how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the contact center, transforming it from a cost center into a driver of customer loyalty and revenue growth. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Chang Chang, Senior Director, Product, Cloud CX Solutions at Cisco's Webex Customer Experience Solutions. About Chang Chang Chang Chang, Senior Director, Product, Cloud CX Solutions, Cisco's Webex Customer Experience Solutions.  Chang is a senior director of product management in the Webex Customer Experience Solutions business at Cisco. With over 14 years of product leadership experience, Chang has held key roles at Intuit and Mighty Audio (an early-stage startup), as well as a management consultant at PwC. Chang holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson. Chang Chang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/changjonathanj/ Resources Cisco's Webex Customer Experience Solutions: https://www.webex.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 a world drowning in data, is the 'big creative idea' for a holiday campaign an endangered species, or is it more critical than ever? Agility requires not just moving fast, but moving with confidence. It's the ability to validate creative instincts with real-world data, ensuring that your biggest bets are also your smartest ones. Today, we're going to talk about the high-stakes world of holiday advertising and the delicate balance between creative magic and data-driven methodology. We’re going to talk about one such campaign for John Lewis, a popular British Department store whose holiday ads are a cultural event in the UK, where the stakes can be high. And they aren’t alone. The holiday season is the equivalent of the Super Bowl for many brands, where a single campaign can define the entire year. Yet, for every heartwarming success story, there are countless others that miss the mark. So how do brands de-risk their biggest creative investments and ensure their message will actually resonate with consumers? About Nataly Kelly Nataly Kelly is Chief Marketing Officer at Zappi, based in Boston, MA. Previously she served at HubSpot as Vice President of Marketing, Vice President of International Operations and Strategy, and Vice President of Localization. Nataly Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalykelly/ Resources Zappi: https://www.zappi.io/ 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/ Watch the John Lewis "Where Love Lives" Ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1bRlnyQeDk Zappi Report: Lessons in Advertising: Christmas 2025: https://email.zappistore.com/hubfs/Zappi%20Christmas%20Advertising%202025.pdf Zappi Report: The Connected Insights Imperative: https://www.zappi.io/web/connected-insights-imperative-report/ 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

For most entrepreneurs, the exit is the goal, as well as the end of at least that part of their story. But what if the end is actually a new beginning? Agility requires a deep understanding of your brand's core purpose and the conviction to protect it. This often means having the courage to reverse a decision that was once seen as the ultimate success. Today, we're going to talk about brand integrity, the founder's paradox of building a company to sell, and what happens when you get a second chance to reclaim the brand you created. We'll explore the delicate balance between corporate scale and entrepreneurial soul, and how a brand's purpose can be its most resilient asset. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Mark Rampolla, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Groundforce Capital. About Mark Rampolla Mark Rampolla is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of ZICO Coconut Water, a brand that helped create the now $8 billion global coconut water category. After growing ZICO into one of the fastest-growing beverages worldwide, Mark sold the company to Coca Cola in 2013. He then transitioned into investing, co-founding PowerPlant Partners, where he played a key role in the plant-based food movement, including the success of Beyond Meat. In 2020, Mark made a bold move by repurchasing ZICO from Coca Cola with a group of investors, including Jesse Itzler and tennis star Naomi Osaka. Now, through GroundForce Capital, Mark manages $500 million in assets, focusing on health, wellness, and sustainability investments. His journey reflects a deep commitment to innovation and positive change in the consumer goods industry. Mark Rampolla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksrampolla/ Resources Founder Groundforce Capital: https://www.markrampolla.co/ 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 most dreaded part of your customer's journey: the return, was actually your biggest untapped opportunity for growth?Agility requires brands to re-examine every part of the customer journey, especially the challenging post-purchase phase, and find hidden opportunities to adapt and strengthen customer relationships. It demands we turn operational liabilities into strategic assets. Today, we're going to talk about something that many retailers see as a pure cost center: customer returns. Instead, we’ll explore how a smart, data-driven post-purchase strategy can actually become a powerful engine for customer retention and lifetime value. We'll look at the data trends shaping retail, how to navigate the complex pressures on merchants today, and why this often-overlooked part of the business might be the key to unlocking future growth. Joining me to discuss this is Laura Huddle, CRO at Seel. This show is sponsored by Seel, the AI-powered post-purchase platform that helps retailers turn returns into revenue while giving shoppers a more seamless, trusted experience. For more information, go to ⁠www.seel.com⁠. About Laura Huddle Laura Huddle is the CRO of Seel, a Lightspeed Ventures and Foundation Capital backed startup that is creating the next generation e-commerce insurance experience. Previously, she led world-class sales, marketing, and account management teams across the globe at tech industry disruptors Eventbrite's (NYSE: EB), Deliveroo (LSE: ROO), Smartcar (a16z, NEA, Energize Capital) and Belong . She was one of the first employees at Eventbrite and was a lot of "firsts": first product manager, first product marketer, first category marketer, first Head of APAC Sales, etc. In addition, she taught product management at UC Berkeley, founded her own consultancy, and helped grow Myspace into the world's most popular website.,Yes,This will be completed shortly Laura Huddle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahuddle/ Resources Learn more about Seel: https://www.seel.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

How can your brand build genuine loyalty that translates into long-term business value when customer expectations continually evolve? Agility demands a deep understanding of your customer, a willingness to experiment, and the ability to pivot quickly when needed. Today, we're going to talk about building loyalty and trust through focused innovation, specifically within the competitive landscape of the baby care market. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Lindsey Kling, SVP Brand Marketing + Partnerships at Coterie. About Lindsey Kling Lindsey has 15 years of experience in scaling brands from startup to unicorn status, leveraging her expertise in strategic partnerships and marketing to drive growth and innovation in competitive markets. Prior to Coterie, she served as Head of Partnerships at Away where she built and led the partnerships function, forging brand-defining deals with partners such as Serena Williams, American Express and United Airlines. Before Away, Lindsey led the partnerships strategy for Uber and Uber Eats, developing foundational alliances that contributed to the brand's growth and ascent to a $100b valuation.Lindsey is a graduate of New York University and resides in Northern California with her husband and two children, Blaire and Asher. Lindsey Kling on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseykling/ Resources Coterie: https://www.coterie.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

With increased AI Adoption, is the most valuable skill for a modern marketer empathy with customers, or is it successfully prompting? Contentful, in partnership with Atlantic Insights, The Atlantic’s marketing research division, recently conducted a study of over 425 marketing decision makers including 103 CMOs. This study, “When Machines Make Marketers More Human,” challenges the notion that AI will replace many marketing functions and instead demonstrates how AI can amplify marketers’ effectiveness, creativity and impact. Today, we're going to talk about how AI is reshaping the very definition of a modern marketer. We'll explore the shift from simply automating tasks to augmenting human creativity, the rise of the ‘full stack’ marketer, and what skills are becoming non-negotiable in an AI-driven world. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Elizabeth Maxson, CMO at Contentful. About Elizabeth Maxson Elizabeth Maxson is the Chief Marketing Officer of Contentful, a content management platform trusted by more than 4,200 companies around the world. Elizabeth brings nearly two decades of integrated marketing leadership to the role and is focused on driving marketing strategies that leverage AI and personalization to help brands deliver personalized and scalable content to their audiences. Prior to Contentful, Elizabeth served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Tableau, a Salesforce company, where she led go-to-market strategy, drove end-to-end marketing initiatives, and spearheaded strategic technology partnerships, launching critical relationships with industry giants such as AWS, Google, Alibaba, Apple, and many others. In addition to her role at Tableau, Elizabeth has also served as the Head of Marketing at Quip, another Salesforce acquisition. She holds a BAA in Facility Management and Marketing from Central Michigan University. Elizabeth Maxson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emaxson/ Resources Contentful: https://www.contentful.com Read the report: What Happens When Machines Make Marketers More Human? 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/ Contentful, in partnership with Atlantic Insights, The Atlantic’s marketing research division, conducted a new study, When Machines Make Marketers More Human, challenging the notion that AI will replace many marketing functions and instead demonstrates how AI can amplify marketers’ effectiveness, creativity and impact. They surveyed 425 marketing decision makers, including 103 CMOs, across industries, company sizes, and regions to show how forward-thinking marketing leaders are incorporating AI into their critical infrastructure. Get the report here 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 system you invested in to create brand consistency and efficiency is now the biggest thing slowing down your digital transformation and costing you innovation? Agility requires more than just speed; it demands a shared language and a foundational framework that allows teams to build, test, and innovate without being crushed by the weight of their own complexity. This episode is brought to you by The Office of Experience, a design-driven, digital-first, vertically integrated and collaborative agency that believes in the power of ideas and the strength of people. Today, we're going to talk about design systems. But probably not in the way you're used to thinking about them. We’re moving past the idea of a design system as just a rulebook or a library of components, and exploring how it can become a true catalyst for digital transformation—a tool that breaks down silos, accelerates business outcomes, and fundamentally changes how teams work together. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Nigel Dennis, Creative Director at The Office of Experience. About Nigel Dennis Nigel Dennis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelevandennis/ Resources The Office of Experience: https://www.officeofexperience.com This episode is brought to you by The Office of Experience, a design-driven, digital-first, vertically integrated and collaborative agency that believes in the power of ideas and the strength of people. Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

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

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

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

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

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

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

What if 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