What’s really driving the AI revolution in digital commerce? According to Sander Berlinski, Director of Innovation at valantic, the answer isn’t chasing futuristic hype, but focusing on what’s working right now. In this FODcast episode, Sander breaks down how AI is already transforming retail, from automating compliance checks to reshaping creative roles; and why data foundations, not shiny tools, should be every retailer’s first priority. We explore how his team built an EU Accessibili...
What’s really shaping the future of digital commerce? According to Rhea Fox, Marketing Director of Gift Experiences at Moonpig Group, the biggest shift isn’t just technology - it’s how distribution and marketplaces are rewriting the rules of retail. In this FODcast episode, Rhea draws on senior roles at eBay, Ted Baker, and Monsoon Accessorize to explore how brands are adapting to an increasingly fragmented ecosystem. From the rise of retailers like Next and John L...
What makes a customer truly loyal? According to Voyado CEO Erica Sandelin Ekelund, it’s not just points or discounts – it’s about building genuine connections that turn shoppers into passionate brand advocates. Or, as she calls them, your fan club. In the latest episode of The FODcast, Erica reveals why the most successful retailers double down on their fan club, crafting tailored, high-impact loyalty strategies instead of relying on one-size-fits-all schemes. We also cover: Why loyalty...
What really drives the future of retail? According to PMC’s Technology & Solutions Director Elliot Winskill, it’s not about choosing between online and in-store, it’s about mastering the space in between. In the latest episode of The FODcast, Elliot unpacks how 12 years in retail technology have given him a front-row seat to the industry’s scars, shifts, and breakthroughs - from the flawed “e-commerce versus high street” debate to the rise of unified commerce as a mindset, not just ...
AI, trade wars, and data sovereignty are reshaping European tech strategies - and businesses can no longer rely on yesterday’s playbook. In this episode of The FODcast, we’re joined by Daniel Hinderink, Director of Strategy and Growth at TechDivision, to unpack the deep structural shifts happening across the digital landscape. We cover: Why data sovereignty is now a board-level concern in pharma, manufacturing, and financial servicesWhat Switzerland can teach us about protecting intellectual ...
In the latest episode of The FODcast, we were delighted to be joined by Teemu Tolonen, CCO at Woolman, to unpack one of the biggest shifts in digital commerce: how Shopify has quietly become a serious contender in enterprise retail. As part of Europe’s largest Shopify Plus agency, Teemu brings first-hand insight into what’s driving this change and how retailers are rethinking their technology strategies. We cover: How Shopify’s semi-composable architecture delivers flexibility without complex...
Is Replatforming Dead? Why Retailers Are Taking a More Targeted Approach to Tech Investment In the latest episode of The FODcast, we’re joined by Tal Ofer, Senior Partnerships Director at Cloudinary and Co-Founder of the MACH Alliance Community Council, to unpack the reality of tech decision-making in retail right now. With over 15 years shaping global eCommerce strategies, Tal brings a straight-talking perspective on where retailers are really investing - and where the hype doesn’t match the...
The death of the high street? Not quite. In this episode of The FODcast, we’re joined by James O’Hare - Area VP UK at Sitoo – to explore why physical retail isn’t dying, it’s evolving. From in-store gyms and juice bars to immersive tent villages, retailers creating memorable, experience-led spaces are thriving. And behind it all? A shift from disconnected systems to unified commerce, where real-time data powers seamless, personalised shopping. We cover a LOT in this episode, including: Why in...
Legacy Systems Meet AI: Can B2B Can Bridge the Gap? The B2B sector is standing at a crossroads. On one side: faxes, spreadsheets, and legacy systems. On the other: AI-powered smart agents and instant order processing. In this episode of The FODcast, Aidan McGaughey – EMEA Country Manager at OroCommerce shares how B2B businesses can navigate this tension, and unlock meaningful value from AI without falling for the hype. We dig into: How AI is already delivering value in B2B – from ...
"If you touch it, you can trust it." In this episode of The FODcast, we’re joined by Steven Irwin – Chief Commercial & Technology Officer at Vivobarefoot - to explore how today’s most progressive D2C brands are blending technology, purpose, and people to drive long-term growth. With leadership experience at ASICS, Hunter Boots, Wolverine Worldwide, and more, Steve brings a unique, cross-functional perspective on what it takes to build authentic, resilient brands in an increasingly c...
In this episode of The FODcast, Matt Parkinson - Founder of GENE Commerce and co-founder of Shopthru and BlueFinch - cuts through the hype to share a candid, insider’s view of the Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento) ecosystem. While some in the industry claim Magento’s time has passed, Matt sets the record straight. With an estimated 8–12% market share among top-tier retailers, Adobe Commerce continues to serve businesses that need deep flexibility and control. With two decades in e-commerce te...
The e-commerce platform market is evolving - and fast. Gone are the days of two-year projects and monolithic systems. Today’s businesses demand flexibility, speed, and the right balance between out-of-the-box functionality and best-of-breed integrations. In this episode of The FODcast, Jochen Binder, Head of Backend and Data Solutions at diva-e, takes us inside the latest trends shaping the future of digital commerce. With over two decades of experience across B2B and B2C digital transf...
We’re excited to announce the launch of Season 7 of The FODcast! This season brings you fresh insights from top industry leaders, innovators, and experts. As always, we’re exploring the latest trends, strategies, and challenges in the digital commerce space. Our global audience continues to grow, with listeners tuning in from across the UK, the United States, Germany, Brazil, and even places as far afield as Japan and Australia. Whether you're in retail, tech, or any industry at the intersect...
The Future of B2B Digital Commerce: A Must-Listen Conversation 🎧 In the latest episode of The FODcast, we sit down with David Williams, Digital Director with over 20 years of experience in both B2B and B2C, to discuss the seismic shifts taking place in B2B digital commerce. From the rise of digital natives leading businesses to the demand for seamless online solutions, David shares his insights into how AI and other technologies are driving change and making these solutions more access...
Why Do So Many Business Transformations Fail? In this episode of The FODcast, we’re joined by Phill Gillespie, currently Client Engagement Principal at Mindera, to explore why digital transformations often fall short—and what businesses can do differently. From misunderstood MVPs to the psychological barriers that hold teams back, we uncover the real challenges behind lasting change. 💡 Key takeaways: Why transformation isn’t a one-time fix—and how to get it right The role of ...
In this episode of The FODcast, we delve into the transformative world of B2B digital commerce with David Höck, co-founder of Vendure. From his beginnings in mechatronics engineering to reshaping the digital commerce landscape, David’s journey offers invaluable insights for businesses navigating the complexities of B2B. Vendure’s open-source, headless platform is a game-changer for companies managing multi-region and multi-language operations. By addressing the limitations of traditional so...
In our latest FODcast episode, we sit down with Alessandro Desantis, Partner and Chief Strategist at Nebulab, to explore how brands can transform their digital commerce strategies by enhancing customer experience, activating data effectively, and embracing cutting-edge innovations like AI and Digital Product Passports. 💡 Key Takeaways from This Episode: Customer Experience as a Competitive Advantage: Why CX isn’t just about the purchase. From post-purchase support to revers...
Ever wondered how failure can fuel success? In our latest podcast episode, we’re joined by Mike Jones, CTO of loveholidays, who takes us on a captivating journey from experiencing nine startup failures in one year to leading two major companies to astounding success. Mike shares how these setbacks became the foundation for resilience, innovation, and growth, helping loveholidays become a tech powerhouse in the travel industry. 💡 What’s inside this episode? The tech-driven transformation...
Ever wondered why so many digital transformations fail even with the latest tech? Tune in to the latest FODcast episode, where Abbie Ross and Kathryn Roberts from Lean Tree reveal the often-overlooked factor in success: the people behind the transformation. In this insightful chat, Abbie and Kathryn share why aligning project teams and end-users is crucial from day one and how clear, consistent communication can prevent the costly missteps that derail projects. They discuss prac...
Discover how to maximise customer loyalty and boost profitability with expert insights from Sam Panzer, Director of Industry Strategy at Talon.One. In the latest episode of The FODcast, Sam shares his career journey from retail marketing to industry strategy, offering actionable advice on how brands can leverage loyalty programmes, gamification, and personalised offers to transform customer retention. Sam explains how even modest loyalty rewards can significantly enhance retention without...