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

We are here at eTail Palm Springs and seeing and hearing the latest and greatest in e-commerce and retail. Retailers are constantly shifting budgets between paid search and SEO—but are they missing opportunities by treating them as separate silos? In 2025, with search evolving faster than ever, the real question isn’t "which channel is better?"—it’s "how can they work together for maximum growth?" Today, I’m joined by Matt Shenton, Biddable Director at Croud, a digital marketing expert who has helped retail brands like Every Man Jack, Creed, Nespresso, All Saints, and Vans optimize their paid and organic search strategies. With search becoming more complex in 2025, Matt is here to break down how retailers can balance paid search and SEO to drive real performance growth. RESOURCES Croud: https://croud.com/ eTail Palm Springs: https://etailwest.wbresearch.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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

We are here at eTail Palm Springs and seeing and hearing the latest and greatest in e-commerce and retail. Retail media plays a critical role, but are advertisers wasting money without realizing it? Many brands are spending big on retail media ads—but how many of those customers would have bought the product anyway? Today, I’m joined by Ben Dutter, Chief Strategy Officer at Power Digital, a leader in data-driven marketing strategies. Ben has helped brands optimize their retail media investments by focusing on incrementality—ensuring that every ad dollar spent is driving actual new revenue, not just cannibalizing organic sales. RESOURCES eTail Palm Springs: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brightest 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

We are here at eTail Palm Springs and seeing and hearing the latest and greatest in e-commerce and retail. Starting an online store is easier than it used to be, but aren’t there still a ton of things you need to know, plus all the coding and API integrations you need to do? Today we’re going to talk about AI in e-commerce and how low-code and no-code platforms are democratizing retail so it’s easier than ever to run and scale online businesses. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Oren Inditzky, VP and GM of Online Stores at Wix. Oren Inditzky is the VP and GM of Online Stores at Wix. He is responsible for Product Management, Engineering, UX, Design, Data and Operations for Wix ecommerce website builder, powering more than 700K online stores worldwide. Prior to Wix Oren worked as Head of Product at Expedia and a Director of Product Management at Dell, leading cross-functional global teams, responsible for mass-market mobile apps, e-Commerce and SaaS. RESOURCES eTail Palm Springs: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Wix: https://www.wix.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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

We are here at eTail Palm Springs and seeing and hearing the latest and greatest in e-commerce and retail. When brand trust is everything, how do companies ensure they aren’t just talking about values but actually demonstrating them in ways that resonate with increasingly savvy and socially conscious consumers? Joining us today is Aman Advani, CEO of Ministry of Supply. Ministry of Supply is known for revolutionizing performance professional wear by blending technology, sustainability, and comfort into their apparel and today we’re going to talk about how brands engage with socially conscious consumers and bridging the gap between in-store and digital experiences to create seamless, omnichannel shopping journeys. RESOURCES eTail Palm Springs: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Listen to The Agile Brand without the ads. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3ymf7hd 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

We are here at eTail Palm Springs and seeing and hearing the latest and greatest in e-commerce and retail. Question: Do you need to choose between AI and human recommendations as a customer? Why not have both? After all, don’t each have their strengths? AI in the retail experience is all the rage these days, but today I’m talking with someone from a brand that has been incorporating AI-personalized experiences and shopping combined with expert human recommendations for over 14 years, and continues to innovate today. Today we’re going to talk about how AI-based personalization plus human creativity and input makes an amazing customer experience at Stitch Fix. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Noah Zamansky, Vice President of Product and Client Experience at Stitch Fix. About Noah Zamansky Noah Zamansky serves as the Vice President of Product and Client Experience at Stitch Fix, where he leads cross-functional teams spanning Product, Design, Engineering, Algorithms, and Platform Development. A seasoned leader, Noah has a proven track record of shaping product vision and strategy, designing exceptional user experiences, and spearheading the launch of new business ventures. Before joining Stitch Fix, Noah held the role of Senior Director of Product Management at eBay, overseeing Fashion and Vertical Experiences. Resources Stitch Fix: https://www.stitchfix.com eTail Palm Springs: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Listen to The Agile Brand without the ads. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3ymf7hd 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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 an era where AI is reshaping industries, can technology ever truly replicate the nuance and intuition of human judgment in hiring, or is the future all about finding the perfect balance between man and machine? Joining us today is Heidi Golledge, CEO and Founder of Jobot. A three-time EY Entrepreneur of the Year award winner, Heidi is redefining the recruiting landscape by blending cutting-edge AI with human expertise. Known for her transformative “No Jerks Allowed” policy and her dedication to fostering inclusive, people-first workplaces, Heidi brings unparalleled insights into building authentic company cultures and disrupting the staffing industry. Heidi Golledge is a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for connecting good people to good jobs. As the founder and CEO of Jobot, she has developed an AI-powered platform that merges cutting-edge technology with a human-centered approach, transforming how talent and opportunities connect within the staffing and recruiting industry. A three-time EY Entrepreneur of the Year award winner, Heidi has successfully scaled multiple businesses, including CareerBliss, a platform dedicated to workplace happiness, and another venture that achieved a $100M+ exit. Her leadership at Jobot is driven by a culture of kindness, respect, innovation, and connection, empowering both individuals and organizations to thrive. RESOURCES Jobot: https://www.jobot.com Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Listen to The Agile Brand without the ads. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3ymf7hd 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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 building brand loyalty, are you doing enough to turn your brand story into real-life, customer-driven experiences? Today, we’re joined by Dawn Fichot, the Head of Marketing for North America at Brompton Bicycle. Brompton is renowned for its iconic folding bikes, but the brand’s impact goes far beyond the product. With a focus on building loyal communities, creating meaningful partnerships, and delivering exceptional customer experiences, Brompton has become a global leader in cycling culture. Dawn is here to share how Brompton engages its diverse community, innovates through “storydoing,” and creates immersive brand experiences across its retail and digital channels. Dawn Fichot is the Head of Marketing, NA for Brompton Bicycles. Dawn joined Brompton last spring to rapidly grow awareness of the brand and fulfill Brompton’s long-term vision to transform how people live and get around in cities. Before joining Brompton, Dawn was the Founder & CEO of Racked Stretch, NYC’s first boutique stretching studio. Prior to that, she was the Global Head of Campaign Management for HSBC out of London and had started her career in the Sports & Sponsorship team at Edelman. RESOURCES Brompton Bicycle: https://us.brompton.com/ Don't miss Medallia Experience 2025, March 24-26 in Las Vegas: Registration is now available: https://cvent.me/AmO1k0 Use code MEDEXP25 for $200 off registration Register now for HumanX 2025. This AI-focused event which brings some of the most forward-thinking minds in technology together. Register now with the code "HX25p_tab" for $250 off the regular price. 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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 AI is reshaping how marketers create and deliver digital experiences, how do brands ensure that automation doesn’t strip away authenticity? Marketers are relying more on AI-powered tools, but can AI truly be brand-savvy and understand the nuances of a company’s voice and identity? Joining us today is Dave O’Flanagan, CEO of Sitecore, a global leader in digital experience software that powers the websites and digital experiences of some of the world’s biggest brands. And it’s always exciting when a platform we rely on unveils a few new and helpful features. Well, on Wednesday Sitecore announced over 250 new innovations for its platform, including AI-driven tools that help brands create, manage, and optimize their digital experiences. Today, we’re going to explore how AI is changing the game for marketers, content creators, and digital teams. Dave O'Flanagan is CEO at Sitecore. He is a successful product leader and entrepreneur with 20 years' experience building enterprise products in multiple industries including financial services, telecom and travel. Most recently he was CEO and Co-Founder of Boxever, before it was acquired by Sitecore, where he created a market-leading CDP and personalization platform that enabled global brands to transform their customer engagement using data and AI. Prior to founding Boxever, he led R&D at an airline e-commerce company delivering retail and merchandising solutions to some of the world’s leading airlines. Dave holds a BA in Mathematics and MSc in Computer Science from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland and is passionate about building high-performing teams that create products that delight customers. RESOURCES Sitecore: https://www.sitecore.com Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Listen to The Agile Brand without the ads. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3ymf7hd 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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 audience-targeting just for digital… and TV? In a privacy-conscious world, are there better, safer ways to reach your customers? Joining us today is Jeremy Flynn, Senior Vice President of Data Products & Strategy at Clear Channel Outdoor. Jeremy is at the forefront of innovating out-of-home (OOH) advertising, helping brands navigate modern marketing challenges by enhancing the value of their media investments. With a deep understanding of privacy-conscious solutions, audience targeting, and brand safety, Jeremy’s insights are vital for brands looking to thrive in today’s evolving ad environment. In his role, Jeremy, works closely with Clear Channel Outdoor’s sales leadership and marketing teams to develop innovative solutions and data products that help brands and advertisers plan, measure, and amplify their media investments. Jeremy is an integral part of Clear Channel’s RADAR Data Solutions team and can speak to how Clear Channel is solving modern marketing challenges by innovating OOH in an evolving environment so brands can understand and enhance the value of their media investment. RESOURCES Clear Channel Outdoor: https://clearchanneloutdoor.com/ Don't miss Medallia Experience 2025, March 24-26 in Las Vegas: Registration is now available: https://cvent.me/AmO1k0 Use code MEDEXP25 for $200 off registration Register now for HumanX 2025. This AI-focused event which brings some of the most forward-thinking minds in technology together. Register now with the code "HX25p_tab" for $250 off the regular price. 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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 AI increasingly enters the workplace, are you leveraging its potential to augment your workforce, or are you at risk of being left behind in the era of multisapiens collaboration? Joining us today is Dr. Tatyana Mamut, Co-Founder and CEO of Wayfound, a company pioneering the integration of AI and human workforces. With a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology and extensive leadership experience at companies like Amazon, Salesforce, and IDEO, Tatyana brings a unique perspective on how AI can drive cultural shifts and redefine the future of work. At Wayfound, she’s leading the charge to make AI agents a seamless part of our workforces, enabling humans and machines to collaborate more effectively than ever before. Dr. Tatyana Mamut is the CEO and Co-Founder of Wayfound where she is driving the next frontier of workforces through AI management for a more seamless multisapiens workforce. Leveraging her Ph.D in Cultural Anthropology, Mamut brings a unique approach to innovating in technology to use AI as the singular largest force for cultural shifts and impacts in the next century. Prior to Wayfound, she led product development and design at Pendo, where she met her co-founder, Chad Burnette. She’s held other senior leadership roles at household tech names like Amazon, Salesforce, IDEO, and more. Wayfound is meeting the new era of the multisapiens workplace with innovative AI technology that helps monitor, coordinate and align priorities across various AI agents for streamlined systems that accomplish goals more autonomously and effectively. Wayfound is the most integral AI agent, trained to manage your other AI agents. RESOURCES Wayfound website: https://www.wayfound.ai/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Listen to The Agile Brand without the ads. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3ymf7hd 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

Much is made about the creative decisions in ads for the Big Game, but how does all that money, those requisite celebrity cameos, and everything else that goes into these multi-million dollar investments translate into Return on investment? Today we’re going to talk about what the numbers tell us from all those high-profile ads and who the winners and losers of the Advertising Bowl are in 2025. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Nataly Kelly, CMO at Zappi, who unveiled their annual Super Bowl Ad Success report on Monday. We’re here to talk about the approach, the results, and what those results mean for brands that invested a lot of money - and time - into their campaigns. About Nataly Kelly I help companies unlock global growth For more than two decades, I have helped scale businesses across borders, as an executive at B2B SaaS and MarTech companies. I’m Chief Marketing Officer at Zappi, a consumer research platform. I spent nearly 8 years as a Vice President at HubSpot, a multi-billion-dollar public tech company, driving growth on the international side of the business. Having served as an executive at various tech companies, I’ve led teams spanning many functions, including Marketing, Sales, Product, and International Ops. I’m an award-winning marketing leader, a former Fulbright scholar, and an ongoing contributor to Harvard Business Review. I love working with interesting people and removing barriers to access. RESOURCES Zappi website: https://www.zappi.io/web/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Listen to The Agile Brand without the ads. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3ymf7hd 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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 an industry traditionally defined by in-person experiences, how can a virtual product tour reshape the customer journey and redefine the way brands like Mack Trucks engage with their audience? 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. We’re excited to have two guests with us today to discuss the innovative Mack Truck Live Tour: David Galbraith, Vice President of Global Brand and Marketing for Mack Trucks, and Lisa Ferriter, Managing Director and Head of Client Strategy at The Office of Experience. Together, they’ve collaborated to create a groundbreaking virtual product tour that is setting a new standard in the trucking industry. David arrived at Mack Trucks from Volkswagen of America, where he served as Senior Director of Experience and Brand Partnership Marketing. For over 8 years he led a variety of digital and experiential programs. Prior to Volkswagen, David spent almost 20 yrs in the technology sector, serving in a variety of roles in communications, strategy and brand management roles at both Dell and IBM. David earned his bachelor’s degree in information systems and management from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and his MBA in international marketing from American University in Washington, D.C. _____________ Lisa Ferriter is Managing Director and oversees the Client Strategy practice at the Office of Experience (OX). Lisa leads with a passion for collaboration, strategic planning, and delivering measurable business impact. An enthusiastic and experienced client partner, team lead, and senior marketing professional, Lisa specializes in team growth and development, client success, demand generation, technology, digital and brand strategy for B2B businesses. She thrives on creating and executing data-driven strategies that align with business objectives, track to key performance indicators, and maximize ROI. With a career spanning multiple industries, Lisa has partnered with clients across consumer electronics, FinTech, financial services, SaaS, food service, manufacturing, transportation/automotive, professional services, hospitality, healthcare and real estate. Her ability to navigate complex challenges and drive growth has made her a trusted advisor and leader in the field. Whether working with startups or established enterprises, Lisa is committed to fostering strong partnerships and leading high-performing teams to achieve sustainable success. RESOURCES The Office of Experience: https://www.officeofexperience.com Mack Trucks Live Tour: https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/ Mack Trucks: https://www.macktrucks.com Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Listen to The Agile Brand without the ads. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3ymf7hd 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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 would happen to your business if your customer service operations went down right now? Do you have the tools and strategies in place to handle a sudden crisis, or would your contact center be scrambling to meet demand? Today, we’re discussing how AI and cloud-based solutions can help organizations manage crises and enhance customer service operations with John Finch at RingCentral. We’ll explore key strategies for building resilience in customer service, particularly in response to recent IT outages. John Finch leads product marketing at RingCentral for the customer engagement portfolio, which includes RingCX and RingSense AI, as RingCentral scales and expands its global customer engagement reach. He has held product marketing leadership roles at Zendesk, Dialpad, Serenova (LiveOps), and Genesys, launching Enterprise SaaS contact center solutions into the market. RESOURCES RingCentral: https://www.ringcentral.com RingCentral's 2025 Trends Report: https://www.ringcentral.com/us/en/blog/the-state-of-ai-in-business-communications-key-insights-from-ringcentrals-2025-trends-report/ Don't miss Medallia Experience 2025, March 24-26 in Las Vegas: Registration is now available: https://cvent.me/AmO1k0 Use code MEDEXP25 for $200 off registration Register now for HumanX 2025. This AI-focused event which brings some of the most forward-thinking minds in technology together. Register now with the code "HX25p_tab" for $250 off the regular price. 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

Super Bowl ads are often the pinnacle of advertising creativity and cultural relevance. But with Taco Bell's return after a three-year hiatus, how do you craft a campaign that doesn't just capture attention but also becomes a moment fans will never forget? Joining us today are two creatives reshaping the way we think about food, culture, and branding: Guto Araki, Founder and CEO of Biite, and Alex Jacobs, Co-Founder and COO. Together, they’ve been at the forefront of some of the industry’s most groundbreaking campaigns, including Taco Bell’s much-anticipated 2025 Super Bowl ad and Resy’s upcoming brand campaign. Biite began as a platform for limited-edition collaborations with chefs and restaurants and has evolved into a powerhouse agency creating unforgettable campaigns for some of the biggest brands. About Biite Guto and Alex originally started Biite in 2021 as a food culture collaboration studio that connects emerging chefs and culinary creatives to drop super limited, one-of-a-kind food items and experiences. This expertise and deep understanding of what’s happening in the food industry coupled with their background in advertising led to brands such as Taco Bell turning to Biite for food-focused campaign ideas. About Guto Araki Guto Araki, Founder and CEO Award-winning advertising creative behind Taco Moon, Taco Swap, Taco IRL, #IseeATaco, Test Kitchen, Emoji Engine, Quesalupa and others. Former Executive Creative Director of Taco Bell NA & Global. About Alex Jacobs Alex Jacobs, Co-founder and COO Alex is a seasoned marketer with 20 years of experience leading iconic brands including American Express, Taco Bell, The New York Times, Google and many more. RESOURCES Biite: https://biite.club/ Taco Bell 2025 Big Game Teaser | Photobomb feat. Doja Cat Resy - Right This Way Success of the Taco Bell campaign and other work can be found on Biite’s Instagram. Don't miss Medallia Experience 2025, March 24-26 in Las Vegas: Registration is now available: https://cvent.me/AmO1k0 Use code MEDEXP25 for $200 off registration Register now for HumanX 2025. This AI-focused event which brings some of the most forward-thinking minds in technology together. Register now with the code "HX25p_tab" for $250 off the regular price. 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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 brands that lack a robust Customer Data Platform strategy losing the ability to deliver seamless, personalized customer experiences in an increasingly data-driven world? Today, we’re joined by Beth Scagnoli, Vice President of Product Management at Redpoint Global, a company at the forefront of data-driven customer experience solutions. Beth’s expertise spans Customer Data Platforms (CDPs), data quality, and marketing automation, making her uniquely positioned to discuss how organizations can harness the power of clean, observable, and composable data to create transformative customer experiences. ABOUT BETH SCAGNOLI Beth Scagnoli is a seasoned technology executive with over 20 years of cross-functional experience driving innovation, growth, and product adoption in the marketing technology space. As Vice President of Product Management at Redpoint Global, Beth spearheads the development and execution of product strategies that empower organizations to connect with their audiences through data-driven insights and personalized engagement. Prior to Redpoint Global, Beth held leadership positions at the Smithsonian Institution as well as Blackbaud. With a proven track record of launching successful platforms and fostering cross-functional collaboration, Beth combines deep technical expertise with a passion for solving customer challenges. A frequent speaker and thought leader in the MarTech industry, Beth is committed to advancing the capabilities of modern marketing tools. Beth resides with her family north of Boston and in her free time enjoys fitness, dance, and obsessively honing her skills in Wordle and other NYT Games. RESOURCES Redpoint Global website: https://www.redpointglobal.com Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Listen to The Agile Brand without the ads. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3ymf7hd 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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 seismic shifts happening across the search landscape, is your brand ready to adapt to the next wave of disruption—or will your competitors leave you in the dust? Today, we’re joined by A.J. Ghergich, Vice President of Consulting Services at Botify, a leading enterprise SEO platform. A.J. is an expert in navigating the ever-changing search and marketing landscape, and he’s here to break down the latest game-changing developments in search engines and their impact on brands. From Google’s AI overviews to Apple’s integration of ChatGPT into Siri, A.J. will share insights to help marketers stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. RESOURCES Botify website: https://www.botify.com Don't miss Medallia Experience 2025, March 24-26 in Las Vegas: Registration is now available: https://cvent.me/AmO1k0 Use code MEDEXP25 for $200 off registration Register now for HumanX 2025. This AI-focused event which brings some of the most forward-thinking minds in technology together. Register now with the code "HX25p_tab" for $250 off the regular price. 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

Retailers are sitting on a goldmine of data, but with only 20% leveraging it to its full potential, can AI bridge the gap between potential and action, and drive measurable revenue growth? Today, we’re joined by Cédric Chereau, Managing Director at EagleAI, an industry leader specializing in loyalty, personalized promotions, and omnichannel marketing solutions for retail, travel, and hospitality brands. With extensive expertise in optimizing marketing spend and driving customer loyalty, Cédric has been at the forefront of leveraging predictive AI to transform data into actionable insights that deliver tangible business growth. Cédric Chereau, Managing Director at EagleAI is an industry leader in loyalty, personalized promotions and omnichannel marketing solutions for retail, travel and hospitality brands. From optimizing marketing spend to driving customer loyalty and increasing revenue, Cédric can share valuable insights on the financial impact of AI on retail marketing as well as how retailers can effectively close the implementation gap, and the significant returns on investment (ROI) that AI is already delivering for forward-thinking retailers. Alternatively, we can develop a contributed article on the topic, "The ROI of AI: Assessing the Financial Impact of AI in Retail". RESOURCES Don't miss Medallia Experience 2025, March 24-26 in Las Vegas: Registration is now available: https://cvent.me/AmO1k0 Use code MEDEXP25 for $200 off registration Register now for HumanX 2025. This AI-focused event which brings some of the most forward-thinking minds in technology together. Register now with the code "HX25p_tab" for $250 off the regular price. 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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 over 75% of consumers preferring text messages over email or calls, are brands missing a critical opportunity to connect meaningfully with their customers? Today, we’re joined by Amanda McGuckin Hager, Chief Marketing Officer at TrueDialog, where she’s leading the charge in leveraging SMS to create stronger connections between businesses and their customers. With a wealth of experience in technology marketing, Amanda recently stepped into her role as CMO and brings fresh perspectives on how brands can prioritize meaningful, timely, and effective communication strategies in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Amanda McGuckin Hager has over 25 years of experience in brand, digital, and performance marketing. She has built high-performing teams that drive exceptional business results. As Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of TrueDialog, she leads brand direction and marketing strategy, implementing processes, best practices, and tactics that increase company awareness and grow product demand. With deep experience in brand development, partnerships, product marketing, public relations, performance marketing, research, and sales development, Amanda’s data-driven, repeatable, and scalable approach has been recognized with numerous awards. Amanda has supported four companies through successful exits. RESOURCES True Dialog: https://www.truedialog.com Don't miss Medallia Experience 2025, March 24-26 in Las Vegas: Registration is now available: https://cvent.me/AmO1k0 Use code MEDEXP25 for $200 off registration Register now for HumanX 2025. This AI-focused event which brings some of the most forward-thinking minds in technology together. Register now with the code "HX25p_tab" for $250 off the regular price. 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

If we can binge-watch our favorite shows or have groceries delivered with a tap, why does navigating healthcare still feel like a maze? Is it time to rethink the patient experience from the ground up? Joining us today is Adeline Ashley, Director of Customer Engagement at Sitecore and author of the groundbreaking book, Shop Stream Heal: Transforming Patient Care in the Digital Age. With over 20 years of experience leading digital transformation for major brands like Oprah, Anthem, and Southern California Edison, Adeline has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between consumer-grade digital experiences and patient care. Her mission is to create healthcare experiences that are accessible, intuitive, and, above all, human. Adeline Ashley is a digital marketing heavyweight and entrepreneurial force in innovative customer experiences. For over twenty years, working with brands like Oprah, Southern California Edison, Anthem, and major healthcare systems, she has spearheaded pioneering initiatives that merge creativity with data-driven strategies to forge lasting connections. From award-winning entrepreneurial ventures like her gourmet foods line to developing engaging digital platforms, she has a proven track record of identifying gaps and delivering groundbreaking solutions. This entrepreneurial mindset now fuels her role as the global healthcare lead at Sitecore, where she is revolutionizing the digital patient journey in healthcare by seamlessly blending human insights with cutting-edge technologies. RESOURCES Shop Stream Heal: Transforming Patient Care in the Digital Age by Adeline Ashley: https://amzn.to/4gfoMGu Sitecore: https://www.sitecore.com Don't miss Medallia Experience 2025, March 24-26 in Las Vegas: Registration is now available: https://cvent.me/AmO1k0 Use code MEDEXP25 for $200 off registration Register now for HumanX 2025. This AI-focused event which brings some of the most forward-thinking minds in technology together. Register now with the code "HX25p_tab" for $250 off the regular price. 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

Do you know who—or what—created the foundation of your software? And can you trust it? Today, we’re joined by Matt Van Itallie, CEO of Sema Software, a leading code and software analytics platform that has analyzed over $1 trillion worth of software. A lifelong tech expert, Matt has been instrumental in shaping the AI industry with innovations like the GenAI Code Monitor and Generative AI Bill of Materials. He’s here to discuss transparency in Generative AI for software development and how AI is transforming coding practices while introducing new challenges in accountability, ownership, and quality assurance. About Matt Van Itallie As the CEO of Sema, Matt Van Itallie is passionate about problems that are hard and problems that matter. His career has always focused on a desire to serve the common good. At Sema, he leads a cross-functional team of technologists to build solutions that empower engineers to work with GenAI code. He co-founded Sema Technologies Inc., which he currently leads as CEO, to help organizations drive better outcomes through their software. Sema’s flagship solution, Comprehensive Codebase Scans, has earned a reputation as the leading codebase scanning tool for the technical due diligence process. Having evaluated more than $1T in value for leading private equity firms and enterprise M&A teams, Sema has built one of the most comprehensive datasets to provide actionable suggestions to engineering organizations. With this foundation, Matt is leading the development of the AI Code Monitor, which helps engineering organizations increase developer productivity and address the regulatory risks of generative AI code. When he’s not building the AI Code Monitor or thinking about code as data and CTO dashboards, Matt enjoys hiking with his wife, cooking with his kids, and throwing dinner parties to bring diverse minds together. Resources Sema Software: https://www.semasoftware.com/ Don't miss Medallia Experience 2025, March 24-26 in Las Vegas: Registration is now available: https://cvent.me/AmO1k0 Use code MEDEXP25 for $200 off registration Register now for HumanX 2025. This AI-focused event which brings some of the most forward-thinking minds in technology together. Register now with the code "HX25p_tab" for $250 off the regular price. 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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 truly self-reliant, or are you relying on outdated strategies to navigate modern challenges? Today, I’m joined by Maha Abouelenein, author of the best-selling book 7 Rules of Self-Reliance. With over three decades of experience helping global giants like Google, Netflix, and Uber, Maha is a leading expert in modern communication strategies, personal branding, and reputation management. She’s here to share insights into self-reliance, the power of reputation, and how leaders can adapt to a rapidly evolving communication landscape. About Maha Abouelenein CEO and Founder with more than 30 years of PR experience with global corporate giants, high growth tech startups, top governments and high profile thought leaders. Maha leads a global communications consulting firm, Digital & Savvy that spans the USA, Dubai and Egypt. She cultivates the reputations of people and brands through their stories and nurturing relationships and connections with key stakeholders. Raised and educated in the USA to Egyptian parents, she is home in both West and Arab worlds. Maha is about relationships - building, nurturing, and serving them. She thrives on storytelling, building scalable campaigns and thought leadership by understanding what's happening in culture across the world, and what resonates with each audience. Maha is a keynote speaker, featured on stages like Web Summit, SALT, VeeCon, Cannes Lions, Art D'Égypte, Rise Up. She also hosts the top-rated podcast SavvyTalk. In 2020, she was nominated as one of the Forbes power women of the Middle East and sits on the global board of directors of the Associated Press. Passionate about lifelong learning and a big believer in the importance of investing in yourself Maha offers 1-1 workshops on Executive Media Training and How to Build Your Personal Brand. Resources Maha Abouelenein: https://www.mahaabouelenein.com/ 7 Rules of Self-Reliance: https://www.mahaabouelenein.com/book Don't miss Medallia Experience 2025, March 24-26 in Las Vegas: Registration is now available: https://cvent.me/AmO1k0 Use code MEDEXP25 for $200 off registration Register now for HumanX 2025. This AI-focused event which brings some of the most forward-thinking minds in technology together. Register now with the code "HX25p_tab" for $250 off the regular price. 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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 keeping up with the forces redefining loyalty, or are you relying on yesterday’s strategies in today’s fractured landscape? Today, I’m joined by Ian Baer, Founder of Sooth and a seasoned expert with over 35 years of experience leading some of the world’s most prominent advertising organizations, including Publicis, TBWA, and Omnicom’s Rapp Collins. Ian brings insights into how generational shifts, social commerce, and fragmented media are reshaping the concept of brand loyalty. He’s here to share data-driven strategies and real-world examples that will help brands navigate this new loyalty landscape. ABOUT IAN BAER Ian Baer has 35 years of experience leading/running some of the largest Ad orgs in the world, including Publicis and TBWA , as the President of Rapp Collins (Omnicom) Chief Strategy Office of Rauxa, the president of social agency Big Fuel, an EVP for Deutch, and the founder of Sooth RESOURCES Sooth® website: https://www.soothbetold.com/ Don't miss Medallia Experience 2025, March 24-26 in Las Vegas: Registration is now available: https://cvent.me/AmO1k0 Use code MEDEXP25 for $200 off registration Register now for HumanX 2025. This AI-focused event which brings some of the most forward-thinking minds in technology together. Register now with the code "HX25p_tab" for $250 off the regular price. 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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 business building true customer loyalty—or is it just locking customers into a system they can’t escape? Today, we’re joined by Toya Del Valle, Chief Customer Officer at Cornerstone, a workforce agility company that supports over 7,000 customers, including global leaders like Samsung and UPS. With a unique journey from HR director to CCO, Toya brings a deep understanding of what HR leaders and organizations need to succeed. She’s here to share insights on leveraging AI for customer success, building meaningful relationships between CFOs and customer leaders, and creating loyalty in an increasingly SaaS-driven world. About Toya Del Valle Toya Dell Valle is the Chief Customer Officer at Cornerstone, the leading learning and talent management company. She champions a focus on customer centricity to grow and build extraordinary outcomes with our customers. She leads all post-sales functions driving customer value, revenue generation, and operational scale including Customer Success Management (CSM), Professional Services, Support, Education, Partner Success, and Strategy & Operations. RESOURCES Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Listen to The Agile Brand without the ads. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3ymf7hd 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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

“Software is eating the world.” That was written over 14 years ago, back in 2011 by Marc Andreesen, and it seems like that is growing more true every day. Today we’re going to talk about the increasingly digital nature of businesses - all businesses - as well as how the concept of composability, which has been applied effectively in the world of software, might just have applications well beyond technology infrastructure. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Chris Bach, Co-Founder of Netlify. RESOURCES Wix Studio is the ultimate web platform for creative, fast-paced teams at agencies and enterprises—with smart design tools, flexible dev capabilities, full-stack business solutions, multi-site management, advanced AI and fully managed infrastructure. https://www.wix.com/studio Don't miss Medallia Experience 2025, March 24-26 in Las Vegas: Registration is now available: https://cvent.me/AmO1k0 Use code MEDEXP25 for $200 off registration Register now for HumanX 2025. This AI-focused event which brings some of the most forward-thinking minds in technology together. Register now with the code "HX25p_tab" for $250 off the regular price. 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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 move into 2025, are your hiring strategies aligned with the realities of the marketing job market, or are you basing decisions on outdated assumptions? In this special episode, brought to you by Landrum Talent Solutions, a national recruiting firm specializing in marketing and HR positions, we’re going to talk about the current job market for marketing professionals, how businesses are responding in an election year, and what marketing leaders should know as AI continues to reshape the workforce. Joining me today is Sue Keith, Corporate Vice President at Landrum Talent Solutions. With deep expertise in navigating complex labor markets, Sue has a front-row seat to the evolving dynamics of marketing roles, hiring trends, and the broader implications of AI and economic uncertainty. RESOURCES Landrum Talent Solutions website: https:www.landrumstalentsolutions.com Wix Studio is the ultimate web platform for creative, fast-paced teams at agencies and enterprises—with smart design tools, flexible dev capabilities, full-stack business solutions, multi-site management, advanced AI and fully managed infrastructure. https://www.wix.com/studio Don't miss Medallia Experience 2025, March 24-26 in Las Vegas: Registration is now available: https://cvent.me/AmO1k0 Use code MEDEXP25 for $200 off registration Register now for HumanX 2025. This AI-focused event which brings some of the most forward-thinking minds in technology together. Register now with the code "HX25p_tab" for $250 off the regular price. 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 podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow 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