Leader Generation

What happens when AI and people work side by side instead of in competition? In this episode of Leader Generation, Tessa Burg talks with John Arnold, Head of Strategic CRM Advisory at Creatio. They discuss the company’s new global study on AI agents and no-code platforms, and what it reveals about the future of work. John shares insights from more than 500 business and technology leaders who are redefining what it means to innovate. You’ll learn why AI is now a boardroom-level priority, how leading organizations are using it to grow—not replace—their teams and how no-code platforms are giving everyone, not just developers, the power to build solutions fast. Whether you’re a marketer, salesperson or service leader, you’ll come away with a clear picture of how AI and no-code tools can help free up time, unlock creativity, and accelerate transformation without losing the human element.  Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.    About John Arnold: John Arnold is the Head of Strategic CRM Advisory at Creatio, a global vendor of an agentic CRM and workflow automation platform with no-code and AI at its core. A recognized expert in CRM strategy and digital transformation, John brings enterprise-level experience helping global organizations turn emerging technology into a driver of measurable business outcomes. Before joining Creatio, John held principal advisory and analyst roles at Adobe and Forrester, where he worked with executive teams to develop customer-centric technology strategies. At Creatio, he helps organizations shift from feature-led CRM systems to outcome-driven, AI-powered growth platforms that are agile, adaptive, and built around customer experiences. John is currently leading the development of Creatio’s AI-first CRM maturity models and best practices to guide enterprises in defining, customizing, and scaling their transformation journeys. His mission is to help leaders reimagine agentic CRM and no-code composability as a competitive advantage. About Tessa Burg: Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at Tessa.Burg@ModOp.com.

Feeling buried under too many marketing tools and platforms? You’re not alone. In this episode of Leader Generation, Tessa Burg talks with John Arnold of Creatio about how AI and no-code technology are cutting through the clutter to help marketers get things done. John shares what he’s seeing in the real world—from his days at Forrester researching B2B growth strategies to now helping teams at Creatio build custom solutions without waiting on developers. Together, he and Tessa unpack how marketing and IT can finally work in sync, using AI to automate the busywork and free people up for strategy, creativity and innovation. If you’ve ever wished your tech stack worked for you instead of the other way around, this conversation will change how you think about the future of marketing technology. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.  About John Arnold: John Arnold is the Head of Strategic CRM Advisory at Creatio, a global vendor of an agentic CRM and workflow automation platform with no-code and AI at its core. A recognized expert in CRM strategy and digital transformation, John brings enterprise-level experience helping global organizations turn emerging technology into a driver of measurable business outcomes. Before joining Creatio, John held principal advisory and analyst roles at Adobe and Forrester, where he worked with executive teams to develop customer-centric technology strategies. At Creatio, he helps organizations shift from feature-led CRM systems to outcome-driven, AI-powered growth platforms that are agile, adaptive, and built around customer experiences. John is currently leading the development of Creatio’s AI-first CRM maturity models and best practices to guide enterprises in defining, customizing, and scaling their transformation journeys. His mission is to help leaders reimagine agentic CRM and no-code composability as a competitive advantage. About Tessa Burg: Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at Tessa.Burg@ModOp.com.

In this Leader Generation episode, CEO Gabe Lullo shares the playbook Alleyoop uses to turn “more pipeline” into real revenue.  You’ll hear how to fix unqualified pipeline syndrome by aligning on a clear ICP, catching buyers at the right time and using the BDR function as the bridge between marketing and sales. Gabe breaks down simple rules of engagement for MQL-SQL handoffs and the feedback loops that keep everyone moving in the same direction. We also dig into what actually works right now: human-first outreach, SDRs who think like marketers and LinkedIn content that warms leads before a sales call ever happens. Gabe shows how empowering employee voices on social can fuel 40% of new business, while cutting recruiting spend and improving pipeline quality.  If you want practical ideas to get better leads, better teamwork, and better outcomes, this one’s for you. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.  About Gabe Lullo: Gabe Lullo is the CEO of Alleyoop, a sales development agency working with industry giants such as ZoomInfo, Salesloft, and Adobe. He has trained over 8,000 salespeople across diverse businesses and, during his tenure in Alleyoop, he has personally hired and managed more than 1,500 SDRs. With over two decades of experience in sales, marketing, and executive recruitment, his strategies have significantly driven Alleyoop’s growth and shaped its corporate culture. Beyond his career accomplishments, Gabe graduated from the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford and his leadership ethos is rooted in cultivating environments that prioritize both professional development and individual success. About Tessa Burg: Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at Tessa.Burg@ModOp.com.

Marketing technology is evolving faster than most teams can keep up—but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this Leader Generation episode, host Tessa Burg talks with Laura Stevenson, Mod Op’s new EVP of Data and Marketing Automation, about how to turn data chaos into clarity. Laura draws on over 20 years of experience leading at the intersection of data and technology to share how her team helps clients simplify systems, harness automation and stay ahead of the curve. You’ll discover how to make your MarTech stack work harder for yo  u, prioritize transformation without “boiling the ocean,” and build smarter, more connected customer experiences. This episode is packed with insights for marketing and business leaders ready to take control of their data, their technology—and their future. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.  About Laura Stevenson: Laura Stevenson brings over 25 years of advertising and marketing expertise, previously holding corporate roles at Verizon and collaborating with a diverse set of companies such as Nissan, BlueJeans by Verizon, Alkami, and SAP. Her primary focus revolves around helping clients with journey and ABM/ABX demand generation strategies, including adeptly mapping content to align with sales funnels and customer stages. She excels in leveraging the latest tools, technologies, and industry best practices, ensuring next-level marketing effectiveness. Laura is dedicated to “plugged-in partner” approach, empowering clients to deliver optimized customer experiences through end-to-end marketing services. About Tessa Burg: Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at Tessa.Burg@ModOp.com.

What happens when a marketing agency invests $10 million in AI—not to replace people, but to empower them?  In this episode of Leader Generation, Tessa Burg talks with Eric Bertrand, CEO of Mod Op, to reveal how the agency’s bold investment is reshaping the future of marketing. Together, they break down how AI is transforming the work behind the work—from automating repetitive tasks to unlocking new levels of creativity, personalization and speed to market. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at Mod Op’s people-first approach to AI and hear how it’s helping clients move faster, think smarter and deliver more value than ever before. Eric shares insights on what it really takes to integrate AI responsibly, build connected data systems and evolve teams into strategic powerhouses. If you’re curious about the real-world impact of AI in marketing — beyond the headlines — this episode offers an inside look at how a forward-thinking agency is transforming both its own operations and its clients’ success. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.  About Eric Bertrand: C-level executive and entrepreneur having operated and managed Companies, including start-ups, growth stage and publicly traded Companies. PE/VC fund manager having invested over $400 million in 50+ companies over the past 20 years. Investments have been in multiple industries, with expertise in Media & Entertainment, Retail, Consumer Products, Business Services and Information Technology. Eric can be reached on LinkedIn or at Eric@ModOp.com. About Tessa Burg: Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at Tessa.Burg@ModOp.com.  

Content marketing is changing fast, and so are the rules of visibility. Tessa Burg talks with Jon Gillham, Founder of Originality.ai, about how marketers can avoid the “AI slop” trap in today’s era of AI-generated content. Jon shares what he’s learned since launching the first commercially available AI detector—just three days before ChatGPT hit the market—and offers practical advice on balancing efficiency with authenticity. Listeners will hear about using AI tools responsibly while still producing high-quality, original content that builds trust and stands out in search, LLMs and beyond. Jon also explains how marketers can increase their visibility with strategies like adding citations, original data and quotes.  Whether you’re worried about declining Google traffic, retention challenges or simply how to future-proof your content strategy, this episode delivers insights you can put into practice right away. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.  About Jon Gillham: Jon Gillham founded Originality.ai after selling a content marketing agency he had previously founded. Originality.ai launched in November 2022 to detect GPT-3-generated content (before ChatGPT had launched). One of the earliest adopters of generative AI content for SEO purposes at scale through his agency, Jon understood the wave that was coming, which ChatGPT and GPT-4 have fully unleashed. Additionally, he believed that there was a need for a modern plagiarism checking solution. One that provided scan history, detection scores, shareable results, team access etc., what you would expect from a modern Plagiarism Checking solution. The team now includes experienced Machine Learning Engineers, Researchers, Developers and Marketers, all on a mission to try and provide transparency on the true originality of any writing.   About Tessa Burg: Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at Tessa.Burg@ModOp.com.

AI isn’t just about writing emails faster; it’s about capturing and scaling the expert knowledge that actually wins deals.  In this conversation, Vivun’s Chief AI Officer Joseph Miller explains why most “just add a chatbot” projects stall, and how building a real-world model of your business (your terms, processes, and judgments) unlocks meaningful results. He breaks down the difference between low-stakes productivity and high-stakes outcomes—and what it takes to get from New York to San Francisco, not just Newark. You’ll hear practical guidance for marketers, sales leaders, and operators: how to codify tribal knowledge, ground AI in your company’s definitions, and design iterative experiments that deliver time-to-value. If you’re tired of hype and want an honest blueprint for using AI to empower teams—not replace their judgment—this episode is for you. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.  About Joseph Miller: As the Chief AI Officer and co-founder of Vivun, Joseph Miller, PhD, leverages his expertise in AI/ML and causal inference to build complex agentic systems. He is nationally recognized for his work in AI labor disruption and algorithmic strategies, and has appeared on platforms such as Bloomberg and Nasdaq. Joseph also guest lectures on AI, entrepreneurship and quantitative finance. About Tessa Burg: Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at Tessa.Burg@ModOp.com.

Digital transformation isn’t just for tech companies—it’s reshaping even the most traditional industries.  In this episode of Leader Generation, Chief Digital Officer Alan Wizemann returns to share how Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits is redefining what it means to be a beverage distributor. From AI-powered recommendations to warehouse drones and robotics, Alan explains how technology is enhancing customer experiences, streamlining operations and creating new opportunities for employees. Listeners will hear how Southern Glazer’s is prioritizing “time to value” by focusing on customer needs first, not just company revenue goals. Alan also talks about the importance of durable teams, piloting before scaling and building a culture where innovation enhances human relationships rather than replaces them.  Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.  About Alan Wizemann: Alan Wizemann is Chief Digital Officer for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (Southern Glazer’s), the world’s pre-eminent distributor of beverage alcohol, and proud to be a multi-generational, family-owned Company. Wizemann leads the Company’s Digital Acceleration group, overseeing Southern Glazer’s digital transformation, and is responsible for enterprise-wide digital initiatives—including the industry-leading B2B eCommerce Proof® platform.  With decades of experience in digital product development, omni-channel experiences, technology, and entrepreneurship, Wizemann has been instrumental in shaping and transforming the digital landscape for some of the world's most well-known consumer companies. At Target Corporation, he launched and led key digital initiatives across Target.com, Target Mobile, and Cartwheel, which became an industry-leading mobile platform. Wizemann also held digital leadership roles driving transformation at Lululemon Athletica Inc., Goop, WebMD, Dollar Shave Club, quip, and most recently, Munchkin Inc. His visionary approach to product strategy, user-centric design and building agile teams at scale has consistently delivered results.   Wizemann is an engineer at heart who has delivered effective solutions in complex environments, and he is a proven entrepreneur who has built and scaled digital capabilities and fostered a culture of innovation.  About Tessa Burg: Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at Tessa.Burg@ModOp.com.  

Doing more with less in B2B? This episode shows you how—without burning out your team or your budget.  Tessa Burg talks with B2B leaders, Hannah Woodham and Jenelle Maddox, to map out what’s actually working as teams plan for 2026. They break down the wins from 2024–2025, including first-party data, smarter AI, and high-quality content. Then, share where to invest next so you can reach complex buying networks and still prove ROI. You’ll hear practical ways to streamline work, personalize at scale, and boost brand visibility in LLMs—without chasing every shiny object. If you want clear steps to align marketing with business goals, improve performance metrics, and make your budget work harder, this conversation gives you the playbook.  Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.  About Hannah Woodham: With over 15 years of experience driving paid channel marketing strategy in a dynamic agency environment, Hannah focuses on leading teams that deliver performance-driven results. Throughout her career, she’s helped brands across B2B industries scale their reach, optimize their media investments, and achieve measurable growth through innovative paid strategies. Hannah has a passion for combining data, creativity and emerging technologies—including AI—to build campaigns that not only perform but transform. Hannah can be reached on LinkedIn or at Hannah.Woodham@ModOp.com.  About Jenelle Maddox: Jenelle Maddox is Vice President of Client Success at Mod Op, with more than 15 years of experience leading teams and advising global enterprise clients. She brings executive leadership and marketing strategy expertise to help organizations navigate digital transformation and drive growth, leveraging data-driven marketing, customer experience strategies, and technology enablement to ensure alignment with business goals and measurable outcomes. Jenelle is recognized for developing and scaling both client and employee satisfaction by creating clarity from complexity as a servant leader and multiplier, driving cross-functional alignment to achieve collective success. Jenelle can be reached on LinkedIn or at Jenelle.Maddox@ModOp.com.  About Tessa Burg: Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at Tessa.Burg@ModOp.com.

In the fast-changing world of search, generative AI is rewriting the rules—and your old SEO playbook won’t cut it.  In this episode of Leader Generation, guest host Patty Parobek teams up with Mod Op’s Gareth Cunningham and Maurice White to decode Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and the strategies that will keep your brand visible when AI-driven search takes the lead. Using the iconic “Periodic Table of SEO Elements” as their guide, they reveal what’s still relevant, what’s rising in importance and what you can skip in the AI era. You’ll hear practical tips on how to structure your content so both search engines and AI tools can understand it, build brand authority that goes beyond backlinks and make sure your technical foundations are strong before adding GEO tactics. The conversation focuses on a balanced, long-term approach—starting with the changes that will have the biggest impact, avoiding overwhelm and combining SEO with PR, branding and other marketing efforts. Whether you’re just starting to explore GEO or looking to refine your strategy, this episode delivers expert guidance on navigating the shift toward a semantic, AI-powered web. GEO isn’t a sprint, but a marathon. Making smart, sustainable moves today can keep your brand visible well into the future. Leader Generation is brought to you by Mod Op.  About Gareth Cunningham: Gareth Cunningham stands at the intersection of creativity and analytics in his role as the Director of Search Experience at Mod Op. He leverages his experience in digital marketing to shape the online presence of national and international brands. Gareth consistently delivers strategies that increase organic traffic and improve search rankings for clients. His innovative approaches and dedication to measurable results have cemented his reputation as a dynamic leader in search engine optimization. Gareth can be reached on LinkedIn or at Gareth.Cunningham@ModOp.com.  About Maurice White: Maurice White is a seasoned SEO Strategist at Mod Op, with more than a decade of experience in digital strategy, technical SEO, and product management. He focuses on developing search strategies that not only increase a website’s visibility in organic search results but also guide visitors through a thoughtfully–crafted user journey toward conversion. Maurice is actively exploring ways to leverage generative AI technologies to enhance website performance, user engagement and alignment with the evolving digital landscape. Maurice can be reached on LinkedIn or at Maurice.White@ModOp.com.  About Patty Parobek: As Vice President of AI Transformation, Patty leads Mod Op’s AI practice group, spearheading initiatives to maximize the value and scalability of AI-enabled solutions. Patty collaborates with the executive team to revolutionize creative, advertising and marketing projects for clients, while ensuring responsible AI practices. She also oversees AI training programs, identifies high-value AI use cases and measures implementation impact, providing essential feedback to Mod Op’s AI Council for continuous improvement. Patty can be reached on LinkedIn or at Patty.Parobek@ModOp.com.