Leader Generation

Before introducing Aaron Grando to review the AI-powered coding assistant Cursor, Tessa Burg explores the key trends shaping the future of AI in 2025. From the explosion of new technologies to the rise of real-time personalization, Tessa lays out a roadmap for how businesses can strategically adopt AI. She also highlights the shift towards smaller, more senior teams and how collaboration will become critical for maximizing AI's potential. Aaron Grando, VP of Creative Innovation at Mod Op, shares his hands-on experience with Cursor. Aaron explains how this powerful app streamlines workflows, enhances context, and even integrates non-coding tasks like notes and project insights. Curious about how AI can make your team more productive and creative? This episode shares relatable examples to help you get started. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.  Contributor Aaron Grando: Aaron Grando, VP, Creative Innovation on Mod Op's Innovation team, is a seasoned technologist with over 15 years of experience at creative agencies. With a background in strategy, design, engineering, and marketing, Aaron has worked extensively in industries like media, entertainment, gaming, food & beverage, fashion, and technology. At Mod Op, Aaron leads efforts to integrate AI into creative processes, creating tools that connect creatives and clients with insights, spark ideas, and enable new brand experiences. Projects include collaborations with companies like NBCUniversal, Bethesda Softworks, Under Armour, Planet Fitness, Dietz & Watson, and more, focusing on infusing creative strategies with innovative technology to create cutting-edge brand experiences. 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 episode of Leader Generation, Tessa Burg welcomes Kevin Purvis, managing partner at Cothrom Risk and Insurance Services, to discuss the growing risks marketers face in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.  From data privacy laws like CCPA and GDPR to the increasing use of AI tools in marketing, Kevin sheds light on the vulnerabilities these innovations bring and how marketers can address them proactively. Listeners will gain valuable insights into safeguarding their marketing strategies, building cross-departmental collaboration, and using insurance as a safety net for emerging risks.  Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.  About Kevin Purvis: Kevin Purvis is the Managing Partner of Cothrom Risk & Insurance Services, an insurance brokerage focused on innovation businesses such as technology, med-tech, life sciences and advanced manufacturing. An 18-year insurance veteran, he is a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and prior Chair of TechAssure (techassure.org). He, his wife, and four kids live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and are all avid mountain bikers. 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.  

Mod Op’s AI Playground makes exploring emerging AI technologies safe and effective. It gives people quick access to cutting-edge technology while making sure everything stays secure, compliant, and ethical. By testing real-world use cases and tracking results, the AI Playground turns ideas into solutions that bring real value to clients. In this episode, Alyssa Curci and Jonathan Murray focus on practical ways businesses can use AI to improve workflows, manage data, and empower teams. They share their firsthand experiences with Microsoft Copilot and Google NotebookLM, highlighting how these applications can save time and enhance productivity. Tune in for real-life use cases, practical tips, and expert opinions that can help you make decisions about AI adoption in your workplace. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.    Contributors: Alyssa Curci, Senior Vice President of Customer Delivery at Mod Op Jonathan Murray, Chief Strategy Officer at Mod Op   Host: 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.

Paul Kelly, CEO of A Million Ads (AMA), joins us to explore the rapidly evolving world of personalized audio advertising.  Paul shares how AI is revolutionizing audio marketing, turning what was once a branding channel into a performance-driven powerhouse. He also talks about AMA’s Studio.AI tool that allows marketers to deliver hyper-personalized, dynamic audio ads at scale. Hear why podcasting, streaming audio and even audiobooks are becoming critical components of a media mix. Plus, discover how AI-driven tools can unlock new opportunities to reach diverse, fragmented audiences with messages tailored to location, time and behavior. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.  About Paul Kelly: Paul Kelly is the CEO of A Million Ads (AMA). AMA is the leader in Dynamic Creative for audio, delivering customized, data-driven, dynamic ads on the world's largest audio platforms. Using any combination of contextual and audience-level data, AMA dynamically serves the most relevant and actionable ad to each listener.    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 episode, Cheryl Boehm and Tessa Burg discuss the potential of AI agents in marketing.  Tessa Burg explains the concept of AI agents and how they differ from GPTs. They talk about how these tools go beyond traditional apps, automating complex tasks, providing predictive insights and enabling marketers to focus on strategic problem-solving.  Tessa shares real-world examples from Mod Op's AI journey, starting in 2016, and how their new Mod Engine platform is creating a connected ecosystem for innovation. Listeners will learn how AI agents are reshaping roles, fostering creativity, and providing scalable solutions for marketers and clients alike. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. For an executive guide to growth and transformation, check out our book Getting Digital Done, now available on Amazon.   About Cheryl Boehm: Cheryl Boehm is a digital content writer with 25+ years of marketing experience, primarily in B2B. She strives to deliver the best online experiences to customers and prospects that, ultimately, lead to company growth for clients. She stubbornly insists there’s no single messaging approach that’s right for everyone. Period. So, in her role as Director of Copywriting at Mod Op, Cheryl pushes to personalize content strategy with an individual “cheat code” that empowers each client to reach their end game fastest. 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.

Building on part one of the Responsible Use series, Tessa Burg and Patty Parobek explore how organizations can assess AI tools, minimize risks and scale AI-driven innovations effectively.  They share a framework—covering everything from understanding data privacy and compliance to evaluating ROI—designed to empower businesses to adopt AI responsibly while driving measurable value. Listeners will also hear about the "AI Playground," a fast-track approach to testing AI tools.  This episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world examples to help you confidently navigate the world of AI. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. For an executive guide to growth and transformation, check out our book Getting Digital Done, now available on Amazon.   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.   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 part one of a two-part series, Tessa Burg focuses on a critical topic for businesses today: the responsible use of AI. With ChatGPT and other AI tools rapidly reshaping marketing and business, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of why every organization needs a Responsible Use Policy.  Tessa outlines practical steps for creating frameworks that safeguard data, inspire confidence in AI experimentation and scale innovation. Listeners will learn how to address the tension between early adopters and skeptics, assess the impact of AI tools on marketing processes and implement policies that protect clients and brands.  Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you harness AI responsibly and effectively. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. For an executive guide to growth and transformation, check out our book Getting Digital Done, now available on Amazon. 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. 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 episode of Leader Generation, Tessa Burg and Cheryl Boehm take listeners on a journey through the podcast’s past, present and future.  Reflecting on its beginnings in 2019, they share how the series evolved from a biweekly exploration of rapid testing to its current role as a hub for insights, innovation and client-driven learning. Cheryl recounts how the podcast has grown beyond its initial vision, now touching on cutting-edge topics like artificial intelligence and its transformative impact on businesses. The episode also introduces the exciting launch of the AI Playground, a new initiative designed to demystify AI tools and applications. Through candid conversations, Cheryl and Tessa explore the benefits of testing AI in controlled environments, the importance of responsible use and how this initiative empowers clients and teams to work smarter.  Whether you're new to the series or a long-time listener, this episode delivers practical takeaways, a fresh perspective on innovation and a behind-the-scenes look at how Leader Generation continues to grow. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. For an executive guide to growth and transformation, check out our book Getting Digital Done, now available on Amazon.   About Cheryl Boehm: Cheryl Boehm is a digital content writer with 25+ years of marketing experience, primarily in B2B. She strives to deliver the best online experiences to customers and prospects that, ultimately, lead to company growth for clients. She stubbornly insists there’s no single messaging approach that’s right for everyone. Period. So, in her role as Director of Copywriting at Mod Op, Cheryl pushes to personalize content strategy with an individual “cheat code” that empowers each client to reach their end game fastest.   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.

How can AI improve your team’s productivity and creativity? In this episode of the Leader Generation podcast, host Tessa Burg welcomes Colleen Malloy, CMO of Brunswick Companies. Together, they explore how AI agents are reshaping the future of marketing and empowering teams to work smarter. Colleen shares her journey of building an agentic workforce, where AI agents streamline tasks, boost productivity and unlock new levels of creativity.  Listeners will gain practical ways to introduce AI into their organization, overcome fears of new technology and maximize AI's potential in marketing. It’s perfect for leaders ready to innovate and increase their teams' performance. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. For an executive guide to growth and transformation, check out our book Getting Digital Done, now available on Amazon. About Colleen Malloy: Colleen Malloy is the Chief Marketing Officer at Brunswick Companies, where she leads AI adoption initiatives and drives strategic growth through data-driven marketing. With more than 20 years of experience in technology optimization, SEO, content marketing and brand strategy, Colleen has a proven track record of using innovative tools to create impactful strategies. Prior to Brunswick Companies, Colleen held leadership roles at Fathom, StackSource and Design Milk Co., where she was known for championing high-performing teams and optimizing marketing tech stacks. 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.

Responsible AI use isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. In this episode of Leader Generation, Monica Richter, Mod Op’s strategic advisor and former Chief Data Officer, talks about how a strong AI policy helps protect brands, builds client trust and encourages innovation.  Monica uses real-world insights to explain why responsible AI matters, how to define ethical standards for your organization and the steps every leader should take to ensure AI is used wisely.  Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. For an executive guide to growth and transformation, check out our book Getting Digital Done, now available on Amazon. About Monica Richter: Monica Richter is an Executive in Residence at Mod Op Strategic Consulting, a corporate and nonprofit Board Advisor, Trustee and transformation consultant. With over 25 years of leadership experience, she now specializes in advising on strategy, business pivots, data-driven growth, analytical excellence, and innovation via technology and collaboration. She thrives on change, learning and inclusive leadership. 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.