

Builders Wanted
Twilio
Builders Wanted features candid conversations with the leaders and industry pioneers who are reimagining customer engagement, driving transformation, and fostering innovation with transformative technologies. Step inside the minds of the builders reshaping how businesses connect, engage, and grow.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 12, 2025 • 40min
Trust by Design: Rewriting Authentication in the Age of GenAI Fraud with Filip Verley, Chief Innovation Officer at Liminal
In this episode of Builders Wanted, we’re joined by Filip Verley, Chief Innovation Officer at Liminal. Filip sheds light on the challenges companies face with increasing fraud due to advances in generative AI and deepfakes, and the importance of balancing security with customer experience. The conversation covers practical strategies for unifying data across teams, leveraging behavioral signals, and investing in converged identity platforms.-------------------Key Takeaways: Digital fraud is rapidly evolving due to generative AI and deepfakes, making it harder for companies to distinguish between real and fake interactions.Unifying data and aligning company goals around trust and security is essential for effective fraud prevention.Balancing customer experience with security requires smart, context-aware friction and continuous monitoring.-------------------“ The best teams or organizations don't think in an either-or, it's the balance. They always are able to balance and they design these systems to adapt to what they need. It's not just about reducing the fraud, it's making sure that users are protected without slowing them down. Smart friction.” – Filip Verley-------------------Episode Timestamps:*(01:52) - How generative AI and deepfakes are making fraud detection harder *(04:07) - Insights from Liminal’s Seminal Report*(16:19) - Why behavioral intent is a game changer for fraud detection*(22:54) - The 4 layers of defense every company needs *(25:52) - Where companies are investing for the biggest impact*(35:13) - Quick hits-------------------Links:Connect with Filip on LinkedInRead Liminal’s Seminal ReportConnect with Kailey on LinkedInLearn more about Caspian Studios-------------------SponsorBuilders Wanted is brought to you by Twilio – the Customer Engagement Platform that helps builders turn real-time data into meaningful customer experiences. More than 320,000 businesses trust Twilio to transform signals into connections—and connections into revenue. Ready to build what’s next? Learn more at twilio.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 29, 2025 • 38min
Behind the Brands: How a COO Builds the Machine Powering Inc. and Fast Company with Anne Marie O’Keefe
In this episode of Builders Wanted, we’re joined by Anne Marie O’Keefe, Chief Operating Officer of Inc. and Fast Company. Anne Marie discusses her approach to fostering creativity and operational excellence in a rapidly changing media landscape. The conversation covers the balancing act between legacy and innovation, simplifying systems for better efficiency, and the critical role of listening to customers.-------------------Key Takeaways:Media brands should focus on constantly evolving products, touchpoints, and strategies rather than chasing industry trends or competitors.Reducing complexity in workflows and technology enables organizations to adapt faster and deliver more value.Effective leadership requires adapting management styles to different teams, celebrating small wins, and empowering people to do their best work.-------------------“ Simplification is transformative. I think a lot of times we read these amazing stories in Fast Company about innovators and we think, Oh, they took this really complicated problem and they solved it. And that leads us to believe that we need a lot of complexity in what we do. Stripping that complexity away really lets the team be creative and innovative where it matters most, where they can build something that has impact for the audience.” – Anne Marie O’Keefe-------------------Episode Timestamps:*(01:59) - What Anne Marie builds at Inc. and Fast Company *(07:28) - Simplifying operations and driving innovation*(21:42) - Balancing editorial integrity and business growth*(34:21) - Quick hits-------------------Links:Connect with Anne Marie on LinkedInConnect with Kailey on LinkedInLearn more about Caspian Studios-------------------SponsorBuilders Wanted is brought to you by Twilio – the Customer Engagement Platform that helps builders turn real-time data into meaningful customer experiences. More than 320,000 businesses trust Twilio to transform signals into connections—and connections into revenue. Ready to build what’s next? Learn more at twilio.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 1, 2025 • 40min
Salon Strategy: How L’Oréal Scales Professional Beauty from the Inside Out with Kevin Stang, Chief of Staff, US Professional Products Division
In this episode of Builders Wanted, we’re joined by Kevin Stang, Chief of Staff to the President of the US Professional Products Division at L’Oréal. Kevin shares his unique perspective on aligning purpose with performance, leading high-powered teams, and fostering innovation in the beauty industry. He highlights the importance of investing in talent, the role of 360 marketers, and the real-world insights and adaptability required to stay ahead of trends.-------------------Key Takeaways:Building strong customer engagement requires a 360-degree approach: balancing B2B and B2C strategies, investing in talent, and fostering cross-functional collaboration.Data should be paired with direct insights from salons and stylists to drive innovation and effective marketing.Speed and adaptability are crucial to keep up with cultural trends, but maintaining authenticity is key to lasting success.------------------- “ What would happen if you had an individual send you a video, you get approval by mid-morning and you're in the content center by the afternoon shooting the content, and it's up within 48 hours? That is the type of speed and change that we've really made internally to help take that story that that storyteller is creating and try to remove all of those operation or hierarchical barriers that exist in very modern or traditional groupings and try to put that at the forefront to allow fast speed and reaction.” – Kevin Stang-------------------Episode Timestamps:*(02:12) - The importance of people and talent development at L’Oreal*(08:47) - Turning data into actionable insights through field immersion*(14:25) - How TikTok and YouTube are transforming stylist training and brand engagement*(17:17) - The “storyteller” role in keeping up with trends and authentic content creation*(22:43) - Empowering stylists authentically without over-prescription*(35:01) - Quick hits -------------------Links:Connect with Kevin on LinkedInConnect with Kailey on LinkedInLearn more about Caspian Studios-------------------SponsorBuilders Wanted is brought to you by Twilio – the Customer Engagement Platform that helps builders turn real-time data into meaningful customer experiences. More than 320,000 businesses trust Twilio to transform signals into connections—and connections into revenue. Ready to build what’s next? Learn more at twilio.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 20, 2025 • 40min
Leading with Intention: How Tapestry Builds Modern Luxury at Scale with Sandeep Seth, Chief Growth Officer & President
In this episode of Builders Wanted, we’re joined by Sandeep Seth, Chief Growth Officer and President of Tapestry. Sandeep shares his mission to future-proof growth by transforming Tapestry into a brand growth engine. He explores the importance of consumer focus, continuous learning, and creating seamless experiences both online and offline.-------------------Key Takeaways:Strategies to future-proof growth by focusing on consumer insightsHow to balance authenticity and innovation for younger generationsThe seamless integration of physical and digital experiences-------------------“ The magic doesn't come from what [consumers] tell us. The magic comes from what they don't tell us. And how do you sense that tension that's kind of going on there? It's not easy, but a true insight is that unexpressed emotion or that unexpressed need and how the brand, in an authentic way, can fulfill that.” – Sandeep Seth-------------------Episode Timestamps:*(01:57) - Sandeep’s mission at Tapestry*(03:29 - Sandeep’s approach to growth and brand relevance*(12:02) - An exciting shift in consumer behavior*(21:09) - Gen Z, digital vs. physical, and evolving consumer behavior*(28:29) - Balancing near-term performance with long-term brand equity*(37:39) - Quick hits-------------------Links:Connect with Sandeep on LinkedInConnect with Kailey on LinkedInLearn more about Caspian Studios-------------------SponsorBuilders Wanted is brought to you by Twilio – the Customer Engagement Platform that helps builders turn real-time data into meaningful customer experiences. More than 320,000 businesses trust Twilio to transform signals into connections—and connections into revenue. Ready to build what’s next? Learn more at twilio.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 6, 2025 • 32min
Building Bold: How Quickbase’s Platform Powers Innovation at Scale with Jon Kennedy, Chief Technology Officer
In this episode of Builders Wanted, we’re joined by Jon Kennedy, Chief Technology Officer at Quickbase. John discusses how Quickbase is helping businesses innovate through its no-code platform, enabling users to build custom solutions swiftly. He shares insights into the challenges of scaling a global engineering team, the importance of fostering an empowering work culture, and the transformative potential of AI in low-code development.-------------------Key Takeaways:The importance of empowering non-technical users, or "citizen developers," through Quickbase's no-code platform.The critical balance between fostering rapid innovation and maintaining strong governance, security, and reliability standards.Effective leadership and organizational transformation rely heavily on listening and adaptability.-------------------“ It's very empowering, like, I solved this problem. And guess what? You built a computer application and you're not a computer programmer. I think it's pretty empowering for somebody that is not a technologist to be able to solve a real world problem like that.” – Jon Kennedy-------------------Episode Timestamps:*(01:59) - How Quickbase is helping businesses solve complex problems*(09:08) - How customers are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible *(11:04) - AI’s role in transforming the low-code space *(16:01) - Navigating speed and stability at scale*(21:24) - Successes and challenges of integrating FastField into Quickbase*(28:23) - Quick hits-------------------Links:Connect with Jon on LinkedInConnect with Kailey on LinkedInLearn more about Caspian Studios-------------------SponsorBuilders Wanted is brought to you by Twilio – the Customer Engagement Platform that helps builders turn real-time data into meaningful customer experiences. More than 320,000 businesses trust Twilio to transform signals into connections—and connections into revenue. Ready to build what’s next? Learn more at twilio.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 23, 2025 • 46min
Compassion at Scale: How Mental Health Innovations Is Reimagining Crisis Support with Victoria Hornby, CEO
In this episode of Builders Wanted, we’re joined by Victoria Hornby, CEO of Mental Health Innovations. Victoria explores the intersection of empathy and technology in mental health support, the importance of accessibility, and the impact of leveraging digital platforms to build trust at scale. Learn more about the challenges and successes of adapting technology to create human connections and the continuous effort to innovate and reach marginalized communities.-------------------Key Takeaways:Technology can bridge gaps and make mental health support more accessible and effective.The importance of flexibility to pivot quickly in response to external factors while maintaining the quality of services.A data-driven approach helps tailor training for volunteers and adapt their methods to better meet the needs of specific user groups.-------------------“ We are using technology to connect a person who is struggling with another person who has decided and trained to help someone exactly in that moment. There's a technical connection, and then that facilitates a human connection. And that means that we are able to provide that service and that connection at scale and 24 hours a day.” – Victoria Hornby-------------------Episode Timestamps:*(05:44) - What it means to “build trust” in the context of mental health*(09:50) - How Mental Health Innovations uses technology to expand access*(16:17) - How data helps MHI improve its services*(24:57) - The tradeoff between speed and stability *(34:36) - A change or experiment that made a big difference at MHI*(37:20) - A shift in mental health or nonprofit tech Victoria is watching closely-------------------Links:Connect with Victoria on LinkedInConnect with Kailey on LinkedInLearn more about Caspian Studios-------------------SponsorBuilders Wanted is brought to you by Twilio – the Customer Engagement Platform that helps builders turn real-time data into meaningful customer experiences. More than 320,000 businesses trust Twilio to transform signals into connections—and connections into revenue. Ready to build what’s next? Learn more at twilio.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 9, 2025 • 48min
Building with AI: How Twilio & AWS Are Shaping the Future of Development with Deepak Singh & Inbal Shani
Deepak Singh, Vice President at AWS, and Inbal Shani, Chief Product Officer at Twilio, dive into the transformative power of AI in development. They discuss the critical need for curiosity and adaptability among developers in an AI-driven landscape. The duo emphasizes the importance of building trust while integrating AI for customer engagement. Insightful points include simplifying AI processes and managing risks to enhance customer experiences. Their conversation reveals a vision where AI fosters innovation and personalizes every interaction.

Jun 25, 2025 • 41min
Rewriting the Roadmap: Rimini Street’s Bold Approach to Enterprise Modernization with Eric Helmer, Chief Technology Officer
In this episode of Builders Wanted, we’re joined by Eric Helmer, Chief Technology Officer at Rimini Street. Eric shares his insights on how to modernize mission-critical systems without compromising performance. Learn about the misconceptions about tech modernization, the importance of agility and flexibility in tech stacks, and the shift from reactive to proactive IT roles.-------------------Key Takeaways:The importance of modernizing critical systems without diving headfirst into vendor-driven migrations to the cloud.Transparency in operations and involving end-users early in the process can build trust and ensure smoother transitions.By optimizing existing configurations and processes before implementing new technologies, organizations can achieve significant cost savings and efficiency gains.------------------- “ When you show organizations that you genuinely want to help them by showing them all the different options that they have in an agnostic way, it's a really best way to build fantastic relationships and keep that engagement simple and strategic. You have to figure out where you're going to spend your budgets. You have to take the emotion out of it. You gotta take tradition out of it and boil it down to data points that create obvious best choices.” – Eric Helmer-------------------Episode Timestamps:*(02:08) - How Eric defines his mission as a builder*(06:12) - One major shift in how IT leaders approach long-term transformation*(13:49) - How Eric keeps customer engagement simple and strategic *(22:05) - A recent transformation Eric is proud of *(28:19) - A low-profile change that made a surprising difference*(36:27) - One thing every CIO should start or stop doing-------------------Links:Connect with Eric on LinkedInConnect with Kailey on LinkedInLearn more about Caspian Studios-------------------SponsorBuilders Wanted is brought to you by Twilio – the Customer Engagement Platform that helps builders turn real-time data into meaningful customer experiences. More than 320,000 businesses trust Twilio to transform signals into connections—and connections into revenue. Ready to build what’s next? Learn more at twilio.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jun 11, 2025 • 41min
Rewiring Financial Engagement: How DailyPay Connects with Millions in Real Time with Dar Miranda, VP of Customer Engagement
In this episode of Builders Wanted, we sit down with Dar Miranda, VP of Customer Engagement at DailyPay, to delve into the innovative strategies behind real-time financial management for workers. Explore how financial stress impacts employee engagement, the shift towards employee-centric pay models, and the bold moves Daily Pay is making to transform traditional payroll systems.-------------------Key Takeaways:DailyPay’s mission to provide employees faster, more flexible access to earned wages.Financial stress causes a significant impact on employees' focus, productivity, and job satisfaction.The integration of AI will help solve customer problems and drive growth, but will not replace humans.-------------------“ The trend that I'm watching most closely is the integration of AI to proactively solve customer problems, but also unlock new growth avenues. So it's not just about reactively answering questions or the ability to reactively answer questions quickly, it's about shifting AI from this like cost center efficiency play to a revenue and loyalty driver.” – Dar Miranda-------------------Episode Timestamps:*(05:36) - The boldest thing DailyPay is building right now*(11:25) - The surprising way users engage with DailyPay *(21:15) - Where Dar draws the line between automation and human connection *(32:01) - A CX trend Dar is watching closely *(36:27) - What every CX leader should start or stop doing*(38:55) - Dar’s advice for builders creating empathetic customer experiences-------------------Links:Connect with Dar on LinkedInConnect with Kailey on LinkedInLearn more about Caspian Studios-------------------SponsorBuilders Wanted is brought to you by Twilio – the Customer Engagement Platform that helps builders turn real-time data into meaningful customer experiences. More than 320,000 businesses trust Twilio to transform signals into connections—and connections into revenue. Ready to build what’s next? Learn more at twilio.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2025 • 32min
Bold Moves & Big Screens: How TCL Builds a Brand Customers Actually Remember with Cole Moir, VP of Brand & Digital Marketing at TCL North America
In this episode of Builders Wanted, we sit down with Cole Moir, Vice President of Brand and Digital Marketing at TCL North America, to explore what it takes to create a standout brand in a crowded market. Tune in to hear about the methods behind creating high-impact, emotionally resonant brand experiences and the future role of AI and personalization in marketing.-------------------Key Takeaways:A focus on creating memorable and emotional moments for audiences builds a more meaningful connection with consumers and aligns with the brand's identity and values.Brands that leverage cultural moments to enhance their relevance and impact connect with audiences on a shared emotional and cultural ground.Clarity in messaging often wins over cleverness, especially in crowded markets, and leads to stronger trust and engagement among consumers.-------------------“ The key is to design brand experiences that respect attention, not demand it. In a world of infinite content, brands that break through are the ones that earn the moment by being useful or entertaining or emotionally resonant. We don't chase eyeballs, we chase impact.” – Cole Moir-------------------Episode Timestamps:*(02:08) - The boldest thing TCL is building right now*(06:08) - How Cole thinks about aligning brand moments with cultural ones *(09:17) - How to design brand experiences without burning out your audience*(12:54) - How TCL stays fresh in a fast moving category*(21:54) - What Cole learned from campaigns early in his career*(28:28) - Quick hits: insight and inspiration-------------------Links:Connect with Cole on LinkedInConnect with Kailey on LinkedInLearn more about Caspian Studios-------------------SponsorBuilders Wanted is brought to you by Twilio – the Customer Engagement Platform that helps builders turn real-time data into meaningful customer experiences. More than 320,000 businesses trust Twilio to transform signals into connections—and connections into revenue. Ready to build what’s next? Learn more at twilio.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


