

The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström®: Expert Mode Marketing Technology, AI, & CX
The Agile Brand
Expert mode marketing technology, AI, and CX insights from top brands and Martech platforms fill every episode, focusing on what leaders need to know to build customer lifetime value and long-term business value. The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström® features executives and thought leaders from top brands and tech platforms discussing the industry's trends, like AI adoption, first-party data strategies, artificial intelligence in the consumer journey, consumer data privacy, omnichannel customer experience, and more.The Agile Brand is hosted by Greg Kihlström, martech and artificial intelligence transformation advisor and consultant to leading brands, speaker, entrepreneur, and best-selling author. It provides a fresh perspective on the continually evolving dynamic between brands and the audiences they serve.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 16, 2024 • 34min
#576: AI and Human Creativity in Marketing with Diana Lee, Constellation
Today we’re exploring how AI and human creativity work together in marketing with Diana Lee, CEO and Founder of Constellation, a first-of-its-kind SaaS platform that allows top brands and Fortune 500 companies to seamlessly build, launch, and manage compliant creative assets at scale. We’ll discuss how marketers can effectively blend technology with human insight to enhance their strategies and connect more deeply with their audiences.Diana Lee is the Co-Founder and CEO of Constellation. Constellation efficiently scales your creative content with automated compliance. Our clients include Fortune 500 companies in Auto, Pharma, and Banking.Constellation was named the 65th Fastest-Growing Private Company in America, the 10th Fastest-Growing Women-Owned Private Company, and the 7th Fastest-Growing Marketing & Advertising Company by Inc 500. Alexia™ has been awarded the Digiday Technology Award for Best Marketing Automation Platform. Diana was also named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® in 2021.RESOURCESConstellation website: https://www.helloconstellation.com/Register for the Medallia CX Day webinar: Building Loyalty: How Top Brands Create Forever Customers with CX - https://bit.ly/3M7dkQM Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck 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/versionnextnowThe 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

Sep 13, 2024 • 27min
#575: Telling authentic branded stories with Sophie Harris, GoDaddy
GoDaddy’s “Made in America” series has just debuted its fifth season, which captures the real, unscripted stories of small business owners as they unfolded in real time.Today we’re going to talk about capturing and sharing unpredictable stories to create authentic brand messaging.To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Sophie Harris, Senior Video Producer at GoDaddy and Creative Director of GoDaddy’s “Made in America” documentary seriesRESOURCESMade in America website: https://www.godaddy.com/made-in-americaRegister for the Medallia CX Day webinar: Building Loyalty: How Top Brands Create Forever Customers with CX - https://bit.ly/3M7dkQMConnect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnowThe 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

Sep 11, 2024 • 32min
#574: Building enterprise-grade Gen AI applications with Sumeet Agrawal, Informatica
It’s hard to escape talk of AI these days, but not all AI is the same, and not all of it is safe for large organizations to use.Today we're diving into the evolving world of generative AI for the enterprise with Sumeet Agrawal, VP of Product Management at Informatica. We’ll discuss strategies and considerations for building robust, enterprise-grade generative AI applications.Sumeet Kumar Agrawal is a VP of Product Management at Informatica. Based in the Bay Area, Sumeet has 15+ years of data engineering and product management experience, driving innovative products within the cloud technology sector. He leads the Cloud AI/GenAI, Analytics & Data warehouse & Data lake, and iPaaS product portfolio at Informatica. It consists of multiple product lines such as Cloud Data Engineering, Streaming, big data, NoSQL, Serverless, Cloud Mass Ingestion(including CDC), Serverless & AI/ML, GenAI, API, and App Integration initiatives. He has a lot of experience working with many cloud ecosystem vendors like AWS, GCP, Azure, Snowflake, Databricks, etc. Apart from this, Sumeet has been frequently recognized as a strong communicator who has successfully worked with people from broad socio-economic backgrounds, and diverse cultures, building strong and fruitful organizational teams. He sits on the advisory board of many startups.RESOURCESInformatica website: https://www.informatica.comRegister for the Medallia CX Day webinar: Building Loyalty: How Top Brands Create Forever Customers with CX - https://bit.ly/3M7dkQMConnect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showAttend the Mid-Atlantic MarCom Summit, the region's largest marketing communications conference. Register with the code "Agile" and get 15% off.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.Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnowThe 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

Sep 9, 2024 • 27min
#573: The Relationship Between Marketing and Communications with Nikki Festa O'Brien, Greenough Communications
Welcome to today’s episode where we're going to talk about advanced strategies in branding and communications with Nikki Festa O'Brien, CEO of Greenough Communications. We’re going to explore how brands can articulate their stories more effectively, manage financial communications, and about the critical relationship between marketing and communications.Nikki FestaCEO, Greenough AgencyWith more than 20 years of agency and in-house experience, I am a seasoned brand marketing and communications professional who specializes in the Technology, Healthcare/Life Science, and Energy/Climate Tech sectors. I have successfully led integrated campaigns for clients ranging from startups to public companies, helping them achieve their business goals and elevate their brand reputation.As CEO of Greenough Communications, I oversee the strategic direction, operations, and growth of the firm. I work with a talented team of experts who deliver creative and impactful strategies for our clients. I am also passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation and have shared my insights and best practices at several universities and industry events. I am also honored to be recognized as one of the Top Women in PR by PR News.RESOURCESGreenough Agency website: https://www.greenoughagency.com/ Register for the Medallia CX Day webinar: Building Loyalty: How Top Brands Create Forever Customers with CX - https://bit.ly/3M7dkQM Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck 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/versionnextnowThe 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

Sep 6, 2024 • 29min
#572: Online marketplace advertising with Regina Ye, Topsort
Welcome to today’s episode, we are discussing online marketplace advertising with Regina Ye, Co-Founder & CEO of Topsort. We’ll explore the challenges and strategies for running effective ad campaigns, the shift towards first-party data, and methods for improving ad spend efficiency.Regina, is a Gen-Z entrepreneur and former small vendor. In college, she founded the beauty ecommerce brand, Zirui, and spent many tireless nights trying to understand Facebook and Amazon Ads. Today, her sights are set on demystifying the advertising industry for all.RESOURCESRegister for the Medallia CX Day webinar: Building Loyalty: How Top Brands Create Forever Customers with CX - https://bit.ly/3M7dkQMConnect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck 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/versionnextnowThe 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

Sep 4, 2024 • 38min
#571: Unlock Expert Mode: Getting to a B2B E-commerce Strategy with The Office of Experience and Znode
B2B e-commerce offers great opportunities to manufacturers and distributors, but creating an industry-specific strategy, and finding the right partners and platforms to implement it can make all the difference.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, and by Znode, the premier B2B e-commerce enterprise platform.About Carlos ManaloCarlos is co-founder & co-CEO of OX. He leads his team with nearly 20 years of grit and seasoning in the interactive and integrated multichannel space. As a customer-centered experience strategist by training, Carlos believes that enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty is achieved through clarifying strategic intent and uncovering opportunities in the user journey. By merging the benefits of analysis and interaction, he creates experiences that drive alignment, progress and evolution. His focus on performance-driven engagements has allowed Carlos to be a true 360-degree partner, building user-centered experiences for some of the world’s leading brands.About Tom FlierlTom is the Chief Commercial Officer at Amla Commerce, creator of ecommerce software products Artifi and Znode. Tom leads the sales, marketing, channel management, and account management teams and managing analyst relations. He leverages over 20 years of business experience in branding, marketing, digital commerce, and technology to assist customers through their digital journey. Tom is frequently featured as a speaker and thought leader on digital commerce.About Wil GoodmanWil is an Account Executive at Amla Commerce, creator of the ecommerce software products Artifi and Znode. Wil works with manufacturers, distributors, and retailers daily to understand how their unique business needs shape their ecommerce strategies. Growing up in a family with deep roots in distribution—his father owns a building trades and materials business—Wil developed an early understanding of the industry. Before joining Amla Commerce, Wil spent six years working for a nationwide medical distributor. Leveraging his background and software expertise, Wil helps prospective customers craft the optimal ecommerce experience using Znode.RESOURCESThe Office of Experience website:https://www.officeofexperience.comZnode website:https://www.znode.comConnect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnowThe 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

Sep 2, 2024 • 28min
#570: Unleashing the Power of Composable Customer Data Platforms with Kyle Martinowich, GrowthLoop
You’ve likely heard us talk about composable approaches a bit on this show. Today, we’re going to explore what it looks like to take a composable approach with a customer data platform with Kyle Martinowich, Senior Partnership Lead at GrowthLoop. He’s going to share insights on the power of composable Customer Data Platforms and how they are reshaping businesses' approach to data segmentation and customer relationship management.RESOURCESGrowthloop website:https://www.growthloop.comRegister for the Medallia CX Day webinar: Building Loyalty: How Top Brands Create Forever Customers with CX - https://bit.ly/3M7dkQMConnect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnowThe 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

Aug 30, 2024 • 26min
#569: Building a brand that customers can't get enough of with Jon Davids
Welcome to today’s episode where we explore the magic of branding with Jon Davids, author of "Marketing Superpowers: Build a brand so good that getting customers feels like magic" and branding expert. Jon’s book promises methods to transform marketing into a natural by-product of a beloved brand. We’ll dive into his strategies and frameworks that turn attention into sales and strangers into fans.Jon Davids is the Founder & CEO of Influicity, helping brands grow through the secrets of community marketing.RESOURCESGet a copy of Jon David's book, Marketing Superpowers: Build a Brand So Good That Getting Customers Feels Like Magic: https://jondavids.com/marketing-superpowers-book/Influicity website: https://www.influicity.comRegister for the Medallia CX Day webinar: Building Loyalty: How Top Brands Create Forever Customers with CX - https://bit.ly/3M7dkQMConnect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnowThe 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

Aug 28, 2024 • 29min
#568: Digital signage and brand strategy with Misty Chalk, BrightSign
Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into the dynamic world of digital signage with Misty Chalk, Vice President of Sales, Americas at BrightSign. We’ll explore how digital signage is transforming brand strategies and customer experiences across various industries.RESOURCESRegister for the Medallia CX Day webinar: Building Loyalty: How Top Brands Create Forever Customers with CX - https://bit.ly/3M7dkQMConnect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck 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/versionnextnowThe 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

Aug 26, 2024 • 27min
#567: Engaging e-commerce customers with Daniela Jurado, VTEX
Welcome to today’s episode where we're going to look at the strategies behind enhancing customer e-commerce engagement while streamlining business operations with Dani Jurado, Executive Vice President of North America at VTEX, a digital commerce platform.About Dani JuradoDaniela Jurado is currently VTEX’s Executive Vice President of North America. Throughout her digital career at VTEX, she has worked directly with brands such as Adidas, Whirlpool, Miriade, OBI, and others, accumulating experience in different verticals such as fashion, DIY, electronics, home appliances, etc, and in three different regions: Latin America, EMEA where performed as the GM for 3 years, and North America. Daniela has a specialization in Business Management and Internationalization from the FIA Business School in Brazil, mentors other women who seek insertion in the technology area through the Women in Tech program, and is also a guest lecturer for MBA formation programs for some top-level US universities, such as Northeastern University and the University of Louisville.RESOURCESVTEX website: https://vtex.com/Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromRegister now for the Medallia CX Day Webinar: Building Loyalty: How Top Brands Create Forever Customers with CX. Greg Kihlström will be moderating this discussion with CX experts. Register now (it's free)Don't miss the Mid-Atlantic MarCom Summit, the region's largest marketing communications conference. Register with the code "Agile" and get 15% off.Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.comThe Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnowThe 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