

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

Jun 14, 2024 • 25min
#536: Incremental data-driven transformation in the enterprise with Tommi Marsans, Verizon Business
We are here at PegaWorld iNspire at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada we’ve been seeing some amazing things, including how AI can transform the enterprise and we’ve been hands-on at the Innovation Hub.Digital transformation is often seen as an overwhelming challenge, and stats certainly confirm this. Understanding how to implement change gradually can be key. Returning to the show today is Tommi Marsans, Associate Director of Marketing Technology Strategy at Verizon Business, who will share insights into making big changes one step at a time within a large enterprise setting.ABOUT TOMMI MARSANSTommi has over three decades of marketing technology experience, with a focus on enabling marketing through alignment of technology and strategy.She is highly skilled in effectively collaborating across the organization to drive transformation and innovation by leveraging marketing technology to drive marketing and sales business strategies.She is currently the lead for Pega decisioning for Verizon Business Group and has developed a dynamic customer responsive solution called Compass for customer retention and My Solutions for customer growth across digital, sales, and retail channels. She has won several awards for innovative uses of technology including Best in Class and B2B Customer Loyalty awards from The Loyalty 360 group, a SAMMY for User Experience Optimization in 2022 and 2023, and finally the PegaWorld iNspire Impact award. In addition, she has been asked to speak several times to the marketing industry on subjects as diverse as leveraging Big Data to ethical use of AI &ML.Previously Tommi has held executive roles as a VP of Marketing at a regional marketing company and Executive Director of Marketing Operations at Sallie Mae.She is also founder of the Force Multiplier Foundation, a charity dedicated to bringing help to those in need. Recently Tommi was selected to be a Crew Captain for the Pre-Leader Academy at Verizon to develop emerging leaders across the organization.She is also an avid fan of Sci-Fi (Marvel and Star Wars primarily) and has a vast collection of movie memorabilia.RESOURCESVerizon Business website: https://www.verizon.com/business/Pega website: https://www.pega.comHeaded to MAICON 24 - the premier marketing and AI conference? Use our discount code AGILE150 for $150 off your registration code. Register here: http://tinyurl.com/5jpwhycvDon'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.companyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 12, 2024 • 29min
#535: The Continued Evolution of E-commerce with Mark Simon, Celigo
In an era where consumer behavior is rapidly evolving, understanding the shifts in online shopping habits is crucial for any business involved in e-commerce. Today, we're joined by Mark Simon, Vice President of Strategy at Celigo, who will share insights from a recent global consumer survey that sheds light on the future of online shopping in 2024 and beyond, amidst ongoing economic and political changes.RESOURCESListen to The Agile Brand without the ads. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3ymf7hdHeaded to MAICON 24 - the premier marketing and AI conference? Use our discount code AGILE150 for $150 off your registration code. Register here: http://tinyurl.com/5jpwhycvDon'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.companyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 10, 2024 • 22min
#534: Employee Financial Wellness as Competitive Advantage with Nico Simko, Clair
In today's work environment, financial wellness benefits are increasingly recognized for their role in enhancing employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity. Also, as we delve deeper into the modern workforce's expectations, particularly among younger generations, it's clear that innovative solutions like on-demand pay are not just perks but essential components of a competitive employee benefits package.To explore these developments and their implications for both employers and employees, I’d like to welcome Nico Simko, Founder & CEO of Clair, with us today.ResourcesListen to The Agile Brand without the ads. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3ymf7hdHeaded to MAICON 24 - the premier marketing and AI conference? Use our discount code AGILE150 for $150 off your registration code. Register here: http://tinyurl.com/5jpwhycvDon'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.companyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 7, 2024 • 30min
#533: Real-World Application of AI in Marketing and CX with Kathryn Murphy, Twilio
As businesses increasingly integrate AI into their marketing and customer experience strategies, understanding the real-world applications and implications becomes essential. Joining us today to share insights on these topics is Kathryn Murphy, SVP Product Communications at Twilio, who recently released their State of Customer Engagement Report with a lot of information reinforcing the need for businesses to have a strong foundation of data to drive ROI from their AI investments.ResourcesTwilio's 2024 State of Customer Engagement report: https://bit.ly/3UEKxqsListen to The Agile Brand without the ads. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3ymf7hdHeaded to MAICON 24 - the premier marketing and AI conference? Use our discount code AGILE150 for $150 off your registration code. Register here: http://tinyurl.com/5jpwhycvDon'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.companyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 5, 2024 • 26min
#532: Staying ahead in e-commerce, with Laura Ritchey, CEO, Radial
As the retail landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, staying ahead of the curve requires keen insights into technological advancements and emerging trends. Today, we're fortunate to have Laura Ritchey, CEO of Radial, to share her valuable perspectives on what retailers are changing in 2024 to remain competitive, from AI and omnichannel trends to the latest in e-commerce fulfillment.ResourcesListen to The Agile Brand without the ads. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3ymf7hdHeaded to MAICON 24 - the premier marketing and AI conference? Use our discount code AGILE150 for $150 off your registration code. Register here: http://tinyurl.com/5jpwhycvDon'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.companyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 3, 2024 • 29min
#531: Customer engagement and loyalty in travel with Jeff Zotara, arrivia
Today, we’re diving into some crucial aspects of customer engagement and loyalty programs in the travel industry. We'll explore how leading brands are bridging consumer preferences with their brand offerings, enhancing customer lifetime value in today's market, and effectively communicating the value of their loyalty programs to customers.To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Jeff Zotara, Chief Marketing Officer at arrivia.ResourcesHeaded to MAICON 24 - the premier marketing and AI conference? Use our discount code AGILE150 for $150 off your registration code. Register here: http://tinyurl.com/5jpwhycvDon'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.companyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 31, 2024 • 29min
#530: Creating valuable CX using Gen AI with Eli Finkelshteyn, Constructor
In an era where customer expectations are continually evolving, the intelligent use of technology and data can significantly enhance the user experience. Today, we're joined by Eli Finkelshteyn, CEO of Constructor, who will share insights on creating value-driven customer experiences with generative AI, harnessing data effectively, and why mere relevance isn’t enough in product search.ResourcesConstructor website: https://constructor.io/Headed to MAICON 24 - the premier marketing and AI conference? Use our discount code AGILE150 for $150 off your registration code. Register here: http://tinyurl.com/5jpwhycvDon'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.companyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 29, 2024 • 27min
#529: Better software testing for improved CX with Stephen Feloney, Perforce
Today we’re going to talk about the impact of software testing on the customer experience, and how rising customer expectations mean that brands need to up their testing game, using more agile methods, and AI-based solutions.To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Stephen Feloney, VP of Products - Continuous Testing at Perforce. ResourcesPerforce website: https://www.perforce.comHeaded to MAICON 24 - the premier marketing and AI conference? Use our discount code AGILE150 for $150 off your registration code. Register here: http://tinyurl.com/5jpwhycvDon'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.companyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 27, 2024 • 25min
#528: The role of design in shaping the customer experience with Kaaren Hanson, Chief Design Officer at Chase
We are living in an era where customer experience is paramount, and the role of design in shaping that experience cannot be overstated. Joining us today to explore this concept as well as how an organization operationalizes a seamless end-to-end customer experience, is Kaaren Hanson, Chief Design Officer at Chase.ResourcesHeaded to MAICON 24 - the premier marketing and AI conference? Use our discount code AGILE150 for $150 off your registration code. Register here: http://tinyurl.com/5jpwhycvDon'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.companyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 24, 2024 • 21min
#527: Optimizing data operations for AI in marketing, with Eric Madariaga, CData
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal tool for organizations seeking to enhance their marketing strategies and operational efficiency. Yet, adopting AI effectively presents a set of challenges and opportunities. Today, we're exploring how organizations can optimally set up their data operations for AI, the implications of the maturity gap in AI adoption, and envisioning the future that involves a collaboration of sorts between AI and the human touch in sales and marketing.To navigate these topics, I’d like to welcome Eric Madariaga, Co-Founder of CData.ResourcesHeaded to MAICON 24 - the premier marketing and AI conference? Use our discount code AGILE150 for $150 off your registration code. Register here: http://tinyurl.com/5jpwhycvDon'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.companyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices