The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström®: Expert Mode Marketing Technology, AI, & CX

With a 98% open rate—that’s right, 98%—SMS marketing can be incredibly effective, but deliverability is key, and AI can help here.Today we’re going to explore the transformative role of AI in SMS marketing strategies. Joining us is John Wright, CEO of TrueDialog, to discuss how AI-driven tools are enhancing SMS deliverability and overall marketing effectiveness.About John WrightJohn has served as CEO of TrueDialog Inc. since 2014. Prior to his role at TrueDialog, John held senior leadership positions with Flonetwork, (acquired by DoubleClick) and DoubleClick (acquired by Google), Fortiva (acquired by Proofpoint), and Digital Impact (acquired by Acxiom).John is considered a subject matter expert in online and offline data, database marketing, and marketing automation and high growth management, having spent much of his career connecting online and offline audiences with retailers through ad-tech, eCommerce, and CRM platforms.RESOURCESConnect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon'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

In a world seemingly dominated by digital media—at least according to digital media practitioners— print marketing continues to carve out a significant and evolving role, particularly in how it integrates with digital strategies to create compelling customer experiences. Today, we're joined by Stefanie Cortes, Director of Strategic Analysis for the Direct Marketing Division at RRD, who will share insights from RRD’s latest Print Impact Report.Stefanie Cortes is the Director of Strategic Analysis for the Direct Marketing division of RRD where she is responsible for positioning the company’s leading solutions in the one-to-one marketing space. Key to her role is identifying market trends and shifts, and ensuring the company’s service offerings are in sync with evolving client needs. Stefanie draws from 17 years of experience in various areas of marketing strategy and execution.RESOURCESRRD Print Impact Report: https://www.rrd.com/resources/research-report/print-impact-report-2024RRD website: https://www.rrd.com Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss the Mid-Atlantic MarCom Summit, the region's largest marketing communications conference. Register with the code "Agile" and get 15% off.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.company

In the gaming world, capturing the attention of hardcore gamers requires innovative approaches. One such approach that is creating waves is in-play advertising, which integrates ads seamlessly into the gameplay experience. Today, we're joined by Shahar Sorek, CMO of Overwolf, who will share insights into why PC games are becoming a goldmine for brands and how Overwolf is leading this shift.RESOURCESConnect with Greg Kihlström on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromHeaded 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 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

As companies continue to navigate the challenges of customer churn and retention, understanding the balance between customer experience and business growth becomes crucial. Joining us today to explore these dynamics is Baird Hall, CRO of Churnkey, a company dedicated to optimizing customer retention strategies.Baird HallCO-FOUNDER AT CHURNKEYBaird’s passion is in starting and scaling SaaS companies. He loves the creative side of entrepreneurship and tackling problems that don’t come with existing roadmaps.As the CRO at Churnkey, he spends his time working with subscription business owners and operators to reduce churn and improve the health of their business.RESOURCESConnect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon'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

Today we’re going to talk about keeping up with AI in marketing, what leaders and companies should be doing to stay ahead, and the future role of AI in marketing teams. To help me discuss these topics, I’d like to welcome Cathy McPhillips, Chief Growth Officer, Marketing AI Institute which, among other things, produces the annual MAICON event, which this year will be taking place in Cleveland Ohio on September 10-12. RESOURCESConnect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromListen to The Agile Brand without the ads. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3ymf7hd 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.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

When consumers can get what they want, whenever, however, and wherever they want, simplifying and optimizing e-commerce operations is key to success. Joining us today is Jorrit Steinz, Founder & CEO of ChannelEngine, who has built a platform that helps retailers manage their online sales channels more effectively.About Jorrit SteinzActive Tech Entrepreneur and angel investor with more than 20 years of experience and expertise in B2B and B2C e-commerce, marketplaces, SaaS, and international platform strategies. Currently, Founder and CEO of the fast-growing marketplace integration platform ChannelEngine.comRESOURCESConnect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon'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

In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, efficiency in fulfillment and logistics is more crucial than ever. Today, we're joined by Jon Schechter, VP of Business Development North America, to discuss how their innovative solutions are revolutionizing the industry.ABOUT JON SCHECHTERJon Schechter, VP of Fulfillment Solutions at AutoStore, is a seasoned expert in warehouse robotics with over 15 years of experience. Formerly with companies like Amazon and RightHand Robotics, Jon has been instrumental in designing and implementing advanced robotic systems for fulfillment centers since 2008. With a Bachelor's in Engineering from MIT and an MBA from Harvard Business School, Jon leads AutoStore's efforts in North America, partnering with clients to optimize their fulfillment operations using innovative technology solutions.RESOURCESAutostore website: https://www.autostoresystem.comConnect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromHeaded 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.company"

The holiday shopping season might seem like it’s months away, but if you listen to consumers, it’s closer than you think. Today we’re going to talk about consumer shopping behavior with some recent research done by Bazaarvoice, and dive into what brands need to know to stay relevant and maximize sales this holiday season.To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Zarina Stanford, CMO at Bazaarvoice.ABOUT ZARINA STANFORDAs CMO of Bazaarvoice, Zarina Lam Stanford leads with a customer-centric, insights-driven, and outcome-based approach to all aspects she touches - from research, brand, communications, product marketing, to sales, demand generation, partner/alliance and field marketing. A recognized growth catalyst, Zarina is passionate about design thinking, the art and science of being relevant, agile leadership, inclusion, and having fun.   Before joining Bazaarvoice, Zarina was CMO at tech giants including IBM, SAP, and Rackspace Technology as well as PE portfolio firm Syniti where she led a total brand transformation. A champion for diversity and inclusion and a global citizen, Zarina has in-depth hands-on experience in Global, North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific & Japan, and emerging markets. Zarina also serves on the Board of Fortytwo.vc, a global, cross-border fund focused VC firm, and BeyonDiversity Foundation, a non-profit on women empowerment.Recognized for her visionary strategies and transformative contributions shaping the future of marketing in the technology sector, Zarina was recently named among HotTopics’ Top 100 Global B2B CMOs. Other industry recognitions for Zarina include Diversity Journal’s Woman Worth Watching in STEM, Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business by the Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC) and Corporate Achiever Award by the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA). Zarina is a Marketing Academy CMO Fellow, a Southern Methodist University MBA, and a graduate of the Asian Advanced Leadership Program at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. She also holds a BA in Journalism from the University of North Texas. She is currently authoring a self-leadership book, #DareToGrow.Born and raised in Hong Kong, the Austin-based Zarina is a nature lover, an ikebana apprentice, a published writer, an aspiring sailor, and a Mini Cooper and a Tesla fan. She describes herself as a proud daughter, sister, a mom, and a remodeling fanatic.RESOURCESBazaarvoice website: https://www.bazaarvoice.comConnect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromHeaded 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.company

While we talk about customer experience a lot on this show, today’s focus is going to be a little different than some of our past conversations. Today we’re going to talk about adding science to customer experience programs, and, more specifically the science of CX surveys. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Martha Brooke, Chief Customer Experience Analyst at Interaction Metrics.RESOURCESInteraction Metrics website: https://interactionmetrics.com/Connect with Greg Kihlström on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromHeaded 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.company

Today we’re going to talk about trends in conversational commerce and why retailers need to rethink the customer experience when it comes to messaging apps.To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Stefanos Loukakos, Co-Founder and CEO of Connectly, who was previously Facebook’s Head of Messenger Business. RESOURCESConnectly website: https://www.connectly.ai/ Connect with Greg Kihlström on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom 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/5jpwhycv Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check 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/versionnextnow The 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