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

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.

  1. VOR 2 TAGEN

    Third-party partner experience and security with Haider Iqbal, Thales

    What if the biggest threat to your brand’s agility and security isn't a competitor, but the welcome mat you lay out for your own partners? Agility requires not just the ability to move quickly, but the confidence to do so securely. It’s about building a foundation of trust that enables seamless collaboration without introducing unnecessary risk. Today, we're going to talk about a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of brand agility: the digital experience we provide to our third-party partners. From marketing agencies to technology vendors, these relationships are essential, but the very processes meant to enable them—like onboarding and system access—can often be the source of massive friction, security risks, and a fundamental breakdown of trust. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Haider Iqbal, Director, Identity & Access Management at Thales. About Haider Iqbal Haider is a technology leader and strategist with a career that spans consulting, sales, acquisitions, and product marketing across multiple regions. He has guided multimillion-dollar sales efforts, played a key role in a $100 million identity-sector acquisition, and now leads product marketing for Thales’s IAM business. With roots in management consulting and a track record of translating complex technology into business growth, Haider brings both breadth and depth of expertise. Driven by a mindset of constant learning and unlearning, he is passionate about building technology that is inclusive, trustworthy, and safe for future generations. Outside of work, Haider can often be found on a cricket pitch, volleyball court, or golf course, with very occasional success. Haider Iqbal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haideriqbal/ Resources Thales: https://www.thales.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ 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 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

    31 Min.
  2. Denodo CMO Ravi Shankar on why good data is critical to AI success

    VOR 3 TAGEN

    Denodo CMO Ravi Shankar on why good data is critical to AI success

    What if the multi-million dollar AI initiative you're championing is being silently sabotaged, not by a competitor, but by your own data infrastructure?Agility requires more than just fast decision-making; it requires a data foundation that can deliver insights at the speed of business, without the traditional delays of moving and duplicating information. This ability to access and act on real-time, comprehensive data is what separates brands that lead from those that follow.Today, we're going to talk about the silent killer of AI projects. While everyone focuses on the glamour of AI models and algorithms, the reality is that most enterprise initiatives stall or fail at the data layer. We’ll be discussing why even modern data warehouses can create new roadblocks, and how a different approach to data management can make your enterprise data truly AI-ready.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Ravi Shankar, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Denodo. About Ravi Shankar Ravi Shankar is the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Denodo. He is responsible for Denodo’s global marketing efforts, including product marketing, demand generation, field marketing, communications, social marketing, customer advocacy, partner marketing, branding, and solutions marketing.,Yes,This will be completed shortly Ravi Shankar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravishankardevaraj/ Resources Denodo: https://www.denodo.com/en/document/analyst-report/denodo-lakehouse-roi This episode is brought to you by Denodo. Powered by logical data management, the Denodo Platform accelerates data integration, management, and delivery for all your business’s data needs. Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ 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 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

    27 Min.
  3. VOR 4 TAGEN

    Intuit Mailchimp's Diana Williams on moving from fragmentation to holiday sales success

    During the chaos of the holiday season, is it possible for small retailers to turn their fragmented customer data into a perfectly timed, personalized marketing, or are they destined to just add to the noise? Agility requires not just collecting customer data from every channel, but having the insight and tools to act on it in the moments that matter most. It’s the ability to translate a customer signal into a relevant experience, instantly.Today, we're going to talk about how small and mid-sized retailers can punch above their weight during the critical holiday season. We'll explore the challenge of turning fragmented customer data from online browsing, email clicks, and even in-store visits into a cohesive strategy that drives precision-targeted campaigns, creates loyal customers, and, most importantly, delivers measurable ROI in a complex, multi-channel world. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Diana Williams, VP of Product Management at Intuit Mailchimp. About Diana Williams Diana Williams is VP of Product Management at Intuit Mailchimp. She is a dynamic leader who excels at turning concepts into revenue-generating products in fast-paced environments. Her experience includes launching e-commerce and business platforms, with expertise in product strategy and accelerating high-quality product execution. Previously, she held leadership roles at technology startups and companies like Meta and eBay. She resides in the Bay Area. Diana Williams on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianalwilliams/ Resources Intuit Mailchimp: https://www.mailchimp.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ 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 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

    29 Min.
  4. VOR 6 TAGEN

    Cisco's Chang Chang on how AI is fundamentally reshaping the contact center

    Is your contact center ready to become a profit center? Agility requires not just adopting new technologies like AI, but also fundamentally rethinking how we structure our teams, measure success, and interact with customers. It demands a willingness to experiment, learn, and adapt quickly in a constantly evolving landscape. Today, we're going to talk about how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the contact center, transforming it from a cost center into a driver of customer loyalty and revenue growth. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Chang Chang, Senior Director, Product, Cloud CX Solutions at Cisco's Webex Customer Experience Solutions. About Chang Chang Chang Chang, Senior Director, Product, Cloud CX Solutions, Cisco's Webex Customer Experience Solutions.  Chang is a senior director of product management in the Webex Customer Experience Solutions business at Cisco. With over 14 years of product leadership experience, Chang has held key roles at Intuit and Mighty Audio (an early-stage startup), as well as a management consultant at PwC. Chang holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson. Chang Chang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/changjonathanj/ Resources Cisco's Webex Customer Experience Solutions: https://www.webex.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ 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 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

    26 Min.
  5. Black Friday Special: Zappi CMO Nataly Kelly on the high-stakes world of holiday advertising

    28. NOV.

    Black Friday Special: Zappi CMO Nataly Kelly on the high-stakes world of holiday advertising

    In a world drowning in data, is the 'big creative idea' for a holiday campaign an endangered species, or is it more critical than ever? Agility requires not just moving fast, but moving with confidence. It's the ability to validate creative instincts with real-world data, ensuring that your biggest bets are also your smartest ones. Today, we're going to talk about the high-stakes world of holiday advertising and the delicate balance between creative magic and data-driven methodology. We’re going to talk about one such campaign for John Lewis, a popular British Department store whose holiday ads are a cultural event in the UK, where the stakes can be high. And they aren’t alone. The holiday season is the equivalent of the Super Bowl for many brands, where a single campaign can define the entire year. Yet, for every heartwarming success story, there are countless others that miss the mark. So how do brands de-risk their biggest creative investments and ensure their message will actually resonate with consumers? About Nataly Kelly Nataly Kelly is Chief Marketing Officer at Zappi, based in Boston, MA. Previously she served at HubSpot as Vice President of Marketing, Vice President of International Operations and Strategy, and Vice President of Localization. Nataly Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalykelly/ Resources Zappi: https://www.zappi.io/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Watch the John Lewis "Where Love Lives" Ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1bRlnyQeDk Zappi Report: Lessons in Advertising: Christmas 2025: https://email.zappistore.com/hubfs/Zappi%20Christmas%20Advertising%202025.pdf Zappi Report: The Connected Insights Imperative: https://www.zappi.io/web/connected-insights-imperative-report/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom 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 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

    26 Min.
  6. ZICO Coconut Water Founder Mark Rampolla on brand integrity and the courage to make tough decisions

    26. NOV.

    ZICO Coconut Water Founder Mark Rampolla on brand integrity and the courage to make tough decisions

    For most entrepreneurs, the exit is the goal, as well as the end of at least that part of their story. But what if the end is actually a new beginning? Agility requires a deep understanding of your brand's core purpose and the conviction to protect it. This often means having the courage to reverse a decision that was once seen as the ultimate success. Today, we're going to talk about brand integrity, the founder's paradox of building a company to sell, and what happens when you get a second chance to reclaim the brand you created. We'll explore the delicate balance between corporate scale and entrepreneurial soul, and how a brand's purpose can be its most resilient asset. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Mark Rampolla, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Groundforce Capital. About Mark Rampolla Mark Rampolla is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of ZICO Coconut Water, a brand that helped create the now $8 billion global coconut water category. After growing ZICO into one of the fastest-growing beverages worldwide, Mark sold the company to Coca Cola in 2013. He then transitioned into investing, co-founding PowerPlant Partners, where he played a key role in the plant-based food movement, including the success of Beyond Meat. In 2020, Mark made a bold move by repurchasing ZICO from Coca Cola with a group of investors, including Jesse Itzler and tennis star Naomi Osaka. Now, through GroundForce Capital, Mark manages $500 million in assets, focusing on health, wellness, and sustainability investments. His journey reflects a deep commitment to innovation and positive change in the consumer goods industry. Mark Rampolla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksrampolla/ Resources Founder Groundforce Capital: https://www.markrampolla.co/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ 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 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

    29 Min.
  7. 25. NOV.

    Seel CRO Laura Huddle on seeing customer returns as an opportunity

    What if the most dreaded part of your customer's journey: the return, was actually your biggest untapped opportunity for growth?Agility requires brands to re-examine every part of the customer journey, especially the challenging post-purchase phase, and find hidden opportunities to adapt and strengthen customer relationships. It demands we turn operational liabilities into strategic assets. Today, we're going to talk about something that many retailers see as a pure cost center: customer returns. Instead, we’ll explore how a smart, data-driven post-purchase strategy can actually become a powerful engine for customer retention and lifetime value. We'll look at the data trends shaping retail, how to navigate the complex pressures on merchants today, and why this often-overlooked part of the business might be the key to unlocking future growth. Joining me to discuss this is Laura Huddle, CRO at Seel. This show is sponsored by Seel, the AI-powered post-purchase platform that helps retailers turn returns into revenue while giving shoppers a more seamless, trusted experience. For more information, go to ⁠www.seel.com⁠. About Laura Huddle Laura Huddle is the CRO of Seel, a Lightspeed Ventures and Foundation Capital backed startup that is creating the next generation e-commerce insurance experience. Previously, she led world-class sales, marketing, and account management teams across the globe at tech industry disruptors Eventbrite's (NYSE: EB), Deliveroo (LSE: ROO), Smartcar (a16z, NEA, Energize Capital) and Belong . She was one of the first employees at Eventbrite and was a lot of "firsts": first product manager, first product marketer, first category marketer, first Head of APAC Sales, etc. In addition, she taught product management at UC Berkeley, founded her own consultancy, and helped grow Myspace into the world's most popular website.,Yes,This will be completed shortly Laura Huddle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahuddle/ Resources Learn more about Seel: https://www.seel.com Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom 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 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

    22 Min.
  8. Building loyalty and trust through focused innovation with Lindsey Kling, Coterie

    24. NOV.

    Building loyalty and trust through focused innovation with Lindsey Kling, Coterie

    How can your brand build genuine loyalty that translates into long-term business value when customer expectations continually evolve? Agility demands a deep understanding of your customer, a willingness to experiment, and the ability to pivot quickly when needed. Today, we're going to talk about building loyalty and trust through focused innovation, specifically within the competitive landscape of the baby care market. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Lindsey Kling, SVP Brand Marketing + Partnerships at Coterie. About Lindsey Kling Lindsey has 15 years of experience in scaling brands from startup to unicorn status, leveraging her expertise in strategic partnerships and marketing to drive growth and innovation in competitive markets. Prior to Coterie, she served as Head of Partnerships at Away where she built and led the partnerships function, forging brand-defining deals with partners such as Serena Williams, American Express and United Airlines. Before Away, Lindsey led the partnerships strategy for Uber and Uber Eats, developing foundational alliances that contributed to the brand's growth and ascent to a $100b valuation.Lindsey is a graduate of New York University and resides in Northern California with her husband and two children, Blaire and Asher. Lindsey Kling on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseykling/ Resources Coterie: https://www.coterie.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ 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 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

    28 Min.

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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.

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