The B2B Engagement

Kaon Interactive

Welcome to "The B2B Engagement" - recognized by the AIVA with a Communicator Award of Excellence for B2B podcast series and by Inc. as a top podcast with strategic insights for CEOs. Join us as we explore the latest insights, real-life challenges, and practical solutions through in-depth conversations with IT, Life Science, and Industrial industry experts and thought leaders. Each episode dives into topics such as adapting to change, sustaining innovation, and better serving customers across generations.

  1. The Rise of the Solutions Engineer: From Technical Support to Strategic Partner (Pure Storage)

    11/20/2025

    The Rise of the Solutions Engineer: From Technical Support to Strategic Partner (Pure Storage)

    In this episode, Penelope Thompson, Area Vice President, Global Center of Excellence, Systems Engineering at Pure Storage, joins Gavin Finn to share how the role of the solutions engineer is evolving from technical support to strategic partner — and how this shift is transforming the way B2B companies engage customers and drive business outcomes. Penelope discusses how her team is responding to leaner budgets, complex buying dynamics, evolving buyer behavior, and new technologies reshaping customer engagement. In this episode, we’ll explore: SEs’ evolution into consultative, trusted advisors New SE skillsets for tight budgets and multi-stakeholder buying Sales + SE “in sync”: co-creating solutions to speed deals Using interactive experiences to make value tangible How Pure is redefining SEs to drive adoption, expansion, and revenue Discover how Kaon helps B2B companies spark meaningful change through compelling experiences: ⁠⁠⁠⁠kaon.com⁠

    35 min
  2. AI vs. Risk Aversion: Navigating Transformation in Industrial Giants (Aleph Alpha)

    10/23/2025

    AI vs. Risk Aversion: Navigating Transformation in Industrial Giants (Aleph Alpha)

    How can leaders overcome risk aversion to embrace AI's potential fully? After 20 years at Siemens AG, Andreas Geiss, empowered by the enterprise-changing potential of AI, became VP of Industrial and Retail at Aleph Alpha. Andreas discusses his transition from mechanical engineering to AI and moving from a giant to a fast-paced start-up. In this episode, you’ll learn: The challenges of scaling AI initiatives and the necessity of rethinking workflowsThe transformative potential of AI beyond mere automationWhy education and a shift from traditional risk-averse mindsets are crucial for technological adoptionThe importance of the human factor in driving these changes Host Gavin Finn and Andreas envision a future where AI and human collaboration redefine industrial enterprises, stressing the need for imagination and transformation over mere optimization. Discover how Kaon helps B2B companies spark meaningful change through compelling experiences: ⁠⁠kaon.com

    30 min
  3. Reimagining Lab Operations with Data, AI, and Digital Twins (Eli Lilly)

    08/07/2025

    Reimagining Lab Operations with Data, AI, and Digital Twins (Eli Lilly)

    Lab optimization isn’t about small gains -- it’s about transforming healthcare. In this episode, Michael Harrison, COO of Lily Seaport Innovation Center, joins Gavin Finn to share how unifying systems and breaking down silos can drive scalable, data-driven impact across the entire ecosystem. In this episode, we’ll explore: Driving integrated, efficient research with digital lab twins. How agentic AI can automate, optimize, and unify lab processes. Tips for building resilient, optimized global supply chains. Steps to unify lab data and operations for seamless research. Leveraging unified systems to support rapid growth and M&A. Implementing sustainable practices for long-term lab success. Discover how Kaon helps B2B companies spark meaningful change through compelling experiences: ⁠⁠kaon.com

    28 min
  4. Achieving Operational Excellence in Multi-Site Labs (Quest Diagnostics)

    06/20/2025

    Achieving Operational Excellence in Multi-Site Labs (Quest Diagnostics)

    How Do You Scale and Innovate in a Multi-Site Healthcare Operation? Doug Hamilton, Regional Vice President of Lab Operations for the Midwest at Quest Diagnostics, joins Gavin Finn to explore what it really takes to deliver fast, accurate, and scalable diagnostics across a complex healthcare ecosystem. With more than 32 years at Quest, Doug shares what he’s learned about driving innovation while managing the daily pressures of lab performance and patient outcomes. In this episode, you’ll learn: How lab science influences 70% of healthcare decisions Why technology alone doesn’t solve operational complexity How to manage distributed lab networks without sacrificing speed or accuracy Why continuous learning and talent development are key to performance What COVID-19 taught us about rapid adaptation and resilience Whether you’re leading operations, navigating change in healthcare, or focused on performance at scale, this episode offers a clear look at how to lead with precision, agility, and trust. Discover how Kaon helps B2B companies spark meaningful change through compelling experiences: ⁠kaon.com

    34 min
  5. Reclaiming Sales Relevance in the Buyer-Led Era (University of Houston)

    05/22/2025

    Reclaiming Sales Relevance in the Buyer-Led Era (University of Houston)

    From Tools to Trust: Johannes Habel on the New Rules of B2B Sales What happens when more technology doesn’t lead to better selling? Johannes Habel, Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Houston, joins Gavin Finn to unpack what’s really holding B2B sales back - and what it will take to move forward. From CRM fatigue to fragmented sales roles, Johannes brings academic rigor and field experience to one of the most urgent challenges in commercial strategy: aligning with how today’s buyers buy. In this episode, Johannes shares: Why adding sales tools rarely improves sales performance The four reasons CRM systems still fail to gain adoption How marketing and sales must shift from silos to shared strategy What buyer “discovery fatigue” means for your first conversation Why value-based selling is harder - and more necessary - than ever Whether you're leading GTM strategy, running enablement, or trying to modernize your sales process, this episode offers a clear, unvarnished look at how to build a sales organization that meets today’s buyers with credibility and confidence. Discover how Kaon helps B2B companies spark meaningful change through compelling experiences: kaon.com

    46 min
  6. Embracing Diversity for Innovative Marketing Solutions (Sandvik)

    04/24/2025

    Embracing Diversity for Innovative Marketing Solutions (Sandvik)

    From Perfectionism to Progress: Sandra Anderstedt on Building Bold Marketing at Sandvik What happens when a planner learns to embrace iteration—and leads a team to do the same? Sandra Anderstedt, VP of Marketing and Communications at Sandvik Manufacturing Solutions, joins Gavin Finn to share her journey from internal comms to building a global, agile marketing team from scratch. Her approach? Embrace difference, start before you're ready, and always keep learning. In this episode, Sandra shares: How personality differences became her leadership superpower What it takes to unify diverse software brands under one strategic voice Why B2C hires helped her challenge B2B norms How her team swapped “perfect” for progress—and what they gained Practical ways they’re leveraging AI to boost efficiency and creativity Whether you’re scaling a team, rethinking your strategy, or just trying to get started, Sandra’s story is a masterclass in clarity, courage, and momentum. Discover how Kaon helps B2B companies spark meaningful change through compelling experiences: kaon.com

    26 min
  7. Creating Safe Spaces for High Performance (Philips)

    03/27/2025

    Creating Safe Spaces for High Performance (Philips)

    Leading with Humanity: Cassandra Farr on Culture, Courage & Care at Philips What does it take to lead complex transformation—without losing your values in the process? In this candid conversation, Cassandra Farr, SVP and Head of Health Systems at Philips, joins Gavin Finn to share her journey from healthcare informatics to the C-suite—and why authenticity, empathy, and empowerment are non-negotiable leadership principles. They explore: Why “listening for meaning” is Cassandra’s leadership superpower Creating space for hard conversations How to lead diverse, global teams through uncertainty and change Why customer-centricity starts with team culture Lessons from a lifetime surrounded by strong, entrepreneurial women This episode isn’t just about leadership—it’s about leading differently, with purpose, presence, and conviction. Explore how Kaon helps B2B companies build trust through storytelling and clarity: Visit kaon.com

    29 min
  8. Building Trust in B2B Healthcare Sales (Accuray)

    02/27/2025

    Building Trust in B2B Healthcare Sales (Accuray)

    Leading with Authenticity: A Conversation with Nancy Hiller, President & GM of Americas at Accuray In this episode, President and GM of Americas at Accuray, Nancy Hiller shares her unique career journey from revenue cycle management to executive leadership in healthcare technology. Key topics include: The importance of aligning leadership and go-to-market strategies in the healthcare sector How strong customer relationships and trust drive long-term success Adapting to market changes in a digital-first world Delivering value to both customers and patients Why authenticity and transparency are critical in leadershipTune in for valuable insights on leadership, strategy, and the evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more about how Kaon helps businesses tell their value story effectively: Visit kaon.com

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to "The B2B Engagement" - recognized by the AIVA with a Communicator Award of Excellence for B2B podcast series and by Inc. as a top podcast with strategic insights for CEOs. Join us as we explore the latest insights, real-life challenges, and practical solutions through in-depth conversations with IT, Life Science, and Industrial industry experts and thought leaders. Each episode dives into topics such as adapting to change, sustaining innovation, and better serving customers across generations.

Information

  • Creator
    Kaon Interactive
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kaon Interactive
  • Show Website
    The B2B Engagement