B2B Agility with Greg Kihlström™: MarTech, E-Commerce, & Customer Success

Latest Episodes:

#69: How AI is Transforming Project Management with Alan Mosca, nPlan Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

If you could eliminate one of the biggest roadblocks to successful project delivery in your organization today, what would it be and why?

Agility requires not only the ability to adapt to change but also the foresight to anticipate it. This means embracing data-driven insights and leveraging technology to navigate the complexities of modern project management.

Today, we're going to talk about how AI is transforming project management and enabling true agility in industries that haven't traditionally been known for their rapid pace of change. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Alan Mosca, Co-Founder and CTO at nPlan.

About Alan Mosca

Alan Mosca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitbix/ Resources

nPlan: https://www.nplan.com Keep up with the latest B2B Marketing insights by following the B2B Agility Podcast: https://www.b2bagility.com

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom

Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com

#68: Improving lead quality with Derek Gerber, Power Digital Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

Are you getting lots of leads, but never enough good ones? Agility requires not only the ability to adapt to change quickly, but also the foresight to anticipate what's coming next, whether that's top, middle, or bottom of the funnel in B2B lead generation.

Today, we're going to talk about why so many B2B marketers are still struggling with poor lead quality, and what they can do to fix it. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Derek Gerber, Director of Growth B2B at Power Digital. About Derek Gerber With +15 years of experience in B2B sales and marketing, Derek Gerber is a passionate and results-driven growth executive who excels at developing diverse remote teams and executing sophisticated business strategies that lead to significant revenue growth. Recognized by Forbes, HubSpot, and other industry leaders for his ability to deliver impactful solutions, Derek has consistently grown revenue for technology companies, heightened brand visibility, and generated compelling content.

At Power Digital as Director of Growth B2B, Derek drives client success and growth by implementing a scalable ABM approach that aligns with complex client sales cycles to accelerate pipeline impact. Derek has developed new B2B frameworks for Power Digital that drive 70% growth in results. He is also spearheading the development and incorporation of ethical AI standards at Power Digital. Derek Gerber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekgerber/ Resources Power Digital : https://powerdigitalmarketing.com/ Keep up with the latest B2B Marketing insights by following the B2B Agility Podcast: https://www.b2bagility.com

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom

Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com

#67: CMOs are shaping the messaging and the markets with Monica Kumar, Extreme Networks Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

Is the Chief Marketing Officer becoming the Chief Market Officer? Are CMOs now responsible not just for messaging to the market, but for actively shaping and creating it?

Agility requires not just reacting to market changes, but anticipating them and creating the future you want to see. It demands a deep understanding of customer needs, competitive dynamics, and emerging technologies.

Today, we're going to talk about the evolving role of the CMO in a world of rapidly advancing technology, increasing customer expectations, and the ever-present need for agile marketing strategies. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Monica Kumar, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme Networks.

About Monica Kumar Monica Kumar is the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme Networks, leading the company's go-to-market strategy and global marketing organization focused on initiatives that elevate the company's brand and unique value proposition to drive customer and revenue growth. Monica Kumar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicakumar2/ Resources Extreme Networks: https://www.extremenetworks.com/ Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.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

#66: Building a culture of AI innovation with Michael Domanic, UserTesting Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

Is your organization truly AI-powered, or are you just slapping a little GenAI onto existing processes?

Agility requires embracing experimentation and empowering teams to rapidly iterate, especially when integrating transformative technologies like AI. It also demands a culture that views failure as a learning opportunity, not a setback.

Today, we're going to talk about how to build a culture of AI innovation from the bottom up, empowering every employee to leverage its power. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Michael Domanic, Head of AI at UserTesting.

About Michael Domanic Michael Domanic is the Head of AI at UserTesting, where he leads the company's AI transformation efforts. His work focuses on driving enterprise-wide adoption of AI to unlock meaningful business value. Michael partners closely with cross-functional leaders to embed AI into core workflows, foster a culture of innovation, and scale AI fluency across the global organization. In addition to his focus on internal transformation, he works alongside the Product team to shape an AI-forward product strategy that keeps UserTesting at the forefront of innovation. With nearly a decade of experience in artificial intelligence, Michael brings a pragmatic, impact-driven approach to helping companies move beyond the hype and realize the full potential of AI. Michael Domanic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldomanic/ Resources UserTesting: https://www.usertesting.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

#65: Transforming CX with AI plus People, Processes, and Platforms, with John Durocher, Calix Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

Are your people, processes, and platforms delivering value or to drive better customer experiences, or are they—and your CX—disconnected and siloed?

Agility requires a willingness to adapt and evolve, as well as a deep understanding of how customer trust is built (or broken) through simplicity, personalization, and empowered employees.

Today, we're going to talk about how brands can transform their customer experience using AI-powered strategies. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, John Durocher, Chief Customer Officer at Calix.

About John Durocher John Durocher leads the award-winning Calix Customer Success organization as chief customer officer. In his previous role as executive vice president of customer success at Salesforce, he led the teams actively engaged with Salesforce global customers. Prior to joining Salesforce.com, Mr. Durocher spent 17 years with Accenture's financial services practice and has a solid track record of planning, and executing growth initiatives, and a passion for bringing innovative ideas to clients.

Mr. Durocher is recognized as a thought-leader in Customer Relationship Management (CRM), authoring a number of papers and articles that have been published in industry and research publications.

Mr. Durocher has also been actively involved in developing software solutions for the Financial Services Industry and is a patent holder on several that have been deployed globally. John Durocher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndurocher/ Resources Calix: https://www.calix.com

Don't miss Calix's ConneXions conference, October 18 – 21, 2025 at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas. Learn more and register here: https://www.calix.com/events/connexions.html

Keep up with the latest B2B Marketing insights by following the B2B Agility Podcast: https://www.b2bagility.com

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom

Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com "

#64: Successful AI adoption requires human ingenuity, with Nickole Brown, Cella by Randstad Digital Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

Is the hype around AI in marketing finally starting to match reality, or are we still just scratching the surface of its true potential?

Agility requires a willingness to experiment with new technologies like AI, but it also demands a deep understanding of your customer and the ability to adapt your strategies based on data and insights. It also requires strong leadership that can champion the changes needed to achieve success with AI.

Cella recently released its 2025 Intelligence report, finding that while AI adoption is gaining momentum, but human ingenuity still leads the way. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Nickole Brown, Sr. Consultant at Cella by Randstad Digital.

About Nickole Brown Cella Inc. consultant Nickole Brown has two decades of creative operations, production and marketing experience to share. She is passionate about bringing clarity to creative spaces and focuses on utilizing voice of customer, data and mechanisms to tell the true story of a creative organization. Nickole's skills include being an effective leader and partner who enjoys collaborating to uncover the unique process improvement opportunities, success metrics and team structure that will capture an organizations potential. Nickole Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickole-brown-80a5424/ Resources Cella by Randstad Digital: https://www.cella.com

To explore the full 2025 Cella Intelligence Report and discover the insights shaping tomorrow's creative landscape, visit https://www.cellainc.com/insights/cella-intelligence-report

Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Keep up with the latest B2B Marketing insights by following the B2B Agility Podcast: https://www.b2bagility.com

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom

Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com

#63: Marketing in a world of agent to agent transactions with Mathieu Dhondt, EPAM Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

What is the role of marketing when humans are taken out of both ends of the customer experience, replaced by AI agents talking directly to each other on our behalf? Agility requires more than just implementing the newest AI tools — it means being able to make smart, strategic choices about which technologies are actually creating value for your customers.

Today we're going to talk about how GenAI is reshaping the way we think about customer experience, automation, and personalization — and what it means for the future of marketing.

To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Mathieu Dhondt, Associate Director of Experience Consulting at EPAM.

About Mathieu Dhondt

Mathieu Dhondt is a seasoned digital strategy consultant with over 15 years of experience. His distinctive customer-centric methodology sets him apart. He conducts deep customer research to uncover what clients' customers truly value and then translates these insights into actionable strategic guidelines and digital roadmaps for growth. His expertise spans digital presence optimization, positioning strategy and the practical application of frameworks for matters like customer value validation.

What distinguishes Mathieu's consulting work is his commitment to validation and risk mitigation before clients make significant investments. His combination of hands-on business experience and proven digital strategy expertise positions him as a consultant who delivers both strategic vision and practical implementation guidance. His service portfolio ranges from comprehensive strategic engagements to being a sounding board for tactical execution.

Mathieu Dhondt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathieu-dhondt/

Resources EPAM: https://www.epam.com https://www.epam.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.b2bagility.com

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

#62: B2B CX and the Evolving B2B Customer with Rajesh Sankaran Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

Agility requires a deep understanding of evolving customer expectations and the ability to adapt quickly to meet those needs, especially in the complex B2B landscape. It also demands breaking down silos between marketing, sales, and customer service to create a unified customer journey.

Today, we're going to talk about the nuances of B2B customer experience (CX), particularly within a large organization like an insurance company, and how it compares and contrasts with the B2C world.

To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Rajesh Sankaran, SVP of Ecommerce at A-MAX Insurance.

About Rajesh Sankaran I am a Insurance and Ecommerce executive and technology leader with a passion to harness the technology to solve businesses problems. With 25+ years of experience helping large enterprises in Insurance, Manufacturing, Communications, and Technology grow and expand. I'm a technologist that came up through the development, business analysis and program management allowing me to manage implementing / supporting enterprise scale delivery to grow businesses and solve complex problems. Customer is king and I am obsessed with ensure our customers get the best experience with every interaction. Customer experience is always key and every interaction customer has with us, should be memorable! Rajesh Sankaran on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajeshsank/ Resources A-MAX Insurance: https://www.amaxinsurance.com/

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom

Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com

#61: How agentic AI can transform B2B event marketing with Travis Cushing, CPO of RainFocus Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

If you had to bet on one technology that will fundamentally reshape B2B marketing in the next five years what would it be, and would it have "agentic" and "AI" in the name?

Agility requires not just reacting to technological advancements like agentic AI, but proactively experimenting with them and adapting your strategies based on real-world results. It also requires organizational buy-in and a willingness to challenge established norms.

Today, we're going to talk about the rise of agentic AI and its potential to revolutionize B2B marketing, particularly in event marketing.

To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Travis Cushing, Chief Product Officer at RainFocus.

About Travis Cushing As Chief Product Officer at RainFocus, Travis Cushing brings over 20 years of experience in the events and SaaS industries, blending product strategy, customer empathy, and technical execution. With deep expertise in event technology, product-led growth, and integrated data-driven experiences, he is committed to transforming event workflows into strategic business drivers. His passion for people and experiences has built bridges between customers and development allowing RainFocus to execute and build great software. Travis Cushing on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-cushing/ Resources RainFocus: https://www.rainfocus.com

Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 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

#60: Anticipating and adapting to change with Kathleen Pomento, ProcureAbility Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

Agility requires not only adapting to change but also anticipating it. This means understanding the evolving needs of your customers and the broader market landscape, and adjusting your strategies accordingly.

Today, we're going to talk about navigating the complexities of marketing in the procurement services industry, especially in times of economic uncertainty, and how mentorship plays a crucial role in developing future leaders.

To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Kathleen Pomento, CMO at ProcureAbility. Kathleen, welcome to the show!

About Kathleen Pomento Kathleen Pomento on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenmarketingcmo/ Resources ProcureAbility: https://procureability.com/ https://procureability.com/ Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150

Keep up with the latest B2B Marketing insights by following the B2B Agility Podcast: https://www.b2bagility.com

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom

Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

B2B Agility with Greg Kihlström™: MarTech, E-Commerce, & Customer Success

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected