Connected & Ready

Supply-chain technology for an excellent customer experience, with Microsoft’s Ashley Haynes-Gaspar Feb 11, 2022

Ashley Haynes-Gaspar, COO for Microsoft Business Applications and Industry Clouds, talks with host Gemma Milne about key supply chain topics like how to coordinate stakeholders across your organization around your supply chain strategy, how to drive technology adoption, and unlocking the power of digital twins.

Topics of discussion

The COVID-19 shift to supply chain as a competitive advantage (2:44)
Where strategic supply chain leaders should be focusing in 2022 (5:55)
The impact of the supply chain on the customer experience (8:22)
How supply chain resilience relies on connectivity (10:24)
Understanding a technology-fueled supply chain and digital twins (13:19)
Aligning strategy, culture, and execution for your customer experience vision (16:36)
How Microsoft supports supply chain leaders (23:51)

About Ashley Haynes-Gaspar

Ashley is the Chief Operating Officer for the $1.5B division of Microsoft Business Applications & Dynamics 365 portfolio. Product lines include Customer Engagement (CRM), Finance & Operations (ERP), and the Power Platform to help transform customers, businesses, and industries at scale. She also serves as COO for Microsoft Industry Clouds in the US, representing the company's full capability across manufacturing, retail, healthcare, government, financial services, and supply chain solutions.

Learn more about Ashley Haynes-Gaspar:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahaynesgaspar

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Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management is helping businesses build agile and resilient supply chains. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8l720

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

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How technology impacts humanitarian efforts, with IRC’s Daniel Coughlin Jan 19, 2022

Daniel Coughlin, Director of Data Insights, Systems, and Architecture at the International Rescue Committee, talks with host Gemma Milne about how the IRC’s work in Syria and Afghanistan, how specific technologies actually help people in need, ensuring responsible technology use with vulnerable populations, and where he plans to focus his work in the future.

Topics of discussion

The impact of the pandemic on organizations such as the IRC (03:46)
How strong technology experience helped the IRC respond to the COVID-19 health crisis (07:28)
The role of information technology in the IRC’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria (11:00)
The IRC’s work in Afghanistan (14:14)
Specific technology capabilities that can help people in need (15:39)
Applying data to effect change in humanitarian crises (19:28)
How technology makes it easier for the IRC to measure and assess its own effectiveness (21:29)
Responsible use of technology when working with vulnerable populations (24:32)
How technology will shape the future of the IRC (25:56)

About Daniel Coughlin

Daniel Coughlin is a mission-driven leader who believes that technology, data and analytics, and operational excellence can drive organizational impact and positive change at scale. He believes that teams and organizations that reward feedback, growth, and innovation are one of our greatest assets to life and the planet. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a humanitarian aid and resettlement organization that helps refugees regain control over their lives after disaster and conflict through programs focused on health, legal protection, education, and refugee resettlement.

Learn more

https://www.rescue.org/

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Power Apps gives employees of all skill levels the tools they need to build professional apps that run on web, iOS and Android – without needing to write a single line of code. Watch a demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

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Supply Chain pain points and progress, with Mark Weimann Jan 05, 2022

Mark Weimann, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management senior technical specialist, returns to talk with host Gemma Milne about what’s changed since their October 2020 conversation, and what hasn’t. Topics include the impact of supply chain disruptions on consumer behavior, new technologies supply chain leaders should know about, the connection between resilience and sustainability, and where Microsoft is focusing its efforts in building better supply chain solutions.

Topics of discussion

How supply chain dynamics have changed in the last year (2:46)
The impact of supply chain disruptions on consumer behavior (05:21)
Are companies still in a reactive mode or are they starting to become more resilient? (06:20)
Practical steps businesses can take right now to help their supply chains (09:33)
Supply chain strategies for smaller companies, and all companies (12:08)
Emerging capabilities business leaders should know about (14:45)
The impact of supply chain disruptions on energy distribution (19:32)
The relationship between resilience and sustainability (20:40)
How consumer expectations are driving supply chain impacts (24:13)
What the future holds: impacts on the workforce, the control tower concept, and security (26:23)

About Mark Weimann

As senior technical specialist for Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Mark helps enable digital transformation for organizations around the world. For him, a great day at work includes the opportunity to sit down and discuss how Microsoft technology can enable Businesses to transform and gain a competitive advantage in the digital age. 
 

Learn more about Mark Weimann

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-weimann/

Read Mark's latest white paper on Supply Chain Management

https://aka.ms/7PSCM

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management is helping businesses build agile and resilient supply chains. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8l720

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

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Be our guest: how tech helps small hotels act big, with Gautam Swaroop Dec 15, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Gautam Swaroop, CEO of OYO International, about the impact of COVID-19 on the travel and hospitality industries, the role of technology in helping property owners respond to changes in what customers want and expect from a hotel, and new opportunities arising from innovations such as smart technology and automation.

Topics of discussion

The impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry in the context of OYO International’s business model (2:10)
How technology has had to adapt to changing customer behaviors and preferences (8:38)
The technologies and systems OYO International relies on to understand its business and its customers (10:56)
The role of automation in scaling new services (13:00)
Where small-to-medium size properties fit into the big picture (21:45)
OYO International’s vision for the future (25:58)

About Gautam Swaroop:

Gautam Swaroop is the Chief Executive Officer of OYO International at OYO Hotels & Homes where he oversees international operations across the United States, China, and the EU. Gautam has been with OYO since May 2020. Before joining OYO International, he worked for Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, an Indian pharmaceutical company, where he led the company's business development and strategic planning in Australia and China. Prior to joining Dr. Reddy’s, Gautam had more than 10 years of experience working as Associate Principal at McKinsey & Co.

Learn more:

https://www.oyorooms.com/us/

Sponsor link

Dynamics 365 delivers next generation ERP and CRM business applications, helping employees at every level reason over data, predict trends, and make proactive, more-informed decisions. Request a live demo of Dynamics 365 today:

https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

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How AI improves medicine from diagnosis to cure, with Chad Robins Dec 08, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Chad Robins, co-founder and CEO of Adaptive Biotechnologies, about his company’s work in the emerging field of immune medicine, how they use technology to drive innovation, and the potential for their work to create further advancements in the area of personalized medicine.

Topics of discussion

An overview of immune medicine (4:10)
An overview of Adaptive Biotechnologies’ T Detect antigen map (5:11)
The role of data and technologies such as machine learning in immune medicine (7:41)
Developing the T Detect COVID test (10:11)
How technology has shaped thinking around diagnostics and therapeutics (13:08)
Key diagnostic challenges (17:13)
Key treatment challenges (19:53)
The role of AI in furthering personalized medicine innovations (22:23)

About Chad Robins:

Since its founding in 2009, Chad has led Adaptive Biotechnologies in building a proprietary immune medicine platform that fuels businesses across life sciences research, clinical diagnostics, and drug discovery. Chad is routinely recognized for excellence and innovation. In 2019 and 2020, he was included in the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Power 100 and has been named a Goldman Sachs Most Intriguing Entrepreneur each year since 2015. He also named 2016 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® – The Pacific Northwest Region Award.

Learn more:

https://www.adaptivebiotech.com

Sponsor link

Dynamics 365 delivers next generation ERP and CRM business applications, helping employees at every level reason over data, predict trends, and make proactive, more-informed decisions. Request a live demo of Dynamics 365 today:

https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Making retail experiences more intelligent, with Augusto Modigliani Dec 01, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Augusto Modigliani, Chief Marketing Officer at digital signage, analytics, and marketing automation company Beabloo. They discuss expectations for the impact of technology on online and offline shopping; how companies are using AI, automation, and bot technologies to shape the customer experience in stores and online; leveraging technology to drive customer service improvement; and where these solutions may be taking the world of marketing in the future.

Topics of discussion

How technology has, and hasn’t, affected the world’s shopping habits (02:10)
Making retail spaces more intelligent (07:13)
Using customer intelligence to improve marketing team performance (08:44)
The intersection of customer-facing workers and AI: keeping the technology human (12:30)
Protecting privacy for in-person and online customer experiences (15:20)
The statistical approaches behind personalization (17:49)
Expectations for the future of marketing technology (19:34)

About Augusto Modigliani:

Augusto is currently the Chief Marketing Officer at Beabloo where he is responsible for the strategic development and tactical execution of the marketing, sales, and partner strategy across the organization and alignment with the overall Beabloo Group strategy. A creative, strategic thinker with a successful track record of rapidly driving initiatives from concept to implementation, Augusto has a strong entrepreneurial spirit with solid marketing and business development expertise. He has exceptional product intuition and is an engaging team builder, problem solver, and savvy go-to-market strategist.

Learn more:

https://www.beabloo.com/

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce can help you personalize customer engagement, increase employee productivity, and optimize operations. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8ku82

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

How Mars keeps people at the center of digital transformation, with Carol Van Den Hende Nov 17, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Carol Van Den Hende, Senior Digital Transformation Director at Mars, Inc., about how digital transformation at the company is helping reshape the customer and employee experience, and how to maintain a human-centered culture in a technology-fueled world.

Topics of discussion

Describing what user centricity means at a company like Mars (07:03)
The importance of a human-centric culture in digital transformation (11:57)
Balancing experimentation and innovation with change management (14:46)
The impact of digital transformation on consumers (16:40)
How the employee experience relates to organizational values and company culture (18:11)
Looking forward to a technology-fueled future (19:06)

About Carol Van Den Hende:

Carol Van Den Hende is a Senior Digital Transformation Director at Mars, Inc., with more than 20 years of experience in marketing, strategy, and insights. She earned her MBA from Lehigh University and is also an author, speaker, board member, and mom of twins.

Learn more:

https://www.mars.com

Sponsor link

Dynamics 365 delivers next generation ERP and CRM business applications, helping employees at every level reason over data, predict trends, and make proactive, more-informed decisions. Request a live demo of Dynamics 365 today:

https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

5G powers a new era for IoT and edge computing, with Neha Gandhi Vijay Nov 10, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with AT&T’s Assistant VP of Strategic Alliances, Neha Gandhi Vijay, about understanding edge computing in the context of IoT and 5G, which industries and verticals AT&T is exploring opportunities with 5G and edge computing, business use cases for IoT apps, and how AT&T’s partnership with Microsoft to provide cloud services is helping make it all possible.

Topics of discussion

Defining edge computing in relation to IoT and 5G (02:24)
The impact of edge computing on day-to-day operations and end users (04:33)
Understanding network slicing (13:54)
How the threat landscape for IoT, edge, and 5G differs from other environments (15:26)
The impact of AI and machine learning on 5G offerings and the cybersecurity they need (17:09)
The partnership between AT&T and Microsoft (18:31)
The barriers to fulfilling the potential of these technologies and what people can do to overcome them (23:14)

About Neha Gandhi Vijay:

Neha is the Assistant Vice President of Strategic Alliances at AT&T. She leads business development and go-to-market initiatives across 5G, edge computing, and IoT with Microsoft and systems integrators. She is a passionate leader with a proven track record of driving business growth by connecting strategy to execution through strategic partnerships. While at AT&T, Neha has spent 10 years in the IoT space in multiple roles and is now helping the company drive new solutions to market with 5G and edge computing for enterprise customers. Previously, Neha worked in the healthcare and manufacturing industries in both strategic planning and operational excellence roles. Neha holds a bachelor of science degree in systems engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Georgia Tech, and an MBA from Emory University.

Learn more:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/neha-gandhi-vijay-55148912/

Sponsor link

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management helps businesses build agile, connected, and resilient supply chains to effectively meet changing customer demand and ensure business continuity during times of disruption. Using predictive insights powered by AI and IoT, Dynamics 365 helps streamline operations to maximize efficiency, product quality, and profitability. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8l720

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

The changing world of cloud CRM, with Chris Cognetta Nov 03, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Chris Cognetta, CongruentX’s Chief Technology Innovation Officer, about how cloud environments can help companies align their technology and operations to improve customer experiences and the importance of focusing on business outcomes, especially how these topics relate to CRM solutions.

Topics of discussion

What is driving the majority of digital transformation initiatives currently? (02:52)
How cloud can create competitive advantage or improve customer experiences (03:59)
How CRM fits into hybrid environments and the opportunities that combination can create (11:56)
What to expect from a “grown up” CRM solution (18:59)
Balancing the needs of customers with the risk of overcomplicating your technology stack (20:55)
Perspectives on cloud security and privacy (27:06)
How edge computing and IoT are driving cloud innovation (29:41)

About Chris Cognetta:

Chris Cognetta is CTIO of CongruentX. A Microsoft MVP for more than nine years, Chris has helped more than 250 Dynamics 365 Customer Experience and Azure customers move their on-premises solutions to the cloud. As CTIO of CongruentX, Chris and his organization provides customized CRM solutions that align technology and operations to improve customer experience and business outcomes. Chris is also one of a select few Microsoft Dynamics MVPs in the world and frequently speaking at events, webinars, and community user groups. As CTIO, Chris leads product innovation initiatives and helps turn vision into reality for CongruentX, as well as his clients.

Learn more:

https://www.congruentx.com

Dynamics 365 Migration Community

Considering the cloud? Accelerate your Dynamics AX or Dynamics CRM journey by connecting with Microsoft migration expertise and resources

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https://aka.ms/d365mc

Sponsor link

Dynamics 365 delivers next generation ERP and CRM business applications, helping employees at every level reason over data, predict trends, and make proactive, more-informed decisions. Request a live demo of Dynamics 365 today:

https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

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Super apps for smart cities, with Shyam Sunder Oct 27, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Shyam Sunder from PayiQ about the growing trend of super apps and their impact on service delivery and the customer experience, and the implications they might have on the concept of connected cities.

Topics of discussion

How mobile applications have become an integral touchpoint for customers and providers (03:33)
The emergence of super apps (06:42)
How to mitigate the risks of app consolidation (09:13)
What makes the PayiQ system unique (12:55)
Understanding MaaS (Mobility as a Service) (15:12)
Exploring the concept of connected cities (17:29)
How smart ticketing platforms have helped public transportation during the COVID-19 health crisis (21:31)

About Shyam Sunder:

Shyam is Vice President of Global Sales and Business Development at PayiQ. He is an industry influencer in connected automotive and MaaS (metal as a service). He has more than 15 years of experience in global partnerships and growth in mobility and automotive cybersecurity. Shyam is a research specialist in MaaS on transit and aggregation platforms and has also incubated early-stage mobility startups in Silicon Valley and Europe.

Learn more:

https://payiq.net

Sponsor link

Dynamics 365 delivers next generation ERP and CRM business applications, helping employees at every level reason over data, predict trends, and make proactive, more-informed decisions. Request a live demo of Dynamics 365 today:

https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

The intersection of physical and digital experiences, with Jane Alexander Oct 06, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Jane Alexander, Chief Digital Information Officer, about the impact of its Open Access and ARTLENS Gallery initiatives, the technologies behind them, how her team got critical stakeholder buy-in from the CMA board, and how other organizations might be able to learn from the CMA experience.

Topics of discussion

How the Cleveland Museum of Art used technology to improve accessibility (3:12)
The genesis of the museum’s Open Access and ARTLENS Gallery projects (6:22)
Why CMA has emerged a leader in terms of access to art and visitor engagement with its collection (16:14)
Exploring the technologies behind their exhibition and display enhancements (19:02)
How CMA assesses and analyzes visitor engagement (22:40)
Achieving stakeholder buy-in to support innovation (24:35)
How organizations outside the art world can use the CMA example to engage their audiences (28:40)

About Jane Alexander:

Jane Alexander is the Chief Digital Information Officer for The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA). As CDIO, Jane is responsible for creating awe-inspiring and iterative digital projects supporting a vision of innovation, technology implementation, and digital transformation that exemplify the CMA’s mission. Since 2020, Jane has brought this same innovative thinking to the museum’s increased online presence in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In her tenure at the museum, Jane has moved the museum to be a data-driven, forward thinking institution. Under her leadership, the CMA launched a comprehensive Open Access initiative in 2019, allowing the public to share, collaborate, remix, and reuse high resolution images of 30,000 public-domain artworks as well as metadata for 61,000 artworks for commercial and non-commercial purposes. Jane has led the many iterations ARTLENS Gallery, originally known as Gallery One. This world renowned, innovative experience uses cutting-edge technology to inspire visitors to look closer, dive deeper, and connect with the museum's encyclopedic collection.

Jane leads the development of in-gallery digital experiences, including Revealing Krishna, an unprecedented, immersive mixed-reality exhibition opening November 2021, an entirely new museum experience where technology is used alongside exceptional Cambodian artworks, to tell the story of these objects and their restoration.

Learn more:

https://www.clevelandart.org/

Sponsor link

Dynamics 365 delivers next generation ERP and CRM business applications, helping employees at every level reason over data, predict trends, and make proactive, more-informed decisions. Request a live demo of Dynamics 365 today:

https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

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Building the pipeline of future female engineers, with Dr. Tarika Barrett Sep 22, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Dr. Tarika Barrett, CEO of Girls Who Code, about their initiatives to close the technology gender gap, including certain data-driven responses and research, the importance of role models, global differences related to this issue, and concrete examples of the positive impact programs like these can have on individuals, companies willing to transform their culture, and society at large.

About Tarika Barrett:

Dr. Tarika Barrett is the CEO of Girls Who Code, an international nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in technology, and which has served more than 450,000 students to date. Tarika started her career as an educator and has spent two decades building educational pathways for young people at organizations like iMentor, the New York City Department of Education, New Visions for Public Schools, and New York University’s Center for Research on Teaching and Learning. A graduate of Brooklyn College, Tarika has an M.A. in Deaf Education from Columbia Teachers College and a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning from New York University. Tarika serves on the board of McGraw Hill and is the recipient of the New York University’s Steinhardt School Dorothy Height Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award.

Topics of discussion

The role of culture in perpetuating the tech gender gap (7:14)
Expanding the definition of a “typical” coder (14:45)
Specific programs targeted toward closing the tech gender gap (17:43)
What a more diverse and equitable technology world might look like (21:55)
How closing the gap creates a leadership opportunity for businesses (24:31)
Does recent history show how fast change is possible? (28:05)
First steps for companies that want to transform their cultures (32:07)

Learn more:

https://girlswhocode.com/

Sponsor link

Dynamics 365 delivers next generation ERP and CRM business applications, helping employees at every level reason over data, predict trends, and make proactive, more-informed decisions. Request a live demo of Dynamics 365 today:

https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Connected products and the circular economy, with Annie Gullingsrud Sep 15, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Annie Gullingsrud, Chief Strategy Officer at EON, about the impact of IoT on fashion, understanding the “identification problem” in the clothing circular economy, why her company prioritizes customers over technology, and the value of solving the identification problem for consumers.

Topics of discussion

The evolution of the “circular economy” in the fashion world (2:52)
The connection between marketing and sustainability (10:41)
How technology unlocks the possibilities of “digital identities” for clothing (13:45)
The implications for data and monetization (19:39)
The business case for systemic change in fashion (30:50)
Where the future of digital identities might lead (31:04)

About Annie Gullingsrud:

Annie Gullingsrud is Chief Strategy Officer of NYC-based technology company EON, fashion and retail’s Connected Product Cloud. EON is redefining the way people buy, sell, own, use and connect with products by giving each garment a unique cloud-hosted Digital Identity—powering retail’s transition to a sustainable and circular model for commerce.
Annie's experience lies at the intersection of technology, systems-based design, and sustainability to scale circular fashion. Before leading Eon's global strategy, Annie led the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute’s fashion sector and has worked with a vast variety of fashion brands and designers, material producers, industry organizations, innovative recyclers and recommerce partners in the shift toward a more sustainable and circular fashion industry.

Annie is author of Fashion Fibers: Designing for Sustainability (2017), Bloomsbury, New York; is an advisor to the brand Pangaia; and has previously served on the board of Goodwill San Francisco area.

Learn more:

https://www.eongroup.co/

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management is helping businesses build agile and resilient supply chains. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8l720

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Closing the customer feedback loop, with Liz Miller Sep 01, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Liz Miller, from Constellation Research, about how vital capturing the voice of the customer is for businesses to build their customer experience, as well as its direct impact on achieving their revenue and growth goals. From how VOC is more than just metrics, to how a VOC program can work in a customer service or sales scenario, Miller shares insights to help you turn your VOC into action.

About Liz Miller:

Liz Miller is Vice President and Principal Analyst at Constellation Research, where she focuses on the business demands of today’s chief marketing officer, the evolution of customer engagement, and the growing need for new security postures that can address threats to brand trust. A 27-year marketing veteran, Miller closely follows the key trends modern CMOs face, ranging from the realities of engagement in the trust economy to how marketing has become enterprise security’s greatest threat and critical champion. She also provides guidance on the leadership, business transformation, and technology requirements for today’s marketing organizations and how to effectively transform business models to stay competitive in the shifting digital landscape.

Learn more:

https://www.constellationr.com/

Topics of discussion

Defining the term “voice of the customer” and why it’s so important (2:54)
How VOC intersects with certain specific customer experience channels (6:12)
How VOC differs from other metric-driven initiatives with similar goals (10:18)
What a feedback management program should look like and what sort of impact should businesses expect (21:05)
Strategies for smaller companies to be resourceful with their VOC initiatives (24:24)
Illustrating how a VOC program works in a customer service or sales setting (29:52)
Relevant trends happening now in terms of VOC (37:21)

Sponsor link

Learn how Dynamics 365 Customer Voice can empower your sales, marketing, and service teams to easily scale feedback capture and personalize customer experiences. Learn more about adding Customer Voice to your existing Dynamics 365 solutions:

http://aka.ms/CandRCustomerVoice

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Xerox’s big bet on automation pays off, with Stephen Miller Aug 11, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Stephen Miller, Vice President, Analytics and Automation, at Xerox about his work with robotic process automation, how it can be a driver for broader digital transformation, and some of the unexpected benefits he has seen from implementing RPA.

About Stephen Miller:

Steve has over 29 years of experience with major global technology companies including executive transformational roles in shared services, IT, major accounts and finance. For the past three years Steve has led Xerox’s Data, Automation and Analytics Organization. In this role he is responsible for Xerox’s digital transformation strategy and execution. As well, Steve leads Xerox’s commercial automation business, creating our digital products and selling scaled AI, data, analytics and automation solutions for leading clients across the globe. Before Xerox, Steve worked at DXC Technology and Hewlett-Packard. He holds an MBA from Boston University and a Bachelor's Degree from Penn State.

Learn more:

https://www.xerox.com/en-us/services/it-services/robotic-process-automation

Topics of discussion

Background on the Xerox initiative Project Own It (02:09)
Explaining robotic process automation (RPA) (05:55)
How automation can and should drive digital transformation (12:01)
Quantifying the benefits of process automation (14:44)
The importance of change management to successful automation initiatives (16:50)
Advice for companies that might be hesitant about RPA (19:24)
Unexpected benefits of RPA (26:05)
The biggest lesson learned from shifting to RPA (30:17)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Power Automate is helping organizations automate time-consuming, manual tasks and processes to get time back for what matters most. Watch a video to learn more by following the link in the episode description.

https://aka.ms/AA8l72o

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

How connected infrastructure will reshape our world, with Peter Torrellas Aug 04, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Peter Torrellas, Vice President and Partner at Siemens Advanta, about what the word “infrastructure” means today, what more connected infrastructure systems means for the business world, how to understand the vision of “smart cities,” and he thinks infrastructure data can help make the world a better place.

About Peter Torrellas:

Peter Torrellas is the Vice President and Partner for Digital Cities and Infrastructure at Siemens Advanta, the digital transformation consultancy and professional services arm of Siemens AG. In this role, he leads a team of diverse innovators and visionaries in consulting, professional services, solutions, and software development to enable the vision of public and private sector clients on their digital journeys. He is a nationally recognized thought leader in the implementation of technologies across several asset classes and has been hosted by the United Nations, World Bank Group, United States Conference of Mayors, National Governor's Association, National Academy of Sciences, International City and County Managers Association, and many others to discuss the role of technology in our lives.

Learn more:

Masters of the data: People will play the central role in the networked world

https://www.siemens-advanta.com/

Topics of discussion

The evolution of the term “infrastructure” and what it means now (03:19)
Examples of how infrastructure data is affecting policy and innovation (09:36)
Managing infrastructure data privacy (12:45)
Understanding data as an asset class (17:36)
How smart cities can improve quality of life, and what data is needed to do it (24:07)
When infrastructure data intersects with human decision-making (26:17)
The future of infrastructure data from a business and human perspective (30:42)

Sponsor link

Dynamics 365 delivers next generation ERP and CRM business applications, helping employees at every level reason over data, predict trends and make proactive, more-informed decisions. Request a live demo of Dynamics 365 today:

https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

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Intelligent automation and the rise of microfactories, with Amar Hanspal Jul 28, 2021

Amar is the founder and CEO of Bright Machines, the leader in software-defined manufacturing. Bright Machines has been named a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, a BloombergNEF Pioneer, and ranked by Forbes as one of America's most promising AI companies. Prior to Bright Machines, he was co-CEO and Chief Product Officer of Autodesk, where he oversaw the design software leader’s entire software portfolio, including its innovative manufacturing and construction applications. He drove the transformation of Autodesk’s product portfolio from on-premises to SaaS and its business model from one based on perpetual licenses to subscription. He led Autodesk into the cloud and enabled the company’s 12 million customers to access their designs on nearly any device.

Learn more:

https://www.brightmachines.com/

Topics of discussion

The origin story of Bright Machines (02:48)
The software-first approach to modern manufacturing (05:49)
How the increasing role of software is affecting the manufacturing workforce (09:07)
Reskilling employees to work with software-first manufacturing equipment (12:04)
Why manufacturing is moving closer to customers (13:41)
Manufacturing as a competitive advantage (15:47)
How to drive the intelligent automation conversation at your company (23:51)
What manufacturers should be doing now to prepare for the future (25:15)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management is helping businesses build agile and resilient supply chains. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8l720

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

What’s driving today’s M&A surge, with Mike McIsaac Jul 21, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Mike McIsaac, CEO and managing director of Baker Tilley Canada Corporate Finance, about his experience in the world of mergers and acquisitions. From the challenges of merging or acquiring companies across international borders, to technology compatibilities between target companies, to planning for a future deal, future, this episode will get you up to speed on the some of the latest trends on the M&A side of corporate finance.

About Mike McIsaac:

Mike is an entrepreneur at heart. Currently CEO and managing director of Baker Tilly Canada Corporate Finance, he has built, acquired, and sold many private and successful businesses. A passionate leader with more than 25 years of experience working with private and public businesses as a trusted advisor and valued business partner, he focuses on corporate structure, valuation, taxation, business transactions, and negotiating deals. His ultimate goal is to ensure his clients maintain the wealth they built within their business. He brings his wisdom, ethics, integrity, and ability to make tough decisions to all his business negotiations, resulting in win-win results and transactions that get across the finish line.

Learn more:

https://www.bakertilly.ca/en/btc/professionals/corporate-finance/mike-mcisaac

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-m-95b3134/

Topics of discussion

How the pandemic affected the M&A market (2:56)
What’s behind the record-setting pace of 2021 M&A activity (6:02)
Important considerations for international deals (10:39)
Technology and strategy considerations for merging businesses (12:37)
The role of ownership and leadership (17:13)
How owners can plan for a merger or acquisition (18:56)
The importance AI has taken on in the world of M&A (22:06)
Finding your company’s social purpose as competitive advantage (24:45)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance is helping organizations monitor the performance of global financial operations in real time, predict future outcomes, and make data-driven decisions to drive growth. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8l72b

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Improving access to health care from 7,000 miles away, with Michael Marin, MD Jul 14, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Dr. Michael Marin, of the Mount Sinai Health System, about his role developing a shared surgery model as part of a pilot program to expand delivery of same-day surgery and surgical training, the key technologies that make the program possible, and the impact that this sort of program could have globally in medicine and other industries.

About Michael Marin, MD:

Dr. Michael L. Marin is the Chairman of the Department of Surgery and Surgeon-in-Chief for the Mount Sinai health system in New York City. He has revolutionized modern vascular surgery and sparked the rapid development of new treatments with other physicians around the world for minimally invasive treatment of vascular disease. Dr. Marin is an active clinician, teacher, and contributor to medical literature.

Learn more:

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/department-of-surgery-at-mount-sinai

Topics of discussion

The origin of the global surgery program (02:22)
Building the technological foundation (07:03)
The biggest challenges faced so far (12:35)
Highlighting the benefits of global surgery for patients (15:38)
Unexpected benefits of the program for surgeons (20:19)
Advice for people thinking about implementing similar programs (22:58)
How similar programs can learn from this experience (25:17)
Expanding the program to other types of surgery (28:51)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Remote Assist enables field personnel to collaborate with experts in a mixed reality environment from virtually anywhere to solve problems in real time. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8kzgj

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Why inclusion is leadership, with Ruchika Tulshyan Jun 30, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Ruchika Tulshyan, founder and CEO of Candour, about her work helping companies create strategies for improving diversity and equity in the workplace. Learn key insights including the main factors that have helped build momentum around these issues, small-but-significant behaviors and practices that can help boost inclusiveness, and how to think about the benefits of diversity and inclusion using the language of business.

About Ruchika Tulshyan:

Ruchika Tulshyan is an award-winning inclusion strategist who is deeply passionate about designing equitable workplaces. Through her company, Candour, she advises companies on diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy and communications. Ruchika is known for her intersectional and data-driven approach, as well as leveraging her deep expertise in communication to create common language around diversity, equity, and inclusion. She was named the Most Influential D&I leader in 2019 and 2020.

Learn more:

https://www.rtulshyan.com
https://www.candourglobal.com

Topics of discussion

The most common situations where workplace inequity and exclusion tend to show up (02:37)
Looking at return-to-work policies through an equity and inclusion lens (16:24)
Practices to help ensure equitable access to technology (19:30)
Practices to help ensure equitable access to knowledge and information (23:11)
Techniques for eliminating “action bias” (30:58)
Responding effectively to employee input, such as surveys (32:59)
Putting the benefits of diversity and inclusion into the language of business (36:49)

Sponsor link

Dynamics 365 delivers next generation ERP and CRM business applications, helping employees at every level reason over data, predict trends and make proactive, more-informed decisions. Request a live demo of Dynamics 365 today:

https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Reshaping the office for a hybrid workforce, with Dan Montroy and Steven Andersen Jun 23, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Dan Montroy and Steve Andersen, principals at interior design firm MADGI, about how trends in remote and hybrid work are transforming the world of office space design and architecture.

About Dan Montroy, AIA:

Dan has been a registered architect since 1987. In addition to serving as Principal of MADGI, he leads the firm of Montroy DeMarco Architecture LLP (MDA), which is an affiliated architecture studio. With more than 30 years of experience, Daniel is NCARB certified and a registered architect in New York, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Washington, D.C., and Massachusetts. His areas of expertise include workplace design, repositioning of commercial properties, and landlord services.

About Steven Andersen:

Steven is Principal of MADGI, was born into a family with a legacy of work in the construction industry. Steven has nurtured a love and knowledge of design throughout his life. It is this love that led him to study the art of architecture in Italy at the American University of Rome, receive his Bachelors of Architecture degree from the New York Institute of Technology, and ultimately to create an architectural and design firm with his long-time friend, Daniel Montroy, AIA. He has spent 29 years honing his abilities focused on corporate interior spaces, with a particular affinity for fragrance and cosmetics offices, laboratories, and showroom spaces.

Learn more:

http://www.madgi.com/

Topics of discussion

Context around how companies have historically approached their use of office space (02:56)
Shifting perspectives on balancing individual employee workspace needs and company culture (05:07)
Considerations for newly constructed spaces versus retrofitting existing offices (16:24)
How office design and planning trends will affect coworking or shared office environments (19:24)
The importance of community and how physical space contributes to a company’s culture (21:47)
The future of company headquarters (28:41)
Trends in office environment architecture and design (31:04)

Sponsor link

Dynamics 365 delivers next generation ERP and CRM business applications, helping employees at every level reason over data, predict trends and make proactive, more-informed decisions. Request a live demo of Dynamics 365 today:

https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Taming big data in manufacturing, with Jon Sobel Jun 16, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Jon Sobel, co-founder and CEO of Sight Machine, about the world of big data in the sector that produces more data than any other: manufacturing. From the promise of Industry 4.0, to working with “dirty” data and the importance of a strong data foundation, the surprising lessons of working with digital data from the physical world, to understanding digital twins and control towers, Jon’s examples of real-world business impacts will help you understand why manufacturing data is so unique, and potentially valuable.

About Jon Sobel:

Jon Sobel is one of the founders, and CEO, of Sight Machine. Sight Machine has been helping manufacturers understand the data from their plants so they can unlock new opportunities, as well as create real business impact. Sight Machine creates a standardized data foundation to provide real-time analysis for manufacturing in every field.

Learn more:

https://sightmachine.com

Topics of discussion

Seeing the potential for big data in manufacturing (01:52)
The biggest technical and cultural challenges manufacturers face trying to work with their data (08:50)
How things like IoT, AI, machine learning, and automation fit in the world of big data (17:30)
The role of company culture in successful data modernization (21:40)
Building trust between technology consultants and their clients in manufacturing (23:58)
What individuals can do to accelerate a modern approach to data in manufacturing companies (32:40)

Sponsor link

Using predictive insights powered by AI and IoT, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management streamlines operations to maximize efficiency, product quality, and profitability. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8l720

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Energizing your team: boundaries, balance, and identity, with Blake Ashforth Jun 09, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Blake Ashforth, a professor of management and entrepreneurship at Arizona State University, about balancing strong work engagement with overwork or burnout, the impact a company’s brand has on employee identity, the importance of choice in work from home policies, and the connection between shifting management mindsets and transforming work culture.

About Blake Ashforth:

Blake is the Regent’s Professor and Horace Steele Arizona Heritage Chair of the W.P. Carey Management and Entrepreneurship department at Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business. His research focuses on how organizations and individuals affect each other. He also investigates how things go wrong in organizations from corporate corruption to burnout. His most recent work explores how individuals find dignity in stigmatized occupations and the importance of respect to employees.

Learn more:

https://wpcarey.asu.edu/people/profile/8212

Topics of discussion

How employees can find a sense of identity and engagement in a digitally enabled world (02:43)
The impact of working from home on how employees manage their work and nonwork roles (05:17)
The importance of maintaining boundaries and routines (09:51)
Advice for managers about balancing how to drive and motivate their teams, as well as support them (19:56)
Understanding that burnout is not just an individual problem, it’s an organizational problem (22:47)
The risks of short-term thinking (29:03)
What companies should be doing now to understand employee needs (31:48)

Sponsor link

Dynamics 365 delivers next generation ERP and CRM business applications, helping employees at every level reason over data, predict trends and make proactive, more-informed decisions. Request a live demo of Dynamics 365 today:

https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

CDP is key to customer journey orchestration, with Thomas Wieberneit May 26, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Thomas Wieberneit, co-founder, CEO, and Principal of aheadCRM, about customer journey orchestration, understanding the dynamics of customer consent to provide data during that journey, the importance of consolidating data sources, the two biggest challenges for companies working with CDPs, and how he expects the role of understanding customer behaviors and the customer journey to evolve over time.

About Thomas Wieberneit:

Thomas is the co-founder, CEO, and Principal of aheadCRM. He helps organizations across industries to unlock their potential through digital transformation initiatives using a “think big, act small” approach. He is a CRM practitioner, with the ability to translate business needs into technology solutions that add value. He also is a featured columnist at CustomerThink.

Learn more:

https://aheadcrm.blogspot.com/

Topics of discussion

When a business has a more accurate view of their customers, what does that mean from the customer’s perspective? (02:25)
What building a contextual, consistent view of customers looks like for companies (04:27)
Striking a balance between privacy, trust, consent, and using customer data to give them a better experience (07:49)
Considerations for choosing the right CDP your business (18:25)
The importance of consolidating data sources for an effective (23:07)
Security implications for running a CDP (24:49)
The evolution of customer behaviors and journeys (27:11)

Sponsor link

Learn how Dynamics 365 Customer Insights can empower your sales and marketing teams with an intuitive, flexible, and unified Customer Data Platform. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA9tofr

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Supporting inclusion through flexible work models, with Stephanie Nadi Olson May 19, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Stephanie Nadi Olson, founder and CEO of flex talent firm We Are Rosie, about how to keep remote employees engaged, the unique challenges of managing remote teams, how companies should be thinking about remote work right now, and how embracing remote work can help companies be more inclusive and reimagine assumptions that might be holding their culture back.

About Stephanie Nadi Olson:

Stephanie is the founder and Visionary in Chief of We Are Rosie, a growing community of independent marketing experts available on demand to augment, backfill, or accelerate in-house teams. Stephanie started the company in 2018 with a mission to support extraordinary people while providing a workplace that treats everyone with dignity. She was named AdAge Visionary of the Year 2020, World Changing Woman 2020 by Conscious Company, and awarded Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 by the Stevie Awards.

Learn more:

https://www.wearerosie.com
https://therosiereport.com/

Topics of discussion

Why We Are Rosie focused on being remote from its founding (02:24)
The impact of the last year on the company, as well as its clients (03:46)
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to remote work (07:24)
The origin story behind the name We Are Rosie (18:52)
How to understand what is and isn’t working with your remote teams (22:21)
Is the “tinker mindset” for everyone or only certain types of companies? (27:26)
What the future of remote work should look like (33:13)

Sponsor link

Dynamics 365 delivers next-generation ERP and CRM business applications, helping employees at every level reason over data, predict trends and make proactive, more-informed decisions. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

How remote work differs from pandemic WFH, with Ryan Chartrand May 12, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with X-Team CEO Ryan Chartrand about his experience building high-performing developer teams working remotely. Their conversation covers X-Team's unique view of remote work, the challenges and benefits – for individuals as well as teams – that his company has seen with the remote work model, how remote developers need to be managed differently than on-site teams to stay engaged, and how to build a strong culture in a remote work environment.

About Ryan Chartrand:

Ryan is the CEO of X-Team, which provides high-performing, on-demand teams of developers to leading brands like Fox, Riot Games, Intel, Twitter, and Sony. Ryan brings more than a decade of experience working with remote development teams. He leads X-Team’s strategic roadmap and vision while playing an active role in the X-Team community.

Learn more:

https://x-team.com/

Topics of discussion

The origination of the concept behind X-Team (05:14)
The benefits X-Team has seen from their approach to remote work, for individuals and teams (07:42)
Dealing with regional and cultural differences related to work and communication styles (15:07)
Dealing with conflict in remote developer teams (17:18)
Crucial technology for developers and the importance of technology versus culture (23:12)
Shifting your mindset from “output” to “impact” (29:14)
Signs to help you spot developers who are likely to be successful on a remote team (34:43)
New possibilities that the shift to more remote workers has created (38:54)

Sponsor link

Dynamics 365 delivers next-generation ERP and CRM business applications, helping employees at every level reason over data, predict trends and make proactive, more-informed decisions. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Common missteps with workplace tech, with Ifeoma Ajunwa May 05, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Dr. Ifeoma Ajunwa, from the University of North Carolina School of Law, about the growing role of technology in terms of monitoring employee safety and productivity, how employees feel about some of these technologies, the risks versus benefits, as well as the governance and ethical considerations companies should know.

About Ifeoma Ajunwa:

Ifeoma is an Associate Professor of law and the Director of the Artificial Intelligence and Decision-Making Research Program at the University of North Carolina School of Law. Her research focuses on the intersection of law and technology with a focus on ethical governance of workplace technologies. She has published op-eds, and her research has been featured, in major media outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, The Atlantic, the Wall Street Journal, CNN, The Guardian, the BBC, and NPR.

Learn more:

https://ifeomaajunwa.com/

Topics of discussion

The technologies that are driving the biggest changes in the workplace (02:37)
What appropriate regulation of workplace technologies might look like (08:28)
The lifecycle of data collection and analysis (14:01)
Concerns versus benefits regarding employee monitoring technologies (19:56)
Best practices companies should consider when trying to implement workplace technologies (23:29)
Historical context and evolution of attitudes toward the concept of work (30:28)

Sponsor link

Learn how Dynamics 365 can help your business unify data and create a digital-first culture. With next generation ERP and CRM business applications, employees at every level can reason over data, predict trends and make proactive, more-informed decisions. Request a live demo of Dynamics 365 today:

https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

The geographic impact of remote work, with Steven Malanga Apr 28, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Steven Malanga, Senior Editor of City Journal, about factors driving the shift toward more flexible work environments, the top remote work issues companies should be thinking about now, and some of the most exciting opportunities that major societal change like this can provide.

About Steven Malanga:

Steven Malanga is the Senior Editor of City Journal. He writes about the intersection of urban economies, business communities, and public policy. Steven is also the George M. Yeager Fellow at the Manhattan Institute. He is the former of executive editor at Crain’s New York Business, the author of several books, and has written for the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, New York Daily, and New York Post.

Learn more:

https://www.manhattan-institute.org/expert/steven-malanga

Topics of discussion

Historical context around the history of geographic mobility in America (02:18)
How companies are thinking about the long-term implications of remote work (10:35)
Redesigning physical offices to address hybrid work needs (18:32)
Impact on planning/design: How cities are shifting from attracting companies to attracting remote workers (20:28)
What about workers who can’t easily work remote? (26:00)
What is most exciting about the impact of remote work on people, businesses, and cities (33:19)

Sponsor link

Learn how Dynamics 365 can help your business unify data and create a digital-first culture. With next generation ERP and CRM business applications, employees at every level can reason over data, predict trends and make proactive, more-informed decisions. Request a live demo of Dynamics 365 today:

https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

The case for a digital-first channel strategy, with Sucharita Kodali Apr 21, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Sucharita Kodali about the current state of the retail sector, including what a digital-first channel strategy means for retailers, which technologies are currently making the biggest impact in the sector, and some of the first steps retailers can take to strengthen the resiliency of their supply chains.

About Sucharita Kodali:

Sucharita Kodali is Vice President and Principal Analyst serving e-business and channel strategy professionals at Forrester. She is an expert on e-commerce, omnichannel retail, consumer behavior, and trends in online shopping. She is also an authority on technology developments that affect the retail industry, focusing on topics such as forecasting, merchandising, conversion optimization, and social computing.

Learn more:

https://www.forrester.com/bio/sucharita-kodali?id=BIO1129

Topics of discussion

How growth has changed the customer experience and the ability of companies to keep up with changing demand (02:20)
How retailers have adapted their supply chains to more digital selling (08:41)
Keeping up with the most innovative retailers as they respond to evolving demands (11:13)
The importance of people, process, and technology (17:37)
Balancing the ability to react to supply chain disruptions with the ability to prevent them (20:25)
The role of technology in managing risk, safety, and controlling costs (23:39)
The first step toward improving supply chain resiliency (28:09)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Intelligent Order Management helps organizations simplify and automate omnichannel fulfillment using data, AI, and machine learning. Learn more:

https://aka.ms/CandRIOM

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Sales strategies for a hybrid world, with Gerry Murray Apr 14, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with IDC’s Gerry Murray about how digital selling has evolved over the last year, including what changes are temporary and what changes will be longer lasting, how certain organizations are doing a good job supporting sellers to adapt to these changes, and how companies should think about their technology infrastructure to support sales teams.

About Gerry Murray:

Gerry Murray is a Research Director with IDC’s Marketing and Sales Technology service where he covers marketing technology and related solutions. He produces competitive assessments, market forecasts, innovator reports, maturity models, case studies, and thought leadership research. Prior to his current role he spent the first half of his career at IDC advising executives from some of the world’s largest software and services providers on market strategy, competitive positioning, and channel management. As the Director of Knowledge Management Technology, he conducted research on a worldwide scale including market sizing and forecasting, ROI models, case studies, multi-client studies, focus groups, and custom consulting projects.

Learn more:

https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=PRF003529

Topics of discussion

The shift from in-person persuasiveness to digital persuasiveness (04:22)
The game-changing possibilities of conversational systems and AI (10:15)
A look at self-service, conversational, and values-based sales models (15:22)
Making data and analytics your first step in transforming your sales organization (23:47)
For companies already implementing new data infrastructure, how do they know what’s working? (27:38)
Some surprising challenges facing sales organizations now (30:40)
How rising customer expectations are creating new selling opportunities (35:20)

Sponsor link

Learn how Dynamics 365 Sales helps teams drive more relevant and authentic customer relationships, generate more quality leads, and improve productivity. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8tgbr

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Leading your team into the 2nd machine age, with M. Nadia Vincent Apr 07, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with M. Nadia Vincent, author of “Leveraging Digital Transformation,” about key digital transformation concepts, such as the difference between reactive and strategic initiatives, how to encourage the critical element of individual transformation, and how to avoid achieving only a partial transformation.

About M. Nadia Vincent:

M. Nadia Vincent is recognized as one of the top 10 leaders in digital transformation. With over two decades of international work experience, she is an MIT SLOAN Certified Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Executive Advisor. She has led many major transformation initiatives on the European market as the co-founder of the ultimate training and coaching platform for business executives and transformation leaders. She is the author of several training and coaching programs to help businesses transform, and several books. “Leveraging Digital Transformation,” her most recent book is a reference book in digital transformation leadership.

Learn more:

https://www.digitaltransformationleaders.com/

Topics of discussion

How the concept of digital transformation has evolved during Nadia’s career (02:54)
The three essential ingredients of successful transformation (05:57)
The critical importance of the “people” factor (12:50)
The biggest challenges aligning leadership for transformation initiatives (17:01)
The three main stages of transformation (22:46)
How to prioritize transformation goals (29:23)
Preparing for the next wave of transformation (31:37)

Sponsor link

Learn how Dynamics 365 Business Central can help your small or mid-sized business bring disconnected systems together in a single solution. Watch a demo today:

https://aka.ms/AAb0763

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

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Are you up to speed on ERP? with Chris Gherardini Mar 31, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Chris Gherardini, of Turnkey Technology, about the importance of ERP and CRM solutions, including how companies can evaluate the data they need to get the most from these solutions, how to create momentum for successful deployment and transformation initiatives, and how to expand your capabilities once the core technologies are in place.

About Chris Gherardini:

Chris is the President and owner of Turnkey Technologies. Turnkey offers new software sales, upgrades, implementation services, customization, data conversion, integration, training, support, business intelligence and reporting, workflow, and portals. Chris also has experience delivering integrated ERP and CRM solutions and leading companies through digital transformations.

Learn more:

https://www.turnkeytec.com/about-turnkey/

Topics of discussion

Defining what it means to add value for customers (03:16)
Is the 360-degree view of customers truly possible? (04:00)
Understanding the level of investment required and how to get started (09:38)
Does connecting your systems and data make you more vulnerable to a service outage? (11:25)
Determining your need and readiness for ERP (14:49)
How ERP helps position companies for the unknown (25:44)

Sponsor link

Learn how Dynamics 365 Business Central can help your small or mid-sized business bring disconnected systems together in a single solution. Watch a demo today:

https://aka.ms/AAb0763

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Business leaders lean in to RPA, with Asher Lake Mar 24, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Asher Lake, of Unlocking Digital and Mercedes-Benz, about the power and potential of robotic process automation, how companies can scale solutions beyond the proof-of-concept stage, how well RPA lends itself to low-code and citizen developer efforts, the level of expertise needed to get the most out of automation, and where companies may be missing out on opportunities to implement technologies like RPA.

About Asher Lake:

Asher Lake is a Corporate Automation Coach at Unlocking Digital, as well as RPA Lead at the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center. He explores ways to combine the optimization of the employee experience with the digital capabilities of AI, RPA, chatbots, and more. He is a Product owner, Scrum Master, and project manager who is working to take the robot out of the human to enable them to do what they do best.

Learn more:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/unlocking-digital

Topics of discussion

Summary of robotic and desktop automation, as well as business process management (02:18)
Attended versus unattended RPA (04:49)
The best uses for RPA currently, as well as principles and characteristics of good process candidates for RPA (07:36)
How should companies go about setting up or trying out RPA, and how to scale those efforts (16:02)
The most common obstacles companies face when trying RPA (21:47)
How organizations should address employee concerns about RPA and job security (30:02)
The next breakthrough or innovation to expect from RPA (32:21)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Power Automate is helping organizations digitize paper processes and automate time-consuming, manual tasks – without writing a single line of code. Watch a demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8l72o

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Can AI and automation be humanized? with Hessie Jones Mar 17, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Hessie Jones, co-founder of MyData Canada, about how companies should assess the value and purpose of AI and automation initiatives. They also explore scenarios that give individuals more control over personal information while also making data more accessible and usable, and how businesses can determine the most effective places to use AI and automation.

About Hessie Jones:

Hessie is a Privacy Technologist, Venture Partner, Strategist, Tech Journalist and Author. She is currently a Venture Partner at MATR Ventures and COO, Beacon, a social enterprise start-up focusing on privacy solutions. She has 20 years in start-up tech: data targeting, profile and behavioural analytics, AI tech and more recently data privacy and security. Hessie advocates for AI readiness, education, ethical distribution of AI and the right to self-determination and control of personal information in this era of transformation. As a seasoned digital strategist, she spent the last 18 years on the web at Yahoo! Aegis Media, in various enterprise FIs and start-ups.

Hessie is also a contributor at Forbes and GritDaily, a Cofounding member of MyData Canada, Women in AI Ethics Collective member, Board member with Technology for Good Canada, a Cofounding Member of Education Reform Collective (to combat Anti-Black and Anti-Indigenous Racism in Canadian education) plus a technology mentor and start-up advisor.

Learn more:

https://matrventures.com

https://www.beacontrustnetwork.com

Topics of discussion

Defining automation (04:19)
Amid the excitement of AI and automation, what are the concerns? (09:22)
What it means for a company to be a leader in the area of data use, privacy, and related issues (18:06)
How established smaller businesses can move forward with data in a responsible, human-centered way (27:42)
The main thing businesses shouldn’t overlook when adopting AI and automation (33:54)
What the future looks like for AI and automation in the evolving context of data privacy (37:16)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Power Automate is helping organizations digitize paper processes and automate time-consuming, manual tasks – without writing a single line of code. Watch a demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8l72o

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

More companies shift focus to customer journey, with Abhishek Dalmia and Varun Khurana Mar 10, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Abhishek Dalmia and Varun Khurana, of the Boston Consulting Group, about new perspectives on building a customer-centric business, reimagining the customer journey, factors currently driving the cost of customer acquisition, and the importance of data for creating and understanding customer engagement.

About Abhishek Dalmia:

Abhishek is a Managing Director and Partner in the BCG Seattle. He has deep consumer expertise with focus on Fashion/Apparel and deep functional expertise in Digital, Marketing and Data. He has 20+ years experience as a marketing executive in leading digital and direct to customer focused businesses, with specific focus on customer centered marketing, data analytics and marketing technology.

About Varun Khurana:

Varun is a Partner in BCG Seattle. He specializes in next-gen sales, go-to-market, customer experience, and customer support related topics in addition to being passionate about all things relating to technology and innovation. Prior to BCG, Varun worked was a software engineer at Oracle Corp. and he holds four technology patents from this time there.

Learn more about BCG:

https://www.bcg.com/industries/technology-media-telecommunications/overview

Topics of discussion

Why being customer centric so critical for B2C businesses (02:29)
Factors driving the cost of customer acquisition (05:47)
Tying the concept of customer journeys to business outcomes like revenue growth and profitability (07:55)
How to develop a customer-journey-led business model (19:43)
Tools and technologies to help shift toward being customer-centric (24:39)
The hard and soft skills of getting customer centricity right (29:06)

Sponsor link

Dynamics 365 Marketing provides automation benefits to nurture leads with personalized experiences, align sales and marketing, and make informed decisions and grow with an adaptable platform. Request a live demo today.

https://aka.ms/CandRMarketing

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Add to cart – modernizing B2B customer experience, with Jordan Jewell Mar 03, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Jordan Jewell, leader of IDC’s Digital Commerce research practice, about the differences between customer expectations for B2B and B2C shoppers, how B2B sellers need different technology than B2C companies, which technologies are helping B2B companies be more resilient, and how to choose the right solutions for your business or industry.

About Jordan Jewell

Jordan Jewell is a Research Manager for IDC's Enterprise Applications and Digital Commerce team and leads IDC's Digital Commerce research practice. In this role, he leads research initiatives addressing both B2B and B2C digital commerce platforms, digital marketplaces, product information management, order management, and adjacent technologies that facilitate online commerce. Jordan joined IDC in 2015.

Learn more:

https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=PRF004456

Topics of discussion

Maturity of digital commerce adoption by B2B orgs (02:03)
Impact of pandemic disruption on the B2B business environment (04:47)
How the actual procurement process affects a B2B buyer’s expectations (10:56)
The importance of ERP for B2B digital commerce (17:50)
Keeping up with sales “channel explosion” (28:19)
How B2B commerce will be transformed in the future (30:15)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce can help you personalize customer engagement, increase employee productivity, and optimize operations. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8ku82

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Preparing for your supply chain’s “next normal,” with Frank Della Rosa and Simon Ellis Feb 24, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with supply chain experts Frank Della Rosa and Simon Ellis about critical concepts such as digital twins and the supply chain control tower, the essential ingredients for shifting mindset and culture toward resiliency, and the imperfect science of evaluating risks and opportunities from a supply chain perspective.

About Frank Della Rosa

Frank Della Rosa leads the IDC SaaS and Cloud Software practice. In this role, Mr. Della Rosa is responsible for the practice research agenda, client relationships, and consulting engagements for IDC. Mr. Della Rosa was recognized by ARInsights for his industry influence and speaks on a wide variety of topics, including the journey to the cloud, platform strategy and economics, a new generation of SaaS, cloud marketplaces, and digital ecosystems.

Prior to IDC, Mr. Della Rosa worked in technology sales, business development, and consulting for prominent technology firms and boutique consultancies, including Edge Strategies. He holds an MSM in International Management from the Hult International Business School.

Learn more:

https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=PRF005064

About Simon Ellis

Simon Ellis currently leads the Global Supply Chain Strategies practices at IDC Manufacturing Insights, specializing in advising clients on supply chain digital transformation, network and ecosystem design, supply chain planning, global sourcing, transportation, and logistics. With almost 35 years of experience in manufacturing, working across all major areas of the supply chain, Simon previously was the Supply Chain Strategy Director for Unilever North America.

Learn more:

https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=PRF004853

Topics of discussion

Supply chain disruptions versus demand disruption (03:05)
When disruptions occur, what’s causing the information gap for organizations (06:05)
The technologies companies need to realize the digital twin and control tower vision (19:01)
The supply chain “continuum of competence” (22:13)
Maintaining customer relationships through supply chain disruptions (27:10)
Augmenting your people with automation (36:44)
Preparing for the “next normal” (40:33)

Sponsor link

Using predictive insights powered by AI and IoT, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management streamlines operations to maximize efficiency, product quality, and profitability. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8l720

Contact us

Email: connectedandready@microsoft.com

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

CFOs turn to tech and culture, with Jack McCullough Feb 17, 2021

Gemma Milne talks with Jack McCullough, founder of the CFO Leadership Council about how CFOs can keep up with accelerated forecasting demands without sacrificing accuracy, the impact of automation on finance org functions, how CFOs can shift to make more proactive decisions, and some of the biggest near-term opportunities CFOs should be preparing for.

About Jack McCullough

Jack McCullough is the founder of the CFO Leadership Council, a global organization whose mission is to empower CFOs through cutting-edge professional development programs and peer networking. He is a CPA who has served as CFO for 26 different organizations during his career. He recently published his first book, Secrets of Rockstar CFOs, based on conversations with more than 40 of the world’s best financial executives. Jack is also a contributor to the Forbes CFO Network, where he shares insights on the issues facing CFOs and their teams. Jack holds an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management, and lives in Massachusetts with his wife and two teenage sons.

Learn more:

https://cfoleadershipcouncil.com/jackmccullough/

Topics of discussion

How the CFO role has evolved (02:52)
The importance of culture and technology, and the relationship between the two (09:04)
Striking a balance between short-term, reactive responses and long-term investments (12:27)
Which technologies should CFOs be prioritizing (16:40)
How large and small businesses have been forced to pivot to survive (21:29)
Where are the biggest opportunities coming up for CFOs (23:59)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance is helping organizations monitor the performance of global financial operations in real time, predict future outcomes, and make data-driven decisions to drive growth. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8l72b

Register for Finance Reimagined on February 24, 2021

Connect with finance leaders and gain valuable insight as we respond to, recover from, and reimagine the future beyond the global health crisis. #msftFinanceReimagined

aka.ms/msftFinanceReimagined

Helpful links

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Finance transformation that lasts, with John Munnelly Feb 10, 2021

Host Gemma Milne talks with KPMG Australia’s John Munnelly about some of the biggest recent shifts in finance organizations, maintaining momentum toward organizational change, the impact of new ways of working, and the eight facets of building a connected enterprise.

About John Munnelly

John Munnelly is the Global Microsoft Business Applications Lead and the Partner responsible for cloud implementation services for KPMG Australia. He is committed to delivering quality business solutions to customers, enabling them to streamline operations, get real-time visibility across their entire business, and make smarter, informed business decisions. John has more than 20 years’ experience in technology enablement and business systems. He has extensive knowledge of the following sectors: retail, government (health and defense), community care, education, business services, distribution, and construction.

Learn more:

home.kpmg/directroute

Topics of discussion

The essential elements of continuous improvement (08:57)
Assessing must-have transformational items versus wish-list items (12:13)
How organizations can benefit from outside perspectives to identify blind spots (19:14)
What organizations should look for when trying to measure and track success (21:52)
Balancing normal operational needs with the need to change (24:02)
Which technology is most relevant to finance organizations now, and 3-5 years from now (31:22)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance is helping organizations monitor the performance of global financial operations in real time, predict future outcomes, and make data-driven decisions to drive growth. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8l72b

Register for Finance Reimagined on February 24, 2021

Connect with finance leaders and gain valuable insight as we respond to, recover from, and reimagine the future beyond the global health crisis. #msftFinanceReimagined

Aka.ms/msftFinanceReimagined

Helpful links

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Digitizing your small to mid-size business, with Laurie McCabe Feb 03, 2021

Host Gemma Milne talks with the SMB Group’s Laurie McCabe about the uneven impact of 2020, both positive and negative, on small and medium-sized businesses and specific industries, the biggest challenges SMBs face when adopting new technologies, and whether they should pursue major transformation or more incremental change with these solutions.

About Laurie McCabe

Laurie is co-founder and partner of SMB Group. With more than 25 years of experience in the IT industry, she is widely recognized for her insights into small and medium-sized business technology adoption, requirements, and challenges. Laurie is a six-time Small Business Influencer Awards winner, has been cited as one of the 50 Most Influential People in Small Business Marketing by AllBussiness, and named one of the Top 200 Thought Leaders in Big Data & Analytics by Analytics Week.

Learn more:

https://www.smb-gr.com

https://lauriemccabe.com/

Topics of discussion

Are there commonalities among the businesses and industries that fared better in 2020 (06:11)
The role of technology for small and medium-sized businesses (08:55)
Tactical decisions that turned out to be smart and strategic (14:06)
How SMBs can be smarter about implementing new technologies (23:18)
Which enterprise technology is most relevant to SMBs (26:22)

Sponsor link

Learn how Dynamics 365 Business Central can help your small or mid-sized business bring disconnected systems together in a single solution. Watch a demo today:

https://aka.ms/AAb0763

Helpful links

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Cybersecurity: prepare and respond, with John Reed Stark Jan 27, 2021

Host Gemma Milne talks with John Reed Stark about staying secure and compliant as organizations continue to digitally transform. They unpack the rise of ransomware, look at what companies can do to protect themselves from cybersecurity incidents, as well as how best to respond after a breach. John also discusses how organizations can take proactive and innovative measures to help remain secure and compliant while staying competitive.

About John Reed Stark

John Reed Stark is president of John Reed Stark Consulting LLC, a data breach response and digital compliance firm. Formerly, Mr. Stark served for almost 20 years in the Enforcement Division of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the last 11 of which as Chief of its Office of Internet Enforcement. He currently teaches a cyber-law course as a Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke Law School. Mr. Stark also worked for 15 years as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the Georgetown University Law Center, where he taught several courses on the juxtaposition of law, technology, and crime, and for five years as managing director of global data breach response firm, Stroz Friedberg, including four years heading its Washington, D.C. office. Mr. Stark is the author of "The Cybersecurity Due Diligence Handbook.”

Learn more about John Reed Stark:

https://www.johnreedstark.com/

Topics of discussion

Why ransomware has become the preferred mode of cybercrime (04:49)
Making sure your cybersecurity systems are working together effectively (11:52)
Planning for better cyber incident response and crisis management (17:38)
How the current environment affects smaller companies differently (25:27)
What C-level executives and boards should look for when hiring for major security roles (28:32)
What are the most exciting emerging cybersecurity technologies (31:57)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fraud Protection helps businesses minimize losses, safeguard revenues, and protect their reputation. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8kzgt

Helpful links

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Chatbots’ role in the customer experience, with Natasha Takahashi Jan 20, 2021

Host Gemma Milne talks with Natasha Takahashi, Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Founder of School of Bots, as well as the Chief Marketing Officer at Ineffable Marketing, about the continuing evolution of marketing in the digital realm, the changing needs of customers, growing demand for a greater level of personalization, as well as how marketers can connect with customers in the messenger format and how this will look in the future.

About Natasha Takahashi

Natasha is the Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Founder of School of Bots, as well as Chief Marketing Officer at Ineffable Marketing. She has unlocked millions of dollars in revenue for businesses through frameworks for lead generation and closing transactions. School of Bots is one of the leading chatbot education brands in the world for marketers, agencies, and teams whose methods are based on real experiences providing hundreds of clients with chatbot services. Her goal is to help businesses generate real, repeatable, and predictable results.

Learn more about School of Bots:

https://schoolofbots.co

Topics of discussion

Recent trends in how businesses are connecting with customers online (04:26)
Perspective on customer expectations and how that relates to online messaging and social media (07:23)
Privacy and customer preferences regarding personalization (17:30)
First steps businesses can take toward messaging and bot-based solutions (26:07)
The future role in marketing for AI automation, chatbots, or a combination of both (30:26)

Sponsor link

With Power Virtual Agent from Microsoft you can create intelligent, custom chatbots to look up information, personalize customer conversations, or screen conversations to live agents. Learn how you can integrate Power Virtual Agent into Microsoft Teams, explore demos, and more:

https://aka.ms/AA9o2ur

Helpful links

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Retail gets creative, with Tory Gundelach Jan 13, 2021

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Tory Gundelach, Senior Vice President of Retail Insights at Kantar Consulting, to talk about how retailers were pressure-tested in 2020, how they are still adapting to the rapidly evolving environment, and facing ongoing uncertainty. They also delve into topics like the growth of e-commerce, the biggest key trends that have driven change over the past 12 months, and what might be next for retailers in 2021 and the years to come.

About Tory Gundelach

Tory is Senior Vice President of Retail Insights at Kantar Consulting who focuses on Target and the grocery channel. She has a rich background in retail that helps her spot emerging trends and understand both the strategic and tactical implications. Before joining Kantar in 2018, Tory held numerous roles in insights, merchandising, and strategy with 84.51°, dunnhumby, and Target. She holds an MBA and a bachelor of science in business from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

Learn more about Kantar:

https://www.kantar.com

Topics of discussion

Biggest changes and challenges in retail over the last year (01:57)
Retail trends that are temporary and those that are long-term (11:42)
How retailers have addressed the specific issue of order fulfillment (18:54)
How to forecast when historical data may no longer be accurate (21:29)
The most creative solutions to address current retail challenges (24:27)
How technology is supporting and accelerating retailer capabilities (31:14)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce can help you personalize customer engagement, increase employee productivity, and optimize operations. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8ku82

Helpful links

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Shifting with consumer demand, with Pamela Danziger Jan 06, 2021

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Pamela Danziger, founder of Unity Marketing, to talk about how retailers can best navigate the changing business landscape driven by shifting consumer demands, the most important trends that have emerged and accelerated this year, and what can we expect from consumers and retailers as we move into 2021.

About Pamela Danziger

A market researcher, speaker, and author, Pamela founded Unity Marketing in 1992 as a research-led marketing consultancy following her career in research and information management. She focuses on affluent consumer behavior and psychology, and has authored many books on the topic. She is a member of Home Trust International’s Leaders in Luxury Design and Jim Blasingame’s Small Business Advocate Brain Trust. Pamela is also a frequent contributor to Forbes and The Robin Report.

Learn more about Pamela Danziger:

https://unitymarketingonline.com/

Topics of discussion

Which trend had the biggest impact on retailers in 2020 (02:12)
What sort of mindset do retailers need to be successful (11:09)
The biggest lesson to be learned from 2020 (14:17)
The role of technology in the retail experience (18:02)
Expectations for consumer behavior in 2021 (23:40)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce can help you personalize customer engagement, increase employee productivity, and optimize operations. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8ku82

Helpful links

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Forecasting in uncertain times, with Ariane Daguin Dec 16, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Ariane Daguin, CEO of D’Artagnan, a pioneer purveyor of free-range, natural, sustainable foods, to talk about how the 2020 holiday season has differed from previous years, how her business has shifted from crisis mode to responding to longer-term industry changes, the role of educating customers as part of marketing, and her outlook for 2021.

About Ariane Daguin

As the founder, owner, and CEO of D’Artagnan, Ariane has built a reputation over the last 35 years for providing humanely raised meats to top chefs and restaurants. A devoted advocate, she has been at forefront of the organic food movement and through her co-ops of small-scale farmers helps support natural, sustainable production practices. When many of her customers had to temporarily close, she added new customers by opening up her products direct to consumers.

Learn more about D’Artagnan:

https://www.dartagnan.com

Topics of discussion

Current state of D’Artagnan’s business (02:31)
How D’Artagnan is maintaining its company culture (09:16)
Forecasting in an environment with no precedent (17:18)
How D’Artagnan is trying to support customers through challenges (20:31)
Ariane’s favorite foods and traditions for the holiday season (27:25)
The outlook for 2021 (35:36)

Sponsor link

Explore how Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management can help your business streamline operations to maximize efficiency, product quality, and profitability. Request a live demo today.

https://aka.ms/AA8l720

Helpful links

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Technology transforms the role of CFO, with Myles Corson and Tony Klimas Dec 09, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Myles Corson and Tony Klimas from Ernst & Young to discuss the role of the CFO, trends they’ve seen in their research regarding finance transformation, improving forecasting in an unpredictable world, new ways to measure innovation, and how to balance the needs of their human workforce with the necessity of creating competitive advantages using smart technologies.

About Myles Corson

Myles is an experienced finance advisor to senior management and board level executives of major Fortune and FTSE companies across multiple industries. He is responsible for client relationship development within Ernst & Young’s Financial Accounting Advisory Services (FAAS) practice in the Americas. He focuses on addressing the impact of regulatory and transformational change on the finance function including accounting and financial reporting and related systems and processes. Myles is host of the Ernst & Young Better Finance Podcast and has served as a member of the steering committee for Ernst & Young’s Global CFO Council and is a contributor to the firm’s DNA of the CFO research. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

Learn more about Myles Corson:

https://www.ey.com/en_us/people/myles-corson

About Tony Klimas

Tony is a partner at Ernst & Young, a member of Ernst & Young’s Advisory Executive team, and former Global Finance Practice Leader. He has more than 20 years of consulting experience across a variety of industries. His areas of expertise include finance strategy, shared services/offshoring, and BPO advisory. He is particularly focused on finance transformation, including adoption of leading technologies such as robotics, SaaS, blockchain, AI, cloud services, human resources, IT shared services, risk management, and financial systems project management. He frequently writes and speaks on the topic of finance transformation.

Learn more about Tony Klimas:

https://www.ey.com/en_gl/people/tony-klimas

Topics of discussion

Recent shifts in the CFO role (02:41)
Barriers to finance transformation and how can CFOs overcome them (06:12)
Trends from recent DNA of the CFO research (07:41)
Balancing long-term value goals with short-term performance pressures (19:59)
How CFOs can take on more strategic roles within their organizations (32:21)
The long-term vision for the CFO role (35:01)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance is helping organizations monitor the performance of global financial operations in real time, predict future outcomes, and make data-driven decisions to drive growth. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8l72b

Register for Finance Reimagined on February 24, 2021

Connect with finance leaders and gain valuable insight as we respond to, recover from, and reimagine the future beyond the global health crisis. #msftFinanceReimagined

Aka.ms/msftFinanceReimagined

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The data dilemma: balancing privacy and customer experience, with Maciej Zawadzinski Dec 02, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Maciej Zawadziński, CEO of Piwik PRO and data privacy advocate, to talk about the evolution of public consciousness regarding data privacy, how companies use customer journey to drive engagement, and what a future win-win scenario for customers and companies might look like for privacy-friendly advertising.

About Maciej Zawadziński

Maciej is CEO at Piwik PRO, an AdTech and MarTech expert, and founder of several successful

companies, as well as an online privacy rights advocate. In his work he strives towards more conscious data use and a healthier digital advertising ecosystem and is currently devoting his knowledge and skills to developing Piwik PRO, a privacy-focused analytics platform positioned as an alternative to Google Analytics. With the help of a team of more than 100 people, his goal is for Piwik PRO Analytics Suite to be the platform of choice for every privacy-friendly company. Maciej is also a founder of Clearcode, a world-leading software developer specializing in custom advertising and marketing technology. A general aviation pilot and cat lover, he lives in Wrocław, Poland.

Learn more about Piwik PRO:

https://piwik.pro/

Topics of discussion

Role of customer journey and importance of data collection (02:15)
Current context around privacy laws and regulations (05:19)
How to balance personalized experiences with data privacy (10:10)
Can we trust companies to self-regulate or do governments need to step in? (16:36)
How does data shape our perception of online advertising effectiveness? (19:03)
Privacy-friendly approaches to data collection (24:47)

Sponsor link

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https://aka.ms/CandRMarketing

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Building a more equitable workplace, with Mimi Fox Melton Nov 25, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Mimi Fox Melton, General Manager and Acting CEO of Code 2040, to discuss Code2040’s efforts to redesign work cultures and spaces to be more equitable for Black and Latinx tech workers, how the organization has managed the challenges of the pandemic (including retooling their internship program), remote and onsite work practices, company benefit policies, and how companies can identify systemic problems and direct their missions toward improving equity.

About Mimi Fox Melton

As General Manager for Code2040, and recently its Acting CEO, Mimi Fox Melton has been instrumental in expanding Code2040 from serving as a bridge into high-tech industries for Black and Latinx people to organizing and supporting the overall changes necessary to dismantle racist systems and ensure racial equity in the innovation economy. Her work is focused on all aspects of tech companies, from their operations and products to their corporate cultures, as well as how those aspects impact Black and Latinx workers and their communities. Her areas of expertise include coaching external staff, tech industry executives, and managers. She also oversees the operations of Code2040, including designing curriculum and facilitating learning experiences.

Learn more about Code2040:

https://www.code2040.org

Topics of discussion

Code2040’s response to COVID-19 (04:48)
How Code2040 protected their internship program (09:09)
Does improving equity take new policies or is it bigger than that? (22:04)
Inspiration and insights about employee policies (30:17)
How to track which changes are working and which aren’t (37:19)
First steps toward improving workplace value and equity (42:45)

Sponsor link

Dynamics 365 delivers next generation ERP and CRM business applications, helping employees at every level reason over data, predict trends and make proactive, more-informed decisions. Request a live demo of Dynamics 365 today at:
https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

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Exploring anatomy in mixed reality, with Mark Griswold Nov 18, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Mark Griswold, PhD, Director of MRI Research and Faculty Director of the Interactive Commons at Case Western Reserve University. They discuss how medical faculty at Case Western Reserve are using technology developed by Mark’s team to teach anatomy with HoloLens, how medical education has changed over the past year in response to COVID-19, and what the opportunities are in health care and beyond for mixed reality technologies.

About Mark Griswold, PhD

Mark Griswold is Professor of Radiology, Director of MRI Research, and Faculty Director of the Interactive Commons (IC) at Case Western Reserve University. Among his internationally known imaging discoveries, Dr. Griswold developed Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF), a highly quantitative and objective form of MRI. At the IC, Dr. Griswold connects individuals in unconventional, multidisciplinary networks and applies visualization technologies, such as Microsoft HoloLens, to advance learning and solve society’s most pressing challenges.

Learn more about Interactive Commons

https://interactivecommons.org/

Learn more about Case Western Reserve University

https://case.edu/

Watch medical students use HoloLens 2 in their anatomy lab

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzUTT1Kygo4

Topics of discussion

Anatomy of mixed reality (02:03)
Physical versus virtual learning (06:16)
Responding to COVID-19 (11:49)
How has VR evolved and improved? (18:42)
What new opportunities is VR opening up? (22:30)
Three questions to ask about new technology (36:46)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Remote Assist can help your organization use mixed reality to collaborate and solve problems in real time from virtually anywhere. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8kzgj

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

IoT and adopting the edge, with Moe Tanabian Nov 11, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Moe Tanabian, Vice President and General Manager of Azure Edge Devices. They discuss how emerging technologies are opening up new ways of doing business, burgeoning IoT use cases, challenges of implementing solutions like IoT, and best practices for making it all work.

About Moe Tanabian

Moe is the Vice President and General Manager of Azure Edge Devices at Microsoft. He leads a multidisciplinary organization across engineering, product management, program management, design, and ecosystem. Together, they are working to create new markets, products, and technologies in IoT and Edge AI. Previously, Moe worked with other technology companies in several new categories of AI- and IoT-based products, including smart speakers, robots, ambient intelligent spaces, and smart appliances. He started tinkering with digital and analog electronics and wrote his first line of code when he was a young teenager. Since that time, he has developed a respect for and interest in how important design is to the success of a new product.

Learn more about Moe Tanabian

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtanabian/

Topics of discussion

The most common IoT use cases (04:08)
How AI changes the economics of IoT (07:34)
The IoT value chain (20:26)
Challenges and best practices of emerging technologies (28:59)
Future possibilities with IoT (32:41)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management can help your business build agile, connected, and resilient supply chains to effectively meet changing customer demand and ensure business continuity during times of disruption. Request a live demo today.

https://aka.ms/AA8l720

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Low-Code Solutions for a Safe Return to Work, with Brennan McReynolds Nov 05, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Brennan McReynolds, Global Product & Technology lead for Host, a proprietary service of CBRE. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on workplace technology, considerations for returning to work safely, and how to create an employee experience that meets individual and community needs.

About Brennan McReynolds

As Global Product & Technology lead for Host, Brennan is passionate about how technology can enhance and inform the workplace experience. Led by people and enabled by technology, Host helps manage workplace needs through intelligent, AI-driven experiences to ultimately provide enhanced employee workplace experiences. Formerly, Brennan was the Chief Operating Officer at Event Farm, a B2B marketing technology platform and has been a speaker at a variety of conferences for the event industry.

Learn more about Brennan McReynolds

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennanmcreynolds/

Topics of discussion

How the pandemic affects the role of technology in the workplace (04:55)
Building and maintaining community (18:37)
The relationship between people, technology, and their physical work environments (23:15)
What kind of technology is best for empowering decision making? (26:36)
What does the future hold for physical workspaces? (31:04)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Power Apps enables anyone from frontline workers to line-of-business employees to innovate, improve business processes, and automate repetitive or manual job functions in this short demo:

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Supply chains in the always on economy, with Mark Weimann Oct 28, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management senior technical specialist Mark Weimann. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on supply chains, the importance of resilience, and the technologies that are helping companies increase supply chain visibility to gain a better understanding of their data.

About Mark Weimann

As senior technical specialist for Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Mark helps enable digital transformation for organizations around the world. For him, a great day at work includes the opportunity to sit down and discuss how Microsoft technology can enable Businesses to transform and gain a competitive advantage in the digital age.

Learn more about Mark Weimann

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-weimann/

Read Mark's latest white paper on Supply Chain Management

https://aka.ms/7PSCM

Topics of discussion

The state of supply chains (01:55)
Building a reliable supply chain (07:39)
Meeting changing consumer demands (16:12)
Rethinking the models (20:55)
Steps to supply chain improvement (26:11)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management can help your business build agile, connected, and resilient supply chains to effectively meet changing customer demand and ensure business continuity during times of disruption. Request a live demo today.

https://aka.ms/AA8l720

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Big questions, small data, with Lisa Morgan Oct 21, 2020

Writer Lisa Morgan joins host Gemma Milne for a discussion on how companies are using data and analytics today, why using historical data is becoming increasingly flawed, and how focusing on improvement and adaptation can help companies become more resilient.

About Lisa Morgan

Lisa Morgan is a seasoned journalist, industry analyst, and content strategist who focuses on the business impact of emerging technologies. Lisa's insights are frequently quoted verbatim as the launching point for intellectual discourse about what businesses and IT departments should be doing in the age of AI, cloud, digital, and hyper-competitiveness.

Learn more about Lisa Morgan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamorgan/

Read some of Lisa’s work

https://www.informationweek.com/cloud/is-your-pandemic-fueled-cloud-migration-sustainable/a/d-id/1338993

https://www.techtarget.com/contributor/Lisa-Morgan

https://sdtimes.com/author/lisa-morgan-2/

Topics of discussion

The state of data analytics—and how we got here (02:52)
Important terms and practices (06:20)
Establishing the problem to solve (11:56)
Examples of innovative data usage (24:08)
Keeping up during uncertainty (28:04)

Sponsor link

See how Microsoft Power BI empowers employees at every level of an organization to make decisions confidently using up-to-the-minute analytics through a familiar experience that looks and works like Microsoft Office applications. Watch a demo today: https://aka.ms/AA8ku9e

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The lasting impact of COVID on digital sales, with Mary Shea Oct 14, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Mary Shea for a follow-up conversation about the digitization of sales, including the recent Forrester Consulting study commissioned by Microsoft, how businesses are adapting to meet the needs of their customers, and the technologies companies are investing in.

About Mary Shea

Mary Shea is a principal analyst at Forrester. She is specifically focused on the empowered B2B buyer and how business leaders must adapt, organize, and enable their marketers, sellers, and channel partners to succeed both today and in the future.

Learn more about Mary Shea

https://www.forrester.com/Mary-Shea%2C-PhD

Information on the research discussed

https://clouddamcdnprodep.azureedge.net/gdc/gdc2k0pYk/original

Learn more about Forrester

https://go.forrester.com/

Topics of discussion

The state of digital sales (02:27)
Core benefits to look for (07:02)
Tools and approaches that work (22:47)
Key challenges and hurdles (26:50)
What’s next for digital sales (35:02)

Sponsor link

Explore how Dynamics 365 Sales can help your team drive more relevant and authentic customer relationships, generate more quality leads, and improve productivity. Streamline operations to maximize efficiency, product quality, and profitability. Talk with an expert today.

https://aka.ms/AA8tgbr

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Increasing workforce capacity through automation, with Maureen Fleming Oct 07, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Maureen Fleming of IDC for a conversation about the ways organizations are using automation today, how it gives them a competitive advantage, and what the future of automation might look like.

About Maureen Fleming

For more than a decade, Maureen has worked with clients on technology adoption topics and has tracked the key technology, architecture and deployment evolutions tied to process improvement.

Learn more about IDC

https://www.idc.com/

Topics of discussion

Defining automation (01:24)
Current trends in automation (09:56)
Benefits of automation (14:26)
What to know when considering automation (24:07)
The future of automation (30:36)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Power Automate can serve the entire spectrum of your organization’s automation needs by bringing robotic process automation, digital process automation, and AI together on a single platform. Watch a demo today.

https://aka.ms/AA8l72o

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The rise of customer data platforms, with David Raab Oct 01, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by David Raab of the Customer Data Platform Institute for a conversation about the rise of the CDP, the ways it’s changing—and being changed by—the marketplace, and why current trends make it more urgent than ever.

About David M. Raab

David is the founder and CEO of the Customer Data Platform Institute, which educates marketers and technologists about customer data management. In 2013, he was the first to name the Customer Data Platform category. The author of hundreds of articles on marketing technology, David regularly speaks and teaches at events around the world.

Learn more about the Customer Data Platform Institute:

https://www.cdpinstitute.org/

Topics of discussion

What CDP is and why it’s important today (01:40)
Meeting customer expectations (09:10)
Predicting the future of CDP (18:09)
Advice for adopting CDP (21:17)

Sponsor link

Learn how Dynamics 365 Customer Insights can help your business unify data for a clear, actionable view of their customers. With unified customer profiles, marketing, sales, and service teams have the insights they need to personalize engagement at every touchpoint. Request a live demo today.

https://aka.ms/AA9tofr

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Digital first in a paper-driven industry, with John Cerone Sep 23, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by John Cerone, principal at SHoP Architects. They discuss the role of technology in architecture today, its impact on innovation and creativity, and how tools like AR and VR are transforming how we think about collaboration and design.

About John Cerone

John Cerone is a Principal who leads SHoP’s Virtual Design and Construction teams, including all technology visioning initiatives and the development of bespoke technology tools. His work at SHoP includes a lead role in developing the technologies behind the success of numerous projects, including the Barclays Center and the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum in New York.

Learn more about SHoP Architects:

https://www.shoparc.com/

Topics of discussion

How technology has changed architecture (01:24)
Driving design through technology (10:28)
Promoting collaboration with technology (21:01)
Recent examples and challenges (24:18)
The future of architecture technology (33:17)

Sponsor link

Learn how Dynamics 365 can help your business unify data and create a digital-first culture. With next generation ERP and CRM business applications, employees at every level can reason over data, predict trends and make proactive, more-informed decisions. Request a live demo of Dynamics 365 today:

https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

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Enabling better patient outcomes through AI, with Piotr Orzechowski Sep 16, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Piotr Orzechowski, CEO and founder of Infermedica, a developer of AI tools for triage and preliminary diagnosis. They discuss the impacts of AI on treatment, how partners are using their solutions, and what he’s learned during this period of massive change in care.

About Piotr Orzechowski

Piotr’s work is focused on improving the medical diagnostic process, increasing access to care, and streaming the costs of care. His company, Infermedica, has provided AI solutions to more than 7 million users worldwide.

Learn more about Infermedica:

https://infermedica.com/about

Topics of discussion

Introduction to chatbots (3:22)
Current trends in medical technology (09:27)
Providing capabilities to partners (14:42)
How AI augments human services (24:12)
Biggest lessons and advice (32:15)

Sponsor link

Discover how Microsoft Power Virtual Agents can help your organization leverage rich, personalized, and cost-effective chatbot technology and conversational engines to resolve repetitive, yet time-demanding customer queries and internal-facing requests quickly. Learn more today:

https://aka.ms/AA9o2ur

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Technology opens new doors in real estate, with Ro Malik Sep 09, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Ro Malik, CEO and co-founder of Conversion Monster. They discuss the current trends in the real estate industry, how technology and innovation are transforming it, and what entrepreneurs and startups should know about the industry today.

About Ro Malik

Ro is the co-founder and CEO of Conversion Monster, LLC, a company of Inside Sales Agents that help real estate agents convert internet leads into opportunities. A 15-year veteran of the industry, Ro is also a real estate broker in Chicago.

Lean more about Ro Malik:

https://conversion-monster.com/meet-the-team/

Learn more about Conversion Monster:

https://conversion-monster.com/about-us-2/

Topics of discussion

Real estate industry trends (02:29)
Technology in real estate (06:08)
The impact of COVID-19 (12:39)
Solving today’s challenges with technology (27:54)
Lessons and advice (30:48)

Sponsor link

Explore how Dynamics 365 Sales can help your team drive more relevant and authentic customer relationships, generate more quality leads, and improve productivity. Streamline operations to maximize efficiency, product quality, and profitability. Talk with an expert today:

https://aka.ms/AA8tgbr

Helpful links

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National Geographic envisions the future of education, with Vicki Phillips Sep 02, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Vicki Phillips, Chief Education Officer at National Geographic. They discuss the role National Geographic is playing in education today, the trends and technology that are transforming education, and what the future classroom might look like.

About Vicki Phillips

As chief education officer at the National Geographic Society, Vicki oversees the Society’s education strategy and programs. Prior to her current role, she served as an education strategist and, for nearly a decade, as the director of education, College Ready, at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Learn more about Vicki Phillips:

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/about-us/leadership/vicki-phillips/

Learn more about National Geographic Education:

www.NatGeoEd.org/LearnAnywhere

Topics of discussion

National Geographic in education (02:51)
Building education back better (07:14)
Classroom technology today and tomorrow (13:58)
Challenges and solutions (20:19)
Empowering youth through education (26:42)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Power Apps gives educators of all technical skill levels the tools they need to build professional apps that run on mobile and web – without writing a single line of code. See how one school district is leading the way:

 https://aka.ms/AA97zec 

Helpful links

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

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Ford goes from vehicles to ventilators, with Dr. Graham Hoare OBE Aug 26, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Dr Graham Hoare, chairman of Ford of Britain. They discuss the VentilatorChallengeUK Consortium, Ford’s role in the project, and the learnings that could change how we do business in the future.

About Dr. Graham Hoare OBE

Dr. Graham Hoare is executive director, Business Transformation, Ford of Britain. He is also a member of the Boards of Ford of Britain and Ford Technologies. He is a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and the Institute of Engineering Designers.

Learn more about Dr. Graham Hoare OBE:

https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/feu/en/people/graham-hoare.html

Learn more about VentilatorChallengeUK:

https://www.ventilatorchallengeuk.com/

Topics of discussion

About VentilatorChallengeUK (01:27)
The importance of collaborative technologies (11:36)
Learnings, insights, and inspirations (18:45)
Going from “can do” to “will do” (29:40)
Moving forward together (37:27)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Remote Assist can help your organization use mixed reality to collaborate and solve problems in real time from virtually anywhere. Request a live demo today:

https://aka.ms/AA8kzgj

Helpful links

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Low code in the pro developer toolkit, with Brian Hodel Aug 19, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Brian Hodel, a senior business systems analyst at T-Mobile. They discuss using low code, what it means for both developers and non-developers, and the business efficiency it provides.

About Brian Hodel

For over 10 years, Brian has worked in process improvement in industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare. At T-Mobile, Brian’s main focus is Orbit, a project intake and approval review program that allows executives to go through and allocate resources and prioritize commitments.

Learn more about Brian Hodel:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianhodel/

Learn more about T-Mobile:

https://www.t-mobile.com/

Topics of discussion

Understanding low code (04:32)
Low code at T-Mobile (06:59)
Overcoming low code challenges (11:37)
Unlocking possibilities with low code (20:40)
Getting started with low code (26:02)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Power Apps enables anyone from frontline workers to line-of-business employees to innovate, improve business processes, and automate repetitive or manual job functions in this short demo:

https://aka.ms/AA8kmc9

Helpful links

Follow us on social media

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Get started with Power Apps: https://docs.microsoft.com/learn/modules/get-started-with-model-driven-apps-in-powerapps/?WT.mc_id=Power Apps_GEP_getstartedpowerapps-Podcast-wwl

Embracing the digital classroom, with Veronica Appleton Aug 12, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Veronica Appleton, adjunct professor of Communication Studies at DePaul University. They discuss the sudden shifts in education and technology, the opportunities within these changes, and how it’s evolved the teacher-student relationship.

About Veronica Appleton

Veronica Appleton is an adjunct professor in the College of Communications at DePaul University. In addition to teaching intercultural communication, Veronica is a researcher of organizational behavior in the workplace and diversity management within corporate environments.

Learn more about Veronica Appleton:

https://www.veronicaappleton.com/biography

Learn more about DePaul’s College of Communication:

https://communication.depaul.edu

Topics of discussion

Adapting to closed classrooms (01:39)
Opportunities and solutions (09:14)
Personalizing education (19:39)
The hopeful future (28:03)
The biggest lessons (31:03)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Power Apps gives educators of all technical skill levels the tools they need to build professional apps that run on mobile and web – without writing a single line of code. See how one school district is leading the way:

https://aka.ms/AA97zec

Helpful links

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Transforming sales and leading with empathy, with Chris Weber Aug 05, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Chris Weber, Corporate Vice President at Microsoft. They discuss recent shifts in digital sales tools and what that means for the sales discipline.

About Chris Weber

As corporate vice president of Microsoft’s Small, Medium & Corporate commercial segment, Chris helps drive growth across four solution areas: Modern Workplace, Business Applications, Apps & Infrastructure, and Data & AI.

Learn more about Chris Weber:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-weber/

Learn more about Dynamics 365 Sales:

https://dynamics.microsoft.com/en-us/sales/overview/

Topics of discussion

The role of AI in sales (4:12)
The rapid rise of digital sales (10:05)
Technology and team culture (14:19)
The importance of empathy (25:51)
The next three to five years (33:00)

Sponsor link

Explore how Dynamics 365 Sales can help your team drive more relevant and authentic customer relationships, generate more quality leads, and improve productivity. Streamline operations to maximize efficiency, product quality, and profitability. Talk with an expert today.

https://aka.ms/AA8tgbr

Helpful links

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Marketing innovation through cloud technology, with Cleve Gibbon Jul 29, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Cleve Gibbon, CTO of Wunderman Thompson, North America. They discuss using technology to facilitate modern marketing.

About Cleve Gibbon

As Wunderman Thompson NA CTO, Cleve drives key executive technology decisions around strategy, innovation, and product within Fortune 500 clients across North America. Additionally, Cleve sits on various technology councils across the WPP Group and technology vendor advisory boards.

Learn more about Cleve Gibbon:

https://www.wundermanthompson.com/people/cleve-gibbon

Learn more about Wunderman Thompson:

https://www.wundermanthompson.com/

Topics of discussion

The role of technology in marketing (01:30)
Technology as a problem solver (05:54)
Technology as a connector (10:44)
Enabling modern marketing (17:44)
Being ready for what’s next (36:11)

Sponsor link

Dynamics 365 Marketing provides automation benefits to nurture leads with personalized experiences, align sales and marketing, and make informed decisions and grow with an adaptable platform. Request a live demo today.

https://aka.ms/CandRMarketing

Helpful links

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Dynamics 365 Marketing: https://dynamics.microsoft.com/marketing/overview/

Set up Dynamics 365 Marketing: https://docs.microsoft.com/learn/paths/get-started-with-marketing/?WT.mc_id=Marketing_GEP_setupD365marketing-Podcast-wwl

Adopting low code technology, with Russ Felker Jul 22, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Russ Felker, CTO of GlobalTranz. They discuss GlobalTranz’s experiences with adding low code technology to their logistics operations, the issues it resolves, and what it takes to implement it successfully.

About Russ Felker

Currently the Chief Technology Officer for GlobalTranz, Russ has been a leader in product development and technology for more than 25 years. He has led the creation of multiple technology products solving issues within business process optimization, IT management, and storage and blockchain across diverse industries.

Learn more about Russ Felker:

https://www.globaltranz.com/about/leadership/

Topics of discussion

Including low code in your toolset (02:05)
Low code use cases (8:38)
Low code toolsets (21:32)
Advantages of using low code (26:11)
Where to start with low code (32:05)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Power Automate helps organizations digitize paper processes and automate time-consuming, manual tasks—without writing a single line of code—in this short video.

https://aka.ms/AA8l72o

Helpful links

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Preventing e-commerce fraud, with Steve Wilson Jul 15, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Steve Wilson, vice president and principal analyst at Constellation Research. They discuss the recent acceleration of e-commerce, the tools businesses can use to protect themselves from fraud, and the importance of having a good partner when transforming to digital.

About Steve Wilson

Steve Wilson has worked in innovation, research, development, and analysis for over 25 years. His particular areas of focus are digital identity and privacy, big data, and cyber security.

Learn more about Steve Wilson:

https://www.constellationr.com/users/steve-wilson

Learn more about Constellation Research:

https://www.constellationr.com/

Topics of discussion

The growth of e-commerce (03:04)
Online fraud today (07:57)
The democratization of data (14:25)
AI and other emerging technologies (22:55)
Questions to ask (28:14)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fraud Protection helps e-commerce, brick-and-mortar, and omni-channel merchants minimize losses, safeguard revenues, and protect their reputation. Request a live demo today.

https://aka.ms/AA8kzgt

Helpful links

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Rethinking IT priorities, with Adam Dennison Jul 08, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Adam Dennison, Executive Moderator for CIO magazine. They discuss recent research that looks at the impacts of current disruptions on budgets and priorities, how businesses are adjusting their investments and the important lessons we can all learn to be more prepared for what’s next.

About Adam Dennison

Adam Dennison has spent the last 10 years overseeing research published by CIO magazine. As a speaker and columnist, Adam shares his in-depth knowledge of new technologies and key priorities for IT leaders.

Learn more about CIO:

https://www.cio.com/about/about.html

Topics of discussion

State of the CIO (01:35)
Shifting budget priorities (08:54)
How technology can set us up for change (11:37)
Empowering employees (24:56)
Lessons from the last three months (32:07)

Sponsor link

Learn how Microsoft Power Automate is helping organizations digitize paper processes and automate time-consuming, manual tasks—without writing a single line of code—in this short video.

https://aka.ms/AA8l72o

Helpful links

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Digitizing the farm, with Arama Kukutai Jul 01, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Arama Kukutai, co-founder and partner of Finistere Ventures. They discuss current agricultural challenges, how tech is helping digitize farms, and what these changes mean for consumers.

About Arama Kukutai

Arama Kukutai has been an investor and entrepreneur in agribusiness for more than 20 years. During that time he has served as Executive Chairman of PKW Farms, led the New Zealand Trade & Investment Agency, and been an active speaker, writer, and thought leader. In 2006, Arama co-founded Finistere Ventures, a pioneering venture capital firm dedicated to agricultural technology.

Learn more about Arama Kukutai:

https://finistere.com/team/Arama-Kukutai/

Learn more about Finistere Ventures:

https://finistere.com/

Topics of discussion

Today’s agricultural challenges (01:45)

Farming technology’s tipping point (09:30)

What shifting supply chains mean for farmers (15:40)

Lessons from agriculture’s resilience (20:41)

Farming technology today and tomorrow (23:53)

Sponsor link

Explore how Dynamics 365 can help your business streamline operations to maximize efficiency, product quality, and profitability. Request a live demo today.

https://aka.ms/AA8vns5

Helpful links

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

The future of sales is digital, with Mary Shea Jun 24, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by guest speaker Mary Shea, a principal analyst serving B2B marketing professionals at Forrester Research. Hear Mary’s perspectives on the art of making meaningful connections during challenging times, the acceleration of digitization, and the advantages of AI technology.

About Mary Shea

Mary Shea is a principal analyst at Forrester. She is specifically focused on the empowered B2B buyer and how business leaders must adapt, organize, and enable their marketers, sellers, and channel partners to succeed both today and in the future.

Learn more about Mary Shea:

https://www.forrester.com/Mary-Shea%2C-PhD

Learn more about Forrester:

https://go.forrester.com/

Topics of discussion

The State of Digitized Selling (02:22)
Accelerated digitization (10:21)
What AI means for sales teams (16:39)
Connecting marketing and sales (27:11)
How to think about Black Swan events (34:09)

Sponsor link

Explore how Dynamics 365 Sales can help your team drive more relevant and authentic customer relationships, generate more quality leads, and improve productivity. Streamline operations to maximize efficiency, product quality, and profitability. Talk with an expert today.

https://aka.ms/AA8tgbr

Helpful links

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Working with Dynamics 365 Sales: https://docs.microsoft.com/learn/paths/working-with-dynamics-365-sales/?WT.mc_id=Sales_GEP_workingwithD365sales-Podcast-wwl

Going direct to consumer – part 2, with Ariane Daguin Jun 17, 2020

Host Gemma Milne is joined by Ariane Daguin, CEO of D’Artagnan, a supplier providing professional chefs and restaurants with humanely raised, free-range, and sustainable ingredients. When 75% of D’Artagnan’s customers had to close virtually overnight, she and her team expanded their business model to include retailers and consumers. Hear about how they made the shift, the importance of learning from mistakes, and the hope she has for the future.

About Ariane Daguin

As the founder, owner, and CEO of D’Artagnan, Ariane has built a reputation for providing humanely raised meats to top chefs and restaurants. A devoted advocate, she has been at forefront of the organic food movement and through her co-ops of small-scale farmers helps support natural, sustainable production practices. When many of her customers had to temporarily close, she added new customers by opening up her products direct to consumers.

Learn more about D’Artagnan:

https://www.dartagnan.com

Topics of discussion

About D’Artagnan (1:00)
Why this shift is different (3:28)
Going from B2B to B2C (8:33)
How consumers are different (15:44)
The future of the restaurant industry (17:17)
How a new normal can be a better normal (27:43)

Sponsor link

Explore how Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management can help your business streamline operations to maximize efficiency, product quality, and profitability. Request a live demo today.

https://aka.ms/AA8l720

Helpful links

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Going direct to consumer – part 1, with Na’ama Moran Jun 10, 2020

Host Gemma Milne talks with Na’ama Moran, CEO and co-founder of Cheetah, a restaurant supplier serving small businesses in San Francisco and the Bay Area through their innovative app and warehouse infrastructure. When Cheetah experienced a sudden 80% drop in demand due to shelter-in-place orders, it pivoted its business model, providing consumers with direct access to supplies and restaurants with new access to customers. Hear about the trends that forced Cheetah’s pivot, the creative solutions that are helping it navigate shifting demand, and why failure is not an option for Na’ama.

About Na’ama Moran

As the CEO and co-founder of Cheetah, Na’ama knows first-hand the impact supply chain disruption can have on small businesses. She and her co-founders have been committed to improving the supply chain for independent restaurants since 2015. Recently, Cheetah pivoted their business model to support both B2B and direct-to-consumer operations with the launch of “Cheetah for Me,” helping to address the needs of the entire community.

Learn more about Cheetah:

https://www.gocheetah.com/

Learn more about Cheetah for Me:

https://www.gocheetah.com/cheetah-for-me/

Topics of discussion

About Cheetah (01:06)
Pivoting to include direct-to-consumer (02:07)
Adding acquisition and marketing operations (08:50)
Planning for a successful pivot (15:03)
Shifting your mission (23:09)
Solving challenges through the scientific method (33:00)
Learning from failure (35:04)

Sponsor link

Explore how Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management can help your business streamline operations to maximize efficiency, product quality, and profitability. Request a live demo today.

https://aka.ms/AA8l720

Helpful links

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Configure and manage products and inventory in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management: https://docs.microsoft.com/learn/paths/configure-manage-products-inventory-dyn365-supply-chain-mgmt/?WT.mc_id=Supply Chain_GEP_configuesupplychain-Podcast-wwl

Rebuilding your business online, with Richard Wang Jun 04, 2020

Host Gemma Milne talks with Richard Wang, CEO of Coding Dojo, a partner in the Microsoft Reactor Program, that's dedicated to teaching coding skills to people with no software background. Recently, Coding Dojo has launched a new initiative called, Tech for America, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic by helping them move their businesses online. Learn the origin story of Tech for America, inspiring stories of traditional brick-and-mortar businesses that have quickly expanded their online operations, how to help employees adapt to change, plus lessons and advice for the future.

About Richard Wang

As the CEO of Coding Dojo, Richard is dedicated to empowering everyone to participate in the digital economy through the universal language of coding. Coding Dojo recently rallied hundreds of alumni members to volunteer their talents to help local businesses build digital platforms and meet their customers on their terms.

Learn more about Coding Dojo:

https://www.codingdojo.com

Learn more about Tech for America:

https://www.codingdojo.com/tech-for-america

Topics of discussion

About Coding Dojo and Tech for America (0:46)
How gyms are serving members in new, more personal ways (4:25)
Collaborating with business owners and understanding their needs (7:24)
Helping employees navigate sudden transformation (18:24)
Inspiring transformations in the health and food industries (22:20)
Lessons for the future (25:57)
Three pieces of advice (28:15)

Sponsor link

Explore how Dynamics 365 Commerce can help your business achieve a seamless, omni-channel customer experience. Request a live demo today.

https://aka.ms/AA8ku82

Helpful links

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ

Introducing Connected & Ready, with Gemma Milne Jun 04, 2020

Welcome to Connected & Ready, brought to you by Microsoft. Each episode, host Gemma Milne is joined by experts for discussions about the changes impacting business today, the technology that’s helping business owners adapt, and how we can be better prepared for what happens next. Join us for this ongoing conversation about innovation, resilience, and our capacity to succeed.

About Gemma Milne
Gemma Milne is a science and technology journalist, and the author of "Smoke & Mirrors: How Hype Obscures the Future and How to See Past It.” Her work has appeared in Forbes, BBC, The Guardian, and many others.

Learn more about Gemma Milne:

https://www.gemmamilne.co.uk/

Sponsor link

https://www.microsoft.com

Helpful links

Follow us on social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msftdynamics365

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/microsoft-dynamics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJGCg4rB3QSs8y_1FquelBQ