The Future of Commerce Podcast

GenAI is reshaping CX, but only for organizations ready to reinvent themselves

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Generative AI is rapidly becoming a game-changer for customer experience (CX), but the real differentiator isn’t the technology itself—it’s how ...

How to power personalized, AI-driven customer experiences for modern shoppers

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The modern shopping journey is nonlinear, unpredictable, and driven by rising expectations. Inspired by How to power personalized, AI-driven customer ...

ERP for pulp and paper industry: Continuous optimization for process excellence

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Once seen as a resource-intensive, slow-moving sector, the pulp and paper industry is now at the forefront of sustainability, digital transformation, ...

H1 2025 retail results: Volatility, tariffs, job market hit hard; make for uncertain H2

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Retail’s “canary in the coal mine” moment has arrived. The H1 2025 Retail Recap Report reveals a sector under strain from economic volatility, s...

Unified commerce benefits: Powering retail renewal and marketplace AI

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever checked online stock, headed to the store, and found empty shelves—or seen a promotion vanish at the register—you’ve felt the f...

How Boston Scientific uses AI search to transform B2B commerce + boost conversions

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

B2B buyers now expect the same speed, personalization, and precision they enjoy in consumer shopping—and that expectation is redefining digital comm...

Retail and tariffs: Stockpiles, agility, and a supply chain reckoning

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A slowdown in retail sales is rippling through the industry, with new tariffs and supply chain volatility forcing retailers to rethink everything from...

AI agent pricing: Faster, smarter decision making for margin growth

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s fast-moving, high-volatility markets, the old way of managing pricing—manual processes, siloed data, reactive decisions—just can’t ...

Rethinking manufacturing execution systems in paper and packaging

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Manufacturing execution systems (MES) have long driven efficiency in paper and packaging operations. But many of these systems—often 20 to 30 years ...

Stablecoins set to upend commerce status quo as new era of cryptocurrency begins

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore the accelerating shift from traditional payments to blockchain-powered digital dollars. Inspired by insights from Stableco...

How supply chain AI helps Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team race ahead

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Behind the roaring engines of a Formula One car lies an astonishing logistical challenge—14,500 precision-engineered parts, split-second decisions, ...

How the U.S. paper and packaging industry can weather the tariff storm

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When the U.S. introduced sweeping tariffs in early 2025, the global trade ripple effects hit the paper and packaging sector hard. Input costs soared, ...

Bye bye synthetic food dyes: How CPG companies can manage the phaseout

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From candy aisles to cereal shelves, the bright reds, blues, and yellows in processed foods are undergoing a transformation. This episode, based on th...

How the semiconductor industry can manage tariff uncertainty

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In an era defined by unpredictable trade tensions, the semiconductor industry finds itself at the epicenter of economic and geopolitical uncertainty. ...

SAP x HSBC: Holiday Retail Trends & Predictions

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the 2025 holiday shopping season nears, what’s top of mind for retailers? In this insightful episode, Winnie Albornoz (Director of Product Market...

Embedded insurance: What it is and the future of customer-centric insurance solutions

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Insurance is no longer something consumers have to seek out—it’s something they’re starting to expect, automatically and intuitively. Inspired b...

How AI in pricing plays a starring role the future of omnichannel commerce

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pricing isn’t just a number—it’s an experience. Inspired by The Future of Commerce article on AI-powered pricing, this episode breaks down how a...

“Your silence will not protect you”: Civil rights quotes for Juneteenth 2025

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean to speak truth in the face of injustice? Inspired by The Future of Commerce article on Juneteenth civil rights quotes, this episode ...

Out this world B2B marketing trends 2025: AI, data privacy, community building

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What’s shaping the future of B2B marketing? Inspired by The Future of Commerce article on B2B trends, this episode explores the four foundational sh...

"Energy Transition" is really the energy diversification

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is it time to rethink the phrase “energy transition”? Inspired by The Future of Commerce article on energy diversification, this episode examines ...

Returns done right: Why smart omnichannel returns are retail’s next big win

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Returns don’t have to be a retail black hole. Inspired by The Future of Commerce article on retail omnichannel returns, this episode explores how re...

True government efficiency comes from building muscle, with data as the protein

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if efficiency in government wasn’t about cutting—but building? Inspired by the article “True government efficiency comes from building musc...

U.S. automotive manufacturing: How automakers can boost production in face of tariffs

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As global trade tensions mount and supply chain risks rise, automakers are doubling down on U.S. production. This episode dives into how companies lik...

Insurance industry cybersecurity: Safeguarding insurance and fintech

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As digital transformation accelerates, insurers find themselves under siege — not just from hackers, but from shifting climate and property risk rea...

F*** Yeah! The surprising upside of swearing at work

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is swearing just crude behavior—or could it be a cognitive, physical, and social superpower? Inspired by The Future of Commerce article on swearing ...

How to transform supply chains from reactive to predictive with AI

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Old-school supply chains relied on lagging data and manual processes—fine in the past, but a liability in today’s fast-moving, disruption-prone wo...

The true cost of poor data: Why retailers can’t afford to look the other way

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From missed sales and inefficient operations to frustrated customers and broken trust, poor data quality is costing retailers more than they realize. ...

The cold truth: Why biopharma needs integrated cold chain monitoring tech

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From compromised vaccines to failed clinical trials, the stakes of biopharma cold chain failures are dangerously high. Each year, the industry loses $...

5 ways retailers can grow sales despite a looming recession

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With inflation, tariffs, and economic uncertainty putting pressure on both consumers and businesses, retailers are facing a perfect storm. Costs are r...

Not just for the big brands: How small and mid-size retailers can supercharge their business with AI

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For years, AI felt like something only big retailers could afford—requiring massive investments and tech teams. But not anymore. Today’s cloud-bas...

As data breaches abound, customer data management becomes C-suite priority

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Data breaches are no longer the exception—they’re the norm. As customer trust becomes harder to earn and easier to lose, businesses are waking up ...

Overconsumption is OUT: Rental economy surges as more consumers value access over ownership

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The way we consume is undergoing a massive shift. Driven by Millennials and Gen Z, the rental economy is growing fast as consumers trade ownership for...

The future of packaging: Smarter, greener, and ready for what’s next

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Packaging is undergoing a radical transformation. Once considered a cost center, it's now a strategic opportunity to reduce waste, build brand loyalty...

The new rules of retail: Innovate now or be left behind

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the present hyper-connected, expectation-driven world, retail is being reshaped at unprecedented speed. As consumer demand rises, supply chains fac...

CPG tariff impact: Rethinking strategies for turbulent times

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The CPG sector is under pressure. With newly implemented tariffs adding hundreds of millions in costs, companies are being forced to rework their play...

Marketplace automation: The not-so-invisible differentiator for CX

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The “Buy Now” button may look simple, but what happens behind the scenes makes or breaks customer satisfaction. This episode explores why marketpl...

Play it again: Why nostalgia marketing works and 4 ways brands can do it right

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is looking back the best way forward? In this episode, we explore why nostalgia is becoming a powerful emotional tool for brands—and why it resonate...

Banking tech: How AI, data clouds, and standardization can revitalize the industry

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Banking is no longer just about numbers—it’s about data. In this episode, we unpack how financial institutions can modernize through two transform...

Distributors need value selling support from manufacturers NOW

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Distributors today are caught in a squeeze—facing higher supplier costs and increasingly price-sensitive customers. But the answer isn’t just more...

Hollywood goes green: Sustainability in media and entertainment

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hollywood has always shaped culture—but now it’s being challenged to shape climate action, too. In this episode, we explore the environmental impa...

AI in esports: How generative AI + data analytics help Team Liquid win

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Esports may be built on fast reflexes, but sustained victory comes from deep strategy. In this episode, we explore how Team Liquid, one of the biggest...

How sales AI helps organizations get ahead despite shifting markets

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With global trade shocks, rising costs, and increasingly cautious buyers, B2B sales teams are under enormous pressure to perform. Enter sales AI—a s...

Federal contract cutbacks: How firms can deal with DOGE upheaval

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A sweeping executive order is shaking up how the U.S. government procures common goods and services, shifting authority to the General Services Admini...

Tariff impact on farmers: Plotting a profitable way forward for agriculture

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With new U.S. tariffs in effect and retaliation from global trading partners already underway, American farmers—especially soybean and cotton produc...

It always felt like Rogue One: Quotes for galactic rebels

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What can Star Wars teach us about resistance, resilience, and leadership in today’s world?In honor of May the 4th, this episode examines timeless qu...

Google AI Overviews are here: The SEO impact and 5 steps brands need to take

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A major evolution is reshaping search: Google’s AI Overviews. Sitting at the top of search results and summarizing information using generative AI, ...

End of de minimis loophole in US puts squeeze on dropshippers

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The era of duty-free imports under $800 from China and Hong Kong is officially over—and it’s sending shockwaves through the U.S. e-commerce ecosys...

The Gen Z effect on wholesale distribution: 3 ways young customers are changing the industry

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gen Z is no longer just influencing consumer brands—they’re changing the B2B landscape from the inside. In this episode, we explore how young prof...

West Coast port slowdown: Shipments plunge as U.S. tariffs take their toll

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A sudden 145% U.S. tariff on select Chinese imports is sending shockwaves through West Coast ports—and reshaping trade flows in real time. In this e...

Distribution’s regional reckoning: The end of globalization as we knew it

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The age of globally optimized supply chains is ending—and distributors are at the forefront of a tectonic shift toward regionalization.In this episo...

As digital disrupts distribution, gap widens between industry leaders and laggards

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wholesale distribution is at a crossroads. As customer expectations evolve and technology advances, the companies that lean into digital transformatio...

U.S. scientific research funding: How tech can help higher education weather cutbacks

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Federal research funding is facing a reckoning. With the Department of Defense slashing R&D investments and the National Institutes of Health capping ...

Multifaceted search: The new wave of online shopping innovation

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Shopping online is undergoing a radical transformation—and it’s all powered by AI. In this episode, inspired by the article titled:  Multifaceted...

Coming down to earth: DTC model gets a retail reality check

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Once hailed as a retail revolution, the direct-to-consumer (DTC) model is facing a sobering moment in 2025. Once-bold promises of cutting out the midd...

How Cloud ERP helps aerospace and defense startups focus on innovation + growth

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The aerospace and defense (A&D) startup scene is exploding with innovation—think next-gen drones, on-orbit servicing, and AI-powered mission plannin...

Retail supply chain scenario planning: Safeguarding business as volatility rises

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Retailers today face a world of constant change—from supply chain shocks and tariff fluctuations to climate disruption and consumer unpredictability...

B2B customer service: Why manufacturers MUST make support a priority

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the often-overlooked world of B2B customer service in manufacturing. Inspired by B2B Customer Service: Why M...

We need to talk about the superpower of ADHD at work – and debunk 7 common myths

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Despite growing awareness, ADHD remains one of the most misunderstood conditions in the modern workplace. In this episode, we explore seven widespread...

How distributors with federal contracts can cope in an era of tariffs and DOGE

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s rapidly shifting procurement environment, wholesale distributors with federal contracts face an unprecedented convergence of pressures—...

PPE inspection: How AI improves jobsite safety and productivity

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Construction has long been an industry rooted in tradition—but as safety concerns rise and productivity plateaus, it’s time for a smarter approach...

Everything’s computer: The black box of consumer data privacy in connected cars

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From biometric scans to real-time GPS tracking, connected cars are collecting more personal data than ever before—and most drivers have no idea wher...

Crunch, crunch: Snack food sales drop as consumers cut back; CP industry eyes Ozempic effect

29 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Snack aisles aren’t what they used to be. In this episode—based on the article Crunch, Crunch: Snack food sales drop as consumers cut back—we ex...

Automotive tariffs: How automakers can forge ahead in a swirl of uncertainty

29 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With 25% tariffs looming on imported vehicles and ongoing steel and aluminum trade disruptions, the automotive industry is facing a perfect storm. In ...

Connecting disconnected people and processes: The reinvention of enterprise service

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Enterprise service is undergoing a radical reinvention—and not just in terms of technology. In this episode, inspired by the article Connecting disc...

The grim barbarity of optics and design: Severance quotes for work

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does a waffle party, a melancholy performance review, and a CIA sabotage manual have in common? They all help us understand the strange, satirica...

Energy vampires at work: Your guide to surviving office bloodsuckers

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever had a conversation at work that left you feeling mentally exhausted? You may have just encountered an energy vampire—co-workers who, knowingly ...

Canada-U.S. electricity tariffs: The consequences and opportunities

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Canada-U.S. electricity trade has long been a stable pillar of the North American energy grid. But with new tariffs, retaliatory surcharges, and s...

Grocery retail trends 2025: Focus on fresh foods, omnichannel, private label

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The grocery industry is undergoing a massive transformation. Consumer demand for fresh, high-quality food is at an all-time high, private label produc...

Let them eat (egg-free) cake: As consumer sentiment sinks amid layoffs and inflation, the wealthiest 10% drive economy

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The U.S. economy is at a tipping point, with consumer sentiment dropping 27% year-over-year—a decline usually seen during major recessions. Inspired...

Military AI: High stakes require pragmatic, risk-based approach

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Military AI is no longer science fiction—it’s a reality shaping the future of defense. Inspired by Military AI: High Stakes Require Pragmatic, Ris...

Best customer service brands 2025: Companies getting it right and leading the way

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What makes exceptional customer service in 2025? This episode unpacks the findings from Newsweek’s America’s Best Customer Service rankings and th...

ERP selection: A playbook for choosing the right system

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ERP systems are the backbone of modern business operations—but how do you choose the right one? Many companies struggle with disconnected processes,...

If operating your car was as disconnected as your CRM processes, would you trust it?

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Customer service today is more than just solving problems—it’s about creating seamless, end-to-end experiences. In this episode, we break down ins...

The future of pharmacy: An RX for competitive health requires reinvention

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Future of Pharmacy: Reinventing Community Healthcare.  Your pharmacy experience is about to change—in a big way. Instead of just picking up med...

Gen AI in defense contracting: Examples, benefits, and challenges

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gen AI in Defense Contracting: Benefits, Challenges, and the Future of Procurement. The defense sector is facing a perfect storm: staffing shortages, ...

All eyes on supply chain risk as tariffs, global instability force enterprises to take action

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

All Eyes on Supply Chain Risk: How Tariffs, Global Instability, and AI Are Changing Business Resilience. The world is changing fast, and supply chains...

Top 5 must-have elements for modern e-commerce websites

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Top 5 Must-Have Elements for a Modern E-Commerce Website. A great e-commerce website does more than just sell—it guides, engages, and converts custo...

Agentic AI in CX: Definition, benefits, and examples of AI agents for today and the future

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Agentic AI in CX: Definition, Benefits, and Real-World Applications. Artificial intelligence is evolving—and agentic AI is leading the charge. Unlik...

Invest in women before we divest from you

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Invest in Women Before We Divest from You. International Women’s Day often comes with a wave of marketing campaigns, but what about real action? Thi...

The Profitability Imperative: AI is key, but 52% of B2B pros say they lack in-house experts to fully implement it

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Profitability Imperative: AI is Key, but 52% of B2B Pros Lack In-House Experts.  AI adoption in B2B is growing, but many companies are struggling...

Airline safety: 3 ways AI can help make flying even safer

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Airline Safety: 3 Ways AI Can Help Make Flying Even Safer. Flying has long been one of the safest ways to travel, but AI is making it even safer. In t...

OEM automotive brand management: Dealership risks and strategies

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Automakers face a major challenge: how to maintain a strong, consistent brand when their cars are sold through independent dealerships. In this episod...

5 Examples of AI use cases in government that improve the citizen experience

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AI is reshaping the way governments engage with citizens, delivering smarter, more responsive services. In this episode, we explore five key AI applic...

Science gets personal: Cell and gene therapy offer promise, but manufacturing challenges require solutions

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cell and gene therapy is at the forefront of personalized medicine, offering game-changing treatments for some of the most challenging diseases. But w...

Defense and security trends 2025: Building strength with data and AI

09 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Modern warfare isn’t just fought on land, sea, or air—it’s being fought in cyberspace and across data networks. Inspired by Defense and Security...

Reshoring the U.S. chip industry: A $650 billion opportunity

09 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The global semiconductor supply chain is shifting, and the U.S. is making a bold move to reclaim its position in chip manufacturing. Inspired by Resho...

Construction trends 2025: A tech reckoning, workforce development, and greener building

08 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The construction industry is undergoing a massive transformation, driven by technological disruption, workforce shifts, and sustainability demands. In...

De minimis loophole, maximum implications: Trump tariffs roil e-commerce market

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

E-commerce has changed the way we shop—but did you know that a little-known trade rule called the de minimis exemption has been a game-changer for o...

Want more online sales? Hop on these marketplace trends in 2025

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The future of e-commerce is here, and it’s all about marketplaces, social commerce, and AI-driven shopping experiences. Inspired by Want More Online...

Travel trends 2025: Going off the beaten track, AI, and sustainable trips

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the biggest travel trends of 2025, inspired by Travel Trends 2025: Going Off the Beaten Track, AI, and Susta...

2025 life sciences trends: Reducing complexity, improving healthcare

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the life sciences industry’s most transformative trends for 2025, inspired by 2025 Life Sciences Trends: R...

Online shopping trends 2025: Omnichannel, sustainability, and mobile rise to the top

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore the most significant online shopping trends for 2025, inspired by the article Online Shopping Trends 2025: Omnichannel, Su...

Retail supply chain management: 4 ways to keep shelves stocked

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities in modern retail supply chain management, inspired by the article Retail Supply Chain Man...

Sustainability 2025: The year of action and accountability

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore the key sustainability trends shaping 2025, drawing insights from Sustainability Trends 2025: The Year of Action and Accou...

How telecoms can monetize 5G: Capturing a $100 billion opportunity

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we uncover how telecom companies can monetize 5G technology and seize a projected $100 billion market opportunity. Drawing insights f...

Generative AI is reshaping commercial lending: Key opportunities for banks now

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore how generative AI is revolutionizing the world of commercial lending. Drawing insights from the article Generative AI is R...

NFT loyalty programs: A new twist on customer engagement

19 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to this deep dive into the world of NFTs and their game-changing role in customer loyalty programs! In this episode, we break down the latest ...

AI and e-commerce: Benefits, challenges, and power that business leaders need to understand

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our deep dive into AI and E-commerce: Benefits, Challenges, and Power that business leaders need to understand. Here’s what we cover in t...

Professional services trends 2025: Human-focused transformation

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the findings of Professional Services Trends 2025: Human-Focused Transformation. The professional services industry is a...

2025 utilities trends: Driving sustainability, value, and better customer experiences

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dive into the future of utilities in 2025 as we explore five transformative trends reshaping the energy sector. Drawing insights from 2025 Utilities T...