Valtech Café

What does it really take to become a connected manufacturer? In this 30 minute podcast, Aja Bridgeman from DS Smith shares how the FTSE 100 packaging giant transformed its digital strategy — connecting data, teams, and technology across more than 30 countries. From siloed operations and duplicated tech to a unified vision and measurable business impact, Aja walks us through the moments that mattered. Together with Mike Maxwell, they explore what it means to deliver a seamless customer experience, how to shift mindsets across a global organization, and why experimentation, governance, and ruthless prioritisation were key to driving sustainable change.

Navigating digital transformation in an industry like manufacturing can be daunting. Crafting a digital strategy and roadmap requires expert guidance. What if you could get it from industry peers who are already succeeding? For the third consecutive year, we have conducted a comprehensive survey among global manufacturing leaders, delving into the present conditions and future ramifications of B2B digital transformation within the industry. In this 37-minute podcast, Javier Rodriguez, Senior Vice President and Head of B2B Ecommerce Digital Strategy and Transformation at ABB will discuss the findings from this survey, now available as a comprehensive report. He will...

Today's podcast focuses on "Beyond Mobility," Valtech's concept exploring how technological innovations are transforming the automotive industry. Join us as we delve into the impact of electric and autonomous vehicles, connectivity, and data integration. Gain insights on the latest trends in mobility as Denny Pezic, Valtech Global Vertical Lead of Mobility & Automotive, sits down with Nissan Head of Global Digital Product and Implementation Viv Yuen and Valtech Strategist Nick Richardson to discuss the role of generative AI and digital transformation. For more in-depth information, visit Valtech's website and explore our work on connected mobility.

In today's competitive landscape, a brand isn't just a logo; it's a dynamic force that, when nurtured, not only propels business growth but also safeguards against adversity. And while an increasing number of brands embark on their own transformative journeys, a pivotal question lingers: does brand transformation arise from a position of strength or weakness? In today's 37-minute podcast, Rosie Kropp, VP Global Head of Brand Marketing at Ericsson, discusses the power of business transformation for any organization. In a world of enduring brands and disruptive newcomers, we debunk the mysteries and provide insights into how brands can transform themselves...

Envision a future where patients effortlessly access detailed electronic health records, using AI for precise diagnoses and personalized treatment plans—no need for physical visits. Seem impossible? Not for the experts in Field Engagement at Novartis. They employ strategic foresight, a process that transforms current facts into plausible, thought-provoking and logical future scenarios. Foresight practices involve creative thinking about potential futures and systematically analyzing patterns influencing change, integrating data and findings. Join us for an enlightening conversation with Ywan Karlen, Global Director of Future Engagement Model/ Field Engagement at Novartis, a pioneering life science pharmaceutical company committed to reimagining medicine to...

Creativity is often viewed as a key driver of innovation and success in businesses. However, it is often also an underutilized asset. While creative thinking has the potential to revolutionize industries, solve complex problems and improve customer experiences, many organizations struggle to tap into it effectively. There are multiple reasons behind this paradox, ranging from a lack of understanding creativity's commercial impact to rigid structures that prioritize predictability over novelty. While discussions on creativity have become increasingly common, the pivotal question of how more brands can acknowledge its significance continues to be paramount. In today's 25-minute episode, we’re joined by...

Over the past few years, we've explored everything from subscription services to tech integration, connected cars to smart cities and beyond. The pace of change in this sector is exhilarating, giving us a unique opportunity to reassess the automotive industry's primary drivers and how legacy brands navigate brand challenges in the face of evolving customer expectations. Today’s 30-minute podcast explores the transformative trends, innovative business models and emerging opportunities reshaping the automotive industry. We'll hear insights from Denny Pezic, Global Vertical Lead for mobility, Matt Redman, SVP Strategy Europe at Valtech and David DeCheser, Chief Creative Officer North America at...

In our contemporary landscape, brands must offer personalized experiences to meet consumer expectations. To achieve this, connectivity is vital, serving as a beacon amidst the vast sea of information and allowing brands to differentiate themselves while fostering lasting relationships with their customers. Previously, a singular monolithic system was relied upon to consolidate all customer data, content, and contextual information. However, in modern times, these components are separated into composable systems, connecting to create seamless experiences. The "three Cs" - customer, content, and context - are crucial to achieving this, but the challenge lies in harmonizing them from their diverse origins. ...

In an industry where more than half of consumers are skeptical about brand experiences and struggle to differentiate between brands, nearly 50% of marketing decision-makers state that they are overwhelmed with a mass of data. Additionally, they report not knowing how to leverage the maturity of data points they already have, and so, the question that comes to mind first is where retail brands are going wrong when it comes to delivering experiences that really count. How can they focus on the things that truly make a difference for consumers in both the short and the long term? In today’s 27-m...

In today's economic climate, the success of a brand is primarily measured by how quickly they achieve exponential growth. But what if sustainable business practices and a positive lasting impact became the new marker of achievement? In the face of fierce competition for customers' attention, how can brands continue to grow and innovate while maintaining their core brand identity? In today’s 44-minute podcast, we sit down with Cyrus Schenck, CEO of Renoun Skis — the world’s first ski company to offset their carbon footprint _ and Marc Maleh, SVP of Emerging Technology and Connected Experiences at Valtech, to discuss the import...

Mars brand M&M'S have been working with Valtech to define and build their long-term D2C srategy and make it scalable to all Mars brands globally. They are able to pivot successfully because they recognize the vitality of being an ecosystem. Their strategy's leading North Star is to become omnichannel in the truest sense of the word. The crucial differentiator is how they allow customers to start, pause and resume their buying journey at any point. In today's 30-minute podcast, we sit down with Kyle Barz, Director of Global Retail & Ecommerce Technology at Mars Wrigley, and Casper Rasmussen, SVP...

Businesses today are faced with lots of restrictive challenges, from team and talent shortages, to creating organizational structures that can scale, to the frustrations of legacy technologies. In today's podcast, we sit down with Juan Sadurni, Practice Lead of Valtech_Inside, to discuss the large-scale complexities that companies face and how you can find the right solution, with scalable, efficient strategies. From tailor-made engagement models to building and integrating solutions specific to your business needs, Valtech_Inside allows institutions to transition from traditional players to leaders in the digital ecosystem. Listen to learn more.

In the last few years, new digital technologies have been revolutionizing the finance sector, allowing businesses to zero in on potential new revenue sources. As a result, innovative fintech trends are accelerating digital innovation in banking while challenging traditional banks to remain competitive at the same time. With the war in Ukraine and the possibility of global recession, the future of banking depends on finding a way to adapt to the new normal.  In today’s podcast, we are pleased to have Bertrand Marsault, Head of Client Strategy and Customer Experience at The National Bank of Canada, and Catherine Gauthier, Lea...

Live from Lisbon, today’s 26-minute conversation discusses how digital transformation can benefit distribution businesses in building personalized relationships with their customer base. We share industry experts’ insights on the matter and take a closer look at why creating a data-first culture is crucial for the success of any digital transformation. Listen to learn more.

Like many other startups, MonkeySports, a small Californian hockey equipment store, saw an excellent opportunity to expand their business into the ecommerce world. But they soon realized they were no longer connecting with their customers like they had done before. In today’s 30-minute podcast, we sit down with Ki Song, Director of E-commerce at MonkeySports, to discuss the advantages and opportunities of implementing a PXM (Product Experience Management) strategy to deliver winning experiences to customers and build customer loyalty. From seamless data modeling to offering omnichannel customer experiences, PXM helped MonkeySports bring real value to their customers, and ultimately hel...

In today’s 38-minute conversation, we hear from Peter Manniche Riber, Head of Digital Learning & Analytics at Novo Nordisk and Christian Haahr Sigsgaard, Global Learning & Development Director at Valtech. They share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of integrating learning & development strategies across organizations, and why applying a data-driven approach is the key to success. Interested to learn more about what we do? Visit our website: https://www.valtech.com/

Could it be the case that the more senior leadership are involved, the less people experiment….? Could there a misconception that the highest paid person’s opinion counts the most…..? And does that in turn mean that to really feel free to experiment, we need to totally rethink our approach to it? In this podcast, we're joined by Hazjier Pourkhalkhali, Global Vice President Strategy & Value at Optimizely. In his 8 years at Optimizely, Hazjier has conducted more than 300 experiments and has led research into the effects of hierarchy, the science of running the perfect experiment, and ultimately the behaviours that truly trigge...

This 31-minute podcast delves into the challenges of revolutionizing mobile banking without any formal marketing campaigns. From anti-money laundering initiatives to relying on the overarching support from Danske Bank, we discuss what it takes to provide true value for customers by purely focusing on delivering extreme simplicity. Interested to learn more about what we do? Visit our website: https://www.valtech.com/

In today’s 33-minute podcast, we are joined by Benoit Rungeard, Global Digital and Multichannel Lead at Sanofi, to discuss how digital acts as a value creator for healthcare and pharmaceutical brands. From using data to inform ways of working, to transforming the patient experience, Benoit reflects on his own learnings and insights to help inform others embarking on a similar transformation journey. Listen to learn more.

When global logistics firm PostNord started releasing their annual Commerce Reports on the state of e-commerce across sectors in the Nordics, they noticed a shift in the trends defining the industry moving forward. In this 25-minute podcast, we’re joined by Solidad Gonzalez, e-commerce advisor at PostNord Sweden, to discuss PostNord’s four major trends defining the fast growth of commerce (The 4 Es). Want to know about what we do? Visit our website: https://www.valtech.com/

In the face of shrinking budgets and economic downturns, the question of how Retailers can show up for their customers remains a key. In this podcast, we are joined by Martin Newman, better known as the Consumer Champion, to discuss in the great detail the importance of customer centricity in today’s digital age and how can brands achieve that with the power of emotional marketing. Listen to learn more and watch our on-demand webinar on the topic: https://bit.ly/3X4pxJE

Neobanks, the new generation of cutting-edge, fully digital banking services, are aiming to be more accessible than traditional banks while transforming the Financial Services industry. But how can banking services continue to work towards consumer-centric business models that meet their customers' needs? We are joined by Anne Marie Kindberg, Chief Officer at Lunar, a fintech market starter focused on challenging traditional bank models, to discuss in great detail the challenges of turning a cutting-edge product into something profitable. Want to know about what we do? Visit our website: www.valtech.com

86% of customers are unlikely to buy products from a brand after an experience with incomplete or inaccurate product information. So, how much information do customers need about a product before they feel comfortable placing an online order? In today's podcast, we sit down with Raphael Iscar, Valtech’s Head of PXM, to discuss the ins and outs of Product Experience Management (PXM), what brands need to consider to deliver a winning product experience to their customers, and how strong PXM benefits your bottom line as well as builds customer loyalty. Want to know about what we do? Visit our website: ww...

Every marketing campaign needs reach, but how can a company create not one but two different campaigns that reach an audience and drive social change? In today’s conversation, we again sit down with P&G’s Helene Graffner to discuss it in great detail. This 43-minute podcast dives deep into the lightning striking twice, with a second campaign making a crucial social impact on tackling bullying amongst Gen Zers with Head & Shoulders. Listen to learn more and read the full case on our website: https://bit.ly/3uTlHqm

In this second episode of our 2-part conversation with VTEX analyst in residence, Jordan Jewell, we continue to discuss the 6 trends defining the future of commerce. Formerly at IDC where he launched their commerce practice, Jordan joined VTEX to assist B2C and B2B brands in growing their sales over digital channels. In his own words, he acts as a detective, economist, statistician, journalist, critic, storyteller, and evangelist to provide actionable advice in areas such as merchandizing, channel management, marketplaces, product information management, payments, personalization, order management, and more. From channel explosion to decentralised commerce, in this 2-part interview...

In this conversation we're joined by VTEX analyst in residence, Jordan Jewell, to discuss the 6 trends defining the future of commerce. Formerly at IDC where he launched their commerce practice, Jordan joined VTEX to assist B2C and B2B brands in growing their sales over digital channels. In his own words, he acts as a detective, economist, statistician, journalist, critic, storyteller, and evangelist to provide actionable advice in areas such as merchandizing, channel management, marketplaces, product information management, payments, personalization, order management, and more. From channel explosion to decentralised commerce, in this 2-part interview we provide the 6 most pivotal...

For city dwellers, its clear to see that the places we live, and how we live in them, have all been designed to support a former age.  As the intersecting roads and junctions weave across a gridded map, our homes, offices and shops line streets made for diesel guzzling cars and trucks. Our pavements crammed with people moving from A-B, sometimes on a journey that has taken them many miles from home. Our cities hum with the movement of the modern age. But perhaps it’s time to take another look at the spaces that we move between. Imagine 50 years fro...

For years we’ve talked about the power of omnichannel retail – the seamless combination of digital and physical touch points to deliver a flawless commerce experience. But for this guest, it might be time to change the narrative, and shift from an omni-experience to an opti-experience. One where continuous optimisation to serve the needs of consumers takes centre stage. When the digital boom took retailers (and their customers) online, we all know that the raison d’être of the physical store changed, but for Swedish Electronics retailer NetonNet, their physical presence has remained their secret weapon. Founded in 1999, NetOnNet was awarded...

We’re recording this conversation at D Congress 2022 so what better time and place then to discuss the latest updates in the commerce space. We're joined by SVP, technology, Casper Rasmussen to delve into topics including composable commerce, the digital enterprise and why your commerce offering needs to be about more than just selling... From D2C strategies to services over products, there’s lots to cover...

We hear more and more about the benefits of innovation labs within companies; the opportunity to ideate, test and prepare new releases for the wider organisation in a structured way is becoming increasingly commonplace, and it’s no different for the team at the Volvo Group Connected Solutions Innovation Lab. To set some context for this conversation, the Volvo Group has recently announced that 50% of future revenue should come from services – that opens some exciting doors for an innovation team looking to identify new opportunities. In this live episode from D-Congress, we're joined by Malin Jöhncke, Principal Innovation Manager, and R...

Since the company’s foundation in 1989, entrepreneurship, expertise and a passion for gardening have driven Blomsterlandet to become Sweden’s largest retailer of flowers and plants. Now with 61 stores across the country and a strong brand within the industry they are continuing to push ahead with new ways of engaging their customers and propelling their brand forward. The latest advancement in that innovative journey is in the creation of their live shopping offering – which we’ll talk about today – and their shift from brick-and-mortar stores to online services. We cover the ins and outs of that new development, but we’ll also look...

In this live episode from D-Congress, we're joined by SVP, Technology Casper Rasmussen as he takes us through the incredible story of Dolby's transformation from ingredient to experience brand. Find out how what started out as a digital update quickly developed into full scale business transformation; from teams to technology, the Dolby experience has never been so exciting.

We all know what it means to be innovative or to innovate. But how do you turn innovation into lasting results? How can you prove the impact in the short and long term, and how do you make sure that you’re putting your proverbial eggs in the right basket? In this conversation, we're joined by Line Lyst, Chief Entrepreneur at GN Group. GN facilitates communication between people through intelligent hearing, audio, video and gaming technology and is driven by a passion for innovation.

Throughout this series we’ve heard from brands who are putting sustainability at the centre of their agendas. No longer deemed as something that can be tackled in a few years’ time, we are all acutely aware of the need to act today to reduce our carbon footprint and help to reverse the damage happening to our planet. In recent times people have become more conscious of the impact that our online activity is having – yet at the same time we are continuing to move more processes, experiences and activities online. Ironic then you might say that a digital agency is fac...

In this podcast you'll hear about bravery in the face of uncertainty... An embracing of inevitable change and the case for storytelling as a powerful mechanism for innovation. We learn about how a hybrid skillset makes for a unique bilingual advantage in digital transformation in mulitple Canadian markets. In the case of Dan Dickinson, EVP of Technology and Digital at one of Canada's largest wine producers, Arterra Wines Canada, those 2 languages are business and technology. Both passed through a lens of digital-first customer centricity.

We talk regularly about the impact of data – and indeed in this series we’ve already interviewed clients and experts to talk about the collection and application of data insights to drive value. But what about when the value of data isn’t just based in new revenue opportunities, but instead is acting as primary source of information for citizens in the midst of a global health crisis. That’s the basis of this conversation with Therese Kjellerup Thorstholm, User Consultant from sundhed.dk. Together, we discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding health data, and how the last few years have shi...

Is modern banking fit for the modern age….? Is technology innovation alone enough to make the difference consumers need to see? Those are the questions that we delve into in our conversation today. Whether it’s a need for banking without borders (physical or otherwise…), or perhaps a way to engage a new kind of talent in wanting to join the industry, there is lots to consider as we look at the future of banking in the context of transformation. We're joined by Bill Ashlok, Chief Technology Officer at Securrency, a financial markets infrastructure tech company focused on enhancing capital format...

We often talk of the vital impact and importance of the customer experience within retail, but for luxury retail in particular, the customer experience is more complex. Steeped in heritage, it’s an industry that has historically relied on 1-1 relationships, first name terms and in-store sales. How then does the industry keep pace with the digital age – one in which consumer demands are forever changed. How can the experience extend beyond the purchase, and what does the future really look like for those luxury brands seeking relevancy with their changing target audience? In this podcast, we’ll have front row se...

How do you balance the power of influence with the risk of change? That was the question faced by P&G haircare brand Pantene when they realized their marketing heritage, made up of bouncy blow dries and perfect smiles, no longer resonated with their audience’s needs and wants. In today’s 43-minute conversation, we are joined by P&G’s Brand and Communications Director Helene Graffner, and Bernadette Hutson, Account Director at Valtech Radon, to talk about the challenges and opportunities of developing a successful inclusive and diverse campaign that drives social change on an often neglected community. Listen to lea...

Listed as one of the UK's Top Most Influential Women in Tech & an international multi-award winner for her services to Diversity & Inclusion in industry, Sheree is the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader at Valtech. Beginning her working life in Engineering gave Sheree first-hand experience of the problems she now works to fix. Her impressive career to date is complimented by the huge number of awards she has accumulated for services to Diversity & Inclusion in the tech industry in particular. Born in Sri Lanka, Sheree was adopted and raised in Ireland. With a keen interest in technology from an early age...