What If? So What?: Recent Episodes
Perficient, Inc.
What If So What? is the podcast where we discover what’s possible with digital and figure out how to make it real in your business. Join hosts Jim Hertzfeld and Kim Williams-Czopek, part of Perficient’s Digital Strategy team, as we interview experts and veterans of digital transformation to put the hype and big ideas into perspective by asking “What if?”, “So What?”, and – most importantly - “Now What?”
In this episode of “What If? So What?” Jim Hertzfeld sits down with Stefaan Verhulst, Chief Research and Development Officer at The GovLab, to explore why it’s time for organizations to stop treating data as a private asset and start treating it as infrastructure for innovation.
Stefaan believes that the future of digital transformation depends on how we organize, govern, and share data across sectors. He discusses how data collaboratives are helping companies and governments tackle complex challenges—from public health to AI governance, and why trust, transparency, and capability building are now the hallmarks of modern data leadership.
Key discussion topics include:
• Data as infrastructure: shifting from ownership to enablement
• Building responsible data ecosystems that balance innovation and ethics
• The role of trust and governance in scaling AI responsibly
• How cross-sector collaboration can unlock new business and social value
Listen to learn how forward-thinking organizations can use data not just to compete, but to contribute.
Thank you for listening!
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this episode of “What If? So What?”, host Jim Hertzfeld sits down with futurist and best-selling author Jonathan Brill to explore how organizations can prepare for disruption and thrive in an AI-driven future. Brill is author of “Rogue Waves: Future-Proof Your Business to Survive and Profit From Radical Change” and “AI and the Octopus Organization: Building the Superintelligent Firm,” which shares how seemingly unpredictable shocks—pandemics, energy crises, political upheaval—are becoming more frequent as global systems collide.
In this episode, Brill explains why traditional three- and five-year planning no longer works and instead urges leaders to focus on the real-world constraints shaping the pace of technological change. He introduces the concept of the “octopus organization,” a new model where decision making is distributed rather than centralized, and AI empowers people across the enterprise with better context, insight, and agility.
He also emphasizes that while technology evolves quickly, cultural transformation can take several years, which means that leaders must start reshaping their organizations now to be ready for 2030 and beyond.
Get your copy of AI and Octopus Organization today: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQK1PXDV?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520
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In this episode of “What If? So What?”, host Jim Hertzfeld sits down with Wally Burchfield, a seasoned automotive executive with more than five decades of experience with General Motors, Nissan, and beyond. Wally shares hard-earned insights on how data, trust, and customer experience have reshaped the automotive industry, and what other sectors can learn from it.
From the rise of telematics to AI in marketing, Wally emphasizes the importance of keeping the consumer at the center of every decision. If you're navigating digital transformation, this episode offers a grounded, practical perspective on how to build trust, deliver value, and stay competitive.
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In this episode of “What If? So What?”, host Jim Hertzfeld talks with AI analyst and industry watcher Susan Etlinger about the true disruptive power of AI in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. Susan, whose journey into technology began in the humanities, explains why adopting an AI-first mindset isn't simply about automation–it involves critically assessing when and how AI genuinely adds value.
Jim and Susan explore the nuances of Generative and Agentic AI, offering insights to executives on how to integrate these technologies responsibly while preserving essential human judgment.
Tune in to learn practical strategies for navigating AI’s opportunities and challenges and ensuring your organization remains competitive without compromising its human core.
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In this episode of “What If? So What?” Jim Hertzfeld sits down with C-suite strategist, Professor Rita McGrath, to explore how organizations can thrive amid uncertainty. Rita shares insights from her book “Seeing Around Corners,” including how to rethink competitive advantage, embrace intelligent failure, and plan for the unknown. Learn why fast-following might not be fast enough, how to experiment without fear, and what it really means to “see around corners.”
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In this thought-provoking episode, Jim speaks with Kevin Kelly, Senior Maverick at Wired and author of numerous influential books including "Excellent Advice for Living" and co-founder of the Long Now Foundation.
Kevin shares his wisdom on emerging technology, the danger of “Thinkism,” why adoption lags behind innovation, and how AI is reshaping work, creativity, and human connection.
From the evolution of “digital” to the future emotional bonds we’ll form with AI, Kevin offers grounded optimism and timeless advice: in a world of constant change, mastering how we learn is the best survival skill
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In this episode of the "What If? So What?" podcast, Jim Hertzfeld hosts Deena LaMarque Piquion, Chief Growth and Disruption Officer at Xerox. Deena shares insights into her unique role, the intentional disruption at Xerox, and how the company is reinventing itself to stay relevant in a changing market. They discuss the importance of data, the challenges of reaching next-gen decision-makers, and the innovative strategies Xerox is employing to drive growth and productivity. Tune in to learn about the modern workplace, AI integration, and the future at Xerox.
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In this episode of "What If? So What?", host Jim Hertzfeld interviews Andi Orzehoski, director of brand content and digital communications at LyondellBasell. Andi shares her insights into the company's role as a global leader in the chemical industry, its commitment to sustainability, and the importance of digital transformation in modern business. Jim and Andi discuss the concept of a circular economy, the integration of brand, content, and digital strategies, and the critical role of change management in achieving business objectives.
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In this episode, Jim Hertzfeld welcomes Efi Pylarinou, a Wall Street pro, former academic, and FinTech expert. They discuss the evolution of financial services, the concept of everywhere banking, and the impact of AI and other emerging technologies on the industry. Efi shares insights on the importance of adapting to new tech cycles, the challenges of legacy systems, and the need for a change in mindset to thrive in the world of AI.
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What if GenAI Could Turn Anyone Into a Creative Director?
In this episode of “What If? So What?” host Jim Hertzfeld is joined by Chris Duffey, head of Global Partnerships, GenAI at Adobe, to discuss the transformative power of Generative AI and Adobe’s innovative product, Firefly.
Chris shares his insights on how GenAI revolutionizes creativity across industries, enabling marketers, creatives, and businesses to unlock infinite possibilities. They explore Adobe Firefly's groundbreaking features, including text-to-image, text-to-video, custom content models, and APIs that empower scalability.
The conversation delves into the evolving role of CMOs in an AI-native world, the importance of responsible AI practices, and how technology is driving a renaissance in creativity.
Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion that redefines the future of marketing and innovation.
Chris Duffey Chris Duffey is a leading AI and digital innovation expert, spearheading Adobe's Global Partnerships for AI Solutions. With 25+ years shaping the future of digital experiences, his work has captured the attention of over 300+ global media outlets, and he serves on industry boards, including the ANA, AdCouncil, CTA, and the UN AI Council. An award-winning author, Chris wrote Superhuman Innovation, the first book co-authored by AI about AI in 2019, which BOOKAUTHORITY named one of the best product innovation books of all time. In 2023, Chris published Decoding the Metaverse: Expand Your Business.He has been named to Ad Age's Tech Power List and CIO’s 10 Business Leaders Transforming Industries. A sought-after keynote speaker, his insights have reached millions worldwide, with coverage in Business Insider, Wall Street Journal, and Access Hollywood.
Follow Chris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisduffeycreativeai/
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What If Tech Could Be More Human?
In this episode of “What If? So What?” Jim Hertzfeld sits down with Kate O’Neill, tech futurist, keynote speaker, and author of “What Matters Next: A Leader's Guide to Making Human-Friendly Tech Decisions in a World That's Moving Too Fast.”
Kate shares with listeners her perspective on balancing innovation with responsibility, exploring how leaders can make thoughtful decisions about technology that prioritize both human experience and business success.
Kate challenges conventional wisdom and inspires leaders to think beyond transactions to focus on what truly matters. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation!
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What if Your Digital Transformation Was as Easy as Changing Your Mind?
In this episode of "What If? So What?" Jim chats with Brian Solis, a renowned futurist, author, and the Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow, to discuss the evolving landscape of leadership and innovation. Brian shares insights from his latest book, "MindShift," and explores the importance of self-awareness, cognitive bias, and explains how the beginner's mindset can drive business transformation. The conversation delves into the role of storytelling in leadership, the impact of Generative AI, and the future of work.
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In this episode of What If? So What?, Jim talks with Jennifer Baker, former CTO of Synovus. She shares her journey from unexpected career opportunities to becoming a trailblazing technology leader in the insurance and banking sectors, culminating in significant strides in product development, customer experience, and digital transformation.
Beyond her professional accolades, Jennifer passionately advocates for education and empowerment of women and children through her nonprofit work. Her story is a masterclass in continuous learning, adaptability, and crafting of a career full of diverse experiences, which she likens to assembling "puzzle pieces."
Hear Jennifer's insights on the critical need for mentorship and sponsorship to support women in technology, especially in a post-pandemic world. As a self-described "accidental CTO," Jennifer shares her journey embracing unforeseen opportunities and adapting in a rapidly changing digital world.
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In this episode of What If? So What?, Jim sits down with Scott Brinker, VP of Platform Ecosystems at HubSpot and editor of chiefmartec.com, to explore the rapidly evolving world of marketing technology (MarTech). They discuss how the definition of MarTech is expanding alongside the changing role of marketers, from customer acquisition to retention.
Scott delves into the complexities of technology consolidation, the rise of customer data platforms, and the challenge of digital fatigue. He highlights the importance of investing in people and creating space for experimentation to leverage MarTech tools fully. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or curious to learn more, this episode offers valuable insights on managing today's complex MarTech landscape.
This episode is perfect for anyone navigating the flood of new marketing technologies and looking to maximize impact
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| In this episode, Ron Gaines, senior manager of marketing technology and analytics at Sunbelt Rentals, joins the show to discuss the evolving landscape of equipment rentals and the critical role digital transformation plays in it. Ron shares insights into how Sunbelt Rentals is adapting to meet changing customer expectations, the importance of value communication, and the challenges of integrating digital tools with traditional sales tactics. He also offers valuable advice on staying connected with customers and ensuring that the job is truly done from start to finish.
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In this episode of the What If, So What podcast, Jim Hertzfeld speaks with Todd Unger, Chief Experience Officer of the American Medical Association and author of "The 10-Second Customer Journey."
The conversation uncovered valuable insights on customer experience (CX) and its impact on business growth. Unger emphasized the importance of adapting to the rapid pace of customer decision-making in today's digital landscape and highlighted the need for organizations to unify their approach to customer experience, breaking down silos between product, marketing, commerce, and service departments. They discussed how small changes can lead to significant conversion rate increases, and that measurement is a critical aspect of CX strategy.
Unger introduced the concept of a "customer friction index" and discussed the use of automated tools to identify pain points in real-time, such as detecting "rage clicks" on websites. The two also discussed alignment between marketing and CX initiatives, with a focus on growth while maintaining the operational capability to address day-to-day customer issues.
The conversation underscored that effective CX is not just about high-level strategy but requires rolling up sleeves and tackling concrete problems that impact customer satisfaction and, ultimately, business growth.
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In this episode, Jim Hertzfeld explores the convergence of the communications, media, and technology (CMT) industries with guest Kevin Colletti from Perficient. Jim and Kevin discuss how digital transformation is reshaping these industries, from bundled consumer services to the impact of 5G and IoT on businesses. Kevin offers practical advice for companies navigating this rapidly evolving landscape, providing listeners with a glimpse into the future of digital connectivity and its wide-ranging implications.
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In this episode of “What If? So What?,” Jim chats with digital strategist Kevin Espinosa about the evolving landscape of manufacturing. Drawing from his diverse career experience, Kevin discusses major challenges facing the industry today, including supply chain issues, inflation, and labor shortages, while highlighting the transformative potential of connected products and the IoT. The conversation emphasizes the importance of customer-centric strategies, clear corporate goals, and cross-enterprise collaboration in navigating digital transformation in manufacturing.
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In this compelling episode, host Jim Hertzfeld welcomes Carolyn Henry, vice president and general manager of Americas regional marketing at Intel. Together, they explore the pivotal role of semiconductors in the digital age and their fundamental impact on various industries and everyday life. Carolyn provides an in-depth look at Intel's groundbreaking work in AI and edge computing and reveals how these technologies are set to transform the future.
The conversation takes an inspiring turn as Carolyn shares her passionate views on gender equity in tech. Highlighting the undeniable benefits of diverse teams, she delves into the steps needed to achieve gender parity and how Intel is leading the charge. This episode is packed with insightful anecdotes, practical advice, and a visionary outlook on the digital future and equitable workplace.
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In this episode of "What If? So What?" Jim Hertzfeld sits down with Bradie Speller, a seasoned expert in the intersection of technology and organizational behavior, to dive deep into the concept of socio-technical systems. Bradie, who has a rich tech history going back to the early days of personal computing, discusses the evolution of technology from bulky mainframes to the sleek devices we use today. He emphasizes the crucial role of training and development in leveraging technology for business efficiency. The discussion centers on the essential integration of human capabilities with technological advancements to drive real change and productivity in any organization.
Meet our guest:
Bradie Speller is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience in global strategy and transformation for Fortune 500 companies. He excels in leveraging human capital with business operational needs to drive bottom-line results for global enterprises. Bradie specializes in digital transformations, organizational restructuring, and M&A integrations, with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
His leadership in digital adoption and organizational change has spurred growth, streamlined productivity, and saved millions for both profit and non-profit organizations. A thought leader in change and growth strategies, Bradie is committed to philanthropy, sustainability, and poverty reduction, advising a non-profit NGO and a cleantech firm. He volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, leads a radical mentoring community, and is an accomplished musician.
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In this episode of "What If? So What?" Jim talks with Neelima Sharma, the Senior Vice President of Ecommerce, Digital, and Technology at Lowe’s. They discuss the challenges and successes of transforming the retail industry through digital innovation. Neelima highlights the importance of teamwork, trust, and a customer-centric approach in driving the company's growth. And also emphasizes the significance of personalization and building long-term relationships with customers, especially in the home improvement sector. The conversation touches on topics such as the impact of COVID-19 on retail, the role of AI and human intuition in decision-making, and the importance of accurate inventory management. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights into the strategies and mindset required for successful digital transformation in the retail industry.
Connect with, Neelima Sharma, the Senior Vice President of Ecommerce, Digital, and Technology at Lowe’s
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In this episode, Jim welcomes Claus Torp Jensen, a seasoned expert in digital transformation and innovation, to discuss the fascinating realms of ambient computing and digital twins. Claus shares his insights on how these technologies are transforming industries, the importance of a proper mindset for innovation, and the critical role of storytelling in driving change. Jim and Claus also delve into the confluence of factors that have brought these technologies to the forefront and the challenges companies face in adopting them.
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In this episode, Jim Hertzfeld sits down with Mike Kosiek, technology product director at a Fortune 100 retailer, to explore the technological innovations shaping 2024 and beyond. The two delve into a discussion that spans practical applications of emerging tech to speculative technologies that could redefine industries.
Discussion Highlights:
· Retail Wisdom and Tech Innovation
· Personalization and Real-Time Applications
· Strategic Investments in Speculative Technologies
· Exploring Digital Twins and Augmented Reality
· The Potential of Blockchain
· Understanding the Metaverse
· Navigating the World of Cryptocurrency and NFTs
In this episode of "What If? So What?" host Jim Hertzfeld sits down with James Hannis, the visionary chief architect at Cardinal Health. With a legacy in retail, James brings a unique perspective to the transformation of patient care through digital innovation. Dive into a discussion about the fusion of healthcare and retail strategies, the personalization of patient care, and the speed of service delivery that today's healthcare consumers expect.
Episode Highlights:
- James describes his background in retail and how it shapes his approach at Cardinal Health
- The complexity of catering to diverse healthcare personas and ensuring tailored experiences
- The challenge of applying retail marketing strategies within the privacy-sensitive healthcare industry
- Insights on leveraging speed and agility to improve customer engagement in a B2B healthcare setting
- The evolution of Cardinal Health's digital platforms to meet the ever-changing landscape of healthcare distribution and patient interaction
Timestamps:
0:58 – Introducing James Hannis and Cardinal Health
2:28 – The shift toward personalized healthcare experiences
4:56 – Adapting retail speed to healthcare delivery
6:39 – Overcoming privacy and tech hurdles in health personalization
8:38 – James's advice for embracing digital speed in traditional businesses
In this episode of “What If? So What?” Jim sits down with Keith Tomatore, a seasoned automotive industry veteran and leader of Perficient’s automotive practice. Together, they embark on a journey into the electrifying future of the automotive industry.
Keith shares his unique journey from his start at Swiss Army Brands to spearheading digital transformation in the automotive industry, emphasizing the importance of customer connection and innovative thinking. The conversation covers the driving forces behind automotive electrification, the state of the industry, and the significant impacts on OEMs, suppliers, dealers, and consumers alike.
With a special focus on Perficient’s comprehensive study around electrification, Keith unveils startling geographic disparities, evolving consumer behaviors, and strategic insights for stakeholders navigating this shift.
For more insights on automotive electrification visit: Automotive Electrification / Perficient
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Connect with Jim Hertzfeld, Area Vice President of Strategy
In the latest episode of "What If, So What?" host Jim Hertzfeld invites Eisaiah Engel, author of "Innovation Casino," to dive deep into the essence of innovation in today's business landscape. Engel shares his unique perspective on tackling innovation challenges across the spectrum as he and Jim explore the critical role of innovation in achieving differentiated, premium branding and generating alpha returns.
This episode is a must-listen for digital leaders seeking actionable strategies to harness innovation for enduring growth.
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Connect with Jim Hertzfeld, Area Vice President of Strategy, Perficient
In this episode, Jim talks with Kristine Swan, VP, Global Head of Digital Transformation & IT at Bayer Crop Science, to dive into the revolutionary role of digital innovation in agriculture. They unpack the challenges of modern farming, from climate change to food security, and explore cutting-edge solutions like carbon sequestration and regenerative agriculture. Kristine shares her journey from a farming background to leading digital strategies that bolster sustainable practices and enhance productivity. The episode highlights how digital tools empower farmers, influence sustainable outcomes, and open new markets like carbon credits. Kristine's insights offer a blueprint for integrating digital approaches in traditional sectors to drive meaningful change.
Connect with Kristine, Vice President of Digital Transformation
Connect with our Host, Jim Hertzfeld, Principal & Chief Strategist
In our latest episode, we're joined by May Habib, CEO of Writer, for an enlightening conversation on how Generative AI is revolutionizing digital strategies. We dive into the significance of AI guardrails, navigate the journey towards AI literacy, and present practical strategies for integrating AI into your business operations. Tune in to learn how leveraging Generative AI can propel your organization forward and keep you at the forefront of digital innovation.
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Connect with our Host, Jim Hertzfeld, Area Vice President, Strategy
In this episode, Jim Hertzfeld speaks with Nico Frantzen, director of data and AI solutions at Perficient, as they explore the transformative role of generative AI in business intelligence (BI). Nico explains how generative AI and BI come together to create generative BI, which revolutionizes decision-making and data analysis and enables businesses to access insights faster and more effectively. This is a must-listen for anyone eager to understand the future of BI across industries.
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Connect with our Host, Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist
In this episode, Jim and Kim talk with Justin Racine, director, and lead commerce strategist at Perficient, and explore the concept of unified commerce and its impact on customer experiences and business growth. Learn how you can leverage the technology you already have to make customers feel more connected to your brand.
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Connect with our hosts, Perficient’s Jim Hertzfeld, principal and chief Strategist, and Kim Williams-Czopek, GM of global commerce.
In this episode, Jim talks with Luca Ranzani, team captain of MRacing at the University of Michigan, about taking what he has learned in the classroom and building upon it in the real world. Listen to this week’s episode to learn more about how Luca applies his education and real-life experience to build racecars and lead his team, as well as our Electrifying the Future of Automotive Program.
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Connect with our Perficient hosts Jim Hertzfeld, principal, and chief strategist at Perficient.
Learn more about our Electrifying the Future of Automotive.
In this episode, Jim and Kim talk with Tara Becker, principal of digital health strategy at Perficient, about how to meet both consumer and employee needs in the healthcare industry. It’s no secret that clinicians burned out post-pandemic. Are there ways that we can champion the industry toward a new digital future? Listen to this week’s episode to learn how to mix people, processes, and technology to support healthcare employees and consumers.
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Connect with our Perficient hosts Jim Hertzfeld, principal and chief strategist, and Kim Williams-Czopek, GM of global commerce.
In this week’s episode, Jim and guest host Erica talk with Keith Wolf, director of digital strategy at Perficient, about how design relates to achieving specific digital strategy goals. How should a company bring fresh design into its organization? Can strategic design determine if a product succeeds or fails? Tune in to learn more about how to be intentional about aligning design with the rest of your organization’s digital strategy.
Connect with Keith Wolf, director of digital strategy.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, principal and chief strategist, and Erica Lee, director of digital strategy consulting.
In this episode, Jim and Kim discuss questions submitted by listeners. How do companies stay on top of digital trends? Tune in to this week’s episode to find out the answers to your burning questions!
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, principal and chief strategist at Perficient, and Kim Williams-Czopek, Perficient’s GM of global commerce.
In this episode, Jim and Kim talk with Justin Huckins, director of strategy and innovation at Perficient, about how brands can maintain customer loyalty. Are there new ways to celebrate your customers that you haven’t thought of before? Tune into this week’s episode to learn more about aligning your company’s business with customer values.
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Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist at Perficient, and Kim Williams-Czopek, Perficient’s GM of global commerce.
In this episode, Jim and Kim talk with Eve Sangenito, Principal, Digital Marketing & Customer Experience, at Perficient, about generative AI and its potential impact on content marketing. From photorealistic image generation to 24/7 content creation, the possibilities are endless. Tune in as they discuss the benefits and strategic implications of incorporating AI into your content marketing workflow.
Connect with Eve Sangenito, Principal, Digital Marketing & Customer Experience at Perficient.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient, and Kim Williams-Czopek, GM of Global Commerce for Perficient.
In this episode of What If? So What? Jim and Kim talk with Eric Walk, director of enterprise data strategy at Perficient, and explore the potential of data mesh to democratize data and fundamentally change the way people work.
Can this product-oriented approach help organizations control and trust their data for more-efficient decision-making? Get ready to find out!
Want to learn more?
Connect with Eric Walk, Perficient’s director of enterprise strategy.
Reach out to our hosts, Jim Hertzfeld, principal and chief strategist, and Kim Williams-Czopek, GM of global commerce.
Keywords: data mesh, data management, digital strategy, data insights, data driven decision making, culture-oriented thinking, Perficient
Publish date: March 14th, 2023
In this episode, Jim and Kim talk with Brian Flanagan, Digital Experience Strategist at Perficient, about the rise of generative AI and its potential to replace or augment human workers. Is this the end of the road for half the workforce or just the beginning of a new era in productivity? Get ready to ponder the humanness of it all in this thought-provoking episode.
In this episode of Perficient’s What If? So What? Podcast, Jim talks with Will Stacy, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer at GM Financial, about how to approach leadership in the face of massive disruption and how a culture of mentorship makes a world of difference in how an organization grows and evolves.
Connect with Will Stacy, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer at GM Financial.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal, and Chief Strategist at Perficient, and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode of Perficient’s What If? So What? Podcast, Jim talks with Will Stacy, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer at GM Financial, about how to approach leadership in the face of massive disruption and how a culture of mentorship makes a world of difference in how an organization grows and evolves.
Connect with Will Stacy, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer at GM Financial.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal, and Chief Strategist at Perficient, and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Kim talks with Katie King, published author and CEO of ‘AI in Business’ to convince us that robots aren’t taking over the world and that if you aren’t already investing in AI, you’re behind.
Katie King is a published author, speaker, trainer, and consultant on artificial intelligence, digital, STEM, leadership, and business transformation. She is a member of the U.K. Government All-Party Parliamentary Group task force for the adoption of AI and an Editorial Board Member for the AI and Ethics Journal.
Connect with Katie King, published author and CEO of AI in Business .
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient, and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Kim talks with Diego Pinzon, Director of Digital Media and Content at MLS’s Atlanta United, about what it takes to double down on engaging an already engaged fan base and what the future of digital looks like in professional sports.
Connect with Diego Pinzon, Director of Digital Media and Content at MLS’s Atlanta United.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient, and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Jim talks with Novella Green, Director of Digital and Customer Experience at the American Nurses Association about digitally supporting and advocating for nurses throughout the COVID19 pandemic, as well using what you have; how to educate leadership on the 'why's of a digital business; and how to sustain energy for digital transformations across the organization.
Connect with Novella Green, Director of Digital and Customer Experience at the American Nurses Association.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient, and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Kim talks with Ron Thurston – author of the book “Retail Pride” and host of the podcast “Retail in America” and John Gregory, Global Head of Industry for Retail at Spotify to talk about what it means to be a front-line worker in retail today and how that cohort can be tapped for deeper and more meaningful organizational innovation.
Connect with John Gregory, Global Retail Category Development Officer at Spotify
Connect with Ron Thurston, Amazon #1 Best Selling Author of RETAIL PRIDE, host of the RETAIL IN AMERICA podcast, 2021/2022 RETHINK Retail 100 Most Influential People
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient, and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Kim talks with Andy McMillian and Janelle Estes from UserTesting.com about how to better operationalize customer insights and really walk the talk of customer-centricity.
Connect with Andy McMillan, Chair & CEO UserTesting, and Janelle Estes, Chief Insights Officer at UserTesting. Andy and Janelle are co-authors of the book User Tested: How the World’s Top Companies Use Human Insight to Create Great Experiences
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient, and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Jim and Kim kick off Season 4 of the podcast, discussing what it means to be a digital business. Why some digital transformation initiatives didn’t pan out as intended; what do we know now that we didn’t then, and what are some persisting and emerging challenges in transitioning from ‘transformation’ to ‘evolution' as usual.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient, and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Jim departs from our regular show to talk with Abraham Ancer, pro golfer and entrepreneur, about the intersection of business and technology, where brand, experience, and innovation are changing the way we all work and play. Listen to Abe share stories about his golf career and his tequila brand Flecha Azul, which he co-owns with friend and entrepreneur Aron Marquez and two-time academy award nominee Mark Wahlberg.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient, and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Jim and Kim look back on season three of the podcast and some of the exceptional guests they had the opportunity to interview. They dive into the topic of innovation including why it’s important and why getting back to basics is fundamental.
You’ll hear clips from:
- Entrepreneur and star of TV’s “Shark Tank,” Mark Cuban, on why getting the fundamentals of innovation right is so important. https://www.perficient.com/insights/podcasts/what-if-so-what/episode-20-what-if-mark-cuban-joined-our-podcast
- Google's Chief Measurement Strategist, Neil Hoyne, on changing the objectives you're tracking with the data you already have. https://www.perficient.com/insights/podcasts/what-if-so-what/episode-23-what-if-you-could-measure-everything-that-matters-an-interview-with-neil-hoyne
- Microsoft’s Senior Director of Employee Experience, Chris Echelmeier, on how better employee experience leads to better customer experience. https://www.perficient.com/insights/podcasts/what-if-so-what/episode-22-what-if-you-could-make-employee-experience-part-of-your-customer-experience
- Alan Hart, the creator, and host of “Marketing Today with Alan Hart,” on the death of the brief and what fuels innovation today. https://www.perficient.com/insights/podcasts/what-if-so-what/episode-21-what-if-the-key-to-digital-success-is-getting-back-to-basics
We'd love to hear your feedback on a topic or “white noise” word you'd like for us to cover. To send your suggestions, email podcast@perficient.com.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient, and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Jim talks with Neil Hoyne, Google's Chief Measurement Strategist, about his new book, Converted: The Data-Driven Way to Win Customers’ Hearts. Neal offers excellent advice about simplicity, a lean approach to measurement, what to do with the data you already have, and knowing your customer.
Connect with Neil Hoyne, Chief Measurement Strategist at Google, Senior Fellow at Wharton, Author at Penguin Random House
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient, and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Kim talks with Chris Echelmeier, a Senior Director in the Microsoft Employee Experience practice where he focuses on driving culture change at the employee and the organization level and who has a unique perspective on what Employee Experience is, is not, and why it is becoming the top priority for business leaders today.
Connect with Chris Echelmeier, Senior Director Microsoft Employee Experience
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient, and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Kim talks with Alan Hart, creator, and host of “Marketing Today with Alan Hart,” about why he thinks marketing teams need to be blown up, re-organized, and get back to basics to succeed in today’s environment.
Connect with Alan Hart, the creator, and host of “Marketing Today with Alan Hart,” a weekly podcast where he interviews leading global marketing professionals and business leaders.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient, and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In our latest episode of the podcast, we're joined by a special guest – entrepreneur, Dallas Mavericks owner, and star of TV’s “Shark Tank”, Mark Cuban! Mark and our hosts, Jim and Kim, discuss his most memorable Shark Tank technology products, how to remain relevant to customers across generations, and why he’s excited to be working with Perficient to host AI bootcamps for underserved students.
In this episode, Jim talks with Matt Nolan, Sr. Director of Product Marketing, Decision Sciences at Pegasystems, about why Personalization is on everyone’s radar, how it has evolved, and what it means today.
Connect with Matthew Nolan Senior Director of Product Marketing, Decision Sciences at Pegasystems
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Kim talks with Mike Bernard, Vice President of Product & Customer Marketing at Optimizely, about how you bring products to market in today’s digital space and what kind of team you need to be successful.
Connect with Mike Bernard, Vice President of Product and Customer Marketing at Optimizely
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Jim and Kim kick off Season 3 of the podcast with a closer look at innovation, including what characterizes innovation, how to measure the business value, and how to become an expert innovator.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Jim and Kim look back on Season 2 of the podcast and recall the moments where our guests helped call out what strategy really is what it takes to execute in today’s digital landscape.
Season 2 episodes referenced:
· What if You Could Speak Marketing and IT? An Interview with Robert Nelms.
· What if You Never Had to Go to Your Doctor's Office Again? An Interview with Tom Swanson.
· What If You Could Reinvent Retail...Again? An Interview with John Gregory.
· What if You Could Innovate On Demand An Interview with Andy Hunt.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Kim talks with John Gregory, Global Head of Industry - Retail at Spotify, about how traditional retailers can get unstuck and how the key to staying ahead is a lot more than digital adoption.
Connect with John Gregory, Global Head of Industry - Retail at Spotify.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Kim talks with Shawn Reynolds, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President at AI software company Logility, about what it takes to have a modern supply chain operation and what the new customer-driven mandates are when it comes to supply chain transparency.
Read Shawn’s recent content on the steps companies can take to prepare for the next big supply chain disruption:
- Supply Chain Sustainability: 3 Pillars for the Future of Business
- Traceability, Sustainability, & ESG: Why Supply Chains Need Transparency & Authenticity
- Your Supply Chain Deserves More than ERP
- Collaborative Intelligence: A Supply Chain Imperative That ERP Systems Cannot Fulfill
Connect with Shawn Reynolds, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President at Logility,
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Kim talks with Kelsey Flora, former Director of Marketing and Engagement at National Geographic, about how to turn your biggest brand asset – your team members – into your biggest brand ambassadors by sharing work-related content on social media.
Connect with Kelsey Flora, former Director of Marketing and Engagement at National Geographic.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Jim talks with Tom Swanson, Head of Industry Strategy & Marketing for Health & Life Sciences at Adobe, about the future of telemedicine and what other industries can learn from what’s happening in the healthcare space.
Connect with Tow Swanson, Head of Industry Strategy & Marketing for Health & Life Sciences at Adobe.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Kim talks with Lisa Bowman, Chief Mojo Officer of Marketing Mojo and past CMO of organizations like UPS, about how the CMO skill set has evolved and what it takes to be a modern marketer.
Connect with Lisa Bowman, CMO at Marketing Mojo.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Kim talks with Robert Nelms of Assurant about the importance of empathy when it comes to digital strategy and leadership.
Connect with Robert Nelms, Head of Digital at Assurant.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In this episode, Jim talks with Andy Hunt of The Hershey Company about innovation, and we learn how Andy and his team turn creative ideas into real-world solutions that deliver meaningful value.
Connect with Andy Hunt, Manager, Digital Innovation Lab at The Hershey Company
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
Jim and Kim are back for Season 2! In this episode they share exciting things coming up in Season 2, discuss how strategy and execution are often misunderstood in digital and explain how to bring them together to move faster.
Jim hosts a special crossover episode with Arvind Murali, Perficient’s Data Chief Strategist, and host of the Perficient podcast “Intelligent Data.” Jim and Arvind talk about digital and data and how they are shaping the customer experience today.
Listen to the Intelligent Data podcast.
Connect with host Arvind Murali, Data Chief Strategist for Perficient.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
Kim interviews Jeff Small, Director of Mobile Product Strategy at Perficient about the evolution of digital product management and how organizations can think about digital products as a transformational strategy.
Connect with guest Jeff Small, Director of Mobile Product Strategy for Perficient.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In a world where retail has changed and consumers remain at home, how do brands reimagine the task of getting products to customers? We interview Jon Bostock, best-selling author, innovator, co-founder and CEO of Truman's and learn how brands that innovate will win in a rapidly changing digital-first economy.
Connect with Jon Bostock and get his #1 bestselling book, The Elephant’s Dilemma on Amazon.
Visit Truman’s and learn why they are the coolest cleaning company on the internet.
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
The pandemic dramatically accelerated the evolution and maturity of digital marketing. As platforms, approaches, and channels have all shifted seemingly overnight, we have a new normal for changing your marketing strategy more rapidly than ever. Kim interviews Eric Enge, Principal at Perficient, to learn what has changed and what will always remain the same, and how to be better prepared when the market shifts overnight.
Connect with Eric Enge, Principal at Perficient on Twitter or LinkedIn
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
No one asked for the iPhone. Yet the experience of using it is as much of the design as the product itself. Design today goes far beyond the packaging and the product. How the consumer feels - whether good or bad - while buying and using a product is the design. Jim interviews Chris Bernard, VP of User Experience and Design at CDK Global and asks "What would happen if we convinced the CEO to embrace design?"
Resources mentioned in the episode:
- Industrial Designer Raymond Lowey
- The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle
- Sprint by Jake Knapp
- WeatherTech
Connect with Chris Bernard
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
In an era where everything is considered "digital", we share our research on what makes something digital or not. We discuss examples of things that are definitely digital and some that aren’t quite the same – like whether or not bowling is a sport.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
- Being Digital by Nicholas Negroponte
- Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle TED Talk
- The Coen Brothers’ film The Big Lebowski
Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist for Perficient and Kim Williams-Czopek, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient.
Are you trying to figure out what digital means for your business? Then What If? So What? is the podcast for you. Join hosts Jim Hertzfeld, and Kim Williams-Czopek, part of Perficient’s Digital Strategy team, as we interview experts and veterans of digital transformation to put the hype and big ideas into perspective by asking “What if?”, “So What?”, and – most importantly - “Now What?”
In this sneak peek trailer, Jim explains what’s in store for you in Season 1.
The first episodes are coming this month. Subscribe to What If? So What? on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, or wherever you listen to podcasts.