The FODcast S2E4 - Making It In Tech: The Shopify Story

The FODcast

#Careers #Business #Tim Roedel and James Hodges #James Hodge #Tim Roedel

57:50

Alex (@alex_kamenca) and Carley (@carleymitus) are both members of our Action Academy Community that purchased TWO small businesses last thursday! Want To Quit Your Job In The Next 6-18 Months Through Buying Commercial Real Estate & Small Businesses? 👔🏝️ Schedule A Free 15 Minute Coaching Call With Our Team Here To Get "Unstuck" Want to know which investment strategy is best for you? Take our Free Asset-Selection Quiz Check Out Our Bestselling Book : From Passive To Passionate : How To Quit Your Job - Grow Your Wealth - And Turn Your Passions Into Profits Want A Free $100k+ Side Hustle Guide ? Follow Me As I Travel & Build: IG @brianluebben ActionAcademy.com…

hace 3 años 1:04:00

MP3•Episodio en casa

What does it take to succeed at the top of your game as a woman in tech? For Shimona Mehta, Managing Director, EMEA at Shopify, it’s been a 10-year journey of figuring that out.

In the latest instalment of The FODcast, Shimona shares her story and covers ground from the early days of her career, the risks she took to get to where she is today, and her thoughts on future digital trends.

Shopify is a leading global commerce company, providing trusted tools that enable businesses to start, grow, market and manage a retail venture of any size. As the company’s Managing Director, Shimona adds a whole host of value to this episode of The FODcast. Learn about her non-negotiables when hiring new talent and her take on being a woman in a male-dominated industry.

Listen to the full episode today.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Capíttulos

1. The FODcast S2E4 - Making It In Tech: The Shopify Story (00:00:00)

2. Shimona talks about how she got to where she is in her career currently at Shopify (00:00:27)

3. Can you talk about any difficulties you have overcome being a woman in a male dominated industry? (00:06:50)

4. As MD of Shopify EMEA, what are you focussing on right now? (00:15:24)

5. How important do you perceive the investment in digital platforms for retailers and is there a 'sweet spot' to work out the ideal amount to invest? (00:20:27)

6. How do the different countries you've worked in (Germany, US, UK and Canada) differ culturally? (00:26:49)

7. What's your view and your clients view on sustainability and ho ware they going to integrate it into retail? (00:29:52)

8. What's your view on physical store space, it's usefulness and how it feeds into the omnichannel structure? (00:35:40)

9. How does social commerce fit into the omnichannel digital ecosystem? (00:40:50)

10. Will social commerce render being top of google defunct? (00:45:20)

11. What is your take on headless commerce? (00:47:58)

12. What are the biggest challenges you've faced in building out your teams? (00:51:50)

13. When you bring in people to your team, what are your non negotiables? (00:56:46)

14. What in your opinion is the tech that will have the biggest impact in the eCommerce space? (01:00:23)

66 episodios

The FODcast S2E4 - Making It In Tech: The Shopify Story

The FODcast

published hace 3 años

MP3•Episodio en casa

What does it take to succeed at the top of your game as a woman in tech? For Shimona Mehta, Managing Director, EMEA at Shopify, it’s been a 10-year journey of figuring that out.

Listen to the full episode today.

Capíttulos

1. The FODcast S2E4 - Making It In Tech: The Shopify Story (00:00:00)

2. Shimona talks about how she got to where she is in her career currently at Shopify (00:00:27)

3. Can you talk about any difficulties you have overcome being a woman in a male dominated industry? (00:06:50)

4. As MD of Shopify EMEA, what are you focussing on right now? (00:15:24)

5. How important do you perceive the investment in digital platforms for retailers and is there a 'sweet spot' to work out the ideal amount to invest? (00:20:27)

6. How do the different countries you've worked in (Germany, US, UK and Canada) differ culturally? (00:26:49)

7. What's your view and your clients view on sustainability and ho ware they going to integrate it into retail? (00:29:52)

8. What's your view on physical store space, it's usefulness and how it feeds into the omnichannel structure? (00:35:40)

9. How does social commerce fit into the omnichannel digital ecosystem? (00:40:50)

10. Will social commerce render being top of google defunct? (00:45:20)

11. What is your take on headless commerce? (00:47:58)

12. What are the biggest challenges you've faced in building out your teams? (00:51:50)

13. When you bring in people to your team, what are your non negotiables? (00:56:46)

14. What in your opinion is the tech that will have the biggest impact in the eCommerce space? (01:00:23)

66 episodios

#Careers #Business #Tim Roedel and James Hodges #James Hodge #Tim Roedel

Todos los episodios

The FODcast

1
The Fatal Flaw: Why Tech-Led Projects Fail with Simon Hamblin 52:12

hace 6 días52:12

52:12

We’re excited to announce the launch of Season 7 of The FODcast! This season brings you fresh insights from top industry leaders, innovators, and experts. As always, we’re exploring the latest trends, strategies, and challenges in the digital commerce space. Our global audience continues to grow, with listeners tuning in from across the UK, the United States, Germany, Brazil, and even places as far afield as Japan and Australia. Whether you're in retail, tech, or any industry at the intersection of digital transformation, this latest season will have something for you. New Episode: Simon Hamblin on the Secrets of Successful Digital Transformation To kick off the new season, we sit down with Simon Hamblin , co-founder of fusefabric , Shopify's largest enterprise partner in Europe, to discuss why technology-led projects fail so often and what it takes to get digital transformation right. Simon’s career is nothing short of impressive, with past roles such as scaling ASOS technology during its billion-pound growth phase, leading global technology at Emirates Group, and overseeing 30 travel brands worldwide. He brings invaluable experience from his work in diverse industries, including retail, travel, and finance. In this episode, Simon explains why business leadership, not technology, must drive transformation. He highlights the importance of aligning technology with business needs and dives into the discovery process that sets successful projects in motion. Simon also shares how fusefabric’s approach, including the rapid migration of a multi-million-pound business to Shopify in just eight days, challenges conventional thinking and ensures digital transformations succeed where others fail. Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with actionable takeaways. #DigitalTransformation #AIinRetail #Shopify #TechLeadership #FODcastSeason7 Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership. Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/…

The FODcast

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The Digital Transformation Episode That Broke Our Records – with Wendy Isaacs 59:14

hace 20 días59:14

59:14

Before Season 7 lands... we're taking one last dive into the FODcast archives. For our final re-run, we’re revisiting a conversation that happens to be our most viewed episode of all time on our YouTube channel . Originally recorded and published in November 2024, this episode with Wendy Isaacs , Executive Director of Commerce and Experience Delivery at Valtech , still hits all the right notes for anyone navigating transformation in 2025. Wendy’s journey - from the early days of CompuServe to leading cutting-edge digital strategy - offers powerful insights into change leadership. In this episode, she shares how successful transformation comes down to balancing people, culture, and strategic planning. She also unpacks the difference between incremental and revolutionary change - an area that’s only grown more relevant with the rapid adoption of generative AI, evolving team structures, and the increasing pressure for businesses to adapt at speed. Whether you’re a programme leader, a digital product owner, or someone driving culture change across your organisation, Wendy’s advice on strong programme management, effective product ownership, and building meaningful business partnerships remains essential listening. #TheFODcast #FutureOfDigitalCommerce #ComposableCommerce #DigitalTransformation #ThrowbackThursday #Podcast Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership. Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/…

The FODcast

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RE-RUN: Fractional Leadership: Luxury or Necessity in Today's Digital Transformation? 33:21

hace 27 días33:21

33:21

As we continue our brief pause before the launch of Season 7, we're rewinding ever so slightly to bring you our most downloaded episode of all time! This episode, recorded in September of last year, explores the fascinating rise of fractional hiring in digital commerce with guest Adrian Wakefield , co-founder of Digital Wow Group, who has over 35 years of experience in technology and digital transformations. Adrian provides compelling insights into why businesses - especially in the mid-market - are increasingly turning to fractional C-level executives. Unlike traditional contracting, fractional leadership offers specialised expertise at critical junctures, making it a flexible and cost-effective solution. As Adrian puts it, "My definition of fractional is making yourself available at the point it's needed.” In this episode, we explore how organisations can adapt their structures to accommodate fractional leadership, addressing challenges around line management while maximising the value of functional expertise. Adrian also argues that fractional hiring represents a fundamental shift in how organisations access talent - a trend that will continue to reshape executive talent acquisition in digital commerce, even as economic conditions improve. Whether you're considering fractional leadership for your business or exploring it as a career path, this episode is a must-listen for valuable perspectives on this growing trend. Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership. Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/…

The FODcast

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RE-RUN: Are You Ready for Composable? Hard Lessons from the Frontlines 38:50

hace 5 weeks38:50

38:50

For our latest dig into the FODcast archives whilst we gear up for Season 7, we’re revisiting some of our most popular episodes and a topic of conversation that is still as relevant now as it was back in November 2023 when it was recorded. This re-run episode features a candid conversation with David Hardiman , former Head of Software Development at Wiggle, about his experience leading a major retailer through a two-and-a-half-year transformation from a 20-year-old legacy system to a modern composable architecture. This episode sheds light on the complexities of composable commerce that often go unspoken. David pulls back the curtain on what happens when the nine-month transformation you were promised stretches into years of challenges, unexpected hurdles, and hard-earned lessons. He discusses managing 150 different integration points, selecting the right components and partners, and the crucial importance of understanding the problems you're trying to solve before committing to a composable approach. Since this episode aired, the landscape of digital transformation has continued to evolve. David's insights remain incredibly relevant, especially as the future of eCommerce is increasingly shaped by AI and large language models. If you’re navigating digital transformation, rethinking your tech stack, or simply looking for expert perspectives on the realities of composable commerce, this episode is a must-listen. Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership. Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/…

The FODcast

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RE-RUN: The Future of MACH and Digital Commerce 1:08:05

hace 6 weeks1:08:05

1:08:05

As we continue our look back at some of our most popular episodes, we’re revisiting another must-listen discussion - this time with two industry heavyweights: Sonja Keerl , co-founder of the MACH Alliance , and Jim Herbert , CEO of Patchworks. Recorded in November last year, this episode explored a pivotal moment for MACH technology as businesses demanded more flexibility, speed, and scalability from their digital commerce solutions. Fast forward to today, and those conversations are more relevant than ever - especially as AI reshapes commerce, and enterprise buyers push vendors to adapt faster. 🔍 Discussion Highlights: MACH at a Crossroads – Are vendors keeping pace with evolving buyer expectations? AI’s Expanding Role – How AI is simplifying commerce and integrating into MACH frameworks. Tech-Savvy Buyers – Digital-native enterprises are reshaping how tech is adopted and implemented. Platform Evolution – Can Shopify and other platforms meet enterprise needs while staying MACH-compliant? New Frontiers for MACH – How industries like healthcare and financial services are embracing composable tech. The Vendor Challenge – Why adaptability is key in a fast-changing landscape. If you missed this episode the first time around - or want a refresher - now’s the perfect time to tune in. Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership. Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/…

The FODcast

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RE-RUN: The Future of Composable Commerce with SCAYLE 48:16

hace 7 weeks48:16

48:16

As we take a short pause to gear up for Season 7, we’re revisiting some of our most popular episodes from the archives. Today's rewind episode was recorded nearly 12 months ago, yet this conversation with Craig Smith and Rico Adler from SCAYLE remains as relevant as ever. In our chat, Craig and Rico explored the evolving expectations of digital consumers, the growing complexity of modern commerce, and the key challenges brands face when adopting a composable approach. They also shared real-world insights on why some digital transformations succeed while others fall short - covering everything from organisational mindset to the role of flexible commerce architecture. Since this conversation, SCAYLE has continued to gain industry recognition. They were named once again in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ report, based on its 'Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute' reflecting their momentum in the market. They’ve also become the official eCommerce platform provider for Manchester United and, more recently, powered Harrods’ new online shopping experience. Their growth underscores the importance of adaptability in a rapidly shifting retail landscape - one of the very themes discussed in this episode. If you’re navigating digital transformation, rethinking your tech stack, or simply looking for expert perspectives on the future of eCommerce, this episode is well worth a listen. Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership. Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/…

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The Future of E-Commerce: Gen Z, AI, and the Rise of Unified Retail with James Brooke 52:49

hace 8 weeks52:49

52:49

The latest episode of The FODcast is here, and this time we’re joined by James Brooke , CEO of MAPP Digital , and a true industry veteran with over 31 years of experience in digital commerce. Having witnessed the sector’s transformation first-hand, James shares his insights into where digital commerce is headed next, what businesses must do to stay ahead, plus a deeper dive into: Gen Z who are rewriting the rules of online shopping, meaning traditional strategies no longer cut it. Social media is now the first stop on their buying journey, and brands that fail to bridge the gap between platforms and e-commerce sites risk being left behind. What makes this generation tick, why authenticity and social proof are now non-negotiable, and how brands can craft seamless, engaging experiences that keep customers coming back. The inevitable rise of AI-driven personalisation - from boosting customer engagement to building trust in an era of growing data privacy concerns. The shift towards ‘unified retail’ as digital and physical retail continue to merge, where every touchpoint is connected for a frictionless shopping experience. 🎙️ This isn’t just a conversation about where e-commerce stands today—it’s an essential look at the trends set to shape its future. Don’t miss it. Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership. Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/…

The FODcast

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Unpacking DE&I: Impact on Digital Commerce Today with Jasmin Guthmann 56:08

hace 9 weeks56:08

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The Power of DE&I in Digital Commerce: A Conversation You Can’t Miss 🎧 In the latest episode of The FODcast , we sit down with Jasmin Guthmann , Vice President of the MACH Alliance , to explore the vital role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in shaping the future of digital commerce. As businesses navigate rapid transformation, Jasmin highlights why DE&I is more than a buzzword—it’s a strategic advantage. From the impact of unconscious bias in hiring to the worrying rollback of diversity initiatives, Jasmin shares candid insights into the current state of the industry and what’s at stake if progress stalls. She also dives into how diverse teams fuel innovation, boost morale, and drive stronger business outcomes. 💡 Key Takeaways: Why DE&I is essential for business growth, not just a compliance tick-box The hidden cost of unconscious bias in recruitment and leadership Practical ways businesses can create inclusive environments that empower all employees How community involvement and mentorship programmes are shaping the next generation of diverse talent 🎙️ This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a wake-up call . Whether you’re a business leader, an employee, or an advocate for change, this episode delivers thought-provoking insights that will challenge perspectives and no doubt spark reflection. #DiversityInTech #DigitalCommerce #InclusionMatters #Leadership #FutureOfWork Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership. Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/…

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Pioneering New Paths in Digital B2B with David Williams 44:38

hace 10 weeks44:38

44:38

The Future of B2B Digital Commerce: A Must-Listen Conversation 🎧 In the latest episode of The FODcast , we sit down with David Williams , Digital Director with over 20 years of experience in both B2B and B2C, to discuss the seismic shifts taking place in B2B digital commerce. From the rise of digital natives leading businesses to the demand for seamless online solutions, David shares his insights into how AI and other technologies are driving change and making these solutions more accessible and cost-effective than ever before. 💡 Key Takeaways: How Gen AI is shaping B2B customer journeys with digital-first tools The role of AI in enhancing customer experiences without losing the human touch Strategies for B2B businesses transitioning from legacy systems to modern, customer-centric solutions Real-world examples from trailblazers like Oro, Sitecore, and Nibble 🎙️ Don’t miss out on this transformative discussion. Whether you’re in B2B or B2C, the lessons shared here are crucial for understanding where the market is heading. #B2BCommerce #DigitalTransformation #EcommerceInnovation #AI #FutureOfWork Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership. Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/…

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Breaking the Cycle of Business Transformation Failures with Phill Gillespie 58:18

hace 12 weeks58:18

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Why Do So Many Business Transformations Fail? In this episode of The FODcast , we’re joined by Phill Gillespie , currently Client Engagement Principal at Mindera , to explore why digital transformations often fall short—and what businesses can do differently. From misunderstood MVPs to the psychological barriers that hold teams back, we uncover the real challenges behind lasting change. 💡 Key takeaways: Why transformation isn’t a one-time fix—and how to get it right The role of communication in overcoming internal resistance Why companies should rethink MVPs How businesses like Monzo succeed in customer-first transformation The hidden emotional factors that influence adoption and engagement 🎙️ Don’t miss this essential conversation. Whether you’re leading transformation or stuck in the trenches, Phill’s insights will help you rethink your approach and avoid the common pitfalls. Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership. Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/…

The FODcast

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Revolutionising B2B E-Commerce: Insights and Strategies with Vendure’s David Höck 51:51

hace 13 weeks51:51

51:51

In this episode of The FODcast , we delve into the transformative world of B2B digital commerce with David Höck , co-founder of Vendure . From his beginnings in mechatronics engineering to reshaping the digital commerce landscape, David’s journey offers invaluable insights for businesses navigating the complexities of B2B. Vendure’s open-source, headless platform is a game-changer for companies managing multi-region and multi-language operations. By addressing the limitations of traditional solutions, it empowers global brands like IBM and QVC, as well as smaller enterprises, to thrive in an evolving market. 💡 Key topics we explore include: The vast untapped potential of the B2B market and how to drive innovation A deep dive into composable commerce vs. monolithic systems—and which suits B2B best Balancing founder priorities while navigating venture capital challenges How AI and automation can enhance the B2B experience without losing the human touch The growing influence of younger generations in shaping B2B customer expectations 🎙️ Why listen? This episode is packed with actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies to help you stay ahead in the competitive B2B e-commerce space. Whether you're a founder, a digital commerce expert, or simply intrigued by the future of B2B, this is a must-listen conversation that could reshape your approach. Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership. Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/…

The FODcast

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Turning Intuition into Growth: Martijn Wijsmuller on Navigating E-Commerce Success 52:01

hace 14 weeks52:01

52:01

What if you could transform your career from corporate to entrepreneurial success? Martijn Wijsmuller did just that, leaving his role in Communications at Heineken, to co-found Shopify agency, Ask Phill . In this episode of The FODcast , Martijn shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey—from cutting his teeth in his uncle’s fashion business in Australia to finding business inspiration in China’s vibrant markets. Martijn reveals how his sharp focus on Shopify for niche industries powered the growth of Ask Phill across Europe and the US. Plus, we learn more about his approach to juggling multiple ventures; trusting his intuition in decision-making, and the crucial role of working with passionate partners to drive success. 💡 We also chat some more about: The early challenges of building Ask Phill from the ground up Why targeting the right market is essential for scaling a business The power of collaboration with skilled partners How agility and strategic hiring fuel business growth 🎙️ Don’t miss out on Martijn’s invaluable insights—tune in now to learn the secrets behind his success and how you can apply them to your own entrepreneurial journey. Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership. Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/…

The FODcast

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Building Customer Loyalty in the Digital Age: Insights from Fiona Stevens 51:18

hace 15 weeks51:18

51:18

Can simple loyalty strategies really make a difference in today’s competitive landscape? In the latest episode of our podcast series, The FODcast , we’re joined by Fiona Stevens , Director of Marketing at LoyaltyLion , to explore the power of loyalty programs in digital commerce. Fiona shares how focusing on customer loyalty early on can set brands apart, even without the resources of giants like Amazon. We dive into actionable insights that can help transform how your customers interact with your brand and drive lasting retention and growth. 💡 What’s in this episode? The stages of building a successful loyalty program and tailoring rewards to customer journeys How personalisation and gamification enhance customer engagement Success stories from brands like The Inkey List and AU Vodka, and how they integrate loyalty into their digital strategies The power of data in shaping loyalty programs and boosting conversion rates Emerging trends like omnichannel experiences and sustainable fashion in loyalty marketing 🎙️ A must-listen for anyone curious about the impact of loyalty programs on customer engagement and business growth. Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership. Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/…

The FODcast

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The Art of Haggling Meets AI: Rosie Bailey on Transforming Digital Commerce 46:35

hace 16 weeks46:35

46:35

What better way to start the new year than by exploring the trends shaping the future of e-commerce? In our first podcast episode of 2025, we’re joined by Rosie Bailey , Co-Founder and CEO of Nibble , to discuss how AI and innovative strategies are transforming the digital commerce landscape. Rosie shares how Nibble’s negotiation platform is revolutionising online shopping by reintroducing the art of haggling, creating personalised and engaging customer experiences that foster loyalty and deliver tangible financial benefits. 💡 What’s in this episode? The role of generative AI in closing data gaps and tailoring customer interactions How intelligent automation helps businesses avoid over-discounting while boosting conversions Tips for navigating chaotic sales periods like Black Friday without compromising brand identity 🎙️ Rosie also offers a forward-looking perspective on how AI could redefine business negotiations, reducing inefficiencies and creating seamless interactions. Packed with practical advice and fascinating insights, this episode sets the tone for an exciting year in digital commerce. Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership. Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/…

The FODcast

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Elevating Customer Journeys in Digital Commerce with Alessandro Desantis 50:32

hace 20 weeks50:32