Strategy for Breakfast

Episode Description

In this episode, we dive into the forces shaping global supply chains, from commodity headwinds and tailwinds to surprising economic substitutes like Brazilian oranges and alternatives to chocolate. Our guest, Francisco Martin-Rayo, unpacks how hedge funds capitalize on volatility and why fluctuating grocery prices can mean big business for investors. Plus, we explore AI’s growing role in agriculture and what upskilling looks like for supply chain and commodities professionals navigating today’s evolving market.

For more, hear our extended conversation on YouTube!

Discussion Points:

• Exploring supply chain trends, market volatility, and investment strategies to understand how commodities markets react to economic shifts and technological advancements.
• The importance of adaptability, strategic insight, and innovation in managing supply chain disruptions, identifying market opportunities, and integrating AI in agriculture.
• What’s the Outlook: The role of AI-driven efficiencies, shifting consumer demand, and financial strategies in shaping the future of supply chains and commodities markets.

Strategy for Breakfast is brought to you by GDS, the leaders in data-driven engagement. If you want to get involved with the wider conversations shaping the future of your industry, check out our upcoming events here. 

Get in touch:

• Connect with Francisco Martin-Rayo
• Connect with Keesa Schreane
• Or email [email protected]

Episode Description

Does it feel like you've just wrapped your head around Generative AI, when you start hearing about Agentic AI everywhere? AI is evolving and it's high time we stop being intimidated by it! Our guest has been programming since he was 10 years old, so he's the perfect person to explain Agentic AI in digestible terms, and better still- how it will make work more enjoyable and productive.

For more, hear our extended conversation on YouTube!

Discussion Points:

• In simple terms, what is Agentic AI?
• What's the business value, and why should people want to embrace agents?
• What’s the risk of NOT evolving and growing in our work by embracing these tools?

Strategy for Breakfast is brought to you by GDS, the leaders in data-driven engagement. If you want to get involved with the wider conversations shaping the future of your industry, check out our upcoming events here. 

Get in touch:

• Connect with Andy Lin
• Connect with Kelley Iuele
• Or email [email protected]

Episode Description

In today’s oversaturated media landscape, capturing audience attention is only half the battle—what brands really want is action. So how do you move beyond impressions and create lasting engagement? This week, we’re joined by Michele Fino, a seasoned Chief Storyteller with deep expertise in branded entertainment and content strategy. Michele shares how marketers can use the power of storytelling, smart distribution, and timing to transform passive viewers into loyal, active consumers.

For more, hear our extended conversation on YouTube!

Discussion points:

· Why storytelling must go hand-in-hand with smart distribution to make an impact

· The “rule of seven” and how to diversify touchpoints without overwhelming your audience

· How seasonal behavior and platform dynamics influence engagement strategies

Strategy for Breakfast is brought to you by GDS, the leaders in data-driven engagement. If you want to get involved with the wider conversations shaping the future of your industry, check out our upcoming events here. 

Get in touch:

· Connect with Michele Fino

·  Connect with Amanda Brilhante

· Or email [email protected]

Episode description 

Exploring how organizations build operational excellence and create a sustainable culture; that idea of embedding it into everyday life at an organization. We talk to Darren O’Connor, Director of Business Development, from Performance Solutions by Milliken about how continuous improvement and operational excellence can be found through collaboration and transparency. But the challenge remains that building this culture, so it outlives those who have implemented it requires the confidence of allowing a company to co-create with all the resources involved.

Discussion points: 

• Culture creating and sustaining a co-collaborated culture
• Supporting those who ‘show up’ and celebrating discretionary effort
• Strategies that can be effective in overcoming barriers to incremental change? How do you ‘get the message right’? 

Strategy for Breakfast is brought to you by GDS, the leaders in data-driven engagement. If you want to get involved with the wider conversations shaping the future of your industry, check out our upcoming events here. 

Get in touch: 

• Connect  Darren O’Connor 
• Connect with David McGrath
• Or email [email protected] 

Episode description 

Exploring how organizations build operational excellence and create a sustainable culture; that idea of embedding it into everyday life at an organization. We talk to Chris Poole, Director of Strategic Client Development, from Performance Solutions by Milliken about how continuous improvement and operational excellence can be found through collaboration and transparency. But the challenge remains that building this culture, so it outlives those who have implemented it requires the confidence of allowing a company to co-create with all the resources involved.

Discussion points: 

• Culture creating and sustaining a co-collaborated culture
• Supporting those who ‘show up’ and celebrating discretionary effort
• Strategies that can be effective in overcoming barriers to incremental change? How do you ‘get the message right’? 

Strategy for Breakfast is brought to you by GDS, the leaders in data-driven engagement. If you want to get involved with the wider conversations shaping the future of your industry, check out our upcoming events here. 

Get in touch: 

• Connect Chris Poole
• Connect with David McGrath
• Or email [email protected] 

Episode description

How can organizations ensure every consumer has what they need to thrive in the digital world, no matter who they are? This week, we’re joined by Jack Cunningham, the Director of Product Management at Livefront. Jack will explain why companies need to embrace accessibility, and how AI plays a role in improving the accessibility of technology. 

Discussion points:

·      Ensuring companies embrace accessibility by understanding the need and importance of making sure everyone, regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments, can fully participate in the digital world

·      Suggestions leaders can take to make meaningful progress in the area of accessibility

·      Understanding how AI improves accessibility of technology; Understanding the challenges of AI and accessibility 

Strategy for Breakfast is brought to you by GDS, the leaders in data-driven engagement. If you want to get involved with the wider conversations shaping the future of your industry, check out our upcoming events here.

Get in touch:

·      Connect with Jack Cunningham

·      Connect with Rebecca Solomon

·      Or email [email protected]

Sustainability, wellness, inclusion. The corporate values important to your business can also help you win market share. If you tell the story in the right way. Our guest is a sustainable food expert, and drawing hilarious notes from her book, "You Can't Market Manure at Lunchtime,” shares what you CAN talk about instead, and how to make it matter. Welcome to the latest episode of Strategy for Breakfast! Send us a note at [email protected]

Discussion Points:

• How corporate social responsibility can win hearts + market share
• Key values for 2025, including efforts to drive positive, sustainable changes in our food system
• What’s the outlook in a climate where DEI and ESG initiatives are so politicized?

Strategy for Breakfast is brought to you by GDS, the leaders in data-driven engagement. If you want to get involved with the wider conversations shaping the future of your industry, check out our upcoming events here.

• Connect with Maisie Ganzler
• Connect with Kelley Iuele
• Or email [email protected]

Episode Description:

AI is evolving faster than ever, and DeepSeek just sent shockwaves through the industry. In this episode of Strategy for Breakfast, Amanda Brilhante, and Strategic Engagement Advisor with the FBI Rob Petrosino unpack why this new AI model out of China is making headlines—and what it means for the future of AI dominance. Is this a true breakthrough in AI efficiency, or does it come with hidden risks that users and organizations need to consider?

Discussion points:

• The hidden ways employees are using AI tools without oversight and the security risks companies can’t ignore -- including what is shadow AI?
• From national security concerns to hidden terms of service, is DeepSeek a breakthrough or a massive risk to users worldwide?
• How can businesses balance innovation with security, the role of governance, preventing AI "model drift," and why human oversight is still critical.

Get in touch

• Connect with Rob Petrosino
• Connect with Amanda Brilhante
• Or email [email protected]

Resources:

• GDS Group Summits & Events – Events
• Join our community of executives leading the way in business and digital transformation! Get in touch here: The Leading Provider of Executive Events & Summits | GDS Group

Episode Description:

Who is truly responsible for AI within your organization? Are they equipped to navigate its ethical challenges while maximizing its value? In this episode of Strategy for Breakfast, host David McGrath sits down with HP Dalen to explore the complexities of AI ownership in business. From aligning AI initiatives with core company values to ensuring leadership-level AI literacy, they discuss why strategic oversight is critical for success.

Discussion points:

• The challenges of ‘AI ownership’ within a business
• The need to be aware of not just the value it brings, but the ethical considerations
• AI literacy from the top down

Get in touch

• Connect with Hans-Peter Dale
• Connect with David McGrath
• Or email [email protected]

Resources:

• GDS Group Summits & Events – Events
• Join our community of executives leading the way in business and digital transformation! Get in touch here: The Leading Provider of Executive Events & Summits | GDS Group

Episode Description:

Is AI going to be a large part of state government and public services? In this episode of Strategy for Breakfast, Amanda Brilhante speaks with Vincent Cabansag, COO of Clockwork and Vice Chair of Minnesota’s Technology Advisory Council, to explore how AI is improving public safety, streamlining services, and enhancing citizen experiences. From AI-powered traffic monitoring to multilingual chatbots breaking language barriers, technology is making government more efficient, accessible, and proactive.

Discussion points:

• How government agencies balance the need for technological advancement with public trust, privacy concerns, and regulatory constraints while adopting AI
• AI is enhancing public safety and making government services more accessible to diverse communities
• Private sector expertise can help state governments accelerate digital transformation

Get in touch

• Connect with Vince Cabansag
• Connect with Amanda Brilhante
• Or email [email protected]

Resources:

• GDS Group Summits & Events – Events
• Join our community of executives leading the way in business and digital transformation! Get in touch here: The Leading Provider of Executive Events & Summits | GDS Group