What if your agentic AI could innovate autonomously—and still follow your business rules?

Agility in the age of AI doesn't just mean speed. It means predictability, accountability, and the ability to innovate autonomously without businesses losing control of what is important, and what their customers value.

Today we are here at PegaWorld 2025 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and we’re going to talk about how enterprises are starting to move beyond prompt-based, freewheeling AI models and toward something more mature, governed, and scalable: Predictable AI Agents. And we’ll explore what that means for the future of autonomous enterprise decisioning and innovation.

To help me dig into this topic, I’d like to welcome Peter van der Putten, Director AI Lab and Lead Scientist at Pega.

About Peter van der Putten
Peter van der Putten is assistant professor of AI, Leiden University and Director AI Lab at Pegasystems. Through his expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning, Peter helps leading brands to become more ‘human’ by transforming into customer centric organizations.
In addition to his role at Pegasystems, Peter is an assistant professor and creative researcher at the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), Leiden University, The Netherlands.  

Peter is particularly interested in how intelligence can evolve through learning, in man or machines. Peter has a MSc in Cognitive Artificial Intelligence from Utrecht University and a PhD in data mining from Leiden University, and combines academic research with applying these technologies in business. He teaches New Media New Technology and supervises MSc thesis projects. 

RESOURCES
Pega: https://www.pega.com https://www.pega.com

The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow

Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands
Online Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrand
Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150
Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom
Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show
Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com
The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Agility requires finding ways to stay one step ahead of the competition, as well as in anticipating customers’ needs.

So how does a brand maintain this speed and agility in the area of UX design, where it has often taken a considerable amount of time, effort, and testing to get to a better result?

Today we’re going to talk about using AI strategically in UX research, design, and testing. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Jason Bowman, Executive Director of User Experience at The Office of Experience.

About Jason Bowman
Jason leads OX as the Executive Director of UX, bringing over 20+ years of meaningful UX and design experience to the firm, overseeing and managing Content Strategy, UX and Business Analyst teams.

Jason has a true talent for guiding projects to successful launches as quickly and efficiently as possible. With strong collaboration skills and attention to detail, he is always looking for the right thing in order to create a better experience for users, clients, and teams.

His expansive experience includes multinational, multilingual intranets, startups, marquee consumer brands, global agencies, mobile apps, and more. Notable client work includes Patagonia, Groupon, Samsung, Boston Consulting Group, Sitka Gear, Goop, American Medical Association, and more.

RESOURCES
The Office of Experience: https://www.officeofexperience.com https://www.officeofexperience.com

This episode is brought to you by The Office of Experience, a design-driven, digital-first, vertically integrated and collaborative agency that believes in the power of ideas and the strength of people.

Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands
Online Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrand
Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150
Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom
Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show
Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com
The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

When consumers can get AI-generated designs completely customized to their needs, what does this mean for the future of brands and the customer experience?

I have two guests on my show today: one is the founder of one of the world’s most iconic shoe brands, and the other is the co-creator of the first AI-designed commercial shoe.

Today we’re going to talk about what it takes to innovate and grow a brand and how things are both similar—and different since Reebok launched its brand in 1960, and now Syntilay brings a whole new era of AI-based design to the market.

To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Joe Foster, the founder of Reebok and Ben Weiss, the CEO of Syntilay.

About Joe Foster
Joe founded Reebok in 1958 with his late brother Jeff, following their family heritage back to 1895. Joe's Grandfather, also Joseph W Foster, pioneered the spiked running shoe and famously made shoes for the Worlds best athletes of the early 20th century, with World records and Olympics Gold Medals.
Wearing (pumps) made by J W Foster & Sons Ltd, Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell won Olympic Gold Medals in the 1928 Paris Olympics and were immortalised in the film ‘Chariots of Fire’.
With Reebok they followed in his footsteps, with Olympic, Commonwealth and European medals and World record breaking performances, represented now by the range of Reebok Classics.

About Ben Weiss
Ben is building the future of sneakers, shoes designed with Artificial Intelligence that are entirely 3D printed, accompanied by an excellent team and set of advisors including the legendary Reebok Founder, Joe Foster, original Shark Tank Shark, Kevin Harrington, and others.
He hosts the business podcast, LegendsNLeaders, which breaks down the steps it truly takes to become successful and have a positive impact in the world. The podcast has featured outstanding guests like Kevin O'Leary, Shark Tank Shark, Howie Mandel, Steve Madden, Miss Universe, R'Bonney Nola, and has been viewed in the millions.

RESOURCES
Syntilay: https://www.syntilay.com/ https://www.syntilay.com/

The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow

Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands
Online Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrand
Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150
Shoe Maker by Joe Foster: https://www.jwfosterheritage.com/shop-online/p/ohi30b1x63ghyj2him04suqx1ju4z5
Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom
Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show
Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com
The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

My guest today has been keeping us up to date with the current state of hiring for marketers on a quarterly basis, which has taken us on quite a roller coaster ride.

Today we’re going to look at how marketing and communication execs are responding to the latest developments in the world while still needing to get their work done.

To take a look at the latest here, I’d like to welcome back to the show Sue Keith, Corporate Vice President at Landrum Talent Solutions.

About Sue Keith
Sue Keith is Corporate Vice President at Landrum Talent Solutions. With deep expertise in navigating complex labor markets, Sue has a front-row seat to the evolving dynamics of marketing roles, hiring trends, and the broader implications of AI and economic uncertainty.

RESOURCES
Landrum Talent Solutions: https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com

This episode is brought to you by Landrum Talent Solutions, a national recruiting firm specializing in marketing and HR positions. https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com

Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands
Online Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrand
Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150
Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom
Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show
Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com
The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

If brand loyalty is so critical, why does it feel like most companies are treating it like an afterthought by propping it up with outdated programs and hoping customers won’t notice?

Agility requires a complete rethinking of how we approach customer loyalty — not as an afterthought at the end of the funnel, but as a core driver of long-term brand value and experience strategy.

Today, we’re going to talk about the evolution of customer loyalty and what brands need to do to keep up in a time when consumers have more choices, higher expectations, and less patience.

To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Raj De Datta, CEO and Co-Founder of Bloomreach.

About Raj De Datta
Raj De Datta is Co-Founder and CEO of Bloomreach, a leading software platform for digital commerce experiences that powers brands representing 25% of retail Ecommerce in the US and the UK. Raj is a multiple-time entrepreneur. Raj is also the bestselling author of “The Digital Seeker” – a playbook for digital teams to win big.

Before launching Bloomreach, he was entrepreneur-in-residence at Mohr-Davidow Ventures, served as Cisco’s director of product marketing, and was on the founding team of telecom company FirstMark Communications. Raj also worked in technology investment banking at Lazard Freres. Raj serves on the Council for Player Development for the US Tennis Association, the Board of RepresentUs, a bipartisan organization focused on democracy reform, and is a Founder Partner at seed-stage venture capital firm Founder Collective and an individual investor in over 20 start-ups.

RESOURCES
Bloomreach: https://www.bloomreach.com https://www.bloomreach.com

The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow

Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands
Online Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrand
Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150
Get the Bloomreach report: https://www.bloomreach.com/en/winning-playbook-for-loyalty
Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom
Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show
Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com
The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

With AI as an accelerant, marketing is evolving at a breakneck pace, and brands are being challenged to maintain authenticity while scaling globally. How do you build a cohesive, authentic brand identity across diverse markets, cultures, and digital platforms—all while leveraging AI-driven personalization?

Joining me today is Emily Ward, VP of Global Marketing at Turnitin, a leading edtech brand focused on academic integrity and student success. Emily has spent more than 15 years in the education space, shaping marketing strategies for institutions under the Laureate Education network, leading global marketing at Anthology (formerly Blackboard), and now overseeing the global marketing strategy at Turnitin.

Emily Ward has spent more than 15 years focused on the education space, initially generating enrollments for a broad portfolio of global institutions under the Laureate Education network. She then moved to Blackboard, since acquired by Anthology, working with non-profit academic institutions to better understand how to leverage their marketing investment in order to positively impact enrollments and institutional growth.
Over time, Emily’s focus expanded to the larger concept of Student Success, helping academic leadership connect the dots of the full student experience from decision making through to matriculation and beyond. During the pandemic, Emily pivoted quickly to lead the launch of an official eCommerce platform, and was soon pulled in to lead North America then Global Marketing efforts for the newly formed EdTech giant Anthology.
Today, she oversees global marketing for Turnitin, an academic integrity company focused on supporting educators and empowering students around the world to do their best original work. Emily holds a B.S. from Towson University and an M.B.A from Loyola University Maryland. She resides near Washington, DC with her daughter.

RESOURCES
Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands
Online Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrand
Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150
Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom
Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show
Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com
The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow
The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

This show is brought to you by the Online Scrum Masters Summit, taking place virtually on June 17-19, with more information at: http://www.onlinescrummasterssummit.com

What if the most powerful tool for driving agile transformation isn’t a framework or a ceremony—but a dashboard?

Today’s guest believes data may be the most underused lever for agility in large organizations. Gabrielle Wieczorek is a Scrum Master and Certified Agile Coach and a speaker at the upcoming Online Scrum Masters Summit, where she brings over 14 years of experience blending agile frameworks with data science, analytics, and stakeholder trust-building.

About Gabrielle Wieczorek
Gabrielle Wieczorek is an adaptive transformation leader with over 14 years of experience helping teams and organizations unlock the true potential of business and personal agility, especially in times of uncertainty. An enthusiastic Scrum Master, Certified Agile Coach (A-CSM, SSM), Product Owner (CSPO), and technical Senior Systems/Data Analyst, Gabrielle excels in leading teams through change and complexity, focusing on continuous improvement and delivering tangible results. Known for delivering engaging talks that make innovative agile concepts obtainable, Gabrielle has a knack for turning abstract ideas into real-world impact. Whether facilitating dynamic workshops or sharing insights in a lightning talk, Gabrielle empowers others to elevate their Agile practices and drive meaningful change in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving environments where efficiency and innovation are essential to success.

RESOURCES

This show is brought to you by the Online Scrum Masters Summit, taking place virtually on June 17-19, with more information at: www.onlinescrummasterssummit.com

Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands

Online Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrand

Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom

Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show

Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com

The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

There are a lot of great ideas for products and brands out there, but sometimes the difference between success and failure lies in getting the details right and understanding the customers and users of your product. Today we’re going to talk about growing a brand by focusing on the details that matter.

To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Dominic Minogue, CEO of Dirty Water, the world's first session hard seltzer, and a brand that started in New York City and has quickly grown well beyond, with some phenomenal and awards to match.

About Dominic Minogue
Dominic Minogue is the founder and CEO of Dirty Water, the world's first session hard seltzer that’s making the beverage industry dangerously refreshing. Dubbed “The Dive Bar Hard Seltzer," Dirty Water offers a crushable experience that’s not too sweet and not too carbonated with 4.5% ABV, 0 sugar, 0 carbs and only 90 calories.

As a lover of light beer and hard seltzer, Dom wanted to create a beverage that encapsulated the best of both while leaving the rest behind. A great light beer is unobtrusive, crisp and smooth with no frills and no worries about what to get because it’s the same every time. A great hard seltzer offers a healthier choice with less calories, carbs and sugar along with no gluten, however the fruity flavors almost always present a scenario of digging around to avoid an unfavorable flavor or two.

In comes Dirty Water - born a hard seltzer, but identifies as a light beer. One flavor, not too sweet, not too carbonated and just perfect for any occasion.
Prior to launching Dirty Water in 2024, Dom held various positions within the mobile gaming industry that also centered around the values of community and connection. Most recently, he was VP of Game Operations at Rewardify, a mobile games app that rewards players for their love of the game through cash prizes, where he standardized the company’s cash-economy and developed publishing models. He also led product marketing for Applovin’s Lion Studios where he achieved 2.5B downloads worldwide, tested over 1000 games and brought 30+ games to #1 on iOS and Android stores.

In addition, Dom is a food enthusiast and creator with 180K+ followers on TikTok at @dommelier where he gives quick recipes and how-to’s for preparing different cuisines from around the world.

RESOURCES
Dirty Water: https://www.dirtywaterbrand.com https://www.dirtywaterbrand.com

The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow

Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands

Online Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrand
Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom
Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show

Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com
The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Have you ever wondered why, despite having access to advanced AI tools, your marketing strategies still don’t hit the mark? Could it be that you’re focusing on the wrong data and missing the emotional connections that truly drive consumer behavior?

Today we’re exploring the intersection of AI, emotional intelligence, and marketing with Joshua Goldberg, EVP of Strategy at Zenapse. We’ll dive into how Large Emotion Models (LEM) are revolutionizing consumer engagement and delivering impressive marketing results.

About Josh Goldberg
Josh brings over 25+ years of leadership roles in strategy, marketing, and digital delivery. He leads Zenapse business development and channel partnerships. Josh specializes in strategy, business acceleration, digital media, and marketing. He has delivered plans for rapid business improvements and insights to many companies including: Vanguard, Capgemini, Applied Materials, Fisher Price, J.D. Power, Reuters, Viacom, and Wunderman Thompson.

RESOURCES
Zenapse: https://www.zenapse.com https://www.zenapse.com

The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow

Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands
Online Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrand
Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150
Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom
Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show
Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com
The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company