The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström® | What CMOs Need to Know About Marketing Technology, AI & CX

In an era of relentless pressure for quarterly growth, is it even possible for a large brand to stay true to its core mission, or is compromising a brand’s values just an inevitable part of achieving scale?

Agility requires more than just reacting quickly to market changes. It requires a resilient, long-term mission that acts as a north star, ensuring that every pivot and experiment builds enduring value, not just short-term gains.
Today, we're going to talk about the tension that every marketing leader feels: the conflict between the relentless demand for measurable, short-term results and the need to build a brand with a durable, long-term mission. We’ll explore how the very systems designed to measure success can sometimes corrupt a company's purpose, and how a new definition of value can create a strategic advantage that outlasts fleeting market trends.

To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Eric Ries, Author of The Lean Startup, and the new book, Incorruptible.

About Eric Ries

Over the last two decades, Eric Ries’s ideas about continuous innovation, long-term thinking, governance, and market reform have reshaped company building and management practices. He is the creator of the Lean Startup method, and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Lean Startup; The Leader’s Guide; and The Startup Way.
As a founder, he has put his own ideas into practice with The Long-Term Stock Exchange (LTSE); Answer.AI, an AI R&D lab; the Lean Startup Co, which teaches and supports the implementation of Lean Startup; Virgil, a legal services startup; and IMVU, where the ideas that became the Lean Startup method were forged. On his podcast, The Eric Ries Show, he talks to guests including world-class technologists, thought leaders, and executives working to build profitable companies for the long-term benefit of society. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three children.

Eric Ries on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eries/

Resources

Get Incorruptible by Eric Ries: https://amzn.to/4dERCRy

The Lean Startup: https://leanstartup.co/

The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703

Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74
We’re proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658
Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873f
Don't miss We Make Future - the International Festival of Innovation in AI, Tech, and Digital Marketing, June 24-26 in Bologna. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c80991afff416bb2
The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1

Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3
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://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba
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 digital payments can feel like a commoditized utility, how do you build a brand that’s seen not just as a processor, but as a strategic partner?

Agility requires more than just speed; it demands the ability to innovate within complex regulatory frameworks while simultaneously building and maintaining unwavering customer trust.

Today, we're going to talk about the unique challenge of building a resonant brand in the highly competitive and technical world of FinTech. We'll explore how to translate complex capabilities into a compelling narrative that builds trust and drives growth.

To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Alexandra Westfal, Chief Marketing Officer at COLIBRIX ONE.

Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3

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://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When digital payments can feel like a commoditized utility, how do you build a brand that’s seen not just as a processor, but as a strategic partner?
Agility requires more than just speed; it demands the ability to innovate within complex regulatory frameworks while simultaneously building and maintaining unwavering customer trust.

Today, we're going to talk about the unique challenge of building a resonant brand in the highly competitive and technical world of FinTech. We'll explore how to translate complex capabilities into a compelling narrative that builds trust and drives growth.

To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Alexandra Westfal, Chief Marketing Officer at COLIBRIX ONE.

About Alexandra Westfal

Alexandra Westfal is an accomplished business development professional with a strong background in the commercial real estate sector in the past and valuable marketing experience in the payments industry these days. She has successfully built client relationships, driven growth initiatives, and delivered measurable results across competitive and highly regulated markets.
A self-starter with exceptional customer service, communication, and organizational skills, Aleksandra thrives in dynamic environments where adaptability and problem-solving are key. Her understanding of payments competitive market adds further depth to her profile, equipping her with insights into digital transactions, financial technologies, and client needs in fast-evolving ecosystems.
She brings strong numeracy skills and a structured approach to analysis, enabling her to deliver insights and strategies that support both clients and internal teams. Her enthusiasm for continuous learning and capability development extends not only to her own professional growth but also to empowering team members to achieve their potential.

Alexandra Westfal on LinkedIn: https://lv.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-westfal-kitina

---------- Resources ----------

COLIBRIX ONE: https://www.colibrix.one/

The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703

We’re proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658
Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873f
Don't miss We Make Future - the International Festival of Innovation in AI, Tech, and Digital Marketing, June 24-26 in Bologna. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c80991afff416bb2
The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1

Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3
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://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba
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

What if the most valuable customer acquisition channel you're ignoring is the one you’ve always written off as just a discount tool?

Agility requires not just adapting to new customer behaviors, but fundamentally re-evaluating long-held beliefs about which channels drive growth and which ones are merely a race to the bottom.

Retailers are making big moves into the cashback ecosystem.

Today, we're going to talk about the shifting economics of customer acquisition and how they are causing many brands to rethink their channel strategy. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Carolina Paradas, GM, North America at ShopBack.

Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3

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://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the most valuable customer acquisition channel you're ignoring is the one you’ve always written off as just a discount tool?

Agility requires not just adapting to new customer behaviors, but fundamentally re-evaluating long-held beliefs about which channels drive growth and which ones are merely a race to the bottom.
Retailers are making big moves into the cashback ecosystem.

Today, we're going to talk about the shifting economics of customer acquisition and how they are causing many brands to rethink their channel strategy. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Carolina Paradas, GM, North America at ShopBack.

About Carolina Paradas

Carolina Paradas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolina-p-693b418a/

Resources

ShopBack: www.shopback.com

The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703

Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74

We’re proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658

Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873f

Don't miss We Make Future - the International Festival of Innovation in AI, Tech, and Digital Marketing, June 24-26 in Bologna. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c80991afff416bb2

The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1

Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3

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://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba

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

For the last two decades, the primary question for marketers has been "How do we rank on Google?" What happens when the primary question becomes "How do we become the answer for an AI?"

Agility requires not just adapting to new tools like AI, but fundamentally rethinking the systems and organizational structures that support them. It’s a shift from optimizing channels to engineering a connected growth engine for the entire business.

This show is brought to you by Moburst, an award-winning digital marketing agency leading how brands succeed in the age of AI.

Moburst helps brands grow through data-driven strategies across app marketing, media buying, creative, and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), helping you win visibility in AI-powered search and generative engines. Everything they do is built to connect brands with the right audience and drive measurable growth. Learn more at moburst.com.

Today, we're going to talk about the significant disruption AI is causing not just to marketing tactics, but to the very foundation of how customers discover and interact with brands. This isn't about a new channel to manage; it's about the emergence of a new operating system for marketing, one that demands a move from siloed activities to integrated systems, from Search Engine Optimization to Answer Engine Optimization, and a new way of thinking about the teams we build.

To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Gilad Bechar, CEO at Moburst.

Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3

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://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the last two decades, the primary question for marketers has been "How do we rank on Google?" What happens when the primary question becomes "How do we become the answer for an AI?"

Agility requires not just adapting to new tools like AI, but fundamentally rethinking the systems and organizational structures that support them. It’s a shift from optimizing channels to engineering a connected growth engine for the entire business.

This show is brought to you by Moburst, an award-winning digital marketing agency leading how brands succeed in the age of AI.

Moburst helps brands grow through data-driven strategies across app marketing, media buying, creative, and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), helping you win visibility in AI-powered search and generative engines. Everything they do is built to connect brands with the right audience and drive measurable growth. Learn more at moburst.com.

Today, we're going to talk about the significant disruption AI is causing not just to marketing tactics, but to the very foundation of how customers discover and interact with brands. This isn't about a new channel to manage; it's about the emergence of a new operating system for marketing, one that demands a move from siloed activities to integrated systems, from Search Engine Optimization to Answer Engine Optimization, and a new way of thinking about the teams we build.

To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Gilad Bechar, CEO at Moburst.

About Gilad Bechar

Gilad Bechar is the CEO & Founder of Moburst, an award-winning digital marketing agency helping brands succeed in the age of AI. Moburst helps brands grow through data-driven strategies across app marketing, media buying, creative, and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). Gilad brings a practical, operator-level perspective on how brands can stay visible, relevant, and competitive as marketing shifts toward AI-powered discovery and performance-driven growth.,Yes,This will be completed shortly

Gilad Bechar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/begilad/

---------- Resources ----------

Moburst: https://www.moburst.com/

This show is brought to you by Moburst, an award-winning digital marketing agency leading how brands succeed in the age of AI.
Moburst helps brands grow through data-driven strategies across app marketing, media buying, creative, and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), helping you win visibility in AI-powered search and generative engines.
Everything they do is built to connect brands with the right audience and drive measurable growth.
Learn more at moburst.com.

Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74

We’re proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658

Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873f

Don't miss We Make Future - the International Festival of Innovation in AI, Tech, and Digital Marketing, June 24-26 in Bologna. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c80991afff416bb2

The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1

Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3

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://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba

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 AI can now execute an entire marketing campaign from a single prompt, what is the new primary function of a marketing leader?

While agility often requires adapting to new tools, it can also require fundamentally rethinking the operating model of a marketing organization. It’s about reallocating your most valuable resource—your team’s strategic thinking—to where it can have the greatest impact.

Today, we're going to talk about the shift from AI as a tool to AI as an autonomous agent. We'll explore how these "agentic" AI systems, which can independently execute complex tasks based on strategic goals, are poised to redefine the marketing function, separating real value from hype and forcing us to reconsider the balance between human creativity and machine execution.

To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome back to the show, Jamie Domenici, CMO at Klaviyo.

Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3

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://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If AI can now execute an entire marketing campaign from a single prompt, what is the new primary function of a marketing leader?

While agility often requires adapting to new tools, it can also require fundamentally rethinking the operating model of a marketing organization. It’s about reallocating your most valuable resource—your team’s strategic thinking—to where it can have the greatest impact.

Today, we're going to talk about the shift from AI as a tool to AI as an autonomous agent. We'll explore how these "agentic" AI systems, which can independently execute complex tasks based on strategic goals, are poised to redefine the marketing function, separating real value from hype and forcing us to reconsider the balance between human creativity and machine execution.

To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome back to the show, Jamie Domenici, CMO at Klaviyo.

About Jamie Domenici

Jamie is Chief Marketing Officer at Klaviyo, the only CRM built for consumer brands. She has served as the Chief Marketing Officer since August 2023. With more than 20 years of experience in SaaS Marketing, Jamie has become a pioneer in SMB Marketing and a champion for small businesses. Prior to Klaviyo, Jamie served as the CMO of GoTo, a provider of SaaS and cloud- based remote work tools for collaboration and IT management, and before that, she held various marketing leadership positions at Salesforce for over ten years. Jamie holds a B.A. in International Relations from California State University, Chico. Jamie lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and two daughters.

Jamie Domenici on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdomenici/

Resources

Klaviyo: https://www.klaviyo.com

The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703

Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74
We’re proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658
Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873f
Don't miss We Make Future - the International Festival of Innovation in AI, Tech, and Digital Marketing, June 24-26 in Bologna. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/c80991afff416bb2
The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1

Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3
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://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba
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