The CPG Guys

The CPG Guys, Sri & PVSB, are joined in this episode by:

• Frank Cervi: Senior Vice President Supply Chain Strategy and Transformation at Mondelēz International
• Mayur Rustagi: Co-Founder and CTO at Sigmoid

This episode is sponsored by Sigmoid.

Follow Sigmoid online at: https://www.sigmoid.com/
Follow Sigmoid on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigmoid-analytics/
Follow Sigmoid on Instagram at: http://instagram.com/sigmoidinc
Follow Mayur on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rustagi/

Follow Mondelēz International Online at: https://www.mondelezinternational.com/
Follow Mondelēz International on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mondelezinternational/
Follow Frank on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-cervi-5304131/

Mayur & Frank answer these questions:

1) Let’s get into the world of Sigmoid, how did the journey start, what was the inspiration and where you are as a company today?
2) Frank, as a veteran in the CPG industry, how are data engineering and AI impacting your business? Where does Data fit now, as compared to 5 yrs?
3) The intersection of data + AI is sizzling hot these days. AI can help take the most complex data sets and deliver reporting quickly, is this the biggest opportunity in the CPG industry for insights generation?
4) Tell us how Sigmoid has differentiated itself from other data analytics companies? What are tangible results of this for CPG brands or retailers? How can this result in stronger downstream ROI generation?
5) Solving the digital and analytics scale-up challenge in consumer goods is a real thing. How is Sigmoid helping its customers? Frank - please chime in with how your role helps take Mondelez forward on this?
6) What did you find different & compelling in Sigmoid’s approach vs. other technology companies that you’ve dealt with?
7) Sigmoid is one of the fastest-growing technology companies in The Americas. What’s driving this growth?
8) What does the future hold for Sigmoid? What can your clients and those who want to be partners expect from you?

Please provide the CPG Guys feedback at http://ratethispodcast.com/cpgguys

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGGuys.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. The views expressed by the CPGGUYS, LLC do not represent the views of their employers or the entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys, PVSB and Sri are joined in this episode by Candace Mitchell Harris, the founder & CEO of MYAVANA which blends customized haircare recipes + patented technology to support and guide consumers through every phase of their hair care journey.

Follow Candace on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candacevictoria/
Follow MYAVANA on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/myavana/
Follow MYAVANA online at: http://myavana.com 

Candace answers these questions:

1) Take us through that wonderful career where you and I met at PepsiCo where you were a program manager and reconnected at Revlon as a CEO/founder of myavana? How did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
2) What is the myavana mission and how was it founded? How hard was it to be a solo entrepreneur and how did you go about starting this mission?
3) What are the trials and tribulations of a startup founder? Has it always been rosy? What emotions does one go through?
4) How did covid impact business given social interactions in person dropped significantly. How has it rebounded and where are you headed? How hard is it to be a female POC founder of a brand?
5) Take us through the product portfolio and who should be looking to myavana for solutions? Who is your core consumer?
6) What is the role of digital for myavana? What is eCommerce doing for you? What’s the in store plan? What does the app do?
7) Why would one keep a business membership and how does it benefit them? Who is a hair expert? What’s next for myavana?
8) Who is a Myavana angel? What do they do and how does one become a mayavana angel? How many angels like this exist?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGGuys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://fmcgguys.com
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys, Sri & PVSB, are joined in this episode by Patty Descamps, Associate Director of Customer Experience & Personalization at The Clorox Company and Risa Crandall, SVP CPG Strategy at Aki Technologies which empowers brands and retailers to reach people by targeting pivotal moments in the consumer journey with personalized advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Aki Technologies.

Follow Aki Technologies online at: http://a.ki
Follow Aki Technologies on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aki-technologies/
Follow Risa on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/risa-crandall/
Follow the Clorox Company Online at: https://www.thecloroxcompany.com/
Follow Clorox on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-clorox-company/
Follow Patty on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-descamps-a3a3b328/

Patty & Risa answer these questions:

1) Patty, your career once out of LSU was at P&G in finance. How did you evolve to CX? What does CX mean to you?
2) Risa, can you explain what personalized advertising is and why it’s important?
3) Patty, how does Clorox partner with Aki - is it your team, and if so what is the partnership?
4) How is everyday value coming out of your partnership Patty? Risa, what would you say is the primary reason this partnership is successful?
5) Risa, what is responsive dynamic personalization? Is it different from personalization? What are examples of this from Aki?
6) Patty, I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask what are your predictions for this evolving CX space? Where are you focused in this space go forward with the high penetration of ecommerce we have seen? Will the role of personalization change even more?
7) What is new and exciting at Aki? What should we expect next in this exciting advertising space?

Please provide the CPG Guys feedback at http://ratethispodcast.com/cpgguys

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGGuys.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/pvsbond
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cpgguys
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/cpgpodcast
Media Kit: http://tinyurl.com/cpgguysmedia 

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. The views expressed by the CPGGUYS, LLC do not represent the views of their employers or the entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys, PVSB and Sri are joined in this episode by Matthew A. Smith, director, marketplace strategy & business development for food, consumables, health & wellness at Walmart Marketplace, the 3P online seller marketplace at the world’s most elite retailer.

Follow Matthew on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matasmit
Follow Walmart Marketplace on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walmart-marketplace/
Follow Walmart Marketplace online at: http://marketplace.walmart.com
Learn more about Walmart Fulfillment Services at: https://marketplace.walmart.com/walmart-fulfillment-services/
Learn to sell on Walmart Marketplace here: https://marketplace.walmart.com/sell-your-products-online-with-walmart/?utm_source=corporate&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Open_Call

Matt answers these questions:

1) You of course came on the show way back representing Walmart connect, back then Walmartmedia and its capabilities. Since then, your role has changed.  What exactly is your new role?
2) Decompose the marketplace platform for our audience. Who buys, who sells, what is your role in this with buyers and sellers?
3) Are there Walmart connect opportunities in the marketplace? When can we expect this evolution?
4) How fast is this marketplace growing, and how does one enroll to be part of it selling products? Can a 1P supplier sell on this platform?
5) Why do you believe this is the next frontier and who do you recommend should connect with you/the marketplace? What sort of brands are ideal for this?
6) Take our audience through all the various services you offer, and a highlight of successful partnerships you have had with brands?
7) How does a brand scale on this platform?
8) What’s your big announcement about #walmartopencall ?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGGuys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://fmcgguys.com
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys, PVSB and Sri are joined in this episode by Jennifer Volz, Senior Manager, Beauty Customer Care at Walgreens, the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, a global leader in retail pharmacy and Casey Nider, Vice President, Business Development and Customer Experience from Brandshare, which creates omnichannel brand experiences to accelerate purchase conversion through curated subscription boxes, loyalty programs and e-commerce sampling with digital connectivity.

This episode is sponsored by Brandshare

Follow Jennifer Volz on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-volz-416a491b
Follow Casey Nider on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseynider
Follow Brandshare on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandshareus/
Follow Brandshare online at: http://Brandshare.us

Jennifer & Casey answer these questions:

1) What beauty trends are you seeing this Spring that Walgreens customers are asking for?
2) What can customers expect when they visit Walgreens’ Big Beauty event this March?
3) How instrumental are the Walgreens’ Beauty Consultants to the success of the overall customer experience?
4) For customers that cannot attend the in-store event, are there online promotions for them to take advantage of?
5) How will sampling play a role within the Big Beauty event in-store and online?
6) Are there any insights, customer feedback or engagement you can share from previous Walgreens in-store or online events?
7) How did the Walgreens/Brandshare partnership begin and what can we expect in the future?
8) How can interested brands learn more about being involved with Walgreens’ events?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGGuys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://fmcgguys.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys, PVSB and Sri are joined in this episode by Kara Rousseau, VP, Head of Marketing at Walmart Connect, the closed loop omnichannel media business of America's largest retailer.

Follow Kara Rousseau on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-rousseau/
Follow Walmart Connect on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walmart-connect/
Follow Walmart Connect online at: https://walmartconnect.com/

Kara answers these questions:

1) Turner Broadcasting, Warner Media, Walt Disney - now WMC. How did all this happen and what attracted you to WMC?
2) Why is retail media one of the hottest platforms of advertising today?
3) How is WMC driving leadership for brands in this space?
4) How does WMC’s solutions connect back to the store and merchandising for Omnichannel growth?
5) Take us through the various ad capabilities WMC offers.
6) How can WMC help a brand innovation launch be successful. What tactics do you recommend?
7) What can brands expect back from campaigns? Data, insights, what types of metrics?
8) What are the innovative solutions you are building that deliver on the needs of advertisers of all sizes?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGGuys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://fmcgguys.com
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys, PVSB and Sri are joined in this episode by Tom Coburn, co-founder & CEO of Jebbit which enables anyone to build and design fun, engaging quizzes and digital experiences with speed and control, all while capturing customer-first, zero-party data at scale. From simple lead forms or surveys to more robust experiences like product matches and personality quizzes, Jebbit experiences drive 85% avg. completion rates and provide consumers with immediate value in exchange for relevant information about their motivations, interests and preferences.

This episode is sponsored by Jebbit

Follow Tom Coburn on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-coburn-b8aa2b34/
Follow Jebbit on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jebbit/
Follow Jebbit online at: https://www.jebbit.com/

Tom answers these questions:

1) ’m familiar with 3rd party, 2nd party and 1st party data.  “What is zero party data?” There was a recent Twitter debate on whether zero party data is actually a thing or if this is all just really first party data.  What’s your take?
2) I guess the investment industry is validating your perspective as Jebbit recently announced a sizable round of funding.  What are your plans for the funding?
3) You work with a lot of CPG brands, can you share some of the most common ways CPG brands are getting value from Jebbit?
4) The stats shared are pretty incredible, why do consumers engage with these experiences at such high rates?
5) Jebbit’s growth comes at the time the industry is grappling with the impact of serious data privacy changes, Facebook reporting that Apple’s changes will cost them $10 Billion this year.  6) How is Jebbit helping CPG brands with the impending “cookieless world”?
CPG brands for ages have been at the mercy of the retailers and third party sources when it comes to data strategy, the shift to DTC and ecommerce is empowering them to now be in control.  How should they be thinking about their data strategy today based on the successes you’ve seen?
7) So brands should be thinking about this strategy along every point of the path to purchase, even offline?  Can this form of data really scale?
8) Tom, your origin story is pretty incredible from college drop out to CEO of a marketing technology company that doubled revenue last year.  Please share how you got here?
9) Lastly, any advice or predictions you want to share?  What is the best way to get started?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGGuys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://fmcgguys.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys, PVSB and Sri are joined in this episode by Ru Vallury, Head of Grocery (Food & Snacks) at Amazon Ads, the omnichannel media arm of Amazon which helps brands reach audiences where they shop, read, listen, watch, and play through ad experiences both on and off Amazon. Tap into signals to shape your advertising campaigns and measure results.

This episode is brought to through a partnership with Amazon.

Follow Ru Vallury on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ru-vallury-80825a2/
Follow Amazon on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amazon/
Follow Amazon Ads online at: https://advertising.amazon.com/

Ru answers these questions:

1) Lets begin with your background. You graduated Hofstra and spent time in clinical research. Then it was magazines and digital via Cox. Then Amazon for a solid 10 years. Take us through the journey of your career at Amazon to Amazon ads now leading food & snacks advertising?
2) Let’s dive right into retail media. A few years ago, non existent. The advent of Retail Media as spurred on by Amazon's entrance and evolution into ads - from feeds sponsored ads to the full Ad Stack today revolutionized it. Why is retail media such a hot commodity these days?
3) How is Amazon ads leading brands in understanding and developing brand equity in this space?
4) How can Amazon ads help drive a successful SKU or brand launch? What tactics do you recommend for innovation launch?
5) Take us through all the features and different capabilities of Amazon ads. What tactics would you recommend for scaled brands vs smaller brands?
6) What can brands expect back from Amazon ads with each campaign today? Can you take us through the metrics, reports, and how success is defined with you?
7) What’s next for Amazon ads? Capabilities? What’s the sneak peek you want to share with our audience?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGGuys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://fmcgguys.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys, PVSB and Sri are joined in this episode by Nich Weinheimer, GM of Strategy and Commerce at Skai (fka Kenshoo). Skai is an AI-powered suite of technologies for brands and retailers including consumer and market insights, strategic planning, omnichannel media activation, testing and measurement. Skai’s solutions all share a uniquely comprehensive data foundation that informs intelligence and true incremental lift.

This episode is sponsored by Skai.

Follow Nich Weinheimer on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nich-weinheimer-601a596/
Follow Skai on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skaicommerce/
Follow Skai online at: https://skai.io/

Nich answers these questions:

1) Lets begin and dive right into retail media. A few years ago, non existent. The advent of Retail Media as spurred on by Amazon's entrance and evolution into ads - from feeds sponsored ads to the full Ad Stack today revolutionized it. Where are we today on this?
2) How was Skai's history perfectly aligned to capture and help scale Retail Media - from Kenshoo to your full Connected Commerce platform?
3) Client profiling... holding companies, independent agencies, direct brands... is there a pattern in adoption as nascent channels/strategies emerge (outsourcing>insourcing)? Why are some clients so inclined to work with an enterprise platform vs. other options?
4) So you just completed a 150+ marketer agency and brand and aggregators survey/report with BWG about the State of Retail Media. Would you share some key highlights/insights.
5) What is Connected Commerce and how does skai help brands and retailers adopt and address it?
6) Lets decompose brands' data 'hierarchy of needs' and the opportunity to connect data to take 'meaningful retail action' - what’s SKAI’s role and how do you make this easy?
7) Beyond Amazon, what are Retailers looking for - strategy, technology, demand - to capture more share of this 1 in 8 dollars spent in digital on Retail Media? Why should CPGs care and lean in?
8) Take our audience through all the various services you offer, and a highlight of successful partnerships you have had with brands

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGGuys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://fmcgguys.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys, PVSB and Sri are joined in this episode by Tyler Dooley, the founder & CEO of Wakeup Water, a purpose-driven health and wellness company that believes your happiness starts with what you put into your body.

Follow Tyler Dooley on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dooley-a62317125/
Follow Wakeup Water on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wakeupwater/
Follow Wakeup Water online at: https://drinkwakeupwater.com/
 
Tyler answers these questions:

1) Your story starts at College of Holy Cross, then you touched finance, logistics and even real estate, eventually founding wakupwater. Decompose this for our audience and tell us how all this came to be.
2) What is the primary mission of wakeupwater and how has fundraising been in these times? What are most investors interested in understanding about your business model?
3) What about supply chain? In these times getting raw material seems to get harder and harder, then there’s manufacturing. How do you manage that for success?
4) You launched DTC - how hard is that for a beverage brand at these price points? What’s the store model & plan?
5) Why is digital commerce a priority for you in these times? How are you working to ensure wakeupwater is ecommerce & omnichannel ready = what are specific initiatives or actions you have taken?
6) How are you focused on building a team and what does your team specifically focus on - is it revenue or capabilities or both? Are their specific functions that are challenging to fill in this employment market?
7) How important is user experience in this journey and how do you help shoppers get that top tier UX? 
8) What’s next for wakeupwater and you? How do you scale this?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGGuys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://fmcgguys.com
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com 

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.