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Does your AI-based interface talk to customers the way a real person would or is it tech for tech’s sake? We are here at Forrester CX in Nashville, TN and hearing all about the latest insights and ideas for brands to create better experiences for their customers. Agility is less about bolting on new features just because the tech is available and more about making tomorrow’s experiences feel intuitive and natural to the end customer using them. Today we’re diving into designing for the future of experiences with AJ Joplin, Senior Analyst at Forrester. About AJ Joplin AJ is the lead analyst for Forrester’s research on experience design (XD), design organizations, and design leadership. Helping XD and customer experience (CX) leaders develop and deliver on research-based strategy is AJ’s professional passion. She has observed that the most effective organizations combine clear purpose with the right people and leverage systems to clarify decision-making, prioritization, and workflows. AJ also has years of workshop facilitation experience in human-centered design and design thinking. Using her professional coaching skills, AJ bring clients through ambiguity and into alignment on what matters and what’s next. Resources Forrester: https://www.forrester.com https://www.forrester.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 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…
Content provided by BTS. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by BTS or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
The Fearless Thinkers podcast, hosted by Rick Cheatham, personalizes BTS’s perspective on the people side of strategy. Fearless Thinkers is produced by Nicole Hernandez, Taylor Hale and Aron Towner. Special thanks to Joe Holeman, Chris Goodnow, Meghan McGrath, and Roanne Neuwirth for their invaluable help.
Content provided by BTS. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by BTS or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
The Fearless Thinkers podcast, hosted by Rick Cheatham, personalizes BTS’s perspective on the people side of strategy. Fearless Thinkers is produced by Nicole Hernandez, Taylor Hale and Aron Towner. Special thanks to Joe Holeman, Chris Goodnow, Meghan McGrath, and Roanne Neuwirth for their invaluable help.
Coaching is no longer just for executives behind closed doors. It’s now a personalized, tech-enabled lever for scaling leadership development across the enterprise. In this episode, Christine Tao, co-founder of Sounding Board, and Katrin Mulford, SVP and Global Head of Coaching at BTS, dive into what’s changed—and what’s possible. From navigating uncertainty to building mindset shifts that stick, they explore how modern coaching is accelerating readiness, driving retention, and evolving through AI.…
How do you lead in a world where roles are changing faster than people can adapt? In this episode, Rick Cheatham talks with Steph Peskett and Abi Scott about the second major trend from their recent research: human sustainability. The conversation covers everything from AI disruption to proactive talent strategies—and why the most forward-looking companies are rethinking how they grow, support, and retain their people.…
What happens when employees lose trust in their organizations? In part one of this two-part conversation, Steph Peskett and Abi Scott unpack one of the biggest trends reshaping talent development: the erosion of trust and power. Drawing on original research and real client stories, they discuss how even well-intentioned policies can backfire—and what leaders can do to rebuild confidence, clarity, and connection across the workforce.…
Rebecca Stern, Head of Learning at Udemy, discusses how her team is using AI to build a stronger learning culture . From skills mapping to hands-on experimentation, Rebecca shares how Udemy is helping employees get comfortable with AI, stay curious, and build the skills they need to grow . Listen now! For a transcript, click here .…
In the debut of our new Quarterly Fearless Thinkers CEO Mini-Series , BTS CEO Jessica Skon brings you inside the conversations she’s having with today's Fortune 500 executives on what it will really take to lead through the seismic shifts ahead. Join host Rick Cheatham for a peer-to-peer conversation you won’t want to miss.…
In this episode of Undiscovered Country , host Peter Mulford is joined by Jenny Dearborn, Chief People Strategy Officer at BTS , to explore how data analytics is transforming leadership. Jenny shares how HR leaders can leverage insights from data to drive business outcomes, develop future-ready talent, and create a culture of agility. Tune in to learn how analytics can unlock untapped business potential and empower leaders. Listen now!…
Join host Rick Cheatham in this episode of Fearless Thinkers as he talks with Richard Hargreaves, Managing Director at Corporate Research Forum (CRF) , about how HR leaders can build a future-ready workforce in times of uncertainty . They discuss the importance of focusing on critical roles, prioritizing impact, and staying agile amidst disruption. Tune in to hear practical advice on how HR can prepare organizations for the challenges ahead . Listen now!…
Join host Rick Cheatham in this episode of Fearless Thinkers as he sits down with Matt Tonken, a leader in BTS's Assessment practice, to explore the power of "future-back thinking" in creating frameworks for leadership success. They explore how organizations can build "success profiles" by imagining future scenarios and preparing leaders with the skills and mindsets necessary for those challenges. Tune in to learn how to create leadership frameworks that stand the test of time. Listen now!…
Tune into this exclusive repost of the HIKE2 webinar featuring Peter Mulford and Peter Coffee , VP for Strategic Research at Salesforce . In this insightful session, they dive into the game-changing role of AI in transforming industries. From the shift to edge devices and AI’s impact on the future of work , to the rise of quantum computing —discover how these groundbreaking technologies are fueling innovation and reshaping the business landscape . Don’t miss out—listen now!…
Join Rick Cheatham in this insightful episode of Fearless Thinkers as he talks with Peter about the transformational power of AI in business. They dive into the three key phases organizations go through when adopting AI—awareness, experimentation, and impact—and how they can successfully navigate each stage. From shifting mindsets to embracing AI as a virtual teammate, Peter shares how organizations can move from experimentation to scaling AI for real impact. Learn about the mindset shifts necessary to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape and unlock new opportunities for business growth. Listen now!…
In this episode Peter speaks with Professor Alejandro Lozano Robledo . He is the Director of Future Mobility Design Lab at UC Digital Futures and Mobility Systems Design Professor University of Cincinnati. He’s a proven innovator with a record of successful collaborations, including with Boeing, NASA, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Hyundai, and MIT. During our conversation we discuss the future of cities and mobility, the shift from car ownership to a subscription-based models, the implications of autonomous vehicle technology on various industries, the potential of level 5 automation and mobility as a service by 2040. the challenges of energy paradigm shift in the mobility industry, and other topics.…
Join host Rick Cheatham in this episode of Fearless Thinkers as he chats with Miguel Sequeira, an expert in sales leadership, about the five key mind traps holding back sales teams. As we kick off the new year, it’s a great time to reflect on how to drive a winning mentality in your teams. From the ‘victim mindset’ to the ‘lone wolf mentality’, Miguel uncovers the common barriers that can prevent high sales performance and how to overcome them. Discover strategies for leaders to recognize and address these traps, empowering their teams to embrace change and drive success. Tune in now! For a transcript, click here.…
Undiscovered Country - Preparing for the future now: how to lead your teams to thrive in uncertainty Join host Peter Mulford in this first episode of Undiscovered Country, a podcast about the future, and future back thinking at work. Here he speaks with Professor Rita McGrath, C-Suite advisor, professor at Columbia Business School, best-selling author of The End of Competitive Advantage, Seeing Around Corners: How to Spot Inflection Points in Business Before They Happen, and Discovery Driven Growth, and one of the world’s top experts on leading innovation and growth in times of uncertainty. Together they explore a range of future-focused topics, including strategic inflection points and how to spot them; discovery driven growth as a tool to de-risk projects; the importance of agility and adaptability and how to develop them; the digital, dematerialized future; talent in a digital world; and AI as a partner along your journey. Listen now! For a transcript, click here.…
Join host Rick Cheatham in this episode of Fearless Thinkers as he sits down with Zander Ross, a leader in Change and Transformation at BTS. Together, they explore why the biggest challenges leaders face often lie within—the habits, mindsets, and ways of working that no longer serve us. Zander shares five key shifts that leading organizations make to unlock growth, from customer-centric strategies to rethinking incentives and building new capabilities. Discover how small mindset changes can lead to big results and what it takes to align teams, systems, and leadership for the future. Listen now! For a transcript, click here.…
Join host Rick Cheatham in this week's episode of Fearless Thinkers as he welcomes Bowen Moody, CEO of Verity, the latest acquisition by BTS. In this insightful discussion, Bowen sheds light on Verity's innovative AI coaching tool, detailing its current applications among sales professionals and its transformative potential for the future of sales. Discover how AI is reshaping coaching strategies, empowering sales teams, and driving performance like never before. Listen now! For a transcript, click here .…
In this episode of Fearless Thinkers , host Rick Cheatham sits down with Will Heard, Director at BTS, and Fredrik Schuller, Global Head of Coach at BTS, to explore their groundbreaking work in leadership and development. Learn about the unique, hands-on solution developed by BTS in partnership with the Corporate Research Forum (CRF) to address the persistent challenges L&D professionals face in delivering high-impact leadership development. Tune in to discover how this experience is reshaping the future of leadership development and offering L&D professionals a powerful platform to build capability, exchange ideas, and lead with impact. For a transcript, click here .…
In this episode of the Fearless Thinkers podcast, host Rick Cheatham sits down with Jenny Dearborn, Chief People Strategy Officer & Head of Talent Insights, to discuss her journey from teaching to senior leadership. They explore the pivotal career decisions that led her to BTS, the power of aligning with stakeholder goals, and the importance of a strong support system in achieving professional success. Tune in to learn how Jenny’s experiences and insights can guide leaders in navigating their own career growth and making impactful decisions. For a transcript, click here .…
In this episode of the Fearless Thinkers podcast, host Rick Cheatham is in conversation with Kathryn Clubb, CEO of BTS North America, and Alex Amsden, Vice President of Change and Transformation at BTS, to explore the evolving landscape of strategic planning for senior leaders. They dive into the importance of engaging all levels of an organization in strategy formation and execution , the challenges of adapting to rapidly changing conditions, and the critical role culture plays in bringing strategy to life. Tune in to discover how top leaders are shaping strategies that are both resilient and adaptive, setting their organizations up for long-term success. For a transcript, click here .…
Welcome to another episode of the Fearless Thinkers podcast! Host Rick Cheatham is joined by Tara Castaneda, Senior Director at BTS, to explore the concept of vertical development. Tara breaks down the stages of vertical development, from the diplomat stage to the strategist stage, and explains how these stages influence leadership styles and behaviors. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and continuous growth for effective leadership. Tune in for practical insights and tips on elevating your leadership approach. For a transcript, click here .…
Welcome to another episode of the Fearless Thinkers podcast! Host Rick Cheatham is joined by Teresa Yetano, Senior Director, and Emily Steigerwald, Senior Director, to explore Revenue Growth Management (RGM). In today episode, they discuss how RGM links strategic and tactical approaches to meet evolving consumer needs, emphasizing omni-channel shopping, cross-functional alignment, leadership involvement, and predictive analytics. Tune in to discover how top global brands implement effective RGM strategies and drive organizational change. For a transcript, click here .…
In this episode of Fearless Thinkers, Rick welcomes Martin Rahn, Director of Talent Development at Constellium, a global leader in the development, manufacturing, and recycling of aluminum products and solutions. Martin, highly experienced in HR and Talent Management, has closely partnered with BTS to implement a comprehensive leadership development program aimed at aligning leadership, strategy, and culture. Drawing from his extensive experience with global companies, Martin discusses how Constellium’s tailored programs and internal collaboration have successfully fostered company culture and empowered leaders to navigate transformation and change. Tune in to hear more about Constellium’s strategic approach and significant improvements in employee engagement. For a transcript, click here .…
Join Rick Cheatham as he explores the evolving role of AI in education, learning, and leadership with Karim Hirani, Senior Director at BTS. Together, they compare AI and human coaching, discuss AI’s potential to democratize education, and dive into its impact on leadership development with a focus on the balance between AI’s capabilities and the importance of human relationships in coaching. Tune in for insights on the future of AI and the ethical considerations of its advancements. For a transcript, click here .…
In this episode of Fearless Thinkers, Rick Cheatham, hosts Katy Young , Senior Vice President and Partner at BTS, and Emanuele Scotti , Co-founder and CEO of Yumi, a recent addition to the BTS family. Emanuele unveils the fascinating story behind Yumi’s evolution into a powerhouse of HR innovation, drawing inspiration from the collaborative spirit of Waze. Discover how Yumi, their groundbreaking tool, harnesses collective intelligence to empower individuals within organizations, making change not just manageable, but thrilling. Katie shares insights on inclusive change and the thrilling challenge of scaling it across diverse organizations. For a transcript, click here .…
Join Rick Cheatham as he explores the intricacies of decision-making with Emma Nyström , Associate Director and Libby MacKenzi e, Director. Together, they dissect the four essential elements—authority, evidence, social dynamics, and committed action—and offer practical strategies for improving decision-making processes. From reframing authority structures to fostering psychological safety, this episode provides actionable insights for leaders navigating the complexities of decision-making in today’s dynamic. For a transcript, click here .…
In the most recent episode of Fearless Thinkers, we feature Henrik Ekelund , innovative Founder and Chairman of BTS Group. He talks about his new ventures since transitioning from CEO to Chairman. Henrik shares insights of five current global macrotrends that are impacting every corporate’s success and resilience. Henrik also shares from his research on national prosperity – what are the key components that underpin thriving countries. For a transcript, click here .…
Effective decision-making has the power to accelerate growth and drive your organization forward, achieving key milestones and outcomes faster, while ineffective decision making can paralyze organizational progress altogether. In this episode of Fearless Thinkers, Abbey Bonham, Principal, and Libby MacKenzie, Director, sit down with Rick Cheatham, CMO, to unpack what decision-making looks like in organizations today, the impact of AI, and the key moves you can make to level-up decision-making for yourself and your teams. For a transcript, click here .…
"There's a premium here on meeting the customer where they are. We can understand their buyer's journey, but if we don't adjust the resources that we need to bring at specific points, then it's a miss," says Barbara Adey , VP, in this episode of Fearless Thinkers. Barbara and Jason Davis , Senior Director, sit down with Rick Cheatham , CMO, to discuss their customer-centric approach to sales methodology and process. For a transcript, click here .…
How can finance teams complement organizations' evolving priorities? "Be a partner in educating the rest of the business [about the] strategic trade-offs of their choices... Breaking through the complexity of finance for the rest of the organization is really powerful," says Katy Young , SVP & Partner, in this episode of Fearless Thinkers. Katy and Ignacio Vaccaro , Senior Director & Head of SABA Practice, sit down with Rick Cheatham , CMO, to discuss the evolving role of finance in strategy execution. Learn more about our Strategy Execution and Business Acumen centers of expertise. Here's a transcript .…
What is executive coaching, and what makes it it a powerful development experience for leaders? In this special Fearless Thinkers episode , Jennifer Porter , Partner, and Jessica Skon , CEO, discuss how to help leaders develop, improve, and increase their effectiveness. Here's a transcript .
What makes a great go-to-market leader? “It’s about that consistency that you’re able to create for your team and for your clients — thinking about how you establish your operational cadence helps to reinforce those expectations when you’re not there all the time,” says Kyle Dean , Senior Director, in this episode of Fearless Thinkers . Kyle and Rick Cheatham , CMO, share ideas for all salespeople to consider as they progress both professionally and collectively. Learn more about our Go-to-Market services here . Here's a transcript .…
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