Episode Description: There’s no denying it: AI and tech are changing HR. Where is AI helping, and what are the problems with everyone using AI to apply for roles? Our guest is walking us through the tools and strategies for people leaders to identify and develop the very best talent. We also hear why the resume is “dead!” Welcome to the latest episode of Strategy for Breakfast. Send us a note at podcast@gdsgroup.com . For more, hear our extended conversation on YouTube! Discussion Points: Has AI...
Jun 25, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 13
Episode Description What if culture wasn’t just an HR buzzword—but the engine behind real innovation, trust, and business growth? In this episode of Strategy for Breakfast , Amanda Brilhante sits down with Cindy Chastain, the Former SVP, Global Head of Customer Experience & Design at Mastercard, to unpack why culture is far more than a branding exercise. They explore why trust is non-negotiable, why even killing a product can be a cultural win, and how meaningful change often starts with sma...
Jun 11, 2025•6 min•Season 5Ep. 12
Episode Description We’re joined by Kae Neskovic, Executive Creative Director at Superside, for a candid conversation on what it really takes to evolve your brand without losing its soul. In a world chasing “human” content, Kae breaks down why authenticity isn’t just clever copy or user-generated content—it’s about emotional range, creative bravery, and embracing transformation without fear. For more, hear our extended conversation on YouTube! Discussion Points: When brand evolution efforts have...
May 28, 2025•4 min•Season 5Ep. 11
Episode Description In this episode, we dive into the forces shaping global supply chains, from commodity headwinds and tailwinds to surprising economic substitutes like Brazilian oranges and alternatives to chocolate. Our guest, Francisco Martin-Rayo, unpacks how hedge funds capitalize on volatility and why fluctuating grocery prices can mean big business for investors. Plus, we explore AI’s growing role in agriculture and what upskilling looks like for supply chain and commodities professional...
May 14, 2025•7 min•Season 5Ep. 10
Episode Description Does it feel like you've just wrapped your head around Generative AI, when you start hearing about Agentic AI everywhere? AI is evolving and it's high time we stop being intimidated by it! Our guest has been programming since he was 10 years old, so he's the perfect person to explain Agentic AI in digestible terms, and better still- how it will make work more enjoyable and productive. For more, hear our extended conversation on YouTube! Discussion Points: In simple terms, wha...
Apr 30, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 10
Episode Description In today’s oversaturated media landscape, capturing audience attention is only half the battle—what brands really want is action. So how do you move beyond impressions and create lasting engagement? This week, we’re joined by Michele Fino, a seasoned Chief Storyteller with deep expertise in branded entertainment and content strategy. Michele shares how marketers can use the power of storytelling, smart distribution, and timing to transform passive viewers into loyal, active c...
Apr 16, 2025•7 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Episode description Exploring how organizations build operational excellence and create a sustainable culture; that idea of embedding it into everyday life at an organization. We talk to Darren O’Connor, Director of Business Development, from Performance Solutions by Milliken about how continuous improvement and operational excellence can be found through collaboration and transparency. But the challenge remains that building this culture, so it outlives those who have implemented it requires th...
Apr 03, 2025•5 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Episode description Exploring how organizations build operational excellence and create a sustainable culture; that idea of embedding it into everyday life at an organization. We talk to Chris Poole, Director of Strategic Client Development, from Performance Solutions by Milliken about how continuous improvement and operational excellence can be found through collaboration and transparency. But the challenge remains that building this culture, so it outlives those who have implemented it require...
Apr 03, 2025•5 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Episode description How can organizations ensure every consumer has what they need to thrive in the digital world, no matter who they are? This week, we’re joined by Jack Cunningham, the Director of Product Management at Livefront . Jack will explain why companies need to embrace accessibility, and how AI plays a role in improving the accessibility of technology. Discussion points: · Ensuring companies embrace accessibility by understanding the need and importance of making sure everyone, regard...
Mar 19, 2025•7 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Sustainability, wellness, inclusion. The corporate values important to your business can also help you win market share. If you tell the story in the right way. Our guest is a sustainable food expert, and drawing hilarious notes from her book, "You Can't Market Manure at Lunchtime,” shares what you CAN talk about instead, and how to make it matter. Welcome to the latest episode of Strategy for Breakfast! Send us a note at podcast@gdsgroup.com Discussion Points: How corporate social responsibilit...
Mar 05, 2025•19 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Episode Description: AI is evolving faster than ever, and DeepSeek just sent shockwaves through the industry. In this episode of Strategy for Breakfast , Amanda Brilhante, and Strategic Engagement Advisor with the FBI Rob Petrosino unpack why this new AI model out of China is making headlines—and what it means for the future of AI dominance. Is this a true breakthrough in AI efficiency, or does it come with hidden risks that users and organizations need to consider? Discussion points: The hidden...
Feb 19, 2025•20 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Episode Description: Who is truly responsible for AI within your organization? Are they equipped to navigate its ethical challenges while maximizing its value? In this episode of Strategy for Breakfast , host David McGrath sits down with HP Dalen to explore the complexities of AI ownership in business. From aligning AI initiatives with core company values to ensuring leadership-level AI literacy, they discuss why strategic oversight is critical for success. Discussion points: The challenges of ‘...
Feb 05, 2025•22 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Episode Description: Is AI going to be a large part of state government and public services? In this episode of Strategy for Breakfast , Amanda Brilhante speaks with Vincent Cabansag, COO of Clockwork and Vice Chair of Minnesota’s Technology Advisory Council, to explore how AI is improving public safety, streamlining services, and enhancing citizen experiences. From AI-powered traffic monitoring to multilingual chatbots breaking language barriers, technology is making government more efficient, ...
Jan 22, 2025•24 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Episode Description: What if you could take a selfie to know whether you're healthy? Fitness Trackers, Alexa, Siri, TikTok -- The digital age has ushered in unprecedented access to health information, empowering patients to take control of their well-being, and tech is only getting smarter. In this episode we discuss how stepping on your bathmat can give your vitals or a smart mirror can detect cancer. However, digital redlining and the abundance of misinformation pose significant challenges to ...
Jan 08, 2025•25 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Episode Description: How is an elite sport redefining modern sports? SailGP is revolutionizing sailing by blending cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and strategic global growth. From real-time data overlays to their unique "Impact League," Chief Marketing Officer of SailGP, Leah Davis, says the league delivers a fan-first approach that marries entertainment with purpose. As they expand internationally, SailGP is balancing tradition and modernity, the importance of data and technology, and...
Dec 11, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 25
Episode Description: How do we keep healthcare personal in a tech-driven world? This week, we’re joined by David Weisman, Chief Experience Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals in Queens, to explore why a human-centered approach is critical to the future of healthcare. David shares how the pandemic reshaped the patient experience, why personal touch still matters, and where AI can enhance but never replace human connection in healthcare. Discussion points: Ensuring personalization remains a priority...
Nov 27, 2024•19 min•Season 4Ep. 24
Episode Description: How is AI is transforming the modern workplace and challenging tradition 9-to-5 norms? From reducing mundane tasks to sparking creativity, host Amanda and guest Sky Kelley discuss how technology can redefine productivity and even open doors to a 4-day workweek. Technology is allowing us to "cut through the noise". Hear insights on overcoming challenges in legacy organizations, leveraging AI for better work-life balance, and reimagining what the workday could look like in the...
Nov 13, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 23
Want a resilient organization? Focus on your people! Our guest is the Global Financial Services Digital Transformation Lead at Red Hat, and while she does indeed help companies leverage technology, including the power of open source and AI, at the center is always PEOPLE. Welcome to the latest episode of Strategy for Breakfast! Let us know what you think at podcast@gdsgroup.com Discussion Points: How leading organizations are strengthening operational resilience The importance of representation ...
Oct 30, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 22
Episode Description: How can we begin to recognize neurodiverse traits as strengths in the workplace? Our guest breaks down how leaders and organizations can be more understanding of neurodiverse talent. An inclusive work environments recognizes and embraces neurodiverse traits as strengths, particularly in high-demand fields like cybersecurity. Discussion points: Creating a safe space where neurodivergent individuals can thrive and contribute their unique skills. Breaking away from rigid organi...
Oct 16, 2024•20 min•Season 4Ep. 21
Episode Description: It's not just the right thing to do. It's not just about mitigating legal risk. Digital accessibility is good for business. But as our guest discusses, current RTO mandates might be blocking progress! Welcome to this critically important episode of Strategy for Breakfast! Let us know what you think at podcast@gdsgroup.com Discussion points: What is the state of accessibility in the digital world (websites, apps, software) – how are we doing? What barriers prevent work or dig...
Oct 02, 2024•19 min•Season 4Ep. 20
While digital shopping gets ever more pervasive, with endless options at our fingertips, our guest says consumers today ALSO want that in-store experience. How can retailers cater to shoppers' whims, and how can AI really help? Welcome to the latest episode of Strategy for Breakfast, where we talk with a retail expert, straight off a speaking gig at our big Retail Summit! Let us know what you think of this episode at podcast@gdsgroup.com Discussion points: Where is AI and other emerging tech hel...
Sep 18, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 19
Episode Description: In a jobs market that has many feeling insecure, what does it take to secure that next promotion or land your dream gig? Our guest is the author of "The 2-Hour Job Search" and he teaches people how to turn strangers into advocates to get ahead at work. Let us know what you think of this episode at podcast@gdsgroup.com Discussion points: How can we get people to advocate for us in our careers, even if we're not natural-born networkers? What's the science behind finding effect...
Sep 04, 2024•21 min•Season 4Ep. 18
Welcome to Strategy for Breakfast! The podcast about real business challenges based on real business conversations. In this episode, we’re talking to an expert in AI implementation about how to have quicker growth, better productivity, and employee satisfaction. Rujuta Singh, the founder of Solved Together , shares neuroscience-backed methods and cost-effective strategies like design sprints, highlighting the importance of staying ahead in the AI landscape. Tune in to discover actionable insight...
Aug 22, 2024•21 min•Season 4Ep. 17
Welcome to Strategy for Breakfast! The podcast about real business challenges based on real business conversations. In this episode, we explore how to find, motivate and retain your top performers. Because according to a recent report from Manpower Group, 75% of employers globally are reporting talent shortages; a similar amount say they are struggling to fill open positions. And improving success in this area is something award-winning recruiter Rob Kenward is passionate about. What does succes...
Aug 07, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 16
Welcome to Strategy for Breakfast! In this episode, we go deep with the author of “The Five Practices of Highly Resilient People.” Sharing insights from two decades of her own original qualitative research, Dr. Taryn Marie Stejskal shows us why resiliency is no longer a soft skill. Let us know what you think of this episode at podcast@gdsgroup.com Discussion points: -How did you come to study resiliency? -Everyone goes through challenges, but not everyone learns from them. What are the differenc...
Jul 24, 2024•23 min•Season 4Ep. 15
Welcome to Strategy for Breakfast! The podcast about real business challenges based on real business conversations. In this episode, we take a deep dive into human contact, and it impact on customer experience in the age of AI. And for all of that we welcome our guest the Vice President of Client Services at CORT, Angelique Lofton. Are we losing the human connection in the age AI? Let us know what you think of this episode at podcast@gdsgroup.com Discussion points In the age of AI, how to keep i...
Jul 10, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 14
Welcome to Strategy for Breakfast! The podcast about real business challenges based on real business conversations. In this episode, we’re talking to the creator of a special technology that can print ingredients onto any type of surface. From beverages to pet goods to medications and beyond, Smart Cups is changing the way products are manufactured, packaged, transported, and consumed. And you can bet Chris Kanik, Founder and CEO, has learned a TON along the way. From navigating influencer marke...
Jun 26, 2024•21 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Welcome to Strategy for Breakfast! The podcast about real business challenges based on real business conversations. In this episode, hop aboard the Hot Mess Express with us because we’re talking to an expert about solving the BIG business problems of today’s workplace. From all those meetings that could have been an email, to co-workers hamming it up for productivity theater, what’s beneath the paranoia? Our guest is Stefanie Krievins, president of The Change Architects, and it’s her job to help...
Jun 12, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 12
Welcome to Strategy for Breakfast! The podcast about real business challenges based on real business conversations . Join Stephanie Garey, presenter at GDS Group, in an insightful conversation with Cat Anderson, Director of International Marketing at Sprout Social. Dive into the world of B2B marketing as we discuss the importance of creativity, taking risks, and leveraging data. Discover how to foster a culture of innovation, navigate challenges, and address the implications of greenwashing in m...
May 29, 2024•19 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Welcome to Strategy for Breakfast! The podcast about real business challenges based on real business conversations. In this episode, GDS Group presenter Stephanie Garey sits down with Jessica Deckinger, CEO, operating partner, and board member, renowned for her expertise in integrated brand marketing and digital strategy. Join us as we explore the current marketing landscape, the challenges facing leaders, and strategies for doing more with less. Learn how AI is revolutionising marketing, the im...
May 15, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 10
