In the second of our FODcast ‘shorts’ with CEO, Tim Roedel, we’re excited to bring you another great discussion on the rising trend of fractional hiring with Adrian Wakefield, Co-Founder of The Digital WoW Group.

With over 35 years of experience in delivering technology and digital transformations, Adrian's journey spans from manufacturing and operations to tech leadership, including his role as CIO of a global tech organisation. Now at the forefront of fractional consulting, Adrian helps businesses leverage high-level expertise on a part-time basis – and was therefore a great guest to feature on the topic.

🔍 Discussion Highlights:

• Drivers of Fractional Hiring Increase: Learn about the flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and access to specialised skills driving this trend.
• Organisational Adaptation: Understand how businesses can navigate regulations, adjust roles, and manage operational people matters to integrate fractional leaders.
• Characteristics of Effective Fractional Leaders: Discover the key traits of successful fractional leaders, including availability, expertise, strategic vision, and strong communication skills.
• Future Outlook: Explore the long-term benefits of fractional hiring and its potential to become a permanent fixture in the business landscape.

Tune in now to gain a deeper understanding of fractional hiring and its impact on digital transformation and business strategy.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Ever wondered how a gym chain can expand from one country to multiple regions using the power of technology? Join us as we sit down for Episode 3 of Season 6 with Lee Pentecost, experienced Tech Leader and currently Group Head of Architecture at PureGym. 

You’ll hear about Lee’s own career path, from crafting websites in the late '90s to his current role in driving PureGym’s growth and digital transformation. Plus we touch upon the business’ mobile app and how it’s revolutionising member engagement with functionalities like class bookings and gym access, and imagine an ambitious future where it becomes a full-fledged fitness assistant. 

We also consider the future of gym operations with automation and AI…and finding the balance between foundational services and advanced innovations, ensuring PureGym caters to both tech-savvy fitness enthusiasts and the everyday gym-goer. 

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Welcome to Episode 4, Season 5 of The FOD: The Future Of All Things Digital - the podcast designed to bring to you the latest hot topics and trending discussions across the wider world of eCommerce.

In this fourth episode we were delighted to welcome digital expert, Gert van Vliet to the ongoing Composable conversation.

Gert has many decades of experience working in and around the digital commerce space; initially as a functional designer and developer, before moving into consultancy across sales, marketing, accountancy and IT functions for a range of businesses and agencies.

Gert is currently the Managing Director for Netherlands-based digital commerce agency, TouchTribe - part of the MakerStreet Network, one of the country's biggest digital agencies, offering complete end-to-end solutions for its clients.

In our chat for The FOD, we talk in detail about the number one reason why Composable transformations fail, the importance of culture and the 'human element' of being part of an often very complex project, and the inevitable (and unpredictable) future of the sector as AI-use and implementation start to take hold.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Welcome to Episode 3, Season 5 of The FOD: The Future Of All Things Digital - the podcast designed to bring to you the latest hot topics and trending discussions across the wider world of eCommerce.

In this third episode we welcome seasoned technology leader, Dom Selvon, to the ongoing discussion on all things Composable. 

Dom has many decades of experience within the sector, working initially within management consultancy services and technology delivery, and then as a solutions architect and CTO for systems integrators.  

Currently the Global Chief Technology Officer of Apply Digital – a leading digital solutions agency, Dom has spent the best part of the last five years advising clients on the move to composable and has helped some of the world’s most recognised brands including, Moderna, Kraft Heinz, Lululemon, and The Very Group.  

An Executive Board Member of the MACH Alliance, Dom chats to us in detail about the importance of departmental collaboration, ensuring the IT/Tech department is part of the wider delivery team (and not viewed as a ‘supplier’) and why understanding the business vision is critical for all parties who embark on the journey to composable. 

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Welcome to Episode 2, Season 5 of The FOD: The Future Of All Things Digital - the podcast designed to bring to you the latest hot topics and trending discussions across the wider world of eCommerce.

For the second episode of the season, we were delighted to welcome experienced digital leader, Tomas A. Krag to join the discussion on all things Composable.

Currently Chief Technology Officer at full-service agency NoA Ignite, a full-service agency based in Denmark, Tomas has also held senior positions client-side, with CTO roles at home retailer and manufacturer Hilding Anders and more recently Bang & Olufsen where, in building an eCommerce team from scratch, went on to win multiple awards for front-end design and MACH architecture.
 
In our chat with Tomas, he talks openly about the most common mistakes companies make when going down the composable route, as well as reasons why some decide to change paths altogether and move towards a more monolithic architecture >>>

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

We are BACK with a new season of the Simply Commerce podcast, the show that brings you the latest insights into the future of digital commerce.

After a welcome response to Season 4, episodes in this Season continue to have a primary focus on all things Composable. And, while this isn't a new topic per se, it is undoubtedly still a popular one with many unanswered questions.

Through conversations with our guests - this time agency leaders - we'll be trying to find the answers.

Our first episode of Season 5 features an insightful discussion with Michiel Tielemans, MD of Lab Digital, one of the Netherlands' leading composable agencies who have helped a wide range of clients over the last decade including Frasers Group, Mars, Suzuki and Toyota.

Michiel shares with us the reasons why Composable transformations fail, as well as advice to end customers on how to make sure they are set for success from the get-go.

It's a fascinating, honest discussion and will no doubt be of use to businesses considering a move away from monolith >>>

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

We are delighted to present to you a BONUS episode for Season 4 of our podcast; The FOD, where we chatted in depth with former Head of Software Development at Wiggle, David Hardiman.

 In our chat with David, we learn more about the retailer’s move to Composable which started in earnest back in 2020 – a move necessitated by an outdated e-commerce infrastructure. 

In this episode we hear about the challenges that the decision to go ‘Composable’ presented and why anyone embarking on that journey or indeed weighing up their options, should (in David’s words) go into it with their eyes wide open, and with a crystal clear vision of what business requirements are; an understanding of what problems they are looking to solve, and an acknowledgement that this is an inherently complex process despite the obvious advantages it can bring.

It’s a fascinating discussion that offers an honest and balanced view from someone who has lived through the journey – and has come out of the other side with clear insight on the positives …and the pitfalls.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

In this final episode of Season 4, our host and Director of Client Engagement, James Hodges looks back on the conversations we've had with our guests from across the sector on the hot topic of Composable.

This short wrap-up looks at some of the key insights shared with our guests; the challenges faced with real-world examples, mistakes and learnings along the way, and invaluable top tips for those beginning the move to a Composable architecture themselves.

A huge thanks to all who have tuned in, downloaded, and watched over the last few weeks - and of course to our guests who have given up their time to talk to us about a topic that shows no sign of abating.

• Dr. Anjali Subburaj, MACH Ambassador & award-winning technology leader
• Craig McLaren - Head Of Digital, MKM Building Supplies
• David Crawford - former Group CTO, Naked Wines
• Glen Leakey - former Digital Transformation Director, Specsavers
• Alexander Ives - Director of Enterprise Systems, Boden
• Felix Alonso - Systems Architect, Rapha

Season FIVE.... coming soon!

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Here is the SIXTH Episode of Season FOUR of the Simply Commerce podcast, the show that brings you the latest insights into the future of digital commerce.

Our guest for the latest episode is Felix Alonso, Systems Architect at leading cycling clothing brand, Rapha.

In our chat for the FOD, Felix talks to us about the move to Composable which started in earnest back in 2019. Nearly 4 years into the process, we hear about the initial challenges faced, as well as the overriding benefits that the business has seen throughout the implementation period.

This episode gives you, the listener, a glimpse at the future of digital commerce as Felix shares his knowledge of living through the initial proposal and kick-off phases, and the opportunities the transition has presented along the way >>>

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

We're now FIVE episodes into Season FOUR of the Simply Commerce podcast, the show that brings you the latest insights into the future of digital commerce.

Our guest for the fifth episode is Alexander Ives, Director of Enterprise Systems at leading British clothing brand, Boden.

In our chat for the FOD, Alex talks to us about the digital transformation of the retailer as it moved from a mail-order catalogue business to an innovative eCommerce brand serving some 1.7 million customers worldwide.

This episode gives you, the listener, a glimpse at the future of digital commerce as Alex shares his vast knowledge of breaking up a traditional monolithic system, the challenges of the move to a composable architecture, and ultimately how the move has proved vital for a business that wants to remain competitive and a leader in their market >>>

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

We're back again with the next episode in Season FOUR of the Simply Commerce podcast, the show that brings you the latest insights into the future of digital commerce.

Our guest for the fourth episode is Glen Leakey, former Digital Transformation Director at British multinational optical retail chain, Specsavers.

Previous to Specsavers, Glen spent over 24 years at Dyson, working across various IT and digital roles including Group IT Director, and latterly, Digital Transformation Director - responsible for the overall transformation and technology execution as the business transformed from B2B to Direct To Consumer.

In our chat for the FOD, Glen talks to us about the implementation of a composable setup at Specsavers - the overriding benefits, lessons learned along the way, and what the future of composable looks like in driving true business innovation.

This episode gives you, the listener, a glimpse at the future of digital commerce as Glen shares his vast knowledge and predictions for the future when it comes to composable >>>

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

We're back again with the next episode in Season FOUR of the Simply Commerce podcast, the show that brings you the latest insights into the future of digital commerce.

Our guest for the third episode is David Crawford, former Group CTO at Naked Wines - the innovative online wine retailer that has made a significant impact on the industry with a unique business model and route to market.

David has held various pivotal roles throughout his career, working across a number of sectors and brands including Camelot and Sky where he held the position of  Head of Software Engineering.

In our chat for the FOD, David talks to us about the implementation of a composable setup at Naked Wines - the challenges he encountered, lessons learnt, and what he believes is the biggest advantage to moving to a fully composable setup.

This episode gives you, the listener, a glimpse at the future of digital commerce as David shares his vast knowledge of the topic on everyone's lips at the moment >>>

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

In the first of our FODcast ‘shorts’ with CEO, Tim Roedel, we’re excited to bring you a great discussion on the rising trend of fractional hiring with highly experienced Digital Leader, and Fractional CTO, Gareth Nutt.

In our chat with Gareth, we explore the rise of fractional executive leadership in digital transformation projects, and in particular, how mid-market companies are leveraging fractional CTOs, COOs, and CFOs to affordably access top-tier expertise. 

We discuss the shift from monolithic to composable architectures, highlighting the challenges and benefits for businesses - and the skills and talent needed to effectively manage complex systems and successfully leverage new technologies, - without the expense of full-time senior roles.

🔍 Other Discussion Highlights:

• The rising demand for fractional CTOs and CMOs to navigate complex digital landscapes - and where this trend is heading
• The reality behind the composable architecture 'dream' for mid-market companies
• The importance of experienced leadership in managing and optimising new technologies
• The strategic value of fractional hires in making sophisticated digital systems work efficiently

It's a great discussion, especially if you find yourself at the start of a composable journey within a mid-market business.

#DigitalTransformation #FractionalLeadership #ComposableArchitecture #TechInnovation #Podcast #Ecommerce #BusinessStrategy

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Welcome back to Season FOUR of the Simply Commerce podcast, the show that brings you the latest insights into the future of digital commerce.

The second episode features an insightful discussion with Craig McLaren - Head Of Digital at MKM Building Supplies.

Craig has held various pivotal roles throughout his career, working with renowned companies and brands including Sky, Heineken, and Vodafone to enhance and drive digital transformation.  

In our chat for the FOD, Craig talks to us about implementation of a Composable setup at MKM - the challenges he encountered, and his view on Composable as a valid solution for other businesses.

This episode gives you, the listener, a glimpse at the future of digital commerce as Craig shares his vast knowledge of the topic on everyone's lips at the moment >>>

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

We are back with a new season of the Simply Commerce podcast, the show that brings you the latest insights into the future of digital commerce.

Our first episode of Season 4 features an insightful discussion with Dr. Anjali Subburaj, MACH Ambassador and award winning technology leader with over two decades of experience in Consumer-Centric Enterprise Architecture and Digital Transformation. 

Anjali shares her insight and expertise on the world of Composable - the challenges around transformation, the benefits, considerations around adoption, and top tips to ensure implementation is as smooth as it can be.

This episode gives you, the listener, a glimpse at the future of digital commerce as Anjali shares her vast knowledge of the topic on everyone's lips at the moment >>>

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Is your retention strategy up to scratch? 

Our latest LinkedIn Live event will explore the importance of a good retention strategy in the current market, and why investing in your Employer Value Proposition will impact both your retention AND how you attract new talent to your business. 

Hosts James Hodges & Jessica Semrau will give expert insights into the topic and be on hand to answer any questions you may have about building a retention strategy. 

Don’t miss out on this fascinating discussion.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

🧲 Want to become a talent magnet in 2023? 🧲

Join your hosts James Hodges and Jessica Semrau as they give out advice on how to recruit the best e-commerce talent and answer any questions you may have on the topic. 

They’ll deep-dive into: 

• The current state of the e-commerce recruitment market
• How to ensure your employer brand is as good as it can be
• The best ways to attract the top performers in the industry

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

From search to onboarding - recruiters do more than simply fill a role 

Join James Hodges and Jessica Semrau on 26th January at 13:00 GMT as they discuss the unexpected ways recruiters can step in and assist. This LinkedIn Live is for both candidates and hirers and will offer expert advice, interesting views, and helpful tips. 

Don’t miss out on this exciting exchange of ideas, register now at the link below! 

#LinkedInLive #Recruitment #Search #Hiring #Candidates #Hirers 

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Navigating the #1 resignation pitfall 

Join us as James Hodges & Jessica Semrau unpack:
- Why it can either be really bad or really great for career development
- What motivates counter-offers, and what to look out for
- How you can prioritise your professional development 
- The things that keep people in their current jobs

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Our #1 piece of advice: Don’t be afraid to take the leap even if it's not the start of the year. Great opportunities don’t follow a calendar. 

James Hodges & Jessica Semrau cover the steps you can take to: 
-  Interview when the competition is at its lowest 
-  Make the adjustment period pain free
-  Prioritise your next career steps
- How to stand out and attract the right attention
- What to prioritise in your job search 

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

James Hodges & Jessica Semrau share amazing examples of profiles that have been headhunted, deep-dive into LinkedIn’s CV function, and share the simple steps you can take to build a personal brand that your dream employers will create a role for.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

With our ‘Planting for Placements’ scheme planned later in the year, sustainability is close to the heart of Simply Commerce. Tim Roedel chats to Jurryt as he talks us through the ever-growing need for sustainable shopping, his unexpected career path, and his plans for expanding the business.

Any parent will know that owning a quality stroller is essential for the smooth-running of everyday life with a young child. JOOLZ quickly recognised that need and have built a range of high-quality pushchairs and buggies for “real parents getting shit done.'' In this episode of The FODcast, we talk to their Head of Global eCommerce, Jurryt van Arend. 

Based in the Netherlands, JOOLZ is an online-only store that specialises in premium pushchairs and buggies innovatively designed to make things easier for parents. As sustainability has “always been in their DNA”, the brand’s other focus is re-commerce; they create strollers with durability, sustainability, and innovation in mind to extend the lifetime of a pushchair so that it can be loved for longer. 

Go on, give it a listen - you won’t regret it. 

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

What does it take to succeed at the top of your game as a woman in tech? For Shimona Mehta, Managing Director, EMEA at Shopify, it’s been a 10-year journey of figuring that out. 

In the latest instalment of The FODcast, Shimona shares her story and covers ground from the early days of her career, the risks she took to get to where she is today, and her thoughts on future digital trends.

Shopify is a leading global commerce company, providing trusted tools that enable businesses to start, grow, market and manage a retail venture of any size. As the company’s Managing Director, Shimona adds a whole host of value to this episode of The FODcast. Learn about her non-negotiables when hiring new talent and her take on being a woman in a male-dominated industry. 

Listen to the full episode today. 

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Episode 2 of Season 6 is here – and features an insightful conversation on all things ‘digital transformation’ with well-known Digital Leader, Stuart Barker - Technology Enablement & Advisory Practice Lead at International business and technology consultancy, Slalom. 

With over 25 years of experience in both retail and consulting roles, there are few people with better experience to share their unique perspectives on how industries can successfully navigate their digital journeys. 

In our chat, Stuart sheds light on how customer expectations have changed, and the importance of considering employee experiences in multi-channel environments. We talk about the need for a strategic approach in implementing technology and driving business changes, as well as the importance of understanding the WHY behind any transformation initiative. 

Don't miss this episode filled with valuable insights, real-life anecdotes, and practical advice on how to ensure your digital transformation journey is set for success from the get-go. 

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

We’ve just launched the first FODcast episode of 2022 - and it’s a cracker. After a little (a lot) of coaxing from Tim, our guest kicking the New Year off is none other than John Williams, CTO at Amplience.

Adding some flair to this installment of the podcast, John shares the details of his impressive 25-year long career in tech, spending just over 17 of those years in a C-Suite position. 

John tells us that not only did he set up Amplience - an API-first, headless content management platform - in 2010, but he’s also an accredited member of the technology counsel in the MACH Alliance.

Throughout the episode, John states how he believes in a ‘remote-first’ approach, and that when living in an uncertain world, having a multi-pronged, flexible perspective is what will make you thrive. Don’t get stuck in the “old world” and lag behind your competitors; John says keeping up with the changing digital landscape is what will set you apart and keep your business up-to-date.

His lengthy repertoire deserves a worthy explanation, so John takes us right back to the very beginning and talks us through how he became so successful in the world of tech. 

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

For this month’s instalment of The FODcast, we were joined by none other than Seb Robert, CEO and Founder at Gophr. 

In case you haven’t heard, Gophr is making waves in the eCommerce space through their ​​last-mile delivery solutions. They have used cutting-edge technology to reinvent the way courier services work, resulting in quick, convenient and reliable solutions for all kinds of businesses across London and the UK.

Seb talked us through how his business idea came into existence, how he made his dreams a reality, and how the pandemic actually aided business growth. We also discussed the increasing popularity of cryptocurrency and how the changing face of retail is going to affect the way courier services work long-term. 

An episode filled to the brim with expert advice, this one is not to be missed. 

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Welcome to the latest episode of The FODcast, and a brand new season of insightful and inspiring conversations with industry experts and eCommerce leaders. Alongside an impressive guestlist, regular host Tim Roedel, Director of Simply Commerce, discusses the latest market trends, innovations, and challenges affecting our industry. 

This time round, we welcome Thomas Stegelmann, former Head of eCommerce at Bugaboo. As an innovative transformation leader, Thomas strives to ‘make the impossible possible’, and with a wealth of experience across several demanding sectors and internationally-recognised organisations, he’s certainly cultivated an impressive career. 

With topics ranging from customer journeys to augmented reality, Tim and Thomas explore current market conditions, their predictions for the future, and the impact all of this is having on recruiting top talent within digital commerce. 

Listen now and follow us on Linkedin for upcoming episodes and regular updates. 

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

We’ve just wrapped season 1 of the FODcast, and we had a great time bringing you interviews and conversations with prominent leaders from the digital commerce industry. We created this space to deliver cutting edge insights, innovative trends, success stories, and learnings from our sector. 

This season, we were joined by 7 amazing guests from the digital commerce space; leaders and experts from the industry, people with their fingers on the pulse and a specialist knowledge of how the entire sector is evolving. 

In today’s special roundup episode, we’re going to highlight some of the noteworthy insights, important trends, and forward-thinking takeaways from each episode, from retailers and systems integrators to software vendors and full-service digital agencies. 

If you missed any of these episodes, or you want to revisit these insightful conversations, be sure to go back and listen to them. 

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Do you want to understand the intricacies of digital commerce? 

Then stick around as we navigate this fascinating world with Kelly Goetsch, a Chief Product Officer at Commercetools.

Globally, Kelly is responsible for product strategy, design, and integration. In addition to his role as CEO of commerce tools, Kelly also co-founded MACH Alliance, a fast-growing group of companies and individuals advocating for open and best-of-breed enterprise technology.

As a professional, he shares valuable insights about what he's learnt and the direction the digital commerce landscape is headed. 

So, if you want to keep up to date on the latest trends, be sure not to miss this episode. 

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Welcome back to episode 6 of the Simply Commerce Podcast. We are back again with cutting-edge insights into the future of digital commerce tech, brought to you by some of the most prominent leaders in the space today.

Aroen Arjun Sharma, a Managing Partner at Elision, joins us in this episode. In his role, he ensures transparent and collaborative strategies in customer engagement and commerce. 
Join us for detailed discussions on eCommerce, customer experience, augmented reality and so much more.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

We are back with another episode of the Simply Commerce podcast, the show that brings you the latest insights into the future of digital commerce. In this fifth episode, we have Peter Burggraaff from the Boston Consulting Group joining us. His areas of expertise include e-commerce strategy in retail and consumer goods, omnichannel and digital retail, cloud computing and IT outsourcing, IT strategy and organisation design and digital transformation management. 

This episode gives you, the listener, a glimpse at the future of digital commerce as Peter shares his vast knowledge of the topic. 

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

In another brilliant episode, hosts Tim Roedel and James Hodges welcome Kevin Murray to the FODcast. Kevin is the managing director of Greenlight Commerce, a leading digital commerce company in the UK.

Kevin has led Greenlight from an ambitious start-up to one of the major agnostic digital transformation agencies currently operating in the eCommerce space. In one of our most insightful episodes so far, Kevin explains how he transformed Greenlight from a digital marketing provider into a fully-fledged transformation service.

The guys also talk tech, the future of the high street, and find out what Kevin thinks are the biggest challenges currently facing retailers. Don’t miss it!

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

In this episode of The FODcast, we speak to Malcolm Wild, Chief Strategy Officer for SAI-Digital. As usual, we’ll be exploring the world of digital commerce through the eyes of our expert guests. We’ll be discussing his views on current retail trends, the future of retail, and what technology we can expect to see in the next few years. 

Wild has been working in digital commerce since as early as 1996 when he spent his time trying to figure out “how to get this internet stuff to work.” Throughout his career, he’s worked for companies in 21 countries worldwide and lived in six of them. 
Today, he’s a renowned strategist and digital innovator working for SAI-Digital. 

In this episode, Tim Roedell and James Hodges get Wild’s perspective on the following questions: 

What is the single biggest challenge now for retailers?

Will the high-street still be around in 5 years? 

What do you think would be the most disruptive piece of tech within digital commerce over the course of the next two or three years? 

If you’re interested in the future of digital eCommerce, don’t forget to subscribe to The FODcast! 

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

We’re back with episode 2. If you thought the first installment of The FODcast was great, wait until you hear this one…

This time, we’re sitting down with the brilliant Branwell Moffat, UK Director of CX Consulting at KPS Digital. 

Branwell is a true pioneer and innovator in digital. He’s been in the sector since the late 90s, and in that time, he’s transformed a 3-person business into a multi-office, hybris partner of choice.

In the episode, our hosts, Tim Roedel and James Hodges will be digging into Branwell’s story, discussing how he made his name in the sector and picking his brains about the future of eCommerce.

Tune in to find out Branwell’s thoughts on the fate of the high street, the biggest challenges facing retailers, and the tech that will disrupt the sector.

Simply unmissable. 

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Welcome to Season 6 of The FODcast by Simply Commerce.

This season, we're diving deep into three pivotal areas shaping the future of digital commerce: navigating digital transformation, building a successful eCommerce business, and the innovations driving the sector forward. 

In our first episode, we chat with Nathan Lomax, co-founder of Quickfire Digital, European Digital Agency of the Year (2022) – and probably one of the most driven individuals we’ve had the pleasure of speaking to.

Certainly a household and well-respected name in the wider world of all things Shopify, Nathan shares the good, the bad, and the ugly of launching and scaling an eCommerce business, the impact on home life, and the challenges faced along the way. 

Nathan’s journey from starting a website company after college to co-founding a leading digital agency is inspiring, and in our chat, he talks about the importance of streamlining business processes, making sacrifices, and finding a work-life balance, all while staying passionate and laser-focused on growth and success.

 Whether you're growing a business or launching a new venture, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and strategies to help you succeed .

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

We’re launching the very first episode of our podcast… welcome to The FODcast!

We’re on a mission to uncover how digital commerce is shaping careers and how we, in turn, are shaping digital commerce. It’s a push and pull relationship. 

In this episode, we’re chatting with Michael Vax, Principle at CommerceIsDigital about his journey. Tune in as he guides us through his career path and we uncover his thoughts on the future of digital commerce.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

In this final episode of Season 5, our host and Director of Client Engagement, James Hodges looks back on the conversations we've had with our guests from across the sector on the continued topic of Composable.

This short wrap-up looks at some of the key insights shared with our guests; the challenges faced with real-world examples, mistakes and learnings along the way, and invaluable top tips for those beginning the move to a Composable architecture themselves - as well as a look towards the future.

A huge thanks to all who have tuned in, downloaded, and watched over the last few weeks - and of course to our guests who have given up their time to talk to us about a topic that shows no sign of abating.

• Michiel Tielemans | Lab Digital
• Tomas A Krag | NoA Ignite
• Dom Selvon | Apply Digital
• Gert van Vliet | TouchTribe
• Craig Smith & Rico Adler | SCAYLE
• Rex Bigger | Cabiri
• Mikko Mantila | IONA
• Kelly Goetsch | commercetools

Season SIX....in production and coming soon!

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

We are excited to present the finale of Season 5 of our podcast -and our first repeat guest as we welcome back Kelly Goetsch, Chief Strategy Officer at commercetools.

With nearly 8 years at commercetools, Kelly transitioned from Chief Product Officer a couple of years ago to his current strategic role – the first of its kind for the cloud-based headless commerce platform.

With an illustrious career including pivotal roles at ATG and Oracle, where he spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives, including Walmart's global tech implementation, Kelly is undoubtedly a well-known visionary and thought leader within the sector.

As one of the original co-founders of the MACH Alliance, Kelly is at the forefront of advocating for composable architectures and was therefore an ideal guest to conclude the last 16 episodes around the composable conversation.

In our chat, Kelly shared invaluable insights on the evolution of composable, highlighting its mainstream adoption and dispelling common myths. His perspective on the changing landscape of buyers, the role of innovation, and the importance of the human aspect and cultural fit of vendors are covered in detail – as well as a candid discussion on the reasons why transformations fail.

If you’re embarking on a composable journey, or still in the consideration stage, this episode will provide a wealth of information on the positives and pitfalls > > >

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Welcome to Episode 7 of The FOD: The Future Of All Things Digital - the podcast designed to bring you the latest hot topics and trending discussions across the wider world of eCommerce.

In this penultimate episode of Season 5, we were delighted to welcome seasoned
digital leader, Mikko Mantila , Co-Founder and CEO of IONA - an award-winning agency who specialises in next-generation eCommerce.

Founded in 2019,  IONA has gone on to experience rapid growth, with studios now in Helsinki, London, and Davao City in The Philippines. And, with a client base that continues to expand across the Nordics and the UK, Mikko has most recently experienced success with notable involvement in the MACH Alliance's C-suite advisory board. 

The episode delves into IONA's background, pioneering the adoption of headless technology, as well as a focus on the evolution of composable strategies over their first 5 years in business.
 
In our chat, Mikko reflects on the 'hype' surrounding the concept and the necessity for businesses to consider its implications carefully, emphasising the importance of organisational readiness, cultural alignment, and clear communication of expected benefits and ROI. 

The conversation deep dives into the complexities and realities of embracing composability in today's rapidly evolving business landscape, offering valuable insights and guidance for businesses navigating this transformative journey. 

 ENJOY | COMMENT | SHARE

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Seasoned professional Rex Bigger joined the composable conversation for this episode - the sixth of Season 5.

With over 25 years working in the tech and IT sector following a first-class degree in Astrophysics from UCL, Rex has a vast amount of experience with a varied career that has seen him work as a Senior Java Developer for the likes of MTV and Disney, before moving into Consultancy roles with Philips and e2x Limited where he led projects for high-profile clients including LEGO and Ikea. 

Rex then co-founded specialist headless commerce consultancy, Cabiri in 2017 where he is currently CEO.  

In our chat for the FOD, Rex spotlights the early days of composable (before the term itself even existed) and why the agency chose to join the MACH Alliance in late 2023. 
 
He also considers future developments within IT more generally, and whether its cyclical nature means a new generation of monoliths could be where we end up as businesses embrace composable, but with a desire for a homogenous interface – it’s another fascinating discussion and viewpoint.  

Please do share within your network and let us know your thoughts! 

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Welcome to Episode 5, Season 5 of The FOD: The Future Of All Things Digital - the podcast designed to bring to you the latest hot topics and trending discussions across the wider world of eCommerce.

Something a bit different for Episode 5 as we welcome TWO guests to join the conversation about Composable – digital and eCommerce experts Craig Smith and Rico Adler from one of the fastest-growing global eCommerce platforms, SCAYLE. 

 SCAYLE, a B2C specialist, is certainly making headlines – notably as a named ‘niche player’ in  Gartner’s Magic Quadrant™ for Digital Commerce last year, as well as the more recent announcement that Manchester United Football Club has selected them as their official eCommerce platform provider. 

Craig – UK & Ireland Country Manager at SCAYLE has worked in the digital tech industry for over 3 decades across retail brands, retail tech companies, and as strategic advisor to UK retailers at Salesforce.  

Rico meanwhile– Director Solution Consulting at the company, has a similarly impressive background in the sector – joining the German online giant About You as Head of Client Development to build out the SCAYLE platform. 

In our chat for The FOD, we talk in detail about the rising expectations of consumers and, knowing that these will continue to grow as tech develops, remembering their needs specifically whilst businesses and IT teams plough ahead with their digital transformation change programmes. 

 We also discuss the most common reasons why composable transformations falter, as well as the future of eCommerce and current trends impacting the market for all stakeholders >>>

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Discover how to maximise customer loyalty and boost profitability with expert insights from Sam Panzer, Director of Industry Strategy at Talon.One.

In the latest episode of The FODcast, Sam shares his career journey from retail marketing to industry strategy, offering actionable advice on how brands can leverage loyalty programmes, gamification, and personalised offers to transform customer retention.

Sam explains how even modest loyalty rewards can significantly enhance retention without eroding profits, unlike traditional discounts. With convenience-driven competitors like Amazon, emotionally engaging loyalty programmes are now more vital than ever. This episode explores how brands can elevate their loyalty strategies using technological advancements, creating seamless and impactful retail experiences.

We also dive into the power of gamification as a tool for boosting customer engagement. Sam highlights techniques like gift-with-purchase incentives and product bundling—successfully used by brands like Lego—that create value while protecting profitability.

The episode wraps up with a look at data-driven loyalty strategies, discussing the importance of integrating customer data, session behaviour, and item data to tailor promotions more effectively. 

Packed with valuable insights and practical tips, this episode is a must-listen for brands looking to refine their loyalty programmes and stay ahead in a competitive market.
 

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Unlock the secrets of successful digital transformation and discover how fractional technology leadership is reshaping mid-market businesses. 

Join Simon Lascelles, Managing Partner of Business Technology Leaders, for an insightful conversation on the growing popularity of fractional CTO/CIO roles.  

In our latest chat for The FODcast, Simon helps to unpack the market forces driving this trend—from skilled labour shortages to the cost-saving benefits of moving away from full-time hires.

We delve into the key considerations for deciding between fractional and full-time technology leadership and learn how this model could propel digital commerce initiatives forward.

We’ll also tackle the current state of AI, debunking myths and showcasing its potential for intelligent automation and data-driven decision-making. 

Don't miss this opportunity to gain strategic insights into fractional hiring and its role in driving digital transformation and sustainable growth.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

What are the secrets to revolutionising digital commerce in today’s fast-paced retail landscape?

In Episode 5 of the current season of the FODcast, we welcome Simon Suarez, Director of Enterprise Architecture at AbsoluteLabs, who shares his extensive insights into omni-channel strategies and customer engagement.

With decades of experience spanning luxury retail brands including Gucci, Stella McCartney, and Sweaty Betty, Simon discusses how brands have shifted from isolated operations to a customer-focused approach. He reveals how the pandemic helped to transform physical stores into omni-fulfillment centres and highlights the impressive success of brands such as John Lewis in creating a seamless customer experience.

Join us as we explore the future of retail engagement and the vital role of techno-functional leaders in driving business growth. Discover the transition from a project-to-product mindset and how agile organisations are adapting to consumer preferences.

In our chat with Simon, we also discuss the importance of a personalised service through clienteling and balancing diverse customer needs within a store environment - and where cutting-edge trends in AI, mobile integration, and gamification also have their part to play. 

This episode is packed with valuable insights into the ever-evolving retail industry and covers a wide range of topics, from innovative strategies to actionable advice for those working in, around, and for retail businesses. One not to be missed.
 

#RetailTech #DigitalTransformation #AbsoluteLabs #TheFODcast #DigitalCommerce #RetailInnovation

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

In our latest BONUS FODcast short, we’re joined by Michael Barker, a leader in fractional executive hiring, to explore why mid-market companies are moving towards fractional roles over full-time hires for C-level expertise.

Michael shares how companies are increasingly tapping into specialised talent for agility and flexibility in the fast-paced digital landscape as we dive into the impact of tech advancements on leadership, the importance of collaborative communication, and how Conway’s Law and Stephen Covey’s principles continue to shape effective system design. 

The conversation wraps with an insightful look at the integration and cultural challenges companies face when bringing in fractional leaders, particularly in tech. Michael highlights the growing importance of teaching over doing, sharing real-world scenarios, like managing cyber threats, to illustrate the flexibility and skill required in these roles.

Whether you’re a fractional professional yourself, or a business leader looking to hire one, this episode offers more great insight on how this agile model is reshaping business growth and digital transformation.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

 What are the future-proof strategies every retailer needs to adopt?

For Episode 4 of the current season of the FODcast, we were joined by multi-award-winning digital commerce leader, Meriel Neighbour, Head of Global Digital Product Delivery and Transformation at Clarks who shared with us the transformational journey of the iconic footwear brand. 

With extensive experience from her tenure at Ted Baker, the Post Office, Selfridges, and Matches Fashion, Meriel discusses the critical need for Clarks to modernise its technology landscape. 

Discover how the adoption of composable commerce and headless architecture is setting Clarks up for long-term success by providing flexibility and resilience in their digital operations.
 
Plus, lots more insight as we talk about the brand’s challenges and triumphs as they progressed through this transformative journey, how they are poised for future growth, and ready to meet the evolving demands of the digital commerce landscape. 




#RetailTech #DigitalTransformation #Clarks #TheFODcast #DigitalCommerce #RetailInnovation

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Looking to lead a successful digital transformation in today’s fast-paced world? In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with Wendy Isaacs, Executive Director of Commerce and Experience Delivery at Valtech. 

Wendy's journey—from the early days of CompuServe to steering modern digital strategies—provides invaluable lessons for navigating change in the digital age.

Wendy shares her insights on achieving transformation by balancing people, culture, and strategic planning. She also breaks down the difference between incremental and revolutionary change, showing how both require alignment across behaviour, skills, and organisational structure, with people at the core.

For anyone involved in digital transformation, Wendy’s advice on skilled programme management, effective product ownership, and forging strong business partnerships is essential listening.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

As we take a short pause to gear up for Season 7, we’re revisiting some of our most popular episodes from the archives. Today's rewind episode was recorded nearly 12 months ago, yet this conversation with Craig Smith and Rico Adler from SCAYLE remains as relevant as ever.

In our chat, Craig and Rico explored the evolving expectations of digital consumers, the growing complexity of modern commerce, and the key challenges brands face when adopting a composable approach. They also shared real-world insights on why some digital transformations succeed while others fall short - covering everything from organisational mindset to the role of flexible commerce architecture.

Since this conversation, SCAYLE has continued to gain industry recognition. They were named once again in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ report, based on its 'Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute' reflecting their momentum in the market. They’ve also become the official eCommerce platform provider for Manchester United and, more recently, powered Harrods’ new online shopping experience. Their growth underscores the importance of adaptability in a rapidly shifting retail landscape - one of the very themes discussed in this episode.

If you’re navigating digital transformation, rethinking your tech stack, or simply looking for expert perspectives on the future of eCommerce, this episode is well worth a listen.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

The latest episode of The FODcast is here, and this time we’re joined by James Brooke, CEO of MAPP Digital, and a true industry veteran with over 31 years of experience in digital commerce.

Having witnessed the sector’s transformation first-hand, James shares his insights into where digital commerce is headed next, what businesses must do to stay ahead, plus a deeper dive into:

• Gen Z who are rewriting the rules of online shopping, meaning traditional strategies no longer cut it. Social media is now the first stop on their buying journey, and brands that fail to bridge the gap between platforms and e-commerce sites risk being left behind.
• What makes this generation tick, why authenticity and social proof are now non-negotiable, and how brands can craft seamless, engaging experiences that keep customers coming back.
• The inevitable rise of AI-driven personalisation - from boosting customer engagement to building trust in an era of growing data privacy concerns.
• The shift towards ‘unified retail’ as digital and physical retail continue to merge, where every touchpoint is connected for a frictionless shopping experience.

🎙️ This isn’t just a conversation about where e-commerce stands today—it’s an essential look at the trends set to shape its future. Don’t miss it.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

 What’s driving the next wave of e-commerce innovation?

In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Roxy Couse, Bloomreach’s new Director of Community and Content Marketing, to explore how AI and personalisation are redefining the customer experience. 

From seamless shopping journeys to innovative strategies like returnless returns, Roxy shares the tools and techniques brands are using to stay ahead in a competitive digital landscape.
 
💡 What’s in this episode? 

• Insights into the role of AI in creating tailored customer experiences that build loyalty
• Strategies for overcoming omni-channel challenges and unifying business operations
• A look at how real-time data and user-friendly tech are transforming the e-commerce landscape

🎙️ Roxy also reveals how Bloomreach has set the standard in personalisation, enabling brands to guide customers effortlessly to the products they need. 

Her practical advice on integrating AI strategically offers a roadmap for businesses looking to enhance their digital offering. 

🎧 Ready to explore the cutting edge of e-commerce? Tune in now!



#ECommerceTrends #AIInBusiness #CustomerExperience #Innovation #Leadership #DigitalCommerce

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/