Shows
The FODcastOutcomes Over Architecture: Why Simplicity Wins in Commerce with Serge El Hachem“It’s not the licence cost that kills you; it’s the invisible overhead.”That’s how Serge El Hachem, Director of Solutions Engineering at Lazer Technologies, describes what’s really slowing enterprise commerce down.On this week’s episode of The FODcast, host James and Serge unpack how global retailers are simplifying their stacks, cutting total cost of ownership, and finding real speed on Shopify.We also cover:The invisible overhead - multiple vendors, fragile integrations, endless QA and DevOps cycles...
2026-01-2150 min
The FODcastYour Cart Is Fine; Your Duties Are Not: Why US Shoppers Panic At Checkout with Jamie VaughanConfused about what’s actually working in digital commerce right now? You’re not alone. Between US conversion chaos, rising costs, and AI hype, it’s hard to tell what moves the needle and what’s just noise.On this week’s episode of The FODcast, host Tim Roedel sits down with Jamie Vaughan, ex MD at Signifly, to cut through the chatter and get practical about what to fix first.Here’s what we cover: The “Donald effect” impacting US growth - and how to rebuild confidence through landed cost clarity and reassuranceConv...
2026-01-0751 min
The FODcastCompliance Is the Floor; Inclusion Is the Strategy with Hilary Stephenson"Accessibility isn’t a niche feature set; it’s the operating system of a fair and profitable digital world."On this week’s episode of The FODcast, James sits down with Hilary Stephenson, Managing Director at Nexer Digital, to unpack how inclusive design drives growth, reduces risk, and builds trust across every customer journey.In our chat, we cover a whole host of things, including:The European Accessibility Act - what’s in scope, what deadlines matter, and why compliance is only the floor, not the ceilingThe biggest friction points in retail journeys...
2025-12-1057 min
The FODcastWhen AI Takes the Busywork: How Teams May Evolve in the Age of Agents with Rob GoodwinAI is not just changing tools, it is changing teams, skills and how customers find you online.In this week’s episode of The FODcast, host James Hodges sits down with Rob Goodwin, Chief Data Officer at MSQ Partners, to talk about what is moving fast, what is hype, and what leaders should fix now.We cover: AI agents for triage, code generation and repetitive analytics, and what that means for junior and mid-level rolesThe rise of AI Ops...
2025-11-2748 min
The FODcastFrom Buzzwords To Bottom Line: Unified Commerce, AI, And The Real Costs Of Replatforming with Kim Samuelsen and Max RolonWe’ve got an extra special episode of The FODcast dropping this week - not only do we have both Tim Roedel AND James Hodges side by side in the interviewer’s seat once again, but we’re also joined by two guests from global commerce agency Domaine, Kim Samuelsen and Max Rolon. In this four-way chat, we discuss how Shopify’s native capabilities now handle serious complexity across EMEA without the overh...
2025-11-131h 05
The FODcastNerds Who Talk: The Tech Behind Big Brand Migrations with Bob RocklandWhat makes a 20-year veteran development team bet everything on Shopify?According to Bob Rockland, Co-Founder of Code (now part of Domaine), the answer lies in both economics and technology. In the latest episode of The FODcast, Bob takes us inside Code’s journey to becoming the world’s largest dedicated Shopify partner - and why no client they’ve migrated in the last seven years has ever gone back.We cover:The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) myths...
2025-10-2937 min
The FODcastPrompts, Products, and Profits: The AI Revolution Nobody Saw Coming with Sander BerlinskiWhat’s really driving the AI revolution in digital commerce? According to Sander Berlinski, Director of Innovation at valantic, the answer isn’t chasing futuristic hype, but focusing on what’s working right now.In this FODcast episode, Sander breaks down how AI is already transforming retail, from automating compliance checks to reshaping creative roles; and why data foundations, not shiny tools, should be every retailer’s first priority. We explore how his team built an EU Accessibility Act checker that plugs straight into e-commerce systems...
2025-10-1551 min
The FODcastMarketplaces, TikTok, and Dad Dancing: Why Not Every Brand Should Follow the Crowd with Rhea FoxWhat’s really shaping the future of digital commerce? According to Rhea Fox, Marketing Director of Gift Experiences at Moonpig Group, the biggest shift isn’t just technology - it’s how distribution and marketplaces are rewriting the rules of retail.In this FODcast episode, Rhea draws on senior roles at eBay, Ted Baker, and Monsoon Accessorize to explore how brands are adapting to an increasingly fragmented ecosystem. From the rise of retailers like Next and John Lewis as marketplace hubs, to the blu...
2025-10-0152 min
The FODcastThe 'Fan Club' Effect: Rethinking Retail Loyalty with Erica Sandelin EkelundWhat makes a customer truly loyal? According to Voyado CEO Erica Sandelin Ekelund, it’s not just points or discounts – it’s about building genuine connections that turn shoppers into passionate brand advocates. Or, as she calls them, your fan club.In the latest episode of The FODcast, Erica reveals why the most successful retailers double down on their fan club, crafting tailored, high-impact loyalty strategies instead of relying on one-size-fits-all schemes.We also cover:Why loyalty...
2025-09-1751 min
The FODcastThe Hidden Challenge of Retail: What Happens Between Clicks and Bricks with Elliot WinskillWhat really drives the future of retail? According to PMC’s Technology & Solutions Director Elliot Winskill, it’s not about choosing between online and in-store, it’s about mastering the space in between. In the latest episode of The FODcast, Elliot unpacks how 12 years in retail technology have given him a front-row seat to the industry’s scars, shifts, and breakthroughs - from the flawed “e-commerce versus high street” debate to the rise of unified commerce as a mindset, not just a tech solution. We also cover:
2025-09-0345 min
The FODcastWhen AGI Lands, Your Business Model Might Vanish with Daniel HinderinkAI, trade wars, and data sovereignty are reshaping European tech strategies - and businesses can no longer rely on yesterday’s playbook.In this episode of The FODcast, we’re joined by Daniel Hinderink, Director of Strategy and Growth at TechDivision, to unpack the deep structural shifts happening across the digital landscape.We cover:Why data sovereignty is now a board-level concern in pharma, manufacturing, and financial servicesWhat Switzerland can teach us about protecting intellectual property in cloud-first environmentsHow AI is disrupting the traditional software licensing model - fastWhy practical AI tools ofte...
2025-08-081h 09
The FODcastBeyond the Hype: Shopify’s Real Role in Enterprise Retail with Teemu TolonenIn the latest episode of The FODcast, we were delighted to be joined by Teemu Tolonen, CCO at Woolman, to unpack one of the biggest shifts in digital commerce: how Shopify has quietly become a serious contender in enterprise retail.As part of Europe’s largest Shopify Plus agency, Teemu brings first-hand insight into what’s driving this change and how retailers are rethinking their technology strategies.We cover:How Shopify’s semi-composable architecture delivers flexibility without complexityWhy major retailers are se...
2025-07-1645 min
The FODcastROI or Bust: Commerce in a Cost-Conscious World with Tal OferIs Replatforming Dead? Why Retailers Are Taking a More Targeted Approach to Tech InvestmentIn the latest episode of The FODcast, we’re joined by Tal Ofer, Senior Partnerships Director at Cloudinary and Co-Founder of the MACH Alliance Community Council, to unpack the reality of tech decision-making in retail right now.With over 15 years shaping global eCommerce strategies, Tal brings a straight-talking perspective on where retailers are really investing - and where the hype doesn’t match the reality.We get into:Why large-scale replatforming is on pause for many bran...
2025-07-0148 min
The FODcastPhysical Retail's Vital Pulse: Why In-Store Experiences Still Matter with James O'HareThe death of the high street? Not quite.In this episode of The FODcast, we’re joined by James O’Hare - Area VP UK at Sitoo – to explore why physical retail isn’t dying, it’s evolving.From in-store gyms and juice bars to immersive tent villages, retailers creating memorable, experience-led spaces are thriving. And behind it all? A shift from disconnected systems to unified commerce, where real-time data powers seamless, personalised shopping.We cover a LOT in this episode, including:Why in-person shopping still accounts for 75–80% of retail salesThe adm...
2025-06-201h 01
The FODcastNavigating AI in B2B Commerce with Aidan McGaugheyLegacy Systems Meet AI: Can B2B Can Bridge the Gap?The B2B sector is standing at a crossroads. On one side: faxes, spreadsheets, and legacy systems. On the other: AI-powered smart agents and instant order processing. In this episode of The FODcast, Aidan McGaughey – EMEA Country Manager at OroCommerce shares how B2B businesses can navigate this tension, and unlock meaningful value from AI without falling for the hype. We dig into:How AI is already delivering value in B2B – from OCR-powered order processing to smart...
2025-06-0452 min
Giant Leap with Taylor WilsonLife as we Don’t Know it | Ellen Stofan (Smithsonian, NASA)A few years back, Taylor Wilson snowmobiled into Yellowstone National Park in the dead of winter with Ellen Stofan, then chief scientist of NASA, now undersecretary of science at The Smithsonian. Ellen joins Taylor and Joey to dig into the future of scientific exploration, and what the Smithsonian is exploring--both in the depths of outer space, and here on Earth.Website: https://www.giantleappodcast.org/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GiantLeapPodcastGiant Leap is a new podcast hosted by nuclear physicist Taylor Wilson and journalist Joey Lovato. Shot in Taylor's lab...
2025-05-2154 min
The FODcastCrafting Community in a Digital Age: Vivo Barefoot's Approach to Modern Commerce with Steve Irwin"If you touch it, you can trust it."In this episode of The FODcast, we’re joined by Steven Irwin – Chief Commercial & Technology Officer at Vivobarefoot - to explore how today’s most progressive D2C brands are blending technology, purpose, and people to drive long-term growth. With leadership experience at ASICS, Hunter Boots, Wolverine Worldwide, and more, Steve brings a unique, cross-functional perspective on what it takes to build authentic, resilient brands in an increasingly complex digital world. In this...
2025-05-2159 min
The FODcastBeyond Buzzwords: Why eCommerce Success Isn't About Your Platform Choice with Matt ParkinsonIn this episode of The FODcast, Matt Parkinson - Founder of GENE Commerce and co-founder of Shopthru and BlueFinch - cuts through the hype to share a candid, insider’s view of the Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento) ecosystem.While some in the industry claim Magento’s time has passed, Matt sets the record straight. With an estimated 8–12% market share among top-tier retailers, Adobe Commerce continues to serve businesses that need deep flexibility and control.With two decades in e-commerce tech, Matt shares...
2025-05-071h 00
The FODcastPlatforming the Future: B2B's Digital Commerce Revolution with Jochen BinderThe e-commerce platform market is evolving - and fast. Gone are the days of two-year projects and monolithic systems. Today’s businesses demand flexibility, speed, and the right balance between out-of-the-box functionality and best-of-breed integrations.In this episode of The FODcast, Jochen Binder, Head of Backend and Data Solutions at diva-e, takes us inside the latest trends shaping the future of digital commerce.With over two decades of experience across B2B and B2C digital transformation, Jochen shares why some platforms are thriving while others are losing relevance - and why even MAC...
2025-04-3047 min
The FODcastThe Fatal Flaw: Why Tech-Led Projects Fail with Simon HamblinWe’re excited to announce the launch of Season 7 of The FODcast! This season brings you fresh insights from top industry leaders, innovators, and experts. As always, we’re exploring the latest trends, strategies, and challenges in the digital commerce space.Our global audience continues to grow, with listeners tuning in from across the UK, the United States, Germany, Brazil, and even places as far afield as Japan and Australia. Whether you're in retail, tech, or any industry at the intersection of digital transformation, this latest season will have something for you.New...
2025-04-2352 min
The FODcastThe Digital Transformation Episode That Broke Our Records – with Wendy IsaacsBefore Season 7 lands... we're taking one last dive into the FODcast archives.For our final re-run, we’re revisiting a conversation that happens to be our most viewed episode of all time on our YouTube channel.Originally recorded and published in November 2024, this episode with Wendy Isaacs, Executive Director of Commerce and Experience Delivery at Valtech, still hits all the right notes for anyone navigating transformation in 2025.Wendy’s journey - from the early days of CompuServe to leading cutting-edge digital strategy - offers powerful insights into chan...
2025-04-1059 min
The FODcastRE-RUN: Fractional Leadership: Luxury or Necessity in Today's Digital Transformation?As we continue our brief pause before the launch of Season 7, we're rewinding ever so slightly to bring you our most downloaded episode of all time! This episode, recorded in September of last year, explores the fascinating rise of fractional hiring in digital commerce with guest Adrian Wakefield, co-founder of Digital Wow Group, who has over 35 years of experience in technology and digital transformations.Adrian provides compelling insights into why businesses - especially in the mid-market - are increasingly turning to fractional C-level executives. Unlike traditional contracting, fractional leadership offers specialised expertise at...
2025-04-0233 min
The FODcastRE-RUN: Are You Ready for Composable? Hard Lessons from the FrontlinesFor our latest dig into the FODcast archives whilst we gear up for Season 7, we’re revisiting some of our most popular episodes and a topic of conversation that is still as relevant now as it was back in November 2023 when it was recorded.This re-run episode features a candid conversation with David Hardiman, former Head of Software Development at Wiggle, about his experience leading a major retailer through a two-and-a-half-year transformation from a 20-year-old legacy system to a modern composable architecture.This episode sheds light on the complexities of composable commerce that of...
2025-03-2738 min
The FODcastRE-RUN: The Future of MACH and Digital CommerceAs we continue our look back at some of our most popular episodes, we’re revisiting another must-listen discussion - this time with two industry heavyweights: Sonja Keerl, co-founder of the MACH Alliance, and Jim Herbert, CEO of Patchworks.Recorded in November last year, this episode explored a pivotal moment for MACH technology as businesses demanded more flexibility, speed, and scalability from their digital commerce solutions. Fast forward to today, and those conversations are more relevant than ever - especially as AI reshapes co...
2025-03-191h 08
The FODcastRE-RUN: The Future of Composable Commerce with SCAYLEAs 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 wh...
2025-03-1248 min
The FODcastThe Future of E-Commerce: Gen Z, AI, and the Rise of Unified Retail with James BrookeThe 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 medi...
2025-03-0552 min