The Future of Commerce Podcast

Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department isn’t just an album—it’s a masterclass in navigating the complexities of work life. In this episode, we unpack how Swift’s raw and emotional lyrics capture universal workplace experiences like gaslighting, unrecognized contributions, and resilience in the face of setbacks.

Join us as we:

1. Analyze key tracks like So Long London and Who's Afraid of Little Me for their insights into standing up for yourself and finding your voice.
2. Discuss how lyrics like “My spine split from carrying us up the hill” reflect the burden of being overworked and underappreciated.
3. Explore the role of humor in coping with workplace frustrations, inspired by The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived.
4. Dive into ethical dilemmas, teamwork, and creating a meaningful legacy through tracks like Clara Bow and The Manuscript.

What You’ll Learn:

• Strategies for managing toxic colleagues and navigating office politics.
• How to use music and storytelling as tools for professional growth.
• The power of resilience, authenticity, and empowerment in the workplace.

Whether you’re a diehard Swift fan or just curious about new ways to approach career challenges, this episode offers practical advice, humor, and plenty of inspiration.

What Taylor Swift lyric best describes your work life? Share your thoughts and stories with us after listening. And don’t forget to subscribe for more deep dives into music, work, and everything in between!

Host:
Jen Bailin, Chief Revenue Officer, SAP

Guest:
Joanna Milliken, CEO at Emarsys, an SAP company

Rather than taking down physical stores, huge investments in e-commerce over the past two years have empowered customers to pursue their perfect shopping experience.

New consumer research by Emarsys shows that shoppers switch between a huge variety of channels as they need – so brands can’t skimp on preferred channels at the expense of smaller ones.

To deliver a consistent and engaging experience, retailers must treat digital and physical retail as branches of the same strategy.

Their marketers need to centralize data from every channel to understand their customers as individuals – that’s the key to delivering personalized campaigns that engage shoppers on a one-to-one level, and that stay with them across channels.

Some insights covered:

1. Consumer shopping has changed dramatically throughout the decades – while shoppers are enjoying aspects of the new digital options, they're also missing some elements of shopping from years gone by.
2. Some shopping trends have accelerated dramatically during the pandemic and today consumers expect brands to understand them more than ever before.
3. There's a big need for marketers to keep up with evolving demands, since it's engagement that draws consumers in.
4. Emails are more popular than ever as part of an omnichannel marketing campaign.
5. Rather than demanding customers adopt a ‘digital only’ approach, marketers offer them the best of all worlds.

Links you might be interested in:

Omnichannel versus multichannel: What's the difference, and who is doing it?

Omnichannel examples: Brands creating their own luck

The future of commerce: 3 trends shaping how we buy and sell

In this episode, we dive into the game-changing potential of quantum computing for e-commerce, inspired by insights from Ready for Quantum Commerce? How Quantum Computing Could Impact E-commerce. Learn how quantum technology is reshaping online shopping through hyper-personalization, logistics optimization, and real-time pricing adjustments. We also tackle the critical challenges, including quantum-powered cyber risks and the need for post-quantum encryption. Whether you're a business leader, tech enthusiast, or online shopper, this episode offers actionable insights for navigating the quantum future.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Hyper-Personalization and Quantum Algorithms:

• How quantum computers will analyze vast amounts of data to create uniquely tailored shopping experiences.
• Real-time pricing that adapts to individual preferences, purchase history, and even environmental factors.

Logistics and Supply Chain Optimization:

• Quantum-powered tools for finding optimal delivery routes considering weather, road conditions, and unloading times.
• Examples from Volkswagen and DHL using quantum-inspired algorithms to improve efficiency.

The Quantum Security Challenge:

• Why quantum computers could break existing encryption, threatening online security.
• The rise of post-quantum cryptography to protect sensitive data and transactions.

Quantum-Ready Businesses:

• How companies like IBM and Google are already offering quantum computing platforms to test the waters.
• The importance of building a quantum-literate workforce and collaborating with research labs.

The Ethical Implications of Quantum Computing:

• Balancing innovation with privacy, data protection, and equitable use of technology.
• The need for global cooperation to set ethical standards for quantum applications.

Practical Steps for Businesses and Shoppers:

• Why businesses should invest in post-quantum encryption and quantum-inspired algorithms today.
• Tips for consumers to stay informed, secure their online accounts, and make smart choices about sharing data.

Resources Mentioned: Ready for Quantum Commerce? How Quantum Computing Could Impact E-commerce – Full article with detailed insights.

Are you ready for the quantum future? Share your thoughts and questions in our LinkedIn Group, and subscribe to our podcast for more insights into how technology is reshaping commerce. Visit The Future of Commerce for more resources on quantum computing and e-commerce trends.

Dive into the untold story of Generation X in this deep exploration inspired by Generation X: Years, Stats, Work, Spending Trends. Often overshadowed by Boomers and Millennials, Gen X has quietly shaped industries, culture, and leadership while adapting to seismic technological and economic changes. From their latchkey upbringing to their pragmatic leadership style, we uncover the values, challenges, and contributions of this resilient generation.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Who is Generation X?

• Defining Gen X: Born between 1965–1980 during the “baby bust” era.
• The cultural influences of their youth: rising divorce rates, latchkey kids, grunge music, MTV, and early video games.

Resilience in a Changing World:

• How economic uncertainty—from the dot-com bubble to the 2008 financial crisis—shaped their financial outlook and pragmatism.
• Why Gen X holds 28.6% of the nation’s wealth but faces challenges in retirement savings.

The Leadership Generation:

• Gen X leaders driving change: Satya Nadella (Microsoft), Emmanuel Macron (France), and a 51% leadership presence globally.
• How their leadership style balances pragmatism, collaboration, and results.

Tech-Savvy Bridge Between Generations:

• The first generation to adopt personal computers and the internet.
• How Gen X navigates digital tools with a healthy skepticism, prioritizing face-to-face connection alongside tech efficiency.

Cultural Impact:

• Creators of alternative rock, grunge, hip-hop, and independent cinema.
• How their “slacker” label evolved into a story of ambition, independence, and creativity.

Economic and Personal Challenges:

• Managing debt (student loans, mortgages) while balancing caregiving for parents and families.
• Insights from Why We Can’t Sleep by Ada Calhoun on Gen X women’s unique pressures.

The Gen X Legacy:

• Adaptability, resilience, and the ability to navigate uncertainty.
• Bridging the gap between tradition and innovation, mentoring Millennials and Gen Z while redefining success on their terms.

Resources Mentioned: Generation X: Years, Stats, Work, Spending Trends – Article with data and insights.

What’s your take on Generation X? Share your stories, perspectives, and insights with us in our LinkedIn Group. Subscribe for more deep dives into generations, culture, and trends, and visit The Future of Commerce for further resources.

Sub·ver·sive with Cali Green: "Difficult" Women: A Revolution Rises episode features Chinisha Scott, "The Daily Show" Segment Director, Emmy nominated filmmaker, and co-chair of the Writers Guild East's Women of Color Caucus.

We discuss the idea of "difficult women," the article that sparked this podcast, how the label impacts women across industries and enterprises, and why a revolution in the workplace is rising as women become exhausted with the double standard.
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FOLLOW & CHAT:
FCEE + Cali Green
Chinisha

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EPISODE REFERENCES:
Difficult women: Exhausted by bias, a revolution rises
The female CEOs on this year’s Fortune 500 just broke three all-time records
Jen Bailin's (SAP CX CRO) LinkedIn post that re-ignited the conversation, making it viral at the beginning of September

The next time you hear a woman called difficult, ask yourself:
What did she do to warrant being labeled as such?

Did she ask or demand to be paid what she’s worth?
- Did she refuse to let someone disrespect her boundaries?
- Did she speak up to be recognized for something she inspired or built?

If anything like the above took place, none of it makes her difficult.
IT MAKES HER SMART.

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sub·ver·sive:
Written, produced, and co-edited by creator/host Cali Green
Predominantly edited by Associate Producer Adam Ross
Resident Mental Health Expert: Tracy Treacy
Music Supervisor: Samora Pinderhughes
Show Theme: "Hold That Weight" video + audio - Samora Pinderhughes