The Future of Commerce Podcast
Customers today aren’t just buying products and services - they’re buying experiences, spending more with brands that meet their expectations and align with their beliefs. The Future of Commerce is dedicated to actionable thought leadership and analysis on all things commerce, both consumer-facing and B2B, from sales, marketing, customer experience, employee experience, data management, customer service, purpose, corporate life, and more.
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AI agent pricing: Faster, smarter decision making for margin growth
<p>In today’s fast-moving, high-volatility markets, the old way of managing pricing—manual processes, siloed data, reactive decisions—just can’t keep up. This episode, inspired by AI agent pricing: Faster, smarter decision making for margin growth, examines how AI agents are changing the game for sales, pricing, and revenue management.</p><p>We dive into what makes agentic AI different from traditional automation, why human-AI collaboration is key, and how unified technology platforms create the environment these agents need to thrive. Real-world examples, including Pricevex’s specialized pricing agents, show how businesses can detect margin leaks, optimize discounting, accelerate...
Rethinking manufacturing execution systems in paper and packaging
<p>Manufacturing execution systems (MES) have long driven efficiency in paper and packaging operations. But many of these systems—often 20 to 30 years old—are now a drag on agility, innovation, and competitiveness. This episode, inspired by Rethinking manufacturing execution systems in paper and packaging, dives into why legacy MES platforms are reaching their limits and what the next generation of manufacturing technology looks like.</p><p>We examine the growing demand for semantically rich, unified data to power AI and intelligent agents, and the need to rethink the MES–ERP relationship. From moving quality management into ERP to leveraging open, adapta...
Stablecoins set to upend commerce status quo as new era of cryptocurrency begins
<p>In this episode, we explore the accelerating shift from traditional payments to blockchain-powered digital dollars. Inspired by insights from Stablecoins set to upend commerce status quo, this discussion unpacks how stablecoins—cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat currencies—are poised to revolutionize global commerce.</p><p>With the passing of the Genius Act in the U.S., stablecoins are gaining the trust and regulatory legitimacy they need to go mainstream. But what does that mean for credit card networks, swipe fees, small merchants, and everyday consumers? This episode explores the mechanics, regulations, opportunities, and risks of this digital transformation.</p><h3>What...
How supply chain AI helps Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team race ahead
<p>Behind the roaring engines of a Formula One car lies an astonishing logistical challenge—14,500 precision-engineered parts, split-second decisions, and a relentless pressure to perform within strict budget caps. In this episode, we explore how the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team turns these challenges into opportunities using advanced AI in their supply chain operations.</p><p>Based on insights from the Future of Commerce article, we reveal how AI capabilities—predictive analytics, real-time inventory optimization, generative design, and even autonomous decision-making—give this team a championship-level advantage. And more importantly, what lessons manufacturers and supply chain leaders can take from this turboc...
How the U.S. paper and packaging industry can weather the tariff storm
<p>When the U.S. introduced sweeping tariffs in early 2025, the global trade ripple effects hit the paper and packaging sector hard. Input costs soared, supply chains got tangled, and market competitiveness dipped. But out of this disruption comes transformation.</p><p>Based on the Future of Commerce article, this episode dives into how paper and packaging companies are stabilizing short-term operations, adapting mid-term strategies, and investing long-term in a more resilient future. From digital supply chain modeling to intelligent pricing and inventory optimization, IT is the backbone of a smarter, stronger, and more agile industry.</p><h3>What You’ll...
Bye bye synthetic food dyes: How CPG companies can manage the phaseout
<p>From candy aisles to cereal shelves, the bright reds, blues, and yellows in processed foods are undergoing a transformation. This episode, based on the recent Future of Commerce article, investigates the impending phaseout of synthetic food dyes like Red 40 and the operational tsunami it’s creating for CPG manufacturers.</p><p>As the FDA pulls key artificial dyes from the market and consumers demand cleaner labels, major brands like Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo, and General Mills are adapting with speed. But swapping synthetics for natural alternatives isn’t just a simple ingredient change—it impacts everything from global agriculture to ERP sy...
How the semiconductor industry can manage tariff uncertainty
<p>In an era defined by unpredictable trade tensions, the semiconductor industry finds itself at the epicenter of economic and geopolitical uncertainty. This episode unpacks insights from The Future of Commerce, exploring why traditional manufacturing strategies are no longer enough—and how leading firms are responding.</p><p>From multi-tiered supplier networks to AI-driven modeling tools, companies are rethinking how they build, plan, and respond. And it's not just about survival. With the right tech stack and strategic foresight, some firms are turning disruption into competitive advantage.</p><h3>What You’ll Learn in This Episode:</h3><p>Why Tariff Stra...
SAP x HSBC: Holiday Retail Trends & Predictions
<p>As the 2025 holiday shopping season nears, what’s top of mind for retailers? In this insightful episode, Winnie Albornoz (Director of Product Marketing, SAP Commerce Cloud) is joined by Eric Fisch (National Sector Head of Retail & Apparel, HSBC) to unpack the state of the retail and fashion sectors.</p><p>From the shift toward off-price retailing and changes in consumer spending behavior to the nuanced role of Gen AI in customer service and advertising, this conversation offers a sharp look at what brands need to know—and how they're adapting. Eric also shares predictions on promotional strategies, loyalty programs, and...
Embedded insurance: What it is and the future of customer-centric insurance solutions
<p>Insurance is no longer something consumers have to seek out—it’s something they’re starting to expect, automatically and intuitively. Inspired by The Future of Commerce article on embedded insurance, this episode dives into how embedded insurance is reshaping consumer expectations, bridging protection gaps, and creating entirely new business models.</p><p>We unpack what embedded insurance actually is, how it differs from traditional models, and why it's poised to become a $722 billion market by 2030. From real-time underwriting to AI-driven personalization, we explore how digital transformation is turning insurance into a value-added service—built into everything from your travel b...
How AI in pricing plays a starring role the future of omnichannel commerce
<p>Pricing isn’t just a number—it’s an experience. Inspired by The Future of Commerce article on AI-powered pricing, this episode breaks down how artificial intelligence is redefining how businesses manage pricing in both B2C and B2B environments.</p><p>We explore the shift from static price lists to dynamic, customer-aware pricing models—powered by AI, machine learning, and micro-segmentation. Discover how predictive pricing, demand forecasting, and real-time optimization are driving better buying journeys, more accurate forecasts, and measurable bottom-line results. Plus, we look at what it takes to get there: from modernizing your data infrastructure to reima...
