Strategy for Breakfast

We are joined by Tom Stone and Pamela Uddin to discuss their own journey as managing partners of RE:ACT Marketing, but also how they navigate the challenges, success and their future both at work and at home (they are also married). We will unpick those key moments that have brought them here, but also the unique dynamics that they and their team need to adapt to and weave into the culture of the...

Listen in on any business conversation today, and you can pretty much bet that “AI” comes up within five minutes. Seriously. Set your timer! With all the bot-talk, it’s refreshing to hear from an expert voice who’s convinced the immense power of generative artificial intelligence is not overshadowing humankind’s unique cognitive capabilities. Our guest explains why we don’t have to be AI-afraid or...

It seems like everyone—in the consumer and corporate world—is pushing out AI models and products these days. The question is: what has this done to our cybersecurity? Does AI just make the bad guys faster, or is it actually making us more secure? Our guest today is a “red team” hacker (a hacker for good) and expert in cybersecurity. He talks us through what’s out there trying to wreak havoc, and w...

Keeping employees motivated and engaged isn’t about bigger paychecks—it’s about deeper connections. Dominic Miserandino, CEO of Retail Tech Media Nexus, joins us to share why empathy, transparency, and really knowing your people are the real keys to retention and performance. From spotting early warning signs before they hit the data, to giving your team “permission to be imperfect,” Dom explains...

The viral Coldplay kiss cam scandal threw the role of CPO, or Chief People Officer—and HR at large—into the spotlight. Our guest is an expert on organizational culture and talks us through why this moment captured so much attention. We also talk about the challenges HR and People leaders face today. For more, hear our extended conversation on YouTube! Discussion Points: What is a Chief People Offi...

Episode description   An in-depth discussion with Roberta Passerini, Global Marketing Transformation Leader, exploring strategies that can lead to cultural shifts, picking over the process and how to approach resistance and the practicalities in shifting mindsets.  For more, hear our extended conversation on YouTube! https://youtu.be/nSudntRe-yY Discussion points:   What components are required to...

Episode Description Understanding when people do their best work—whether early in the morning or later in the day—can dramatically improve team efficiency and morale. NYT best-selling author Dan Pink discusses how leaders who take timing into account can better structure workflows, meetings, and collaborative sessions to match team members’ natural energy peaks. Measuring the impact of this approa...

Episode Description: There’s no denying it: AI and tech are changing HR. Where is AI helping, and what are the problems with everyone using AI to apply for roles? Our guest is walking us through the tools and strategies for people leaders to identify and develop the very best talent. We also hear why the resume is “dead!” Welcome to the latest episode of Strategy for Breakfast. Send us a note at p...

Episode Description What if culture wasn’t just an HR buzzword—but the engine behind real innovation, trust, and business growth? In this episode of Strategy for Breakfast , Amanda Brilhante sits down with Cindy Chastain, the Former SVP, Global Head of Customer Experience & Design at Mastercard, to unpack why culture is far more than a branding exercise. They explore why trust is non-negotiabl...

Episode Description We’re joined by Kae Neskovic, Executive Creative Director at Superside, for a candid conversation on what it really takes to evolve your brand without losing its soul. In a world chasing “human” content, Kae breaks down why authenticity isn’t just clever copy or user-generated content—it’s about emotional range, creative bravery, and embracing transformation without fear.  For...

Episode Description In this episode, we dive into the forces shaping global supply chains, from commodity headwinds and tailwinds to surprising economic substitutes like Brazilian oranges and alternatives to chocolate. Our guest, Francisco Martin-Rayo, unpacks how hedge funds capitalize on volatility and why fluctuating grocery prices can mean big business for investors. Plus, we explore AI’s grow...

Episode Description Does it feel like you've just wrapped your head around Generative AI, when you start hearing about Agentic AI everywhere? AI is evolving and it's high time we stop being intimidated by it! Our guest has been programming since he was 10 years old, so he's the perfect person to explain Agentic AI in digestible terms, and better still- how it will make work more enjoyable and prod...

Episode Description In today’s oversaturated media landscape, capturing audience attention is only half the battle—what brands really want is action. So how do you move beyond impressions and create lasting engagement? This week, we’re joined by Michele Fino, a seasoned Chief Storyteller with deep expertise in branded entertainment and content strategy. Michele shares how marketers can use the pow...

Episode description   Exploring how organizations  build operational excellence and create a sustainable culture; that idea of embedding it into everyday life at an organization. We talk to Darren O’Connor, Director of Business Development, from Performance Solutions by Milliken about how continuous improvement and operational excellence can be found through collaboration and transparency. But the...

Episode description   Exploring how organizations  build operational excellence and create a sustainable culture; that idea of embedding it into everyday life at an organization. We talk to Chris Poole, Director of Strategic Client Development, from Performance Solutions by Milliken about how continuous improvement and operational excellence can be found through collaboration and transparency. But...

Episode description How can organizations ensure every consumer has what they need to thrive in the digital world, no matter who they are? This week, we’re joined by Jack Cunningham, the Director of Product Management at  Livefront . Jack will explain why companies need to embrace accessibility, and how AI plays a role in improving the accessibility of technology.  Discussion points: ·      Ensuri...

Sustainability, wellness, inclusion. The corporate values important to your business can also help you win market share. If you tell the story in the right way. Our guest is a sustainable food expert, and drawing hilarious notes from her book, "You Can't Market Manure at Lunchtime,” shares what you CAN talk about instead, and how to make it matter. Welcome to the latest episode of Strategy for Bre...

Episode Description: AI is evolving faster than ever, and DeepSeek just sent shockwaves through the industry. In this episode of  Strategy for Breakfast , Amanda Brilhante, and Strategic Engagement Advisor with the FBI Rob Petrosino unpack why this new AI model out of China is making headlines—and what it means for the future of AI dominance. Is this a true breakthrough in AI efficiency, or does i...

Episode Description: Who is truly responsible for AI within your organization? Are they equipped to navigate its ethical challenges while maximizing its value? In this episode of  Strategy for Breakfast , host David McGrath sits down with HP Dalen to explore the complexities of AI ownership in business. From aligning AI initiatives with core company values to ensuring leadership-level AI literacy,...

Episode Description: Is AI going to be a large part of state government and public services? In this episode of  Strategy for Breakfast , Amanda Brilhante speaks with Vincent Cabansag, COO of Clockwork and Vice Chair of Minnesota’s Technology Advisory Council, to explore how AI is improving public safety, streamlining services, and enhancing citizen experiences. From AI-powered traffic monitoring ...

Episode Description: What if you could take a selfie to know whether you're healthy? Fitness Trackers, Alexa, Siri, TikTok -- The digital age has ushered in unprecedented access to health information, empowering patients to take control of their well-being, and tech is only getting smarter. In this episode we discuss how stepping on your bathmat can give your vitals or a smart mirror can detect ca...

Episode Description: How is an elite sport redefining modern sports? SailGP is revolutionizing sailing by blending cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and strategic global growth. From real-time data overlays to their unique "Impact League," Chief Marketing Officer of SailGP, Leah Davis, says the league delivers a fan-first approach that marries entertainment with purpose. As they expand inte...

Episode Description: How do we keep healthcare personal in a tech-driven world? This week, we’re joined by David Weisman, Chief Experience Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals in Queens, to explore why a human-centered approach is critical to the future of healthcare. David shares how the pandemic reshaped the patient experience, why personal touch still matters, and where AI can enhance but never re...

Episode Description: How is AI is transforming the modern workplace and challenging tradition 9-to-5 norms? From reducing mundane tasks to sparking creativity, host Amanda and guest Sky Kelley discuss how technology can redefine productivity and even open doors to a 4-day workweek. Technology is allowing us to "cut through the noise". Hear insights on overcoming challenges in legacy organizations,...

Want a resilient organization? Focus on your people! Our guest is the Global Financial Services Digital Transformation Lead at Red Hat, and while she does indeed help companies leverage technology, including the power of open source and AI, at the center is always PEOPLE. Welcome to the latest episode of Strategy for Breakfast! Let us know what you think at  podcast@gdsgroup.com Discussion Points:...