The Customer Commerce Podcast

Meta lost $17 billion on the Metaverse and kept going, sound familiar?  In this episode, Mikel Lindsaar, Tony Melvin and Jess dig into the sunk cost fallacy, why most businesses aren't actually AI ready and what separating your data from your decisions is really costing you.  Plus: AI-generated horror novels, copyright law, and why the human behind the prompt still matters more than the AI. Listen...

Block Inc. (formerly known as Square) laid off 4,000 people after record profits and the stock market rewarded them with an $8 billion jump. StoreConnect 's CEO Mikel Lindsaar and CMO Tony Melvin break down why AI isn't coming, it's already here and why getting your data into one place is the only move that matters right now. Plus, birthday chaos, curling conspiracies and the people who will make...

Stop wasting hours managing inventory in two places. In this debut episode, StoreConnect CEO Mikel Lindsaar explains why the "sync" model is a myth that silently drains your growth. We’re kicking Season 3 of The Customer Commerce with “Steve energy" to dive into what actually makes a business sane in 2026. From a behind-the-scenes look at the ROI of Dreamforce to debunking the idea...

In this episode, Jess and Mikel discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of customer experience, and the disconnect often found in the hospitality industry. They explore the value of human interaction in a world increasingly dominated by AI and technology, and how businesses can build loyalty through genuine connections rather than just monetary incentives.  Mikel shares insights...

In this episode of the Customer Commerce Podcast, co-hosts Jess & Mikel join guest, James King, to discuss the critical role of data in driving business success, particularly in the e-commerce and beauty industries.  They explore the challenges businesses face in understanding and utilizing data effectively, the importance of simplifying metrics for better decision-making, and the unique dynam...

Summary In this episode of the Customer Commerce Podcast, Jess and Mikel engage with Adam Posner, founder of The Point of Loyalty, to explore the intricate dynamics of customer loyalty. They discuss the concept of 'Joyalty Moments ‘of Magic and how brands can create meaningful connections with customers through unexpected moments of joy.  Adam emphasizes that loyalty is not merely a program bu...

In this episode of the Customer Commerce podcast, Martin Beeson, founder of Growth Affect CRO, discusses the importance of understanding customer journeys in eCommerce and how to optimize conversion rates.  He emphasizes the need for businesses to identify revenue leaks and the role of data-driven insights in improving customer experiences. The conversation also explores the differences between B2...

In this episode of The Customer Commerce Podcast, hosts Jess and Mikel engage with Ian Calvert, an expert in eCommerce, to discuss the practical realities of running an online business. They explore the importance of customer service, the dynamics of marketplaces, and the significance of building genuine relationships with customers. Ian shares insights from his experiences at Retail Fest, emphasi...

In this episode of the Customer Commerce Podcast, host Jess and Mikel engage with Saul Kropman, founder of Alchemy Consultants, who specializes in helping e-commerce brands achieve profitable growth.  The conversation covers various aspects of e-commerce, including the importance of direct communication with customers, understanding their needs, and leveraging AI for efficiency.  Saul emphasizes t...

In this episode of the Customer Commerce Podcast, Mikel, David, and Jess dive into the chaotic world of branding and marketing, focusing on Jaguar's recent branding blunder and its implications for the automotive industry.  They discuss the importance of understanding target markets, the shift towards personalization in customer experiences, and the future of online shopping, particularly the...

This week, Jess and Mikel sit down with Anna Samkova, founder of Albany Advisory and a sharp voice in customer strategy. Together, they unpack why most loyalty programs miss the mark, how to put the customer back at the center, and the power of asking the right questions before building anything. Anna also shares how showing up consistently on LinkedIn transformed her reach, and why the best loyal...

In this episode, Jess and Mikel discuss various topics related to e-commerce, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. They delve into the recent Shopify outage, its implications for businesses, and how to manage crises effectively. The conversation also highlights Duolingo's innovative marketing tactics and the evolving landscape of modern marketing.  Mikel shares valuable insights on confront...

In this episode of The Customer Commerce Podcast, Scott Stafford, a Salesforce certified architect, discusses the evolution of digital transformation into AI transformation, emphasizing the importance of AI for small to medium businesses.  He explains the concept of agentic solutions in AI, the impact of AI on jobs, and the necessity of human skills and curiosity in leveraging technology. Scott al...

In this episode of the Customer Commerce Podcast, Tad Reeves, a principal architect at Arbory Digital, discusses the complexities of content management systems and customer commerce.  He emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique needs of large brands and the challenges they face in managing their online presence.  The conversation also touches on the significance of redundancy in websi...

In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore various themes surrounding business longevity, the nature of entrepreneurship, and the ethical implications of sales practices. They discuss the importance of intent in business, the challenges of maintaining excitement in long-term projects, and the deceptive tactics often employed in marketing. The dialogue emphasizes the need for businesses to pr...

In this episode of the Customer Commerce podcast, hosts Jess, Mikel, and David discuss various topics ranging from travel experiences to email marketing strategies, innovations in retail, and the impact of copycats in business.  They share the importance of effective and truthful email marketing, the introduction of smart trolleys in Australian supermarkets, and the challenges of originality in bu...

In this ‘unhinged’ conversation, Jess, Mikel, and David explore the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of customer experience, the role of technology, and the human element in business.  They discuss how starting a business today is easier than ever, yet requires a focus on genuine customer relationships and the long game of success. The discussion also touches on t...

In this episode, Australian business owner Rick Ogge , co-founder of Beyond Plumbing Supplies Australia , shares his journey of launching a plumbing supply business with three friends during the pandemic .  He opens up about the challenges, surprises, and lessons of entrepreneurship, from targeting a niche market to engaging customers and building strong partnerships . Rick also reflects on the ba...

In this episode of the Customer Commerce Podcast, Jess and Mikel discuss the importance of authenticity in social media, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn. They explore the challenges of self-promotion, the emergence of new consumer fears like FOMO (fear of missing out) and a new one, FOBO (fear of a better option), and the significance of social proof in decision-making.  Mikel shares his p...

In this episode, Jess and Mikel discuss the challenges of managing a busy schedule as a business owner, the importance of staying focused and present, and strategies for overcoming overwhelm. Mikel shares insights on problem-solving, leadership, and the significance of building a strong team to achieve success in business. Takeaways Walking and observing can help clear your mind. Writing down task...

In this episode of the Customer Commerce Podcast, hosts David and Jess discuss the significance of branding and customer experience, focusing on innovative marketing strategies from brands like Cadbury and Jellycat. They explore how these brands create engaging experiences that resonate with consumers, emphasizing the importance of differentiation and the 'wow factor' in both B2B and B2C c...

Summary In this episode, Mikel, Jess & David discuss the recent TikTok controversy and delve into the implications for small businesses that rely on TikTok for revenue and emphasize the importance of building customer relationships.  The conversation shifts to the realities of entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges and misconceptions surrounding running a business. Finally, they discuss...

In this episode, Mikel, Jess and David discuss the impact of the LA fires on the community, highlighting the resilience and support from small businesses. They delve into the issue of fraudulent returns in retail, particularly in the clothing industry, and explore innovative strategies for customer engagement. The conversation emphasizes the importance of authenticity in business communication and...

In this episode of The Customer Commerce Podcast, hosts Mikel, David and Jess discuss key predictions for the retail and e-commerce landscape in 2025. They explore the importance of integrating human connection into business, the rise of gamification in customer loyalty programs, the impact of social commerce, and the growing subscription economy. The conversation also delves into the transformati...

In this FIRST episode of The Customer Commerce Podcast for 2025, the hosts discuss various topics including the controversial reveal of Jaguar's new model, the implications of Shopify's payday loans for small businesses, and the absurdity of a $6 million banana art piece. They also explore the collaboration between PlayStation and Pizza Hut, the chilling effects of new social media regulations in...