Ever wondered why so many digital transformations fail even with the latest tech? Tune in to the latest FODcast episode, where Abbie Ross and Kathryn Roberts from Lean Tree reveal the often-overlooked factor in success: the people behind the transformation.

In this insightful chat, Abbie and Kathryn share why aligning project teams and end-users is crucial from day one and how clear, consistent communication can prevent the costly missteps that derail projects.

They discuss practical strategies to help leaders turn digital initiatives into collaborative efforts that empower teams and maximise tech investments. 💡

Ready to lead a transformation that truly works for your people and your business?

Don’t miss their expert tips on bringing in external change management specialists for a smoother, more sustainable transformation journey.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Looking to lead a successful digital transformation in today’s fast-paced world? In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with Wendy Isaacs, Executive Director of Commerce and Experience Delivery at Valtech.

Wendy's journey—from the early days of CompuServe to steering modern digital strategies—provides invaluable lessons for navigating change in the digital age.

Wendy shares her insights on achieving transformation by balancing people, culture, and strategic planning. She also breaks down the difference between incremental and revolutionary change, showing how both require alignment across behaviour, skills, and organisational structure, with people at the core.

For anyone involved in digital transformation, Wendy’s advice on skilled programme management, effective product ownership, and forging strong business partnerships is essential listening.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Discover how to maximise customer loyalty and boost profitability with expert insights from Sam Panzer, Director of Industry Strategy at Talon.One.

In the latest episode of The FODcast, Sam shares his career journey from retail marketing to industry strategy, offering actionable advice on how brands can leverage loyalty programmes, gamification, and personalised offers to transform customer retention.

Sam explains how even modest loyalty rewards can significantly enhance retention without eroding profits, unlike traditional discounts. With convenience-driven competitors like Amazon, emotionally engaging loyalty programmes are now more vital than ever. This episode explores how brands can elevate their loyalty strategies using technological advancements, creating seamless and impactful retail experiences.

We also dive into the power of gamification as a tool for boosting customer engagement. Sam highlights techniques like gift-with-purchase incentives and product bundling—successfully used by brands like Lego—that create value while protecting profitability.

The episode wraps up with a look at data-driven loyalty strategies, discussing the importance of integrating customer data, session behaviour, and item data to tailor promotions more effectively.

Packed with valuable insights and practical tips, this episode is a must-listen for brands looking to refine their loyalty programmes and stay ahead in a competitive market.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Unlock the secrets of successful digital transformation and discover how fractional technology leadership is reshaping mid-market businesses.

Join Simon Lascelles, Managing Partner of Business Technology Leaders, for an insightful conversation on the growing popularity of fractional CTO/CIO roles.

In our latest chat for The FODcast, Simon helps to unpack the market forces driving this trend—from skilled labour shortages to the cost-saving benefits of moving away from full-time hires.

We delve into the key considerations for deciding between fractional and full-time technology leadership and learn how this model could propel digital commerce initiatives forward.

We’ll also tackle the current state of AI, debunking myths and showcasing its potential for intelligent automation and data-driven decision-making.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain strategic insights into fractional hiring and its role in driving digital transformation and sustainable growth.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

What are the secrets to revolutionising digital commerce in today’s fast-paced retail landscape?

In Episode 5 of the current season of the FODcast, we welcome Simon Suarez, Director of Enterprise Architecture at AbsoluteLabs, who shares his extensive insights into omni-channel strategies and customer engagement.

With decades of experience spanning luxury retail brands including Gucci, Stella McCartney, and Sweaty Betty, Simon discusses how brands have shifted from isolated operations to a customer-focused approach. He reveals how the pandemic helped to transform physical stores into omni-fulfillment centres and highlights the impressive success of brands such as John Lewis in creating a seamless customer experience.

Join us as we explore the future of retail engagement and the vital role of techno-functional leaders in driving business growth. Discover the transition from a project-to-product mindset and how agile organisations are adapting to consumer preferences.

In our chat with Simon, we also discuss the importance of a personalised service through clienteling and balancing diverse customer needs within a store environment - and where cutting-edge trends in AI, mobile integration, and gamification also have their part to play.

This episode is packed with valuable insights into the ever-evolving retail industry and covers a wide range of topics, from innovative strategies to actionable advice for those working in, around, and for retail businesses. One not to be missed.

#RetailTech #DigitalTransformation #AbsoluteLabs #TheFODcast #DigitalCommerce #RetailInnovation

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

In our latest BONUS FODcast short, we’re joined by Michael Barker, a leader in fractional executive hiring, to explore why mid-market companies are moving towards fractional roles over full-time hires for C-level expertise.

Michael shares how companies are increasingly tapping into specialised talent for agility and flexibility in the fast-paced digital landscape as we dive into the impact of tech advancements on leadership, the importance of collaborative communication, and how Conway’s Law and Stephen Covey’s principles continue to shape effective system design.

The conversation wraps with an insightful look at the integration and cultural challenges companies face when bringing in fractional leaders, particularly in tech. Michael highlights the growing importance of teaching over doing, sharing real-world scenarios, like managing cyber threats, to illustrate the flexibility and skill required in these roles.

Whether you’re a fractional professional yourself, or a business leader looking to hire one, this episode offers more great insight on how this agile model is reshaping business growth and digital transformation.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

What are the future-proof strategies every retailer needs to adopt?

For Episode 4 of the current season of the FODcast, we were joined by multi-award-winning digital commerce leader, Meriel Neighbour, Head of Global Digital Product Delivery and Transformation at Clarks who shared with us the transformational journey of the iconic footwear brand.

With extensive experience from her tenure at Ted Baker, the Post Office, Selfridges, and Matches Fashion, Meriel discusses the critical need for Clarks to modernise its technology landscape.

Discover how the adoption of composable commerce and headless architecture is setting Clarks up for long-term success by providing flexibility and resilience in their digital operations.

Plus, lots more insight as we talk about the brand’s challenges and triumphs as they progressed through this transformative journey, how they are poised for future growth, and ready to meet the evolving demands of the digital commerce landscape.




#RetailTech #DigitalTransformation #Clarks #TheFODcast #DigitalCommerce #RetailInnovation

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

In the second of our FODcast ‘shorts’ with CEO, Tim Roedel, we’re excited to bring you another great discussion on the rising trend of fractional hiring with Adrian Wakefield, Co-Founder of The Digital WoW Group.

With over 35 years of experience in delivering technology and digital transformations, Adrian's journey spans from manufacturing and operations to tech leadership, including his role as CIO of a global tech organisation. Now at the forefront of fractional consulting, Adrian helps businesses leverage high-level expertise on a part-time basis – and was therefore a great guest to feature on the topic.

🔍 Discussion Highlights:

• Drivers of Fractional Hiring Increase: Learn about the flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and access to specialised skills driving this trend.
• Organisational Adaptation: Understand how businesses can navigate regulations, adjust roles, and manage operational people matters to integrate fractional leaders.
• Characteristics of Effective Fractional Leaders: Discover the key traits of successful fractional leaders, including availability, expertise, strategic vision, and strong communication skills.
• Future Outlook: Explore the long-term benefits of fractional hiring and its potential to become a permanent fixture in the business landscape.

Tune in now to gain a deeper understanding of fractional hiring and its impact on digital transformation and business strategy.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/