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/

Ever wondered how a gym chain can expand from one country to multiple regions using the power of technology? Join us as we sit down for Episode 3 of Season 6 with Lee Pentecost, experienced Tech Leader and currently Group Head of Architecture at PureGym.

You’ll hear about Lee’s own career path, from crafting websites in the late '90s to his current role in driving PureGym’s growth and digital transformation. Plus we touch upon the business’ mobile app and how it’s revolutionising member engagement with functionalities like class bookings and gym access, and imagine an ambitious future where it becomes a full-fledged fitness assistant.

We also consider the future of gym operations with automation and AI…and finding the balance between foundational services and advanced innovations, ensuring PureGym caters to both tech-savvy fitness enthusiasts and the everyday gym-goer.

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 first of our FODcast ‘shorts’ with CEO, Tim Roedel, we’re excited to bring you a great discussion on the rising trend of fractional hiring with highly experienced Digital Leader, and Fractional CTO, Gareth Nutt.

In our chat with Gareth, we explore the rise of fractional executive leadership in digital transformation projects, and in particular, how mid-market companies are leveraging fractional CTOs, COOs, and CFOs to affordably access top-tier expertise.

We discuss the shift from monolithic to composable architectures, highlighting the challenges and benefits for businesses - and the skills and talent needed to effectively manage complex systems and successfully leverage new technologies, - without the expense of full-time senior roles.

🔍 Other Discussion Highlights:

• The rising demand for fractional CTOs and CMOs to navigate complex digital landscapes - and where this trend is heading
• The reality behind the composable architecture 'dream' for mid-market companies
• The importance of experienced leadership in managing and optimising new technologies
• The strategic value of fractional hires in making sophisticated digital systems work efficiently

It's a great discussion, especially if you find yourself at the start of a composable journey within a mid-market business.

#DigitalTransformation #FractionalLeadership #ComposableArchitecture #TechInnovation #Podcast #Ecommerce #BusinessStrategy

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/

Episode 2 of Season 6 is here – and features an insightful conversation on all things ‘digital transformation’ with well-known Digital Leader, Stuart Barker - Technology Enablement & Advisory Practice Lead at International business and technology consultancy, Slalom.

With over 25 years of experience in both retail and consulting roles, there are few people with better experience to share their unique perspectives on how industries can successfully navigate their digital journeys.

In our chat, Stuart sheds light on how customer expectations have changed, and the importance of considering employee experiences in multi-channel environments. We talk about the need for a strategic approach in implementing technology and driving business changes, as well as the importance of understanding the WHY behind any transformation initiative.

Don't miss this episode filled with valuable insights, real-life anecdotes, and practical advice on how to ensure your digital transformation journey is set for success from the get-go.

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/

Welcome to Season 6 of The FODcast by Simply Commerce.

This season, we're diving deep into three pivotal areas shaping the future of digital commerce: navigating digital transformation, building a successful eCommerce business, and the innovations driving the sector forward.

In our first episode, we chat with Nathan Lomax, co-founder of Quickfire Digital, European Digital Agency of the Year (2022) – and probably one of the most driven individuals we’ve had the pleasure of speaking to.

Certainly a household and well-respected name in the wider world of all things Shopify, Nathan shares the good, the bad, and the ugly of launching and scaling an eCommerce business, the impact on home life, and the challenges faced along the way.

Nathan’s journey from starting a website company after college to co-founding a leading digital agency is inspiring, and in our chat, he talks about the importance of streamlining business processes, making sacrifices, and finding a work-life balance, all while staying passionate and laser-focused on growth and success.

Whether you're growing a business or launching a new venture, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and strategies to help you succeed .

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/