Is your business AI-ready? Join Daoud and Patrick as they unpack AI’s explosive growth, from generative tools to agentic automation. Discover why Shopify’s AI hiring memo sparked debate, how to audit your AI maturity, and why human creativity remains irreplaceable. Essential listening for data-driven marketers in MENA, balancing efficiency with ethics.
In this episode of The Digital Disruption Podcast, join host Patrick and guest Ahmad as they navigate through the evolving landscape of mobile measurement and customer engagement strategies. They kick off with a lively discussion about their upcoming travels and cultural experiences before delving deep into the current challenges and opportunities marketers face in the realms of mobile measurement platforms and customer engagement tools. Ahmad, an expert in these areas, provides insights into the latest trends, the significance of aligning technology with business objectives, and the importance of effective data utilization. They also explore the role of AI in optimizing customer journeys and the crucial interplay between various marketing technologies. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or new to the digital scene, this episode offers valuable perspectives on enhancing customer experience, reducing acquisition costs, and maximizing the potential of your marketing stack. Tune in for a conversation rich with professional insights and practical advice.
In this episode of the Digital Disruption Podcast, we sit down with Sejla Vatres, Principal Product Lead at WellX, a digital insurance platform revolutionizing health and wellness through prevention-first strategies. With over a decade of experience across B2B, B2C, and travel tech in Europe and the Middle East, Sejla shares her insights on what true disruption looks like—solving real user problems, not chasing shiny tech trends.
Discover how WellX is transforming insurance by rewarding users for healthy habits, why AI should be an enabler (not a buzzword), and Sejla’s actionable advice for women breaking into tech. From her work at Saudi Arabia’s Al Mosafer to Dubai’s booming innovation scene, this episode unpacks the art of balancing user obsession, data-driven decisions, and cultural adaptability in fast-evolving industries.
What does it take to run truly effective upper-funnel media campaigns—and how can you avoid wasting your budget on fraudulent or low-quality inventory?
In this episode of the Digital Disruption podcast, Patrick sits down with the two Alexises (Nicholas and Trudell) from Britklik, a niche agency specializing in Google’s enterprise media suite, to explore the ins and outs of upper-funnel programmatic advertising.
They share why simply opening the ad floodgates can torpedo your ROI, how to employ inclusion lists and PMP deals for transparency, and why brand-lift or conversion-lift studies (done right) reveal which audiences really respond.
They also discuss how focusing on tight expertise—and daily “deep work” on fewer campaigns—lets them provide the meticulous management so often missing from the agency world. If you’re ready to take a scalpel to your media spend (instead of a sledgehammer), this episode is for you.
Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Digital Disruption Podcast.
In today's episode, we're thrilled to host Louise Rowe, the head of marketing at Mimojo, an innovative startup based in Dubai.
Louise brings an impressive two decades of experience in the UAE and has worked across various sectors, including media, airlines, and loyalty rewards.
She joins us to share valuable insights into her journey at Memoju, a company that's transforming the realm of cashback rewards with technology designed to enhance user experience.
Louise discusses winning accolades like the Best Use of Data and Best Use of PPC at the MENA Search Awards, reflecting on the strategic orchestration of data and performance marketing.
We delve into the pivotal moments that have shaped her marketing philosophy and explore how she leads a team poised at the intersection of brand building and commercial success.
Additionally, we touch on her views regarding AI’s role in marketing and her strategy for fostering consumer trust in digital products.
Join us as we weave through the intricacies of navigating marketing in a digitally disruptive era and discover how Louise is setting new benchmarks for success at Mimojo.
Welcome to Episode 37 of The Digital Disruption Podcast. I'm your host, Patrick, and joining me today is Tim Ash, a distinguished international speaker, acclaimed author, and business founder with an impressive career in digital marketing.
Tim is the founder of one of the pioneering digital marketing agencies, Site Tuners, with a strong focus on conversion rate optimization, boasting an impressive client roster that includes giants like Nestle, Google, and Expedia.
In this episode, we dive deep into Tim's rich journey from an immigrant arriving in the US at age 8 to becoming an influential figure in the marketing world.
He shares insights from his work with neural networks, now known as AI, and his education journey at UC San Diego. We explore his unique approach to marketing, emphasizing the power of evolutionary psychology over fleeting industry trends and technologies.
Together with my co-host Sean, we delve into the importance of a customer-centric approach, the role of psychological principles in marketing, and the strategic necessity of cultivating a distinctive brand voice.
We also discuss the pitfalls of over-reliance on technology in digital marketing and the nuances of defining a strong brand identity. Tim Ash sheds light on the critical importance of sleep for maintaining creativity and emotional well-being, tying it into broader themes from his book "Unleash Your Primal Brain."
Join us as we discuss how businesses can thrive by owning niche markets, enhancing user experiences, and adopting a balanced approach to strategic and tactical optimizations. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insights for navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Let's dive into our conversation with Tim Ash.
Welcome back to The Digital Disruption Podcast!
In Episode 36, our hosts Daoud, Sean Bucher, and Patrick delve into a lively conversation about the shifts and trends disrupting the digital world.
Tune in as Daoud shares his music app migration from Spotify to YouTube Music, recognizing Spotify's role in popularizing end-of-year recaps, much like what they plan for wrapping up digital transformations in 2024.
The hosts also reflect on fashion trends from "shrinkflation" in suit pants to the cyclical nature of men's apparel styles.
They explore the impactful transition from Google Analytics Universal (UA) to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and its implications on data analytics, urging companies to enhance proficiency with GA4 come 2025.
Sean and Patrick dive into the burgeoning trend of principal-based media buying, discussing major industry consolidations and evolving landscapes like Barstool Sports competing with giants like ESPN.
In this episode, discover how AI is reshaping the advertising sector, raising ethical concerns on content creation, usage, and labor economics.
The hosts debate Amazon, Nordstrom, and Lululemon's brand differentiators amidst a rising creator economy.
They also discuss Black Friday and Cyber Monday consumer insights, predicting a trend toward "founder-first" brand initiatives by 2025, affecting tech and e-commerce.
From Sean's holiday plans to Daoud's excitement about advancements in AI technology like Alibaba Cloud AI, the episode promises diverse insights with lighthearted tangents.
Close the year with an exploration into the Colorado AI Act and Gen Z's digital preferences, as our hosts engage with the continuously evolving digital ecosystem.
Don't miss out on this comprehensive discussion about where we've been and where we're headed in the digital universe.
Welcome to Episode 35 of The Digital Disruption Podcast! Today, our hosts, Patrick, Daoud, and Sean Bucher, dive into the intricate world of digital metrics and their significance in evaluating business success. In this episode, we question the traditional reliance on conversion rates and explore new perspectives on user engagement metrics. From the complexities of sessions and visits in analytics platforms to the ethical considerations of tracking practices, our hosts unravel the myths surrounding the "single source of truth" in data analysis. Listen in as we challenge conventional metrics, delve into attribution challenges, and advocate for innovative strategies within the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing and e-commerce. Plus, we add a touch of humor as we discuss breakfast favorites and experience a unique conversation on data accuracy. Join us for an insightful discussion pushing the boundaries of how we interpret and act upon digital data.
Welcome to Episode 34 of The Digital Disruption Podcast. In this episode, we're diving into the dynamic world of Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) with our expert guest, Faysal Shaarani.
As we explore the impressive advancements in data streaming, with latency measured in mere milliseconds, we also highlight the significance of quick data transfers for business objectives.
Faysal shares insights on strategically aligning CDP investments with business goals, emphasizing the critical importance of strong data foundations and the significant return on investment, sometimes within just 90 days.
We'll discuss the nuances of cost considerations, the impact on marketing strategies, and the essential roles of data security and compliance.
As we journey through composable CDPs and their benefits, we underscore the importance of leveraging existing data infrastructures to maximize business value. Whether you're a small business exploring "CDP lite" or an enterprise dealing with data access challenges, this episode offers a wealth of insights into achieving data-driven success.
Join us as we unravel the foundational requirements of implementing an effective CDP and prepare you for our next episode, where we'll uncover real-world applications and results of CDPs for advertisers and clients. Tune in, and let's disrupt the digital landscape together!
Episode Highlights:
Data Streaming Goldmine: Discover how milliseconds of latency in data streaming can make or break real-time decision-making. Patrick sheds light on this digital magic!
ROI Unlocked: Faysal demystifies how aligning your CDP investments with business objectives (like boosting those conversion rates) can pay dividends—literally! Some companies see ROI in just 90 days!
Unveiling Composable CDPs: Learn about cost-effective composable CDPs that leverage your existing data infrastructure and save you from swimming in duplicated datasets.
Navigating Data Security & Compliance: Explore the critical importance of data security, especially in industries like healthcare and finance, and why managing internal data access is non-negotiable.
Business Use Cases First: Before diving into technology, clarify your business use cases. Align your data strategy to drive success, prioritize personalization, and delight your customers with targeted efforts.
Welcome to Episode 33 of The Digital Disruption Podcast, where your hosts, Daoud, Sean Bucher, and Patrick, dive into the intersection of digital marketing and data analytics.
This episode, inspired by Randy Newberg's podcast on wildlife conservation, explores the importance of data-driven decision-making across various industries.
From leveraging competitor insights and understanding market dynamics to the strategic use of customer data, our hosts provide an in-depth discussion on how businesses can navigate short-term financial gains and long-term strategic planning.
Listen in as Sean shares real-world examples with Amazon and WeWork, and discover how economic shifts influence ecommerce markets, using everything from public data to clever promotions. Packed with insights on performance metrics and the role of leadership in data strategies, this episode promises a holistic view on staying ahead of digital trends.
Whether you're analyzing HVAC demand shifts or contemplating the impact of extended business hours, tune in for a conversation that’s as engaging as it is informative—the perfect blend of scientific rigor and practical application.
Welcome to The Digital Disruption Podcast! I’m your host Patrick, joined by my co-host, Daoud, as we delve into the world of Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) with our distinguished guest, Faysal Shaarani. Broadcasting from a comfortably cool setting after a long hot spell, we’re eager to tackle all things customer data on today's episode.
Join us as we uncover key components, functionalities, and industry trends surrounding CDPs—aiming to equip businesses with the knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of customer data and drive meaningful growth. Tune in for insights on segmentation, personalization, data enrichment, and more, as we prepare to share real innovative use cases and results in our upcoming episodes.
What is a CDP?:
Key Capabilities of a CDP:
Distinguishing CDPs:
Composable vs. Full-Fledged CDP:
Data Enrichment in CDPs:
Identity Resolution:
Use Cases for CDPs:
Challenges of Composable CDPs:
Business Use Cases for CDPs:
Costs and Flexibility in CDPs:
Welcome to another episode of the "Digital Disruption Podcast."
Today, Patrick and Sean delve into a critical but often overlooked aspect of digital transformation: accessibility. With Dawood absent, the duo takes a thoughtful approach to exploring how organizations can prioritize accessibility, not just as a legal necessity, but as a moral and ethical imperative.
They discuss the importance of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and delve into the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which provide a comprehensive framework for making digital spaces inclusive and accessible to everyone. Whether you're a business leader, a marketer, or a web developer, this episode is packed with valuable insights on how to ensure your digital presence is welcoming to all.
Timestamps
00:00 Accessibility is an ethical and moral imperative.
04:07 Discussing web and app accessibility in society.
07:53 Some organizations are exempt from certain rules.
10:35 Internet is essential public utility for everyone.
14:04 People took time to translate print principles.
18:47 Using keyboards and touch screens for UX.
20:51 Concerns about user experience for people with impairments.
23:24 Brands reconsidering iconography for better accessibility.
28:19 Key principle for web product manager role.
33:20 Use contrast checker tools for web accessibility.
35:05 Complex websites need real user testing.
39:51 Big CPG brands, legal and ethical considerations.
41:18 Work should fulfill promise of accessibility for all.
Key Takeaways
Accessibility as an Ethical Imperative: Beyond legal compliance, accessibility should be viewed as a moral obligation to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, can access and navigate digital spaces.
Understanding ADA and WCAG: The ADA sets legal standards for accessibility, while the WCAG offers a practical framework to achieve these standards, covering aspects like perceivability, operability, understandability, and robustness.
Practical Implementation: Organizations should assess their current digital accessibility and create a roadmap for improvements. This includes setting achievable goals, regularly testing for compliance, and making continuous improvements to their digital platforms.
User Experience and Accessibility: Good user experience (UX) design principles naturally align with accessibility guidelines. Ensuring that websites and apps are easy to navigate for all users will inherently improve overall UX.
Ownership and Accountability: Accessibility should be championed by senior leadership and integrated into the responsibilities of product managers, web developers, and UX designers. It’s not just about meeting legal requirements but about fostering an inclusive digital environment.
Tools and Testing: Leveraging tools like Google Lighthouse, contrast checkers, and user testing can help identify and address accessibility issues. Regular audits and updates ensure ongoing compliance and improved user experience.
Legal and Business Risks: Non-compliance with accessibility standards can lead to legal action and damage to brand reputation. However, improving accessibility also offers business benefits, including better SEO, increased conversion rates, and enhanced customer loyalty.
Welcome back to another episode of The Digital Disruption Podcast! In Episode 30, our hosts Patrick, Sean Bucher, and Mostafa dive into a variety of topics ranging from customer behaviors and holiday shopping trends to effective marketing strategies for e-commerce and retail.
They discuss the importance of clear policies, such as return policies, and how they impact customer loyalty.
Additionally, the hosts explore changing consumer behaviors, shopper categories, and the significance of maintaining a clean list of valid subscriber contacts.
They also touch on influencer marketing, list hygiene, creative optimization, and the growing impact of generational aspects on consumer attitudes.
Stay tuned as we unravel the latest insights and strategies for navigating the dynamic landscape of digital disruption in the retail and e-commerce sector.
Timestamps:-
00:00 Previewing customer engagement and maximizing holiday channels.
07:03 List hygiene and segmentation are important for email marketing.
14:40 Leverage omnichannel marketing to reach customers effectively.
20:04 Identifying engagement, targeting, and collaborating for growth.
23:04 Interest in push and NFC technology persists.
31:01 Intent influences purchasing decisions, brand loyalty matters.
35:41 Be transparent and adaptable for customer satisfaction.
41:38 Holiday purchases reflect diverse consumer behavior.
45:15 Use audience remarketing to intercept competitors' customers.
48:51 Understand, analyze, and target high-value customers effectively.
54:17 Brands need influence and marketing for growth.
59:58 Influencers and their content enhance brands' image.
01:07:50 SMS and email are big in the US.
01:10:02 Signing off, see you in a week.
Key Takeaways:-
In this episode of the Digital Disruption Podcast, we dive deep into the world of digital marketing with seasoned expert Malaa.
We explore the critical role of customer centricity in building successful brands, the challenges of data management and measurement, and the future of AI in shaping digital experiences.
Get ready to gain valuable insights and practical tips to elevate your digital strategy.
Key Takeaways:
Welcome back to The Digital Disruption Podcast!
Today, the digital marketing landscape faces a plot twist – the death of the third-party cookie has been canceled!
Joining us to navigate this ever-changing world of advertising are Sean Bucher, a veteran in the digital marketing trenches since the dawn of cookies, and Patrick Soch, who will bring his fresh perspective.
Buckle up because we're diving into the implications of this delay, the challenges of a cookieless future, and how to craft winning advertising strategies regardless of the cookie's fate.
Let's get going! Timestamps:
Takeaways
This episode unpacked the news of Google delaying the deprecation of third-party cookies. While many advertisers breathe a sigh of relief, the future remains cookieless. Here are the key takeaways:
In this podcast episode, we discuss the recently passed Colorado Artificial Intelligence Act, the first of its kind in the US, which will go into effect in 2026. The law focuses on “high-risk” AI systems that make decisions about areas such as education, employment, finance, and healthcare.
The key players involved are:
Transparency requirements are a major part of the law. Developers and deployers must disclose:
Deployers must also:
The impact of this law is uncertain, but it could potentially set a precedent for future AI regulations across the US.
Key Takeaways
Timestamps:
00:00 Ethical considerations in AI; broad, helpful use.
04:25 Deepfake involves using artificially generated content.
09:46 Third-party system deployment requires transparency and understanding.
11:59 Describe transparency measures, human oversight, impact assessment.
17:45 Data suitability, transparency, and disclosure requirements for AI.
21:42 Rapid adoption of AI technology in markets.
23:25 Favor transparency, caution against narcissistic social media.
27:06 Tools unlocking possibilities for efficient, effective work.
In this episode, Mostafa, Patrick, and Ahmad tackle the elusive question of whether an ideal Martech stack exists.
They explore the nuances of Martech tools, emphasizing that while there may not be a universal stack suitable for all, there is an ideal stack for each business depending on its specific needs and objectives.
The discussion delves into the importance of customer engagement, digital experience, and data orchestration, highlighting the need to push current capabilities to their limits before investing in new tools.
They also touch on the evolving role of CDPs and CEPs and how composability is shaping the future of Martech infrastructure.
Timestamps:
00:00 Clients seeking perfect smart tech stack struggle.
03:28 Tech stack's a unicorn; industry-specific capabilities necessary.
08:09 Discussing specialized tools for developing core tech.
12:33 Delivering cohesive experiences, identifying key capabilities.
14:48 Scaling marketing efforts through automation and personalization.
17:25 Sophisticated audience segmentation, journey mapping, data orchestration.
22:53 Leverage capabilities to improve user and customer experience.
26:37 Diverse media mix requires various analytics tools.
30:43 CEPs focus on channel-specific messaging, while CDPs are more omnichannel.
32:23 Consider Customer Data Platform for enhanced engagement.
37:42 Simpler CDP needed, based on industry differences.
39:03 Establish objectives, assess constraints, connect tools, and fill gaps.
Key Takeaways:
No One-Size-Fits-All Solution: There is no universal ideal Martech stack; each business must tailor its tools to its unique objectives and current capabilities.
Objectives First: Always start with your business objectives when deciding on Martech tools. Ensure the capabilities of the tools align with these objectives.
Stretch Capabilities: Before investing in new tools, maximize the use of your current capabilities. This approach not only saves cost but also enhances skills and processes.
Customer Engagement is Crucial: Effective customer engagement tools are essential for long-term business success, helping to increase customer lifetime value and reduce churn.
Digital Experience Matters: Use analytics and experience tools to improve user interactions with your content and services. Even basic tools can provide significant insights.
Role of CDPs and CEPs: Understand when it’s time to integrate a CDP into your stack, especially if you need to centralize and utilize first-party data across multiple channels.
Future of Martech - Composability: The trend towards composability in CDPs signifies a move towards more flexible and scalable tech stacks.
Continuous Evaluation: Regularly audit your tools and their utilization to ensure they are effectively meeting your evolving business needs.
In this episode, we'll tackle the critical topic of audience segmentation.
We'll cast a line with a relatable fishing analogy, then dive deep into the data you need to catch the perfect audience for your brand.
Patrick will show you how to collect valuable customer insights and transform them into powerful segmentation strategies.
You'll discover the different types of data (including the goldmine of zero-party data!), explore responsible data collection practices, and understand how segmentation unlocks targeted marketing campaigns.
Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just getting started, this episode equips you with a practical framework for audience segmentation.
Learn how to identify your ideal customers, craft laser-focused messaging, and ultimately, maximize your marketing ROI. So, tune in and stop wasting marketing dollars - it's time to reel in the results you deserve!
Patrick's analogy about fishing and audience segmentation: 03:00 - 05:22 Conversation about capturing data and audience segmentation: 05:22 - 14:12 Mostafa asks about where to start collecting data: 14:12 - 14:20 Patrick discusses different types of data and zero party data: 14:20 - 15:22 Conversation about collecting data and using it responsibly: 15:22 - 16:12 Patrick talks about data segmentation and its purpose: 16:12 - 18:22 Scenarios for using audience segmentation: 18:22 - 23:22 How to do audience segmentation: 23:22 - 28:22 Using segmentation data with marketing tools: 28:22 - 30:12 Patrick discusses the two sides of using audience segmentation data: 30:12 - 33:22 Wrapping up the episode: 33:22 Takeaways:
Join Myself and Patrick as they dive deep into the insights shared at Google’s recent webinar in Dubai. In this episode, they explore the concept of invisible asymptotes and how they impact business growth. Learn about the importance of understanding key metrics like conversion rates and shopping cart abandonment, and discover the power of media mix modeling in driving incremental revenue. Whether you're in retail, ecommerce, or any other industry, this episode will help you become a more data-driven marketer.
Timestamps:-
00:00 - Introduction and Greetings
01:00 - Discussing the Recent Trip to Dubai
02:30 - Overview of the Google Webinar in Dubai
05:15 - Blog on Exporting Audiences
06:30 - Introduction to Invisible Asymptotes
10:00 - Defining Asymptotes and Their Relevance to Business Metrics
15:45 - Conversion Rate Performance and Natural Ceilings
20:30 - Shopping Cart Abandonment Rates and Incremental Improvements
26:15 - Media Mix Modeling and Incremental Revenue
32:00 - Importance of Variability in Media Spend
35:00 - Application of Asymptotes in Different Industries
40:00 - Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
42:00 - Importance of Podcasts for Creative Inspiration
In this episode, we unpack Google Analytics' recent news.
While the third-party cookie deprecation has been delayed, it's important to stay ahead of the curve. Learn how to migrate your data from UA to GA4, leverage new features like user-provided data, and prepare for a cookieless future.
Key Takeaways
Timestamps