Description:
In this quick solo episode, I dive into something I just discovered today: Manus.ai, an AI research tool that’s a little like ChatGPT but with way more structure—and it even built me a website based on one prompt.
I talk through what I learned in real time about agentic commerce, a concept that might totally reshape how we shop online. Instead of traditional search results, imagine having a personal AI agent that understands your intent, does the digging, and just gives you what you need—like, actually helpful answers.
We touch on:
What agentic commerce is
How platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Manus are leaning in
How big players like Amazon and Walmart are reacting
What this shift could mean for retailers, SEO, and shopping experiences
It’s raw, it’s fresh, and it’s me geeking out about what could be the future of e-commerce.
Show Notes:
00:00 – Intro & why I made this video
00:48 – What is Manus.ai? First impressions
01:40 – Agentic commerce: what it is and why it matters
03:10 – Running my first query on Manus.ai
04:30 – How it builds a full website from a research prompt
06:00 – Comparing big players: Amazon, Walmart, ChatGPT, etc.
09:00 – What agentic commerce means for search, SEO & product ranking
11:00 – Conversational shopping & the rise of AI agents
12:30 – Why this is just the beginning
In this episode, I sit down with Drew Marconi, co-founder and CEO of IntelliGems, a platform helping e-commerce merchants refine everything from pricing to shipping thresholds using powerful split-testing tools. We dive into:
• How IntelliGems pivoted from gaming analytics to e-commerce
• Why dynamic pricing isn’t the same as surge pricing
• How to decide if your brand is ready for A/B testing
• Common pitfalls in pricing strategy
• Tips on scaling startup culture and building a team
If you’re curious about turning data into real-world results—or you simply want to learn how e-commerce brands are optimizing every corner of their funnels—this episode is a must-watch!
Timestamps (click to jump):
0:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview
1:06 – Happy New Year & Channel Mission
2:15 – Drew’s Background & Why IntelliGems Pivoted to E-Commerce
5:05 – Early Challenges: Validating Ideas & Finding Product-Market Fit
8:07 – Stages of IntelliGems’ Growth (from Beta to Funding)
10:15 – Interviewing Customers: Turning Conversations into Roadmaps
14:12 – Expanding the MVP & Adding Key Features
16:46 – Securing Funding & Scaling the Team
18:20 – Scaling Culture & Core Values at a Growing Startup
23:01 – Common Misconceptions About Split Testing
26:41 – Knowing When You’re Ready to Test: Traffic & Order Volume
28:47 – Pricing Pitfalls: Why a Clear Strategy Matters
31:32 – Practical Example: A Skincare Brand’s Testing Roadmap
35:00 – Dynamic Pricing vs. Surge Pricing: What It Really Means
39:04 – Free Shipping vs. Shipping Thresholds: Myths & Realities
42:28 – Tech Stack Deep Dive: Data Ingestion & Real-Time Dashboards
47:17 – AI & Automation at IntelliGems
50:12 – #1 Action for Business Owners: Define Your Goals First
51:05 – Founder Advice: “Charge More Earlier” & Enjoy the Journey
51:36 – Wrap-Up & Where to Find IntelliGems
In Episode 9 of Unframed, Adem Ogunc hosts Mike Zung, the founder of Bloomest, to dive into the evolution of his sustainable home decor brand. Mike shares his journey from upcycled products to navigating the e-commerce landscape post-pandemic. They discuss how platforms like FAIR are driving retail growth, the role of sales reps in today's market, and the importance of authentic content creation. Get real insights on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and brand-building in this unfiltered conversation.
Key Takeaways:
The journey of Bloomest: From recycled fake flowers to rugs and home decor. How sustainability drives product development. E-commerce strategies for growth using FAIR. The role of sales reps in today's market. The importance of authentic branding and content creation.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Bloomest and Sustainable Home Decor 07:36 – The Journey of Bloomest and Business Acquisition 10:46 – Navigating Challenges in the Home Decor Market 11:39 – Exploring the FAIR Marketplace for Retail Growth 19:06 – The Role of Sales Reps in a Changing Landscape 24:04 – Strategies for Brand Awareness and Market Positioning 26:19 – Navigating the Complexities of the Rug Business 31:01 – Inventory Management Challenges and Solutions 34:18 – The Importance of Data in Marketing Planning 38:08 – Leveraging Social Media and Influencer Marketing 45:37 – Content Creation and Brand Representation 48:15 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
SEO Tags: Sustainability, E-commerce, Business growth, FAIR marketplace, Sales reps, Inventory management, Home decor, Mike Zung, Bloomest, Post-pandemic challenges, Content creation, Authentic branding, Unframed podcast, Entrepreneurs, Creatives, Rug business, Social media marketing, Influencer marketing
oin host Adem Ogunc as he reconnects with longtime friend and entrepreneur Mike Zung in a thought-provoking conversation that bridges the lessons of 2024 and the possibilities of 2025. Mike, co-founder of Bloomist and former executive at DoubleClick, Bazaarvoice, and more, shares real-world insights on launching and selling a brand, embracing AI and social commerce, and cultivating authentic connections. Whether you’re navigating early-stage challenges or scaling a successful venture, this episode offers tactical tips and fresh perspectives to help you thrive in the new year. Tune in to learn how to face your fears, harness technology wisely, and build meaningful relationships that drive growth—both personally and professionally.
In this episode of "The Show," host Adem Ogunc sits down with Khaled Bashir, an expert in e-commerce and digital transformation. Khaled shares his groundbreaking vision for the future of email marketing and how his company, Sidekick, is at the forefront of this evolution.
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Khaled Bashir, packed with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone involved in the world of e-commerce.
Listen to the episode on Spotify and don’t forget to subscribe to "The Show" for more engaging discussions with industry leaders.
Show NotesEpisode Highlights:Key Takeaways:Tune in Now
In this episode of Unframed, I sit down with Misha Tyutyunik, a muralist, painter, and visionary artist. We explore his journey, from creating large-scale public murals to his work with the EU NIC and Ukraine. Misha opens up about his creative process, the power of public art, and how he uses his craft to push boundaries and spark conversations. It’s a unique look into the mind of an artist who's always evolving and finding new ways to express the world around him. This episode is raw, fun, and full of insights into what it means to be a modern artist. Tune in for a candid conversation that goes beyond the canvas.
Imagine it: the texture of organic corn, the richness of grass-fed tallow, and a touch of sea salt. What do you get when you bring these simple, high-quality ingredients together? MASA Chips.
Did you know that most chips today contain over 20 ingredients? Seth Goldstein set out to create a better alternative. Today, I have the pleasure of introducing my conversation with him, the visionary behind Ancient Crunch Inc. and MASA Chips.
Seth, with his extensive background in venture capital and mergers & acquisitions, brings a deep understanding of the business side, focusing on efficiency, first principles thinking, and keeping things simple. They rely on well-built spreadsheets rather than fancy systems and think twice before spending money. While they have the opportunity to raise capital, they prefer to stay lean, maintain control, and invest strategically into their business.
And while the tech world might be buzzing about the latest Nvidia Blackwell chip (B200) following the industry darling Hopper (H100), Seth and his team are more focused on a different kind of chip—one that pairs perfectly with salsa and nachos.
Seth also shares insights about his co-founder, Steven, whose affinity for food stems from a lifetime of dietary sensitivities. In college, Steven became the guy who made sourdough, kombucha, and sprouted broccoli, always ahead of food trends. By 2021, he had built a substantial following on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, becoming a micro-influencer focused on seed oils.
Join me for this insightful conversation where Seth discusses their journey from a casual New Year's Day conversation to building a $10 million online chip business in just two years. He shares their growth strategy, the importance of staying lean, and their mission to revolutionize the snack industry.
I'm a proud customer of MASA Chips, and I invite you to tune in and be inspired!
#Podcast #StartupGrowth #HealthySnacks #MASAChips #AncientCrunch #CustomerAcquisition #ProductMarketFit #Innovation #Entre
Shaan Arora, co-founder and CEO of Alia Technologies, shares the story behind the creation of Alia Learn, a pop-up app that enhances user engagement and educates customers effectively. The idea for Alia Learn came from Shaan's experience helping his mom move her clothing business online and realizing the need for better storytelling and customer education in the e-commerce space. Alia Learn differentiates itself from traditional pop-ups by focusing on educating customers about the brand and its products before offering rewards. The app allows for customization of content, including text, images, and videos, and integrates with popular email providers like Klaviyo. Alia's goal is to continue improving the user experience and expanding its features, such as targeting returning site visitors and incorporating machine learning.
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In this conversation, Adem Ogunc and Hayim Altschuler discuss the evolution of HR from a compliance function to an enablement function. They emphasize the importance of defining and making actionable the vision, mission, and values of a company. They highlight the value of involving employees in shaping the culture and creating a sense of procedural justice.
Key Discussion Points:
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Technical Difficulties
03:03 - Running and Exercising Together
06:06 - Pushing Each Other's Limits
09:08 - Changing Environments and Keeping Fresh Mentally
12:18 - Introducing Hayim and His Background
21:37 - Involving Employees in Shaping the Culture
23:30 - Culture in Small Businesses
25:55 - Different Cultures within Different Teams
28:57 - Using OKRs to Manage HR Projects
31:29 - Using OKRs in HR
33:25 - Misconceptions about Work-Life Balance
48:48 - Challenges in Building Organizational Culture
01:01:29 - The Role of AI in HR
01:06:02 - The Importance of Self-Care and Personal Development
Summary: In this conversation, Bill Brent discusses his daily routine, his work at Mac Trucks, and the importance of leadership and management. He shares his approach to problem-solving and the competencies he believes are essential for effective leadership. These competencies include personal leadership and development, communication, bias for action, coaching and team building, and technical skills. Bill emphasizes the importance of timely feedback, building rapport with team members, and taking a systematic approach to problem-solving. Bill Brent and I also discuss the importance of understanding the driving factors behind employee retention, the use of problem-solving tools like the Ishikawa diagram, and the value of coaching and mentoring in developing leaders. We explore the concept of grading effectiveness and competencies in organizations and the need for regular communication and feedback. Overall, our conversation highlights the significance of personal leadership, professionalism, coaching, team building, bias for action, technical skills, and communication in a professional setting. Takeaways: ✅ Timely feedback is crucial for effective leadership ✅ Building rapport and trust with team members is essential ✅ Problem-solving requires a systematic approach ✅ Leadership competencies include personal leadership, communication, bias for action, coaching, and technical skills ✅ Understanding the driving factors behind employee retention is crucial for organizations ✅ Problem-solving tools like the Ishikawa diagram can help identify root causes and find solutions ✅ Coaching and mentoring are essential for developing leaders and improving performance ✅ Regular communication and feedback are necessary for effective leadership ✅ Grading effectiveness and competencies in organizations should be done regularly and with clear criteria ✅ Personal leadership, professionalism, coaching, team building, bias for action, technical skills, and communication are key aspects of effective leadership and management Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Daily Routine 03:01 - Building Trucks and Customization 07:42 - Leadership and Management at Mac Trucks 09:24 - Measuring and Developing Leadership 13:15 - Leadership Competencies: Personal Leadership and Development 21:05 - Leadership Competencies: Coaching and Team Building 25:30 - Leadership Competencies: Bias for Action 29:55 - Leadership Competencies: Technical Skills 36:03 - Understanding Employee Retention and Driving Factors 42:17 - The Importance of Coaching and Mentoring 53:12 - Effective Communication and Feedback 58:58 - Grading Effectiveness and Competencies in Organizations 01:03:12 - Key Aspects of Effective Leadership and Management 🔔 Subscribe for more insights and interviews! 📌 Connect with Bill Brent: LinkedIn: Bill Brent Thank you for watching and supporting this new venture. Your feedback is invaluable as I continue to grow and improve. #Podcast #MacTrucks #Ecommerce #Logistics #FirstEpisode #BusinessInsights
