Digital Transformation Survivors.

What happens when your ideal customer never sees your website or your emails—because their AI agent screens everything first?In this episode of Digital Transformation Survivors, Julian Tedstone sits down with Scott Brinker - former VP, Platform Ecosystem at HubSpot and editor of chiefmartec.com - to explore how AI agents, answer engines, and an ever-expanding Martech landscape are reshaping marketing.Scott shares the story behind his iconic Martech supergraphic (from 150 tools to an “infinite fractal” of logos) and explains why SaaS is far from dead, even as AI gives individuals unprecedented power to spin up their own workflows, dashboards, and micro-tools.Together, Julian and Scott dig into:Why search is giving way to answer engines—and what AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) really meansHow AI is changing marketing in three layers: behind-the-scenes tools, customer-facing experiences, and now buyer-side agentsWhat it looks like when your inbox is handled by an agent that filters, researches, and negotiates on your behalfHow to think about core platforms vs. plug-in micro-tools, and why orchestration and data still matterThe mindset digital leaders need over the next two years: less panic, more steady experimentationIf you’re responsible for complex web estates, Martech stacks, or digital strategy-and feeling the pace of change - this conversation will help you reset, refocus, and plan what to do next.Send us a textSupport the show

How do you consolidate a web estate the size of a small country? In this episode of Digital Transformation Survivors, host Julian Tedstone talks with Antonella Severo, Product Manager for WebCMS at Nestlé Global Services Spain. Antonella shares how Nestlé reduced more than 2,000 websites to 1,300 while improving governance, security, and speed to market.She walks through the decision to standardise on Drupal, the move to a multi-site model, and the creation of Lightness, Nestlé’s in-house Drupal distribution that drives reuse across brands, categories, and regions. We dig into the shift from WebCMS to WebOps—automation, DevOps, and the operational playbooks behind changes like SSO rollouts and code repository migration.Expect practical detail on “freedom in a box” for markets, how global and local teams collaborate with a single agency model, and why composable architecture and decoupled setups are shaping what comes next. If you’re scaling content, integrations, and security across dozens—or hundreds—of sites, this conversation maps the path.Send us a textSupport the show

In this episode, Alan Perestrello, Managing Director at HartSquare, joins Digital Transformation Survivors to explore how membership and charity organizations are redefining their digital journeys. From balancing tradition with innovation to building user-led technology ecosystems, Alan shares how communities rooted in shared purpose can make smarter decisions about their marketing and CRM stacks. Together, we discuss the unique dynamics of member-driven engagement, the challenges of retention versus acquisition, and how truth, standards, and trust are being reshaped in the age of intelligent agents.Send us a textSupport the show

In this episode of Digital Transformation Survivors, Helga Eriksson, Global Web Leader at Alfa Laval, shares how she orchestrates a decentralized digital presence spanning 43 markets. From upgrading complex CMS systems to building a global web community, Helga explains how structure, governance, and trust turn chaos into collaboration. She also explores how AI is reshaping search behavior and why agility—not just technology—defines the future of digital marketing.Send us a textSupport the show

Alessandra Canavesi, Head of Digital Marketing & Customer Experience at AXA, sits down with Jules to share her perspective on managing multicultural teams and building authentic connections with sophisticated investors. She explains how her team navigates the tension between global consistency and local nuance, the art of tailoring communications for different levels of expertise, and why listening first is her leadership anchor.The conversation dives into the role of digital infrastructure—from CRM and Eloqua integration to LinkedIn campaigns and personalised client journeys—and how AI is reshaping everything from translation to strategy. Alessandra also reflects on mentoring the next generation, fostering intergenerational collaboration, and keeping a “never stop learning” mindset at the heart of her leadership.Send us a textSupport the show

In this energising and honest episode finale, Jules and Allison dig into the real-world dynamics of agility in practice—beyond the buzzwords. From unpacking the myth of self-organization to naming the creeping dangers of technical debt, they explore what truly drives high-performing teams.Together, they take on:Why self-organising teams aren’t free fallThe difference between agile theater and meaningful agilityHow technical debt quietly erodes momentum and moraleWhen Kanban works, when Scrum matters, and when neither is enoughMVPs, Lean Startup thinking, and the trap of stopping too soonThe rare cases where Waterfall makes more senseIt’s a sharp, no-spin conversation full of grounded insights for leaders, practitioners, and anyone navigating the messy middle of digital delivery. Whether you’re deep in delivery or just trying to cut through the noise, this episode leaves you with clarity, challenge, and a reminder: agility is a discipline, not a trend.Send us a textSupport the show

In Part 2 of this thought-provoking conversation, host Julian Tedstone welcomes back Alison from Quantum of Value for a candid exploration of the deeper issues surrounding Agile methodologies in digital transformation.Together, they take on a pressing question: What’s going wrong with Agile? From disillusionment at the boardroom level to ineffective top-down mandates, Alison unpacks the “cargo cult” phenomenon—where organizations go through the motions without understanding the purpose behind Agile practices. She draws on real-world experiences, data from Gartner, and field insights to explain why 70% of digital transformations fail—and how poor adoption, rushed scaling, and a focus on the wrong metrics (like velocity over value) contribute to the problem.Listeners will also hear about: • The danger of “sheep-dip Agile” training programs • How scaling too fast can derail even promising starts • Why story points and velocity are often misused • The toll of change fatigue on teams and individuals • The importance of cultural readiness and meaningful leadership engagementAlison also shares how her team uses behavioral data to support Agile teams through Performalise, a platform that helps surface and correct performance issues before they grow.This episode is essential listening for practitioners, leaders, and anyone navigating the realities of digital transformation. It’s honest, accessible, and focused on learning—not just critique.🎧 Tune in and get ready for Part 3, where Jules and Alison continue to unpack what’s next for Agile and how to reframe success on more meaningful terms.Send us a textSupport the show

In this episode of Digital Transformation Survivors, host Julian Tedstone speaks with Allison Bacher,  co-founder of Quantum of Value, about what it really takes to lead meaningful, measurable change in complex organisations.Allison shares her journey from agile consultant to product innovator, and offers practical insights from years of guiding highly regulated and fast-scaling businesses through the realities of digital transformation. Together, they unpack what it means to manage change that sticks—starting with the business, not the technology-and how to identify and empower true change agents within organizations.Send us a textSupport the show

In this episode of Digital Transformation Survivors, host Julian Tedstone sits down with Tony Byrne, founder of Real Story Group, to unpack the realities of enterprise MarTech decision-making. With decades of experience offering vendor-agnostic insights, Tony discusses why traditional analyst quadrants fall short, how organizations can navigate platform consolidation, and the growing role of composability in digital experience architecture.From the pitfalls of overbuying to the emergence of “legless” CMS architectures, Tony shares practical guidance for enterprises managing complex digital estates. The conversation also explores how AI and agents are reshaping content and decisioning workflows—and why strong governance still matters.Whether you’re rethinking your CMS or evaluating how to manage global vs. local web needs, this episode offers honest perspectives and useful direction.Send us a textSupport the show

In this kickoff episode of Digital Transformation Survivors Season 2, Julian Tedstone sits down with Paul Taylor, Product Transformation Lead at Worldline Merchant Services. Paul brings decades of experience in financial technology, mergers, and product transformation to the table, sharing insights on how organizations can thrive amid complexity.Paul unpacks what transformation truly looks like from the inside: tackling legacy platforms, navigating post-merger integration, and building empowered product teams in the ever-evolving payments landscape. With a focus on leadership as a service, Paul reveals how to foster resilience and cultivate ‘muscle memory’ for continuous improvement in fast-paced industries.Whether you’re knee-deep in digital change or simply curious about the human side of transformation, this episode offers a candid, real-world perspective on surviving—and thriving—in the face of constant change.Send us a textSupport the show

Managing a digital ecosystem at scale is no small feat, especially when balancing creativity and control. In this episode of Digital Transformation Survivors, host Julian Tedstone sits down with Alan Botwright, Director of Product and Solutions Marketing at Acquia, to explore the evolving landscape of digital experience platforms (DXPs).Together, they discuss the unique challenges of managing web estates across multiple brands, regions, and audiences. Alan shares insights from his decade-long journey at Acquia, reflecting on the evolution of Drupal from a developer-centric CMS to an adaptable, enterprise-grade DXP. They also tackle the pressing question: How can businesses empower local marketing teams while maintaining consistent brand governance?If you’re navigating the complexities of content strategy, digital governance, or balancing IT and marketing needs, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear practical strategies and real-world examples from two industry veterans.Send us a textSupport the show

In this episode of Digital Transformation Survivors, host Julian Tedstone sits down with communications expert Matthew McCarthy to explore the dynamic world of global digital communications. With extensive experience managing communications for powerhouse brands like Syngenta and Novartis, Matthew shares his unique approach to crafting messages that resonate across diverse audiences.🚀 Key Topics Covered:•Balancing global brand consistency with local relevance•Building empathy-driven communication strategies•Navigating crisis management in global organizations•The evolving role of AI in digital communications•Why learning a second language is a game-changer for communicatorsMatthew also dives into how his background in film, acting, and social media has shaped his unique perspective on storytelling and audience engagement. Whether you’re a communication professional, a digital strategist, or just curious about global brand management, this episode is packed with actionable insights!🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on the latest episodes!Send us a textSupport the show

In this episode of Digital Transformation Survivors, host Julian Tedstone sits down with Simon Sanett, Senior Group Digital Manager at National Grid, to unpack the realities of leading digital transformation inside one of the UK’s most critical infrastructure organisations.Simon shares his journey from the music industry’s frontlines during the Napster era to heading up a complex digital estate that spans continents and audiences—from bill-paying US energy consumers to UK-based policymakers, investors, and regulators. Together, they explore how Simon’s team at National Grid is evolving from traditional project-based delivery to a modern, agile, product-led approach.You’ll hear:• How to align digital experience with diverse user intents• Why agile isn’t always as ‘agile’ as people think—and how to get it right• How product thinking, strategic partnerships, and a “one team” culture are helping National Grid scale digital operations• The unique challenges of innovation in a highly regulated, security-conscious environment• Where AI, user personalization, and continuous feedback loops fit into the future of energy sector websitesWhether you’re managing a large digital estate or seeking inspiration to modernise legacy processes, this episode offers actionable insight, delivered with humility and clarity by a true digital survivor.Send us a textSupport the show

In this episode of Digital Transformation Survivors, host Julian Tedstone sits down with Adam Bird, Senior Technical Website Development Manager at the British Business Bank. Adam shares his insights into managing a complex web estate that supports UK businesses with funding, investment and advice - especially in an environment shaped by government mandates, economic shifts and rapid digital evolution.They discuss the challenges of re-platforming a growing web portfolio, the balance between governance and agility and the critical role of accessibility in delivering inclusive digital services. Adam also reflects on the impact of AI on content delivery and the future of personalised digital experiences.Tune in for a conversation packed with real-world lessons on scaling web platforms, navigating public sector digital strategy, and making technology work for everyone.Send us a textSupport the show

In this final installment of our conversation with Dr. Jonathan Sykes, we explore the journey from user research to leadership, uncovering the critical role of design thinking in driving organizational transformation. Jonathan shares insights from his experience working with financial institutions, local government, and global digital justice initiatives, emphasising the importance of stakeholder management, team empowerment and multidisciplinary collaboration.We also dive into the future of AI in digital transformation, discussing both the efficiency gains it offers and the ethical challenges it presents. Jonathan’s reflections on research methodologies, resilience in the industry, and the evolving role of UX professionals provide invaluable advice for those looking to break into the field.Join us for this thought-provoking conclusion, packed with practical insights, candid reflections, and a few controversial takes on the state of UX research today.Send us a textSupport the show

In this episode of Digital Transformation Survivors, host Julian Tedstone continues his conversation with Dr. Jonathan Sykes, exploring the critical role of content design, user research, and service transformation in the public sector.Jonathan shares how understanding audience context, emotions, and stress levels is vital—especially when designing digital services for government users in crisis. They discuss how AI and content design can streamline complex services, making them more accessible while ensuring human-centered experiences.Jonathan also reflects on his journey from academia to digital transformation, his work in human-computer interaction, AI, and gaming, and how the public sector is leading the way in user-focused digital innovation.Listen now to discover why great digital experiences start with understanding people.Send us a textSupport the show

In this episode of Digital Transformation Survivors, host Julian Tedstone sits down with Dr. Jonathan Sykes—aka “Dr. Fun”—to explore the groundbreaking use of AI in UK government services. With a background in academia, human-computer interaction, and digital transformation across public sector organizations, John shares his experience leading the first AI-driven customer service solution for the UK Foreign Office.They dive into how AI can enhance, rather than replace, human processes—helping to triage consular inquiries, reduce response times, and ensure vulnerable individuals receive the right level of support. John discusses the importance of service design, content strategy, and ethical AI implementation in high-stakes environments, as well as the challenges of navigating bureaucracy and stakeholder concerns.This episode is packed with insights on AI’s role in government, the future of digital services, and the value of human-centered design. Tune in for a fascinating conversation on transforming complex digital ecosystems while maintaining security, efficiency, and user trust.Send us a textSupport the show

In this episode, we explore how AuPairWorld, the world’s leading au pair matching platform, manages global digital operations across six languages, multiple markets, and thousands of daily users.Sara Redondo, Operations Manager at AuPairWorld, shares insights from her 12-year journey—starting as a linguist and customer support agent to leading digital transformation across content, marketing, and product development.Key topics in this episode include:Managing multilingual content – How to balance cultural differences, translations, and user expectations across global audiences.Agile in a high-stakes environment – How AuPairWorld blends growth hacking and stability to meet evolving user needs.The power of community – How user-generated content and social media shape engagement and trust.The role of AI and personalization – Future plans for intelligent content tagging to enhance the user journey.Lessons in digital transformation – Practical advice for balancing innovation, operations, and user experience in a fast-moving industry.If you’re interested in scaling digital platforms, managing multilingual websites, or understanding how to stay agile in a complex digital landscape, this episode is packed with insight and real-world strategies.Send us a textSupport the show

In this second part of our conversation with Filip Bech-Larsen, CTO of Umbraco, we explore two of the biggest challenges facing enterprises today: sustainability in web development and how to empower marketers and editors to optimize digital experiences with ease.Key topics in this episode include:- Sustainability in digital – How Umbraco is helping businesses measure and reduce their website’s carbon footprint.- The cost of experimentation – Why speed and ease of iteration are critical for content editors and marketers.- Engaging users effectively – The role of personalization, A/B testing, and why it shouldn’t take a team of developers to make simple changes.- The real story behind headless CMS – When it makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to cut through the industry hype.- Making better CMS choices – Why the human experience (both for users and editors) should drive technology decisions.If you’re navigating a complex web estate, considering a new CMS, or simply want to hear what’s next in digital transformation, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Send us a textSupport the show

Welcome to the very first episode of Digital Transformation Survivors! In this series, we explore the challenges and breakthroughs that come with managing complex web estates and digital transformation.In this episode, host Julian Tedstone, Managing Director at Coherence, sits down with Filip Bech-Larsen, CTO of Umbraco CMS—one of the most widely used open-source content management systems powering major brands like Domino’s, Mercedes-Benz, and Carlsberg.Together, they dive into:🔹 The rise of open-source in enterprise environments and how trust has evolved over the last decade.🔹 The balance between flexibility and governance when managing large-scale, multi-brand web estates.🔹 Why composable architectures can be both a game-changer and a potential pitfall—and how to avoid “composable regret.”🔹 The hidden complexity of enterprise replatforming and strategies to ensure successful digital transformation.🔹 How user experience, editor experience, and developer freedom can (and should) coexist.Filip shares invaluable insights on stability, predictability, and how enterprises can future-proof their digital strategies without getting locked into rigid solutions. Plus, we hear why Umbraco is focused on foundation-first innovation—holding off on AI hype until the tech proves its long-term value.This episode is packed with strategic takeaways for digital leaders, IT teams, and anyone navigating complex digital ecosystems.👉 Listen nowSend us a textSupport the show