VTEX Live

Building Trust in the Age of Agentic AI: Sucharita Kodali on the Future of Retail Intelligence

A VTEX Live conversation featuring Sucharita Kodali, Vice President and Principal Analyst at Forrester Research, whose career bridges two decades of retail experience and market analysis across some of the world’s most dynamic brands. Known for her clarity and grounded insights, Sucharita has spent years studying how data, automation, and trust shape the future of commerce. Access this and more episodes of VTEX Live on [Apple Podcasts] or [Spotify] What does AI really mean for retail? And how can companies move from automation to agency without losing the human connection that drives loyalty? In this episode, Sucharita joins Santiago Naranjo, Chief Revenue Officer of VTEX, to unpack how AI has quietly powered retail for decades from pricing and planning to fraud detection and what separates proven machine learning from the emerging promise of agentic systems. Together, they explore how generative AI is transforming workflows, where full autonomy still faces barriers, and why trust remains the foundation of every technological leap. Sucharita shares how companies are applying AI in practical ways, automating content creation, improving customer support, and optimising logistics, while warning against the industry’s tendency to oversell what technology can deliver. She and Santiago discuss the need for “mission-led” agents that learn, adapt, and communicate transparently, creating a future where AI complements rather than replaces human intelligence. You’ll also hear Sucharita’s personal take on AI in daily life, how she balances curiosity and caution using tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Descript, and her reflections on how generative technology is empowering individual creators faster than many enterprises can adapt. She also leaves with a message to women in leadership: in an age of algorithms, genuine relationships and credibility still drive progress. For anyone navigating digital transformation, this episode offers a thoughtful, realistic look at how AI, data, and human trust will shape the next era of retail. Episode Highlights [00:00:00] From Retail Floors to Forrester Research – Sucharita’s Career Journey - Sucharita opens the episode by tracing her path from working inside major retail organizations to becoming one of Forrester’s most trusted voices in commerce. She shares how early experiences in both large and small companies shaped her understanding of how retail truly operates. Her story reflects a deep curiosity for business and a long-standing commitment to helping brands make smarter decisions.  [00:03:20] How AI Has Quietly Powered Retail for Decades - Long before generative tools captured headlines, AI was already embedded in retail systems. Sucharita explains how algorithms have driven pricing, labour planning, fraud detection, and warehouse optimisation for years, often behind the scenes. She calls out how many of today’s “new” capabilities are actually refinements of existing ones, not reinventions. The conversation underscores that innovation in retail often evolves quietly before the world catches up. [00:05:50] Generative vs Agentic AI – Understanding the Difference - Sucharita draws a clear line between generative AI (tools that create and automate) and agentic AI (tools that acts independently to achieve goals). She describes how agentic systems, like Amazon’s merchandising engine, make decisions in real time with minimal human input. Yet most retailers are still learning how to collect and structure data well enough to reach that level of autonomy. She reveals that while generative tools can deliver quick wins, building agentic systems requires years of trust, testing, and transparency. [00:09:22] Why Trust Is the Hardest Part of Automation - Trust becomes the central theme of this exchange. Sucharita and Santiago explore why organizations hesitate to fully rely on AI, not because of technical limits, but because of the fear of losing control. They discuss how brands can begin in lower-risk areas such as marketing before expanding into inventory or procurement. Sucharita explains that establishing trust in data, processes, and outcomes will determine how far automation can truly go. It’s a reminder that technology only performs as confidently as the people who design and guide it. [00:13:26] Mission-Led Agents and the Case for Honest AI Adoption - Santiago challenges the hype-driven culture surrounding AI and introduces the idea of “mission-led” agents, systems designed to learn transparently and communicate both success and failure. Sucharita supports this approach, emphasising that accountability is what turns automation into true intelligence. They discuss how honesty about limitations can help rebuild trust between teams, customers, and technology. The exchange captures a human perspective on how innovation actually matures: through open dialogue, not blind optimism. [00:15:36] How Sucharita Uses AI in Work and Everyday Life - Stepping into her personal world, Sucharita shares how she experiments with AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Descript while staying mindful of data privacy. She enjoys how these tools enhance research, creativity, and workflow efficiency, yet she remains deliberate about what information she shares with them. Her reflections show how professionals can balance curiosity and caution while embracing digital innovation. Sucharita also touches on how generative platforms are unlocking creativity for independent makers in ways that were once reserved for large enterprises. [00:19:40] Building Real Relationships in a Digital World - Sucharita offers heartfelt advice for women leaders and anyone navigating technology-driven industries. She reminds listeners that no matter how advanced AI becomes, trust, reputation, and genuine human connection remain irreplaceable. Relationships, not algorithms, still open doors and sustain success. Santiago echoes her sentiment, noting that while technology may shape the tools we use, people still shape the outcomes. Resources: * Sucharita Kodali LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sucharitamulpuru/] * RahrBSG Website [https://go.forrester.com/] * VTEX Website [https://vtex.com/en-us/] VTEX Live is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so [https://www.fame.so/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=masters-of-community-with-david-spinks?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=fame-client]

Bridging Cultures to Scale Global Commerce with Daniela Jurado Jabba

A VTEX Live conversation featuring Daniela Jurado Jabba, Executive Vice President of VTEX North America, whose decade-long journey with VTEX spans Latin America, Europe, and now the United States. Known for her global perspective and operational depth, Daniela has helped shape VTEX’s expansion across continents, building teams, opening new markets, and guiding brands toward sustainable growth through unified commerce and customer-centric innovation. Access this and more episodes of VTEX Live on Apple Podcasts [https://bit.ly/4pgf0K0] or Spotify [https://bit.ly/45U981q]. What does it really take to scale global commerce in today’s fragmented and competitive landscape? And how can brands balance operational efficiency, customer retention, and local adaptability while expanding across markets? In this episode, Daniela joins Santiago Naranjo, Chief Revenue Officer of VTEX, for a grounded conversation on how companies can succeed by combining local insight with global strategy. She shares lessons from building VTEX operations in Brazil and Italy before leading North America from New York, unpacking the cultural nuances, regulatory differences, and customer expectations that define each region. Daniela highlights how the North American market demands local proof points and industry-specific success stories, making authenticity and trust central to every relationship. She explains how retailers and B2B brands alike are navigating a high-cost environment where efficiency and retention drive growth. The conversation explores how composable commerce allows brands to launch new channels faster, unify B2B and B2C operations, and improve agility without massive investment. Together, Daniela and Santiago unpack why customer loyalty remains the true engine of profitability. Daniela shares powerful data, existing customers spend 67% more than new ones, and breaks down how brands can use delivery experience, marketplaces, and last-mile innovation to deepen relationships and earn repeat purchases. Beyond commerce strategy, Daniela offers personal reflections on leadership and adaptation, what it means to represent Latin America on the global stage, the value of understanding local culture in business, and how empathy, observation, and communication shape trust across borders. For leaders building in digital commerce, retail, or B2B transformation, this episode delivers a clear and practical look at how to scale globally, act locally, and build brands that last. Episode Highlights [00:00:00] From Colombia to New York – Daniela’s Global VTEX Journey - Daniela opens the conversation by tracing her decade-long career at VTEX, from her beginnings in Latin America to leadership roles across Brazil, Europe, and now North America. She shares how each market taught her to adapt to different business cultures and expectations while keeping the customer at the centre. Her journey reflects the power of local understanding in shaping global growth. Santiago highlights how Daniela’s path mirrors VTEX’s evolution as a truly global commerce platform built on cultural intelligence and operational discipline. [00:02:48] Europe vs. United States – Two Distinct Retail Realities - Drawing on her experience leading VTEX operations in Italy and the U.S., Daniela explains how European retail is deeply localised, while North American brands prioritise proven results and local case studies. She notes that in Europe, speaking the language and understanding regional nuances are critical to trust, while in the U.S., credibility comes from local partnerships and execution. Santiago and Daniela explore how trust and localisation determine adoption speed in each market. [00:05:53] Balancing Customer Retention and Operational Efficiency - Daniela identifies customer retention and operational efficiency as the two defining priorities for retailers in 2026. With high interest rates and tight budgets, brands must deliver greater value while managing costs. She explains how technology can streamline logistics, accelerate delivery, and improve experience without large investments. They highlight how unified operations not only cut costs but also enhance customer lifetime value, positioning efficiency as a growth strategy rather than a constraint. [00:07:55] Rethinking B2B Commerce – From Manual Orders to Automation - Despite their scale, many B2B companies still process orders through email, PDF, or even fax. Daniela describes how this manual approach drives unnecessary costs, delays, and errors. She explains how a unified commerce architecture connects all channels, eliminates middle steps, and improves visibility across sales and inventory. Santiago adds that automation creates the foundation for scalable, sustainable growth. Together, they show how digital transformation in B2B starts with orchestration and intelligent system design. [00:10:00] Modern Commerce Without Massive Investment - Daniela challenges the belief that modernising commerce requires massive CapEx projects and long implementation cycles. She outlines how composable commerce allows retailers to experiment with new channels, such as marketplaces, live shopping, and conversational commerce, through agile, test-and-learn models. By simplifying deployment and focusing on OpEx scalability, brands can innovate faster and smarter. The exchange demonstrates how flexible architecture empowers teams to move from concept to customer impact in weeks, not years. [00:13:21] Loyalty as the True Growth Engine Daniela brings data into focus: existing customers spend 67% more than new ones. She and Santiago unpack how customer experience, delivery accuracy, and last-mile efficiency turn retention into a measurable advantage. Daniela stresses that convenience now outweighs price as a deciding factor, making delivery promises and real-time transparency central to loyalty. They reflect on how brands can create value beyond transactions by building reliability, trust, and ease into every moment of the shopping journey. Resources: * Daniela Jurado LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-jurado-jabba/] * VTEX Website [https://vtex.com/en-us/] VTEX Live is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so [https://www.fame.so/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=masters-of-community-with-david-spinks?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=fame-client]

Brewing Up B2B Success: Lessons from Jamie Golde’s Career Journey

A VTEX Live podcast featuring Jamie Golde, Director of Ecommerce at RahrBSG, who has helped bring digital transformation to a traditionally offline, relationship-driven B2B industry while drawing on her experience in retail and hospitality. Access this and more episodes of VTEX Live on Apple Podcasts [https://bit.ly/4pgf0K0] or Spotify [https://bit.ly/45U981q]. What does it take to modernize B2B commerce? And how do you scale digital in industries still built on handshakes and relationships? In this episode, Jamie joins host Santiago Naranjo, Chief Revenue Officer, VTEX, to unpack the realities of taking a B2B company online. She shares why RahrBSG chose VTEX as a partner over one-size-fits-all platforms, the honest feedback she’s given on CMS and catalog limitations, and how her team, new to ecommerce, built confidence and processes from scratch. You’ll hear stories from her decade at Best Buy during the rise of Amazon, how leadership training gave her the courage to thrive as a woman in male-dominated industries, and why she believes technology should amplify relationships rather than replace them. Jamie also offers candid advice for how VTEX can strengthen its presence in the US and Canada by building awareness and leaning into its culture of partnership. For anyone navigating B2B transformation or scaling ecommerce teams, this is a rare, inside look at balancing tradition, technology, and trust. Episode Highlights [00:02:55] From Best Buy to Brewing: Jamie’s Career Journey - Jamie introduces herself and traces her path from a decade at BestBuy.com, to leading digital at Radisson Hotels, and now serving as Director of Ecommerce at RahrBSG. Her experience across retail, hospitality, and craft brewing shows how different industries approach digital transformation. [00:05:22] Why RahrBSG Chose VTEX Over One-Size-Fits-All Platforms - Jamie explains how her company had already selected VTEX before she joined, but she challenged the decision with tough questions. What won her over was VTEX’s willingness to adapt, partner deeply, and help weave RahrBSG’s DNA into their ecommerce experience, something other platforms like Shopify couldn’t offer. [00:07:41] Building Ecommerce Culture from Scratch in a B2B World - With most of her team new to ecommerce, Jamie shares how they started with the basics: defining customer segments, mapping the desired experience, and reworking internal operations. VTEX’s collaborative approach gave them the confidence to tackle complex integrations and bring their vision to life. [00:12:35] Lessons from Best Buy During the Rise of Amazon - Jamie reflects on her time at Best Buy in the mid-2000s, when the company was reinventing itself to compete with Amazon and Target. She describes migrating millions of SKUs from a custom-built platform to Adobe, and the discipline of learning fast while shaping the future of ecommerce. [00:16:58] Breaking Barriers as a Woman in Ecommerce Leadership - Jamie candidly discusses her experience as a woman in industries often dominated by men. She credits Best Buy’s leadership development programs for giving her the confidence to sit at the table, challenge the norm, and lead with authenticity, insights she now shares to inspire the next generation of women in commerce. [00:19:45] Modernizing B2B: Where Relationships Meet Technology - Jamie highlights how B2B commerce is still built on handshakes and trust, but technology can amplify those relationships and create scalable wins. From reducing manual processes to automating tasks once handled by phone and email, she shows how digital tools unlock efficiency without losing the human touch. Resources: * Jamie Golde LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-golde/] * RahrBSG Website [https://rarbg-official.com/] * VTEX Website [https://vtex.com/en-us/] VTEX Live is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so [https://www.fame.so/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=masters-of-community-with-david-spinks?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=fame-client]

From Amazon to VTEX: Alexandre Gusmão on the Art and Science of Product

A VTEX Live podcast featuring Alexandre Gusmão, Senior Director of Product Management at VTEX, who has built his career across multiple countries, industries, and roles, from co-founding a digital investment startup in Brazil, to leading personalization at Amazon Retail, and now shaping global product strategy at VTEX. Access this and more episodes of VTEX Live on Apple Podcasts [https://bit.ly/4pgf0K0] or Spotify [https://bit.ly/45U981q]. What does it take to lead product across 40+ countries and multiple industries? And how do you decide what to build versus what to buy in a world of SaaS platforms and unique customer needs? In this episode, Alexandre joins host Santiago Naranjo, Chief Revenue Officer at VTEX, to unpack how product leaders can balance SaaS foundations with true differentiation, why prioritization is both an art and a science, and how to manage the competing voices of customers, competitors, founders, sales, and finance. He explains how VTEX learns from industry leaders to identify common needs, keeps the platform extensible for niche requirements, and uses value sizing (conversion lift, GMV impact, time saved) to guide decisions with data rather than opinion. You’ll also hear Alexandre’s candid perspective on avoiding the trap of “glorified backlog managers.” He shares how VTEX hires for domain and engineering depth, dogfoods its own products, connects PMs directly with customers through sponsorship programs, and constantly reinforces the importance of articulating the vision behind every request. The episode closes on a personal note, with Alexandre previewing his DJ set at VTEX Day, showing how his multicultural background continues to shape not just his leadership, but his music and creativity. For anyone navigating global product leadership or scaling commerce platforms, this is a rare, inside look at how clarity, extensibility, and vision drive innovation at scale. Episode Highlights [00:03:00] From Banking to Startup: Alexandre’s Early Career - Alexandre explains how, after a short stint in banking, he joined two colleagues to co-found a digital investment distribution company in Brazil. Serving the “mass affluent” market, he learned product by doing, studying design, managing engineers, and scaling the company to billions in assets under management. [00:05:35] From Kellogg to Amazon Retail Analytics - Seeking deeper product expertise, Alexandre pursued an MBA at Kellogg along with a Master’s in Design Innovation. He shares how this path led him to Amazon Retail’s core analytics team, where he worked on personalization systems that shaped the shopping experience for millions worldwide. [00:06:33] Why VTEX’s Platform + Ecosystem Model Stood Out - Alexandre recalls why VTEX felt like “love at first sight.” He highlights the platform model that serves multiple industries, the collaborative ecosystem, and the timing just before the IPO. Believing he could help drive the company’s next wave of growth, he joined and now leads VTEX’s global product team. [00:08:35] SaaS vs. Build: Table Stakes vs. Differentiators - Alexandre outlines a practical framework for CTOs and CEOs: outsource what’s “table stakes” with SaaS, but build around what truly differentiates your business. Whether it’s customer experience or post-sales service, knowing this distinction is critical for innovation and growth. [00:12:20] Prioritizing Across 40+ Countries and Industries - With VTEX operating in dozens of markets, Alexandre explains how he works with industry-leading customers to understand emerging needs, then looks for common patterns like personalization and merchandising. Solving these shared challenges once benefits everyone, while the platform’s extensibility lets niche players adapt for themselves. [00:20:29] Avoiding the ‘Backlog Manager’ Trap - Alexandre shares candidly how enterprise product managers can slip into being “glorified backlog managers” if they only react to strong stakeholders. He describes VTEX’s approach to avoiding this trap: hiring for domain depth and curiosity, dogfooding VTEX’s own products, creating direct customer loops through sponsorship programs, and constantly articulating the vision behind every feature request. Resources * Alexandre Gusmão LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandre-gusmao-7a232423/] * VTEX Website [https://vtex.com/en-us/] VTEX Live is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so [https://www.fame.so/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=masters-of-community-with-david-spinks?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=fame-client]

Suman Guha on Nation-Building, Global Commerce & Purpose-Driven Leadership at Tata Group

A VTEX Live podcast featuring Suman Guha, Vice President at Tata Digital, who leads a $10B commerce portfolio inside one of the world’s largest and most diversified conglomerates. Access this and more episodes of VTEX Live on Apple Podcasts [https://bit.ly/4pgf0K0] or Spotify [https://bit.ly/45U981q]. How do you run global commerce at the scale of $160B while dedicating most of your profits to social impact? And what does “nation-building” mean in a modern business context? In this episode, Suman joins host Santiago Naranjo to unpack Tata Group’s unique approach to blending purpose with performance. He shares his journey from Calcutta to chief product officer at Tesco, from SaaS startups in Finland to leading commerce transformation across quick commerce, luxury, electronics, and fast fashion in India. You’ll hear how Tata Group operates in over 100 countries, why culture is key to global expansion, and how emerging markets in Asia and Latin America mirror each other’s growth patterns. Suman also explains the shift from channel-driven commerce to context-driven personalization and why this is the next frontier in global retail. For leaders navigating global markets or scaling purpose-driven businesses, this is a masterclass in combining agility, culture, and impact. Episode Highlights [00:03:15] From Calcutta to Global Commerce Leadership: A Career Built Across Continents - Suman shares his journey from his hometown of Calcutta, India, steeped in cultural heritage, to earning his master’s degree in the UK, co-founding a tech startup in Finland, and holding senior SaaS leadership roles across Europe and the United States. He explains how these early experiences, including work with major companies like Tesco during COVID’s peak, shaped his global perspective and prepared him to lead Tata Group’s $10B commerce portfolio. [00:10:15] The Realities of Global Executive Travel: Beyond the Glamour - While business travel can seem glamorous from the outside, Suman and Santiago pull back the curtain on the personal cost. Suman describes the trade-offs of being on the road two weeks every month, from jet lag and 20-hour workdays to missing family moments with his 7-year-old daughter. He shares how purpose, curiosity, and the opportunity to build connections across cultures help him stay energized despite the demands. [00:12:04] Lessons from Emerging Markets - Why LATAM and Asia Have More in Common Than You Think - Suman reflects on the surprising similarities between emerging markets in Latin America and Asia. While cultural differences exist, he notes that growth trends, adoption rates, and consumer behaviors often mirror each other. This shared context, accelerated by technology adoption cycles shrinking from decades to months, creates opportunities for cross-market learning and collaboration. [00:15:05] Purpose in Action - Why Tata Group Gives 62% of Profits to Nonprofit Causes - Suman reveals one of Tata Group’s defining commitments: allocating 62% of annual profits to nonprofit initiatives. This century-old practice goes beyond corporate social responsibility, embedding purpose into the group’s DNA. He explains how this ethos attracts mission-driven talent, shapes decision-making, and fuels Tata’s role in nation-building, from steel production to electric vehicles and luxury commerce. [00:28:17] From Channels to Context - The Next Frontier in Commerce - In a world where omnichannel is no longer a differentiator, Suman explains why Tata Group is moving from “channels” to “context.” By personalizing the commerce experience across touchpoints, whether in-store, online, or even inside a car, the group is building technology that serves the right product to the right user at the right time. Recent collaborations, like placing luxury products inside Mercedes-Benz vehicles, illustrate this shift in action. [00:38:13] Advice for the Next Generation - Clarity Over Chaos, Purpose Over Impatience - Asked what he would tell young professionals aspiring to global leadership, Suman offers three principles: don’t be impatient, define your purpose, and stop chasing - start enjoying the journey. Drawing from two decades in leadership, he stresses that clarity is kindness, both to yourself and to those you lead, and that true “luck” comes from being intentional about who you are and what you want to build. Resources: * Suman Guha LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/guha-suman/?originalSubdomain=in] * Tata Group Website [https://www.tata.com/home-page] VTEX Live is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so [https://www.fame.so/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=masters-of-community-with-david-spinks?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=bcast&utm_campaign=fame-client]