ahead of what's next

Inventory Isn’t the Problem: Why Your Business Needs a Bigger Fix

In this episode of Ahead of What’s Next, host Quinton Smith sits down with product marketing expert Jon Hall to tackle one of the biggest pain points for modern businesses: inventory management. But this isn’t just about counting stock; it’s about understanding how misaligned processes across procurement, finance, and operations impact everything from cash flow to customer experience. Jon shares insights from his 25+ years in software and reveals why quick fixes like stricter controls or better forecasting often fail. They also explore how real-time visibility, advanced analytics, and AI are reshaping supply chain management. From reducing spoilage and carrying costs to improving customer satisfaction, this episode offers practical steps for businesses to get proactive and not reactive. Whether you’re a business leader, operations pro, or just curious about the future of enterprise software, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Building a Culture Where Ideas Thrive

In this episode, Nextworld President & COO Konrad Rogers returns to share what’s been happening behind the scenes—from a smooth company-wide shift to Microsoft Teams to personal reflections on becoming an empty nester. He unpacks how professional happiness plays a critical role in fostering a culture of innovation and why team trust is more than just a buzzword. You’ll hear practical insights on recruiting, retaining, and empowering talent in 2025—and how innovation often starts by simply creating the right environment. Whether you're leading a team or trying to build one, this episode will leave you thinking differently about culture, communication, and what it really means to move forward.

Buzzword or Backbone? Let’s Talk Innovation; Season 2 is HERE!

We’re back! Co-hosts Emily Carey and Quinton Smith are kicking off Season 2 with a deep (and occasionally ridiculous) dive into what innovation actually means in today’s workplace. Is it just a buzzword? A corporate checkbox? Or is it the secret sauce to staying ahead of the curve? From streamlining systems to sparking a culture of creativity, Emily and Q unpack how people, processes, and platforms all play a part in making innovation stick and where it all tends to go hilariously off track. Also:  A brief detour into the brilliance of all-inclusive Jamaican vacations  A passionate case for why Slinkys are underrated  And yes, overhead projectors make an unexpected comeback It’s thoughtful, it’s unique, it’s Nextworld. Let’s get ahead of what’s next—together.

The Recovering Enterprise Software Executive pt. 2

Hosts Quinton and Emily continue their conversation with Lyle Ekdahl, delving deeper into the concepts of digital transformation and composable systems. They discuss the historical evolution and the potential future of ERP systems, emphasizing the importance of automation, AI, and having a no-code platform for better integration and seamless operation. The discussion also covers real-world examples of ERP implementations, challenges, and strategies for businesses to evolve without complete system overhauls. Lyle shares insights from his 40-year career, highlighting the three stages of digital transformation and the importance of finding unique differentiators in business processes. The episode ends with the hosts and Lyle sharing their personal plans for the Thanksgiving holidays and a preview of upcoming content for Season 2 of the podcast.

The Recovering Enterprise Software Executive pt. 1

Hosts Quinton and Emily, along with Lyle Ekdahl, discuss the evolution and future of ERP systems. They explore the historical context of ERP's development, the challenges businesses face with existing ERP systems, and the potential future driven by composable systems and artificial intelligence. The conversation also touches on Lyle's personal stories and experiences, including his favorite pair of custom-made sunglasses from an event in Milan, Italy, and his engagement with the University of Washington. The conversation will continue to a pt. 2 releasing in December