Host: Tessa Burg

Tessa Burg welcomes Alani Kuye back to discuss more detail about artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). In this conversation, Tessa and Alani discuss how AI and ML reshape industries and the dramatic shift from Web3 to AI funding.
Discover the importance of foundational business practices and learn about the critical role of big data, neural networks and human expertise in guiding AI development. Understand the significance of collaboration, user experience and simplification in successfully scaling technology.
 
Get an expert take on the future of agencies and the impact of AI on various professions on Leader Generation—hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.  
 
About Alani Kuye:
Alani Kuye is the Chief Growth Officer at Mande Network. He’s a seasoned technology executive with over 20 years of experience scaling platforms, building technology ecosystems, startup acceleration and investing. Alani is passionate about leveraging blockchain technology, decentralized platforms and artificial intelligence to create decentralized global ecosystems that empower people and businesses. He's also published multiple papers on blockchain governance frameworks. Connect with Alani on LinkedIn.
 
About Tessa Burg:
Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected].

Join Tessa Burg as she talks with technology investor and advisor Alani Kuye. 
On this episode of the Leader Generation Podcast, Tessa and Alani explore the strategic significance of the current technology wave. They focus on the evolution from Web2 to Web3 and the importance of decentralized infrastructure. 
Alani emphasizes the importance of bridging old and new technologies for a seamless transition in the tech industry. They also discuss the critical role of data privacy, the hype around AI and ML, and the need for quality over quantity in innovation. 
Alani ends by offering valuable advice to startups on simplifying processes and providing an alternative to competing directly with giants.
Listen now to learn more about navigating today's tech landscape and the future of digital innovation. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. 
About Alani Kuye:
Alani Kuye is the Chief Growth Officer at Mande Network. He’s a seasoned technology executive with over 20 years of experience scaling platforms, building technology ecosystems, startup acceleration and investing. Alani is passionate about leveraging blockchain technology, decentralized platforms and artificial intelligence to create decentralized global ecosystems that empower people and businesses. He's also published multiple papers on blockchain governance frameworks. Connect with Alani on LinkedIn.
About Tessa Burg:
Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected].

Join us for this episode of Leader Generation, where Tessa Burg talks with Simon Severino, CEO of Strategy Sprints. With over 20 years of experience, Simon has perfected the art of go-to-market strategies, primarily catering to Fortune 500 companies.
In this conversation, Simon shares insightful strategies for creating a culture of opportunity within organizations, stressing the importance of being buyer-centric in today's fast-paced market. Simon also discusses the integration of AI and machine learning tools to streamline processes and enhance decision-making.
Whether you want to revamp your sales approach or transform your company culture, this episode offers valuable ideas to drive business growth. Tune in for valuable insights that can redefine how your business competes and thrives in the digital world.
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. 
About Simone Severino:
Simon Severino is the Founder of Strategy Sprints. He’s created 2B+ in additional sales for his clients over the last 20+ years. As an advisor who became CEO, he had to learn the importance of working ON the business more than IN it. Now, he shares his proven templates with high-ticket entrepreneurs. They reclaim 14 hours per week using the Strategy Sprints™ Method and enjoy soaring sales—author of “Strategy Sprints,” podcast host, TEDx speaker and Forbes contributor. Follow Simon on LinkedIn.
 
About Tessa Burg:
Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected].

In this episode of Leader Generation, Tessa Burg, and Matz Lukmani continue their conversation about Google Performance Max and its benefits for marketers. 
Matz assures listeners that Performance Max isn't just for businesses with short sales cycles; it's also adaptable for longer cycles. He emphasizes the need to map out the entire lead-to-conversion journey for effective tracking.
Throughout the discussion, Matz shares practical tips for boosting lead conversion rates. But it's not all technical talk. Tessa and Matz also explore strategies for campaign optimization, including ways to prevent ad fatigue and protect brand reputation.
Matz wraps up the episode by suggesting additional resources and training to help listeners learn more about capturing leads with Performance Max.
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. 
 
About Matz Lukmani:
Matz Lukmani (EMEA Product Lead, Google Performance Max), based in London (UK), has been with Google for more than nine years, working on products like Google Analytics 360, Google Ads, Search Ads 360 and Firebase Analytics. He currently leads Performance Max Campaigns and Attribution offerings within Google Ads, Search Ads 360 and Google Analytics in EMEA. He has worked over 15 years in the USA in various leadership roles at SAP, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Toys R Us, MediaCom, Triad Retail Media and PwC, to name a few. He offers analytics consulting services in web analytics, predictive analytics and advanced marketing AI across a wide range of industries. Be sure to follow Matz on LinkedIn.
 
About Tessa Burg:
Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected].

Evan Shapiro shares how big tech companies are redrawing the boundaries of the media sector. This episode covers today's seismic shifts, from the rise and impact of tech giants to the strategic use of data in marketing. 
The episode explores how brands must adjust to changing consumer behaviors, highlighting the essential shift from reach to meaningful engagement. They discuss using first-party data and machine learning to craft personalized messages that hit home. Plus, insist on measuring marketing success through actual sales, not just exposure. 
With a wealth of knowledge on impact over impressions and investing in data-driven decision-making, this is an episode that marketers, media professionals, and tech leaders won't want to miss.
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. 
 
About Evan Shapiro:
Many know Evan Shapiro as the official, unofficial cartographer of the Media Universe. Using a very specific point of view, Shapiro has mapped the tech and entertainment ecosystem, and, through his essays on the Media War & Peace Newsletter, he helps chart Media's future. 
Shapiro is also an Emmy and Peabody Award winning producer of many funny things, including Portlandia, This Film Is Not Yet Rated, Please Like Me, Comedy Bang Bang, Brick City, and Harmonquest. 
He is also a professor at NYU and Fordham schools of business, as well as the co-host of the Cancel Culture Podcast. Shapiro uses his insights to power his change agency, ESHAP, which offers partners and consumers media insight as a service. Be sure to follow Evan on LinkedIn.
 
About Tessa Burg:
Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected].

Discover key strategies for navigating the post-cookie marketing landscape on this episode of the Leader Generation podcast.
Host Tessa Burg and veteran strategist Shannon Sullivan discuss the implications of cookie deprecation. With over two decades of expertise, Shannon clarifies the shift towards first-party data and how marketers can turn these changes into opportunities for deeper customer engagement. 
This episode is perfect for professionals looking to refine their digital marketing tactics with actionable advice for today’s privacy-centric online world.
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. 
About Shannon Sullivan:
Shannon Sullivan is a go-to leader for engaging audiences online. As the Executive Vice President of Audience Strategy at Mod Op, she has a knack for developing the best marketing strategies for the digital world. She uses her extensive knowledge and expertise to help businesses—big and small—get noticed. From global tech companies to smaller up-and-comers, Shannon helps businesses successfully connect with people and grow their online presence.
About Tessa Burg:
Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected].
 

Get ready for some real talk about marketing in the age of automation. Mark Simon joins Tessa Burg on our latest episode of the Leader Generation podcast.
They get into why strong leadership and a straightforward plan matter more than ever in digital transformation. They break down how clear communication and getting everyone on the same page are key to making automation work for your business.
In this episode, you’ll hear why it’s smart to get your data house in order before bringing AI into the mix and why running fast into automation without a plan can lead you to more mess than success.
This episode is filled with practical advice for marketers who want to use AI and automation strategically to grow their businesses successfully.
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. 
 
About Mark Simon:
Mark Simon is the Vice President of Strategy at Celigo. He’s spent more than 20 years in technology roles such as software developer CTO, consultant and EVP of Services & Technology. Mark has with clients across several industries. His experience includes designing and developing automated processes for tasks like handing sales orders, managing subscriptions and provisioning.
 
About Tessa Burg:
Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected].
 

Step into the future of branding with Steve Red and Tessa Burg. They unravel how your company can forge deeper connections with your audience through authentic storytelling. Discover the secrets to transforming data points into compelling stories that do more than sell—they create authentic brand experiences.
Creativity and analytics come together as we discuss how to harness AI and ML not just to streamline operations but to infuse marketing with insights that drive growth and resonate on a human level. Learn how to make data your ally in the creative process, and shape campaigns that speak directly to the hearts and minds of your ideal customers.
You’ll hear ideas on how to combine AI with the human touch to tell stories that are as data-driven as they are emotionally charged. Join us to redefine what branding means in the age of technology, and discover a new era of customer engagement.
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. 
 About Steve Red:Steve is the Co-Chief Creative Officer at Mod Op. The founder of Red Tettemer O'Connell + Partners, recently acquired by Mod Op, Steve touches virtually everything that goes out of the agency door from a creative and strategic perspective. He believes people are smart and advertising should be too, and that the only real martini is made with gin. Someday … long afterhis teenagers aren’t teenagers anymore, he’ll settle down and start painting again, which is what his dad says he should have done all along. Steve can be reached at [email protected].
About Tessa Burg:Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa hasheld roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected].

In this episode, Len Gilbert and Tessa Burg discuss the human side of digital transformation. They highlight the importance of using technology to improve customer experience.
Len opens up with a personal story about his father's recent health emergency and how it shed light on the positive impact of technology in healthcare. He introduces us to the 'hospital at home' program, which not only helped his father recover faster but also illustrates the potential of tech-driven care. This story isn't just interesting; it offers a practical guide for any industry looking to succeed with digital transformation.
As the conversation shifts from Len’s story to broader business strategies, the focus remains on customer experience as the key to getting digital transformation right. Marketing leaders will find this episode rich with practical tips on choosing the right technology to meet customer needs.
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. 
About Len Gilbert:
Len Gilbert is the EVP and Head of Strategic Consulting at Mod Op. With more than 25 years of experience, he helps companies strategically use data and technology to innovate, grow, launch new products, stay competitive, and future-proof their businesses against the risks of digital disruption. Len can be reached at [email protected].
About Tessa Burg:
Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected].

Gareth Cunningham joins Tessa Burg on the Leader Generation podcast to challenge the notion that SEO is dead due to AI advancements.
Gareth, a search expert, argues that the integration of AI into SEO is not entirely new. Google already uses AI and machine learning to optimize search results, detect spam and match content with search intent. He views AI as an enhancement to SEO rather than its replacement.
Here are a few topics Gareth and Tessa cover in this episode:
Impact of Generative AI on SEO
Evolution of search strategies
Shifts in SEO practices 
UX/UI integration with SEO
Semantic web and authority
Future directions in search technology
Role of Google in shaping search trends
Don't miss this exchange. It promises forward-thinking ideas about search and optimization that you can apply to your own digital marketing.
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. 
About Gareth Cunningham:
Gareth stands at the intersection of creativity and analytics in his role as the Director of SEO at Mod Op. He leverages his experience in digital marketing to shape the online presence of national and international brands. Gareth consistently delivers strategies that increase organic traffic and improve search rankings for clients. His innovative approaches and dedication to measurable results have cemented his reputation as a dynamic leader in search engine optimization. Gareth can be reached at [email protected].
 
About Tessa Burg:
Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected].