Host: Tessa Burg

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].
 

Grab your earbuds and settle in for a conversation with Sharon Toerek, an expert in intellectual property and marketing law. She talks about legal and compliance issues with emerging technologies, with a special focus on generative AI.
Host Tessa Burg joins Sharon to discuss how AI is reshaping the services agencies can offer. Together, they explore how to set up the right policies, use AI responsibly, and have transparent conversations with clients to manage risks.
While legal topics might not usually grab your attention, Sharon makes them interesting while delivering important information for anyone in the marketing field. Visit the AI + Your Agency Resource Center for helpful downloads from Legal+Creative.
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. 
About Sharon Toerek:
Sharon Toerek is the Owner & Founder of Legal+Creative | Toerek Law. She’s an intellectual property and marketing law attorney who devotes her legal practice to clients in the advertising, marketing, and creative services industries. Sharon helps clients protect, enforce, and monetize their creative assets and manage the legal implications of their marketing and advertising work. Sharon also writes and lectures frequently on the legal issues marketers face every day, such as intellectual property protection, social media marketing compliance, and more.
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, Tessa Burg and Derick Schaefer discuss the rapid evolution of AI in marketing. You’ll get an inside look at the challenges companies face when they blindly adopt AI—emphasizing the need for a solid AI strategy backed by clear business metrics.
The conversation goes deeper, covering organizational culture shifts, the pivotal role of change management, and how employees can become the catalyst for innovation. They also spotlight the importance of establishing a baseline to properly measure AI effectiveness and contribution to growth.
Whether you're a marketing leader, tech enthusiast, or a curious mind, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to enhance your understanding and approach to AI, machine learning, and business strategy.
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.
 
About Derick Schaefer:
Derick Schaefer is the Senior Vice President of Technology at Mod Op Strategic Consulting. He focuses on using technology and processes to develop customer-focused business strategies. Previously, he was the Chief Technology Officer at Trintech Inc. and held VP roles at Digital Insight and NCR. Derick founded a successful startup named Synthesis and also spent more than ten years working at Microsoft.
 
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 and Tom Madrilejos as they share their enthusiasm for AI on this episode of the Leader Generation podcast. Tune in for an interesting discussion about the potential of AI and machine learning and their impact on marketing and communications.
Explore the landscape of AI adoption, ranging from novices to experts. Gain insights into the common concerns plaguing colleagues and clients, including plagiarism, data leaks, IP issues, and AI's sustainability in content marketing and SEO.
Uncover key pillars of successful AI integration in marketing: transparency, communication, and risk management. Discover how to drive innovation within your organization by establishing an AI Council complete with cross-functional teams.
Don't miss this engaging conversation that sheds light on the future of marketing with AI. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes covering AI, marketing channels, measurement, risk management, and more.
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.
Related episodes:
https://tenloradio.com/e/how-to-drive-business-growth-with-an-ai-council/
https://tenloradio.com/e/unscripted-bonus-episode-on-ai-machine-learning/ 
About Tom Madrilejos:
Tom Madrilejos is an accomplished Associate Director of Audience Strategy with a proven track record of driving digital marketing success. With a wealth of experience, he leads alongside client teams in developing cutting-edge digital marketing and go-to-market strategies. Tom specializes in harnessing the power of AI and machine learning to optimize marketing campaigns, enhance customer engagement and achieve superior results. His passion for innovation and commitment to delivering exceptional value make him a vital asset in digital marketing.
 
About Tessa Burg:
Tessa Burg is the Chief Technology Officer and Host of the Leader Generation podcast at Mod Op. She’s been leading data-driven marketing and technology teams for 15+ years on both the agency and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa has deep skills in data and tech architecture, software product development and management, digital transformation and strategy. As CTO, she oversees Mod Op’s technology stack to ensure the agency is leveraging and securing the right platforms and data to deliver valuable and measurable results across physical, digital and virtual experiences. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected].

In this episode of the Leader Generation podcast, Tessa Burg talks with Lilith Bat-Leah about the pivotal role of data science in marketing and various industries. 
They discuss the growing significance of data science and machine learning, emphasizing the importance of data quality, domain expertise, and innovation in data-centric AI applications. Lilith also shares practical advice for embracing change and the belief that AI and ML solutions don’t need to be perfect to provide value in marketing.
Expect valuable insights from Lilith's expertise, including useful guidance for marketers looking to effectively leverage AI and ML. 
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.
 
About Lilith Bat-Leah:
Lilith Bat-Leah, Vice President of Data Services at Mod Op, is responsible for strategic consulting on use cases for data analytics, data science and machine learning. She has more than 11 years of experience managing, delivering and consulting on the identification, preservation, collection, processing, review, analysis and production of digital data. Lilith also has experience in research and development of machine learning software. She specializes in the application of statistics, analytics, machine learning and data science to natural language and other unstructured data. She is passionate about making impossible things possible and is driven by curiosity. 
 
About Tessa Burg:
Tessa Burg is the Chief Technology Officer and Host of the Leader Generation podcast at Mod Op. She’s been leading data-driven marketing and technology teams for 15+ years on both the agency and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa has deep skills in data and tech architecture, software product development and management, digital transformation and strategy. As CTO, she oversees Mod Op’s technology stack to ensure the agency is leveraging and securing the right platforms and data to deliver valuable and measurable results across physical, digital and virtual experiences. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected].

Welcome to another exciting episode of Leader Generation. Chris Harihar joins us for a fascinating discussion about AI—especially ChatGPT—and how it's shaking things up in the field of public relations. 
Get ready to hear about the various AI applications in public relations, from press release writing to pitch support. Plus, stick around for some insights on data security, the art of experimentation and the potential of AI tools to reshape the PR and communications industry. 
We’ll talk all about embracing higher-impact, value-driven endeavors that promise stellar results for clients. So, buckle up for this episode, packed with ideas to help you stay on the cutting edge of PR innovation.
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. To provide feedback and ask marketing questions for future episodes, message Tessa on LinkedIn.
 
About Chris Harihar:
Chris Harihar is the EVP of Public Relations at Mod Op (formerly Crenshaw Communications).
With deep expertise in business and tech media relations, Chris counsels clients at a high level while maintaining hands-on involvement in media relations and content strategy. He has developed and run highly successful programs for leading B2B and tech brands, from Verizon Media/Yahoo and DoubleVerify to Signal AI, IDG (now Foundry) and WeTransfer. Chris can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected].
 
About Tessa Burg:
Tessa Burg is the Chief Technology Officer and Host of the Leader Generation podcast at Mod Op. She’s been leading data-driven marketing and technology teams for 15+ years on both the agency and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa has deep skills in data and tech architecture, software product development and management, digital transformation and strategy. As CTO, she oversees Mod Op’s technology stack to ensure the agency is leveraging and securing the right platforms and data to deliver valuable and measurable results across physical, digital and virtual experiences. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected].

Ever wondered how top companies maintain the edge in today's rapidly advancing technological landscape? Enter the AI Council. 
In this episode, Tessa Burg emphasizes how having a well-orchestrated AI Council is not just a strategic move, but a game-changer for businesses. By harnessing the power of diverse expertise and aligning it with the innovations in AI and machine learning, companies can unlock unprecedented growth opportunities. 
Dive into this podcast to discover how the right structure and focus of an AI Council can become your secret weapon to drive business growth.
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. To provide feedback and ask marketing questions for future episodes, message Tessa on LinkedIn.
 
About Tessa Burg:
Tessa Burg is the Chief Technology Officer and Host of the Leader Generation podcast at Mod Op. She’s been leading data-driven marketing and technology teams for 15+ years on both the agency and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa has deep skills in data and tech architecture, software product development and management, digital transformation and strategy. As CTO, she oversees Mod Op’s technology stack to ensure the agency is leveraging and securing the right platforms and data to deliver valuable and measurable results across physical, digital and virtual experiences. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected].

In this episode of Leader Generation, Tessa Burg interviews Jonathan Murray, Mod Op's Chief Strategy Officer. Jonathan shares insights from his extensive background on the role of CEOs in the age of artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Their conversation covers several topics, such as:
CEO's role in technology adoption and business transformation
Embracing AI and machine learning in the business landscape
Leadership in the digital age
Setting clear objectives and accountability in change initiatives
The importance of mission and vision in motivating employees
Don't miss out on this essential discussion for business leaders. Listen now for tips to better navigate the evolving technology landscape. 
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. To provide feedback and ask marketing questions for future episodes, message Tessa on LinkedIn.
 
About Jonathan Murray​:
Jonathan Murray is the Chief Strategy Officer at Mod Op and has 25 years of experience in digital transformation. He’s passionate about helping forward-looking executives turn strategy into results by enabling organizations to thrive in a digital world through empowered cultures and modern operating models. Jonathan can be reached at [email protected].
 
About Tessa Burg:
Tessa Burg is the Chief Technology Officer and Host of the Leader Generation podcast at Mod Op. She’s been leading data-driven marketing and technology teams for 15+ years on both the agency and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa has deep skills in data and tech architecture, software product development and management, digital transformation and strategy. As CTO, she oversees Mod Op’s technology stack to ensure the agency is leveraging and securing the right platforms and data to deliver valuable and measurable results across physical, digital and virtual experiences. Tessa can be reached at [email protected].