Product Launch

In this episode, Tessa Burg talks with Stephen Trammell, Vice President of New Business Models at Nestlé Purina North America, about what it really takes to build stronger customer relationships in a digital world. 
Instead of focusing on the point of sale, Stephen explains how brands can create value across the full pet ownership journey by understanding real needs, solving real pain points and showing up in ways that feel natural and helpful. 
The conversation dives into how teams can decide when to build, buy or partner, what makes a pilot worth scaling and why loyalty is a better goal than short-term conversions. This is the conversation for marketers and business leaders who want to think bigger about growth, innovation and the customer experience. 
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.
About Stephen Trammell:
Stephen Trammell is an experienced marketing leader who bridges traditional marketing with digital innovation.  His career in consumer products spans over two decades.  He currently serves as Vice President of New Business Models at Nestlé Purina North America, leading Purina’s portfolio of digital-first brands.  He has worked in marketing research, led billion-dollar brands like Fancy Feast and is currently pioneering digital platforms and apps including myPurina, Petfinder and Petivity’s portfolio of IoT-connected pet care devices and health kits.  Stephen can be reached 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].

What does it really mean to be consumer-obsessed, and how is AI changing the face of the beauty industry? 
In this episode, Tessa Burg and Irina Kulikova—VP, Strategic Development & Integration at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.—explore the intersection of consumer insights, brand experience and emerging technology. The two discuss how store beauty advisors must now compete with AI, the magic of “small data” and Gen Z’s AI shopping revolution. 
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. 
About Irina Kulikova:
Irina Kulikova is the Vice President of Strategic Development and Integration and Chief of Staff to the President of the EUKEM region (Europe, UK & Ireland, and Emerging Markets) at The Estée Lauder Companies. As a member of the regional management team, she shapes the strategic direction of more than 85 markets and over 20 iconic brands.
In her role, Irina leads regional strategy development and execution, market intelligence, consumer insights, strategic pricing, and large-scale transformation initiatives. She also drives key corporate development priorities, including operating model evolution, new market and channel entry, brand integration, and expansion into emerging geographies.
Before joining The Estée Lauder Companies, Irina spent more than a decade at Bain & Company across the UK, Middle East, and Russia, advising leading global players in luxury, beauty, jewelry, fashion, and retail. Her experience at the intersection of strategy, brand building, and transformation has given her a deep understanding of how to unlock growth and resilience in the luxury and beauty industries both in developed and emerging markets.
Irina holds an MBA from INSEAD. She can be reached 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 chats with Matt Bretz and Gary Goodman, two seasoned veterans in the games and entertainment space. 
With decades of experience, Matt and Gary share their journeys from working in Hollywood and gaming to leading creative teams at Mod Op. They discuss the evolution of the industry, the importance of data and AI, and how both play a role in crafting emotionally resonant marketing strategies. 
If you're interested in understanding the power of combining creativity with technology to connect with audiences, this conversation offers valuable insights into how AI and data are reshaping marketing in gaming and entertainment. 
Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. 
Contributors:
Matt Bretz, EVP of Creative Innovation at Mod Op
Gary Goodman, EVP of Creative Innovation at Mod Op
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].
 

Learn the do's - and some don'ts - of launching a new product. Brandon Cornuke has been an inventor, retail buyer, corporate innovation leader and now shares his expertise with start-up founders. In this episode, you'll learn what you need and what to avoid as you seek to validate new products before market launch.