Podcast
Commerce Beyond Borders
Hosted by Renee Hartmann and Chris Baker · ENGLISH
Hosted by Renee Hartmann and Chris Baker, Commerce Beyond Borders is a future-forward perspective on the rapidly evolving world of commerce and global growth strategies, providing critical insights, innovative tactics and transformative trends shaping the future of global commerce.
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Attribution, AI Agents, and the New Rules of Discovery with Roshni Nambiar
5d ago00:37:39Tap to summarizeRoshni Nambiar, Senior Director of DTC Analytics & Strategy at Unilever Prestige Group, joins Renee Hartman and Chris Baker to unpack how AI, social commerce, and shifting discovery habits are reshaping the customer journey in beauty and CPG. Roshni brings a rare full-circle view of e-commerce, having built marketing technology at companies like Oracle, run analytics for automotive brands at an agency, and now leading DTC and Amazon analytics across eight luxury beauty brands. In this conversation, she breaks down why the path to purchase has become a "zigzag line" with no predictable pattern, how TikTok and Instagram are outpacing legacy retail channels in growth, and why content, not tactics, is becoming the new currency of discovery as AI search and generative engine optimization take hold. The conversation also digs into where agent-to-agent commerce is heading, what that means for brand loyalty and lifetime value, and why first-party data and a solid attribution model remain the anchor points brands need no matter how fast the landscape shifts. In this episode: Why the post-pandemic e-commerce boom slowed in early 2025 and what's driving the rebound How TikTok and Instagram evolved from content platforms into product discovery and social commerce engines The difference between impulse-driven buying in color cosmetics versus retention in skincare Why authentic content, not SEO tactics, is becoming the key to visibility in AI-driven search Where the line sits between useful AI-generated content and content that backfires with consumers How agent-to-agent commerce could change the role of brand websites and reshape customer loyalty Why CAC to LTV ratio remains a non-negotiable fundamental, even as checkout increasingly moves to AI bots How fragmented discovery and checkout across platforms is breaking traditional attribution models Why clean first-party data is now essential for segmentation, personalization, and predictive analytics About Roshni Nambiar Roshni Nambiar is Senior Director of DTC Analytics & Strategy at Unilever Prestige Group, where she leads customer analytics across .com and Amazon for a portfolio of eight luxury beauty brands. She previously led analytics for an automotive marketing agency and spent time at Oracle and various startups building marketing automation, CRM, and customer loyalty platforms.
Transcribe →Web Summit's Casey Lau on Why China is Moving Faster Than Anyone Realizes
Jun 100:32:15Tap to summarizeGuest: Casey Lau, EVP at Web Summit and Co-founder of Startups HK Casey Lau has spent close to 30 years in Hong Kong building community at the intersection of startups, tech, and global innovation. As EVP at Web Summit — which runs flagship events in Lisbon, Vancouver, Rio de Janeiro, and Doha — he has a rare vantage point on tech ecosystems around the world. He is also co-founder of Startups HK, a pillar of the startup community in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. In this episode Casey joins Renee and Chris fresh from a month-long tech tour across five Chinese cities — Shenzhen, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai — his first time back on the mainland since before the pandemic. What we cover: Casey's global view from Web Summit — why the only race that really matters right now is US versus China, and why Europe is watching from the sidelines What shocked Casey most about returning to China in 2026 — from frictionless payments to the sheer pace of change on the ground Inside the Geely/Zeekr factory — a dark factory the size of a city block with 1,000 people doing last-mile work while robots assemble cars that were ordered online just days earlier China's generative video AI scene — why MiniMax, Seedance, Kling, and Alibaba's Happy Horse are the models people aren't talking about enough in the West Pop Mart Land in Beijing — why Casey thinks Labubu has barely scratched the surface globally, and what a full-scale Pop Mart theme park looks like in practice The F&B wave coming West — Heytea, Mixue, Luckin, and why Luckin buying Blue Bottle could spell real trouble for Starbucks Why China is forward-looking and the West is backward-looking — and what that means for the pace of innovation and adoption Chinamaxxing — why everyone at Web Summit Lisbon wanted to talk about China, and what the cultural shift toward Chinese brands, food, and culture means for global commerce The one through line across every category Casey visited: speed of iteration that no one else in the world can match
Transcribe →Ribs and Robots: How Tony Roma's is Modernizing a 50-Year-Old Brand
May 2400:27:15Tap to summarizeHost Renee Hartman interviews Mohaimina (Mina) Haque, CEO of Tony Roma’s, about the brand’s international franchise operations and adoption of AI and robotics. Haque, a lawyer who led due diligence during the pandemic acquisition and later became CEO, discusses key differences in the restaurant industry including razor-thin margins and post-pandemic labor and supply cost pressures, leading Tony Roma’s to a localized, market-by-market approach for pricing, supply, and menus while keeping core items like ribs consistent. She describes what makes strong franchisees—capitalization, operational skill, and adaptability—and notes Tony Roma’s footprint of 42 units in 22 countries, with interest in expanding further, including Africa. Haque details pilot robot runners in Carson, CA and Durham, NC, emphasizing efficiency plus human service, and outlines her AI philosophy: open-minded adoption as a productivity tool, strong critical thinking, and careful screening of outputs. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:41 From Lawyer to CEO 02:16 Restaurant Industry Reality Check 05:04 Localizing Pricing and Supply 07:36 Choosing Winning Franchisees 09:03 Global Footprint and Lessons 10:12 Core Menu and Brand Nostalgia 12:49 Robots in the Dining Room 16:15 Getting Franchisees to Try Tech 18:34 AI Philosophy and Rollout 21:20 AI Adoption and Quality Control 23:31 Where AI Helps Most Today 24:56 Whats Next for Tony Romas 26:50 Closing and Subscribe
Transcribe →Inside Tesco With Dr. Sumit Mitra: AI at Scale and India's Retail Revolution
Mar 3100:36:37Tap to summarizeDr. Sumit Mitra is CEO of Tesco Business Solutions and Tesco India, overseeing a team that spans payroll and finance to AI, property, supply chain, and customer contact — serving 90 million shopping trips a week. In this episode he gives us an inside look at how Tesco is applying AI across the business, what's actually delivering results, and what India's retail revolution is signalling for the rest of the world. We cover: What Tesco Business Solutions actually does — and why the CEO calls it Tesco's key competitive differentiator How Tesco structures AI into three buckets and why prioritisation matters more than technology The 50K / 60-day rule: how they cut failing projects before ego gets in the way Real AI use cases delivering triple-digit million returns in cash flow and personalisation Why AI for operations means reimagining the whole process, not automating a step India's leap from kirana stores straight to quick commerce — and what's driving it Whoosh, Tesco's 30-minute delivery service, already a £400M business Omnisol: how Tesco is now taking its proprietary AI tools to market for other retailers Guest: Dr. Sumit Mitra, CEO, Tesco Business Solutions & Tesco India Hosts: Renee Hartmann & Chris Baker
Transcribe →The Strategy Trap: Why Great Plans Fail at Execution
Mar 2600:28:17Tap to summarizeMost companies are pretty good at writing strategies. Far fewer are good at executing them. That gap — and what to do about it — is exactly what Kevin Ertell has spent his career studying, and now he's written the book on it. Kevin brings a rare perspective to this conversation. He started as a clerk at Tower Records and worked his way up to Senior Vice President over 20 years. From there he held senior roles at Borders, Sur La Table, and Nike, where he led digital and retail operations globally. He has seen strategy succeed and fail at every level of an organisation. His new book, The Strategy Trap: Why Companies Fail at Execution and How to Get It Right, lays out a six-part framework he calls the Six Cs, built around two phases: setting the stage (co-creation, clarity, capacity) and showtime (communication, coordination, coaching). In this episode Kevin, Chris and Renee dig into why execution breaks down, what leaders consistently get wrong, and why the first step of execution is actually writing the strategy itself. They also get into the role of outside consultants, how OKRs done right can transform alignment, and why stack ranking priorities beats high-medium-low every time. Plus the NASA janitor story. You'll want to hear that one. Key takeaways: Strategy writing is the first step of execution, not a precursor to it Co-creation drives commitment — the IKEA effect is real Capacity has to be created before a strategy is launched, not found along the way Communication should be early, loud, and continuous The bigger the organisation, the more structured the approach needs to be — but smaller organisations need it too The Strategy Trap is available now on Amazon.
Transcribe →Remove Friction, Not Humans: Rethinking Retail Technology with João Correia
Jan 500:48:21Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to turn around 12 supermarkets during a COVID lockdown? Or build a centralized logistics operation under economic sanctions? João Correia has spent 25 years solving retail operations challenges across four continents—from Ghanaian supermarkets to Iranian department stores to Paraguayan wholesale operations. In this episode, João shares hard-won lessons about what actually drives store performance: it's not the latest AI tool, it's disciplined execution of operational fundamentals. We discuss stock visibility challenges when supply chains stretch three months, why real-time store performance matters more than post-visit surveys, and how technology should remove friction—not create it. Key Topics: Why operational excellence is becoming a competitive advantage while competitors chase AI The critical difference between reported experience and real experience on the shop floor How to implement technology in resource-constrained environments (and what that teaches us about priorities) Store execution fundamentals that work across markets: expiry date management, standards compliance, workflow efficiency Change management lessons from converting stores, building logistics networks, and implementing new systems across different cultures The role of technology in empowering frontline teams vs. replacing them Guest Bio: João Correia is a retail operations veteran with nearly 30 years of experience across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. He's led turnarounds, store conversions, and logistics operations for retailers including SPAR, Primark, and Media Markt. His experience spans grocery retail, hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and wholesale operations in markets including Portugal, Angola, Nigeria, Ghana, Iran, Malta, and Paraguay. Key Quotes: "AI and all the tech tools that are there come to improve the ecosystem in a way that they remove all the friction and give people the tools to provide a better service." "You might have the best product, you might have the best stores, you might have the best decor in the stores. Everything fails if the human factor doesn't deliver." "Retail is process. Retail is discipline. The truth happens on the floor—where real experience occurs." "Back to the basics will be a competitive advantage in the future, in my opinion."
Transcribe →The New Wave of Chinese Brands Disrupting Everyone
Dec 2200:54:09Tap to summarizeWhy are both international luxury brands and established Chinese players losing market share to local upstarts? In this episode, we sit down with Xiaofeng Gu, founder of Jingzhi Chronicle, to explore the rise of China's challenger brands—and why this disruption is about innovation, not nationalism. From TCM-powered skincare to EVs with business-class lie-flat seats, these brands are leveraging China's manufacturing agility, deep consumer understanding, and mastery of decentralized media to outcompete legacy players. Xiaofeng shares insights on 8 brands redefining what "Made in China" means—and why this is a preview of what's coming globally. Key Topics Discussed: Why the "international brand halo effect" has disappeared in China Three key drivers of challenger brand success: product innovation, emotional connection, and communication mastery How post-COVID values shifted Chinese consumer priorities The role of globally-trained founders in building sophisticated local brands Why Chinese brands are winning on quality, not just price How TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is being elevated into luxury beauty The future of Chinese brands on the global stage Featured Brands: HERBEAST - TCM-powered skincare with reishi mushroom innovation SONGMONT - Luxury accessories (one of only two stores Bernard Arnault visited in China) AVATR - Luxury EV collaboration between Huawei, Great Wall Motors & CATL TO SUMMER - Fragrance house putting Chinese ingredients on the global perfumery map LUCKIN COFFEE - Efficiency-driven coffee brand now expanding to the US DOCUMENTS - Fragrance and agarwood jewelry brand MAOGEPING - Color cosmetics combining professional artistry with accessible services YUSUMTONG - Innovative tea/lifestyle brand Guest: Xiaofeng Gu is the founder of Jingzhi Chronicle, a media platform covering China's emerging luxury, beauty, and lifestyle brands. With deep expertise in the Chinese consumer landscape, Xiaofeng brings unique insights into how local brands are disrupting both international and established Chinese players. Hosts: Renee Hartmann - Globally recognized retail strategist, Fractional CMO, and author of "Next Generation Retail" Chris Baker - Retail and commerce expert with extensive Asia-Pacific experience Key Quotes: "Being an international brand doesn't automatically give you trust anymore. That halo effect has more or less disappeared. You have to prove yourself." - Xiaofeng Gu "Innovative Chinese brands proved they're just as safe, just as effective—and they understand consumers better." - Xiaofeng Gu "Chinese consumers are very smart. They understand a lot of products from international brands are actually made in China. So they're asking: if Chinese brands and international brands use the same source and manufacturing capability, why are you asking for so much more?" - Xiaofeng Gu Resources Mentioned: Jingzhi Chronicles Bernard Arnault's recent China visit Takeaways: ✓ Chinese challenger brands are disrupting based on innovation and consumer understanding, not nationalism ✓ The "international = better" perception has evaporated among Chinese consumers ✓ Product innovation speed, emotional connection, and owning communication channels are key differentiators ✓ This isn't just a China story—it's a preview of global disruption to come ✓ International brands must prove value and can no longer rely on heritage alone
Transcribe →Content Is the Game: Inside the Real State of Social Commerce with Dave Morrissey (ex-TikTok & Meta)
Nov 2000:49:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Commerce Beyond Borders, we go deep into what actually works in social commerce today — and what doesn’t. From London, former Meta & TikTok executive Dave Morrissey joins Renee (in Portugal) and Chris (in Shanghai) for a candid conversation about live shopping, the role of creators, why most brands are doing content wrong — and what the smartest brands are already doing next. 🔑 Key Insights Live shopping is not the answer for everyone — and most brands are doing it wrong. The TikTok Shop winners are founder-led, community-first brands. Why 40+ videos a month is becoming the new baseline for e-commerce success. AI should power creativity — not replace it. The rise of video search and why TikTok is quietly becoming a rival to Google. TikTok Shop: do you need affiliates, creators, paid ads… or all three? The secret moat now? 👉 Doing the hard things your competitors won’t. 💬 Favorite Quote from Dave “Content is the game. The algorithms will do the delivery. Your only job is to get great at content.” 🔍 What We Cover 00:00 – Introductions across Portugal, Shanghai & London 04:00 – From music industry → Meta → TikTok Shop 09:45 – Live shopping: what’s working & what isn’t 16:30 – Why discount-led TikTok strategies are dangerous 22:10 – Content at scale: how brands should build it 28:00 – The role of AI — and where it shouldn’t be used 34:20 – Affiliates vs creators: who actually drives sales? 41:10 – TikTok as a search engine 46:30 – What Western brands can learn from China 52:00 – The principle that doesn’t change: be real, be useful 📢 Listen Now Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts 🎧 Subscribe to Commerce Beyond Borders for global perspectives on the future of retail & commerce.
Transcribe →Entertainment, Community, Trust: Palmstreet’s Playbook for Livestream Commerce
Oct 900:32:23Tap to summarizePalmstreet is building what they call the world’s online “Main Street”—and the engagement is wild. In this episode, Chen Li (Founder & CEO, Palmstreet) joins Renee and Chris to unpack the metrics behind their growth: shoppers spend an average of 2.5 hours per day on the app, first-year buyers make ~50–55 purchases, and a $26,000 plant sold live shows how trust plus logistics unlock high-ticket conversions. We dig into the formula—entertainment + community + trust + operations—and how Palmstreet productized the “unsexy” bits (shipping, weather checks, protection) to turn livestreams into a dependable channel. Chen also shares which categories win, why repeat purchase frequency matters, and what’s next (hint: beauty is heating up). Highlights 2.5 hours/day average time spent per shopper ~50–55 purchases in year one (per shopper) 95% shipped / 5% local; typical U.S. shipping $8–$18 Platform trust & logistics: even weather checks pre-ship $26,000 plant sold live—proof that confidence converts Category patterns: uniqueness, repeat purchase, and showmanship Why brands think livestream “doesn’t work” (and how to fix it) Topics we cover The origin story: from plant ID app to live shopping marketplace “Shop for the drop, stay for the vibes”: community as a growth engine What actually entertains in a live: hosts, education, and the hunt The operations layer that makes live shopping repeatable Winning categories now (plants, handmade, vintage) and next (beauty) Building trust fast if you’re a new brand (and when to borrow it via creators) The TikTok question: coexistence vs. competition Shipping reality in North America—and how it shapes category fit Pull quotes “On average, a shopper spends two and a half hours a day on Palmstreet.” “Our users make 50–55 purchases in their first year.” “We sold a $26,000 plant live.” “Live is entertainment first—but operations make it scalable.” About Palmstreet Palmstreet is the online Main Street for plants, handmade, vintage, and unique goods, connecting passionate buyers with charismatic sellers through live shopping. Guest Chen Li — Founder & CEO, Palmstreet Hosts Renee Hartmann & Chris Baker, Commerce Beyond Borders
Transcribe →Make Your Own Luck: Scott Kronick on Global Growth, China Lessons & Saying Yes to the Meeting
Sep 2600:44:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Commerce Beyond Borders, host Renee Hartmann and co-host Chris Baker sit down with communications leader Scott Kronick (ex–Ogilvy & Mather) for an energizing tour through three decades of brand building across Asia, the Olympics, and today’s AI-driven marketing landscape. Scott shares why he’s still a dyed-in-the-wool globalist, how China’s “can-do” culture shaped his leadership, and the mindset he teaches students at USC: expand your surface area of luck—meet more people, talk about your passion, and be generous with your help. What we cover The “surface area of luck”: a practical framework for creating opportunity Lessons from hyper-growth China: optimism, speed, and execution Agencies: why boutiques can outmaneuver quarterly-driven giants AI, influencers, and the new media mix (what’s changed, what hasn’t) Chinese brands going global: strengths, gaps, and playing by local rules Risk, regulation, and communications alignment in the U.S. market Olympic storytelling: building a specialized practice and finding your lane Career advice for young marketers: do hard things, take the meeting, think critically Memorable quotes “The more people you meet and talk about what you’re passionate about, the more opportunities come your way.” “That meeting you don’t want to leave the house for? Take it. That might be the life-changer.” “Be optimistic—find the green shoots and lean in.” About our guest Scott Kronick led PR and integrated communications across Asia for Ogilvy, launching and scaling offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Now back in Los Angeles, he teaches at USC, advises global brands, and continues his long-standing work around the Olympic movement and Special Olympics.
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