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What does AI really mean for retail? And how can companies move from automation to agency without losing the human connection that drives loyalty?

In this episode, Sucharita joins Santiago Naranjo, Chief Revenue Officer of VTEX, to unpack how AI has quietly powered retail for decades from pricing and planning to fraud detection and what separates proven machine learning from the emerging promise of agentic systems. Together, they explore how generative AI is transforming workflows, where full autonomy still faces barriers, and why trust remains the foundation of every technological leap.

Sucharita shares how companies are applying AI in practical ways, automating content creation, improving customer support, and optimising logistics, while warning against the industry’s tendency to oversell what technology can deliver. She and Santiago discuss the need for “mission-led” agents that learn, adapt, and communicate transparently, creating a future where AI complements rather than replaces human intelligence.

You’ll also hear Sucharita’s personal take on AI in daily life, how she balances curiosity and caution using tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Descript, and her reflections on how generative technology is empowering individual creators faster than many enterprises can adapt. She also leaves with a message to women in leadership: in an age of algorithms, genuine relationships and credibility still drive progress.

For anyone navigating digital transformation, this episode offers a thoughtful, realistic look at how AI, data, and human trust will shape the next era of retail.

[00:00:00] From Retail Floors to Forrester Research – Sucharita’s Career Journey - Sucharita opens the episode by tracing her path from working inside major retail organizations to becoming one of Forrester’s most trusted voices in commerce. She shares how early experiences in both large and small companies shaped her understanding of how retail truly operates. Her story reflects a deep curiosity for business and a long-standing commitment to helping brands make smarter decisions. 

[00:03:20] How AI Has Quietly Powered Retail for Decades - Long before generative tools captured headlines, AI was already embedded in retail systems. Sucharita explains how algorithms have driven pricing, labour planning, fraud detection, and warehouse optimisation for years, often behind the scenes. She calls out how many of today’s “new” capabilities are actually refinements of existing ones, not reinventions. The conversation underscores that innovation in retail often evolves quietly before the world catches up.

[00:05:50] Generative vs Agentic AI – Understanding the Difference - Sucharita draws a clear line between generative AI (tools that create and automate) and agentic AI (tools that acts independently to achieve goals). She describes how agentic systems, like Amazon’s merchandising engine, make decisions in real time with minimal human input. Yet most retailers are still learning how to collect and structure data well enough to reach that level of autonomy. She reveals that while generative tools can deliver quick wins, building agentic systems requires years of trust, testing, and transparency.

[00:09:22] Why Trust Is the Hardest Part of Automation - Trust becomes the central theme of this exchange. Sucharita and Santiago explore why organizations hesitate to fully rely on AI, not because of technical limits, but because of the fear of losing control. They discuss how brands can begin in lower-risk areas such as marketing before expanding into inventory or procurement. Sucharita explains that establishing trust in data, processes, and outcomes will determine how far automation can truly go. It’s a reminder that technology only performs as confidently as the people who design and guide it.

[00:13:26] Mission-Led Agents and the Case for Honest AI Adoption - Santiago challenges the hype-driven culture surrounding AI and introduces the idea of “mission-led” agents, systems designed to learn transparently and communicate both success and failure. Sucharita supports this approach, emphasising that accountability is what turns automation into true intelligence. They discuss how honesty about limitations can help rebuild trust between teams, customers, and technology. The exchange captures a human perspective on how innovation actually matures: through open dialogue, not blind optimism.

[00:15:36] How Sucharita Uses AI in Work and Everyday Life - Stepping into her personal world, Sucharita shares how she experiments with AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Descript while staying mindful of data privacy. She enjoys how these tools enhance research, creativity, and workflow efficiency, yet she remains deliberate about what information she shares with them. Her reflections show how professionals can balance curiosity and caution while embracing digital innovation. Sucharita also touches on how generative platforms are unlocking creativity for independent makers in ways that were once reserved for large enterprises.

[00:19:40] Building Real Relationships in a Digital World - Sucharita offers heartfelt advice for women leaders and anyone navigating technology-driven industries. She reminds listeners that no matter how advanced AI becomes, trust, reputation, and genuine human connection remain irreplaceable. Relationships, not algorithms, still open doors and sustain success. Santiago echoes her sentiment, noting that while technology may shape the tools we use, people still shape the outcomes.

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What does it really take to scale global commerce in today’s fragmented and competitive landscape? And how can brands balance operational efficiency, customer retention, and local adaptability while expanding across markets?

In this episode, Daniela joins Santiago Naranjo, Chief Revenue Officer of VTEX, for a grounded conversation on how companies can succeed by combining local insight with global strategy. She shares lessons from building VTEX operations in Brazil and Italy before leading North America from New York, unpacking the cultural nuances, regulatory differences, and customer expectations that define each region.

Daniela highlights how the North American market demands local proof points and industry-specific success stories, making authenticity and trust central to every relationship. She explains how retailers and B2B brands alike are navigating a high-cost environment where efficiency and retention drive growth. The conversation explores how composable commerce allows brands to launch new channels faster, unify B2B and B2C operations, and improve agility without massive investment.

Together, Daniela and Santiago unpack why customer loyalty remains the true engine of profitability. Daniela shares powerful data, existing customers spend 67% more than new ones, and breaks down how brands can use delivery experience, marketplaces, and last-mile innovation to deepen relationships and earn repeat purchases.

Beyond commerce strategy, Daniela offers personal reflections on leadership and adaptation, what it means to represent Latin America on the global stage, the value of understanding local culture in business, and how empathy, observation, and communication shape trust across borders.

For leaders building in digital commerce, retail, or B2B transformation, this episode delivers a clear and practical look at how to scale globally, act locally, and build brands that last.

[00:00:00] From Colombia to New York – Daniela’s Global VTEX Journey - Daniela opens the conversation by tracing her decade-long career at VTEX, from her beginnings in Latin America to leadership roles across Brazil, Europe, and now North America. She shares how each market taught her to adapt to different business cultures and expectations while keeping the customer at the centre. Her journey reflects the power of local understanding in shaping global growth. Santiago highlights how Daniela’s path mirrors VTEX’s evolution as a truly global commerce platform built on cultural intelligence and operational discipline.

[00:02:48] Europe vs. United States – Two Distinct Retail Realities - Drawing on her experience leading VTEX operations in Italy and the U.S., Daniela explains how European retail is deeply localised, while North American brands prioritise proven results and local case studies. She notes that in Europe, speaking the language and understanding regional nuances are critical to trust, while in the U.S., credibility comes from local partnerships and execution. Santiago and Daniela explore how trust and localisation determine adoption speed in each market.

[00:05:53] Balancing Customer Retention and Operational Efficiency - Daniela identifies customer retention and operational efficiency as the two defining priorities for retailers in 2026. With high interest rates and tight budgets, brands must deliver greater value while managing costs. She explains how technology can streamline logistics, accelerate delivery, and improve experience without large investments. They highlight how unified operations not only cut costs but also enhance customer lifetime value, positioning efficiency as a growth strategy rather than a constraint.

[00:07:55] Rethinking B2B Commerce – From Manual Orders to Automation - Despite their scale, many B2B companies still process orders through email, PDF, or even fax. Daniela describes how this manual approach drives unnecessary costs, delays, and errors. She explains how a unified commerce architecture connects all channels, eliminates middle steps, and improves visibility across sales and inventory. Santiago adds that automation creates the foundation for scalable, sustainable growth. Together, they show how digital transformation in B2B starts with orchestration and intelligent system design.

[00:10:00] Modern Commerce Without Massive Investment - Daniela challenges the belief that modernising commerce requires massive CapEx projects and long implementation cycles. She outlines how composable commerce allows retailers to experiment with new channels, such as marketplaces, live shopping, and conversational commerce, through agile, test-and-learn models. By simplifying deployment and focusing on OpEx scalability, brands can innovate faster and smarter. The exchange demonstrates how flexible architecture empowers teams to move from concept to customer impact in weeks, not years.

Daniela brings data into focus: existing customers spend 67% more than new ones. She and Santiago unpack how customer experience, delivery accuracy, and last-mile efficiency turn retention into a measurable advantage. Daniela stresses that convenience now outweighs price as a deciding factor, making delivery promises and real-time transparency central to loyalty. They reflect on how brands can create value beyond transactions by building reliability, trust, and ease into every moment of the shopping journey.

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What does it take to modernize B2B commerce? And how do you scale digital in industries still built on handshakes and relationships?

In this episode, Jamie joins host Santiago Naranjo, Chief Revenue Officer, VTEX, to unpack the realities of taking a B2B company online. She shares why RahrBSG chose VTEX as a partner over one-size-fits-all platforms, the honest feedback she’s given on CMS and catalog limitations, and how her team, new to ecommerce, built confidence and processes from scratch.

You’ll hear stories from her decade at Best Buy during the rise of Amazon, how leadership training gave her the courage to thrive as a woman in male-dominated industries, and why she believes technology should amplify relationships rather than replace them. Jamie also offers candid advice for how VTEX can strengthen its presence in the US and Canada by building awareness and leaning into its culture of partnership.

For anyone navigating B2B transformation or scaling ecommerce teams, this is a rare, inside look at balancing tradition, technology, and trust.

[00:02:55] From Best Buy to Brewing: Jamie’s Career Journey - Jamie introduces herself and traces her path from a decade at BestBuy.com, to leading digital at Radisson Hotels, and now serving as Director of Ecommerce at RahrBSG. Her experience across retail, hospitality, and craft brewing shows how different industries approach digital transformation.

[00:05:22] Why RahrBSG Chose VTEX Over One-Size-Fits-All Platforms - Jamie explains how her company had already selected VTEX before she joined, but she challenged the decision with tough questions. What won her over was VTEX’s willingness to adapt, partner deeply, and help weave RahrBSG’s DNA into their ecommerce experience, something other platforms like Shopify couldn’t offer.

[00:07:41] Building Ecommerce Culture from Scratch in a B2B World - With most of her team new to ecommerce, Jamie shares how they started with the basics: defining customer segments, mapping the desired experience, and reworking internal operations. VTEX’s collaborative approach gave them the confidence to tackle complex integrations and bring their vision to life.

[00:12:35] Lessons from Best Buy During the Rise of Amazon - Jamie reflects on her time at Best Buy in the mid-2000s, when the company was reinventing itself to compete with Amazon and Target. She describes migrating millions of SKUs from a custom-built platform to Adobe, and the discipline of learning fast while shaping the future of ecommerce.

[00:16:58] Breaking Barriers as a Woman in Ecommerce Leadership - Jamie candidly discusses her experience as a woman in industries often dominated by men. She credits Best Buy’s leadership development programs for giving her the confidence to sit at the table, challenge the norm, and lead with authenticity, insights she now shares to inspire the next generation of women in commerce.

[00:19:45] Modernizing B2B: Where Relationships Meet Technology - Jamie highlights how B2B commerce is still built on handshakes and trust, but technology can amplify those relationships and create scalable wins. From reducing manual processes to automating tasks once handled by phone and email, she shows how digital tools unlock efficiency without losing the human touch.

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What does it take to lead product across 40+ countries and multiple industries? And how do you decide what to build versus what to buy in a world of SaaS platforms and unique customer needs?

In this episode, Alexandre joins host Santiago Naranjo, Chief Revenue Officer at VTEX, to unpack how product leaders can balance SaaS foundations with true differentiation, why prioritization is both an art and a science, and how to manage the competing voices of customers, competitors, founders, sales, and finance. He explains how VTEX learns from industry leaders to identify common needs, keeps the platform extensible for niche requirements, and uses value sizing (conversion lift, GMV impact, time saved) to guide decisions with data rather than opinion.

You’ll also hear Alexandre’s candid perspective on avoiding the trap of “glorified backlog managers.” He shares how VTEX hires for domain and engineering depth, dogfoods its own products, connects PMs directly with customers through sponsorship programs, and constantly reinforces the importance of articulating the vision behind every request. The episode closes on a personal note, with Alexandre previewing his DJ set at VTEX Day, showing how his multicultural background continues to shape not just his leadership, but his music and creativity.

For anyone navigating global product leadership or scaling commerce platforms, this is a rare, inside look at how clarity, extensibility, and vision drive innovation at scale.

[00:03:00] From Banking to Startup: Alexandre’s Early Career - Alexandre explains how, after a short stint in banking, he joined two colleagues to co-found a digital investment distribution company in Brazil. Serving the “mass affluent” market, he learned product by doing, studying design, managing engineers, and scaling the company to billions in assets under management.

[00:05:35] From Kellogg to Amazon Retail Analytics - Seeking deeper product expertise, Alexandre pursued an MBA at Kellogg along with a Master’s in Design Innovation. He shares how this path led him to Amazon Retail’s core analytics team, where he worked on personalization systems that shaped the shopping experience for millions worldwide.

[00:06:33] Why VTEX’s Platform + Ecosystem Model Stood Out - Alexandre recalls why VTEX felt like “love at first sight.” He highlights the platform model that serves multiple industries, the collaborative ecosystem, and the timing just before the IPO. Believing he could help drive the company’s next wave of growth, he joined and now leads VTEX’s global product team.

[00:08:35] SaaS vs. Build: Table Stakes vs. Differentiators - Alexandre outlines a practical framework for CTOs and CEOs: outsource what’s “table stakes” with SaaS, but build around what truly differentiates your business. Whether it’s customer experience or post-sales service, knowing this distinction is critical for innovation and growth.

[00:12:20] Prioritizing Across 40+ Countries and Industries - With VTEX operating in dozens of markets, Alexandre explains how he works with industry-leading customers to understand emerging needs, then looks for common patterns like personalization and merchandising. Solving these shared challenges once benefits everyone, while the platform’s extensibility lets niche players adapt for themselves.

[00:20:29] Avoiding the ‘Backlog Manager’ Trap - Alexandre shares candidly how enterprise product managers can slip into being “glorified backlog managers” if they only react to strong stakeholders. He describes VTEX’s approach to avoiding this trap: hiring for domain depth and curiosity, dogfooding VTEX’s own products, creating direct customer loops through sponsorship programs, and constantly articulating the vision behind every feature request.

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How do you run global commerce at the scale of $160B while dedicating most of your profits to social impact? And what does “nation-building” mean in a modern business context?

In this episode, Suman joins host Santiago Naranjo to unpack Tata Group’s unique approach to blending purpose with performance. He shares his journey from Calcutta to chief product officer at Tesco, from SaaS startups in Finland to leading commerce transformation across quick commerce, luxury, electronics, and fast fashion in India.

You’ll hear how Tata Group operates in over 100 countries, why culture is key to global expansion, and how emerging markets in Asia and Latin America mirror each other’s growth patterns. Suman also explains the shift from channel-driven commerce to context-driven personalization and why this is the next frontier in global retail.

For leaders navigating global markets or scaling purpose-driven businesses, this is a masterclass in combining agility, culture, and impact.

[00:03:15] From Calcutta to Global Commerce Leadership: A Career Built Across Continents - Suman shares his journey from his hometown of Calcutta, India, steeped in cultural heritage, to earning his master’s degree in the UK, co-founding a tech startup in Finland, and holding senior SaaS leadership roles across Europe and the United States. He explains how these early experiences, including work with major companies like Tesco during COVID’s peak, shaped his global perspective and prepared him to lead Tata Group’s $10B commerce portfolio.

[00:10:15] The Realities of Global Executive Travel: Beyond the Glamour - While business travel can seem glamorous from the outside, Suman and Santiago pull back the curtain on the personal cost. Suman describes the trade-offs of being on the road two weeks every month, from jet lag and 20-hour workdays to missing family moments with his 7-year-old daughter. He shares how purpose, curiosity, and the opportunity to build connections across cultures help him stay energized despite the demands.

[00:12:04] Lessons from Emerging Markets - Why LATAM and Asia Have More in Common Than You Think - Suman reflects on the surprising similarities between emerging markets in Latin America and Asia. While cultural differences exist, he notes that growth trends, adoption rates, and consumer behaviors often mirror each other. This shared context, accelerated by technology adoption cycles shrinking from decades to months, creates opportunities for cross-market learning and collaboration.

[00:15:05] Purpose in Action - Why Tata Group Gives 62% of Profits to Nonprofit Causes - Suman reveals one of Tata Group’s defining commitments: allocating 62% of annual profits to nonprofit initiatives. This century-old practice goes beyond corporate social responsibility, embedding purpose into the group’s DNA. He explains how this ethos attracts mission-driven talent, shapes decision-making, and fuels Tata’s role in nation-building, from steel production to electric vehicles and luxury commerce.

[00:28:17] From Channels to Context - The Next Frontier in Commerce - In a world where omnichannel is no longer a differentiator, Suman explains why Tata Group is moving from “channels” to “context.” By personalizing the commerce experience across touchpoints, whether in-store, online, or even inside a car, the group is building technology that serves the right product to the right user at the right time. Recent collaborations, like placing luxury products inside Mercedes-Benz vehicles, illustrate this shift in action.

[00:38:13] Advice for the Next Generation - Clarity Over Chaos, Purpose Over Impatience - Asked what he would tell young professionals aspiring to global leadership, Suman offers three principles: don’t be impatient, define your purpose, and stop chasing - start enjoying the journey. Drawing from two decades in leadership, he stresses that clarity is kindness, both to yourself and to those you lead, and that true “luck” comes from being intentional about who you are and what you want to build.

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What does it take to lead an IPO? And how do you expand beyond your strongest markets without overextending?

In this episode, Julia joins host Santiago Naranjo to unpack the realities of public listings, from six months of negotiations to the emotional war room where VTEX’s IPO pricing was decided. She shares why companies should think twice before rushing to the markets, why maturity matters as much as revenue, and how to stay focused when the stock price swings.

You’ll hear how VTEX balances bold global bets with disciplined investment, the importance of tropicalizing technology for each market, and why building trust - not just selling features - is key to winning in B2B commerce.

For anyone navigating high-growth expansion or considering a public listing, this is a rare, candid look from someone who’s done it twice.

[00:00:57] From Finance to Purpose: Finding Fulfillment Beyond JPMorgan - Julia shares how starting her career at JPMorgan in research and M&A taught her discipline, but left her unfulfilled. She explains the courage it took to step away from a prestigious path, spend a year teaching math in underserved communities, and reframe her career around adding value, creating jobs, and improving lives.

[00:05:48] The Long Courtship: Joining VTEX After Two IPOs - JJulia recounts how VTEX first approached her during her work on The Local’s IPO, and why she initially turned them down to keep her word. After months of conversations, she followed her instincts and joined VTEX, drawn by the company’s vision, culture, and the opportunity to help put LATAM tech talent on the global stage. Her transition into the role wasn’t just about a new employer; it was about stepping into a company on the cusp of a high-stakes milestone. The early months were a crash course in VTEX’s growth strategy, market positioning, and the preparations already underway for what would become one of the most defining moments in her career.

[00:08:57] IPO Reality Check: Why Timing and Maturity Matter More Than Hype - Having lived through two IPOs, Julia explains why going public is the most stressful period for any company and why not everyone is ready for it. She stresses that preparation goes far beyond financials, requiring strategic clarity, operational discipline, and leadership maturity to withstand market scrutiny.

[00:10:34] Navigating Market Volatility: Staying the Course in Uncertain Times - Julia breaks down the dangers of letting daily stock price swings dictate business strategy. She shares how VTEX’s leadership stays focused on long-term goals despite macroeconomic shifts, interest rate changes, and investor pressures, creating space for her team to execute without being distracted by short-term noise.

[00:17:23] The IPO Pricing “War Room”: A Cultural Defining Moment - Julia takes listeners inside the tense final hours of VTEX’s IPO pricing, when leadership brought the entire team into the decision-making process. She reflects on how this moment reinforced VTEX’s culture of treating employees as co-owners, driving engagement and commitment beyond any financial incentive.

[00:25:23] Adapting Technology: Winning Global Markets with Local Insight - Julia and Santiago discuss VTEX’s approach to adapting both technology and relationships to fit regional ecosystems. From building trust in B2B markets to tailoring solutions for cultural and operational realities, Julia explains why global growth isn’t about copy-paste expansion, but about earning credibility market by market.

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What if the real key to transformation isn’t technology, but trust?

In this episode of VTEX Live, Jamal Hamad joins Santiago Naranjo in São Paulo for a candid conversation about retail innovation, emotional buy-in, and why culture, not code, is what really drives change.

Drawing on 32 years at Home Depot and now leading digital transformation at RONA, Jamal shares how tech implementations succeed when people believe in them, how a flooded VTEX demo sealed a major partnership, and why 85% execution with buy-in beats a perfect plan that nobody’s excited about.

You’ll also hear Jamal’s take on the future of B2B and AI, how to build platforms customers and teams actually want to use, and why young talent should learn to embrace failure and “find the vibe” that keeps them moving forward.

For anyone scaling platforms, leading change, or navigating transformation, this episode is a grounded masterclass in building with people, not just software.

[00:09:04] 85% Buy-In Beats 100% Perfection - Jamal reflects on an early mistake, focusing solely on rolling out perfect platforms without engaging people emotionally. Over time, he learned that a tech solution only works if the team is invested. Even if a platform is only 85% ready, he says, you’ll get far better results when people are excited about what’s coming. It’s not about perfection, it’s about participation.

[00:11:15] The People Make the Process - “A mediocre process surrounded by incredible people drives amazing results,” Jamal shares a belief rooted in years of frontline experience. Whether it’s digital transformation or operational execution, it’s not the tech or tools that win. It’s the energy, commitment, and culture of the people delivering it that makes the biggest difference.

[00:13:37] Try, Fail, Repeat: Advice to the Next Generation - When Santiago asks Jamal what advice he’d give to young professionals, Jamal is clear: don’t fear failure. He encourages dreamers to pursue their ideas, reach out for help, and keep showing up. Even if you fail, he says, “big deal.” It just means you’re doing something different. The key? Surround yourself with the right people and “find the vibe” that keeps you going.

[00:18:46] The Demo That Sealed the Deal - Jamal recounts the moment that convinced him VTEX was the right partner. During a platform pitch, a VTEX employee named Julia ran a live demo from her flooded home during a storm, refusing to cancel despite technical difficulties. Her resilience and professionalism made a lasting impression. For Jamal, that demo wasn’t about tech. It was about trust.

[00:26:52] Innovation Is About Emotion, Not Just Tech - Looking ahead, Jamal shares his vision for the future of retail and B2B. He believes companies that create emotional experiences, not just functional products, will win. As AI and AR evolve, the real differentiator won’t be speed or scale. It’ll be a connection. “If I can play with your emotion,” he says, “I can slowly pull you into my world.”

[00:30:31] From Brick to Click: Building Experiences That Stick - Jamal pushes back against the idea that brick-and-mortar is dying. Instead, he sees physical retail as a vital part of the emotional journey, one that begins online and deepens in person. He believes the brands that blend digital ease with human engagement will lead the future. “We were born to talk to people,” he says. “But this next generation? They were born to chat.”

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What if the real advantage in business isn’t more information,  but better thinking?

In this episode of VTEX Live, Shane Parrish joins Mariano Gomide in São Paulo for a conversation about emotional mastery, decision-making, and why slowing down might be the fastest move you can make.

Drawing on lessons from his career in Canada’s intelligence community and his best-selling book, Shane explains how to separate emotional reactions from rational decisions, when to pause and reassess, and how to create decision-making systems that don’t just work for you, but for your whole team.

You’ll also hear why Clear Thinking took three rewrites to become the book leaders around the world now rely on, why expertise requires getting into the details instead of just skimming, and how companies like Capital One are using his frameworks to grow leaders from within.

For anyone leading through uncertainty, this episode is a masterclass in slowing down your thought process without losing speed and in preparing for the future without pretending you can predict it.

[00:04:05] Emotional Mastery: Thinking Before You React - Shane explains why emotional awareness is a leadership superpower. Emotions aren’t the enemy, he says, but decisions driven by unchecked emotion can derail careers and companies. He shows how recognizing emotional triggers and building space between feeling and acting helps leaders stay steady when the stakes are high.

[00:08:24] Three Rewrites to Clarity: The Making of Clear Thinking - Shane shares how his book went through three complete rewrites before becoming a global bestseller. He reveals why the first draft “was so bad” he didn’t show it to anyone,  and how finding the right structure unlocked everything. That persistence, he says, turned the book into the most practical guide on decision-making he could write.

[00:11:05] Decision Journals and Delegation: Unlocking Team Growth - Drawing on work with companies like Capital One, Shane describes how decision journals create a culture of learning and trust. He explains how leaders can safely delegate, spot talent, and identify who’s ready for more responsibility. By documenting and sharing decisions, teams remove blind spots and turn mistakes into teachable moments.

[00:13:59] Do the Work: Why True Expertise Isn’t Found in Summaries - Shane warns against the temptation to “coast on summaries.” Real expertise, he argues, comes from going deep into details, the kind of work that allows you to see when things break and fix them fast. It’s that depth, he says, that separates real experts from surface-level commentators.

[00:16:15] Speed vs. Velocity: Slowing Down to Go Faster - Slowing down doesn’t mean dragging your feet. Shane reframes it as getting the direction right before moving fast, and setting markers so teams know when to course-correct without ego or delay. The result is momentum with precision, not just speed for speed’s sake.

[00:19:01] Preparing for Uncertainty: Why the World Won’t Go Back - Shane explains why the past 20 years of low interest rates and stability were the exception, not the rule. He shares why leaders should stop trying to predict one “right” future, and start preparing for many possible ones. His message is simple: resilience isn’t about guessing what’s next, it’s about being ready for anything.

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What if innovation wasn’t about building faster, but thinking deeper?

In this episode of VTEX Live, Rama Theekshidar joins Santiago for a powerful conversation that goes beyond tech to explore mindset, mission, and the future of work. Born in India, educated in France, and now driving digital transformation in the US, Rama shares how the immigrant experience shaped his perspective and why that global lens is a superpower in business.

Rama dives into his approach to product strategy, why he always starts with people instead of platforms, and how he decides when to build, buy, or partner. He breaks down why fill rate is more important than inventory turnover, how to use AI for real customer impact, and why cost-cutting isn’t a strategy, differentiation is.

You’ll also hear why Rama sees AI not as a replacement for humans, but as an amplifier for human potential, and how businesses can grow by making their people more productive, not just fewer.

Whether you’re building in B2B, leading a digital team, or rethinking your roadmap in the age of AI, this episode is a reminder that technology moves fast, but human insight is what moves business forward.

[00:09:22] People Over Platforms: How Rama Makes Build vs Buy Decisions - Instead of starting with technology, Rama begins with people. He explains why every tech decision, whether to build, buy, or partner, should be based on the needs of real users, their daily workflows, and the outcomes they’re trying to achieve. It’s not about the stack; it’s about solving for people first.

[00:11:28] Fill Rate Over Inventory Turnover: What Customers Care About - In distribution, stock efficiency matters, but customer trust matters more. Rama explains why fill rate (the ability to meet demand on time) is more important than having a “perfect” inventory turnover ratio. If your product isn’t available when the customer needs it, they leave. 

[00:13:52] Why AI Is a Tool, Not the Strategy - Rama pushes back on the hype around AI by reframing it as an amplifier, not a replacement. He discusses how AI can boost customer experience, operational speed, and decision-making, but only when anchored in a business context. His approach is grounded and pragmatic, offering real use cases without overpromising. 

[00:19:07] Cost-Cutting Is Not Strategy. Differentiation Is - Too many businesses view AI as a way to reduce headcount. Rama challenges that mindset, arguing that real strategy is about standing out, not shrinking down. He explains how companies can use AI to differentiate their offering, improve margins, and grow without sacrificing value. 

[00:22:52] What AI Can’t Do: Creativity, Empathy, and Change Leadership - In an age of automation, Rama reminds us what still belongs to humans: creativity, empathy, and the ability to lead meaningful change. He shares why cultural transformation is harder than tech adoption and how leaders need to model clarity, courage, and consistency to make innovation stick. Ideal for C-levels navigating internal resistance or digital change.

[00:25:11] Fearless Growth: Rama’s Advice for the Next Generation - Drawing from his immigrant journey, Rama offers grounded advice for young professionals: drop the fear, stop comparing, and keep learning. He reflects on the power of curiosity, community, and failing forward, and why mindset is the greatest long-term differentiator. 

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