Legacy Systems Meet AI: Can B2B Can Bridge the Gap?

The B2B sector is standing at a crossroads. On one side: faxes, spreadsheets, and legacy systems. On the other: AI-powered smart agents and instant order processing.

In this episode of The FODcast, Aidan McGaughey – EMEA Country Manager at OroCommerce shares how B2B businesses can navigate this tension, and unlock meaningful value from AI without falling for the hype.

We dig into:

• How AI is already delivering value in B2B – from OCR-powered order processing to smart agents for customer queries
• Why foundational product data is the real key to AI success
• The rise of digital-first buyers – and the pressure for Amazon-like experiences
• Why pilot projects beat wholesale AI rollouts every time
• The evolving role of community, knowledge-sharing, and the human touch in B2B

Aidan makes a compelling case for starting small, thinking strategically, and building from a solid data core.

If you’re balancing digital ambition with operational reality in the B2B space, this episode is packed with practical advice to move forward, not just faster, but smarter.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

"If you touch it, you can trust it."

In this episode of The FODcast, we’re joined by Steven Irwin – Chief Commercial & Technology Officer at Vivobarefoot - to explore how today’s most progressive D2C brands are blending technology, purpose, and people to drive long-term growth.

With leadership experience at ASICS, Hunter Boots, Wolverine Worldwide, and more, Steve brings a unique, cross-functional perspective on what it takes to build authentic, resilient brands in an increasingly complex digital world.

In this conversation, we cover:

• How Vivobarefoot’s ReVivo and community initiatives are redefining what post-purchase brand engagement looks like
• The rise of sustainable commerce - and why it's more than a marketing trend
• What the pandemic taught us about omnichannel agility and real-world connection
• Why purpose-led brand identity is your most defensible asset in a noisy market

If you're navigating D2C growth, scaling ecommerce infrastructure, or want to better align digital strategy with values and community impact, this one’s a must-listen.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

In this episode of The FODcast, Matt Parkinson - Founder of GENE Commerce and co-founder of Shopthru and BlueFinch - cuts through the hype to share a candid, insider’s view of the Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento) ecosystem.

While some in the industry claim Magento’s time has passed, Matt sets the record straight. With an estimated 8–12% market share among top-tier retailers, Adobe Commerce continues to serve businesses that need deep flexibility and control.

With two decades in e-commerce tech, Matt shares insights you won’t find on LinkedIn:

• The evolution of Magento through multiple ownership change- and why the community is its greatest strength
• What Adobe’s new SaaS approach means for developers, agencies, and enterprise brands
• The danger of trend-chasing: from PWA to MACH and why some “modern” strategies lead to complexity and debt
• Why checkout optimisation - often overlooked - can deliver double-digit conversion gains
• A look at Shopthru’s vision for embedded commerce and the future of buying at the point of discovery

Whether you’re navigating platform strategy, eyeing digital transformation, or just want a brutally honest take from someone who's seen it all, this episode is packed with practical lessons.

🎧 Tune in now!

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/