Podcaster
Episoden
09.04.2025
23 Minuten
In this insightful new installment of the Global e-Commerce
Leaders Podcast, host Michael LeBlanc reconnects
with Jim Okamura, Co-Founder of the Global eCommerce
Leaders Forum (GELF), to discuss the future of global
retail, the evolving mission of GELF, and how the community is
responding to today’s rapidly changing international marketplace.
They begin by reflecting on the legacy of the late Kent
Allen, a fellow GELF Co-Founder whose passing deeply
impacted the organization and the broader e-commerce sector. Jim
shares stories of Kent’s passion for connecting people and
forging solutions, highlighting how Kent’s genuine commitment to
global growth laid the groundwork for GELF’s unique blend of
community and expertise.
Throughout the conversation, Jim explains the necessity of
reimagining GELF’s programming and events calendar to address the
latest complexities in worldwide commerce. From evolving trade
regulations and tariffs to the shifting needs of both established
and emerging brands, he stresses the importance of gathering
global retail leaders more frequently to tackle pressing concerns
in real time. This rethinking involves a deeper focus on
segmentation—recognizing that seasoned international brands need
more advanced strategies, while newcomers require foundational
guidance on cross-border logistics, market entry, and localized
marketing.
Listeners will learn about planned workshops, digital channels,
and in-person meetups designed to foster constructive dialogue
and knowledge sharing. Jim previews how GELF aims to partner with
complementary associations—such as those in logistics, language
translation, and supply chain—to further expand the ecosystem of
global practitioners. By diving into topics like cross-border
wholesaling and franchising, along with direct-to-consumer
e-commerce, GELF is poised to address a full spectrum of global
commerce opportunities.
Finally, Michael and Jim look ahead, encouraging community
members—ranging from enterprise veterans to rising DTC players—to
share feedback, collaborate on new initiatives, and join a
reinvigorated conversation about global retail expansion. The
episode concludes with a heartfelt dedication to Kent Allen’s
memory, reminding listeners of the spirit of connection and
innovation that underpins the Global eCommerce Leaders Forum.
Whether you’re a seasoned multinational brand or exploring your
first international venture, this episode provides invaluable
insights and a roadmap for thriving in the ever-evolving world of
cross-border commerce.
Support the GoFundMe for Kent Allen's memorial bench here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-bench-for-kent-at-golden-gate-park
Presented by StreamCommerce, a full-service consultancy that
ideates, strategizes, and executes growth marketing solutions for
their clients. They partner with people and brands they believe
in, to create websites that are deeply committed to the user
experience and that drive omnichannel digital transformation.
StreamCommerce increases your bottom line sustainably by
delivering a customer experience that's true to your brand.
Their team of industry experts allows them to make informed
and strategic decisions quickly. As the world changes, we listen,
and they deliver world-class e-commerce websites on Shopify
Plus.
Mehr
05.12.2023
17 Minuten
My special guest on this episode is Dan Brewster, the Senior Vice
President of Marketing for ESW. ESW empowers the world's
best-loved retailers and brands to make global shopping better,
safer, simpler and faster end-to-end. Dan shares timely insights
into the evolution of cross-border commerce and the transition to
a multi-local solution. Stay tuned as we explore the impact of
data, AI, and global trends on e-commerce and international
retail.
This podcast is brought to you by Stream Commerce.
Get ready for the Global eCommerce Leaders Forum L.A. 2024,
February 22nd. Learn more here.
About Dan
Dan is now the SVP of Marketing for ESW, the leader in global DTC
eCommerce solutions. ESW provides an enterprise eCommerce
platform, domestic and cross-border logistics, optimized
payments, full-service business operations and marketing services
for retail brands.
Joining ESW as a part of their acquisition of Scalefast, Dan was
integral to managing the merger of marketing operations and
branding. He has built an international team of demand generation
and content marketing experts who collaborate with sales to
execute highly targeted ABM campaigns, content marketing and PR
for an organization that is now more than 1000 strong, with a
record pipeline.
He joined Scalefast after serving as SVP Marketing & Digital
Commerce for contemporary women’s apparel brand Planet Blue and
its private label Blue Life. Dan led integrated marketing and the
digital transformation of the brand’s cross-channel sales and
operations. He was instrumental in Planet Blue’s deployment of
Klarna in its retail stores, the first brick and mortar
application of buy now pay later technology.
Before joining Planet Blue, he was the principal of Marketing
Endeavors Consulting, bringing close to three decades of
integrated marketing experience to a portfolio of CPG, retail,
and technology clients. His background includes sports event
marketing and production, B2B lead gen and corporate marketing,
and management of two performance marketing agencies.
While at Onestop Internet and eBay Enterprise, he leveraged a
multifaceted skill set in leading client services, strategy,
digital marketing, and business development roles for SaaS-based
e-commerce solutions delivering hundreds of millions in annual
retail sales for global brands.
He has served in leading marketing roles for the Phoenix Coyotes,
Los Angeles Dodgers, and USC Trojans, leading the early
development of online ticketing and merchandise sales platforms
while executing all sponsor activation, advertising, loyalty
programs, promotions, and in-venue entertainment.
He has won national recognition from the Promotion Marketing
Association for Hispanic marketing programs at the Dodgers and is
a frequent speaker at industry conferences and events. He has
also served as an adjunct instructor for the University of San
Francisco’s School of Sports Management. He is a graduate of the
University of Southern California (BA ’93; MBA ’02).
Specialties include account based marketing, content marketing,
consumer behavior, marketing analytics, event production, and
emerging cross-channel retail technologies and strategies.
About Michael
Michael LeBlanc is the Founder &
President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc and a Senior Advisor
to Retail Council of Canada as part of his advisory and
consulting practice. He brings 25+ years of
brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience, and
has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his
entire career. Michael is the producer and host of a
network of leading podcasts including Canada’s top retail
industry podcast, The
Voice of Retail, plus Global eCommerce Leaders
podcast, and The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain
Charlebois. You can learn more about
Michael here or on
LinkedIn.
Be sure and check out Michael's latest venture for fun and
influencer riches - Last Request Barbecue, his YouTube BBQ
cooking channel!
Presented by StreamCommerce, a full-service consultancy that
ideates, strategizes, and executes growth marketing solutions for
their clients. They partner with people and brands they believe
in, to create websites that are deeply committed to the user
experience and that drive omnichannel digital transformation.
StreamCommerce increases your bottom line sustainably by
delivering a customer experience that's true to your brand.
Their team of industry experts allows them to make informed
and strategic decisions quickly. As the world changes, we listen,
and they deliver world-class e-commerce websites on Shopify
Plus.
Mehr
27.11.2023
17 Minuten
In this episode, we meet the force of nature, Jenna Flateman
Posner, just two months into her new gig with innovative home
products brand, wholesaler and direct-to-consumer retailer Solo
Brands. We cover a lot of ground in this interview, not unlike
what Jenna did as a University athlete and member of the USA
Women’s Sevens rugby team.
Hear more about how Solo Brands has dedicated country sites,
distribution in Canada and Europe, and the best days. Learn how
Jenna prioritized technology investment with a mind to global
reach and presence.
Thanks to Stream Commerce for their support in making this
episode happen.
Learn more about GELF L.A. 2024
About Jenna
As the Chief Digital Officer at Solo Brands, I lead the strategy
and execution of digital initiatives across our portfolio of
direct-to-consumer brands. With over 15 years of experience in
the retail and technology sectors, I have a track record of
driving growth, innovation, and customer loyalty through digital
channels and platforms.
My core competencies include tech strategy, innovation, customer
relationship management, online marketing, and strategic
partnerships. I leverage my entrepreneurial mindset and industry
expertise to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities,
optimize operational efficiency, and foster cross-functional
collaboration. My mission is to deliver exceptional digital
experiences that enhance the value proposition and competitive
advantage of Solo Brands and its partners.
About Michael
Michael LeBlanc is the Founder &
President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc and a Senior Advisor
to Retail Council of Canada as part of his advisory and
consulting practice. He brings 25+ years of
brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience, and
has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his
entire career. Michael is the producer and host of a
network of leading podcasts including Canada’s top retail
industry podcast, The
Voice of Retail, plus Global eCommerce Leaders
podcast, and The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain
Charlebois. You can learn more about
Michael here or on
LinkedIn.
Be sure and check out Michael's latest venture for fun and
influencer riches - Last Request Barbecue, his YouTube BBQ
cooking channel!
Presented by StreamCommerce, a full-service consultancy that
ideates, strategizes, and executes growth marketing solutions for
their clients. They partner with people and brands they believe
in, to create websites that are deeply committed to the user
experience and that drive omnichannel digital transformation.
StreamCommerce increases your bottom line sustainably by
delivering a customer experience that's true to your brand.
Their team of industry experts allows them to make informed
and strategic decisions quickly. As the world changes, we listen,
and they deliver world-class e-commerce websites on Shopify
Plus.
Mehr
20.11.2023
25 Minuten
In this episode, I welcome back to the podcast
Sophie Abrahamsson, President of
Americas @ Bambuser. With
Sophie is Julian Guevara,
Senior Vice President of Direct to Consumer with
What Goes Around Comes Around.
I had the opportunity to visit Julian's store in SoHo recently
and was super impressed by the business, their live-streaming
studio and the team behind this innovative retailer.
One quick note: I had a mic gremlin early in the interview with
Shopie's mic, but I resolved it quickly for the majority of our
time together. Let's listen in now!
Thanks to Stream Commerce for their support in making this
episode happen.
About Sophie
Education: Bachelors Degree in Media & Communications from
Università degli Studi di Firenze.
Experience: +10yr of international experience from
e-commerce and marketing within retail. Marketing manager for
LUISAVIAROMA, Head of Digital for & Other Stories and various
business development positions at H&M group.
About Kent
I help innovative digital companies tell their story and build
relationships with prospective and established clients and
partners. I've spent the last twenty years providing market
analysis, research & thought leadership, market development
and consulting services within the ecommerce technology and
digital marketing community.
Current focus: Globalization via cross-border ecommerce,
marketplaces and international retail expansion. Co-founded the
Global eCommerce Leaders Forum to foster community among and
provide education to digital professionals with international
growth objectives.
My 20+ years of experience in the digital commerce and marketing
industry and strong personal connections have provided me with
opportunities to stay ahead of the curve and explore "what's
next" for my clients and our audiences.
My research, content marketing & thought leadership skills
coupled with my strong client interface skills allow me to define
& execute next-generation marketing and commerce strategies
& improve business performance.
Specialties/Skills: Market Research, Communications, Strategy,
Planning, Best Practices, Trend, Data and Competitive Analysis,
Public Speaking, Writing and Expression
About Jim
Jim Okamura is Partner with McMillan Doolittle - The Retail
Experts. Jim has more than 25 years of consulting experience
focused on the retail industry, including 20+ years in digital
transformation strategies for retailers, brands and
retail-related companies.
Specializations include cross-border & global ecommerce and
organization design for digital transformations. Through our
global alliance, Ebeltoft Group, we have deep retail expertise in
more than 20 countries.
Clients include Wahl Clipper, Gap, adidas, Hunter Fan, Bassett
Furniture, Giant Eagle, Federated Coop, Harley-Davidson,
Baccarat, DSW, Tractor Supply Co., MasterCard, Verizon Wireless,
Neiman Marcus, Navy Exchange, Lands’ End, Microsoft, The Body
Shop International, L Brands, Timberland, Media Markt, Lowe’s
Companies, Pep Boys, Crate and Barrel, Loyalty One, VISA, and
Cadillac Fairview.
Jim is a Co-founder of the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum, a
community and conference series focused on global and
cross-border ecommerce. Digital Retail Globalization, such as
riding China's ecommerce growth wave, is important for brands,
retailers and distribution partners of all sizes.
Michael LeBlanc is the Founder &
President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc and a Senior Advisor
to Retail Council of Canada as part of his advisory and
consulting practice. He brings 25+ years of
brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience, and
has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his
entire career. Michael is the producer and host of a
network of leading podcasts including Canada’s top retail
industry podcast, The
Voice of Retail, plus Global eCommerce Leaders
podcast, and The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain
Charlebois. You can learn more about
Michael here or on
LinkedIn.
Be sure and check out Michael's latest venture for fun and
influencer riches - Last Request Barbecue, his YouTube BBQ
cooking channel!
Presented by StreamCommerce, a full-service consultancy that
ideates, strategizes, and executes growth marketing solutions for
their clients. They partner with people and brands they believe
in, to create websites that are deeply committed to the user
experience and that drive omnichannel digital transformation.
StreamCommerce increases your bottom line sustainably by
delivering a customer experience that's true to your brand.
Their team of industry experts allows them to make informed
and strategic decisions quickly. As the world changes, we listen,
and they deliver world-class e-commerce websites on Shopify
Plus.
Mehr
13.11.2023
29 Minuten
Greetings and welcome to Season Three of the Global eCommerce
Leaders #podcast, picking up from the New York edition of the
Global eCommerce Leaders Forum, where I met and chatted with some
of the most interesting global commerce leaders in the world live
in person in the Stream Commerce podcast studio, gathered as part
of the thriving GELF community.
This season is brought to you by Stream Commerce, a full-service
consultancy that ideates, strategizes, and executes growth
marketing solutions for our clients. They partner with people and
brands they believe in to create websites that are deeply
committed to the user experience and drive omnichannel digital
transformation. As the world changes, they listen, and they
deliver world-class e-commerce websites on Shopify Plus.
In this episode kicking us off for our third season, GELF
co-founders Kent Allen and Jim Okamura take us through what they
heard on the stage and in the hallways of GELF NYC 2023 and get
us ready for GELF LA, February 22, 2024.
About Kent
I help innovative digital companies tell their story and build
relationships with prospective and established clients and
partners. I've spent the last twenty years providing market
analysis, research & thought leadership, market development
and consulting services within the ecommerce technology and
digital marketing community.
Current focus: Globalization via cross-border ecommerce,
marketplaces and international retail expansion. Co-founded the
Global eCommerce Leaders Forum to foster community among and
provide education to digital professionals with international
growth objectives.
My 20+ years of experience in the digital commerce and marketing
industry and strong personal connections have provided me with
opportunities to stay ahead of the curve and explore "what's
next" for my clients and our audiences.
My research, content marketing & thought leadership skills
coupled with my strong client interface skills allow me to define
& execute next-generation marketing and commerce strategies
& improve business performance.
Specialties/Skills: Market Research, Communications, Strategy,
Planning, Best Practices, Trend, Data and Competitive Analysis,
Public Speaking, Writing and Expression
About Jim
Jim Okamura is Partner with McMillan Doolittle - The Retail
Experts. Jim has more than 25 years of consulting experience
focused on the retail industry, including 20+ years in digital
transformation strategies for retailers, brands and
retail-related companies.
Specializations include cross-border & global ecommerce and
organization design for digital transformations. Through our
global alliance, Ebeltoft Group, we have deep retail expertise in
more than 20 countries.
Clients include Wahl Clipper, Gap, adidas, Hunter Fan, Bassett
Furniture, Giant Eagle, Federated Coop, Harley-Davidson,
Baccarat, DSW, Tractor Supply Co., MasterCard, Verizon Wireless,
Neiman Marcus, Navy Exchange, Lands’ End, Microsoft, The Body
Shop International, L Brands, Timberland, Media Markt, Lowe’s
Companies, Pep Boys, Crate and Barrel, Loyalty One, VISA, and
Cadillac Fairview.
Jim is a Co-founder of the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum, a
community and conference series focused on global and
cross-border ecommerce. Digital Retail Globalization, such as
riding China's ecommerce growth wave, is important for brands,
retailers and distribution partners of all sizes.
Michael LeBlanc is the Founder &
President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc and a Senior Advisor
to Retail Council of Canada as part of his advisory and
consulting practice. He brings 25+ years of
brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience, and
has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his
entire career. Michael is the producer and host of a
network of leading podcasts including Canada’s top retail
industry podcast, The
Voice of Retail, plus Global eCommerce Leaders
podcast, and The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain
Charlebois. You can learn more about
Michael here or on
LinkedIn.
Be sure and check out Michael's latest venture for fun and
influencer riches - Last Request Barbecue, his YouTube BBQ
cooking channel!
Presented by StreamCommerce, a full-service consultancy that
ideates, strategizes, and executes growth marketing solutions for
their clients. They partner with people and brands they believe
in, to create websites that are deeply committed to the user
experience and that drive omnichannel digital transformation.
StreamCommerce increases your bottom line sustainably by
delivering a customer experience that's true to your brand.
Their team of industry experts allows them to make informed
and strategic decisions quickly. As the world changes, we listen,
and they deliver world-class e-commerce websites on Shopify
Plus.
Mehr
Über diesen Podcast
Created by the team that brought you the breakthrough series of
events and business community known as the Global e-Commerce
Leaders Forum or GELF, get ready for an all-new season and reset of
the Global e-Commerce Leaders podcast! Together, GELF founders and
global business thought leaders Jim Okamura & Scott Silverman,
along with host, retail and e-commerce veteran Michael LeBlanc,
bring you insightful & globally oriented episodes featuring the
most influential leaders and innovative companies laser focussed
100% on international growth among consumer brands, retailers and
the ecosystem companies that enable growth. © 2020-2025 M.E.
LeBlanc & Company Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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