Season 3 Episode 25: Tools Aren't Solutions. They're Tools.

Sep 19, 2025

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Everything is moving so fast in today's retail landscape. New platforms, generations, technology, all colliding at once. It's easy to get caught up in the hype. When you do, you start making decisions for the short term instead of for the long term gain. You start implementing tech just to be first, instead of remembering your brand's why. Gen Z may be using ChatGPT over Google so you optimize for GEO (Generative AI Engine Optimization) but when models change and all that work is no longer relevant, now what? Optimize for the new model?

James Connell, COO & CMO of Loulou Lollipop, a baby lifestyle brand, joins us on this episode of The Longer Game to shed light on why brands have to be building for inevitable change amidst the headwinds of technology advancements. His take on tech and AI advancements doesn't mean the business runs itself. It means he is able to digest his week, what was accomplished and action items, in a more efficient way, giving him brain power to focus on the big picture items, all while riding his bike. Put on your helmet, launch your AI notetaker, and get ready for an amazing ride through the life of a brand in 2025.

The Longer Game is a podcast focused on leaning into the trends and advancements in retail so brands see a clearer path to success across ALL channels. We’re looking at retail in a whole new way, looking to better understand the future of retail. It’s Retail Reimagined. Sharing hope about the future. No one channel can a business sustain. Go omni-channel.

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Our Guest's Name is James Connell. James is a highly creative entrepreneur who consults on digital innovation, customer experience transformation, e-commerce, and marketing with many consumer brands, prominent retailers, technology partners, and charitable organizations. He has spoken to audiences, press, and industry journals on three continents, co-authored a book on collaborative marketing, co-created a climate tech startup business in Singapore, and was named Canadian Marketer of the Year.

Additionally, James helped bring success and numerous awards to the iconic Canadian brand Roots for over two decades. As their Chief eCommerce & Customer Experience Officer, he led digital commerce, marketing, creative services, branded experience, and non-traditional retail development.

You can find them at...

Website: http://jhconnell.com

Find them on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-connell-cmo/

Find them on Instagram: @jhconnell

Michael Maher, the host, would love to connect with you. Reach out to him at…

Email: michael@thinkcartology.com

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/immichaelmaher

This podcast is sponsored by Cartology and Podcastify Me.

Cartology is a customized done-for-you service agency that helps brands accelerate growth and get profitable on the Amazon marketplace. They work directly with brands to create strategy and then go right out and execute it. Want to find out more?

Website: https://thinkcartology.com

Find Cartology on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cartology

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Podcastify Me is designed to help coaches of all kinds enter the podcasting space with minimal lift for them. And, inviting past, current and future clients to your show as part of your marketing and sales process sets you apart from your competition.

Website: https://podcastify.me

Find Podcastify Me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcastify-me/