DAM Right

In this episode, host Chris Lacinak unpacks a growing tension inside the DAM world: what he calls The DAM AI Gap.AI roadmaps promise intelligence, automation, agents, and massive productivity gains. But inside organizations, DAM leaders are experiencing something very different: rising expectations, reduced teams, fragmented metadata, unclear governance, and inconsistent operational foundations.Chris explores the widening distance between AI’s theoretical promise and organizations’ structural readiness to operationalize it. In this episode he explores:- Why AI is acting as a stress test for DAM maturity- The difference between AI enablement and AI operationalization- Why AI amplifies your DAM foundation rather than fixing it- How weak metadata, unclear governance, and fragmented processes undermine AI initiatives- What it actually takes to close the DAM AI Gap and unlock real valueResources mentioned in this episode:- The DAM AI Gap piece - https://weareavp.com/damaigap- AVP Free DAM Resources – https://www.weareavp.com/free-resources- AVP Insights – https://www.weareavp.com/insights- Contact AVP – https://www.weareavp.com/contactEngage:🔗 Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clacinak👍 Subscribe, Follow, and Like on your platform of choice to make sure you get the latest updates 📰 Join our newsletter to get DAM Good Advice at https://lp.weareavp.com/dam-good-advice-signup

Erik Huddleston, Aprimo CEO focused on content operations and SaaS; Kevin Souers, Chief Product & Technology Officer driving product and AI strategy; Nick Tomassetti, SVP of Sales mapping customer segments and adoption patterns. They trace Aprimo’s evolution, talk enterprise DAM positioning and content orchestration. They explore AI as foundational infrastructure, customer success patterns, and operationalizing agentic AI in DAM.

The AVP team takes lessons learned from 2025 and digs into what it really takes to get DAM right as organizations head into 2026.Host Chris Lacinak is joined by Kara Van Malssen, John Horodyski, Amy Rudersdorf, and Shawn Averkamp for a candid, pragmatic conversation about the priorities, pitfalls, and decisions that will shape DAM programs in the year ahead.This episode focuses on the lessons that emerged from real-world work across DAM selection, implementation, migrations, AI experimentation, governance, integrations, change management, and more, and how those lessons should inform what organizations do next.The team explores the growing gap between platform capabilities and organizational readiness, the rise of DAM-adjacent tools, why integrations and automation continue to challenge teams, and how AI is forcing a renewed focus on fundamentals like metadata, permissions, and stewardship. They also tackle big questions that will carry well beyond 2026: Is DAM evolving or being redefined? Are organizations moving too fast or not fast enough? And what conversations still need more attention inside the DAM community?If you manage, select, govern, or depend on a DAM platform, this episode is designed to help you move forward with clearer priorities, better questions, and a more realistic view of what success actually requires. 👉 Subscribe for more DAM Right conversations that focus on practical insight, not hype, as the DAM landscape continues to evolve.Guest Info: Kara Van Malssen – Partner and Managing Director, AVP https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvanmalssen/ John Horodyski – Managing Director, Strategic Client Growth, AVP https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhorodyski/Amy Rudersdorf – Director of Consulting Operations, AVP https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyrudersdorf/ Shawn Averkamp – Director of R&D Services, AVP https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnaverkamp/ Resources mentioned in this episode:DAM Good Advice Newsletter (Subscribe to get updated when the 2026 DAM Trends Survey Report is published) https://www.weareavp.com/damgoodadvice Interline DPC 2026 Report https://bit.ly/interlinedpc2026 C2PA https://c2pa.org/ EU Artificial Intelligence Act https://artificialintelligenceact.eu/ Engage:📰 Subscribe to DAM Good Advice at https://www.weareavp.com/damgoodadvice 🆓 Access free DAM resources at https://www.weareavp.com/free-resources/ 🔗 Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/clacinak

The AVP team is back with another field report straight from Paris.Host Chris Lacinak is joined once again by our globetrotting DAM correspondent, John Horodyski, who just returned from the OnDAM 2025 Conference in France. And he’s giving us the full download.From gorgeous venues and natural light, to discussions on AI legislation, provenance, trust, authenticity, 3D workflows, DAM governance, and yes… even hip hop dancers. This episode dives deep into what made OnDAM one of the most energized DAM gatherings this year.If you’re curious how the European DAM community is thinking, what’s trending, and what’s coming next in 2026, this conversation will bring you right into the room.👉 Subscribe for more DAM Right conversations that explore the people, culture, and ideas driving the future of Digital Asset Management.Guest Info:John Horodyski - Managing Director, Strategic Client Growth, AVP – https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhorodyski/Resources mentioned in this episode:OnDAM Conference - https://www.ondamparis.com/Activo - https://www.activo-consulting.com/C2PA - https://c2pa.orgEU Artificial Intelligence Act - https://artificialintelligenceact.eu/Transparency and Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act - https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/09/29/governor-newsom-signs-sb-53-advancing-californias-world-leading-artificial-intelligence-industry/California AI Transparency Acthttps://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB942AVP Free DAM Selection Masterclass - https://bit.ly/yourdamchoiceEngage:📅 Find us at upcoming events online and in-person at https://www.weareavp.com/avp-events/🆓 Get amazing free DAM resources at https://www.weareavp.com/free-resources/🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/clacinak

The AVP team just got back from Henry Stewart DAM NY 2025, and we’re unpacking it all — live, unfiltered, and together.Host Chris Lacinak is joined by Kara Van Malssen, John Horodyski, Pamela Vizner, Jason Ulsh, and Brian Courtney for a roundtable recap of the biggest themes, surprises, and hot takes from this year’s conference.From AI hype vs. reality, to governance gaps, to why “DAM is a human endeavor,” the team breaks down what stood out most — and what’s coming next for the DAM community.If you missed the event (or just want to hear what your peers really thought), this candid, high-energy conversation will bring you up to speed.🎧 Listen for insights, laughs, and a few spicy predictions about the future of the DAMosphere.Guest Info:Kara Van Malssen – Partner and Managing Director, AVP – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvanmalssen/John Horodyski - Managing Director, Strategic Client Growth, AVP – https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhorodyski/Pamela Vizner - Associate Director, AVP – https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-v%C3%ADzner-oyarce-a1085518/Jason Ulsh - DAM Solutions Architect, AVP - https://www.weareavp.com/team/jason-ulsh/Brian Courtney - Senior Consultant, AVP - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bg-courtney-bb9374/Resources mentioned in this episode:Henry Stewart 2025 DAM NY Conference - https://www.henrystewartconferences.com/events/dam-new-york-2025C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) – https://c2pa.orgDAM Right Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ZzCabPS7up3thnq5uwdKs?si=53fcb86bfbf14f85Engage:📅 Find us at upcoming events online and in-person at https://www.weareavp.com/avp-events/🆓 Get amazing free DAM resources at https://www.weareavp.com/free-resources/🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/clacinak

Misti Vogt, Chief of Staff at Orange Logic, shares her unique journey from military intelligence to the world of digital asset management (DAM). Brad Pearson, Senior VP of Product, discusses innovative AI strategies for enhancing DAM functionality. Jim Cavedo, VP of Solutions, outlines key industry challenges driving DAM adoption and how they serve diverse customers. They dive into the evolution of Orange Logic, the impact of private equity, and the future of DAM as it moves towards more autonomous, user-centric solutions.

In this inaugural episode of the DAM Right Deep Dive Series, host Chris Lacinak takes you behind the scenes with Frontify. Joining Chris are Roger Dudler, Founder and CEO of Frontify, and Thomas Meichtry, Director of U.S. Sales, who share their unique perspectives on the company’s origins, culture, customer successes, and vision for the future of DAM.Together, they explore:The founding story of Frontify and how it evolved from a designer-developer workflow tool to a global brand management platform.The role of culture, product obsession, and “scrappiness” in shaping the company.Customer stories from Bosch, Lufthansa, and Uber that highlight measurable impact at scale.Common pain points DAM buyers face today and how Frontify addresses them.Technical differentiators like Frontify’s SDK, developer-friendly extensibility, and new automation capabilities.Industry insights on DAM adoption, procurement best practices, and what the next 3–5 years may hold for the DAM space.Guest Info:Roger Dudler – Founder & CEO, Frontify – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerdudler/Thomas Meichtry – Director of U.S. Sales, Frontify – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-meichtry-9248a2b7/Frontify: https://www.frontify.comResources mentioned in this episode:DAM Selection Guide – https://bit.ly/yourdamchoiceDAM Selection Webinar – https://bit.ly/selectingyournextdamBosch Case Study – https://www.frontify.com/customers/boschLufthansa Case Study – https://www.frontify.com/customers/lufthansaUber Case Study – https://www.frontify.com/customers/uberMercedes Case Study – https://www.frontify.com/customers/mercedesFrontify Developer Portal & SDK – https://developer.frontify.comFrontify Paradigms Conference – https://paradigms.ion8n – https://n8n.ioMake – https://www.make.comTray – https://tray.ioElevenLabs – https://elevenlabs.ioCursor – https://cursor.shEngage:📣 Register for Selecting Your Next DAM: A Step-by-Step Webinar on October 7th. https://bit.ly/selectingyournextdam🆓 Check out the ultimate DAM selection guide at https://bit.ly/yourdamchoice🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/clacinak

This episode of the DAM Right Podcast features an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on DAM governance with industry experts Kara Van Malssen and John Horodyski from AVP. The discussion covers the fundamental principles, challenges, and best practices for implementing and maintaining effective governance in Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems.Guest Info:- Kara Van MalssenLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvanmalssen/ Bio - https://www.weareavp.com/team/kara-van-malssen/- John HorodyskiLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhorodyski/Bio - https://www.weareavp.com/team/john-horodyski/Digital Asset Symposium Info:- DAM in GLAM event - http://digitalassetsymposium.com - Aprimo - https://www.aprimo.com/ - Allied Vaughn - https://www.alliedvaughn.com/- Acquia - https://www.acquia.com/products/acquia-dam - Iron Mountain - https://www.ironmountain.com/ - Aviary - https://www.aviaryplatform.com/- NBCUniversal - https://www.universalstudioslot.com/post-production Resources mentioned in this episode:- Managing Chaos: Digital Governance by Design – Lisa Welchman https://www.amazon.com/Managing-Chaos-Digital-Governance-Design/dp/1933820828 - Non-Invasive Data Governance: The Path of Least Resistance and Greatest Success – Robert S. Seiner - https://www.amazon.com/Non-Invasive-Data-Governance-Resistance-Success/dp/1634620726 - European Accessibility Act (EAA) - https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/disability/union-equality-strategy-rights-persons-disabilities-2021-2030/european-accessibility-act_en Engage:📣 Join us at DAM in GLAM on May 7th in NYC at MOMA. Find out more and register at https://digitalassetsymposium.com🆓 Download the DAM Strategy Canvas & other free resources at https://weareavp.com/free-resources👍 Like, Subscribe, and follow on your platform of choice.🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn athttps://linkedin.com/in/clacinak

In this episode host Chris Lacinak joins Misti Vogt and Brian McLaughlin from Orange Logic to offer a 2025 DAM Forecast. They explore key trends shaping the future of Digital Asset Management (DAM), including connected DAM, adaptive DAM, and autonomous DAM with some veers into sustainability, content authenticity, user adoption and more. The episode provides insights into how organizations can future-proof their DAM strategies for greater efficiency and competitive advantage. Guest Info:Misti Vogt - Chief of Staff and Head of Customer Success, Orange Logic -https://www.linkedin.com/in/mistivogt/Brian McLaughlin - CEO, Orange Logic - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-mclaughlin-540613/Orange Logic - https://orangelogic.comResources mentioned in this episode:DAM Strategy Canvas -https://lp.weareavp.com/avp-dam-strategy-canvasHow to make the case for a new DAM investment -https://www.orangelogic.com/blog/how-digital-asset-managers-can-make-the-case-for-a-new-dam-investmentContent Authenticity Initiative -https://contentauthenticity.org/C2PA - https://c2pa.org/DAM and Carbon Footprint Control: Less Clutter, More Impact -https://www.cmswire.com/digital-asset-management/dam-and-carbon-footprint-control-less-clutter-more-impact/Digital Asset Symposium: DAM in GLAM -http://digitalassetsymposium.org/Engage:📣 Join us at DAM in GLAM on May 7th in NYC at MOMA. Find out more and register at https://digitalassetsymposium.com🆓 Download the DAM Strategy Canvas & other free resources at https://weareavp.com/free-resources💡 Download great DAM resources from Orange Logic at https://www.orangelogic.com/digital-asset-management-guides🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn athttps://linkedin.com/in/clacinak

Host Chris Lacinak is joined by Kara Van Malssen, Managing Director at AVP to talk about the Operational Model for DAM Success that she created.The Operational Model comes out of what Kara has learned in almost 2 decades of helping organizations design, build, and scale DAM operations.Guest Bio: Driven by a passion for helping organizations build impactful DAM programs, Kara Van Malssen is the Managing Director at consultancy AVP. Merging her deep expertise in systems thinking, user experience design, library science, and business analysis with extensive DAM experience, Kara crafts scalable and sustainable asset and data management solutions. Her diverse client portfolio ranges from Fortune 1000 powerhouses to esteemed cultural heritage institutions and transformative non-profits. Beyond her consulting role, Kara frequently shares her insights at conferences and workshops around the globe.Connect with Kara at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvanmalssen/Resources mentioned in this episode:Operational Model for DAM Success: https://damopmodel.com Henry Stewart DAM NY 50% Off Registration Giveaway: https://bit.ly/DAMRIGHTNY2024DAM Right Soundtrack - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ZzCabPS7up3thnq5uwdKsEngage:🆓 Download amazing and free DAM resources from the best DAM consultants in the business at https://weareavp.com/free-resources⭐ Please rate, like, follow, and subscribe on your podcast platform of choice. See all the places we are at https://dam-right.com/listen🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/clacinak