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Greg Zakowicz
My Reading & Podcast List

Here is my list of recent reads and podcasts I am currently enjoying. Maybe they’ll give you something new to look into and enjoy.

Read more to find what I’ve been digging into lately, including:

  • Building a Story Brand

  • The Power of Geography

  • The Greatest Beer Run Ever. A Crazy Adventure In a Crazy War

  • The Escape Artist. The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World

  • Devil in the White City. Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America

Buffalo Bills Hire Joe Brady. Really?

I wanted to turn the page from Joe Brady before the season even started, but watching the Bills’ offense unfold only reinforced my concerns. From predictable bubble screens and conservative red-zone play-calling to a lack of urgency around the wide receiver room, the same issues surfaced at the worst possible moments. If Joe Brady is going to be the coach who finally gets Buffalo past the playoff wall, major changes in philosophy, staffing, and execution are non-negotiable.

Agentic AI in Ecommerce: How It May Transform the Brand-Customer Relationship

Agentic AI is starting to make purchases on behalf of consumers, raising a new question for e-commerce: who is the real customer—the shopper or the AI? Traditional tactics like emotional branding and retargeting may not work the same way. Brands that adapt early by optimizing product data and strengthening identity will be best positioned for this shift.

What's The Future of Agentic AI Ecosystems in Retail?

Agentic AI is no longer just a concept — it’s becoming an ecosystem. From Amazon and Walmart to Mastercard and Google, major players are racing to build AI-driven shopping environments that can search, compare, and even purchase on behalf of consumers. But with that convenience comes big questions: Who will control these ecosystems? What does it mean for smaller brands? And how will retailers adapt loyalty strategies when the “customer” might actually be an AI agent?

Ryan Trahan’s 50 States in 50 Days: Marketing Goldmine or Over-Valued Opportunity for Brands?

Ryan Trahan’s 50 States in 50 Days: Marketing Goldmine or Over-Valued Opportunity for Brands?

Ryan Trahan’s whirlwind “50 States in 50 Days” series wasn’t just about quirky Airbnbs or a $1M fundraiser for St. Jude — it doubled as a live experiment in marketing. From $5,000 donor shoutouts to $100K corporate sponsorships, everyone from families to major brands took part. But here’s the real question: did these donations actually deliver lasting value, or were they just entertaining moments in a viral summer spectacle?

Examples of Post Purchase Email Marketing

When it comes to post-purchase email marketing, it may just be the most underutilized yet powerful email marketing tactic there is. A strategic, well-thought-out series can help increase customer retention and help build brand loyalty and advocacy. The best part of all is that these messages are automated, generating revenue while you sleep.

Creating a series of messages designed to enhance the purchase experience is something every retailer should implement.