WBSRocks: Scaling Growth with AI, Enterprise Software, and Digital Transformation

Hosted by Sam Gupta

BusinessInterviews guests

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Episodes

927

Latest episode

Nov 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

WBSRocks podcast features in-depth conversations on AI-enabled business models, customer experience, digital transformation, supply chain, eCommerce, industry 4.0, and enterprise software categories such as CRM, ERP, or analytics suites. The purpose of the show is to help CFOs, COOs, CEOs, and business owners with their daily commercial, operational, or financial challenges by taking a deep dive into business cases and processes, technology strategy and architecture, transformation initiatives, and business models. The show also offers an independent analysis of technology trends, various enterprise software vendors and solutions, and their mergers and acquisitions. Subscribe today to stay on top of digital transformation trends!

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60 recent

November 4, 2026Episode 92857 min

WBSP928: Scale Growth by Learning from SAP S/4HANA Data Readiness, an Objective Panel Review

Send us Fan Mail Modern SAP S/4HANA transformation programs increasingly emphasize the Clean Core strategy, which aims to minimize customizations, simplify upgrades, and improve long-term architectural flexibility. However, achieving a Clean Core is far more complex than simply adopting standardized cloud capabilities or migrating legacy data into a new platform. Many organizations must reconcile decades of custom developments, fragmented business processes, inconsistent master data, duplicate data structures, and deeply embedded integrations with SAP’s evolving architecture. As a result, data transformation becomes a critical engineering and governance challenge rather than a straightforward migration activity. Hidden structural inconsistencies, undocumented dependencies, and poor data quality often lead to repeated cleansing, mapping, and validation cycles, increasing implementation costs and delaying go-live timelines. Successful SAP S/4HANA modernization requires a disciplined approach to data architecture, process standardization, customization rationalization, and governance to ensure that organizations achieve the intended benefits of Clean Core without carrying legacy complexity into their new environment. In this episode, Sam Gupta from ElevatIQ is joined by Yogi Kalra from INNOVAPTE where they discuss SAP S/4HANA Data Readiness and how to break the data rework loop before go-live Video: https://www.elevatiq.com/events-and-webinars/sap-s-4hana-data-readiness-breaking-the-data-rework-loop-before-go-live/ Questions for Panelists? 🔗Sam Gupta: linkedin.com/in/samguptausa/ 🔗Yogi Kalra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yogi-kalra/ Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm For more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

November 3, 2026Episode 9271 hr 1 min

WBSP927: Scale Growth by Understanding Runway FP&A Platform’s Capabilities, an Objective Panel Review

Send us Fan Mail Modern financial planning and analysis (FP&A) platforms such as Runway are changing how high-growth organizations approach budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and strategic decision-making. Unlike traditional financial planning tools that rely heavily on disconnected spreadsheets and manual processes, Runway brings financial modeling, scenario planning, collaborative reporting, and forecasting into a unified cloud platform. As finance teams face increasing pressure to respond quickly to changing business conditions, improve financial visibility, and support more informed decisions, selecting the right FP&A solution has become a critical strategic priority. In this webinar, we explore Runway’s core capabilities, underlying architecture, and approach to simplifying complex financial planning processes. We also examine how modern FP&A platforms are evolving, what differentiates Runway from traditional solutions, and how organizations should evaluate these technologies based on scalability, integration, collaboration, and long-term financial transformation objectives. In this episode, Sam Gupta and Shrestha Dash from ElevatIQ, Andy Pratico from Essential Software Solutions, and Phil Coerper from Ringling Business Solutions conduct an in-depth independent review of a leading FP&A platform Runway. Video: https://www.elevatiq.com/events-and-webinars/runway-fpa-platform-an-independent-in-depth-review/ Questions for Panelists? 🔗Sam Gupta: linkedin.com/in/samguptausa/ 🔗Phil Coerper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philcoerper09/ 🔗Andy Pratico: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-pratico-80175410/ 🔗Shrestha Dash: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrestha-dash-662b00204/ Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm

November 2, 2026Episode 92617 min

WBSP926: Scale Growth by Learning the Top CRMs For Small Business w/ Sam Gupta

Send us Fan Mail What are the top CRM systems for small businesses in 2026, and what factors should organizations consider when evaluating them? Before exploring the rankings, it is important to understand how CRM requirements differ across four major market segments: startups, small businesses, mid-market companies, and large enterprises. Small businesses typically operate with more established sales processes, dedicated functional teams, and growing customer bases compared to startups. However, they generally lack the organizational complexity, global operations, and sophisticated planning requirements of larger enterprises. As these businesses grow, they need CRM platforms that provide stronger sales pipeline management, marketing automation, customer service capabilities, reporting, and integration with other business applications. At the same time, affordability, ease of implementation, user adoption, and scalability remain critical considerations. Selecting the right CRM system requires balancing immediate operational needs with future growth, ensuring that organizations can improve customer engagement and sales productivity without introducing unnecessary complexity or costs. In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 CRMs for small business In 2026. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these top CRMs for small business. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM system. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSW3JZlp_nA Questions for Panelists? 🔗Sam Gupta: linkedin.com/in/samguptausa/r-58239b22/ Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm For more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

October 28, 2026Episode 92539 min

WBSP925: Scale Growth by Learning from Seeing Epicor Kinetic ERP in Action, an Objective Panel Review

Send us Fan Mail Custom, engineer-to-order (ETO), and project-based manufacturers face unique operational challenges as they balance complex engineering requirements, changing customer specifications, production schedules, and project profitability. Unlike traditional repetitive manufacturing environments, these organizations often manage highly customized products, evolving bills of materials, long production cycles, and significant coordination across engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and finance. However, many still rely on disconnected applications, spreadsheets, and manual processes that limit real-time visibility and create operational inefficiencies. As engineering changes become more frequent, coordinating material requirements, production capacity, project schedules, and costs becomes increasingly difficult. Without integrated processes and systems, organizations struggle to maintain accurate project estimates, control cost overruns, track work in progress, and deliver projects on time. Addressing these challenges requires an ERP strategy that connects engineering, manufacturing, project management, and financial operations while providing the flexibility needed to support complex, project-driven business models. In this episode, Sam Gupta from ElevatIQ is joined by Ray Buchan and Neil Henson from Epicor Software, Jeff Dumart and Allie Vignault from Grant Synergy where they provide an overview into Epicor Kinetic ERP. Video: https://www.elevatiq.com/events-and-webinars/see-epicor-kinetic-erp-in-action-and-funding-opportunities-for-manufacturers/ Questions for Panelists? 🔗Sam Gupta: linkedin.com/in/samguptausa/ 🔗Ray Buchan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-buchan-a0ba9913/ 🔗Neil Henson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-henson-b9021076/ 🔗Jeff Dumart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdumart/ 🔗Allie Vignault: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-vignault-0b6405197/ Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm For more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

October 27, 2026Episode 9241 hr 6 min

WBSP924: Scale Growth by Learning from CXO Bi-Weekly Brief on Enterprise Software Selection Trends, Jul 2026 Ep 2, an Objective Panel Review

Send us Fan Mail Artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping the enterprise software landscape, making software selection increasingly complex for CXOs and technology leaders. Evaluating platforms now requires looking beyond individual AI capabilities to understand broader architectural considerations, including workflow orchestration, data integration, ecosystem maturity, governance, and long-term vendor strategies. As enterprise software vendors accelerate innovation through AI-driven automation, industrial AI, customer engagement platforms, portfolio management solutions, and strategic acquisitions, organizations must carefully assess how these developments align with their business objectives and digital transformation roadmaps. This CXO Brief explores the latest market developments, emerging technology trends, and competitive shifts shaping enterprise applications. It also examines their implications for software selection, helping decision-makers distinguish meaningful innovation from vendor positioning and make more informed, future-ready technology investments. In this episode, Sam Gupta from ElevatIQ is joined by Phil Coerper from Ringling Business Solutions, Robert Kramer from KramerERP, Michael Fauscette from Arion Research, and Shrestha Dash from ElevatIQ where they discuss enterprise software selection trends and insights – Jul 2026, Ep 2. Video: https://www.elevatiq.com/events-and-webinars/cxo-bi-weekly-brief-enterprise-software-selection-intelligence-jul-26-ep-2/ Questions for Panelists? 🔗Sam Gupta: linkedin.com/in/samguptausa/ 🔗Phil Coerper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philcoerper09/ 🔗Robert Kramer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kramer-58239b22 🔗Michael Fauscette: http://www.linkedin.com/mfauscette 🔗Shrestha Dash: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samguptausa/ Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm For more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

October 26, 2026Episode 92319 min

WBSP923: Scale Growth by Learning the Top CRMs for Startups In 2026 w/ Sam Gupta

Send us Fan Mail What are the top CRM systems for startups in 2026, and how should organizations evaluate them? Unlike small businesses, mid-market companies, or large enterprises, startups operate with lean teams, limited budgets, and relatively immature business processes. Founders often remain directly involved in sales, marketing, customer relationships, and day-to-day operations, with only one or two employees managing each major function. As a result, processes are often informal, data may be scattered across disconnected applications, and sophisticated CRM capabilities can introduce unnecessary complexity. For startups, the ideal CRM platform should prioritize simplicity, affordability, ease of adoption, and rapid time-to-value while providing enough flexibility to support future growth. Rather than investing in enterprise-grade functionality too early, startups should focus on solutions that improve sales visibility, streamline customer interactions, and establish a scalable foundation without overwhelming their teams. In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 CRMs for startups In 2026. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these top CRMs for startups. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM system. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPPn_BsY6Lg Questions for Panelists? 🔗Sam Gupta: linkedin.com/in/samguptausa/r-58239b22/ Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm For more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

October 21, 2026Episode 9221 hr 0 min

WBSP922: Scale Growth by Learning from Navigating Vendor Pressure and Agentic AI Disruption, an Objective Panel Review

Send us Fan Mail ERP modernization has become a critical strategic decision for CIOs and technology leaders as organizations face mounting pressure from vendor-driven cloud migration programs, end-of-support deadlines, rising operating costs, and growing expectations for innovation. While traditional modernization strategies have largely focused on migrating legacy systems to newer cloud platforms, the emergence of agentic AI is challenging these assumptions. Organizations now have opportunities to rethink business processes, automate complex workflows, and create value beyond conventional ERP upgrades. However, these developments also introduce new questions about architecture, integration, governance, and long-term flexibility. As a result, technology leaders must evaluate whether traditional ERP modernization approaches still provide the right balance of business value, agility, cost, and future readiness, or whether a fundamentally different transformation strategy is needed. In this episode, Sam Gupta from ElevatIQ is joined by Eric Helmer from Rimini Street where they discuss ERP modernization crossroads: navigating vendor pressure, cost constraints, and agentic AI disruption. Video: https://www.elevatiq.com/events-and-webinars/erp-modernization-crossroads-navigating-vendor-pressure/ Questions for Panelists? 🔗Sam Gupta: linkedin.com/in/samguptausa/ 🔗Eric Helmer: https://www.linkedin.om/in/erichelmer Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm For more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

October 20, 2026Episode 92159 min

WBSP921: Scale Growth by Understanding How to Build an ERP Project Decision Framework, an Objective Panel Review

Send us Fan Mail Selecting the right ERP system is only the first step toward a successful digital transformation. The greater challenge lies in navigating hundreds of critical decisions throughout the implementation lifecycle, from process design and system configuration to data migration, integrations, customization, and organizational change management. Many ERP projects struggle not because of technology limitations, but because organizations lack a structured framework for evaluating options, resolving conflicts, and making timely decisions. Instead, decisions are often driven by individual preferences, departmental priorities, assumptions, or vendor recommendations without sufficient consideration of broader business objectives. Without clearly defined decision rights, governance structures, escalation mechanisms, and evaluation criteria, stakeholders may pursue conflicting priorities that increase implementation complexity. These gaps frequently contribute to project delays, budget overruns, unnecessary customizations, and compromised business outcomes, highlighting why effective decision governance is just as important as selecting the right ERP platform. In this episode, Sam Gupta and Shrestha Dash from ElevatIQ discuss how to build an ERP project decision framework. Video: https://www.elevatiq.com/events-and-webinars/how-to-build-an-erp-project-decision-framework-the-missing-blueprint-for-erp-success/ Questions for Panelists? 🔗Sam Gupta: linkedin.com/in/samguptausa/ 🔗Shrestha Dash: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrestha-dash-662b00204/ Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm For more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

October 19, 2026Episode 92018 min

WBSP920: Scale Growth by Learning the Top Cloud-Native ERP Systems In 2026 w/ Sam Gupta

Send us Fan Mail With enterprise software conversations increasingly shifting toward AI-native platforms, why are cloud-native ERP systems still relevant in 2026? While AI-native ERP platforms have evolved rapidly, cloud-native architecture remains a critical consideration for organizations evaluating their next generation of enterprise systems. A significant portion of enterprise workloads still operates on legacy, on-premises platforms, and many organizations are only beginning their cloud transformation journeys. For these companies, the transition involves much more than moving infrastructure to the cloud. It requires evaluating architectural flexibility, scalability, integration capabilities, upgrade models, and long-term maintainability. Although AI-native capabilities are becoming increasingly important, they do not eliminate the architectural advantages of truly cloud-native ERP platforms. Understanding these differences remains essential for organizations seeking to modernize their technology landscape while preparing for future AI-driven capabilities. In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top cloud-native ERP systems In 2026. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these top cloud-native ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each ERP system. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rup8CigGk_4 Questions for Panelists? 🔗Sam Gupta: linkedin.com/in/samguptausa/r-58239b22/ Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm For more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

October 14, 2026Episode 9191 hr 12 min

WBSP919: Scale Growth by Understanding Board FP&A Platform’s Capabilities, an Objective Panel Review

Send us Fan Mail Modern enterprise performance management platforms such as Board are evolving beyond traditional budgeting and reporting to support integrated planning, financial consolidation, analytics, and enterprise-wide decision-making. As finance teams face increasing pressure to improve forecasting accuracy, accelerate planning cycles, and respond more quickly to changing business conditions, selecting the right EPM platform has become a strategic transformation decision. In this webinar, we examine how Board helps organizations connect planning, analysis, and performance management within a unified environment. We also explore how modern EPM architectures are reshaping financial and operational planning, cross-functional alignment, scenario modeling, performance visibility, and executive reporting, helping finance teams build a more connected and agile approach to enterprise performance management. In this episode, Sam Gupta and Shrestha Dash from ElevatIQ, Andy Pratico from Essential Software Solutions, and Phil Coerper from Ringling Business Solutions conduct an in-depth independent review of a leading FP&A platform Board. Video: https://www.elevatiq.com/events-and-webinars/board-epm-platform-an-independent-in-depth-review/ Questions for Panelists? 🔗Sam Gupta: linkedin.com/in/samguptausa/ 🔗Phil Coerper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philcoerper09/ 🔗Andy Pratico: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-pratico-80175410/ 🔗Shrestha Dash: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrestha-dash-662b00204/ Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm