In this episode of Back Up to Level Up, recorded live at ShopTalk 2026 in Las Vegas, Janet Khoshaba sits down with Jack McLaughlin, Customer Success Manager at Shopify.Jack shares his journey into eCommerce and what it really means to support and scale some of the world’s fastest-growing brands on Shopify.From listening to customer challenges to navigating the rapid evolution of eCommerce (including AI), this conversation offers a practical look at what drives success behind the scenes.Key takeaways:

• What customer success actually looks like in ecommerce
• Why listening is the most important skill for solving problems
• How Shopify supports brands from startup to enterprise
• The growing role of AI in eCommerce operations
• Career advice: patience and strong communication skills matter

Whether you’re building a career in eCommerce or scaling a brand, this episode highlights the importance of understanding and solving real customer problems.

In this episode of Back Up to Level Up, recorded live at ShopTalk 2026 in Las Vegas, we explore one of the most overlooked challenges organizations face when adopting AI: data risk.As AI agents gain access to more systems and data, even small changes can have unintended, wide-reaching consequences.Key insights:Why over-permissioned AI agents can create large, unintended “blast radius” effectsThe hidden risk of AI modifying critical business data without clear visibilityWhy protecting training data is just as important as protecting live systemsHow the shared responsibility model shifts risk onto organizationsWhat companies need to consider before deploying AI at scaleAI is powerful, but without the right safeguards, it can introduce new layers of risk. This conversation breaks down what organizations need to understand to move forward confidently.

In this episode of Back Up to Level Up, recorded live at ShopTalk 2026 in Las Vegas, Janet Khoshaba sits down with Jamil Bhuya, Co-Founder of Otherhalf Studio, a Shopify-focused design, development, and branding agency.Jamil shares how he and his wife built a fast-growing agency by focusing on what most eCommerce businesses overlook: relationships.From working in the restaurant industry to building a high-performing, async-first agency, this conversation explores how human connection, brand-first thinking, and strategic use of AI can drive real growth.Key takeaways:

• Why relationship-building still outperforms cold outreach and AI automation
• How to grow through referrals in a crowded eCommerce ecosystem
• The shift from traffic acquisition to conversion optimization (CRO)
• How AI is changing workflows, but not replacing human connection
• Why lean, async teams can move faster and deliver better results

If you’re an eCommerce founder, operator, or agency builder, this episode is packed with practical and refreshing insights on what actually drives growth today.

In this episode of Back Up to Level Up, recorded live at ShopTalk 2026 in Las Vegas, Janet Khoshaba sits down with Cheryl Pinkham, Founder of CJPC.Cheryl shares a deeply personal journey, from burnout in corporate America to building an AI-focused business centered on people, learning, and empowerment.Her mission is clear: help organizations adopt AI in a way that supports employees, not replaces them.Key takeaways:

• Why fear is often the biggest barrier to growth
• How to introduce AI without creating resistance from teams
• The importance of a people-first approach to technology adoption
• Cheryl's journey from burnout to building a purpose-driven business
• Powerful advice: “Closed mouths don’t get fed”

This episode is both a practical look at AI adoption and an inspiring story about reclaiming your path.

In this episode of Back Up to Level Up, recorded live at ShopTalk 2026 in Las Vegas, Janet Khoshaba sits down with Tony D’Angelo, Chief Strategy Officer at Loren Data Corp.Tony shares insights into the hidden infrastructure powering eCommerce—the B2B data exchange systems (EDI) that enable retailers, suppliers, and logistics partners to operate seamlessly behind the scenes.With decades of experience in the industry, Tony breaks down how he transitioned from IT to becoming a disruptor in the space, modernizing legacy systems and helping shape the future of supply chain technology.Key takeaways:

• What EDI is and why it powers most of eCommerce
• The “hidden” layer behind order fulfillment and supply chains
• How legacy systems are being modernized
• Why finding a niche can transform your career
• Advice: don’t be afraid to disrupt and keep learning

Whether you’re in eCommerce, tech, or operations, this episode uncovers a critical (and often overlooked) part of the industry.

In this episode of Back Up to Level Up, recorded live at ShopTalk 2026 in Las Vegas, Janet Khoshaba sits down with Mike Potter, Co-Founder and CEO of Rewind.Mike shares the origin story of Rewind—from a side project built in 2015 to a leading backup solution protecting mission-critical SaaS data for eCommerce, DevOps, productivity, and accounting businesses. He breaks down the early skepticism they faced, the moment they knew they had product-market fit, and the systems thinking required to scale.Key takeaways:

• Why ignoring early negative feedback can be the right move
• How Rewind validated demand through the Shopify App Store
• The real customer moment that proved product-market fit
• Why founders should focus on fixing systems, not just problems
• How eCommerce brands can protect mission-critical data

This episode is a must-watch for eCommerce founders, SaaS builders, and operators looking to build resilient, scalable businesses.

In this episode of Back Up to Level Up, recorded live at ShopTalk 2026 in Las Vegas, Janet Khoshaba sits down with Eduardo Frias, Field CTO at Shopify.Eduardo shares insights from working with some of the world’s largest brands and what it really takes to succeed in eCommerce—from startups to enterprise.From his journey as a technologist to advising global brands, Eduardo breaks down the mindset, tools, and evolution shaping modern commerce.Key takeaways: • What successful eCommerce brands do differently • Why technology is critical to delivering great customer experiences • Lessons from working with enterprise brands and startups • Why mindset—not resources—is often the biggest blocker • What’s next for eCommerce: agentic commerce and AIWhether you’re building a brand or scaling one, this episode offers valuable perspective from inside Shopify.

In this episode of Back Up to Level Up, recorded live at Atlassian Team '26 in Anaheim, California, Janet Khoshaba sits down with James Coller, Director of Strategic Programs at Treetown Tech, a product development company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.James came to Treetown Tech while finishing his PhD in naval architecture, looking for extra cash. A single conversation with the founder flipped his perspective entirely and he never left. He talks about learning to lead across different communication styles, why trusting his team was the shift that changed everything, and how building machines that make crystal clear artisanal ice ended up on grocery store shelves across the country.Key takeaways:

• Why a founder's one question made James rethink his entire career direction
• What it actually takes to lead a team with completely different communication styles and personality types
• How learning to trust the people around him freed James to focus on the bigger picture
• Why taking opportunities outside your wheelhouse is where the most growth happens
• How Treetown Tech approaches product development as a mountain climbing journey

If you are an engineering leader or someone trying to figure out what kind of work actually fulfills you, James's story is a grounded and energizing listen.
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