In this emergency episode of The New Emergency, hosts Jo and Max dive into the latest AI Engine for Brands to Optimize for: Walmart Sparky (see more). Framed similarly to Amazon's Rufus, now accounting for 14% of Amazon Searches, Sparky represents Walmart's deepening commitment to integrating AI across its entire value chain. The duo discuss the broader implications of Sparky’s launch alongside Walmart’s merchant-facing AI tool, Wally, signaling a strategic push to embed AI in both consumer and backend operations. This move not only sets up a compelling rivalry with Amazon but also points to a future dominated by “agentic commerce” systems, where AI handles increasingly complex retail tasks.

The hosts explore how Sparky differs from Rufus—most notably in its architecture. While Rufus relies on a single large language model, Sparky is powered by a network of specialized micro-agents trained on distinct retail functions. This modular setup is theorized to offer more accurate, task-specific responses, potentially outperforming general-purpose bots like Rufus. They also touch on broader workforce implications, noting how AI-driven efficiency gains at companies like Walmart and Amazon are already leading to significant job cuts and shifts in the traditional corporate employment contract.

Finally, Jo and Max cover Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) tips specifically for Walmart Sparky (read our full analysis here). Drawing from Walmart’s own research papers, they outline five key AI Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) strategies: using semantic and contextual product language, emphasizing customer problem-solving in descriptions, tailoring content to specific audiences and scenarios, and ensuring backend attribute data is robust and detailed. The episode wraps with a strong message—AI is no longer a future trend; it’s shaping commerce today, and adapting to it is essential for staying competitive.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠Azoma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazing Wave⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ecomtent⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode of The New Frontier, Max welcomes long-time friend and ex-Amazon colleague Stephen Harris, founder of Situna, a global Amazon agency and 3PL powerhouse.

Steven shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey—from selling cufflinks in his spare time, to working at Amazon, to launching a Private Label Amazon Brand and eventually making a seven-figure exit. Steven offers a candid look at his transition from Amazon employee to full-time entrepreneur, discussing the mindset shift, the calculated risks he took.

He dives deep into the mechanics of successfully exiting Amazon brands—emphasizing that simplicity, strong operations, and clean financials outweigh grand visions of untapped opportunities.

The conversation also covers how Situna differentiates itself in an increasingly commoditized Amazon agency space—through a robust 3PL arm, operational excellence, and a firm grip on profitability. Steven shares lessons on creating effective culture, integrating AI into agency workflows, and how partnerships, referrals, and maintaining a service-oriented ethos continue to drive growth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to build, scale, or sell in the e-commerce and Amazon ecosystem.

This podcast is brought to you by Azoma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Amazing Wave⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ecomtent⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Max Sinclair sits down with Simon Cockram to reflect on his biggest learnings as a Founder from his three years building Azoma (previously Ecomtent) thus far, in a must-listen episode for prospective tech founders.

Max starts by emphasising the importance of having a distinct edge and a counterintuitive belief when launching a venture. He walks through the ideation process learned at Entrepreneur First, and the power of leveraging inflection such as a rapidly changing technological or regulatory landscape.

Max then dives into the intricacies of validating ideas quickly through MVPs, and how he raised early capital through angels and accelerator programs like Techstars. He shares tactical strategies around storytelling, customer validation, and go-to-market strategies.

The episode closes with a thought-provoking discussion on the future of AI, its potential impact on education, employment, and governance. Max offers both optimism about AI’s role in democratizing entrepreneurship and learning, and caution around data centralization and ethical risks. From startup hustle to global implications, this is a must-listen for anyone curious about how AI is reshaping business and society.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠Amazing Wave⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Azoma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ecomtent⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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