ICTP 308: Unpacking the PwC Caribbean Digital Readiness Survey 2024, with Nadeen Matthews Blair

ICT Pulse Podcast

#Tech #Caribbean #Information #Technology #Telecommunications #Tech News #ICT Pulse #ICT Pulse - tech blog #News #ICT

28:52

Retailers are facing a rapidly evolving landscape where consumer expectations, AI advancements, and social media platforms like TikTok are redefining engagement. It feels like the holiday shopping season just ended, but when do retailers start planning for the next one, and some retailers already behind the curve for this season? Joining us today is Carey Cockrum, Director of Consulting at Cella by Randstad Digital, where she helps major brands and marketing teams optimize their strategies with data-driven insights, AI-powered content creation, and cutting-edge retail marketing trends. With the holidays just around the corner, she’s here to share what’s next for retail marketing, campaign optimization, and how brands can stay ahead in a hyper-competitive space. ABOUT CAREY COCKRUM Carey has been a part of the Creative Agency space for nearly 30 years. She has served as Designer, Creative Director, Creative Operations Lead and Agency Lead in both internal and external agencies (big and small). Carey has worked directly with C-suite stakeholders to understand organizational strategies that inform effective creative solutions. She is a bit of a data nerd and loves demonstrating results. Brands she’s supported include Fruit of the Loom, Wendy’s and Humana. In her free time, she enjoys going back to her creative roots through painting and drawing. She also spends her time improving upon the house she lives in today in Southern, MI - inside and out. RESOURCES Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company…

about a year ago 1:00:03

MP3•Episode home

The readiness of businesses to operate with a ‘digital-first’ posture has become critical as we all strive to compete and remain relevant in an increasingly global marketplace. With Nadeen Matthews Blair, of Crescent Advisory Group, we discuss the results of the latest Caribbean Digital Readiness Survey conducted by PwC, including:

* what it means to be a ‘digital champion’;

* Nadeen’s observations on AI’s use in business;

* why organisations might have an improving digital IQ but still limited innovation; and

* what businesses facing survival-level threats from digital disruption can do to improve their situation.

The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page (www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/) Enjoyed the episode? Do rate the show and leave us a review! Also, connect with us on:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/ICTPulse LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj

Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez

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Would you like to partner with us to produce an episode of the podcast, or highlight a product or service to our audience? Do get in touch at info@ict-pulse.com with “Podcast Sponsorship” as the subject, or via social media @ictpulse, for more details.

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351 episodes

ICTP 308: Unpacking the PwC Caribbean Digital Readiness Survey 2024, with Nadeen Matthews Blair

ICT Pulse Podcast

18 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

* what it means to be a ‘digital champion’;

* Nadeen’s observations on AI’s use in business;

* why organisations might have an improving digital IQ but still limited innovation; and

* what businesses facing survival-level threats from digital disruption can do to improve their situation.

Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez

----------------

Also, Sponsorship Opportunities!

The ICT Pulse Podcast is accepting sponsors!

_______________

351 episodes

#Tech #Caribbean #Information #Technology #Telecommunications #Tech News #ICT Pulse #ICT Pulse - tech blog #News #ICT

All episodes

ICT Pulse Podcast

1
ICTP 349: Caribbean AI readiness and participating in the global dialogue on AI governance 57:41

4 days ago57:41

57:41

The Caribbean stands at a pivotal juncture as artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative force with the potential to drive development across virtually all sectors. With Dr Craig Ramlal, a global AI expert, who was appointed to the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, and Lika Døhl Diouf, of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, we discuss: * key observations regarding AI use and policy in the region; * the proposed Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence and the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance; * key findings on ECLAC’s 2025 AI readiness in the Caribbean study; and * the most pressing ICT or AI-related issues Caribbean countries need to address. The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page ( www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/) Enjoyed the episode? Do rate the show and leave us a review! Also, connect with us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/ICTPulse LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez ----------------…

ICT Pulse Podcast

1
ICTP 348: Caribbean digital resilience and transformation in an era of global uncertainty 1:04:08

11 days ago1:04:08

1:04:08

In our April 2025 Community Chat, and with a member of the Caribbean tech community, Nigel Cassimire of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union in Trinidad and Tobago, and Steven Williams of Data Privacy and Management Advisory Services in Barbados, we discuss just one topic: Fostering Caribbean digital resilience and transformation in an era of global uncertainty. In the current economic, trade and diplomatic climate globally, in which Caribbean countries are getting caught in the crosshairs of the manoeuvrings of larger and more powerful nations, we discuss the tech-related issues or challenges to the region, the potential implications and how Caribbean countries might best be able to navigate the situation. The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page ( www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/) Enjoyed the episode? Do rate the show and leave us a review! Also, connect with us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/ICTPulse LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez ----------------…

ICT Pulse Podcast

1
ICTP 347: Exploring the new generic top-level domain program with Lance Hinds and Carlton Samuels 1:09:46

18 days ago1:09:46

1:09:46

As the internet becomes more integral to economic development, cultural diplomacy, and public governance, there may be strategic value in having custom generic top-level domain s (gTLDs). Active participants in the global Internet Governance space, Lance Hinds and Carlton Samuels, are back to discuss ICANN’s New gTLD Program: Next Round, which is currently open. The conversation covered, among other things: * the difference between country code top-level domain s (ccTLDs) and gTLDs; * the current state of use of ccTLDs in the Caribbean region; * the New gTLD Program and the benefits that could be realised; and * the challenges to Caribbean countries and organisations to apply for new custom gTLDs. The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page ( www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/) Enjoyed the episode? Do rate the show and leave us a review! Also, connect with us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/ICTPulse LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez ----------------…

ICT Pulse Podcast

1
ICTP 346: DAOs and the surprising parallels between DAOs and regional collaboration efforts 1:08:20

25 days ago1:08:20

1:08:20

Decentralised autonomous organisations or DAOs are one of the fastest-growing segments of the blockchain space. In this episode we are revisiting an oldie but goodie: our 2022 conversation with Donald O’Brian Porter, the Founder of CaribDAO, who explains, among other things, * how DAOs work; * the parallels between DAOs and the informal cooperative savings system that has been prevalent in Caribbean countries for decades; * how an individual can verify the authenticity of the DAO; and * three (3) questions someone should ask before joining a DAO . The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page ( www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/) Enjoyed the episode? Do rate the show and leave us a review! Also, connect with us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/ICTPulse LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez ----------------…

ICT Pulse Podcast

1
ICTP 345: Can CaribCoin be a digital catalyst for Caribbean prosperity? 45:40

5 weeks ago45:40

45:40

Following up on a 2022 conversation we had about digital currencies in the Caribbean region, Dr. Jan Schröder of CaribCoin, and Rodney Taylor of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union are back to provide an update on CaribCoin, a regional stablecoin backed by Caribbean assets that will provide a faster and more cost-effective alternative for regional cross-border payments that can also foster Caribbean prosperity. Areas touched on during this conversation include: * the value proposition of CaribCoin and the role it could play in strengthening the resilience of the region; * success and risk factors associated with the integration of CaribCoin; * the safety measures that have been put in place to foster trust in CaribCoin; and * what is next for CaribCoin. The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page ( www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/) Enjoyed the episode? Do rate the show and leave us a review! Also, connect with us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/ICTPulse LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez ----------------…

ICT Pulse Podcast

1
ICTP 344: Digital sovereignty versus digital agency in the Caribbean region, with Matthew Cowen 1:09:28

6 weeks ago1:09:28

1:09:28

Digital sovereignty has been a hot topic over the past several weeks, with data sovereignty and AI sovereignty being the subjects of such conversations. However, how does digital agency fit into the mix? With IT Specialist, Researcher and Digital Analyst, Matthew Cowen, we discuss digital sovereignty and digital agency, including: * Could digital sovereignty lead to increased fragmentation of the internet? * How can we balance the need for individual digital agency with the need for online safety and security? * How do the goals of digital sovereignty and digital agency intersect or conflict? * Can a country achieve digital sovereignty without respecting the digital agency of its citizens? The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page ( www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/) Enjoyed the episode? Do rate the show and leave us a review! Also, connect with us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/ICTPulse LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez ----------------…

ICT Pulse Podcast

1
ICTP 343: Leveraging tech in the global economy, youth development and inclusion and e-money problems 1:10:12

7 weeks ago1:10:12

1:10:12

In our March 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Tariq Mohammed, a PhD candidate and the Chair of the Caribbean ICT Youth Network who is based in Trinidad and Tobago, and Chad Fraser, the Founder and CEO of Sonover, headquartered in Grenada, the panel discusses the following three topics: * how Caribbean businesses can leverage technology to compete in a global economy; * fostering youth development and inclusion in ICTs in the Caribbean; and * is e-money a solution in search of a problem? The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page ( www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/) Enjoyed the episode? Do rate the show and leave us a review! Also, connect with us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/ICTPulse LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez ----------------…

ICT Pulse Podcast

1
ICTP 342: 2025 Expert Insight update on cyber threats and security in the Caribbean, with Sean Slattery 1:22:01

8 weeks ago1:22:01

1:22:01

In the first instalment in our Expert Insights series on cyber threats and security for 2025, and one again with Sean Slattery of Caribbean Solutions Lab, he discusses, among other things: * the changes in the threat landscape that occurred in 2024; * the changing threat and impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation in the security space; * the security-related challenges as organisations adopt a cloud-first posture; * key challenges being experienced by security professionals; and * three things organisations should be doing in 2025 to improve their network/IT security. The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page ( www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/) Enjoyed the episode? Do rate the show and leave us a review! Also, connect with us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/ICTPulse LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez ----------------…

ICT Pulse Podcast

1
ICTP 341: Delving into the policy recommendations for AI in Jamaica with Christopher Reckord 58:21

9 weeks ago58:21

58:21

In February 2025, the Government of Jamaica made publicly available the National Artificial Intelligence Policy Recommendations prepared by the National Artificial Intelligence Task Force. We are joined by the Chairman of the Task Force, Christopher Reckord, to discuss the policy recommendations made, including: * the unique, Jamaica-specific considerations that shaped the recommendations; * the priority action items Chris hopes will be executed; and * why other Caribbean countries should go through the trouble of creating a national AI policy. The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page ( www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/) Enjoyed the episode? Do rate the show and leave us a review! Also, connect with us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/ICTPulse LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez ----------------…

ICT Pulse Podcast

1
ICTP 340: Microfluidics to increase crop yield and wealth creation for farmers, with Dr Yvane Agard-Abbot 40:59

10 weeks ago40:59

40:59

Without a doubt, Caribbean farming is fraught with a broad range of challenges. Chief among them is that most of the farms are smallholdings, often in difficult locations and with relatively poor soil, which can affect yield, quality, sustainability and profitability. In our conversation with Dr Yvane Agard-Abbot, the Founder of HydroFluidics, a Deep Tech/Agritech startup, she discusses, among other things: * how Microfluidic Technology can address some of the problems in the Caribbean region’s agriculture sector; * the problem HydroFluidics is trying to solve; and * the next steps in bringing her solution to farmers . The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page ( www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/) Enjoyed the episode? Do rate the show and leave us a review! Also, connect with us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/ I nstagram – https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/ICTPulse LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez ----------------…

ICT Pulse Podcast

1
ICTP 339: e-Commerce and AI, AI and real-time weather, and cashless fraud 1:02:10

11 weeks ago1:02:10

1:02:10

In our February 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Kira Mohammed, an e-Commerce Strategist based in Trinidad and Tobago, and Mark Codling , a PhD Candidate in GeoInformatics from Jamaica, the panel discusses the following three topics: * ways AI is transforming e-commerce; * AI and real-time weather; and * cashless fraud. The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page ( www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/) Enjoyed the episode? Do rate the show and leave us a review! Also, connect with us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/ I nstagram – https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/ICTPulse LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez ----------------…

ICT Pulse Podcast

1
ICTP 338: Boosting data-driven intelligence for Caribbean financial markets, with Raquel Seville of Dataffluent 59:13

12 weeks ago59:13

59:13

The Caribbean region ranks lowest in statistical performance compared to other regions, and studies have estimated the value of Open Data alone could contribute between 1% and 2% to the national GDP of Caribbean countries. The ‘Data Queen’ herself, Raquel Seville, is back to discuss her new start-up, Dataffluent, which is offering financial and investment insights on underserved markets, including those in the Caribbean region. During our conversation, she discusses, among other things, * the problem Dataffluent is trying to solve; * what it is like to be a woman in tech AND a woman in finance; * the challenges of training AI models for us in developing countries; and * the advice she would give to other young tech start-ups. The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page ( www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/) Enjoyed the episode? Do rate the show and leave us a review! Also, connect with us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/ I nstagram – https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/ICTPulse LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez ----------------…

ICT Pulse Podcast

1
ICTP 337: Turbocharging Trinidad and Tobago’s ICT exports sector via D’Hub, with Devindra Ramnarine 54:27

13 weeks ago54:27

54:27

In response to the goal of doubling the ICT sector’s contribution to Trinidad and Tobago’s GDP, the Developers Hub, more commonly known as D’Hub, offers training, access to tools, as well as income and networking opportunities to local developers and citizens interested in ICT. With Devindra Ramnarine, a Digital Transformation Adviser at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Trinidad and Tobago, and one of the main architects of D’Hub, we discuss this innovative platform, including, * the problem D’Hub is trying to solve; * the specific government or societal challenges that are being addressed via D’Hub; * how D’Hub can be made sustainable; and * whether the model can be replicated in other Caribbean or developing countries. The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page ( www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/) Enjoyed the episode? Do rate the show and leave us a review! Also, connect with us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/ I nstagram – https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/ICTPulse LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez ----------------…

ICT Pulse Podcast

1
ICTP 336: Social media and mental health, data residency, and big tech versus developing countries 1:00:22

14 weeks ago1:00:22

1:00:22

In our January 2025 Community Chat, and with members of the Caribbean tech community, Esmeralda Levens-Wijngaarde of Blyce in Curaçao, and Niko Kluyver also of Curaçao and CyberVade, the panel discusses: * the impact of social media on mental health in the Caribbean; * data residency in the Caribbean; and * big tech and developing countries: can there be some rebalancing of power? The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page (www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/) Enjoyed the episode? Do rate the show and leave us a review! Also, connect with us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/ICTPulse LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez ----------------…

ICT Pulse Podcast

1
ICTP 335: Building our multistakeholder digital future, with Jacqueline Morris 54:11

15 weeks ago54:11