3242: L.E.K. Consulting on Using AI to Balance Speed, Risk, and Growth

Tech Talks Daily

1:03:38

Too many entrepreneurs get stuck on the business treadmill, hustling nonstop, unable to scale, and unknowingly stalling their growth. That’s where Dave Ramsey began. After crashing into $3 million in debt, he rebuilt from scratch, turning a small radio program into a national show with millions of listeners. With over three decades of experience in entrepreneurship, business growth, and content creation, he knows what it takes to build a lasting business. In this episode, Dave reveals the six drivers of long-term success, the five key stages of startup growth, and how he balances life as an entrepreneur and a content creator. In this episode, Hala and Dave will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (00:23) The Core Principles of Financial Freedom (05:42) Adapting to Change as a Content Creator (09:22) Balancing Content Creation and Entrepreneurship (12:34) How to Create a Clear Path in Business (15:19) The Truth About Starting a Business Today (18:22) The Six Drivers of Business Success (26:20) Shifting From Tactical to Strategic Thinking (29:44) The Five Stages of Business Growth (41:10) Leading with Care, Clarity, and Accountability (47:10) Identifying the Right Leadership Skills (48:35) Starting a Media Business as an Entrepreneur Dave Ramsey is a personal finance expert, radio personality, bestselling author, and the founder and CEO of Ramsey Solutions. Over the past three decades, he has built a legacy of helping millions achieve financial freedom. As the host of The Ramsey Show , Dave reaches more than 18 million listeners each week. He is the author of eight national bestselling books. His latest, Build a Business You Love , helps entrepreneurs navigate growth and overcome challenges at every stage. Sponsored By: Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at youngandprofiting.co/shopify OpenPhone: Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at openphone.com/profiting Airbnb - Find yourself a co-host at airbnb.com/host Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/profiting RobinHood - Receive your 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold Factor - Get 50% off your first box plus free shipping at factormeals.com/factorpodcast Rakuten - Save while shopping at rakuten.com Microsoft Teams - Stop paying for tools. Get everything you need, for free at aka.ms/profiting LinkedIn Marketing Solutions - Get a $100 credit on your next campaign at linkedin.com/profiting Resources Mentioned: Dave’s Book, Build a Business You Love: bit.ly/BuildaBusinessYouLove Dave’s Website: ramseysolutions.com Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap Youtube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Side Hustle, Passive Income, Online Business, Solopreneur, Networking.…

16 days ago 23:14

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What if most product launches fail not because of bad ideas—but because of broken processes? In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by Stuart Jackson, Vice Chair of L.E.K. Consulting and co-author of the forthcoming book Predictable Winners (Stanford University Press, 2025). Stuart brings nearly four decades of experience in strategic growth and innovation, and his insights offer a much-needed reframe for businesses navigating the high-stakes world of new product and service development.

We sat down to explore a topic many leaders shy away from: why 70–90% of product launches still miss the mark. Stuart breaks down the structural weaknesses that often derail innovation and explains why relying on gut instinct is no longer enough. Instead, we discuss how a rigorous, data-backed approach—augmented by AI—can dramatically reduce the risk profile of innovation while improving speed, accuracy, and return on investment.

Stuart shares how leading organizations are integrating AI into every phase of their innovation pipeline—from idea screening and predictive analytics to launch planning and ongoing iteration. He outlines the rise of long-horizon thinking and how AI is enabling companies to identify emerging demand signals well before the competition.

What I found particularly refreshing was Stuart’s take on what top innovators do differently. It’s not just about having better ideas—it’s about building the right systems. That means empowering cross-functional teams, systematically disaggregating risk, and knowing when to pivot versus when to persevere.

This conversation isn’t about theory. It’s a pragmatic look at how to move from product guesswork to predictable success—whether you're building in-house or buying through M&A. For founders, product leaders, and anyone trying to modernize their innovation model, this episode offers grounded advice and a clear framework that you can start applying today.

How are you thinking about AI as a tool for risk reduction in innovation? Are your product strategies built for speed or sustainability—or both? Let me know what you think.

2046 episodes

3242: L.E.K. Consulting on Using AI to Balance Speed, Risk, and Growth

Tech Talks Daily

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published 16 days ago

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How are you thinking about AI as a tool for risk reduction in innovation? Are your product strategies built for speed or sustainability—or both? Let me know what you think.

2046 episodes

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Tech Talks Daily

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3263: How Neo4j and Graph Databases Help Enterprises Make Smarter Decisions 30:48

3 hours ago30:48

30:48

How do you uncover misinformation and financial fraud hidden in plain sight across thousands of digital platforms during a global election cycle? In this episode, I spoke with Jim Webber, Chief Scientist at Neo4j, to explore how graph database technology is being used to expose coordinated disinformation campaigns, empower AI systems, and help enterprises manage the complexity of modern data. At the heart of our conversation is the story of the ElectionGraph Project, where Syracuse University used Neo4j's graph technology to investigate political ad spend on Meta platforms. What they discovered was not just political messaging, but sophisticated scams disguised as legitimate campaigns. These efforts, targeting civically engaged users, used merchandise giveaways as a front to harvest credit card details and enroll victims in recurring billing traps. Traditional analytics would have struggled to trace these relationships, but graph databases allowed researchers to map and understand the deeper connections between thousands of entities. We also unpack how graph technology goes far beyond fraud detection. Jim explains why graph databases are now foundational for businesses building AI systems, particularly those using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to reduce hallucinations and improve decision making. Whether it's helping enterprises respond to customer needs or enabling AI agents to take action in real time, graphs provide the structure and context needed for reliable outcomes. Jim also shares the backstory behind Klarna's data transformation, where the company embraced knowledge graphs at the core of its operations and replaced major systems, including parts of Salesforce. It's a striking example of what becomes possible when a business commits to connected data as a strategic asset. From misinformation to intelligent automation, this episode dives into the real-world value of graph technology in 2025. Are you thinking critically about how your data infrastructure supports your AI ambitions?…

Tech Talks Daily

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3262: What Sovereign Cloud for Europe Means for Business Leaders 48:25

16 hours ago48:25

48:25

What does digital sovereignty mean in the age of cloud computing, and is Europe finally prepared to rethink its reliance on foreign infrastructure? In this episode, I speak with David Michels from Queen Mary University of London about his latest research, which examines the growing demand for sovereign cloud services across Europe. Commissioned by Broadcom but developed independently, the report surfaces at a time when regulators, enterprises, and policymakers are all asking tougher questions about who controls data and how. David explains why the concept of a sovereign cloud is still poorly defined. Depending on who you ask, it might mean autonomy over data, protection from foreign surveillance, or strategic independence from global superpowers. That ambiguity creates confusion for customers and raises compliance risks in regulated industries. My guest also addresses one of the most persistent misconceptions in the market: the difference between data residency and data sovereignty. Just because data is stored in Europe does not mean it is immune from foreign access if the provider falls under another country's jurisdiction. We dig into the practical implications of these issues, including why many organizations are reassessing their risk exposure, particularly in light of extraterritorial legal frameworks like the US CLOUD Act. David outlines a pragmatic approach to improve clarity without waiting for new legislation. His proposed GDPR-aligned code of conduct would allow cloud providers to transparently demonstrate compliance with European data protection expectations, giving customers a stronger basis for trust and accountability. This conversation is not about cloud theory. It is about legal risk, operational impact, and policy direction. Whether you're a CIO navigating compliance, a regulator shaping guidance, or a provider building cross-border services, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at the shifting demands of digital sovereignty. Are European organizations finally ready to take a different path in the cloud?…

Tech Talks Daily

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3261: How Cask Canada is Redefining Tech Services in Canada 46:41

1 day ago46:41

46:41

In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Jeff Butler, General Manager of Cask Canada, who shares the story of how he led a tech startup to a standout position in the competitive ServiceNow ecosystem in less than a year. Listen in to learn how Cask Canada grew from startup to standout in the ServiceNow ecosystem by focusing on people, trust, and AI-driven transformation. As we explore Jeff’s unique journey from his early days witnessing the birth of Silicon Valley innovation in San Francisco to building a thriving ServiceNow consulting business in Canada, there are lessons here for anyone navigating today’s fast-moving tech landscape. Jeff offers a first-hand look at the unexpected realities of launching a consultancy in Canada's evolving digital market. Rather than focusing solely on technology, he highlights the power of building genuine, long-term relationships with clients and team members. Throughout our conversation, it becomes clear that success in tech services today is shaped as much by trust, patience, and authenticity as it is by technical excellence. We also discuss how AI and automation are reshaping ServiceNow-driven digital transformations. Jeff provides valuable insight into how AI is not just enhancing customer service experiences but also beginning to change the way consulting services are delivered. Yet he makes an important point: human oversight remains vital, especially when high-stakes business decisions are involved. Looking ahead, Jeff reflects on the challenges and opportunities that ServiceNow partners face as AI capabilities mature, integration demands grow, and the implementation partner landscape changes. He also shares how building an elite consulting team required a deliberate focus on culture, communication, and finding people who want to build something bigger than themselves.…

Tech Talks Daily

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3260: How Icertis is Transforming Contracts into AI-Powered Business Assets 31:16

1 day ago31:16

31:16

What if contracts could do more than sit in a drawer gathering dust? In today's episode, I sit down with Monish Darda, CTO and Co-founder of Icertis, to explore how AI is transforming contracts into powerful, active business assets. Monish shares how Icertis has evolved from early machine learning models to leveraging large language models like GPT to extract information and true intent from contracts. This breakthrough allows organizations to optimize business relationships, enforce commitments such as sustainability goals, and significantly reduce revenue leakage, often reclaiming up to 9% of contract value. During our conversation, Monish explains how contracts become first-class enterprise objects actively participating in workflows, shaping how commerce operates at scale. We dive into real-world examples, including how a global pharmaceutical company saves over $70 million annually by optimizing supplier pricing across multiple countries and languages. Monish also highlights Humana's success in cutting operating expenses by over $125 million by embedding contract intelligence into core processes. We also unpack the importance of data quality in building trustworthy AI systems. Monish looks at how Icertis ensures clean, actionable contract data through a standard data model, human-in-the-loop verification, and hundreds of thousands of built-in validation rules. As the world rapidly embraces AI, he shares his vision for a future where AI agents are constrained by the "rules of business" defined within contracts, ensuring responsible and reliable decision-making. Monish rounds off our discussion with an inspiring nod to Isaac Asimov and the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of technology's future. If you ever thought contracts were just static documents, this conversation will change how you see them and reveal how AI is reshaping the foundations of enterprise operations. How is your organization preparing for a future where contracts guide and drive business outcomes?…

Tech Talks Daily

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3259: The Evolution of Stack Overflow in a World Shaped by AI 26:31

3 days ago26:31

26:31

In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Prashanth Chandrasekar, CEO of Stack Overflow, to explore how the rise of AI is reshaping the future of software development and the evolving role of community-driven platforms. Prashanth offers a grounded view of what is happening behind the headlines as the tech world moves into the third year of widespread AI adoption. We begin by unpacking how AI is already transforming the way developers work, automating routine coding tasks, while still falling short when it comes to complexity and trustworthiness. Prashanth explains why Stack Overflow is positioning itself as a community and a vital "Knowledge as a Service" platform, integrating with AI tools to maintain trusted knowledge in an age where data quality and source attribution have never been more important. Our conversation also delves into the growing concern of "LLM brain drain" and the broader data crisis facing AI innovation. Prashanth highlights the importance of human-generated content, even as synthetic data technologies advance. He shares why Stack Overflow's continued investment in community-driven knowledge, responsible AI use, and strategic partnerships with major AI players is critical to maintaining a healthy ecosystem for developers and enterprises. We also look ahead to Stack Overflow's strategic priorities, including expanding content types, integrating AI into both the public platform and Stack Overflow for Teams, and moving toward a seamless user experience across the tools developers already use every day. How can businesses balance automation with human insight in their AI strategies? Why is data scarcity a looming issue for AI development? And how is Stack Overflow preparing to lead community and enterprise solutions into the next era of innovation? Let's find out.…

Tech Talks Daily

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3258: The Pragmatic Approach to Legacy Systems with Quesma 23:44

3 days ago23:44

23:44

How do businesses untangle years of legacy technology without risking everything they have built? Today on Tech Talks Daily, I sat down with Jacek Migdał, founder and CEO of Quesma, to explore this question and discover how his company offers a fresh and pragmatic approach to database migration and optimization. Jacek shared the story behind Quesma's creation, shaped by his early exposure to databases through his father's work and his own experiences in Silicon Valley. Through extensive research, he identified a widespread frustration among businesses trying to modernize their legacy systems, often facing high costs, licensing nightmares, and failed migrations. Rather than tearing everything down and starting from scratch, Quesma offers a database gateway that acts as a middle layer, allowing gradual migrations with far less risk. I learn more about how this technology enables companies to test new systems alongside their old ones, helping to avoid the costly mistakes that have historically derailed so many modernization projects. We discussed how Quesma is addressing complex challenges across industries like telecom and travel. Their solution is already providing companies with ten times faster performance while significantly lowering operational costs, all without forcing disruptive system changes. Jacek also gave a sneak peek into two exciting new products launching soon. SQL extensions with pipe syntax will enrich data directly inside databases, while a feature called "smart charts" will offer AI-powered visualizations for faster, clearer insights. What makes Quesma truly stand out is its unapologetically pragmatic approach. Rather than assuming a clean, cloud-native environment, Quesma embraces most businesses' messy realities. Their clever use of AI enhances migration processes without relying solely on black box systems, striking a unique balance between speed, reliability, and cost efficiency. As we look toward the future, Jacek shared how Quesma is pushing forward with open-source initiatives, observability pipelines, and forming consortiums with major players in the tech industry. With upcoming appearances at major conferences in the United States and Europe, it is clear that Quesma is carving a new path for database modernization. How could a smarter approach to data migrations change how your organization adapts and grows in a data-driven world?…

Tech Talks Daily

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3257: Gregory Shepard Reveals the Seven Stages of Startup Success 28:40

4 days ago28:40

28:40

When building a successful startup, the difference between thriving and failing often lies in understanding the journey itself. Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Gregory Shepard, the entrepreneur behind "The Startup Lifecycle" and the founder of the Startup Science platform. Gregory's research-driven insights offer a clear and practical roadmap that challenges the myths that have surrounded startup culture for decades. In our conversation, Gregory shared how his five-year research project revealed why so many startups fail and what can be done to reverse that trend. With data showing that 47.1 percent of startups fail within the first 18 months, Gregory highlights the critical importance of getting the earliest decisions right. Overvaluation, misunderstanding capital needs, premature scaling, and neglecting to consider an exit strategy from the start are some common missteps he passionately helps founders avoid. Gregory also discussed the seven stages of the startup lifecycle he created, paying particular attention to the often overlooked stages of standardization and optimization. Rather than rushing from product development to rapid growth, he emphasizes the need to stabilize and streamline operations first to ensure that scaling brings real profitability, not just top-line growth. This mindset shift alone could dramatically alter the success rate of new businesses. Beyond the book, Gregory has built the Startup Science platform, a comprehensive ecosystem designed to give founders access to mentors, investors, grants, classes, and curated resources all in one place. It is not just about reading a book or attending a workshop. It is about systematically embedding success principles into every aspect of the entrepreneurial journey. We also talked about the current startup climate and why economic downturns often lead to a surge in entrepreneurial activity. Gregory's advice is simple yet powerful: bunker down, stay focused, and view this period as an opportunity rather than a barrier. Investors still back good companies even when the broader environment feels uncertain. Throughout our conversation, Gregory's passion for supporting marginalized entrepreneurs and his commitment to the social and environmental impact of startups shone through. His belief that entrepreneurship is a true driver of global progress resonated deeply with me. Every aspiring founder can learn from their structured approach to resilience and success. For those curious about the real factors behind startup success, I highly recommend checking out "The Startup Lifecycle" and exploring the resources available at GregoryShepard.com and StartupScience.io. If you are serious about your entrepreneurial dreams, this is one conversation you cannot afford to miss.…

Tech Talks Daily

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3256: How SportAI is Redefining Coaching with Computer Vision and AI 23:35

5 days ago23:35

23:35

How can computer vision and AI reshape the future of coaching, player development, and fan engagement in sports? In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Lauren Pedersen, CEO and co-founder of SportAI, to explore how AI brings advanced sports analysis to athletes and coaches everywhere, not just to elite professionals. Lauren shares the inspiring journey that led her from New Zealand to Norway and from NCAA Division 1 tennis player to tech entrepreneur. SportAI is leading a movement to democratize access to professional-grade coaching tools, offering real-time tactical and technical analysis in racket sports like tennis, paddle, and pickleball. Using computer vision to track body movement and ball contact points from video alone without the need for wearables, SportAI delivers data-backed insights directly to coaches and players through integrations with camera-enabled courts and coaching platforms. We also dive into how SportAI's technology serves sports organizations, academies, equipment brands, and broadcasters, providing valuable performance data and creating new revenue streams for local clubs. Lauren talks about the balance between AI and human coaching, how AI enhances but never replaces the coach's role, and why social engagement and player empowerment are at the heart of this sports technology evolution. Lauren's vision stretches beyond racket sports, hinting at future expansions into golf, basketball, and baseball, wherever repetitive motion training can benefit from biomechanical analysis. As the sports world embraces AI and camera technology at scale, what does this mean for the future of training, competition, and how athletes of all levels experience the game? Tune in to learn how SportAI makes advanced sports insights accessible to all and what lies ahead for this exciting intersection of sports and technology.…

Tech Talks Daily

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3255: TriliTech, Tezos, and the Evolution of Cultural Expression 39:02

6 days ago39:02

39:02

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily , I'm joined by Sunil Singhvi, Head of Arts & Culture at TriliTech, the London-based blockchain hub helping shape the future of digital experiences through the Tezos ecosystem. Sunil brings a rare blend of deep tech, culture, and media expertise, having held senior roles at Twitter, Instagram, and Rarible before joining Trilitech. His mission? To explore how blockchain isn't just about tokens and ledgers but about real human connection, particularly between creators, brands, and their communities. What stood out in our conversation is how Sunil views blockchain as a vehicle for restoring creative autonomy and rebuilding trust in the creator-fan relationship. Through compelling examples like Manchester United's Fantasy United game and McLaren's collectible-driven fandom, we explore how Tezos enables ownership, co-creation, and authentic engagement that outpaces traditional social platforms and algorithms. We unpack the evolution of NFTs, moving beyond the speculative bubble of the past into more grounded use cases that offer tangible benefits. From supporting emerging artists through royalty-respecting marketplaces like objkt.com to enabling fans to co-create digital artwork through platforms such as editart.xyz, the conversation highlights a meaningful shift in how digital creativity is produced and experienced. Sunil paints a future where fans become collaborators and artists regain long-lost visibility into who their supporters truly are. We also reflect on the power of community, where smaller and more engaged groups increasingly matter more than vast but disengaged audiences. And perhaps most importantly, we explore what happens when creative expression is no longer dictated by opaque systems but driven by transparent, decentralized tools. Could blockchain finally deliver on the promise of a fairer and more inclusive creative economy? And if so, how can artists, brands, and everyday users participate in this movement without repeating the missteps of earlier digital revolutions? Let us know your thoughts. Could Web3 be the reset button creative industries have been waiting for?…

Tech Talks Daily

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3254: Inside the Accenture Tech Vision 2025 Report and and the Future of AI-Driven Business 26:35

7 days ago26:35

26:35

In today's episode, I sat down with Mary Hamilton, Global Lead for Accenture's Connected Innovation Centers, to explore how the landscape of artificial intelligence is shifting. As we mark the 25th anniversary of Accenture's Technology Vision report, this year's insights reveal a profound transition into an era of AI-powered autonomy—reshaping how enterprises operate and how people and technology work together. Mary took us inside the key findings from the Tech Vision 2025 report, which is centered on the growing role of AI as a true partner rather than just a tool. From acting as a co-developer to becoming a brand ambassador and even powering robotics in the physical world, AI is on a fast trajectory toward becoming a foundational layer across every business function. However, Mary made it clear that technology alone isn't enough. Without trust in the systems being built, none of this innovation will land as intended. As she shared, building confidence in AI must be both cognitive and emotional—leaders must ensure that AI systems behave in expected, transparent ways and that people feel confident in their interactions with them. We also discussed how enterprises can harness what Accenture calls "cognitive digital brains" through multi-agent systems that enable intent-driven rather than instruction-led technology. Mary unpacked how these architectures, combined with AI platforms like GenWizard and SynOps are already transforming how companies create, operate, and innovate. We explored how brands can differentiate themselves in an AI-first world, where intelligent systems increasingly mediate customer interactions. She explained that one of the most significant risks is that ever sounds sound the same unless companies inject their values and personality into their AI experiences. We also touched on the rise of general-purpose robots, which have gained specialist capabilities and brought flexibility to logistics and manufacturing. Through examples with companies like KION and Schaeffler, Mary described a future where AI-enhanced robots work alongside humans in more agile, adaptive ways Finally, we tackled the human side of adoption. Mary shared why upskilling employees, giving them time to experiment, and aligning culture with AI goals are vital for lasting impact. Measuring success in this space requires more than cost savings or productivity gains. Ethical compliance, trust-building, and workforce empowerment are also essential signals that businesses are moving in the right direction. So, what does it take to turn AI from a buzzword into a practical driver of reinvention? How can leaders build a digital foundation ready for a future defined by autonomy and intelligence? Tune in to hear how Accenture is answering those questions—and helping the enterprise world do the same.…

Tech Talks Daily

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3253: Rethinking the Future of Work with Zoom’s New CMO 29:07

8 days ago29:07

29:07

What does it mean to be a digitally engaged customer in 2025? That question sits at the heart of my conversation with Kim Storin, Chief Marketing Officer at Zoom. Just two days into her role, Kim brings a fresh perspective shaped by decades of experience and a track record of building and transforming iconic brands. She joins me to discuss the evolution of Zoom, the changing expectations of modern customers, and how the CMO role is being redefined in an era of AI-powered transformation. In this episode, Kim shares how Zoom is expanding far beyond meetings. Most people know Zoom for its video conferencing, but the platform now includes capabilities across events, webinars, contact center, email, scheduling, and employee engagement. Zoom is evolving into a complete communications and collaboration platform, and Kim offers insight into how her team will help shift perception while staying laser-focused on customer outcomes. We explore the shift from performance-heavy marketing to a more balanced approach that re-centers brand, storytelling, and product alignment. Kim emphasizes how the modern customer prefers to research independently, often completing most of their journey before ever engaging with a salesperson. This makes marketing more critical than ever, requiring clear, relevant messaging across every touchpoint. She also highlights the need to improve self-service experiences, especially as more enterprises seek the right balance between automation and human connection. Kim offers thoughtful insights on integrating AI in marketing, not as a replacement, but as a superpower. From content development and competitive analysis to strategic planning, she shares how her teams are already using generative tools to enhance productivity and creativity. This episode is packed with real-world observations on digital transformation, customer engagement, and the changing dynamics of marketing leadership. Whether you're a founder, marketer, or tech leader navigating the future of work, this conversation with Zoom's new CMO will give you ideas to reflect on and strategies to explore. How are you evolving your approach to marketing in a digital-first world?…

Tech Talks Daily

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3252: How Sonata Software Is Shaping the Next Era of Intelligent Business 34:37

9 days ago34:37

34:37

What does it really take to modernize an enterprise in a world of constant disruption, increasing AI capabilities, and evolving customer expectations? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Rajsekhar Datta Roy, Chief Technology Officer at Sonata Software, to explore how modernization engineering and responsible AI adoption are reshaping business transformation strategies. Raj brings decades of experience to the conversation, guiding organizations through the complexities of aligning technology with business value. We begin by unpacking what modernization truly means in today’s environment. Rather than a single event, Raj explains how modernization is a continuous process that blends operational efficiency with agile frameworks and a readiness to adapt to future technologies like AI. My guest shares Sonata Software’s structured approach to modernization, designed to generate efficiency from existing systems and redirect those savings into smarter, faster innovation cycles. We also explore the growing role of generative AI in digital transformation. Raj outlines the importance of moving beyond surface-level applications, advocating for a deeper integration of AI into reimagined business processes. He discusses Sonata’s responsible-first approach to AI, including its governance framework and platform-level deployment strategy that ensures secure and ethical implementation. The result is not only a future-ready enterprise, but one that can deliver measurable value through better customer experiences, faster decision-making, and scalable AI adoption. As we zoom out, Raj highlights key ecosystem shifts, such as the growing importance of cross-industry collaboration and transforming customer expectations in the age of intelligent agents. He also offers advice on how to modernize without disrupting core systems, emphasizing the value of continuous learning, hands-on experimentation, and practical frameworks that reduce time to impact. If your organization is navigating digital transformation or exploring responsible AI deployment, this conversation offers both a strategic lens and real-world examples to help you move forward with clarity. How are you preparing your technology stack and business processes for what comes next? Let’s continue the conversation.…

Tech Talks Daily

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3251: AI Meets Sustainability: Inside Bower’s Global Recycling Mission 26:07

10 days ago26:07

26:07

With over 100 million packages recycled since its launch in 2019, Bower has proven that incentivizing people with real-world rewards can significantly increase recycling rates without building new infrastructure. From barcode scanning to AI-powered image recognition, the Bower app empowers users to recycle all types of packaging and earn rewards simply by dropping items into ordinary recycling bins. It’s simple, scalable, and working across more than 170 countries. Berfin Mert, co-founder and COO of Bower, explains how their latest innovations now detect items without barcodes, such as coffee cups, cigarette butts, and batteries. She shares how AI-driven guidance has led to a 32% improvement in sorting rates, and why location-based data is key to building smarter, more responsive recycling systems. We also discuss the realities of building a circular economy, the growing role of brands like Nestlé and Varta, and why a purely sustainable pitch isn’t always enough to bring companies on board. Berfin’s perspective on bridging environmental goals with business realities makes this conversation stand out. She talks openly about expanding their value proposition to include marketing insights and loyalty tools, making the platform attractive to both eco-conscious users and revenue-driven brands. Toward the end of our chat, Berfin opens up about her own journey, crediting her brother and co-founder as the person who inspired her to take the leap into entrepreneurship. It’s a grounded, honest look at innovation, impact, and the people who help bring both to life. This episode offers a fresh, practical perspective if you’ve ever wondered how small tech-driven actions can influence global sustainability. Could your packaging be worth something more? Let’s find out together.…

Tech Talks Daily

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3250: Couchbase: Overcoming Infrastructure Hurdles in Enterprise AI 33:51

11 days ago33:51

33:51

Here’s the thing: we all heard Sundar Pichai say that the easy wins in AI have faded and that we may see fewer headline‑grabbing releases from the big players over the next year. That comment feels like a red flag for momentum, but I see it as a green light for action. In this episode, I chatted with Rahul Pradhan, VP of Product and Strategy at Couchbase, about how teams can take advantage of this pause to move projects from simple experiments into solid, production‑ready services. I ask why many organizations hesitate to send their data to public AI endpoints. Rahul explains that when you’ve invested years building data platforms, handing over your proprietary information—even in encrypted form—can feel like handing over the keys to your kingdom. He walks us through how running models inside your security perimeter keeps private data safe and brings up model accuracy since you can tailor inputs and scrub out noise before it ever reaches the inference engine. Next, we tackle the question of stability. Companies often assume that the path to a live service is straightforward once a pilot works. Rahul warns that managing GPUs, orchestrating models, and serving them at low latency all require skill sets that live at the crossroads of ML engineering and traditional software development. We round out our conversation by shifting focus from tools to teams. Technology alone cannot carry an AI initiative. We need leaders who set a clear vision, data stewards who govern every data flow, and developers who feel as comfortable writing database queries as they define training pipelines. Rahul offers thoughtful advice on building that culture and shares examples of industries—healthcare, financial services, and retail—where the most far‑reaching uses of AI are taking root. If you’re wondering how to push your proof of concept into a robust service that customers depend on, this episode is for you. I promise you’ll come away with ideas you can apply tomorrow and a fresh view of why a little breathing room in AI releases can become the launch pad for your subsequent big success.…

Tech Talks Daily

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3249: Atlassian: Rovo, ROI, and the Rise of the AI-Powered Workforce 25:15

12 days ago25:15