2888: AI and the Shift to Strategic Decision-Making in Finance

How can smart vending machines change the way we shop for food on the go? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Aslak de Silva, CEO of Selfly Store, to explore how his company is leveraging IoT, AI, and intelligent vending machines to transform the grab-and-go food shopping experience. Selfly Store is at the forefront of innovative retail technology, using real-time data and AI to predict demand, optimize operations, and enhance customer convenience. De Silva shares insights into how these smart vending machines provide merchants with invaluable data on inventory, sales, and customer behavior, allowing for dynamic pricing and predictive planning. This technology not only boosts sales but also enables 24/7 service without additional overhead costs. We'll delve into the concept of "half-mile stores," hyperlocal vending solutions that meet consumers' immediate needs based on real-time data, and discuss the critical role of properly categorizing and cleansing data to extract meaningful insights from AI. De Silva's vision for the future includes more automated, data-driven retail solutions that can adapt to consumer demand and streamline operations. Join us as we uncover the benefits and challenges of integrating AI and IoT into retail, and explore how business leaders can harness these technologies to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape. Aslak de Silva provides a unique perspective on the future of intelligent vending and the transformative potential of data-driven retail solutions. Are you ready to see how smart vending machines are shaping the future of grab-and-go shopping? Tune in to this insightful episode and share your thoughts on the potential of AI and IoT in revolutionizing the retail industry.  

How is artificial intelligence transforming customer experiences across industries? In today's special episode of Tech Talks Daily, we are live at Xperience 2024, where we have the pleasure of speaking with Brett Weigl, Senior Vice President of Product Management for AI at Genesys. Brett shares his insights on the latest AI innovations from Genesys, including their groundbreaking developments in Customer Journey Management. Brett delves into the findings from a recent consumer perception study on AI in customer experience, emphasizing the role of chatbots and AI-powered solutions in enhancing customer interactions. He explains how Genesys is harnessing AI to optimize every touchpoint in the customer journey, ensuring smoother, more personalized experiences. We also explore the newly announced native journey management capabilities for the Genesys Cloud™ platform. Brett highlights how these capabilities provide organizations with deeper insights and control over customer interactions, allowing them to visualize, analyze, and improve customer journeys effectively. This integration not only enhances automation and prediction but also improves conversational intelligence, setting a new standard for AI-driven customer service. Join us as Brett discusses the synergy between Genesys Cloud AI and Journey Management, revealing how these technologies work together to deliver unparalleled customer experiences. We also get a sneak peek into future innovations and what they mean for the industry. Tune in to discover how Genesys is leading the charge in AI-powered experience orchestration and what it means for the future of customer service.

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, we dive into an insightful conversation with Nicole Thomas, VP of Customer Care Center at Coca-Cola Bottlers' Sales and Services Company (CCBSSC). Nicole shares how CCBSSC has extended the capabilities of the platform by utilizing Genesys Dialog Engine Bot Flows to introduce an innovative account finder voicebot. This technology determines the customer’s identity and intent before connecting them to an agent, ensuring inquiries are routed efficiently and eliminating multiple transfers. As a result, the customer care experience has become smoother and more effective. Additionally, Nicole discusses how integrating tools from the Genesys AppFoundry® Marketplace, like Help Lightning, has revolutionized technical support. Through video chat, technicians can now visualize and resolve issues remotely, leading to a 12% improvement in fix rates and significant cost savings by reducing the need for site visits. We explore the impressive outcomes of these technological advancements, including the correct identification and routing of over 80% of calls by voicebots, a $1 million savings in technician site visits, and a 50% TCO reduction. These achievements highlight the profound impact of embracing cloud-based solutions and AI-driven technologies. How does a global brand like Coca-Cola continuously innovate to maintain its market leadership? What lessons can other businesses learn from CCBSSC’s journey with Genesys Cloud? Tune in to discover the strategies behind these successes and how they shape the future of customer care.    

How can businesses harness the power of technology to stand out in a crowded digital landscape? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, we sit down with Conor Egan, VP of Product at ContentStack, to explore the innovative solutions and strategies that are redefining digital customer experiences. Conor brings over 15 years of experience in the industry and has been instrumental in creating solutions that disrupt the CMS market. We begin by discussing ContentStack’s pioneering role in the development of headless CMS and composable digital experience platforms (DXP). Conor explains how these technologies help brands deliver personalized, omnichannel experiences while overcoming the limitations of legacy CMS systems. He shares ContentStack’s vision of making technology an enabler, allowing brands to focus on executing their most innovative ideas. Our conversation moves to the "Experience Edge" framework, a unique approach ContentStack uses to help brands identify their competitive advantage. Whether it’s faster time to market, superior UX, or innovative creativity, Conor emphasizes how even small improvements in customer experience can drive significant business outcomes. As we delve into the evolution of martech, Conor highlights the explosive growth in this space and the challenges that come with integrating diverse platforms and data sources. He advocates for a composable approach, enabling brands to use best-of-breed technologies and adapt as their needs change. Conor also shares insights into ContentStack’s corporate culture and community initiatives, including their support for Girls Who Code and other charitable organizations. He discusses how regular hackathons and community service foster innovation and engagement within the company. Lastly, we explore the broader implications of digital transformation, touching on how every business, regardless of industry, will need to embrace technology to remain competitive in 2024 and beyond. Conor provides a detailed explanation of the differences between composable DXP, headless CMS, and traditional CMS, highlighting the benefits and opportunities each brings. How can your business leverage the experience edge to drive customer loyalty and stand out from competitors? Tune in to this episode and join the conversation by sharing your thoughts on these cutting-edge topics.  

What does the future of warehouse technology look like, and how can it shape the supply chain industry? Join us in this insightful episode of Tech Talks Daily as we sit down with Matt Gregory, Managing Director of Northern Europe for Körber's Supply Chain Software. With over 17 years of experience in the supply chain software industry, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge on how technology is revolutionizing the way we manage warehouses and supply chains. In our conversation, Matt delves into the significance of employee well-being in boosting productivity and retention in warehouse environments. He explains how Körber's solutions prioritize the human factor, ensuring that technology supports rather than replaces the workforce. We explore the latest trends in warehouse technology and Matt shares his predictions for the future, highlighting the pivotal role of automation, AI, and digital twins in creating more efficient and adaptable supply chains. We also tackle the pressing issue of technology's impact on job creation. Contrary to popular belief, Matt argues that technology is not just taking over jobs but also creating new opportunities within the supply chain sector. He provides real-world examples of how AI and automation can enhance decision-making and operational efficiency without fully automating the human touch out of the equation. As we navigate the complexities of supply chain security, Matt sheds light on how AI can be both a boon and a threat. He emphasizes the importance of cautious integration and robust safeguards to protect supply chains from emerging risks. The discussion also touches on the evolution of smart warehouses and the critical factors for successful implementation, from digital twin simulations to the orchestration of diverse technologies. Finally, we look at how businesses can create future-proof retail solutions to meet ever-increasing customer demands. Matt shares insights on leveraging software and automation to streamline high throughput operations and build resilient, customer-centric retail environments. How can businesses leverage AI to improve efficiency and productivity across their supply chains? What does a future-proof retail solution look like in an age of rapid technological advancement? Tune in to find out and join the conversation by sharing your thoughts on these transformative topics.  

How can AI transform the future of clinical decision-making? Today on Tech Talks Daily, we explore this pivotal question with Rhett Alden, CTO at Elsevier Health. Rhett brings deep insights into the integration of AI with clinical knowledge to enhance healthcare delivery. Rhett discusses Elsevier's latest innovation, ClinicalKey AI, poised to revolutionize how clinicians access and utilize medical information. Developed with the sophisticated blend of Elsevier’s vast clinical knowledge assets and advanced AI technologies, ClinicalKey AI is designed to deliver trusted, transparent, and timely support to medical professionals. Rhett highlights how this tool leverages a retrieval-augmented generative architecture to provide accurate responses, greatly reducing the time clinicians spend researching complex cases. Delving deeper, Rhett explains the rigorous validation frameworks that underpin ClinicalKey AI, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the AI responses while addressing potential biases in AI applications. He emphasizes the importance of transparency, with the system designed to allow clinicians to easily trace and verify the sources of information it provides. Localization of content is another key aspect Rhett touches upon. ClinicalKey AI is customized for diverse global healthcare systems, adhering to local protocols and regulations, thereby enhancing its applicability and effectiveness worldwide. Looking ahead, Rhett shares Elsevier’s vision for the future—transitioning from on-demand tools to anticipatory, embedded clinical advisors, with a particular focus on expanding into the fast-evolving field of oncology. Join us as Rhett Alden from Elsevier Health unveils how ClinicalKey AI and generative AI are setting new standards in healthcare technology. After the episode, we invite you to share your thoughts: How do you see AI shaping the future of clinical decision support systems in your environment?

Are enterprises ready to harness the full potential of generative AI in application modernization? In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, we dive deep with Kyle Charlet, IBM Fellow and CTO for IBM Z Software, exploring the transformative impact of AI on hybrid cloud strategies and legacy systems. Kyle provides expert insights into how application modernization is crucial for executing successful hybrid cloud strategies, with generative AI playing a critical role in this evolution. He discusses the benefits of AI in translating outdated code from languages like COBOL to more contemporary languages such as Java, enhancing developer productivity, and ensuring business agility. With IBM’s comprehensive lifecycle approach, Kyle outlines how organizations are not just rewriting, but intelligently enhancing their existing assets for future-proof platforms. We also cover the significant challenges that come with modernization, such as understanding complex, monolithic legacy applications developed over decades. Kyle explains how generative AI serves as a tool to demystify these systems, assisting in generating test cases, synthetic data, and highlighting potential security vulnerabilities that need addressing from the outset. The conversation shifts to the impact on IT roles and skills, emphasizing the increasing importance of testing, security, and integration competencies. Kyle points out that developers will need to adapt rapidly to interpret AI-generated code and focus more on application architecture and less on building from scratch. Looking ahead, Kyle speaks on the expectations for faster innovation cycles and more interconnected systems across hybrid environments. He stresses the need for Ops teams to prepare for managing this complexity and the optimization of DevSecOps pipelines to stay competitive. Join us as we explore how generative AI is reshaping the landscape of application modernization and what this means for the future of enterprise IT. After the episode, we invite you to share your thoughts: How do you see generative AI influencing your industry’s approach to modernization and hybrid cloud strategies?

Are we witnessing a tech evolution or merely chasing the latest shiny object? Today on Tech Talks Daily, we're thrilled to welcome Evan Goldberg, EVP and Founder of Oracle NetSuite, as we explore the journey and future of cloud computing and AI integration within business software. We’re broadcasting from SuiteConnect in London, where Evan shares his excitement about connecting with industry professionals beyond the digital realm. Evan recounts the inception of NetSuite 25 years ago, following a pivotal five-minute conversation with Oracle's Larry Ellison. This story not only marks the birth of the world's first cloud software company but also encapsulates a moment that defined an era of internet and business software revolution. As we discuss the flashy allure of AI in today’s tech landscape, Evan draws parallels to early challenges at NetSuite, emphasizing the importance of not getting sidetracked by allure without substance. With Oracle recently unveiling plans to infuse AI across NetSuite, Evan explains how "Text Enhance" and broader AI applications are set to transform user experiences and operational efficiency, aligning with the core needs of CEOs across industries. Addressing the economic uncertainties of our time, Evan reflects on lessons from the dot-com bubble and the resilience shown during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering sage advice for navigating recessional periods. He also touches on learning from setbacks, underscoring how past failures pave the way for future successes. In a world increasingly driven by ESG goals and social consciousness, Evan discusses how businesses can achieve success while genuinely contributing to societal good—an ethos deeply ingrained in NetSuite’s operations. Looking ahead, Evan reveals the tech trends that energize him each morning and previews what’s on the horizon for NetSuite's customers. Lastly, for those feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace of technological change, Evan shares his strategies for continuous learning and keeping abreast of industry evolution. Join us for this enlightening discussion and share your thoughts: How do you stay current and balanced in the face of incessant tech advancements?

Are software and platform companies poised to conquer the next wave of innovation, or are internal obstacles derailing their trajectory? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, we sit down with Kevan Yalowitz, the global lead for Software & Platforms at Accenture, who brings over 15 years of experience at the nexus of business and technology. Kevan unpacks the rapid evolution within the software and platforms industry, which has dramatically reshaped our daily interactions from shopping to socializing. Despite the industry's drive towards constant hypergrowth, there lurks a series of internal challenges—organizational siloes, complex processes, and unfocused engineering talent—that could stall future advancements. In our conversation, Kevan outlines a strategic roadmap designed for these companies to navigate through these hurdles. He highlights four critical pillars: leveraging generative AI for new growth opportunities, crafting compelling user experiences, enhancing employee engagement, and unlocking internal value. Each component plays a pivotal role in not only overcoming existing challenges but also in solidifying a foundation for sustained innovation. As we explore these themes, we ponder a crucial question: How can software and platform companies recalibrate their strategies to thrive amidst these evolving challenges? Join us as we delve into this topic, and after listening, we invite you to share your views on whether your favorite tech brands are truly ready for the next chapter of growth.  

Has the longstanding belief in Apple's invulnerability to cyber threats finally been shattered? In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, we're joined by Jaron Bradley, Director of Threat Labs at Jamf, to dissect this evolving narrative. As Apple devices have become commonplace in professional environments, they've also become hot targets for sophisticated cyber threats, including trojans, ransomware, and Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). Jaron will unpack the seismic shift in the threat landscape for Apple's ecosystem, highlighting the transition from nuisance adware to more menacing malware varieties that now plague Mac environments. We’ll explore why the myth of Apple's security invincibility is dissipating and discuss the strategic importance of acknowledging and addressing these vulnerabilities within organizational cyber frameworks. Moreover, Jaron will shed light on the dire state of cyber hygiene, particularly on mobile devices, and provide actionable insights on how organizations can bolster their defenses against this new wave of threats. With Jamf's cutting-edge solutions at the forefront, we'll delve into practical measures for enhancing security protocols and ensuring robust protection for Apple devices. As we navigate through these complex challenges, one question remains: Are we doing enough to adapt our security strategies to keep pace with these sophisticated threats? After listening, share your thoughts on how prepared you think organizations really are to tackle this new era of Apple vulnerabilities.