3036: Xero - The Future of Small Business Accounting: AI, JAX, and Mobile Innovation

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I have a conversation with Jay Vijayan, the founder and CEO of Tekion, to explore how his company is transforming the automotive retail industry through its cloud-native platform. Jay, who has an extensive background in technology and served as CIO at Tesla, shares his insights into how Tekion is unifying the automotive retail ecosystem by integrating everything from inventory management to customer service on a single platform. Jay discusses the impact of Tekion's platform on customer experiences, highlighting how it enables seamless digital and hybrid transactions, enhances transparency, and significantly improves efficiency for dealerships. We also dive into the role of AI within Tekion’s platform, where automated personalized responses are driving time savings and increasing conversion rates. Additionally, Jay explains how Tekion is helping dealerships and consumers transition to electric vehicles and the crucial role of cybersecurity in protecting connected automotive systems. This episode is packed with insights into the future of automotive retail and the technology driving this transformation.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Shauna Higgins and Tristan McCallum from IDA Ireland about the country’s ambitious offshore wind energy goals and its growing green economy initiatives. Ireland is quickly positioning itself as a leader in renewable energy, with a target of achieving 5GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, and scaling up to 20GW by 2040. With an eye toward creating 37GW by 2050, Ireland is on a clear path to not only meet its own energy needs but to generate surplus capacity, opening up exciting investment opportunities and fostering innovation in sectors like energy storage, AI, and digital technologies. Shauna and Tristan walk us through the current state of Ireland’s offshore wind ecosystem, which is driven by strategic policy frameworks like the Future Framework and the €5 billion grid infrastructure plan known as Shaping Our Electricity Future. These initiatives are laying the groundwork for Ireland’s sustainable development, attracting international players and fostering a strong business environment for renewable energy companies. With over 300 wind farms already generating 4.8GW of power, Ireland ranks third globally for installed wind power per capita, and the momentum is growing as the country hosts its first offshore wind auction, granting 3GW of projects. We also discuss how IDA Ireland is helping companies embrace the twin transition of digital and green technologies, supporting industries that are eager to tap into Ireland’s emerging renewable energy surplus. From energy storage innovations to the growing potential of hydrogen for industrial use, Ireland’s offshore wind strategy is opening doors for tech-driven advancements in sectors such as AI, quantum computing, and semiconductor manufacturing. Shauna and Tristan provide insights into how Ireland is leveraging its natural resources, talent pool, and pro-business policies to create a robust ecosystem for offshore wind energy. With top-tier training centers like the National Maritime College and a highly skilled workforce, Ireland is not just building a sustainable future but leading the way for other countries to follow. Tune in to discover how Ireland’s offshore wind initiatives are driving new opportunities for businesses and helping to shape the future of renewable energy. Could Ireland’s investment in offshore wind become a global model for sustainable growth? Shauna and Tristan share their thoughts on the exciting potential ahead.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I explore how AI is transforming the way small businesses operate with Akankshu Dhawan, SVP of Small Business & Growth at Xero. With a growing focus on productivity in the wake of a significant decline for small businesses, Akankshu shares how Xero is reimagining accounting through the integration of AI and mobile technologies.  Xero’s latest innovation, Just Ask Xero (JAX), is an AI-powered business companion that helps small businesses manage finances and make smarter decisions on the go. Whether it’s generating invoices, predicting cash flow, or providing real-time business insights, JAX is designed to offer proactive support across commonly used platforms like WhatsApp, email, and SMS. We discuss how small business productivity in the UK has dropped by 7% in the past year, leaving many owners struggling to keep up. Akankshu explains how AI can be the game changer for these businesses, automating repetitive tasks like bank reconciliation and invoicing, while also delivering critical insights to help owners focus on what they do best. As Xero continues to integrate AI into its platform, the combination of mobile tech and generative AI is making accounting more accessible, allowing business owners to take control of their finances from anywhere. Akankshu highlights the practical ways in which AI is reshaping the future of small business management. He explains how tools like JAX provide not just faster processes but also deeper insights, helping businesses make informed decisions. The enhanced Xero mobile app is a key part of this strategy, offering new features like predictive cash flow forecasting, mobile bank reconciliation, and the ability to manage invoices on the go. This episode offers valuable insights into how Xero is bridging the gap between small businesses and the promise of AI-driven productivity. Could tools like JAX finally bring AI’s benefits to small businesses? Tune in to hear Akankshu’s thoughts on the future of financial management and how AI is helping small businesses thrive.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Liya Spiegel, Senior Director of Product at WalkMe, about how their latest launch, WalkMeX, is transforming the future of business productivity. While the market is flooded with AI assistants and tools, many are falling short of their promise to enhance productivity. Liya offers a fresh perspective on how WalkMe is creating a new category of AI that not only meets employees where they are but also delivers real, tangible benefits by working seamlessly across any application. WalkMeX, the first AI copilot with the context to guide users through any workflow, is changing how businesses and employees interact with AI. Rather than adding to the noise of countless apps, WalkMeX integrates into existing workflows, providing proactive and contextual advice that helps users focus on their work, not on managing technology. Liya shares insights into how WalkMeX flies side by side with users, allowing organizations of all sizes to deploy AI to boost productivity in a meaningful way. We also explore the challenges businesses face as AI tools flood the market. Many employees are expected to adapt quickly to new copilots without fully understanding their purpose or benefits, leaving them overwhelmed. A recent survey of 1,000 office workers revealed that over half use AI at work, yet almost half see no improvement in their productivity. Liya explains why so many AI tools fail and how WalkMe’s approach is different, offering a unified experience that removes the friction from adopting new technology. Liya discusses the broader implications of AI for the future of work, including how WalkMe’s advancements will help organizations use AI safely and effectively. With WalkMeX, businesses are finally able to unlock the true potential of AI, enabling employees to focus on what truly matters.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Eric Miquelon, President of Avanade’s North American business, about how AI is transforming the workplace, particularly in the areas of mental well-being, work-life balance, and leadership fatigue. As AI continues to reshape industries, its role in supporting employee wellness and enhancing productivity is becoming more critical. Eric shares insights into how AI tools are being used to monitor and improve mental health in the workplace, offering innovative support as organizations navigate the challenges of modern work environments. We explore how AI is streamlining tasks, enabling employees to focus on more meaningful work while reducing the pressure of constant productivity demands. Eric provides examples of how AI tools, like M365 Copilot, are freeing up time by automating routine tasks, which helps improve work-life balance—especially in remote and hybrid work models. The discussion highlights how these tools are helping not only individual contributors but also new workforce entrants, equipping them with the knowledge and support to be more productive from day one. Eric also tackles the issue of leadership burnout, explaining how AI assists leaders in managing their responsibilities more efficiently. By automating routine activities such as email summarization or presentation creation, AI allows leaders to focus on higher-impact tasks that align with their strengths, helping to prevent burnout and maintain team morale. This approach fosters smarter work allocation, ensuring that global teams can operate effectively across time zones while maintaining a human-centric approach to leadership. We also discuss Avanade's strategic partnerships with Microsoft and Accenture, giving them early access to AI innovations that enable them to lead the market in advising clients on AI strategies. Eric emphasizes the importance of balancing AI-driven efficiency with a focus on employee well-being and the need for careful governance, training, and change management as AI continues to evolve.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I have a conversation with Cleber Martins, Head of Payments Intelligence & Risk Solutions at ACI Worldwide, about the increasing challenges of fraud prevention as real-time payments become more widespread. With payments now happening instantly, the window for detecting fraud is shrinking, and financial institutions need new methods to stay ahead. Cleber explains how fraudsters are using advanced AI techniques to exploit these fast transactions, employing everything from voice mimicry to sophisticated social engineering attacks that trick consumers into initiating transactions. Cleber also highlights how financial institutions are using AI to fight back. From tracking behavioral biometrics to analyzing patterns in real time, banks are employing cutting-edge AI tools to detect fraud at the very moment it occurs. However, this shift isn't without its challenges. Cleber discusses the difficulties financial institutions face, such as the high costs of implementing AI systems and the need for domain-specific expertise to ensure the technology is applied effectively. We explore how AI is becoming a crucial tool for not only fraud prevention but also improving the services and products banks offer. By sharing AI-generated insights between institutions, Cleber believes real-time payments could become one of the safest payment methods available. He also touches on how AI will transform the workforce, enhancing human skills rather than replacing them, and encouraging a focus on solving business problems rather than mastering specific technologies.  

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I explore the fascinating journey of Yehor Dremliuha, a software engineer from Ukraine who made the move to the UK just two years ago. Yehor shares his story of navigating the UK tech scene, comparing it with his experience in Ukraine and offering insights into how each country approaches technology. We delve into his startup, Swetrix, a privacy-first, open-source web analytics platform that tackles the challenges many face with Google Analytics, such as data privacy and user tracking. Yehor explains how Swetrix stands apart with its cookie-free, GDPR-compliant approach, giving businesses an alternative that fosters transparency. He also discusses the transformative role of AI in software development, detailing how it powers Swetrix’s ability to predict website traffic and helps streamline other aspects of development. While some in the industry remain skeptical of AI's potential, Yehor believes it has the power to drive the next wave of innovation, citing personal experiences where AI tools have drastically reduced time spent on complex tasks. The conversation also covers open-source development, where Yehor highlights the importance of community collaboration and building trust through transparency. Additionally, he offers a glimpse into the trends shaping backend development, from serverless architecture and microservices to Kubernetes and the rising importance of AI and prompt engineering skills. This episode is packed with valuable insights into the tech industry, the power of open-source software, and Yehor’s inspiring personal journey from Ukraine to launching a successful startup in the UK. How is AI impacting the future of software development? Tune in to hear Yehor’s perspective on what lies ahead.

In this episode of The Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I sit down with Christopher Meredith, Senior VP of Business Development at Xsolla for EMEA, to explore the latest trends and developments shaping the video game industry. Xsolla, a global leader in video game commerce, plays a vital role in helping developers and publishers fund, market, and monetize their games worldwide. With Chris's extensive background, including roles at Sony PlayStation and Warner Bros, he shares his valuable insights on how the gaming landscape is evolving and how Xsolla is supporting the entire lifecycle of game development. We begin by discussing Xsolla’s unique approach to supporting developers, from securing funding and monetization strategies to providing ongoing assistance through product suites and integration roadmaps. Chris explains how Xsolla sponsors industry events and conferences to connect developers with investors and offers expertise in navigating the complex world of game publishing. As the gaming industry becomes more diverse and dynamic, Xsolla adapts to meet the evolving needs of developers, helping them maximize revenue and grow their businesses. A key focus of our conversation is the impact of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) on game developers and publishers. Chris highlights how the DMA is set to level the playing field by increasing transparency, reducing gatekeeping, and allowing smaller developers more direct access to consumers. He discusses how this regulation could lead to lower commission rates, greater interoperability between platforms, and improved search and discovery algorithms that benefit indie developers. Chris also touches on the DMA’s potential to reduce platform lock-in effects through data portability provisions, empowering developers to have more control over their products. We also explore the trends Chris has observed at recent industry events like Gamescom and Devcom. Mobile gaming continues to surge, supported by the rise in cashless transactions and digital wallets. Indie game development is capturing an ever-growing share of the market, thanks to innovations in cloud gaming and influencer marketing. Chris shares insights into how the industry is evolving and what Xsolla is doing to help developers and publishers adapt to these changes, including expanding their presence in key territories and developing new tools to meet the bespoke needs of their partners.

In this episode of The Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I sit down with Andrei Danescu, CEO and Co-founder of Dexory, to explore how AI and robotics are revolutionizing the world of supply chains and warehouse logistics. With global supply chains facing unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic and ongoing geopolitical tensions, companies like Dexory are at the forefront of transforming the industry by enhancing efficiency, resilience, and adaptability. Andrei walks us through Dexory’s cutting-edge solutions, starting with their 12-meter-tall autonomous robot, designed to dramatically improve warehouse efficiency. Equipped with cameras and 3D depth perception sensors, this robot can scan over 10,000 pallets per hour, covering large warehouse spaces in less than a day.  By providing real-time visibility and eliminating the gaps in warehouse operations, Dexory’s technology helps businesses save valuable time and improve overall productivity. Andrei also introduces Dexory’s digital twin platform, which creates a virtual model of warehouse environments, giving operators instant access to critical data for optimizing storage and operations. Our conversation touches on the broader impact of the pandemic on logistics and how it accelerated technological adoption in the supply chain industry. As companies were forced to move operations online, the need for more resilient and efficient systems became clear. Andrei explains how AI and robotics have become essential tools for navigating this new landscape, offering actionable insights and streamlining processes that used to require significant human intervention. Looking ahead, Andrei shares his vision for the future of supply chains, where AI plays a practical role in day-to-day operations, uncovering hidden efficiencies and enhancing human capabilities. He emphasizes the importance of symbiosis between humans and technology, with AI and robotics augmenting human decision-making to create smarter, faster, and more efficient operations. Finally, we delve into Dexory’s rapid growth, from its launch in 2022 to its expansion across the UK, Europe, the US, and the Middle East within just 18 months. Andrei shares some of the key milestones that have shaped Dexory’s journey, including the company’s continuous innovation in robotics and AI, and the challenges they face as they strive to meet the ever-evolving needs of their customers.

In this episode of The Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I speak with Michael Tyler from Fortra to uncover the details behind a phishing campaign that exploited USign’s e-signature platform. Fortra recently discovered how cybercriminals leveraged USign’s trusted domain to bypass email security gateways, highlighting the growing challenges related to the "living off trusted services" (LOTS) tactic used by attackers. This phishing campaign exposed vulnerabilities within platforms often regarded as safe by email filters, demonstrating how easily attackers can exploit trusted services. Cybercriminals disguised fake USign documents as HR notifications, tricking victims into entering passwords instead of signatures. By using USign’s strong sender reputation, these malicious emails were able to bypass traditional email security measures, making them harder to detect. The attack even showed signs of being generated with AI language models, adding another layer of sophistication. We dive deeper into the LOTS tactic, where attackers take advantage of legitimate services—such as e-signature platforms, file hosting sites, and social media platforms—to execute their malicious activities. This strategy not only reduces the setup effort for attackers but also enables them to hide behind the reputation of trusted service providers, making it increasingly difficult for security systems to flag these threats. Michael discusses the broader implications for cybersecurity and the need for multi-layered defenses. Organizations must not only invest in user education to help employees recognize phishing attempts but also implement deeper email inspection and rapid response capabilities to quickly mitigate risks. For service providers like USign, enhancing security protocols, such as limiting bulk registrations and monitoring for abnormal activity, is crucial in preventing future exploitation. The conversation also explores how Fortra is working with organizations to bolster their defenses against such attacks. Michael shares practical recommendations, from improving detection of social engineering attempts to collaborating with trusted service providers to combat platform abuse. As the world of cybersecurity continues to evolve, this episode provides valuable insights into staying one step ahead of increasingly sophisticated phishing tactics.