3208: How Zynga Is Redefining Mobile Gaming for Brands and Advertisers

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Cerisse Velasco, Director of Midwest and Retail Media Brand Partnerships at Zynga, to explore how mobile gaming is reshaping digital advertising and brand engagement. While gaming has long been associated with teenage boys in basements, the reality is quite different—Zynga's audience is predominantly Millennial and Gen X women, a demographic that’s often overlooked in marketing strategies. With mobile games like Words with Friends, Game of Thrones: Legends, and Match Factory, Zynga has built a massive entertainment platform where brands can authentically connect with engaged consumers. We discuss how mobile gaming offers a "leaned-in" advertising experience, with players actively engaging rather than passively scrolling. From rewarded video and interactive formats to in-game integrations, Zynga is pioneering innovative ad strategies that feel natural within the gameplay, rather than interrupting it. A recent partnership with The Real Housewives is a perfect example of how brands are rethinking their approach to mobile gaming, tapping into a highly influential and purchase-driven audience. Beyond traditional advertising, we also explore the future of gamified brand experiences, AI-powered personalization, and retail media integrations within gaming. As mobile gaming continues to dominate screen time, brands that embrace these new engagement models will have a significant edge in the evolving digital marketing landscape. How can brands create authentic connections with audiences in gaming environments? And what does the future hold for advertising in mobile entertainment? Tune in to hear Cerisse Velasco's insights on the changing face of digital engagement.

AI is transforming businesses' operations, but are executives ready to lead this revolution? In this episode, I sit down with Greg Shove, CEO of Section, to discuss the most significant mistakes leaders make when adopting AI and why many companies are falling behind despite all the hype. Greg, a seasoned entrepreneur and AI strategist, shares why leaders must go beyond buzzwords and get hands-on with AI to drive real impact. He explains how organizations can build a scrappy but effective AI strategy, why CFOs increasingly embrace AI-driven efficiency, and what that means for future jobs. We also discuss how AI reshapes everyday decision-making, from the workplace to personal productivity. Beyond the corporate world, Greg highlights a more significant concern—Big Tech's control over AI. Drawing from past experiences in Silicon Valley, he warns that AI might follow the same playbook as social media and cloud computing: get everyone hooked, then raise the price. If AI becomes indispensable, are businesses at risk of outsourcing too much cognition to just a few dominant players? From AI's impact on job security to how leaders can create an AI-powered workforce, this conversation challenges conventional thinking on AI adoption. Whether you're an executive looking to integrate AI into your strategy or an employee navigating the shift, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay ahead. Is AI genuinely democratizing knowledge, or are we just making ourselves more dependent on a handful of companies? And how can leaders ensure they're leveraging AI as a strategic asset rather than just another tool? Tune in to find out.

The travel industry is at a turning point. While demand for seamless, personalized experiences has never been higher, many airlines, hotels, and travel businesses are still operating on decades-old technology that hinders innovation. In this episode, I sit down with Somit Goyal, CEO of IBS Software, to explore how the industry can break free from legacy systems and embrace a digital-first future. With a background that includes over a decade at Microsoft and now leading one of the biggest travel tech firms, Somit shares his perspective on why true transformation requires more than just new software—it demands a shift in mindset. Too often, businesses treat modernization as an IT project rather than a full-scale business transformation. He explains why travel companies need strategic partners, not just vendors, to guide them through complex transitions, help them make tough choices, and build future-ready technology solutions. We discuss how airlines and hospitality brands can rethink their operations, from passenger experiences to loyalty programs, and how AI and data-driven personalization are shaping the future of travel. Somit also highlights why listening—rather than talking—is one of the most powerful tools leaders can use when engaging with customers and making key business decisions. With IBS Software at the forefront of digital transformation in travel, this conversation sheds light on what’s next for the industry and how companies can stay competitive in an era of rapid technological change. How can travel brands overcome legacy tech obstacles? What role will AI play in the evolution of airline retailing and hotel management? And why is a strategic, long-term approach essential for success? Tune in to find out.

In today’s hyper-connected world, the explosion of IoT devices is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape—but are businesses keeping up? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Paul Savill, Global Practice Leader of Networking and Edge Compute at Kyndryl, to explore why traditional IT security strategies are no longer enough. With IoT-related cyberattacks rising at double-digit rates year over year and the global number of IoT devices projected to reach 25.4 billion by 2030, enterprises face mounting challenges in securing their networks. Paul shares insights into the biggest threats organizations are grappling with, including the growing risks of social engineering attacks, outdated infrastructure, and the widening gap between IT and OT security. With 44% of enterprise technology now considered “out of life” and unsupported by vendors, businesses are unknowingly leaving themselves vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. We also discuss Kyndryl’s cybersecurity training program, which has driven a fourfold increase in employee-reported phishing incidents—a testament to the importance of ongoing education in strengthening enterprise security. Paul highlights the crucial role of Zero Trust and SASE architectures in modern network defense, using Kyndryl’s own post-IBM spin-off transformation as a case study for successfully shifting to a cloud-first, AI-driven security approach. How can organizations modernize their infrastructure to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats? What steps should enterprises take to integrate IT and OT security more effectively? And how can AI-powered security tools help businesses navigate this rapidly changing landscape? Tune in to hear Paul’s expert take on building a resilient, future-ready cybersecurity strategy.

How can women in tech overcome imposter syndrome, build confidence, and support the next generation of leaders? In this special International Women’s Day episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Stacey Fournier-Thibodaux, President of Cask NX, to discuss the challenges and opportunities women face in the technology and consulting industries. With over 20 years of experience in professional services, global IT service delivery, and leadership at the largest pure-play ServiceNow partner, Stacey shares her personal journey from self-doubt to executive leadership. She offers practical insights into how women can navigate imposter syndrome, shift their mindset, and cultivate resilience in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. We also explore the role of mentorship, representation, and psychological safety in creating inclusive workplaces. Stacey shares real stories of women she has mentored into leadership roles and provides actionable strategies for those looking to take bold career leaps. Whether you're an aspiring leader or looking to empower the next generation, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons on career growth, confidence, and fostering a more supportive tech industry. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, what steps can businesses take to retain and elevate diverse talent? How can leaders create environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued? Tune in to hear Stacey’s insights on building a stronger, more inclusive future in tech.

How are fan relationships reshaping the music industry and beyond? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Nick Holmstén, the visionary behind Spotify Playlists and former Global Head of Music at Spotify, to explore how fandom is becoming the driving force behind brand and artist success. Nick shares his journey from building Tunigo—acquired by Spotify to leading TSX Entertainment in Times Square and now focusing on the future of artist-fan connections. With streaming, social media, and emerging technologies shifting the power dynamic, fans are no longer passive listeners or consumers. They’re shaping culture, promoting artists, and setting new industry trends. We discuss how the rise of independent artists and direct-to-fan platforms is changing music distribution, why brands should rethink their audiences as communities rather than customers, and how blockchain could introduce new transparency and reward systems for engagement. Nick also shares insights from his new book, Fan-Powered Futures, which explores how companies and creators can thrive in this new landscape. With more industries embracing engagement-driven models, what lessons can businesses take from the evolution of the music industry? And how will AI, Web3, and digital innovation further transform entertainment? Tune in to hear Nick’s thoughts on what’s next for artists, brands, and fan-powered economies.

How is open source shaping the future of technology, governance, and AI regulation? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Amanda Brock, CEO of OpenUK, to explore the evolving role of open source in the age of AI, the shifting geopolitical landscape, and the ongoing push for diversity in tech. Since our last conversation, AI has taken center stage, raising urgent questions about transparency, intellectual property, and the future of open innovation. Amanda shares insights on how OpenUK advocates for open technology frameworks, the importance of sustainable funding for open-source projects, and the growing influence of standards in shaping global AI policy. She also discusses the UK's unique position between the EU's regulatory-heavy approach and the US's innovation-driven model—offering a glimpse into how policymakers grapple with the balance between governance and technological progress. With the episode airing on International Women's Day, we also dive into the state of diversity in tech. While open source has historically been a gateway for talent from all backgrounds, Amanda highlights the challenges ahead as many organizations scale back DEI initiatives. She shares how OpenUK fosters inclusivity through events like State of Open Con and why open source remains a critical entry point for aspiring developers worldwide. We also discuss the AI Action Summit and its impact on global AI policy, the rise of open-weight AI models, and why the phrase "tools, not rules" could define the future of AI governance.  Amanda also discusses her work on AI openness at AI for Good in Geneva and sustainability initiatives at COP30 in Brazil. She also shares how businesses and policymakers can contribute to a more open, collaborative future. How can open source drive innovation while ensuring accountability in AI? And what role will the UK play in shaping the global tech landscape? Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion with one of the leading voices in open technology.

How can something as simple as returning a lost item transform customer experience and brand loyalty? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Skyler Logsdon, CEO & Co-founder of Boomerang, to explore how his company is redefining the lost & found process through AI-powered automation. Boomerang isn’t just helping businesses return lost belongings—it’s turning those moments of frustration into powerful customer engagement opportunities. With major brands like Wells Fargo Center, Universal Studios, and top MLB & NFL teams using Boomerang’s platform, lost & found has become more than just an operational challenge—it’s a differentiator in customer experience. Skyler explains how AI-driven matching streamlines the process, reducing the burden on businesses while dramatically increasing the chances of reuniting customers with their valuables. But more than efficiency, it’s about trust. Every successfully returned item creates a meaningful connection between a business and its customers, reinforcing loyalty in a way that no marketing campaign can. We also discuss how Boomerang’s rapid expansion is building a global network of trust. From sports stadiums to theme parks and hotels, businesses are recognizing that lost & found is no longer just a back-office function—it’s a key touchpoint in the customer journey. Looking ahead, Skyler shares how Boomerang plans to scale its impact in 2025 and beyond, with the goal of making lost item recovery seamless across industries worldwide. How can businesses turn small moments of frustration into lasting customer loyalty? And what role does AI play in creating frictionless, trust-building experiences? Tune in to hear how Boomerang is revolutionizing lost & found and changing the game for customer experience.

How can AI drive the next wave of innovation in healthcare while ensuring trust, security, and compliance? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Rajan Kohli, CEO of CitiusTech, to explore how agentic AI is reshaping healthcare. From personalized patient care to streamlining clinical workflows. As AI systems take on more decision-making responsibilities, the challenge is not just about advancing technology but ensuring it operates transparently, ethically, and securely. Rajan shares insights into the biggest trends shaping healthcare technology in 2025, including the resurgence of value-based care, the shift toward on-demand personalized healthcare, and the urgent need to break down data silos for better insights. With agentic AI moving beyond passive data analysis to active decision-making, we discuss how it can improve efficiency, support medical professionals, and transform everything from diagnostics to patient engagement. But with these advancements come critical concerns. How do we ensure that AI-driven decisions are explainable and auditable? How can organizations comply with stringent healthcare regulations like HIPAA and GDPR while leveraging AI to enhance care delivery? Rajan breaks down the key trust-building frameworks needed to make AI adoption both responsible and effective. We also dive into real-world use cases, such as AI-powered virtual agents that support medication adherence, optimize clinical trials, and even assist with claims processing. These applications demonstrate how AI can ease the burden on healthcare providers while improving patient outcomes. However, cybersecurity remains a major challenge, with the healthcare industry increasingly targeted by data breaches and cyber threats. Rajan explains how leaders can strengthen AI security, prevent data manipulation, and implement strong governance models to mitigate risks. As healthcare undergoes a massive digital transformation, what will it take to balance AI innovation with the ethical and regulatory demands of the industry? And how can AI truly enhance—not replace—human expertise in healthcare? Tune in to hear Rajan Kohli’s expert perspective on the future of AI-driven healthcare.

How can businesses stay ahead of the rapidly evolving risks of AI-driven fraud? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Bradley Niedzielski, Audit & Assurance Partner, Digital Transformation at Deloitte, to explore the growing threat of generative AI in financial fraud and how organizations can strengthen their defenses. With deepfake technology, synthetic identities, and AI-generated forgeries becoming more sophisticated, traditional fraud detection methods are struggling to keep up. Deloitte projects that AI-driven fraud losses in the U.S. could reach $40 billion by 2027—more than tripling from 2023. Bradley shares insights from Deloitte’s latest research, including a startling statistic: over 25% of businesses have already faced a deepfake financial fraud attack, and more than half expect these threats to escalate within the next year. Despite this growing concern, only 7.4% of companies prioritize technology as their primary defense, and less than half feel confident in their ability to combat AI-powered fraud. So, what’s holding them back? And what steps should organizations be taking right now to strengthen their fraud risk management frameworks? We discuss the critical role of AI governance, the importance of transparency in AI decision-making, and why human oversight is still essential—even as AI becomes more autonomous. Bradley also highlights how finance departments increasingly embed AI into their workflows, from automating financial close processes to leveraging AI-driven scenario planning. But as AI becomes a core part of financial operations, ensuring data integrity and preventing blind trust in AI-generated outputs is more critical than ever. Beyond risk mitigation, we explore how businesses can prepare their teams for the AI-driven future. Bradley shares best practices for upskilling finance professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring AI adoption aligns with broader organizational goals. With AI reshaping finance functions at an unprecedented pace, how can companies implement it securely while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational efficiency? As generative AI continues to disrupt the financial landscape, how can businesses balance innovation and risk management? And what strategies will define the next generation of AI-powered finance operations? Tune in to hear Bradley Niedzielski’s expert take on navigating the opportunities and challenges of AI in finance.