In today's episode, we're tackling some of the most pressing topics in tech and business transformation, including strategies for AI integration, the evolving role of generative AI, and best practices for navigating ethical considerations in AI adoption. Joining us is the CEO of IdeaScale, a leader in innovation management who brings valuable insights into how AI can shape organizations' futures.  In today's competitive landscape, companies must go beyond just adopting new technologies; they need a structured, goal-driven approach. From automating processes to offering actionable insights through data, AI can enable growth and scalability.

Generative AI has quickly become one of the most influential technologies of the decade, but executives often need help with where to begin. Building an AI strategy for C-level decision-makers means identifying suitable applications for generative models and considering the long-term effects on the organization. Company's learning is critical here, as generative AI can amplify value or risk, depending on how it is implemented. 

Tune in to future episodes of Open Tech Talks for more discussions on AI

Episode # 148

Today’s Guest: Nick Jain, CEO, Idea Scale

• Website: IdeaScale

What Listeners Will Learn:

• Learn how IdeaScale transformed and adapted with new strategies, technologies, and leadership approaches to enhance innovation and operational success.
• Discover how AI has supported and influenced business functions, from optimizing workflows to enhancing data-driven decision-making.
• Gain expert recommendations on navigating the challenges and opportunities of Generative AI, including best practices for high-level decision-making.
• Understand key ethical and privacy considerations for responsibly implementing AI within any organization.
• Get insights on effectively introducing Generative AI use cases, aligning them with business goals, and overcoming implementation challenges.
• Learn about the productivity gains and efficiency improvements realized by integrating code generation with LLMs in development workflows.
• Find out how to effectively validate product ideas and new features with a structured approach to meet market needs.
• Gain practical tips for effectively marketing a startup or new product on a limited budget, focusing on maximizing impact.
• Learn strategies for recruiting and managing talent, fostering a team that aligns with organizational goals and culture.
• Hear proven strategies for identifying and discarding unhelpful or misleading business recommendations, maintaining focus on effective practices.
• Discover actionable steps for building leadership skills, from personal development practices to lessons learned from experience.
• Understand the techniques for navigating strategic management responsibilities and hands-on product development tasks.

Resources:

IdeaScale

This episode dives into how organizations can effectively harness AI to transform operations. We explore practical steps for starting an AI journey, discuss emerging use cases, and offer guidance on talent readiness. Whether you’re an executive leading AI initiatives or a professional looking to understand the evolving AI landscape, this episode provides valuable insights.

AI implementation in organizations often begins with identifying specific pain points where AI can make a measurable impact. Starting small with focused projects allows companies to integrate AI tools into existing processes, ensuring smoother transitions and quicker results. This approach minimizes disruption while enabling scalability as the AI solution proves its value.

A structured framework is essential for organizations starting their AI journey. It begins with assessing readiness, identifying areas with the highest potential for impact, and building a small-scale proof of concept. From there, scaling up based on early successes ensures a more sustainable and confident approach to AI adoption. This systematic method enables organizations to achieve quick wins while laying a solid foundation for long-term growth.

Adopting AI does not require overhauling existing systems. Integrating AI into the current ecosystem can be done by leveraging cloud platforms, APIs, and other tools, allowing AI solutions to complement rather than replace existing technologies. This approach helps to minimize friction and optimize the value derived from AI implementations.

This episode offers a detailed look into the practical aspects of AI implementation, providing actionable strategies for organizations to integrate AI into their processes. It covers everything from starting the journey to ensuring talent readiness and managing end-to-end operations. For more insights on AI and the latest tech trends, stay tuned to Open Tech Talks.

Episode # 147

Today’s Guest: Mark Wormgoor, Founder/CEO, Tairi

In 2022, after 25+ years in technology in the corporate world, Mark decided to start Tairi. Tairi originates from his passion for leadership in tech.

• Website: Tairi
• Linkedin: Tairi 

What Listeners Will Learn:

• Understand practical strategies for integrating AI into various business functions, from small-scale projects to enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Learn about a structured framework for organizations to kickstart their AI transformation, ensuring they avoid common pitfalls.
• Discover the most impactful AI applications in diverse industries, helping businesses stay ahead of the competition.
• Gain actionable tips for adopting AI solutions that fit seamlessly into current processes and tools.
• Explore the current landscape of AI skills and how companies can assess and upskill their teams for success.
• Look inside the critical skills and attributes a CTO seeks when building a strong AI team.
• Learn practical advice for handling multiple business functions while leveraging AI to streamline efforts.

Resources:

• Tairi

In this week's Open Tech Talks, we had the pleasure of speaking with TJ Walker, the founder of Media Training Worldwide. With over 2 million students on Udemy and over 200 courses under his belt, He is a global expert in presentation techniques, media training, and communication skills.

As the author of six books, including the USA Today #1 Bestseller "Secret to Foolproof Presentations," TJ shares his vast experience on how to elevate your communication skills—whether you're making media appearances, giving a presentation, or simply explaining complex ideas to a business audience.

We started the conversation with TJ by exploring the rise of AI cloning - replicating one's expertise through AI-powered digital clones. Imagine having an AI version of yourself that can share your knowledge, answer questions, and provide personalized learning to millions, just like TJ's courses. The benefits of AI clones are immense, especially for professionals looking to scale their knowledge and impact globally without being physically present.

Episode # 146

Today’s Guest: TJ Walker, Founder, Media Training Worldwide

TJ Walker’s commanding digital presence is marked by over 2 million students on Udemy across more than 200 courses. He is the author of 6 books, including the USA Today #1 Bestseller “Secret to Foolproof Presentations” and “Media Training A to Z.

• Website: TJWalker
• Youtube: TJ Walker 

What Listeners Will Learn:

• AI Cloning and Expertise Sharing: Learn how AI clones revolutionize how experts share their knowledge and scale their impact.
• Before and After AI: Explore how adopting AI changes everything, from preparing for presentations to managing daily tasks in a business environment.
• Translating Tech Jargon for Business Users: Spekaer shares practical tips on breaking down complex technology concepts into language that business users can easily understand.
• Improving Your Presentation Techniques: He will give you actionable advice on how to make your next presentation more impactful, concise, and engaging.
• Learning Outcomes from Media Training Courses: Understand the key takeaways students gain from TJ's media training courses and how they apply them in real-world scenarios.
• Overcoming Fear in Media Appearances: Learn TJ's top strategies for overcoming fear of media appearances and public speaking and how to build confidence on camera.

Resources:

• TJWalker

Unlock AI's full potential in your organization with a game-changing strategy. This week, I will guide you through actionable steps and hands-on exercises to help your team develop an AI strategy that creates real impact and sets you apart from the competition.

What does Chat GPT stand for: Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer

Full Episode Details are available on this link with the show notes:

https://aitechcircle.com/posts/building-a-game-changing-ai-strategy-step-by-step-guide-and-exercises-for-your-organization

Episode Number 145

 

 

AI is dominating the tech industry, from new LLMs being released to new startups being formed to who will have the most GPUs. 

The multi-cloud and AI announcements dominated Oracle's flagship annual conference this week. Today's edition covers all essential products and features announced during the CloudWorld 2024

but before I start the highlights from this week's conference, let me give you some context as it reminded the keynote during the 2022 conference.

The 'Internet of clouds' statement made by Oracle CTO Larry Ellison during the opening keynote at Oracle CloudWorld 2022 enables customers to choose cloud services from various vendors and to go for the best cloud service from the cloud vendors.

The words that stuck in my mind were "Internet of clouds." What does it mean that, as he said, we need to build clouds like the Internet, which are interconnected and interoperable? Customers have all the choices of services, irrespective of what the vendors are; they are connected.

And if I recall, a couple of years back, the discussion in which I covered in Podcast: 105 – Multi-cloud benefits, challenges, and adoption, that one of the fundamental problems we are having in the adoption of the cloud is silo clouds.

The complete AI Tech Circle Newsletter is available on the below link:

Oracle CloudWorld 2024 Recap: What You Need to Know

Covering:

• AI
• Multi-cloud
• OCI Infrastrcture & PaaS
• Industry Apps

 

Resources:

• 105 – Multi-cloud benefits, challenges, and adoption
• A holistic framework for evaluating foundation models
• Oracle CloudWorld 2024 keynotes

Welcome to this week's Open Tech Talks podcast. I will cover the latest trends in my weekly AI Tech Circle newsletter, exploring the fascinating intersection of technology and society. If you want to subscribe to the AI Tech weekly newsletter, subscribe to the AI Tech Circle dot com and subscribe. You will get AI, ML, and Data science insights every weekend.

Today's episode explores a more relevant topic than ever: The Impact and Opportunities of Generative AI on Kids.

Before starting this topic, let me share a few thoughts on last year's experience of hosting so many esteemed guest speakers on the show.

I was running with so much backlog that I could not publish the last recorded episode last week. I have a backlog of recorded guest interviews and must publish them. So we are back with a fresh look, and now I will start again hosting more guests, primarily focusing on the AI, ML, and Generative AI areas, how we can learn from them, and how we can play our part in community building.

Thank you so much for being a fantastic listener and sharing your feedback. Your support and engagement have always motivated me to continue the Open Tech Talks podcast, which started in 2015.

As AI becomes a more significant part of children's daily lives, from personalized learning tools to creative platforms, we see both challenges and exciting potential.

How will AI shape the next generation's development, creativity, and privacy?

What risks should parents, educators, and policymakers be aware of?

We'll unpack all this and more in today's episode, so stay tuned!

Today at a Glance:

• Empowering and protecting children from AI
• Generative AI Use case: Drafting Contracts and Statements of Work (SoWs) in Procurement
• AI Weekly news and updates covering newly released LLMs
• Favorite Tip Of The Week and tools of the week

References:

https://aitechcircle.com/posts/generative-ai-opportunities-impact-on-children

 

Imagine navigating the ever-evolving tech landscape, from blockchain to AI, and building successful products along the way - how do you manage it all?

In the ever-evolving world of technology, staying ahead of the curve requires innovation and a deep understanding of the trends shaping our digital future. From blockchain to artificial intelligence and from Smart contracts to Generative AI, the landscape is shifting at an unprecedented pace.

In this episode, I am thrilled to have JB Benjamin, the visionary Founder and CEO of Kryotech Ltd & Akuma Engineering, join us. He's here to share his invaluable insights on various topics, from smart contracts in blockchain to the challenges and triumphs of launching new tech products.   Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or just curious about the journey of a tech leader, this episode is tailor-made for you. It's a unique opportunity to gain insights from a tech leader and explore the future of technology together.   So, tune in, and let's embark on this exciting journey!

Episode # 142

Today’s Guest: JB Benjamin, Founder/CEO, Kryotech Ltd & Akuma Engineering

JB is not just an entrepreneur, but an exceptionally technically proficient lead UI/UX developer. His imaginative approach has led to the development of multiple successful digital businesses.

• Website: Kryotech 
• Twitter/X: JB Bengamin 

What Listeners Will Learn:

• How to effectively validate a product before launching it to the market.
• Whether being a technical founder is essential for building a tech product.
• Hard lessons learned during the journey of a tech entrepreneur.
• How to transition from working in blockchain to navigating the AI landscape.
• Comparisons between the blockchain bubble and the current AI hype.
• Specific use cases where blockchain technology is most effective.
• The one thing the guest wishes they knew before diving into the tech industry.
• What smart contracts are in blockchain, and how do they function?

Resources:

• Kryotech 

Welcome to another exciting episode of Open Tech Talks, where we bring you insights and strategies from industry leaders to help you navigate your professional journey. Today we have a truly inspiring guest with us  who is the Founder and Certified Executive Coach at Human Interfaces, a renowned coaching and consulting firm dedicated to helping professionals and organizations achieve their full potential.

He brings extensive experience in executive coaching, leadership development, and organizational transformation. His work has empowered countless individuals and teams to reach new heights in their careers. 

In this episode, we'll delve into the corporate world and explore practical strategies for advancing your career, whether you're an individual contributor or a manager. Vladimir will share his expertise on moving up the career ladder, effectively communicate your achievements regardless of your personality type, and sell your product as a tech founder.

We'll also uncover the one thing Vladimir wishes he knew before starting his current role, discuss common bad recommendations to avoid, and address the challenges technology professionals face today.

Stay tuned as we dive into these topics, gaining valuable insights to help you succeed in your career. Let's get started!

Episode # 139

Today’s Guest: Vladimir Baranov, Founder and Certified Executive Coach, Human Interfaces

As an entrepreneur and the business leader behind several successful tech companies, he knows what it takes to survive and blossom in today’s chaotic business landscape. Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies to advance your career, communicate effectively, sell your products, and navigate common challenges in the technology field.

• Website: Human Interfaces
• Linkedin: Human Interface Coaching

What Listeners Will Learn:

• Advancing Your Career in the Corporate World: Strategies for individuals and managers to move their careers to the next level within a hierarchical corporate structure.

• Effective Communication for Different Personalities: Tips for introverts and extroverts to effectively communicate their best work, overcoming challenges related to personality traits

• Strategic Selling for Tech Founders: Essential strategies for tech founders to successfully sell their products instead of just focusing on building them

• Lessons Learned Before Starting a New Role: Insights into the one crucial thing you should know before starting a new role, based on Vladimir Baranov’s experiences

• Avoiding Common Bad Recommendations: Identification of common bad recommendations and strategies to avoid them in your career and business

• Challenges Faced by Technology Professionals: An overview of the common challenges faced by technology professionals and practical advice on how to overcome them

Resources:

• Human Interfaces

 

In the latest episode of our podcast, we sit down with Jason Agouris, the CEO of Tristan Group, to explore the intricacies of developing and implementing AI solutions in the business. This episode is packed with valuable insights into the practical aspects of AI adoption and integration, ensuring it meets real-world business needs.

Join us in this insightful episode to learn from Jason Agouris about the real-world application of AI in business and gain actionable insights to drive your AI initiatives forward.

Episode # 140

Today’s Guest: Jason Agouris, CEO, iTristan Group

Jason’s extensive experience in systems integration across retail, fintech, wholesale, and supply chain logistics makes him our go-to guru for data integration and strategy.

• Website: iTristan
• Linkedin: JasonAgouris 

What Listeners Will Learn:

• Strategies for validating AI products to ensure they meet business needs.

• Insights into finalizing the technology stack for AI solution development

• Typical development timelines and adapting to user feedback.

• How customers perceive AI and the impact of AI hype on business decisions

• Practical tips for integrating AI into business operations effectively

• Key qualities and skills sought in candidates for AI positions.

Resources:

• iTristan

In this episode of our Open Tech Talks podcast, we dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and data strategy with Gray Mabry, the co-founder and CEO of iVenture. With over two decades of leadership experience, Gray shares his insights on how AI transforms various industries, including the financial sector. As an evangelist of company culture, Gray discusses how aligning vision with core values has helped iVenture become a nationally-ranked Managed Service Provider (MSP). This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the practical applications of AI, including tools like ChatGPT, and how they can drive business success.

AI Adoption and Customer Perspectives

Our guest speaker illuminates how customers are embracing AI. He discusses whether businesses are adopting AI to solve specific problems or keep up with the trend. 

The Future of AI Technology

In this episode, he offers his perspective on the future of AI technology and shares predictions on how AI will evolve and impact various sectors, especially the financial industry, where data strategy plays a crucial role.

Hiring for AI Roles

Gray discusses the qualities and skills he looks for when hiring new talent in the AI field. His experience building a strong company culture and aligning it with technical expertise provides valuable guidance for those looking to enter the AI job market.

A Day in the Life of a CEO

Listeners will get an inside look at a typical day in Gray Mabry’s life as the CEO of iVenture. He discusses his daily responsibilities and routines, offering a glimpse into the leadership strategies that have made iVenture successful.

Patterns in AI Use Cases

Gray identifies common patterns and trends in AI use cases across different industries. His experience in manufacturing, legal, healthcare, and more provides a broad view of how AI is applied to solve real-world problems.

Essential Tools for Business

Finally, Gray shares his favorite tool that he relies on to run his business effectively. His insights on the importance of this tool in the context of AI and data strategy highlight how technology can support business operations.

Episode # 139

Today’s Guest: Gray Mabry, Co-Founder & CEO, Founder, iVenture Solutions

Gray has more than two decades of leadership experience as iVenture CEO. Since its founding in 2000, Gray has helped build iVenture into the nationally-ranked MSP it is now. 

• Website: iVenture Solutions
• Twitter/X: iVenture

What Listeners Will Learn:

• Understand how customers perceive and adopt AI and whether they are using it to solve real problems or incorporate AI.

• Gain insights into the future trends and directions of AI technology

•  Learn about the qualities and skills targeted when hiring new talent in the AI field.

• Discover what a typical day looks like for the CEO of a company, including daily responsibilities and routines.

• Identify common patterns and trends in AI use cases across different industries.

• Find out the one favorite tool the CEO uses to run their business effectively.

Resources:

• Pulse Podcasts
• Father-Son Duo Dive into ChatGPT: A Unique Bonding Over Tech & Life Skills

The latest advancements in text-to-voice technology are opening up exciting new business opportunities. Text-to-voice technology is rapidly improving, making it more accessible and effective for various applications. These advancements are enhancing user experiences and creating new avenues for businesses to explore and innovate. One significant opportunity lies in customer service. Companies can implement more natural and responsive virtual assistants with enhanced text-to-voice models. These assistants can handle customer inquiries efficiently, reducing the need for human intervention and improving service availability. Another promising area is in content creation. Businesses can now generate high-quality audio content from text with ease. This is particularly beneficial for creating podcasts, audiobooks, and voiceovers for videos, enabling companies to reach wider audiences and diversify their content offerings. In the education sector, text-to-voice technology is a valuable tool. It aids in developing accessible learning materials for students with visual impairments or reading difficulties. Additionally, it supports language learning by providing precise and accurate pronunciations, enhancing the overall educational experience. Moreover, the entertainment industry can leverage text-to-voice technology to create more immersive experiences. From voice acting in video games to narrating stories in augmented reality applications, the potential uses are vast and continually expanding. As text-to-voice technology evolves, its applications become more diverse and impactful. Businesses across various sectors can harness these advancements to improve their services, create new content, and enhance accessibility. Embracing these opportunities will drive innovation and provide significant competitive advantages in the market.

Episode # 138

Today’s Guest: Ian Harris, Founder, Pulse Podcasts

Ian has started his unique idea to help others capitalize on AI advancements. He launched his product using text-to-voice, assisting brands in offering audio content.

• Website: Pulse Podcasts
• Twitter/X: Pulse Podcasts

What Listeners Will Learn:

• How to Use AI for Recording and Presenting Podcasts
• Step-by-step guidance on transforming written content into engaging audio
•  Whether and how to inform your audience that AI generates the voice
• An overview of the technologies used, including the origins and evolution of the AI tools employed.
• Explanation of the specific language models (LLMs) used and how they help deliver content effectively to the audience.
• Tips and suggestions for those interested in starting a career or project in AI
• How can the idea be validated and determine if there is a market for an AI-driven product? 
• Practical strategies for launching and marketing a new AI-based product.

Resources:

• Pulse Podcasts