In this episode, AI Experts Andrew Stevens, Olivia Storelli, and Victoria Thomson discuss the evolving role of AI in marketing, particularly for CMOs. They explore how AI is integrated into various marketing strategies, the shift from traditional methods to AI-driven approaches, and the importance of data in leveraging AI effectively. Victoria shares insights on the impact of AI on paid media, creative content, and the challenges of maintaining trust and authenticity in AI-generated content. They also touch on the potential of augmented reality in fashion and conclude with key takeaways for marketers looking to embrace AI.   

To get in touch with Victoria Thomson, find her on LinkedIn Here.

Discover Victoria's Marketing Expertise:  D.Luxury - https://dluxurybrands.com & Markiter AI https://markiter.ai - Sign up for our beta

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In this episode of Hot or Hype, Expert AI pioneers: Andrew, Olivia, and Victoria Thomson discuss the impact of AI on marketing, particularly from the perspective of a CMO. They explore AI's dual role as a productivity tool and a new marketing channel, the potential of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) as the next SEO gold rush, and the future of e-commerce in an AI-driven landscape. The conversation emphasizes the importance of authenticity in marketing and the division between brands that embrace AI and those that do not.   Connect with Victoria on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriajudgethomson/

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What happens when cutting-edge AI meets the timeless art of hospitality? David Ovens, head of marketing for Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group, takes us behind the scenes of this fascinating intersection where technology and human connection collide.

The hospitality industry stands at a crossroads. While traditionally slower to adopt new technologies, restaurants now find themselves navigating the AI revolution with both excitement and caution. David explains how rich first-party customer data forms the foundation for meaningful AI implementation, allowing establishments to recognize returning guests, understand their preferences, and create those magical "we remember you" moments that transform ordinary dining into memorable experiences.

From AI-powered reservation systems that handle bookings 24/7 to the creation of digital content that would otherwise require expensive and logistically challenging photoshoots, we explore the practical applications already changing how restaurants operate. David shares how his team uses AI to generate African-inspired imagery for menu covers at The Meat and Wine Co, demonstrating how this technology can enhance brand storytelling when used thoughtfully.

Yet amid all this technological advancement, David reminds us of an essential truth: hospitality remains fundamentally human. "The human aspect of interacting with my friends and family... our facial expressions, our body language, the tonality of the way we speak to each other, that is fundamentally what makes a great restaurant experience." AI may help optimize ambience, streamline operations, and personalize marketing, but it cannot replace the social connection at the heart of dining out.

Whether you're a restaurant professional curious about implementing AI solutions or simply a food lover wondering how technology might enhance your next dining experience, this conversation offers valuable perspective on what's truly innovative versus what's just marketing hype. As David succinctly puts it: "AI will help us do all of those things quicker, faster and more effectively. But connection is still a solution."

Ready to explore how AI is reshaping the restaurant experience? Listen now and discover where technology meets taste in the modern hospitality landscape.

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What happens when artificial intelligence meets the deeply human experience of dining out? That's the fascinating territory explored in our conversation with David Ovens, Head of Marketing for Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group, who brings his extensive experience from packaged goods giants like Unilever to global restaurant brands like Taco Bell.

David reveals how AI is transforming restaurant marketing in two game-changing ways. First, content generation has evolved dramatically, with AI now creating restaurant imagery so realistic "it is difficult for the layperson to see the difference between real life and AI-generated life." This technological leap allows marketing teams to produce compelling visuals without disrupting restaurant operations or scheduling complex photoshoots.

Even more fascinating is how Seagrass leverages first-party customer data to create emotionally resonant dining experiences. By analyzing booking information and purchase history, restaurants can now recognize returning guests, acknowledge their preferences, and deliver personalized service that makes customers feel genuinely valued. As David explains, "What makes the restaurant sticky is the fact that you as an individual human being feel a sense of connection and appreciation and respect."

The conversation delves into thought-provoking questions about the future of AI in hospitality. How far is too far when personalizing the guest experience? Where's the line between helpful recognition and uncomfortable surveillance? Could restaurants eventually analyze different contexts – distinguishing between your business dinners and family outings – to further refine their approach?

Join us for this illuminating discussion on the present and future of AI in marketing, where we separate what's genuinely transformative from what remains aspirational. Whether you're a marketing professional, restaurant owner, or simply curious about how technology is reshaping everyday experiences, this episode offers valuable insights into the delicate balance of data, personalization, and human connection.

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AI is revolutionizing industries at breakneck speed, creating a gold rush of startup opportunities that technology experts are calling "hot" rather than mere hype. Our panel of tech veterans with over 45 years of combined experience cuts through the noise to reveal what's actually happening in the AI startup ecosystem as we approach 2025.

The discussion uncovers two critical trends reshaping the technology landscape: automation solutions and vertical AI applications. As our guest Andrew explains, successful startups aren't just implementing general AI capabilities—they're creating hybrid solutions that ground Large Language Models in industry-specific data to deliver tangible outcomes for specific vertical markets. This approach enables startups to disrupt enterprise workflows by addressing problems that larger tech companies might overlook.

Morgan, who has worked with several successful startups including a unicorn, offers invaluable perspective from her experience implementing AI in cloud monitoring. By combining AI with algorithmic trading methodologies for cloud spending optimization, her company demonstrates the practical impact of well-implemented artificial intelligence. The data center environment proves particularly conducive to AI applications due to its wealth of available data—comparable only to the financial sector in volume and detail.

For professionals contemplating the leap into AI startups, our experts provide guidance that goes beyond the technical. Finding companies that align with your personal values and ethics becomes crucial as AI integrates into everything from infrastructure to dating applications. The most important qualifications? Believing in the mission, focusing on customer needs, and ensuring proper foundations in infrastructure, security, and data.

Ready to navigate this new technological frontier? Listen now to discover why our experts unanimously agree: despite some inevitable hype, mission-driven AI startups delivering real results represent technology's most exciting opportunity since the cloud revolution.

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AI is revolutionizing finance—but is it all hot air or the real deal? In this Hot vs Hype Deep Dive, Olivia Storelli sits down with Andreea Mihalcea from Xapo Bank to unpack the future of data-driven banking. Discover how Xapo Bank’s cutting-edge data platform locks down security, champions privacy, and empowers self-service innovation. From distributed data systems to game-changing data products, Andreea reveals how a bold cultural shift is redefining customer experiences and what’s next for responsible AI in the financial frontier. Tune in for insights that cut through the noise

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In this episode of Hot vs. Hype, Olivia Storelli and Andreea Mihalcea, Head of Data at Xapo bank, discuss the future of AI and the critical role of data in shaping financial systems. They explore how data quality impacts AI effectiveness, the misconceptions surrounding AI capabilities, and the importance of evaluating AI systems properly. The conversation highlights the ongoing initiatives in the financial industry, particularly in fraud detection and workflow optimization, while emphasizing that proper data management is essential for AI to deliver real value.

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Step up to the plate for Hot or Hype Deep Dive: Episode 3 – The Future of AI in Baseball! 

This time, we’re chatting with Dan Quill, the Senior Director of Software Engineering for the San Francisco Giants, about how AI is hitting it out of the park for America’s favorite pastime. From crafting personalized fan experiences to delivering jaw-dropping analytics, we’ll uncover how the Giants are using cutting-edge tech to tackle data overload and elevate the game. Expect fascinating insights on AI’s role in revolutionizing player development—like injury prevention and biomechanical wizardry—plus a thoughtful look at the ethics of data in sports. We’ll also swing into AI-assisted umpiring and the game-changing tools (think Cursor and ChatGPT) boosting developer productivity. Join us for an exciting deep dive into how the SF Giants are fusing baseball’s timeless traditions with tomorrow’s tech—all while keeping the heart and soul of the game alive. Grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and let’s play ball!

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Step up to the plate for Hot or Hype: Episode 3 – The Future of AI in Baseball! 

This time, we’re chatting with Dan Quill, the Senior Director of Software Engineering for the San Francisco Giants, about how AI is hitting it out of the park for America’s favorite pastime. Join us as we look at AI in Baseball and how the SF Giants are fusing baseball’s timeless traditions with tomorrow’s tech.    

Is it hot or is it hype? 

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Are AI agents the real deal or just another tech fad?

In this episode of Hot or Hype, experts Olivia and Andrew dive into the world of AI agents, revealing how they go beyond simple chatbots with their autonomous decision-making and learning capabilities.  They explore the transformative potential of these agents across industries, from customer service to creative content, while also confronting challenges like data security, ethics, and bias. They discuss how multimodal capabilities, self-supervised learning, and personalization are shaping the future, before asking: are AI agents a "hot" technology or just "hype"? Find out how to approach integration thoughtfully in order to realize the true potential.  @sakuraskycom ​

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