What Next?

Ross Benes, Senior Analyst at EMarketer on the impact of media deregulation on entertainment quality. Deregulation, he argues, has led to an increase in trashy content like infomercials and reality TV, but marketeers should recognize its value which millions find meaningful. The author of 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America who has been quoted by publications such as Marketplace, Bloomberg and LA Times, explains how despite the rise in sports fees, the increase in sports programming has led to more exposure for lesser-known sports. We also discuss trend of media personalities moving from online platforms to traditional media, exemplified by Bari Weiss's acquisition by Paramount.

#FutureOfMedia #Entertainment #FutureOfBusiness

Omar Imtiaz, Distinguished Enterprise Architect at Salesforce on the transformative impact of AI on human work. With a background in computer science and IT, Omar argues the importance of the shift from technology-driven to human-centered transformation with AI enhancing human capabilities rather than replacing them. Advocating for a collaborative approach where AI and humans work together, he reminds us that meaning, purpose and emotional engagement is the future of the workplace, unleashing a completely new generation of creativity.

Omer joins us in his personal capacity. The opinions shared are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Salesforce. Nothing here is confidential, proprietary, or advice; it’s a general discussion of industry topics.

#AI #Creativity #Futureofwork

Joe Marchese, co-founder of Human Ventures and Casa Komos Brands Group on the importance of The Attention Economy. The founder of TrueX and former president of advertising revenue for Fox Networks Group who oversaw billions in annual revenue across Fox Broadcast, FX, National Geographic and Fox Sports, including the Super Bowl and World Series, lays out a more effective advertising strategy as the industry shifts from impression-based metrics to real engagement. The value of human relationships and trust in a business world increasingly influenced by AI, he says, must place cultural adjacency and experiential marketing at its core. It is integrity through a human lens, he argues, which will become critical in the marketing of the future.#Business #Human #Marketing

Dr. Mohan Gundeti, pioneer in pediatric robotic and laparoscopic surgery on his innovations in digital surgery, AI, and telerobotics. The first surgeon to perform reconstructive bladder surgery in a child argues for the future of robotic surgery in minimally invasive surgeries, including pediatric patients as young as four months. The use of AI and machine learning to diagnose health conditions and enable remote surgeries, he says, could potentially reduce kidney failure in children and increase global health equity. As a student at the Leadership in Society Initiative at the University of Chicago Graham School, he also argues the case for personal enhancement by training himself for marathons and practicing gratitude.

#Medicine #Robotic

Nick Restrepo, Vice President of Sales at World Emblem, on his journey into heat applied decorations in the garment industry.  Today creativity and personalization driven by AI is spreading everywhere. Using the evolution from traditional sewing to heat-applied dimensional branding as an example, Nick argues the impact of technology, particularly AI, in personalization and streamlining the process. His insights in leadership stress humility, transparency, and client relationship-building, but time, he concludes, is the ultimate currency.

Rick Yvanovich, visionary business coach and serial entrepreneur, on his journey from an accountant to transformational business coach. The author of Business as Unusual, How to Thrive in the New Renaissance, and trusted advisor to driving growth and change around the world argues that being an architect of change, is about blending purpose and performance. He calls for personal accountability in leadership and as a team member, making the choice to shape your life and aligning your own sense of purpose in your organization's success. 

Chris Hirst, award-winning author of No Bullshit Leadership, No Bullshit Change and Indispensable: the No Bullshit Guide to Career Success on leadership and teamwork in the workplace. The former Global CEO at Havas Creative and former CEO at Gray, London who was ranked in 2018's Evening Standard power 1000 list as one of advertising industry's most influential CEOs, argues that leadership is about movement and change while early career development is about attitude, not aptitude. Strategic self-interest and ‘warming the room’ is what builds great careers and strong relationships with bosses focussed on enabling their entire teams to succeed.

#Leadership #CareerGrowth

Michael Walrath, CEO of Yext, on the shift from an internet built for humans to one built for machines. The founder of Right Media which was acquired by Yahoo for $850 million, and Moat which was acquired by Oracle, argues the importance of structured data for AI-driven search and discoverability. Google, he says, will still be important, but will soon no longer be the entire oxygen of the internet. As AI blows this space apart, marketers, he urges, must quickly adapt by focusing on data architecture and leveraging new AI tools like ChatGPT and TikTok. However, he believes that the future is bright, if only for marketers who understand the scope of this exciting tectonic shift.

Anders Indset, leading business philosopher and author of The Singularity Paradox, places the emergence of Artificial Human Intelligence at the center of a broader reflection on what it means to be human in a world of accelerating technological change. Recognized by Thinkers50 as one of the most influential voices in technology, economy, and leadership, he is the founder and chairman of Njordis Group, a venture firm committed to enabling positive progress for humanity.

As the commercialization of humanoid robotics gathers pace, Indset warns of the societal and existential consequences of systems that are increasingly capable of replicating human thought and behavior. In a landscape shaped by exponential transformation, where risks and possibilities unfold simultaneously, he argues for a new mindset: organizations as learning systems, guided by innovation and shaped by ethical cultures rooted in trust, change, and friction.

Steven Gaffney, author and expert in change management and honest communication on his nine-step formula for effective leadership. Coaching and advising high-achieving teams with Fortune 500 clients like Amazon, Marriott and Allstate Insurance and the US government and military has led him to highlight the need for deep listening and addressing emotions. Leaders must create emotionally safe environments he argues. Encouraging honest feedback, maintaining consistency and appreciating employees' hard work fosters a workplace culture centred on achievement and achievers versus performing and performers in a world of ambiguity and change.

#Business #Management