On this episode of The Futurists, co-host Brian Solis joins Brett King in the hosting chair as they host Srujana Kaddevarmuth from Walmart labs. In this episode, the Futurists delve into the future of in-store and online interactions for the retail giant. From future store design, warehouse robotics through to data science and AI, we cover the gammet of possibilities of 21st century commerce. Click here to listen to the episode or listen to the Youtube version below… Subscribe: Apple…
Introducing The Ideation Cycle – A Fun Framework for Marketing and Building Movement Around New Ideas
Everyone has ideas. What separates ideation from impact is action, community-building, and creating value. Ideas represent possibilities for alternate futures. Ideation stirs hope and forms pathways to change. But, the idea is just one part of transformation and innovation. It takes a village as they say. And the village must not only believe in the idea, but also believe in mission, the purpose, and the value they’ll experience as a result. In an era of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine…
A Conversation About Innovation in Times of Great Uncertainty: The Future of Business and Work in a Post-Pandemic Economy
One month before the world shut down as a result of COVID-19, I was in Mumbai, keynoting the incredible NASSCOM Technology and Leadership forum. My topics were on the promise of Quantum computing and also a separate convention on the humanity of disruptive technology. You can view my presentation on Quantum here. Shortly after returning home, safely, I partnered once again with the NASSCOM team as part of their #AskAnExpert series on Twitter. The conversation was fast, action-packed, and covered…
The 11 Digital Trends Shaping CX and Marketing in 2020
Each year, I help kick-off Brand Innovators Mega-Trends event during CES. In the opening keynote, I share the trends (and hopes) I would love brand executives to embrace in the new year. In 2020, the presentation focused on “11 Digital Trends Shaping CX and Marketing.” There are certainly more than 11 trends to follow, but in the context of this conversation, I focused on the convergence of AI, customer empathy, digital distractions and intentions, and the technology that connects the…
Humanizing CX: Shifting from Customer Experience to the Customer’s Experience
Customer experience is powerful because it consists of two important ingredients, 1) people and 2) emotions. When we talk about CX as a matter of purpose and strategy, this is exactly where the phrases “put customers at the center of our business” and becoming “customer-centric” can and should come to life. But honestly, we don’t really design for people or emotions today. We design for what we think of as customer intent and in turn, invest in touchpoints, conversions, transactions…
Bullying, Hate, Conspiracies, Fake News, Negatively Impacts User Experiences and Advertising Value
“Social media has made too many of us comfortable with disrespecting people and not getting punched in the mouth for it.” – Ice T In real life… Free speech is not free from consequence. Spreading misinformation whether you aim to sow discord or because you actually believe it, is not free from consequence. Exchanging conflict for views, popularity and financial gain is not free from consequence. Inflicting emotional, psychological or emotional pain and aguish on another human being for any…
Brian Solis Quoted At The Top of an International Policy Digest Article On Innovation
In a cleverly written International Policy Digest (IPD) article (“Don’t Tell Us How To Make Watches”) that is ultimately about the importance of innovation and a forward thinking, growth driven mindset in the corporate environment, authors Munr Kazmir and Brooke Bell enjoy mentioning the shortsighted folks and companies that missed out on major success and profits due to limited thinking. The piece begins with two key quotes that introduce the theme, including this from Solis: “We are looking at…
MTA Martech Advisor – What’s Going to Keep CMOs Awake at Night in 2019
From Mediocrity to Growth
Brian Solis is Principal Analyst at Altimeter Group. According to Brian, the right strategy, combined with emerging technologies like AI and machine learning, positions marketing as an “enabler for total CX.”
Here is Brian’s prediction:
“If I could offer any advice to CMOs, it would be to swap out the ‘M’ for a ‘G.’ Legacy marketing is an endeavor toward building relationships upon a foundation of mediocrity. Instead, the ‘G’ represents an opportunity toward growth.
In an era of AI and machine learning, in combination with an open mind and a focus on the entire customer journey, the role of marketing can finally deliver customer experiences that meet or exceed modern customer expectations.
Doing so moves the purview of marketing beyond the top of the funnel and positions it as an enabler for total CX. And that makes marketing a partner in business growth and a partner to CEOs, boards and shareholders.”
IoT For All – The New IoT Era Requires Better Standardization
“We are looking at a future in which companies will indulge in digital Darwinism, using IoT, AI (Artificial Intelligence), and machine learning to evolve rapidly in a way we’ve never seen before.” — Brian Solis, Altimeter Group.
Attention Students and Entrepreneurs: Here’s Why The Social Sciences are More Important Than Ever
Somewhere between Summer and Fall, I spent an unforgettable moment with Andrea Koppel. The good news is that we recorded our conversation. If the surname sounds familiar, it’s because Andrea is the daughter of iconic broadcast journalist and host of Nightline Ted Koppel. Andrea is a force of her own however. Among many things, she’s the host of the uber-popular Time4Coffee podcast. It’s a show dedicated to students and entrepreneurs where “caffeinated career conversations” guide listeners in their studies and career…
