Avaya, a global leader in enterprise customer experience (CX), has deepened its partnership with Verint, known as The CX Automation Company™. This long-standing collaboration has solidified their position as industry leaders, empowering joint customers to innovate and deliver exceptional customer experiences through advanced technology solutions.

Partnership Overview

The renewed partnership between Avaya and Verint integrates Verint’s solutions and AI-powered bots into the Avaya Experience Platform™, offering businesses flexible options tailored to their contact center needs, whether on-premise or cloud-based. Avaya’s strategy of “Innovation Without Disruption” is further enhanced by this collaboration, enabling brands to innovate without major disruptions to their operations.

Key Features of the Partnership

1. AI-Powered Bot Access

   • Avaya customers gain access to over 50 AI-powered bots via the Verint Open Platform.
   • These bots are designed to deliver significant business outcomes and improve operational efficiency within the contact center.

2. New Bot Introductions

   • Verint Agent Copilot Bots: Automate specific contact center tasks, effectively doubling agent capacity.
   • Verint Knowledge Automation Bot: Utilizes generative AI to search multiple enterprise content sources, summarizing responses to customer inquiries in an easily digestible format.
   • Verint Genie Bot: Part of the contact center suite, it leverages customer interaction data to deliver timely insights for business decisions, significantly reducing analysis time from weeks to days.

Leadership Insights

Eric Rossman, GVP of partnerships and alliances at Avaya, remarked:

"Our long-standing partnership with Verint is built on a mutual dedication to empower organizations globally with innovative customer experience solutions. Avaya’s continued alignment with Verint allows us to provide our joint customers with the latest AI features to innovate their contact centers, reinforcing our commitment to ‘Innovation Without Disruption.’"

Verint’s John Bourne, senior vice president of Global Channels and Alliances, congratulated Avaya on their recent recognition:

"For more than 20 years, Avaya and Verint have worked together to build a customer base that leverages the successful integration of their enterprise CX solutions. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership and assist our customers in achieving AI business outcomes."

Recognition and Awards

Avaya's successful partnership with Verint was acknowledged with two partner awards at Verint Engage 2024, The CX Automation Conference:

• Global Partner of the Year
• Most Verint Certification Badges

As the only partner to receive two awards this year, Avaya continues to demonstrate the depth of its collaboration with Verint, solidifying its leadership in providing innovative CX solutions.

The enhanced partnership between Avaya and Verint signifies a pivotal moment for businesses aiming to improve their customer experience strategies. By leveraging AI technologies and integrating advanced solutions into the Avaya Experience Platform™, both companies are well-positioned to help brands innovate while maintaining operational continuity. This partnership not only underscores their commitment to enhancing customer experiences but also highlights the importance of collaboration in driving industry advancements.

Teradata has announced an exciting lineup for Possible 2024: Los Angeles, its global event series that brings together decision-makers, influencers, and leaders to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of AI innovation and technology. This electric three-day event is set to focus on harmonized data and trusted AI, offering attendees insights and solutions to tackle pressing challenges in AI/ML, data, and cloud technologies.

Event Highlights

Possible 2024 promises a wealth of opportunities for attendees to deepen their understanding of cutting-edge technologies and strategies. Participants can expect to:

• Explore Solutions: Engage with the latest innovations in AI/ML, data, and cloud technologies.
• Hands-On Training: Attend breakout sessions and one-on-one meetings with industry practitioners to enhance practical skills.
• Leverage In-Database Analytics: Learn how leading AI teams are using in-database analytics to transform their operations, including:
  • Reducing data preparation time from 80% to 25% of project time.
  • Accelerating model training by 20 times, reducing time from 10 hours to mere minutes.
  • Deploying models in days, not months, at a fraction of the cost.

Keynote Speakers

The event will feature an impressive roster of keynote speakers, including:

• Dr. Radhika Dirks: CEO and founder of XLabs AI, known for uncovering over 40 potential new cancer drugs using AI.
• Russell Scibetti: VP of Strategy and BI for the New York Giants, participating in a fireside chat with Teradata CEO Steve McMillan to discuss fan experience innovations.
• Roopa Foulger: VP of Digital and Innovation at OSF HealthCare, who will join Teradata CMO Jacqueline Woods in a panel discussion on AI trends transforming customer experience.

Customer and Partner-Led Sessions

Attendees can also look forward to customer- and partner-led sessions that showcase real-world applications of AI and data analytics, such as:

• Amazon Marketplace: Exploring GenAI—how, when, and why.
• American Airlines: Insights into establishing a unified data governance program.
• Banco Bradesco: How they optimize data for seamless integration and powerful insights.
• Highmark: Maintaining data synchronization for regulatory and clinical decision-making.
• Sicredi: Achieving a 25x model processing improvement through ClearScape Analytics for client risk prediction.

Industry Insights

Jacqueline Woods, Teradata's Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the urgency of being data-ready and analytics-driven:

"Technology is being adopted at breakneck speed, and data is being generated faster than ever. To seize the AI future, we need to be data-ready and analytics-driven today. At Possible 2024, visionaries, practitioners, and enthusiasts will provide insights on the latest trends, breakthroughs, and strategies shaping the AI landscape, helping our customers accelerate value and power faster innovation at every level of their organization."

Possible 2024: Los Angeles is set to be a pivotal event for professionals looking to navigate the complexities of AI and data analytics in the modern landscape. With a robust agenda filled with expert insights, hands-on training, and networking opportunities, attendees will leave equipped to harness the power of data and AI to drive innovation within their organizations.

Soul Machines, a leader in human-centered AI, has unveiled significant updates to its innovative AI Assistants, powered by the company's proprietary Experiential AI technology. These enhancements elevate the capabilities of AI Assistants, allowing for more human-like interactions and personalized support aimed at self-improvement.

Next-Level AI Assistants

Soul Machines' AI Assistants are designed to empower individuals by mimicking human behaviors. They can see, hear, react, and express emotions, creating a natural conversational experience. The latest updates introduce two groundbreaking features:

• Object Recognition: This new capability enables AI Assistants to identify and interact with real-world objects, enhancing the contextual understanding of conversations.
• Memory Functionality: This feature allows AI Assistants to remember individual users and their preferences, fostering a personalized and engaging interaction.

Darren Wilson, Chief Product Officer at Soul Machines, states, “Our goal has always been to create AI Assistants that feel like a natural extension of ourselves. These advancements bring us closer to that vision, revolutionizing how we learn, grow, and connect with others.”

Experiential AI: The Heart of Soul Machines

Soul Machines' Experiential AI technology utilizes cognitive modeling and embodied cognition, simulating the biological and neurological systems that produce human behaviors and emotions. This enables the integration of emotional intelligence and social understanding into language models, like GPT-4, to generate real-time, human-like responses.

The combination of object recognition and memory allows Soul Machines’ AI Assistants to:

• Understand Real-World Context: Utilize real-time image processing to enhance conversation relevance.
• Track User Progress: Store user inputs and preferences to provide tailored advice and support.

For instance, when practicing for a job interview, the AI Assistant can assess a user's confidence level and outfit choice, providing constructive recommendations to improve performance over time.

Empowering Individuals to Succeed

Soul Machines’ AI Assistants are tailored to help individuals achieve their personal goals across various domains, including:

• Education: Offering personalized tutoring and learning support.
• Personal Finance: Guiding users in managing their financial health.
• Health and Wellness: Encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.
• Social Skills: Assisting users in developing interpersonal skills.

By providing personalized support and encouragement, these AI Assistants create a judgment-free zone that fosters exploration and growth at the user’s own pace.

Key Features of Soul Machines AI Assistants

• Real-life Practice: Proprietary camera and microphone technology transforms AI Assistants into multimodal coaches, providing a realistic practice environment.
• Personalized Journey: Tailored interactions address each user’s unique needs and goals.
• Continuous Learning Engine: The AI Assistants learn and adapt continuously, enhancing relevance and support over time.
• Judgment-Free Zone: Users can explore feelings and skills without fear of criticism, promoting a safe environment for growth.
• Accessibility: Free AI Assistants are available 24/7 at www.soulmachines.com, offering support whenever needed.

With these exciting updates, Soul Machines is positioning its AI Assistants as powerful tools for personal development, offering a blend of advanced technology and human-like interaction. By focusing on empowering individuals and providing tailored support, Soul Machines is paving the way for a future where AI assists in achieving personal goals and fostering meaningful connections.

Fresh investment will enable Podeo, the world’s most far-reaching podcast distribution platform, to supercharge podcast discoverability and revenue for creators. The platform is set to expand its presence across emerging markets with its exclusive distribution arsenal and advanced AI-driven tools for creators and advertisers.

With over 500 million podcast listeners worldwide and the global podcasting market projected to surge from $27 billion in 2023 to over $234 billion by 2030, the industry is experiencing explosive growth. Amid this expansion, discoverability remains the most significant challenge for podcasters. In response, Podeo, the world’s largest podcast distribution platform, has announced a $5.4 million funding round to help creators overcome this hurdle.

Podeo's Funding Round

The Series A funding round was led by Oraseya Capital, with contributions from Ibtikar Fund, Cedar Mundi Ventures, Samarium, iSME, and returning investor Razor Capital. This investment aims to enhance Podeo's platform capabilities, ensuring that podcasters can effectively navigate the complexities of discoverability.

Empowering Podcasters with Innovative Solutions

Founded in 2020 by Stefano Fallaha, Anthony Essaye, and Mario Hayek, Podeo started as a podcast app but quickly transformed into an all-in-one platform for podcasters. The platform streamlines content creation, distribution, and monetization, allowing creators to expand their reach.

• Exclusive Distribution Integrations: Podeo's unique distribution network transcends traditional streaming apps, providing unprecedented exposure across radio stations, airlines, ride-hailing services, gaming platforms, and chat apps.
• Thriving Community: With a growing community of over 100,000 creators and a global audience of more than 50 million listeners, Podeo is breaking down barriers and empowering independent voices.

Transforming the Podcast Landscape

Podeo’s evolution from a destination-first to a distribution-first model is redefining podcast delivery and monetization. The founders, who previously launched the timed-podcast aggregator Fallound, are now at the helm of a dynamic team of over 35 experts in audio, big data, and media.

• Tools for Growth: Podeo equips creators with state-of-the-art tools that facilitate audience engagement and optimize advertising spend through advanced ad-tech solutions.
• Commitment to Creators: “We are committed to empowering creators to become the next generation of global audio stars,” says Stefano Fallaha, Founder and CEO. The new funding will accelerate Podeo's mission to expand its ecosystem in emerging global markets.

A Pivotal Moment for the Podcast Industry

As audio continues to drive media consumption, Podeo stands out as an essential platform for creators looking to engage on-the-go audiences. Its integrations with Dubai Taxis, Anuvu’s airline clients, messaging platform imo, and Rotana, an Arabic media conglomerate, have positioned Podeo at the forefront of offline and on-demand experiences.

• Rapid Growth: Podeo has expanded the regional podcast supply by 50 times in just two years, resulting in a six-fold revenue increase over the past year.
• Impact on Creators: Creators migrating to Podeo experience an average 166% boost in monthly audience growth, highlighting the platform's effectiveness in enhancing podcast visibility.

Looking Ahead

With this funding, Podeo is set to accelerate its global expansion and enhance its AI capabilities, continuing to deliver tools that revolutionize the podcast value chain. The company envisions becoming the leading platform for content distribution, bridging the gap between radio and on-demand content.

Julien Plouzeau, Senior Partner at Oraseya Capital, expressed confidence in Podeo’s potential, stating, “Their capacity to solve discoverability challenges is reshaping how creators and advertisers engage with audiences.”

Podeo’s innovative approach to podcast distribution is paving the way for creators to thrive in a competitive landscape. By addressing the discoverability challenge head-on, Podeo is not only transforming the podcasting industry but also empowering independent voices to resonate with global audiences.

GetApp’s 2024 Advertising Preferences Survey highlights consumer mistrust in digital marketing but shows how data transparency and consumer control can restore confidence

As data privacy concerns grow, most global consumers now view companies as the primary custodians of their personal information. The latest findings from GetApp’s 2024 Advertising Preferences Survey reveal a significant shift in consumer sentiment, with a substantial number calling for accountability from brands. The survey, which analyzed nearly 6,000 responses globally, shows that 89% of US consumers believe deceptive marketing practices should incur hefty fines, reflecting a growing mistrust in corporate transparency and compliance.

Consumer Sentiment on Personalization

Personalizing outreach relies heavily on acquiring personal data, but the methods used to collect this information are increasingly under scrutiny.

• Consumer Distrust: Approximately 30% of US consumers express discomfort with companies tracking their online data for personalized advertising, a stark contrast to the global average of 19%. This highlights a growing aversion to data tracking, especially in states adopting stringent regulations like the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA).
• Preference for Tailored Ads: Despite the discomfort, 73% of consumers prefer ads that are tailored to their interests over generic ones. This indicates a clear opportunity for marketers to enhance personalization efforts while addressing privacy concerns.

Impact of Misleading Marketing

The ramifications of misleading marketing tactics are profound, as consumer trust diminishes.

• Consumer Abandonment: 40% of US consumers have stopped doing business with brands that employ deceptive marketing practices, surpassing the global average of 33%. This trend underscores the need for businesses to cultivate trust through honesty.
• Willingness to Report: While 32% of global consumers would inform others about misleading marketing tactics, only 29% of Americans would do the same, indicating a potential gap in consumer advocacy.

Regulatory Compliance and Consumer Trust

Most US consumers are skeptical about companies adhering to marketing regulations, with 48% expressing doubt about compliance.

• Growing Resistance: David Jani, a marketing analyst at GetApp, notes, “American consumers are becoming resistant to practices that digital marketers have taken for granted.” Understanding the factors that lead consumers to report businesses is essential for avoiding detrimental practices.

Building Trust Through Transparency

To combat low consumer trust, businesses must act swiftly to shift perceptions.

• Demonstrate Data Transparency: Brands should adopt transparent data practices, showcasing their commitment to consumer privacy.
• Utilize Technology: Leveraging CRM software and marketing analytics tools can help businesses manage user data retention effectively and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Engage in Social Listening: Monitoring consumer sentiment through social listening tools can provide real-time insights, allowing brands to respond promptly to any emerging controversies.

In an era where consumer trust is paramount, brands must prioritize data privacy and transparency to maintain loyalty. As evidenced by GetApp’s survey, businesses that ignore these sentiments risk losing customers to deceptive marketing practices. By fostering trust through transparency and adhering to regulatory guidelines, companies can turn consumer perceptions around and create lasting relationships with their audiences.

Repli, the innovative force in multifamily marketing, proudly announces the appointment of Vance Exstrom as the new VP of Sales. With a remarkable history of exceeding sales targets and a vision that aligns seamlessly with Repli's goals, Vance is set to accelerate the growth of the MultiHub platform, reinforcing its status as the leading marketing solution in the multifamily sector.

Amplifying MultiHub's Market Domination

Vance’s arrival at Repli comes at a crucial time as the company aims to expand the adoption of the MultiHub platform, which includes cutting-edge offerings such as:

• Multifamily Websites
• SEO
• Digital Advertising
• Social Media Management

His mission is clear: to position MultiHub not just as another marketing tool, but as an all-in-one powerhouse driving online success for property management companies.

Corbin Wrights, CEO of Repli, expressed his enthusiasm: “Vance isn’t just a sales guru – he’s a strategic mastermind. His capacity to develop and execute effective go-to-market strategies is precisely what we need to propel MultiHub to new heights. We're not just aiming to be a great marketing platform; we're striving to become the undisputed champion of the industry.”

Crafting the Future of Multifamily Marketing

Vance’s extensive experience in the proptech sales arena has uniquely prepared him for this role. Having excelled at companies like Entrata, Flex, and Zego, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to drive growth and foster innovation. Now, he is eager to leverage this expertise to enhance MultiHub's offerings and empower customers to achieve unprecedented success.

Vance shared his excitement for the role: “Joining Repli feels like strapping a rocket to an already speeding train. The MultiHub platform is revolutionary, but we’re not stopping there. I aim to ensure that every new product we launch not only meets the market but also creates entirely new markets.”

Setting the Gold Standard in Customer Relationships

“In this industry, relationships are everything,” Vance emphasized. “We're not just selling a platform; we’re partnering with our clients to transform their businesses. My goal is to make Repli synonymous with unparalleled customer support and product knowledge. When our industry thinks of marketing success, I want Repli and MultiHub to be the first names that come to mind.”

Driving Towards Undisputed Leadership

With Vance steering the sales efforts, Repli is well-positioned to solidify its standing as the foremost marketing platform in the multifamily sector. His expertise in scaling sales operations and dedication to customer success aligns perfectly with Repli’s ambitious vision.

Wrights concluded, “Vance’s addition to our team isn’t just a win – it’s a game-changer. His leadership will be pivotal in driving MultiHub’s growth, expanding our product offerings, and solidifying our position as the go-to marketing solution in the multifamily space. We’re not just aiming for the top; we’re redefining what the top looks like.”

With Vance Exstrom at the helm of sales, Repli is set to revolutionize multifamily marketing through the MultiHub platform. His commitment to customer relationships, innovation, and market leadership will not only enhance the platform's offerings but also empower property management companies to achieve extraordinary results.

As Brand Metrics’ CTV (Connected TV) measurement solutions continue to enjoy good traction in the marketplace, the global ad tech company has announced the addition of Alysha Dino to its rapidly expanding team.

Brand Metrics, a leading global ad tech company, has announced a key leadership addition as it continues to expand its connected TV (CTV) measurement solutions. Alysha Dino, a seasoned technology sales leader, has joined the team as VP of CTV & Enterprise Sales, bringing her extensive experience to support Brand Metrics’ growth in the CTV space.

Key Leadership Appointment and Experience

• Alysha Dino's Background: With two decades of technology sales experience, Alysha has spent the last 10 years focused on CTV.
• Past Roles:
  • Worked for AOL during its acquisition by Verizon and the subsequent purchase of Yahoo.
  • Transitioned to startup roles in ad tech, building products for connected TV.
  • Most recently, served as Global Publisher Partnerships Director for Publica, a CTV ad server owned by Integral Ad Science (IAS).
• Publica's Achievements: Publica was the first CTV ad server to introduce a unified auction process for streaming publishers, solidifying its leadership in the space.

Role at Brand Metrics

• Alysha will work with Robby Kraai, Brand Metrics' Head of CTV, to develop innovative solutions.
• The focus will be on enhancing Brand Metrics' measurement products, providing industry-leading insights to CTV customers.
• Her expertise will help customers understand the effectiveness of campaigns on their platforms.

Key Comments from Leadership

• Alysha Dino: Expressed excitement about joining Brand Metrics, emphasizing the value of providing real user insights to drive revenue and improve user experience in the CTV ecosystem.
• Elwin Gastelaars, CRO of Brand Metrics: Welcomed Alysha to the team, noting her strong background in CTV from her time at Publica/IAS. He emphasized the importance of her addition for global CTV growth and product development.

The addition of Alysha Dino marks a significant step in Brand Metrics' growth strategy, positioning the company to further enhance its CTV measurement offerings and strengthen its leadership in the ad tech industry. With Alysha’s expertise, Brand Metrics is well-placed to deliver cutting-edge solutions that provide actionable insights for CTV advertisers.

UserTesting, a leading SaaS provider in experience research and insights, has appointed Baran Erkel as Chief Strategy Officer. With over two decades of expertise in corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and strategic partnerships, Erkel is set to guide the company’s growth and innovation trajectory.

Baran Erkel’s Role and Strategic Focus

• Chief Strategy Officer Responsibilities:
  • Shaping UserTesting’s long-term strategy.
  • Leading the development and execution of initiatives that drive market expansion and accelerate innovation.
  • Focusing on acquisitions and strategic partnerships to strengthen market positioning.
• Key Leadership Priorities:
  • Identifying and pursuing growth opportunities through M&A.
  • Enhancing UserTesting’s role as a leading human insight platform for improving customer experiences.

Leadership Experience

• Previous Role: Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy at Nintex.
  • Led the execution and integration of five acquisitions crucial to Nintex’s success.
  • Built strategic relationships with key partners and contributed to investor relations.
• Other Key Roles:
  • Held leadership positions at Citrix in corporate development.
  • Began his career in technology and management consulting at Accenture.
• Educational Background:
  • B.S. in Computer Science and M.S. in Computer Networks from North Carolina State University.

Leadership Endorsements

• Eric Johnson, CEO of UserTesting: Welcomed Baran Erkel to the team, emphasizing the importance of his expertise in corporate development, particularly his successful track record in acquisitions and partnerships.

• Baran Erkel: Expressed enthusiasm for joining UserTesting, highlighting his focus on both organic and inorganic growth. He looks forward to driving strategic initiatives that will propel the company toward continued success.

The appointment of Baran Erkel as Chief Strategy Officer underscores UserTesting’s commitment to accelerating growth through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. With Erkel’s leadership, the company is poised to strengthen its market presence and drive innovation in the experience research space.