Marketing Darwinism https://pauldunay.com by Paul Dunay Tue, 21 Oct 2025 08:58:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Exec Interview with Vinay Patel, Co-Founder of OIC Advisors https://pauldunay.com/exec-interview-with-vinay-patel-co-founder-of-oic-advisors/ https://pauldunay.com/exec-interview-with-vinay-patel-co-founder-of-oic-advisors/#respond Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:15:48 +0000 https://pauldunay.com/?p=6834 Marketing Darwinism talked to Vinay Patel, Co-Founder of OIC Advisors Tell us about OIC Advisors and its core thesis.                   We started this company after being in professional services for most of our careers.  We’ve been around the block!  Over the years, we’ve noticed that we see the same mistakes over and over again in core areas like strategy, communications, organizational alignment, and operational execution.  Our mission is to help proactive leaders drive growth through successful transformation.  What differentiates us from the many consulting companies out there is that we take a very practical approach to solving big challenges holistically – many times, a leader brings us in to fix operational problems, but may not know that there are people problems as well. We get results quickly – being action oriented, we dive right in, start to talk to team members, analyze existing documentation, and come up with a prioritized roadmap, usually in just a few weeks.  And we freely share IP – if we have a template or a process that will improve our clients’ situation, we freely share it. How do organizations take it when you tell them either what’s broken or what needs to be improved?                 It varies a lot – no one enjoys being told their baby is ugly!  But when a leader brings us in because their organization is not moving fast enough, not keeping pace with the rate of change of the market, or the results are not matching their expectations, it is usually a sign that they are not running at what we call “Operational Velocity.”  So, they hire us with the expectation that we will help them improve this situation, and they usually have an area of focus in mind (such as a particular organization, or a business process).  When we do our analysis, we always try to think holistically and look at the bigger picture – for example, are team members aware of the strategy of the company, do they know what metrics are critical to success, do they have role definitions for their roles?  A lot of times, there is misalignment between leadership expectations and team member reality.  So, when we surface some of these issues, there is usually a light-bulb moment, and we have great conversations about what can be done to achieve the desired results at speed. What are the themes that emerge most often when considering once-great companies that slow-down or face headwinds? We see many common pain points again and again.  Some common themes we see are: Misalignment on vision and strategy – CEOs or Founders have a vision, but it is not captured or communicated to the rest of the team, and there is no defined strategy to execute that vision. Tech and process debt – we see this a lot in the largest global enterprises.  People know what the problems are, but they either don’t have the time, or the remit, to finally address them. These are often challenging because the solution needs to be cross-functional, with multiple teams in agreement on the fixes. People in the wrong roles – leaders being in “aspirational” roles, or role definitions that are not clear.  There are no job descriptions, and people are hired to solve specific problems, rather than strategically move the company forward with key skillsets. Portfolio Management – lack of a true product management function, not keeping pace with market changes, or lack of a differentiated, competitive portfolio of offers. Toolset strategy – too many tools, lack of governance around software assets, poorly defined and implemented processes. How often are the “fixes” technological?  How often are they “people” fixes?                 There is always some component of non-technical challenges that we address.  This can be with people in wrong roles as mentioned previously, or business processes being outdated and not keeping up with the growth of the company.  When we provide a solutions roadmap, we break it down into areas like Organizational Recommendations, Technical Recommendations, and Process Recommendations, and highlight the interdependencies across each area – you can’t make foundational changes in a vacuum.  We also often see that the actual organizational design is part of the problem, the org was either NOT consciously designed, or it hasn’t been adjusted to keep up with where the company wants to go. We used to use the term “Digital Transformation” a lot.  Now we invoke AI-led efficiency.  How does a large organization transform itself while still operating and providing for customers?                 This is one of the biggest challenges that organizations and leaders face today – with the pace of change being so fast, leaders do not have the luxury of stopping the “run the business” activities at the expense of “transform the business.”  So, our recommendations include short-term fixes, quick wins, and a longer-term roadmap that builds on previous successes.  For AI specifically, there needs to be an AI governance process that covers what the AI strategy is, goals for the use of AI, what the governance process is, what data sources will be used and how, skills gaps, etc. Also, it is imperative that all transformations include a very strong communications plan, both internally for employees and externally for customers, so that everyone is aware of the shifts that the company is making. You cannot expect a transformation to be successful without leaders who are focused on the big rocks that need to be moved – they need time, resources, and executive backing to be able to take some cycles away from their day jobs.  But they have to show results quickly and then keep building on those results.  We have seen this work again and again, so it is possible with a bought-in leadership team and a culture that embraces change. What are the types of organizations that need OIC Advisors the most?                 Most of our clients come from organizations that are having difficulty scaling and growing.  We find that we are most successful in organizations that have leadership who are acutely aware that [...]

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Marketing Darwinism talked to Vinay Patel, Co-Founder of OIC Advisors

  1. Tell us about OIC Advisors and its core thesis.  

                We started this company after being in professional services for most of our careers.  We’ve been around the block!  Over the years, we’ve noticed that we see the same mistakes over and over again in core areas like strategy, communications, organizational alignment, and operational execution.  Our mission is to help proactive leaders drive growth through successful transformation.  What differentiates us from the many consulting companies out there is that we take a very practical approach to solving big challenges holistically – many times, a leader brings us in to fix operational problems, but may not know that there are people problems as well.

We get results quickly – being action oriented, we dive right in, start to talk to team members, analyze existing documentation, and come up with a prioritized roadmap, usually in just a few weeks.  And we freely share IP – if we have a template or a process that will improve our clients’ situation, we freely share it.

  1. How do organizations take it when you tell them either what’s broken or what needs to be improved?

                It varies a lot – no one enjoys being told their baby is ugly!  But when a leader brings us in because their organization is not moving fast enough, not keeping pace with the rate of change of the market, or the results are not matching their expectations, it is usually a sign that they are not running at what we call “Operational Velocity.”  So, they hire us with the expectation that we will help them improve this situation, and they usually have an area of focus in mind (such as a particular organization, or a business process).  When we do our analysis, we always try to think holistically and look at the bigger picture – for example, are team members aware of the strategy of the company, do they know what metrics are critical to success, do they have role definitions for their roles?  A lot of times, there is misalignment between leadership expectations and team member reality.  So, when we surface some of these issues, there is usually a light-bulb moment, and we have great conversations about what can be done to achieve the desired results at speed.

  1. What are the themes that emerge most often when considering once-great companies that slow-down or face headwinds?

We see many common pain points again and again.  Some common themes we see are:

  • Misalignment on vision and strategy – CEOs or Founders have a vision, but it is not captured or communicated to the rest of the team, and there is no defined strategy to execute that vision.
  • Tech and process debt – we see this a lot in the largest global enterprises.  People know what the problems are, but they either don’t have the time, or the remit, to finally address them. These are often challenging because the solution needs to be cross-functional, with multiple teams in agreement on the fixes.
  • People in the wrong roles – leaders being in “aspirational” roles, or role definitions that are not clear.  There are no job descriptions, and people are hired to solve specific problems, rather than strategically move the company forward with key skillsets.
  • Portfolio Management – lack of a true product management function, not keeping pace with market changes, or lack of a differentiated, competitive portfolio of offers.
  • Toolset strategy – too many tools, lack of governance around software assets, poorly defined and implemented processes.

  1. How often are the “fixes” technological?  How often are they “people” fixes?

                There is always some component of non-technical challenges that we address.  This can be with people in wrong roles as mentioned previously, or business processes being outdated and not keeping up with the growth of the company.  When we provide a solutions roadmap, we break it down into areas like Organizational Recommendations, Technical Recommendations, and Process Recommendations, and highlight the interdependencies across each area – you can’t make foundational changes in a vacuum.  We also often see that the actual organizational design is part of the problem, the org was either NOT consciously designed, or it hasn’t been adjusted to keep up with where the company wants to go.

  1. We used to use the term “Digital Transformation” a lot.  Now we invoke AI-led efficiency.  How does a large organization transform itself while still operating and providing for customers?

                This is one of the biggest challenges that organizations and leaders face today – with the pace of change being so fast, leaders do not have the luxury of stopping the “run the business” activities at the expense of “transform the business.”  So, our recommendations include short-term fixes, quick wins, and a longer-term roadmap that builds on previous successes.  For AI specifically, there needs to be an AI governance process that covers what the AI strategy is, goals for the use of AI, what the governance process is, what data sources will be used and how, skills gaps, etc.

Also, it is imperative that all transformations include a very strong communications plan, both internally for employees and externally for customers, so that everyone is aware of the shifts that the company is making.

You cannot expect a transformation to be successful without leaders who are focused on the big rocks that need to be moved – they need time, resources, and executive backing to be able to take some cycles away from their day jobs.  But they have to show results quickly and then keep building on those results.  We have seen this work again and again, so it is possible with a bought-in leadership team and a culture that embraces change.

  1. What are the types of organizations that need OIC Advisors the most?

                Most of our clients come from organizations that are having difficulty scaling and growing.  We find that we are most successful in organizations that have leadership who are acutely aware that they need to evolve and change, and are ready to make difficult decisions, and to bring their team along on the journey.  The size of the organization is not the most critical success criteria – we have made significant progress and received endorsements from large Fortune 50 clients as well as start-ups with less than 100 people.  We usually work with technology companies because they are rapidly evolving and need to pivot quickly or else they become obsolete.

  1. As we go into 2026, what do leaders need to think about most?

               They need crystal clarity on what they are trying to achieve in the coming year and whether they are setting their team up for success.  Because that implies that success is defined and can be measured, and daily noise can be filtered if it does not affect your definition of success.  Also, do I as a leader have the right tools and resources to position my organization for success?  This includes technical tools, financial resources, people resources with the right skillsets, and operational tools that allow the team to efficiently achieve their goals.  We see innovative and disruptive solutions like AI do the exact OPPOSITE of what they should: they disrupt the organization’s business by flooding it with noise, pilot projects, evaluations, and a fear of being left behind.  Instead, these programs should be clearly managed with business outcomes in mind and administered as critical transformation projects, including factors such as organizational design and governance.

The post Exec Interview with Vinay Patel, Co-Founder of OIC Advisors first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]> https://pauldunay.com/exec-interview-with-vinay-patel-co-founder-of-oic-advisors/feed/ 0 The AI Revolution Runs on Power: Why Data Center World Created POWER. https://pauldunay.com/the-ai-revolution-runs-on-power-why-data-center-world-created-power/ https://pauldunay.com/the-ai-revolution-runs-on-power-why-data-center-world-created-power/#respond Wed, 27 Aug 2025 18:43:07 +0000 https://pauldunay.com/?p=6824 1. Data Center Power- a new event with a specific focus.  How did you arrive at the decision to launch this product? AI is transforming the world, but traditional infrastructure can’t keep up. As demand surges from cloud computing, AI, 5G, remote work, and data-heavy applications, the data center market is scaling fast. As organizers of the industry’s largest data center event, we launched Data Center World POWER to unite the full ecosystem around the urgent challenges – and innovations – in power, energy resourcing and sustainability.   2. AI is the watchword.  How does this event and data centers specifically fit into the huge plans that are being announced around AI? Data Center World POWER was created to spotlight the intersection of major AI breakthroughs and the massive computing power they require. Our event aims to gather the industry’s top leaders who are driving forward this technology revolution in power, cooling and energy strategy and connect the dots between AI ambitions and the physical infrastructure it requires to make everything become a reality.   3. Is the focus of the programming leaning corporate or government.  Don’t both sectors have to collaborate to make this all a reality? The programming we’ve developed for Data Center World POWER is designed to bridge both corporate and government viewpoints. In order to achieve progress for data centers, it requires input from both sides. Our agenda has leaders from hyperscalers, colocation providers, utilities and solution vendors sharing the stage with energy experts and policymakers. There is public-private collaboration across the two days of meetings – whether it’s grid innovation, sustainability mandates, or power procurement.   4. Who should attend the event and what knowledge or tactics will they glean from the event to help them do their jobs better and help the industry flourish? The event will attract the full spectrum of data center power influencers, including power providers, data center operators and owners, construction and design firms, hyperscalers, government officials, investors, sustainability professionals and technology solution providers, among other groups. From keynotes to tech talks and networking, every element is built to drive collaboration and action across the entire data center power value chain. As digital demand accelerates, aligning around resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy infrastructure is essential – and Data Center World POWER is where this alignment happens.   5. Are there online and other assets you have to provide information to folks 24/7 who can’t attend the event? The event is designed as an in-person experience; however, we want to ensure the industry benefits from the information exchanged across the three days. We will provide a post-show report that captures the most critical trends and learnings shared. Our newsletters will also highlight the key actions the Data Center community can take in regards to the industry’s most pressing challenge – and opportunity: power resourcing. Attribution: Tara Gibb, Senior Director, Data Center World Portfolio, Informa Connect Website: www.dcwpower.com

The post The AI Revolution Runs on Power: Why Data Center World Created POWER. first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]>

1. Data Center Power- a new event with a specific focus.  How did you arrive at the decision to launch this product?

AI is transforming the world, but traditional infrastructure can’t keep up. As demand surges from cloud computing, AI, 5G, remote work, and data-heavy applications, the data center market is scaling fast. As organizers of the industry’s largest data center event, we launched Data Center World POWER to unite the full ecosystem around the urgent challenges – and innovations – in power, energy resourcing and sustainability.

 

2. AI is the watchword.  How does this event and data centers specifically fit into the huge plans that are being announced around AI?

Data Center World POWER was created to spotlight the intersection of major AI breakthroughs and the massive computing power they require. Our event aims to gather the industry’s top leaders who are driving forward this technology revolution in power, cooling and energy strategy and connect the dots between AI ambitions and the physical infrastructure it requires to make everything become a reality.

 

3. Is the focus of the programming leaning corporate or government.  Don’t both sectors have to collaborate to make this all a reality?

The programming we’ve developed for Data Center World POWER is designed to bridge both corporate and government viewpoints. In order to achieve progress for data centers, it requires input from both sides. Our agenda has leaders from hyperscalers, colocation providers, utilities and solution vendors sharing the stage with energy experts and policymakers. There is public-private collaboration across the two days of meetings – whether it’s grid innovation, sustainability mandates, or power procurement.

 

4. Who should attend the event and what knowledge or tactics will they glean from the event to help them do their jobs better and help the industry flourish?

The event will attract the full spectrum of data center power influencers, including power providers, data center operators and owners, construction and design firms, hyperscalers, government officials, investors, sustainability professionals and technology solution providers, among other groups. From keynotes to tech talks and networking, every element is built to drive collaboration and action across the entire data center power value chain. As digital demand accelerates, aligning around resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy infrastructure is essential – and Data Center World POWER is where this alignment happens.

 

5. Are there online and other assets you have to provide information to folks 24/7 who can’t attend the event?

The event is designed as an in-person experience; however, we want to ensure the industry benefits from the information exchanged across the three days. We will provide a post-show report that captures the most critical trends and learnings shared. Our newsletters will also highlight the key actions the Data Center community can take in regards to the industry’s most pressing challenge – and opportunity: power resourcing.
Attribution: Tara Gibb, Senior Director, Data Center World Portfolio, Informa Connect
The post The AI Revolution Runs on Power: Why Data Center World Created POWER. first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]> https://pauldunay.com/the-ai-revolution-runs-on-power-why-data-center-world-created-power/feed/ 0 Legacy Group Capital Secures $180 Million from LibreMax Capital, Adding Up to $400 Million in Funding Capacity https://pauldunay.com/legacy-group-capital-secures-180-million-from-libremax-capital-adding-up-to-400-million-in-funding-capacity/ https://pauldunay.com/legacy-group-capital-secures-180-million-from-libremax-capital-adding-up-to-400-million-in-funding-capacity/#respond Wed, 21 May 2025 12:00:15 +0000 https://pauldunay.com/?p=6820 Legacy Group Capital Secures $180 Million from LibreMax Capital, Adding Up to $400 Million in Funding Capacity. Funding primes the pump for Legacy expansion Bellevue, WA- May 21, 2025–  Legacy Group Capital (“Legacy”), an innovative real estate company, today announced its first institutional capital partnership with LibreMax Capital, LLC (“LibreMax”), an $11.8 billion asset management firm specializing in securitized products and asset-backed finance.  The deal includes an 18-month revolving period, during which principal payoffs can be reinvested to originate new loans, creating a projected $400 million in additional funding capacity. Legacy Chief Investment Officer Ed Messman said, “LibreMax adds an important, diversified source of capital as we continue to scale into new markets and activate strategic and wholesale partnerships.  The LibreMax team brings significant experience in the residential real estate asset class and has been exceptionally supportive of Legacy’s growth plans.” Legacy’s track record of common-sense, community-based lending has resulted in 20 years of profitable growth.  The company brings together a set of otherwise disparate audiences:  Homebuyers, Builders, Agents, LO’s and Real Estate Investors into a virtuous loop, capitalizing on the opportunities and imperatives of the dynamic US housing market. “Legacy’s platform stands out in the RTL industry by combining cutting-edge technology, deep industry expertise, and streamlined workflows with a diverse product suite for end users,” said Craig Sedaka, Portfolio Manager at LibreMax.  “We are excited to support the company in its next phase of growth.” The $180 million of additional liquidity complements and enhances Legacy’s current family of real estate investment funds which manages approximately $300 million across 1,200+ investors. “This partnership with LibreMax changes the game for us at Legacy. With this funding and current investments in our technology platform, we are primed to grow exponentially as we enter new geographies, introduce new products and services, and expand our existing base, “ said Legacy CEO Scott Rerucha. ############# About LibreMax Capital Founded in 2010, LibreMax Capital, LLC is a New York-based asset management firm specializing in securitized products and asset-backed finance with $11.8 billion of assets under management. The firm manages both hedged and unhedged strategies across Evergreen Funds, Drawdown Vehicles, and Custom Solutions. To learn more, visit www.libremax.com. For LibreMax: Amanda Shpiner/Sam Fisher Gasthalter & Co. (212) 257-4170 About Legacy Group Capital Legacy Group Capital (Legacy) is an integrated real estate company focused on community-based engagement in private lending and real estate investing. Legacy empowers homebuilders, real estate investors, homeowners, and homebuyers with a flexible lending and investment platform. The Legacy platform offers unique and creative financial products to both consumers and builders that extend beyond standard guidelines. These products encompass acquisition loans, construction loans, rehab financing, and bridge loans that all reflect our common-sense approach to lending. For Legacy: Contact: Romi Mahajan KKM Group romi@thekkmgroup.com SOURCE: Legacy Group Capital

The post Legacy Group Capital Secures $180 Million from LibreMax Capital, Adding Up to $400 Million in Funding Capacity first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]>

Legacy Group Capital Secures $180 Million from LibreMax Capital, Adding Up to $400 Million in Funding Capacity.

Funding primes the pump for Legacy expansion

Bellevue, WA- May 21, 2025–  Legacy Group Capital (“Legacy”), an innovative real estate company, today announced its first institutional capital partnership with LibreMax Capital, LLC (“LibreMax”), an $11.8 billion asset management firm specializing in securitized products and asset-backed finance.  The deal includes an 18-month revolving period, during which principal payoffs can be reinvested to originate new loans, creating a projected $400 million in additional funding capacity.

Legacy Chief Investment Officer Ed Messman said, “LibreMax adds an important, diversified source of capital as we continue to scale into new markets and activate strategic and wholesale partnerships.  The LibreMax team brings significant experience in the residential real estate asset class and has been exceptionally supportive of Legacy’s growth plans.”

Legacy’s track record of common-sense, community-based lending has resulted in 20 years of profitable growth.  The company brings together a set of otherwise disparate audiences:  Homebuyers, Builders, Agents, LO’s and Real Estate Investors into a virtuous loop, capitalizing on the opportunities and imperatives of the dynamic US housing market.

“Legacy’s platform stands out in the RTL industry by combining cutting-edge technology, deep industry expertise, and streamlined workflows with a diverse product suite for end users,” said Craig Sedaka, Portfolio Manager at LibreMax.  “We are excited to support the company in its next phase of growth.”

The $180 million of additional liquidity complements and enhances Legacy’s current family of real estate investment funds which manages approximately $300 million across 1,200+ investors.

“This partnership with LibreMax changes the game for us at Legacy. With this funding and current investments in our technology platform, we are primed to grow exponentially as we enter new geographies, introduce new products and services, and expand our existing base, “ said Legacy CEO Scott Rerucha.

#############

About LibreMax Capital

Founded in 2010, LibreMax Capital, LLC is a New York-based asset management firm specializing in securitized products and asset-backed finance with $11.8 billion of assets under management. The firm manages both hedged and unhedged strategies across Evergreen Funds, Drawdown Vehicles, and Custom Solutions. To learn more, visit www.libremax.com.

For LibreMax:

Amanda Shpiner/Sam Fisher

Gasthalter & Co.

(212) 257-4170

About Legacy Group Capital

Legacy Group Capital (Legacy) is an integrated real estate company focused on community-based engagement in private lending and real estate investing. Legacy empowers homebuilders, real estate investors, homeowners, and homebuyers with a flexible lending and investment platform. The Legacy platform offers unique and creative financial products to both consumers and builders that extend beyond standard guidelines. These products encompass acquisition loans, construction loans, rehab financing, and bridge loans that all reflect our common-sense approach to lending.

For Legacy:

Contact: Romi Mahajan

KKM Group

romi@thekkmgroup.com

SOURCE: Legacy Group Capital

The post Legacy Group Capital Secures $180 Million from LibreMax Capital, Adding Up to $400 Million in Funding Capacity first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]> https://pauldunay.com/legacy-group-capital-secures-180-million-from-libremax-capital-adding-up-to-400-million-in-funding-capacity/feed/ 0 Security as a Process an interview with Paras Shah, Founder of LAMR Group https://pauldunay.com/security-as-a-process-an-interview-with-paras-shah-founder-of-lamr-group/ https://pauldunay.com/security-as-a-process-an-interview-with-paras-shah-founder-of-lamr-group/#respond Mon, 12 May 2025 12:48:44 +0000 https://pauldunay.com/?p=6816 We interviewed Paras Shah, Cybersecurity Expert and Founder of LAMR Group. Question: Paras, you’ve been involved in security now for more than two decades. How has it changed? Almost everything has changed. Technology has changed– smarter, faster and more comprehensive coverage. People have changed– it is no longer a niche community. Security awareness and skill have permeated throughout every pillar and level of organizations. Policies have changed– technology has invaded every part of our lives – social and commercial. This has led to far more encompassing security policy in nearly every market and geography. Question: What is your focus at LAMR Group? With respect to the enterprise, we focus primarily on software security services; provided on a project and staff augmentation basis. We are a small firm with an emphasis on quality and a select network, so it is not always possible, but if a client has needs outside of software security we do our best to meet the requirement. This could be something like a SOC analyst or technical writer. My personal career started in professional services and ended running enterprise sales for small and large security vendors, so at LAMR we also offer advisory services for $0-$10M security startups; product market fit, pricing structure, and sales recruiting. Question: What is the role of AI in cybersecurity? Not dissimilar from the ways AI has impacted other software solutions. Current iterations of AI make many existing (and new) security solutions smarter and faster and more efficient at building baselines, recognizing deviations and building new patterns. In short, AI is making security solutions better at sorting through ever increasing alerts and correctly identifying real threats. Question: How can security companies differentiate themselves in Marketing? In other words, is it all about inducing fear in the customer? I am not a marketing professional, but speaking from the buyer’s perspective, which I do understand, inducing fear is almost never a good idea. Enterprise security buyers are smarter and more informed than ever before. They make decisions informed by a great deal of research and self-learning. Fear might work in rare corner cases, but clear, concise and use case specific messaging will be a better differentiator. Question: Does the increasingly fraught geopolitical situation increase the need for cybersecurity expertise? It definitely has not decreased the need for cybersecurity expertise. The battle against malicious actors has always been global and shifting political dynamics does not materially change that. But what we do see in the short term, at least in the United States, is reduced spending by the federal government on direct cybersecurity spending and basic research. This has the compounding impacts of ceding a research edge to other governments and causing some of the leading cybersecurity resources, at various US based three letter agencies, to find alternative employment.

The post Security as a Process an interview with Paras Shah, Founder of LAMR Group first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]>

We interviewed Paras Shah, Cybersecurity Expert and Founder of LAMR Group.

Question: Paras, you’ve been involved in security now for more than two decades. How has it changed?

Almost everything has changed. Technology has changed– smarter, faster and more comprehensive coverage. People have changed– it is no longer a niche community. Security awareness and skill have permeated throughout every pillar and level of organizations. Policies have changed– technology has invaded every part of our lives – social and commercial. This has led to far more encompassing security policy in nearly every market and geography.

Question: What is your focus at LAMR Group?

With respect to the enterprise, we focus primarily on software security services; provided on a project and staff augmentation basis. We are a small firm with an emphasis on quality and a select network, so it is not always possible, but if a client has needs outside of software security we do our best to meet the requirement. This could be something like a SOC analyst or technical writer. My personal career started in professional services and ended running enterprise sales for small and large security vendors, so at LAMR we also offer advisory services for $0-$10M security startups; product market fit, pricing structure, and sales recruiting.

Question: What is the role of AI in cybersecurity?

Not dissimilar from the ways AI has impacted other software solutions. Current iterations of AI make many existing (and new) security solutions smarter and faster and more efficient at building baselines, recognizing deviations and building new patterns. In short, AI is making security solutions better at sorting through ever increasing alerts and correctly identifying real threats.

Question: How can security companies differentiate themselves in Marketing? In other words, is it all about inducing fear in the customer?

I am not a marketing professional, but speaking from the buyer’s perspective, which I do understand, inducing fear is almost never a good idea. Enterprise security buyers are smarter and more informed than ever before. They make decisions informed by a great deal of research and self-learning. Fear might work in rare corner cases, but clear, concise and use case specific messaging will be a better differentiator.

Question: Does the increasingly fraught geopolitical situation increase the need for cybersecurity expertise?

It definitely has not decreased the need for cybersecurity expertise. The battle against malicious actors has always been global and shifting political dynamics does not materially change that. But what we do see in the short term, at least in the United States, is reduced spending by the federal government on direct cybersecurity spending and basic research. This has the compounding impacts of ceding a research edge to other governments and causing some of the leading cybersecurity resources, at various US based three letter agencies, to find alternative employment.

The post Security as a Process an interview with Paras Shah, Founder of LAMR Group first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]> https://pauldunay.com/security-as-a-process-an-interview-with-paras-shah-founder-of-lamr-group/feed/ 0 ExoFusion CEO Romi Mahajan to be Chairman of Marketing Agency Ashby & Gabriel https://pauldunay.com/exofusion-ceo-romi-mahajan-to-be-chairman-of-marketing-agency-ashby-gabriel/ https://pauldunay.com/exofusion-ceo-romi-mahajan-to-be-chairman-of-marketing-agency-ashby-gabriel/#respond Thu, 06 Mar 2025 16:00:07 +0000 https://pauldunay.com/?p=6812 Award winning Marketing Agency Ashby & Gabriel announces the election of Romi Mahajan as Board Chairman. Mahajan will help focus the company on rapid growth and expansion into new verticals. Mahajan is CEO of ExoFusion and has spent the last 25 years in Technology Marketing, including a decade at Microsoft. He has been involved in over 30 startups and has built a boutique agency as well. Ashby & Gabriel CEO and Founder Megan Human says, “Romi brings energy, inspiration, and know-how to our agency, important especially as we look to massive growth over the next few years. Our customer-centric agency model has stood us in good stead over the last several years and as we look at the next phase of evolution and Romi will be a great partner.” The company has been at the forefront of mission-based Marketing, working with customers who have clear business and social goals. Originally focused on Performance Marketing, Ashby & Gabriel has expanded into creative and strategic marketing services. “The Ashby & Gabriel team is small-yet-mighty, ” said Mahajan. “I’ve rarely worked with a more responsive agency with a better track record of great work, delivered on time, and in the mode of true partnership with customers. For many customers, Ashby is an extension of the team and is deeply involved in every aspect of strategy and execution.” 2025 looks to be a promising year for the company which will triple in size over the course of the year. Along with Mahajan and Human, marketer Rachel Morrison will also join the Board of Directors. At Ashby & Gabriel, we take strategies that have been used to sell products and craft them into tools that make an impact. As a full-service marketing agency with a strategic, client-centered approach, we help our clients amplify their impact through compelling storytelling, data-informed marketing, and innovative branding. Ashby & Gabriel offers a model that extends beyond a typical agency relationship, often acting in place of an in-house marketing department for our clients. We believe in the power of marketing to create meaningful change, and we partner with organizations that share our commitment to making a difference. Learn more at www.ashbyandgabriel.com. Contact: Megan Human, CEO Ashby & Gabriel. Megan@ashbyandgabriel.com SOURCE: Ashby & Gabriel

The post ExoFusion CEO Romi Mahajan to be Chairman of Marketing Agency Ashby & Gabriel first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]>

Award winning Marketing Agency Ashby & Gabriel announces the election of Romi Mahajan as Board Chairman. Mahajan will help focus the company on rapid growth and expansion into new verticals. Mahajan is CEO of ExoFusion and has spent the last 25 years in Technology Marketing, including a decade at Microsoft. He has been involved in over 30 startups and has built a boutique agency as well.

Ashby & Gabriel CEO and Founder Megan Human says, “Romi brings energy, inspiration, and know-how to our agency, important especially as we look to massive growth over the next few years. Our customer-centric agency model has stood us in good stead over the last several years and as we look at the next phase of evolution and Romi will be a great partner.”

The company has been at the forefront of mission-based Marketing, working with customers who have clear business and social goals. Originally focused on Performance Marketing, Ashby & Gabriel has expanded into creative and strategic marketing services.

“The Ashby & Gabriel team is small-yet-mighty, ” said Mahajan. “I’ve rarely worked with a more responsive agency with a better track record of great work, delivered on time, and in the mode of true partnership with customers. For many customers, Ashby is an extension of the team and is deeply involved in every aspect of strategy and execution.”

2025 looks to be a promising year for the company which will triple in size over the course of the year. Along with Mahajan and Human, marketer Rachel Morrison will also join the Board of Directors.

At Ashby & Gabriel, we take strategies that have been used to sell products and craft them into tools that make an impact. As a full-service marketing agency with a strategic, client-centered approach, we help our clients amplify their impact through compelling storytelling, data-informed marketing, and innovative branding. Ashby & Gabriel offers a model that extends beyond a typical agency relationship, often acting in place of an in-house marketing department for our clients. We believe in the power of marketing to create meaningful change, and we partner with organizations that share our commitment to making a difference. Learn more at www.ashbyandgabriel.com.

Contact: Megan Human, CEO Ashby & Gabriel. Megan@ashbyandgabriel.com

SOURCE: Ashby & Gabriel

The post ExoFusion CEO Romi Mahajan to be Chairman of Marketing Agency Ashby & Gabriel first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]> https://pauldunay.com/exofusion-ceo-romi-mahajan-to-be-chairman-of-marketing-agency-ashby-gabriel/feed/ 0 Technology and AI Leader Advaiya Launches PeripheralAutomation.org for AI Adoption https://pauldunay.com/technology-and-ai-leader-advaiya-launches-peripheralautomation-org-for-ai-adoption/ https://pauldunay.com/technology-and-ai-leader-advaiya-launches-peripheralautomation-org-for-ai-adoption/#respond Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:05:31 +0000 https://pauldunay.com/?p=6796 Marketing Darwinism is please to announce some exciting news shared with us in AI … Applications and Experiences company Advaiya launched a consortium “PeripheralAutomation.org” to help organizations standardize and accelerate their adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital-led innovation. Launch partners include ExoFusion, arrowWebs, Nexsys, Ashby & Gabriel, and Passionfruit. Advaiya developed Peripheral Automation to address a growing customer need: leveraging AI and automation for increased productivity without the disruption of overhauling existing systems. This approach allows organizations to gradually integrate innovation and automation into peripheral systems, minimizing risk and providing valuable insights before scaling to core processes to build a core-AI. Advaiya CEO and creator of Peripheral Automation Manish Godha said, “Organizational leaders must think of short-term continuity and long-term disruption simultaneously.  Advancing a disruptive technology agenda too quickly or without the requisite context and culture to manage the change is hasty and wreaks havoc. That is where Peripheral Automation as an approach comes in.” AI has taken the world by storm. Analysts suggest that Enterprise AI will grow 50% YoY between 2024 and 2029, amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars spent. Still, executives are charry of the results to date, suggesting that many current AI investments have not either produced ROI or delved deeply into vertical and scenario-based contexts. According to ExoFusion CEO Romi Mahajan, an early adopter of Peripheral Automation, “We must distinguish between real and rhetorical AI. With Peripheral Automation, we can start to gain the benefits of AI in the ‘periphery’ of our business without taking a wrecking ball to existing systems. Once we get the hang of it, we then can move AI into the core. In areas like Fusion Energy, where ExoFusion focuses, adopting AI without context and a plan is dangerously hasty.” Mahajan and Godha will discuss Peripheral Automation at Informa’s AI Summit in New York Dec 11th. The session can be found here – https://newyork.theaisummit.com/the-ai-summit-new-york-2024/peripheral-automation-entry-point-ai About Advaiya Advaiya Solutions is a leading technology company that empowers businesses to thrive in the digital age. Advaiya specializes in delivering innovative solutions to help organizations in their technology needs around work and operations, customer engagement, and leveraging data. Advaiya helps organizations enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and drive growth through tailored solutions while understanding business context and needs. Advaiya is the creator of Peripheral Automation; this framework allows businesses to incrementally adopt AI and automation by focusing on tasks and processes surrounding core business data, minimizing disruption, and maximizing efficiency. With a team of experienced professionals and a customer-centric approach, Advaiya leverages cutting-edge technologies, including its expertise as a Microsoft Solutions Partner and Sitecore specialist, to provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. Committed to excellence and innovation, Advaiya Solutions has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to achieve their digital transformation goals. Press Contact: Dharmesh Godha, President Advaiya Dharmesh.Godha@advaiya.com

The post Technology and AI Leader Advaiya Launches PeripheralAutomation.org for AI Adoption first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]>

Marketing Darwinism is please to announce some exciting news shared with us in AI …

Applications and Experiences company Advaiya launched a consortium “PeripheralAutomation.org” to help organizations standardize and accelerate their adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital-led innovation. Launch partners include ExoFusion, arrowWebs, Nexsys, Ashby & Gabriel, and Passionfruit.

Advaiya developed Peripheral Automation to address a growing customer need: leveraging AI and automation for increased productivity without the disruption of overhauling existing systems. This approach allows organizations to gradually integrate innovation and automation into peripheral systems, minimizing risk and providing valuable insights before scaling to core processes to build a core-AI.

Advaiya CEO and creator of Peripheral Automation Manish Godha said, “Organizational leaders must think of short-term continuity and long-term disruption simultaneously.  Advancing a disruptive technology agenda too quickly or without the requisite context and culture to manage the change is hasty and wreaks havoc. That is where Peripheral Automation as an approach comes in.”

AI has taken the world by storm. Analysts suggest that Enterprise AI will grow 50% YoY between 2024 and 2029, amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars spent. Still, executives are charry of the results to date, suggesting that many current AI investments have not either produced ROI or delved deeply into vertical and scenario-based contexts.

According to ExoFusion CEO Romi Mahajan, an early adopter of Peripheral Automation, “We must distinguish between real and rhetorical AI. With Peripheral Automation, we can start to gain the benefits of AI in the ‘periphery’ of our business without taking a wrecking ball to existing systems. Once we get the hang of it, we then can move AI into the core. In areas like Fusion Energy, where ExoFusion focuses, adopting AI without context and a plan is dangerously hasty.”

Mahajan and Godha will discuss Peripheral Automation at Informa’s AI Summit in New York Dec 11th. The session can be found here – https://newyork.theaisummit.com/the-ai-summit-new-york-2024/peripheral-automation-entry-point-ai

About Advaiya

Advaiya Solutions is a leading technology company that empowers businesses to thrive in the digital age. Advaiya specializes in delivering innovative solutions to help organizations in their technology needs around work and operations, customer engagement, and leveraging data.

Advaiya helps organizations enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and drive growth through tailored solutions while understanding business context and needs. Advaiya is the creator of Peripheral Automation; this framework allows businesses to incrementally adopt AI and automation by focusing on tasks and processes surrounding core business data, minimizing disruption, and maximizing efficiency.

With a team of experienced professionals and a customer-centric approach, Advaiya leverages cutting-edge technologies, including its expertise as a Microsoft Solutions Partner and Sitecore specialist, to provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. Committed to excellence and innovation, Advaiya Solutions has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to achieve their digital transformation goals.

Press Contact: Dharmesh Godha, President Advaiya
Dharmesh.Godha@advaiya.com

The post Technology and AI Leader Advaiya Launches PeripheralAutomation.org for AI Adoption first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]> https://pauldunay.com/technology-and-ai-leader-advaiya-launches-peripheralautomation-org-for-ai-adoption/feed/ 0 Interview with Megan Human – Founder and CEO Ashby & Gabriel https://pauldunay.com/interview-with-megan-human-founder-and-ceo-ashby-gabriel/ https://pauldunay.com/interview-with-megan-human-founder-and-ceo-ashby-gabriel/#respond Wed, 04 Dec 2024 23:32:27 +0000 https://pauldunay.com/?p=6788 Marketing Darwinism: Megan, tell us about Ashby & Gabriel. What is your philosophy and approach? Megan: The essence of our company is the multifarious world of communications. At the heart of every business, every transaction, every organization, every connection, every innovation is communication. Technology is incredibly important but communications trumps everything. We started the company to test that claim and we’ve been lucky enough to have it borne out with our incredible customers and THEIR success. Marketing Darwinism: As a marketer myself, communication is next to my heart. But how do we create differentiation via that channel? Megan: My view of that is what I call “Customer Depth” or what others call “Surrounding the Customer.” In other words, until you know the full context of your customer, and your customer’s customer and so on, you cannot craft a communications strategy that both works and is differentiated. Deep knowledge matters but it shouldn’t be taken to suggest that you need a long process to acquire the knowledge. The first great act of a marketer is listening to understand. Once you understand, you can build a playbook and execute. Marketing Darwinism:For a small firm, you have an incredible array of customers. Tell us more about that please. Megan: Our roots were with non-profit and conservation-related organizations. That came out of my passion for the natural world and for preserving it for generations hence. We realized that just as non-profits have clear missions, there are for-profit companies that do too. We have been able to nucleate business with some incredible companies- in technology, real estate, and other areas that all are based on some version of “community” and “connection,” two of our pillars. Marketing Darwinism: On to more operational questions. How do you deal with all the various tools and innovations in “Modern Marketing?” Megan: No-one, not even a genius, can know every tool, every technology, every app, and every new-new thing. We try to keep up only because we need to offer the best to our customers, but we also know that being too diffuse creates mediocrity. In addition, the “stop and start” and “bright, shiny object” approach to marketing is bound to fail. So we think we are good at what you call “Modern Marketing” but we also rely on some old-word ideas- like listening, connection, creativity, consistency, and purpose. Marketing Darwinism: A parting question for you. How do you see agency marketing playing out in 2025 and beyond? Megan: We are a small agency so can speak only to the opportunities firms like ours have. We’ve seen what we think of as a re-embrace of the agency. It’s not a question simply of having more people on your “virtual team,” but also of working with folks that aren’t in the same structure as you are, to get a fresh view of strategy and a fresh way to execute. We are lucky to get more queries than we can handle. So I think agencies are in a great place going into 2025.

The post Interview with Megan Human – Founder and CEO Ashby & Gabriel first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]>

Marketing Darwinism: Megan, tell us about Ashby & Gabriel. What is your philosophy and approach?

Megan: The essence of our company is the multifarious world of communications. At the heart of every business, every transaction, every organization, every connection, every innovation is communication. Technology is incredibly important but communications trumps everything. We started the company to test that claim and we’ve been lucky enough to have it borne out with our incredible customers and THEIR success.

Marketing Darwinism: As a marketer myself, communication is next to my heart. But how do we create differentiation via that channel?

Megan: My view of that is what I call “Customer Depth” or what others call “Surrounding the Customer.” In other words, until you know the full context of your customer, and your customer’s customer and so on, you cannot craft a communications strategy that both works and is differentiated. Deep knowledge matters but it shouldn’t be taken to suggest that you need a long process to acquire the knowledge. The first great act of a marketer is listening to understand. Once you understand, you can build a playbook and execute.

Marketing Darwinism:For a small firm, you have an incredible array of customers. Tell us more about that please.

Megan: Our roots were with non-profit and conservation-related organizations. That came out of my passion for the natural world and for preserving it for generations hence. We realized that just as non-profits have clear missions, there are for-profit companies that do too. We have been able to nucleate business with some incredible companies- in technology, real estate, and other areas that all are based on some version of “community” and “connection,” two of our pillars.

Marketing Darwinism: On to more operational questions. How do you deal with all the various tools and innovations in “Modern Marketing?”

Megan: No-one, not even a genius, can know every tool, every technology, every app, and every new-new thing. We try to keep up only because we need to offer the best to our customers, but we also know that being too diffuse creates mediocrity. In addition, the “stop and start” and “bright, shiny object” approach to marketing is bound to fail. So we think we are good at what you call “Modern Marketing” but we also rely on some old-word ideas- like listening, connection, creativity, consistency, and purpose.

Marketing Darwinism: A parting question for you. How do you see agency marketing playing out in 2025 and beyond?

Megan: We are a small agency so can speak only to the opportunities firms like ours have. We’ve seen what we think of as a re-embrace of the agency. It’s not a question simply of having more people on your “virtual team,” but also of working with folks that aren’t in the same structure as you are, to get a fresh view of strategy and a fresh way to execute. We are lucky to get more queries than we can handle. So I think agencies are in a great place going into 2025.

The post Interview with Megan Human – Founder and CEO Ashby & Gabriel first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]> https://pauldunay.com/interview-with-megan-human-founder-and-ceo-ashby-gabriel/feed/ 0 Interview with Chris Gurdjian, Chief Strategy Officer, Legacy Group Capital https://pauldunay.com/interview-with-chris-gurdjian-chief-strategy-officer-legacy-group-capital/ https://pauldunay.com/interview-with-chris-gurdjian-chief-strategy-officer-legacy-group-capital/#respond Thu, 03 Oct 2024 06:28:56 +0000 https://pauldunay.com/?p=6778 1. What makes Legacy different from other Real Estate companies? Chris G: Indeed, many Real Estate companies appear to be similar on the surface but are quite different below. Like an iceberg- only 10% is above water, the rest invisible. In the case of Legacy, our unwavering commitment to our communities makes us stand out. Whether builders, Loan Officers, brokers, house owners, or house buyers- we think of these communities as part of a larger whole- an ecosystem that must be attended to in toto, not just in parts. This has stood the test of time and even as we expand, that focus guides us. 2. You have a unique combination of builders, investors, homeowners, and home purchasers in your community. How do you manage all of these disparate audiences simultaneously? The thread that binds these is the idea that in each of these communities, there are individuals that need a distinct outcome. Our teams have to deeply understand what is the outcome that individuals desire; we can’t a priori go in with a Legacy-first perspective. Second, we are very big on education; if people do not have access to what we offer and have a deep understanding of how we can help, how we work, and what processes we follow, then we don’t build trust, which is the currency of the entire Real Estate economy. 3. As you look to expand into new markets, what are the core factors in the target markets that interest Legacy? If I were to put it simply, what markets are similar to the Seattle area? Which markets have good bones and good opportunities while being ready for innovative financial solutions that are common-sense in approach, easy to understand, and focused on outcome. The market should be of appreciable size, have a large class of people who want to be homeowners but need just a little nudge and a set of institutions that can support the ecosystem. As an example, we are making bets in many metros in Colorado and in the Phoenix area as well. 4. You write about “The Missing Middle”- those people who want to be homeowners that need just a little nudge to get there. If we focus on them, can we make a discernible difference in both homeownership stats but also the quality of our communities? Homeownership is so much more than an economic decision. While it is that, it is also a decision about life, education, environment, and community. What we call “The Missing Middle” is a group of people who the traditional institutions haven’t done a great job of working with. Homeownership in the US has lingered at about 65% for decades, partially because the traditional way of lending and financing hasn’t really changed. We have to make that number higher. 5. What do the next three years look like for Legacy? Give us your predictions. Legacy as I said has unwavering commitment to audiences and markets. Over the next three years, we’ll introduce more products and a comprehensive engagement platform based on the latest in technology. We will, also, move into new markets and build new communities across the country. We feel bullish on community!

The post Interview with Chris Gurdjian, Chief Strategy Officer, Legacy Group Capital first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]>

1. What makes Legacy different from other Real Estate companies?

Chris G: Indeed, many Real Estate companies appear to be similar on the surface but are quite different below. Like an iceberg- only 10% is above water, the rest invisible. In the case of Legacy, our unwavering commitment to our communities makes us stand out. Whether builders, Loan Officers, brokers, house owners, or house buyers- we think of these communities as part of a larger whole- an ecosystem that must be attended to in toto, not just in parts. This has stood the test of time and even as we expand, that focus guides us.

2. You have a unique combination of builders, investors, homeowners, and home purchasers in your community. How do you manage all of these disparate audiences simultaneously?

The thread that binds these is the idea that in each of these communities, there are individuals that need a distinct outcome. Our teams have to deeply understand what is the outcome that individuals desire; we can’t a priori go in with a Legacy-first perspective. Second, we are very big on education; if people do not have access to what we offer and have a deep understanding of how we can help, how we work, and what processes we follow, then we don’t build trust, which is the currency of the entire Real Estate economy.

3. As you look to expand into new markets, what are the core factors in the target markets that interest Legacy?

If I were to put it simply, what markets are similar to the Seattle area? Which markets have good bones and good opportunities while being ready for innovative financial solutions that are common-sense in approach, easy to understand, and focused on outcome. The market should be of appreciable size, have a large class of people who want to be homeowners but need just a little nudge and a set of institutions that can support the ecosystem. As an example, we are making bets in many metros in Colorado and in the Phoenix area as well.

4. You write about “The Missing Middle”- those people who want to be homeowners that need just a little nudge to get there. If we focus on them, can we make a discernible difference in both homeownership stats but also the quality of our communities?

Homeownership is so much more than an economic decision. While it is that, it is also a decision about life, education, environment, and community. What we call “The Missing Middle” is a group of people who the traditional institutions haven’t done a great job of working with. Homeownership in the US has lingered at about 65% for decades, partially because the traditional way of lending and financing hasn’t really changed. We have to make that number higher.

5. What do the next three years look like for Legacy? Give us your predictions.

Legacy as I said has unwavering commitment to audiences and markets. Over the next three years, we’ll introduce more products and a comprehensive engagement platform based on the latest in technology. We will, also, move into new markets and build new communities across the country. We feel bullish on community!

The post Interview with Chris Gurdjian, Chief Strategy Officer, Legacy Group Capital first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]> https://pauldunay.com/interview-with-chris-gurdjian-chief-strategy-officer-legacy-group-capital/feed/ 0 Interview with Victoria Cote, AI Conference Producer, Informa Tech https://pauldunay.com/interview-with-victoria-cote-ai-conference-producer-informa-tech/ https://pauldunay.com/interview-with-victoria-cote-ai-conference-producer-informa-tech/#respond Mon, 26 Aug 2024 18:46:43 +0000 https://pauldunay.com/?p=6772 Hot off the presses here is an interview with Victoria Cote the conference producer of AI Summit in New York SPOILER ALERT I will be speaking there with my dear friend Romi Mahajan! Q:  Informa’s AI Summit has become an important conference on the AI circuit. Can you tell us a bit about your role and what your vision for the Conference is? As the Conference Producer for The AI Summit series, my role centers on curating and developing content that captures the most urgent and innovative developments in AI today. I’m responsible for producing the Practitioners, VisionAIres, and Solution Center stages at our flagship events in New York and London, while also anchoring The AI Summit Cape Town within the Africa Tech Festival, which has been a cornerstone of the industry for 27 years. My goal is to create a platform that not only showcases groundbreaking advancements but also connects AI leaders across different sectors, influencing impactful partnerships and actionable insights. Specifically for Cape Town, my aim is to ensure the summit addresses Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities by bringing in global leaders like Google, HPE, and Meta to share their insights. Through this addition, we’ll also provide attendees with access to a broader, more diverse audience, creating unique opportunities for global collaborations. My ultimate vision is to make The AI Summit Cape Town and Africa Tech Festival the must-attend AI event on the continent, where industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers converge to shape the future of AI in Africa.   Q: What is the VisionAIres program, and how does it enhance the AI community? The VisionAIres program is designed to elevate the AI Summit experience by bringing together senior-level executives and thought leaders who are at the forefront of AI innovation. It’s more than just a networking opportunity; it’s a space where industry leaders can engage in deep, strategic conversations about the future of AI. Peer-to-peer connections, knowledge sharing, and networking are at the heart of this program, and they are more imperative now than ever as the AI market evolves so rapidly. What sets VisionAIres apart is that it’s not limited to our live events—it’s an active community that connects members on a monthly basis through virtual roundtables, ensuring ongoing engagement and collaboration. By focusing on both global perspectives and local challenges, especially in regions like Africa, the program enhances the AI community by driving high-impact discussions that lead to tangible outcomes. This is essential in bridging the gap between different markets and nurturing relationships that have the potential to make a significant impact on a global scale.   Q: What role do events play in the overall marketing landscape? Events like The AI Summit are crucial in today’s marketing landscape because they offer a unique opportunity for brands to connect with their target audience in a meaningful way. Unlike other marketing channels, events provide an immersive experience where brands can showcase their innovations and interact directly with industry leaders and decision-makers. This is particularly true in the context of Africa, where The AI Summit Cape Town, offers more access to a diverse and rapidly growing market. By participating in these events, brands can build strong relationships, gain insights into emerging trends, and position themselves as leaders in the AI space.   Q: What are some of the AI trends you are seeing, and what do we need to look out for? AI is moving at lightning speed, and several key trends are really shaping its future across the globe. A major focus right now is on Responsible Innovation and Ethical AI, ensuring that as we push the boundaries of what’s possible, we’re also managing AI’s impact thoughtfully to promote sustainable and equitable growth. AI Governance is another hot topic, with ongoing discussions about creating policy frameworks that strike the right balance between innovation and societal needs. We’re also seeing a big push for AI-driven Economic Growth, especially in areas like agriculture and healthcare, where AI can make a huge difference. Generative AI is another exciting trend—it’s making technology more accessible to non-experts, which is helping more people get involved in the digital economy. Another pressing trend is the focus on addressing the AI skills gap, which is crucial as the demand for AI expertise outpaces the current supply. Upskilling initiatives are becoming essential to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven world.   Q: What is the best message to AI marketers for sponsoring or connecting to the AI Summit? For marketers, The AI Summit offers a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse and influential audience. The key message for sponsors should focus on the value your brand brings to the technology ecosystem, especially in addressing specific challenges and opportunities within emerging markets. By aligning with The AI Summit, you’re not just gaining visibility—you’re positioning your brand as a leader in a market ready for significant growth. It’s about creating meaningful connections and contributing to the broader conversation on how technology can be leveraged for sustainable development.

The post Interview with Victoria Cote, AI Conference Producer, Informa Tech first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]>

Hot off the presses here is an interview with Victoria Cote the conference producer of AI Summit in New York

SPOILER ALERT I will be speaking there with my dear friend Romi Mahajan!

Q:  Informa’s AI Summit has become an important conference on the AI circuit. Can you tell us a bit about your role and what your vision for the Conference is?

As the Conference Producer for The AI Summit series, my role centers on curating and developing content that captures the most urgent and innovative developments in AI today. I’m responsible for producing the Practitioners, VisionAIres, and Solution Center stages at our flagship events in New York and London, while also anchoring The AI Summit Cape Town within the Africa Tech Festival, which has been a cornerstone of the industry for 27 years. My goal is to create a platform that not only showcases groundbreaking advancements but also connects AI leaders across different sectors, influencing impactful partnerships and actionable insights.

Specifically for Cape Town, my aim is to ensure the summit addresses Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities by bringing in global leaders like Google, HPE, and Meta to share their insights. Through this addition, we’ll also provide attendees with access to a broader, more diverse audience, creating unique opportunities for global collaborations. My ultimate vision is to make The AI Summit Cape Town and Africa Tech Festival the must-attend AI event on the continent, where industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers converge to shape the future of AI in Africa.

 

Q: What is the VisionAIres program, and how does it enhance the AI community?

The VisionAIres program is designed to elevate the AI Summit experience by bringing together senior-level executives and thought leaders who are at the forefront of AI innovation. It’s more than just a networking opportunity; it’s a space where industry leaders can engage in deep, strategic conversations about the future of AI. Peer-to-peer connections, knowledge sharing, and networking are at the heart of this program, and they are more imperative now than ever as the AI market evolves so rapidly. What sets VisionAIres apart is that it’s not limited to our live events—it’s an active community that connects members on a monthly basis through virtual roundtables, ensuring ongoing engagement and collaboration. By focusing on both global perspectives and local challenges, especially in regions like Africa, the program enhances the AI community by driving high-impact discussions that lead to tangible outcomes. This is essential in bridging the gap between different markets and nurturing relationships that have the potential to make a significant impact on a global scale.

 

Q: What role do events play in the overall marketing landscape?

Events like The AI Summit are crucial in today’s marketing landscape because they offer a unique opportunity for brands to connect with their target audience in a meaningful way. Unlike other marketing channels, events provide an immersive experience where brands can showcase their innovations and interact directly with industry leaders and decision-makers. This is particularly true in the context of Africa, where The AI Summit Cape Town, offers more access to a diverse and rapidly growing market. By participating in these events, brands can build strong relationships, gain insights into emerging trends, and position themselves as leaders in the AI space.

 

Q: What are some of the AI trends you are seeing, and what do we need to look out for?

AI is moving at lightning speed, and several key trends are really shaping its future across the globe. A major focus right now is on Responsible Innovation and Ethical AI, ensuring that as we push the boundaries of what’s possible, we’re also managing AI’s impact thoughtfully to promote sustainable and equitable growth. AI Governance is another hot topic, with ongoing discussions about creating policy frameworks that strike the right balance between innovation and societal needs.

We’re also seeing a big push for AI-driven Economic Growth, especially in areas like agriculture and healthcare, where AI can make a huge difference. Generative AI is another exciting trend—it’s making technology more accessible to non-experts, which is helping more people get involved in the digital economy.

Another pressing trend is the focus on addressing the AI skills gap, which is crucial as the demand for AI expertise outpaces the current supply. Upskilling initiatives are becoming essential to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven world.

 

Q: What is the best message to AI marketers for sponsoring or connecting to the AI Summit?

For marketers, The AI Summit offers a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse and influential audience. The key message for sponsors should focus on the value your brand brings to the technology ecosystem, especially in addressing specific challenges and opportunities within emerging markets. By aligning with The AI Summit, you’re not just gaining visibility—you’re positioning your brand as a leader in a market ready for significant growth. It’s about creating meaningful connections and contributing to the broader conversation on how technology can be leveraged for sustainable development.

The post Interview with Victoria Cote, AI Conference Producer, Informa Tech first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]> https://pauldunay.com/interview-with-victoria-cote-ai-conference-producer-informa-tech/feed/ 0 ExoFusion’s Breakthroughs and INFUSE Award: Paving the Way to Commercially Viable Fusion https://pauldunay.com/exofusions-breakthroughs-and-infuse-award-paving-the-way-to-commercially-viable-fusion/ https://pauldunay.com/exofusions-breakthroughs-and-infuse-award-paving-the-way-to-commercially-viable-fusion/#respond Fri, 16 Aug 2024 11:30:26 +0000 https://pauldunay.com/?p=6768 Yesterday ExoFusion, a leading innovator in fusion energy, announced a series of groundbreaking developments that could significantly accelerate the path to Commercially Viable Fusion (CVF). The company received the prestigious INFUSE award for their work in partnership with Penn State University, focusing on “Testing Novel Liquid Metal PFC compositions.” This research is crucial for the advancement of Plasma-Facing Components (PFCs), which are vital to achieving the high-confinement regimes necessary for sustained fusion reactions. ExoFusion’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Mike Kotschenreuther, highlighted the importance of this award, stating that their innovations in PFCs are part of a broader strategy to rethink the industry’s approach to plasma dynamics and confinement. The company has made significant strides in three key areas: Transport Barriers: ExoFusion’s research has demonstrated that turbulence, which typically causes heat to leak out from the plasma core, can be prevented under specific conditions. This finding is critical for maintaining the extreme temperatures required for fusion, potentially revolutionizing the way various machine types handle plasma confinement. Confinement Data Analysis: The company’s analysis of tokamak data has validated their scientific approach, showing that their patented Super-XT Divertor™ operates effectively under fusion-relevant conditions. This breakthrough supports their thesis that high confinement is the key to achieving CVF. Space Thruster Breakthroughs: ExoFusion’s work on liquid metal alloys has not only advanced fusion technology but also holds promise for the next generation of space thrusters. These innovations could extend the lifespan and operational capabilities of satellites and support more ambitious interplanetary missions. According to ExoFusion CEO Romi Mahajan, these breakthroughs exemplify the company’s leadership in both scientific and business innovation. As they continue to develop solutions that benefit the entire industry, ExoFusion is poised to play a pivotal role in the collective march towards CVF.

The post ExoFusion’s Breakthroughs and INFUSE Award: Paving the Way to Commercially Viable Fusion first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]>

Yesterday ExoFusion, a leading innovator in fusion energy, announced a series of groundbreaking developments that could significantly accelerate the path to Commercially Viable Fusion (CVF). The company received the prestigious INFUSE award for their work in partnership with Penn State University, focusing on “Testing Novel Liquid Metal PFC compositions.” This research is crucial for the advancement of Plasma-Facing Components (PFCs), which are vital to achieving the high-confinement regimes necessary for sustained fusion reactions.

ExoFusion’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Mike Kotschenreuther, highlighted the importance of this award, stating that their innovations in PFCs are part of a broader strategy to rethink the industry’s approach to plasma dynamics and confinement. The company has made significant strides in three key areas:

  1. Transport Barriers:
    ExoFusion’s research has demonstrated that turbulence, which typically causes heat to leak out from the plasma core, can be prevented under specific conditions. This finding is critical for maintaining the extreme temperatures required for fusion, potentially revolutionizing the way various machine types handle plasma confinement.
  2. Confinement Data Analysis:
    The company’s analysis of tokamak data has validated their scientific approach, showing that their patented Super-XT Divertor™ operates effectively under fusion-relevant conditions. This breakthrough supports their thesis that high confinement is the key to achieving CVF.
  3. Space Thruster Breakthroughs:
    ExoFusion’s work on liquid metal alloys has not only advanced fusion technology but also holds promise for the next generation of space thrusters. These innovations could extend the lifespan and operational capabilities of satellites and support more ambitious interplanetary missions.

According to ExoFusion CEO Romi Mahajan, these breakthroughs exemplify the company’s leadership in both scientific and business innovation. As they continue to develop solutions that benefit the entire industry, ExoFusion is poised to play a pivotal role in the collective march towards CVF.

The post ExoFusion’s Breakthroughs and INFUSE Award: Paving the Way to Commercially Viable Fusion first appeared on Marketing Darwinism.]]> https://pauldunay.com/exofusions-breakthroughs-and-infuse-award-paving-the-way-to-commercially-viable-fusion/feed/ 0