No Brainer - An AI Podcast for Business (Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino)

In this episode of The No Brainer Podcast, Geoff Livingston hosts Greg Kihlstrom, an expert in agile work, marketing, and AI. They discuss trends in generative AI, practical applications of AI in business, the importance of agile principles, common misconceptions, and how to make AI less intimidating for employees. Tune in to gain insights on maximizing AI's potential while minimizing disruptions and enhancing cross-departmental cooperation. 00:00 Introduction and Greg Kihlstrom’s Background 01:29 State of AI and Its Business Implications 02:21 The Importance of Agile in AI Implementation 03:28 Challenges and Misconceptions in AI Adoption 09:18 Strategies to Help Executives Understand AI 11:07 Enhancing Efficiency and Personalization with AI 14:50 Overcoming AI Data Challenges and Democratizing Analytics 19:59 Employee Concerns Regarding AI Adoption 23:14 AI as a Horizontal Capability and Inter-departmental Cooperation 27:49 Predictions for 2025 in AI and Final Thoughts 32:59 Closing Remarks and How to Connect with Greg Kihlstrom Interested parties can learn more about Greg Kihlstom at gregkihlstrom.com, or follow him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of 'No Brainer,' Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston are joined by Nina and Steven Moss, co-founders of Mendit.ai, to address the growing influence of AI on marketing and content creation. They discuss the positive and negative impacts of AI-generated content, the importance of maintaining authenticity, and how technology can be used to detect and limit the spread of fraudulent reviews and misinformation. Takeaways AI is creating a lot of synthetic content that can pollute digital ecosystems. The social impact of AI-generated content wasn't fully considered during its rollout. Marketers need to inspire real content rather than rely on AI slop. Understanding algorithms is crucial for navigating the digital landscape. AI can be tailored to meet specific customer needs, enhancing personalization. Digital literacy is essential for consumers to discern misinformation. Brands must take responsibility for the integrity of their online presence. The ethical implications of AI-generated content are significant and need addressing. AI can enhance productivity but should not replace human connection. The future of marketing will require a balance between AI efficiency and human authenticity. Chapters 01:53 Sloppy AI Content 06:58 The Problem of Fake Reviews 12:00 The Dangers of Manufactured Identities 17:07 The Positive Uses of AI in Content Creation 22:36 Finding the Right Balance in Marketing 30:19 The Role of Technology in Identifying Misinformation 35:28 The Future of AI and Human Interaction Mendit.ai - https://mendit.ai/ Nina Moss - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-moss-1182b0300/ Steven Moss - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-moss-65333732b/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Greg and Geoff are joined by Stephanie Pereira, the COO of Astral AI. They discuss the impact of AI on the digital content ecosystem and the challenges and opportunities it presents. The three discuss the exponential increase in content and how AI is making it easier to scale. Immediate impacts include the importance of maintaining quality and relevance in AI-generated content, understanding the role of AI in personalization, and the need to balance human touch and machine in content creation. The conversation explores the need for organizations to define workflows and roles when implementing AI technology. Stephanie, Greg and Geoff also touch on the significance of brand guidelines and the role of creativity and empathy in marketing. They also critique the overemphasis on prompt engineering and how it distracts businesses from embracing a more holistic understanding of AI's capabilities. Chapters 00:00 Start 03:30 AI is making it easier to scale content production, but it's important to maintain quality and relevance. 08:56 Building trust with AI-generated content is essential and striking the right balance between human and machine is crucial. 13:38 How social networks are adapting to AI generated content. 17.34 Brand guidelines are essential for maintaining consistency and coherence in marketing efforts. 23:52 Stephanie’s crystal ball future vision for AI and digital content. 27:51 AI in the Loop: Creativity and empathy are crucial for effective marketing, and AI can serve as a co-pilot to enhance these qualities. 33:08 Relying on prompt engineering as the future of AI is a mistake. Here’s why! Astral Website: https://tryastral.com/ Stephanie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniepereira/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's podcast, the conversation centers around Google's deprecation of third-party browser cookies, its impact on marketers, and whether AI might be part of the plan for moving digital marketing forward. Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston discuss the importance of first-party data, the challenges of unifying data, the role of AI and machine learning in data cleaning and personalization, and -- of course -- the need for a strategic approach to data, marketing, and AI. What to Listen For 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 09:00 How Google's Deprecation of Third-Party Cookies Impacts Marketers 20:00 The Importance of First-Party Data and the Challenges of Unifying Data 33:30 The Role of AI and ML in a Post-Cookie Marketing Environment 42:00 AI Depends on Strategy and Strategy Depends on Data Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's power-packed episode, Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston rant about "X" -- Elon Musk's entry into the generative AI race -- just weeks after he signed the controversial "AI pause letter" that called for a six-month moratorium on training advanced large language models. What are his plans for his so-called TruthGPT? Will he build an LLM that's trained on tweets? And could X become the "everything app" we never even knew we needed? Then, Greg and Geoff switch gears to talk about the implications of AI in ad world. Inspired by a great article at FastCompany.com, Greg shares some real (and potential) ways that the big advertising agencies are integrating generative AI into their creative workflows. Geoff talks the truth about the long-term love affair between advertising and AI. And the guys ponder whether agencies will rise to the challenge and become indispensable AI advisors to big brands... or sink to the depths of pointless hype (as many did with Web3 and the metaverse in 2022.) Be sure to visit the No Brainer website for the complete show notes, including links to the articles mentioned in this episode. What To Listen For 00:00 Start 02:44 Holla: No Brainer is part of the Marketing Podcast Network 04:22 Elon Musk announces X.ai 10:15 TruthGPT: An LLM trained on tweets? 14;18 X is Elon Musk's "Everything App" 18:04 Amazon's enterprise-grade AI announcement 24:23 Ad world approaches to AI 26:00 Fast Company looks at some practical ad agency AI plays 33:55 Ad world has been awash in AI for years 37:35 Is our "Bladerunner" moment around the corner? 39:36 A strategic role for agencies as AI advisors to brands 46:27 Today's "Brainer" and "No Brainer" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While "The Godfather of Artificial Intelligence" turned AI doomer, Geoffrey Hinton, is on the media circuit warning that some future super-intelligence may eradicate humankind, Geoff and Greg set their sights on a near-term risk that's on every marketer's mind: Is generative AI coming for our jobs? In this "ripped from the headlines" episode, Greg and Geoff consider forecasts about AI's impact on the future of work. They take a look at some of the ways AI is stripping value from companies, factoring into hiring freezes, and sending writers to the picket line. And they go deep into a debate about the ultimate effect of AI on knowledge workers in general and marketers in particular. Should you be polishing your resume or flexing your marketing muscles? It may not be so black-and-white. What to Listen For 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:45 Geoffrey Hinton quits Google to warn us about AI 00:09:01 Rapid change and dystopian fears 00:14:23 80% of jobs will be impacted by AI 00:17:14 Workers 'replaceable' by generative AI 00:26:40 Change demands an agile approach 00:31:08 Chegg sheds market value in the face of AI 00:33:41 Hollywood writers strike 00:37:38 True creativity and the limits of AI art 00:51:34 Outlier thinkers and creatives have an advantage in the age of AI 00:55:50 Greg argues that AI will take marketing jobs (point) 00:57:54 Geoff argues that the future is up to you (counterpoint) Visit https://nobrainerpodcast.com for the complete show notes, including links to the resources and articles we mention during this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino are back for lucky Episode 7 -- and it's almost like two episodes in one. For today's big topic, the guys delve into some must-know essentials for marketers who want to go beyond the hype and get real about implementing artificial intelligence inside their organization. They talk about objectives and strategy, use cases and governance, human agency, and why trust sits at the center of any successful AI implementation. This alone is worth the price of admission. But there's so much happening in AI that before they even get to the main topic, Geoff and Greg sprint through Sam Altman's so-called plea for regulation, Buzzfeed's plans for content automation, the growing "content farm" crisis, DragGAN, IBM's WatsonX, ServiceNow's move to embed LLMs in the IT department, and more. So, if you're looking to get up to speed on the latest AI news, you can listen from the top. If you've heard it all and are ready to roll up your sleeves, start around the 40-minute mark. And as always, you can use the chapter markers to bounce around and find whatever you're looking for. What to Listen For 00:00:00 Start 00:05:29 Mr. Altman Goes to Washington 00:10:35 Buzzfeed and the New Content Wild West 00:17:19 NewsGuard Identifies 125+ AI-Generated "Content Farms" 00:25:00 DragGAN and the Tyranny of the Perfect Picture 00:31:25 Buddhists and Businesses Make Strange Bedfellows 00:41:22 Enterprise AI Implementation Challenges 00:46:00 IBM Puts Governance at the Center of Watsonx 00:49:04 ServiceNow Introduces LLMs for IT Support 00:50:50 Smart AI Solutions Start with Strategy 00:52:49 Defining Use Cases: Automation and Innovation 00:56:18 Getting Into Data Governance 01:09:57 Trust is Central to AI Implementations 01:11:58 Brainer: What's Your Use Case? 01:13:21 No Brainer: Get Ready for the Crap Content Tsunami Be sure to visit https://nobrainerpodcast.com/implementing-ai for the full show notes including links to all the articles and resources mentioned in today's episode. Have a question or suggestion? Drop us a note at hello@nobrainerpodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We know! We know! We know! You're getting tired of hearing about the existential threat of AI. We are too. But when hundreds of tech company executives and independent AI experts sign yet another open letter tying the advance of AI to the end of humanity, it's a topic too big to ignore. That's not to say we believe there's an imminent threat of mass annihilation. But we do think it's crucial for marketers to understand what's really going on with the "risk and regulation" narrative Sam Altman and others are spinning because its driving FUD, FOMO, conversation, and confusion among both companies and consumers. So, bear with us as we get all this talk of an A.I.pocalypse out of our systems -- and get into a conversation about some of the things brands can do to go from AI doom to boom. What to Listen For 00:00 Start 05:08 Adobe Rolls Out Firefly and It's, Eh, OK 09:25 A Military AI Drone Killed Its Human Operator - Except It Didn't 16:18 Tech Bros Go All-In on AI Doomerism 18:18 The White House Enters the Conversation 19:25 Is ChatGPT Turning Writers into Dog Walkers? 25:02 Why the A.I.pocalypse and Regulation Roadshow Are Just Marketing Hype 39:39 How Brands Can Survive the A.I.pocalypse Hype Cycle 53:44 Brainer and No Brainer (Our Key Takeaways) Be sure to visit https://nobrainerpodcast.com/ai-pocalypse for the full show notes, including links to the articles and resources we discussed during today's episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Geoff and Greg zoom in on the rapidly evolving AI video space. The Black Mirror kicked off its sixth season with an episode called "Joan is Awful" which presented a dystopian view of a world of deep fakes, AI-generated content, and personalized entertainment taken to an extreme. Meanwhile, right here in the real world, marketers are already experimenting with the first generation of generative AI video tools. So, if you're looking to wrap your head around what's happening, how to get started, and why use cases aren't nearly as dystopian as the Black Mirror would have you believe, dive into this episode all about AI-powered video. What to Listen For 00:00:00 Start 00:06:24 Black Mirror, Joan Is Awful 00:12:30 AI Can Be Your Video Production Co-Pilot 00:15:00 Some Practical AI Video Use Cases 00:17:00 Actors Licensing their Likeness and Voice to AI Companies 00:20:18 Video Rules the Web, Will AI Rule Video? 00:24:35 The Democratization of Video 00:30:28 Coca-Cola Masterpiece and AI Video for Pros 00:44:25 How We're Using Video AI at No Brainer 00:49:15 A Sampling of AI-Powered Video Production Tools 00:56:00 Why Every Marketer Needs to Get Hands-On 00:59:04 Even More AI Video Tools 01:07:53 Today's Brainer and No Brainer As always, you can find the complete show notes, including lots of links to the stories, resources, and -- most importantly -- all the AI video tools we mention in today's episodes at https://nobrainer.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The marketing conversation about AI seems to be stuck in the land of "tools and tactics." And more often than not, the tool is ChatGPT and the tactic is cranking out content. But there's so much more to generative AI. And there's an entire world of "traditional" predictive AI beyond today's generative darlings. But to get the most out of AI for your organization, you need to start thinking in terms of well-defined, strategic use cases that address real business or marketing needs -- and deliver real, measurable outcomes. In today's episode of No Brainer, Greg and Geoff get into some real talk about use cases. What are they? How are they different from mere "usage?" How do you identify the AI use cases that matter for you? And what are some examples of smart, strategic AI use cases from leading brands? What to Listen For 00:00 Start 03:05 Setting up today's topic: Marketing AI Use Cases 04:48 There's more to AI than ChatGPT 09:06 Don't let the technology tools set your AI agenda 11:10 Are you stuck in a 'tactics trap'? 12:17 The difference between "use" and a "use case" 17:09 Strategic AI projects start with a clearly defined outcome 26:33 Getting past the "play" stage 29:29 Three key use case categories 31:35 Using AI to solve a common sales enablement challenge 37:53 Cross-functional decision-making for marketing AI technology choices 42:05 Integrating AI into the tech stack, ChatSpot.ai (HubSpot) example 46:39 Use Case: Cyber Inc. scales multilingual video 48:35 Use Case: Volkswagen Improves Marketing Performance with Predictive AI Analytics 53:44 Use Cases: Coca-Cola lands and expands through strategic AI projects 59:36 Brainer and No Brainer Takeaways Visit https://nobrainerpodcast.com/use-cases for complete show notes including links to resources and examples mentioned during this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

OpenAI has been a recurring character in this podcast series, but we've resisted the urge to devote a full episode to the company and their blockbuster ChatGPT tool and GPT algorithms. Well folks, the time has finally come! But it might not be what you were waiting for. Instead, we're looking at claims that ChatGPT and GPT-4 might be suffering from degraded performance, at a time when OpenAI is being battered with a litany of lawsuits, and competitive LLMs are gaining steam. Is OpenAI losing its lead in the race for generative AI domination? Hear the evidence and find out what we think in today's No Brainer. What to Listen For 00:00 Intro 00:00 We really didn't want to talk about OpenAI, but... 00:00 How OpenAI took the lead in GenAI 00:00 Performance problems for ChatGPT and GPT-4? 00:00 Legal woes for OpenAI 32:42 Claude, LLaMa, and the new competitive landscape 37:08 Is OpenAI doomed? No, but DALL-E might be 00:00 Competition and the need to pick your GenAI partners wisely 00:00 This episode's Brainer and No Brainer For the full show notes, including links to the stories we discussed in today's episode, visit https://nobrainerpodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone who follows the marketing AI scene knows MAICON -- the Marketing AI Conference, hosted by Paul Roetzer's Marketing Artificial Intelligence Institute. So, this year, Geoff decided to visit Cleveland, Ohio to check it out.  In today's episode, Geoff shares his perspectives on the event, the speakers, his key takeaways, and (of course) the snacks. Even better, he brought a friend onboard: Our first guest co-host evah, Silicon Valley marketing maven Melinda Byerley to share her thoughts too. Her presence alone exponentially upped the No Brainer (erm) brainpower. Her take on MAICON and the current and future states of marketing AI in general? Chef's kiss. If you stayed home (like Greg did), this show is for you. And if you attended MAICON and want to relive it through the eyes of two seasoned pros, this show is for you too! We'd call that a win/win.  So, what's the verdict? Did MAII team rise to the occasion? Did MAICON match the energy of our current generative AI zeitgeist? Listen or watch, and find out! But first... Meet Melinda Byerley Melinda Byerley is the CEO and founding partner of Fiddlehead Marketing, a virtual data-driven consultancy based in San Francisco. A seasoned Silicon Valley veteran, she has led teams at companies like eBay, PayPal, and CheckPoint Software. Melinda is a pioneer in marketing analytics and an influencer in data privacy and ethics. In 2022, she refocused her career on AI for Marketing Analytics, inspired by her personal triumph over breast cancer. A contributing writer, guest lecturer, and host of the podcast "Stayin Alive in Tech," Melinda blends finance acumen with storytelling flair. When not charting the course of marketing's future, she's exploring bridge and snorkeling or engaging with ChatGPT. What to Listen For (Time stamps based on the audio program; the exact timings for the video show may vary) 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:01 Meet Melinda Byerley 00:05:05 First impressions from MAICON 00:15:10 Keynotes and key takeaways 00:38:14 The best of the breakouts 00:53:25 Vendor bender? 00:59:55 Food, social events, and logistics 01:05:00 Final takes  For full show notes, including links to resources mentioned and all the places you can connect with Melinda, visit https://nobrainerpodcast.com/maicon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before we dive in, we’re thrilled to announce that No Brainer has landed in the #6 spot on Feedspot’s list of the Top 15 AI Marketing Podcasts. Thanks to everyone for your support! On to lucky Episode 13. This one’s for the Content Crusaders. Generative AI continues to impact the content marketing profession at all levels. This week’s episode looks at two larger dynamic trends: 1) How OpenAI’s recent web crawling move and plugin marketplace speak to the value of content; and 2) Content Marketing Institute’s recent state of the industry survey which reveals how marketers are or aren't adopting AI. In the first half of the show, Geoff and Greg discuss Open AI’s GPTbot, a web crawler that collects public site data to train its algorithms. This move is significant for content providers, as it represents a shift in how content is valued as data, but what does it mean for marketers? Then Greg and Geoff discuss ChatGPT plugins, which offer a way for brands to integrate their content and even e-commerce platforms directly into the chatbox, enhancing the user experience and putting your brand (and its valuable content) at consumers’ fingertips. Finally, Greg and Geoff talk through a recent state-of-the-industry study by the Content Marketing Institute (CMI) that highlights the growing influence of Gen AI on content marketing. The report reveals that a significant number of content marketers are using AI tools for brainstorming, keyword research, and even content creation. However, there's also a palpable concern among these professionals about AI's impact on their careers. What to Listen For 00:00:00 Start 00:03:40 What’s up with OpenAI’s GPTbot? 00:15:45 The good: Some brands may see GPTbot training as an opportunity 00:21:50 The bad: GPTbot steals content and kills content business models 00:30:50 The ugly: GPT further muddying internet content 00:34:00 ChatGPT plugins: Are you missing out on a key content opportunity? 00:41:45 Digging into Content Marketing Institute’s 2024 Career & Salary Outlook 00:48:45 Content marketers wrestle with AI’s impact 01:00:30 Brainer and No Brainer episode takeaways Visit https://nobrainerpodcast.com for complete show notes, including links to the stories and resources we discuss in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this hard-hitting episode of No Brainer, Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston talk about 10 common barriers to marketing AI adoption. They analyze why these issues crop up, their causes, and how they become big problems. Where possible, the two offer their thoughts on possible actions marketing leaders can take to overcome these obstacles and find success with AI. What to Listen For: the 10 Barriers 00:00:00 Start 00:06:00 #1 Tactical Thinking - A lack of strategy and/or failing to tie AI to that core marketing or business strategy to achieve enterprise goals hurts adoption. 00:08:30 #2 Leadership Deficit - Lack of leadership vision, commitment, and support to implement AI internally – from responsibility hand-offs to a failure to sponsor AI as a necessary technological evolution at all levels – stymies adoption. 00:11:30 #3 Employee Resistance - Well-discussed fears of widespread job loss have had their impact, with internal mid-level managers openly and passively resisting adoption. 00:22:40 #4 General Market Confusion - Marketing leaders are confused by nonstop vendor hype and false promises, with some advocating for all-encompassing point solutions while others emphasize intelligent integration within the martech stack. 00:32:35 #5 The Data Problem - Marketing organizations struggle with data quality, quantity, access, etc. and often balk at the cost of getting their data house in order. 00:39:00 #6 The High Cost of AI - The high cost to deploy and maintain enterprise-grade solutions/use cases shocks many inexperienced marketing organizations who see the low cost of consumer point solutions as the accurate cost of AI. 00:46:50 #7 Quality Vendors/Tech Partners - The AI landscape is complex, making it challenging to differentiate genuine capabilities and select the right solution among numerous alternatives, including point solutions versus existing cloud services. 00:57:40 #8 Lack of Governance and Workflows - Marketing leaders often overlook the need to control AI systems and manage AI usage in their organizations, neglecting implications for risks. As a result, their departments lack end user guidelines and fail to consider how AI affects workflows. 01:02:18 #9 Talent Deficit - There's a significant talent deficit in AI, with organizations struggling to hire and afford data scientists. Left to develop talent internally, leaders often neglect investing in the necessary training for their teams to use AI tools effectively and creatively. 01:10:50 #10 Lack of Named Case Studies - The AI industry lacks named case studies that provide tangible, measurable results (beyond the PR hit). Even if you acknowledge that it's still early days (and that innovators may not want to share their secrets), this absence of results raises concerns about transparency and credibility. As always, you can find the full show notes, including links to articles mentioned and other helpful resources at https://nobrainerpodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 15 looks at the U.S. government’s efforts to regulate the AI industry. Marketing professionals may want to closely monitor the rapidly evolving landscape of AI regulation. Greg and Geoff begin by discussing last week’s U.S. Senate hearings that garnered plenty of media attention but resulted in no concrete action. Despite the White House's anticipated executive order on AI and voluntary commitments from 15 companies to uphold safety and security standards, there is a general perception that legislative efforts are lagging due to concerns over stifling AI development. Meanwhile, the European Union has made substantial strides in AI regulation with the Digital Services Act and the forthcoming Digital Markets Act, which impose stringent requirements on data usage and platform behavior. Various government agencies, such as the SEC and IRS, are already utilizing AI for tasks like fraud detection, indicating that the impact of these technologies is immediate and wide-ranging. For marketers, the implications are clear: Regulatory environments are fluid and could either restrict or facilitate AI-driven initiatives. If enacted, it does appear regulations will favor larger companies like the Big Tech incumbents. And if enacted, marketers will need to ensure that their own decisions about building, buying, and deploying AI follow the new rules. What to Listen For 00:00 Start 06:00 Big AI players come to Washington and meet with the Senate 15:15 What does regulation look like? Geoff’s crystal ball. 34:10 Individual government agencies adopt AI 53:30 Brainer and No Brainer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every week offers a whirlwind of AI announcements fueling the hype wave. And last week was no different: from ChatGPT's multimodal features to Amazon's billion-dollar bet on Anthropic and everything in between. But let's pump the brakes for a second. In today's No Brainer, Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston digest some of last week's big announcements -- and warn marketers (and AI enthusiasts in general), let's not forget to question the narrative. How much of what Big AI announces is real innovation, and how much is just hype amplified by media and influencers? It's like a flashback to the dot-com era, where every press release was treated like the gospel. And here's the kicker: We're in uncharted waters. Journalism has taken a hit, and influencers are filling the void with quick takes and retweets that only amplify press releases. The result? A public that's easier to sway and a hype cycle that's even wilder than before. This podcast analyzes this trend using the bigger stories from last week to explore the line between noise and signal in the AI hype cycle. What to Listen For 00:00 Intro 08:45 On the AI Hype Cycle 27:16 OpenAI says ChatGPT can now "see, hear, and speak," but can it? 41:03 Seed round superstar Mistral AI releases its first open model 47:29 Amazon’s strategic "not $4B" investment in Anthropic. 54:28 Meta drafts AI for play, not productivity, with GenAI social chatbots For complete show notes, including links to the stories discussed in this episode, visit https://nobrainerpodcast.com/ai-fact-fiction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, Geoff Livingston interviews Forum3 co-CEOs Adam Brotman, of Starbucks and JCrew fame, and Andy Sack, a Satya Nadella advisor about their new AI crowdsourcing platform Hive3. Hive3 aims to let brands run ‘creator content’ contests to source creative for marketing campaigns. AI-powered creators are encouraged to enter contests with AI works for brands. It’s a fun concept. The three dive into how it works for brands, why brands might be motivated to experiment here with AI first, some of the cool things creators have already done on the beta platform, and much more. Then they turn their eye to the larger AI marketing world and the changes technology is making on the sector. A bonus segment features a top 5 listing of the greatest AI ghouls for Halloween as ranked by Bard, Claude, ChatGPT, and human-in-the- loop Geoff Livingston.   What to Listen For: 00:00 Start 02:50 Introducing Adam Brotman and Andy Sack, Forum3 04:10 How Forum3’s Hive3 AI-powered creator community works 11:32 Why brands should consider working with AI creators 22:32 How Hive3 Uses AI 29:20 How AI has subsumed Web3 and the Metaverse 49:40 Halloween Special: AI Villains Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This one's for the photographers, the artists, the agency creative directors, the designers, and anyone who likes to dabble with visual creativity. We go deep into the rapidly evolving world of AI image generation. What might have seemed like a two-horse race between Midjourney and Stable Diffusion is now a four-horse (or more!) race in which major players like Adobe and OpenAI are betting on easy access and massive distribution to compete against quality.  Listen (or watch) as we run down some of the latest news and developments in AI image generation, and discuss (even debate) what all of this means for marketers and the creative people that work in marketing. If that's not enough for ya, we take a look at what artists are doing to protect their work from being incorporated into Big AI's training data without permission or compensation. It's a battle for the soul of the artist -- and it's just getting started. What to Listen For (Time stamps are approximate.) 0:00:00 Intro 0:08:29 - Midjourney and Stable Diffusion are AI image generators to beat   0:15:21 - Adobe and OpenAI make some big moves with Firefly (better quality, now available in all Adobe Creative Cloud apps) and Dall-E 3 (integrated into a more powerful, multimodal ChatGPT for Plus and Enterprise customers), but are the moves big enough to catch up or leap ahead?  0:34:30 - Amazon launches an AI image-maker for Marketplace advertisers in a smart vertical play. What does this mean for Amazon advertisers and the agencies that service them? 0:54:00 - A new tool called Nightshade offers artists a 'poison pill' that can infect generative AI models that scrape their work without permission, but how likely is it to do the trick? 0:64:03: Brainer and No Brainer image generator takeaways for marketers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At their first-ever DevDay, OpenAI announced GPT-4 Turbo with a massive new context window, training data through April 2023, and more cost effective API calls. But the news that most marketers latched onto was the launch of GPTs – a new way for anyone to create a tailored version of ChatGPT to be more helpful in their daily life, at specific tasks, at work, or at home. And then share that creation with others on ChatGPT paid plans (and eventually through a GPT store). With a week or so of thinking and tinkering, Greg and Geoff offer up their take on whether GPTs live up to the hype, what it’s like to build them, where they fit into the larger AI story, and what they mean for marketers. What to Listen For: 00:00 Start 10:40 What are GPTs? And why should we care? 20:41 Is this Open AI’s App Store moment? 36:43 The Low-Code, No-Code Future 49:01 The End of Shrink-Wrapped Apps? 54:17 Brainer/No Brainer Get the full show notes, including links to resources and articles mentioned during the show: https://nobrainerpodcast.com/openai-gpt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A year! That's right -- it's been a full year since ChatGPT came onto the scene and sent the world into a tizzy over generative AI. To celebrate the occasion and because 2023 is winding down, Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston taking a look back at the "Year of AI." What trends, tech, big news, and boo-boos caught and kept our attention during a year that was (shall we say) eventful? Listen or watch this pipin' hot episode of No Brainer to find out. As a bonus, you'll also find out why Geoff regrets buying a fancy new webcam! What to Watch For 00:00 Start 05:50 Geoff's Trend 1: AI Euphoria – Business communities were abound with excitement during the first half of the year. 07:10 Greg's Trend 1: AI Hype Cycle — From Euphoria to existential risk, and everything in between. 15:05 Greg's Trend 2: The Generative AI Horse Race — Open AI has opened the door, and it is a dynamic market with many competitors, including Claude and Google. 18:40 Geoff's Trend 2: Fake AI — From shrink-wrapped GPT solutions masquerading as new solutions to bolt-ons, we saw a lot of masquerades. 24:20 Geoff's Trend 3: The Struggle for Ethical AI — From data sourcing and public figures to government regulation and Open AI’s board scrap, ethical AI is a constant discussion point. 31:20 Greg's #3: Coca-Cola's Bain and OpenAI Partnership — Coke has paved the way for corporate marketing AI innovation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's our big year-end blow-out! For this episode, we're joined by AI expert extraordinaire, Jeremiah Owyang, as we each make three bold predictions for AI in 2024. Anyone who knows Jeremiah knows that he's made a career out of being a step or two ahead of just about everyone else when it comes to making sense of the intersection between business and technology. For anyone who doesn't know him, Jeremiah is a long-time industry analyst turned entrepreneur and venture capitalist whose Llama Lounge events have become must-attend soirees in Silicon Valley's AI startup scene. Geoff and Greg first met Jeremiah back in the early days of social media. So, what happens when you get three veteran martech monsters together to share their takes on what lies ahead for artificial intelligence? Fireworks! 00:00 Start of Show 03:40 Prediction #1 (Jeremiah) -- AI agents in your email 09:10 Prediction #2 (Greg) -- AI startup bloodbath (bye-bye, GPT wrappers) 15:21 Prediction #3 (Geoff) -- The race toward multimodal AI sparks an acquisition frenzy 20:36 Prediction #4 (Jeremiah) -- Google loses search market share to generative AI tools 24:36 Prediction #5 (Geoff) -- OpenAI feels more fallout from its recent drama 30:30 Prediction #6 (Greg) -- The rise of small or "specialized" language models 35:56 Prediction #7 (Greg) The end of aimless experimentation as marketers get strategic with AI 39:32 Prediction #8 (Geoff) D.C., the presidential election, and the rising rhetoric about regulation (and more) will make us "hate" AI. 43:05 Prediction #9 (Jeremiah) Hyper-personalized content gets real Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Around mid-day on Friday, November 17, Sam Altman -- the high-profile CEO of OpenAI -- was fired without notice by the organization's non-profit b0ard. CTO Mira Murati was elevated to interim CEO, president Greg Brockman lost his own board seat and subsequently quit, and several senior AI researchers resigned too. Word on the street is co-founder and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever was the man behind the moves and put the debate between speed vs safety, profit vs purpose at the heart of the decision. Or was it rumors that Altman was planning a new AI company and hadn't been forthright with the board about what he's working on? But by Saturday, the company's blindsided investors (including Microsoft) were jockeying to reinstate Altman and demanding that the board resign instead. Will Altman return? Maybe. Maybe not. Is this a battle for the soul of generative AI? What does this mean for ChatGPT and all the tech startups that built their solutions on top of OpenAI's large langauge models? And what -- if anything -- should marketers make of the shakeup? In this "emergency edition" of No Brainer, Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino summarize the unfolding drama (as of Sunday, 11/19 at 9am Eastern), and share their takes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of No Brainer, we're joined by Paul Chaney. Paul is the editor of the AI Marketing Ethics digest -- a newsletter that explores the intersection between marketing and (you guessed it) ethical AI. Paul is a digital marketing veteran who was drawn to the subject of responsible and ethical AI when he saw how how few of the marketers who are racing to adopt generative AI tools are having serious conversations about key ethical issues like bias, fairness, human rights, and even environmental impact. He launched his newsletter to close this gap, and has been engaged the conversation ever since. Paul, Geoff, and Greg discuss the definition of AI ethics, why they matter for marketing, what it will take to get more marketers to take ethics seriously, and how brands can determine what's "right." Along the way, they explore how the choices we make today aren't so different from the choices marketers made (or didn't make) in the early days of the internet, email, and (especially) social media. And they land on a fundamental truth: AI ethics aren't about technology but humanity. Here's what to listen for in today's episode: 00:00 Introduction 01:30 What is AI ethics and why does it matter for marketing? 10:33 Are marketers thinking and doing enough about AI ethics? 14:36 What needs to happen to put responsible AI on the front burner? 25:49 Are generative AI companies inherently unethical? 31:00 Marketing history repeats: the internet, email, social media, and AI 38:05 How can marketers figure out what’s “right?” 46:00 The Ethical Implications of AI and Job Loss 52:15 The Future of AI Ethics in Marketing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of No Brainer, Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino chat with Steven Freidkin, Founder and CEO of Ntiva. Ntiva offers a full range of IT managed services to growing businesses. It’s no surprise that they’re implementing AI internally and fielding plenty of calls from clients about everything from Microsoft Copilot to more sophisticated AI business use cases driven by proprietary data. In today’s conversation, we cover everything from why even 15 minutes of AI per day will put individual performers ahead of the pack to whether it’s worth paying attention to the hype around artificial general intelligence (AGI.) And we discuss it all through the lens of a tech pro who has rolled up his sleeves and done the work. Chapters 00:00 Start 02:50 Introducing Steven Freidkin, CEO, Ntiva 04:10 How Ntiva uses AI internally and with clients 10:10 AI hype vs real world action 13:20 Is AI-driven productivity a double-edged sword? 15:45 Why Steven challenges everyone on his team to use ChatGPT 15 minutes every day 17:00 What about businesses that aren’t adopting AI yet? 19:25 Dispelling the myth that AI is “easy” and “cheap” 23:00 Is Microsoft Copilot an AI gateway drug? 27:00 Is AI the product or just a feature? 33:00 The importance of AI guardrails 37:00 What does the AI sector need to do better to drive real business adoption? 43:45 Is AGI real, hype, or somewhere in between? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, AI Marketers Guild (AIMG) founder and fractional CMO David Berkowitz joins Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston for a wide-ranging discussion about the state of AI in marketing. The show kicks off with David’s summary of key findings from AIMG’s recent Q1 2024 marketing AI trends report. From there, they dive into the use cases for AI in various marketing functions and touch on the challenges and opportunities of implementing AI in marketing. The conversation ranges from personalization and creative optimization to the ways AI can level the playing field for small businesses and why agencies need new business models. The trio ponders the future of the CMO role, the coming AI-native workforce, and why senior marketers need to explore and experiment with AI to remain relevant in the face of fast-moving change. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Small Talk 03:27 AIMG Study on AI in Marketing 07:16 The Impact of AI on Agencies and Pricing 12:05 AI's Role in Finding Patterns and Insights 21:21 The Future of the CMO Role and the AI-Native Workforce 24:06 Advertising with AI 28:21 AI Tools for Small Businesses 32:30 Adapting to the Changing Marketing Landscape 36:24 The Power of Personalization with AI 39:09 Advice for Senior Marketers: Embrace AI and Experiment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Greg is joined by Jennifer Ives -- a seasoned leader working at the intersection of business and technology, an in-demand AI advisor to C-suite executives, and all-around big thinker.   Together, Jennifer and Greg set out to bust some AI myths. Is your organization really falling behind? Is everyone else already using AI? And isn't "everything" AI these days, anyway? Does AI literacy matter for line-of-business leaders? Are ethics important? And a whole lot more. Tune in as they discuss the current state of AI adoption in organizations. They highlight that only a small percentage of organizations are leveraging true artificial intelligence. They emphasize the importance of AI literacy at the executive level and the need for organizations to start small, test and learn, and build out their AI strategies. They also discuss the challenges organizations face, such as data cleanliness and the development of ethical AI frameworks. They conclude that, no, you're (probably) not behind -- but warn that the early movers now are developing a big advantage. So, if you haven't started yet, the time is now. Chapters 00:00 The True State of AI Adoption in Organizations 10:53 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption  36:08 Igniting Ideas and Driving AI Adoption  41:28 Challenging Assumptions and Breaking Through Barriers  42:28 The Urgency of Embracing AI  43:59 Critical Areas of Focus for AI Adoption Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's No Brainer, Greg and Geoff serve up a power-packed two-topic episode. In the first half, they dig into the AI Maturity Model they just released at their AI consultancy CognitivePath. Incorporating inputs from 100+ enterprise AI decision-makers, the maturity model lays out five stages and seven paths to take any organization from AI zero to AI hero. Greg and Geoff discuss why they feel the market needs a comprehensive maturity model and how business leaders can benefit from knowing where they stand. In the second part of the show, they guys switch gears and talk about Apple Intelligence. Smart move or too little too late? How might Apple's emphasis on the consumer experience and their keen understanding of the customer give them an advantage over other Big AI players? And wait, did Tim Cook just outsmart Sam Altman? (bwahahahaha). Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:26 Getting into the CognitivePath AI Maturity Model 07:18 Five Stages of AI Maturity 14:18 The Seven Paths to AI Maturity 20:07 Getting Into Apple Intelligence 26:01 Apple's Focus on Consumer Experience 36:15 Privacy and Simplicity in Apple Intelligence 40:32 Apple's Understanding of Consumer Wants and Needs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the No Brainer podcast, hosts Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino welcome Rex Briggs, chief ai officer at Claritas and AI subject matter expert for the MMA. They explore the limitations of AI, the importance of understanding its capabilities, and the risks associated with its implementation. The conversation delves into the role of algorithms, the significance of precision in AI applications, and the evolving landscape of marketing agencies in the age of AI. Rex shares insights from his book, 'The AI Conundrum', emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt and embrace AI while being mindful of its limitations and risks. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of process and leadership in successfully integrating AI into marketing strategies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Commercial Break 03:02 Exploring the Limitations and Risks of AI 07:50 Using Machine Learning and Gen AI for Segmentation and Personalization 17:38 Making Informed Decisions about AI: Precision and Open/Closed Systems 25:17 Differentiating AI Hype from Reality 25:51 The Future of Agencies and Marketing Departments in the Age of AI 34:57 The Importance of Process Documentation and Optimization 40:36 Leadership and Embracing Change in the AI Era Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the No Brainer podcast, Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino are joined by Kate Arnold, a senior AI and watsonx technical specialist at IBM and adjunct professor at Fairfield University and Columbia University. They discuss the current state of AI and its impact on consumers and businesses. They also explore the importance of strategic implementation, change management, and employee education in AI adoption. The conversation touches on the role of AI in various industries, such as healthcare and finance, and the potential for rapid innovation in these areas. And of course, you’re hear a bit about how IBM approaches enterprise AI with watsonx. Later in the episode, Kait, Greg and Geoff discuss the future of jobs and the need for organizations to prepare their workforce for an AI-powered future. And drawing on her teaching experience, Kait explains that it’s important for students (and hey, we’re all lifelong students, after all) to roll up their sleeves and experience AI firsthand to gain the confidence they’ll need to adapt to AI and stay relevant in the new world of work. Takeaways Consumer hype around AI is high due to a lack of knowledge, but as people become more familiar with AI and its applications, the hype is expected to die down. Businesses are using AI to transform their operations and incorporate it into various aspects of their business cycles. Successful AI implementation requires a strategic approach, change management, and employee education. The impact of AI is expected to be significant in industries such as healthcare and education, where there is room for rapid improvement. Organizations need to align their AI initiatives with their strategic goals and focus on areas where AI can have the most impact. Employee adoption and usage of AI tools are crucial for the success of AI implementation. The future of jobs will be influenced by AI, and organizations need to prepare their workforce for an AI-powered future. AI is already automating simple tasks and eliminating certain jobs, but it also opens the door for new job opportunities. Generative AI allows individuals to take on multiple roles and pursue their passions. Human interaction and soft skills are still essential. It's important for students and professionals to learn about and embrace AI to stay relevant in the future of work. Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:10 The Consumer Hype and Business Adoption of AI 10:17 Strategic Implementation and Change Management in AI 14:28 Rapid Innovation in Healthcare and Education 17:03 Aligning AI Initiatives with Strategic Goals 20:55 The Importance of Employee Adoption and Usage 23:20 Preparing the Workforce for an AI-Powered Future 26:24 The Impact of AI on the Workforce 28:48 Embracing New Job Opportunities with Generative AI 30:40 The Importance of Human Interaction in HR 39:21 Preparing for the Future of Work: Learning and Embracing AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of No Brainer, hosts Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino chat with guest Gam Dias to explore the intersection of AI and customer service. They discuss the cautious optimism consumers have towards generative AI, the importance of maintaining human interaction in customer service, and the long-term implications of automation in business. The conversation highlights the need for businesses to balance efficiency with empathy, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces the human touch. They also delve into the accountability of AI decisions and the strategic thinking required for successful implementation of AI in organizations. Gam is product specialist at Hubbl Technologies, an adjunct professor at IE Business School in Madrid, and the author of The Data Mindset Playbook. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:54 The Impact of AI on Customer Service 09:40 The Human Element in Customer Interactions 19:37 Balancing AI and Human Accountability 28:52 Long-Term vs Short-Term Business Strategies 44:29 Conclusion and Future Considerations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Greg and Geoff welcome Lisa Nirell to discuss the evolving landscape of AI and its implications for organizations. Lisa helps mindful leaders cultivate healthy companies and careers. Organizations such as AARP, Alliance Bernstein, CoStar Group, and Hilton hire Lisa to navigate high-stakes transitions. She’s a two-time author, growth strategist, executive coach, open water swimmer, and meditation student. Be sure to check out her books: EnergizeGrowth NOW: The Marketing Guide to a Wealthy Company" and The Mindful Marketer: How to Stay Present and Profitable in a Data-Driven World. And tune into her podcast, The Mindful Marketer, wherever you listen. Together, Lisa, Geoff, and Greg explore the importance of leadership, cultural readiness, the need for strategic planning, and the role of community support in navigating the AI revolution. Lisa introduces her AI strategy test drive, emphasizing the significance of people and experimentation in successful AI integration. The conversation culminates in reflections on the future of AI and the importance of cultivating wisdom and joy in a rapidly changing world. Interested in taking the AI Test Drive to measure your own AI readiness? You can find it here. While you're at it, be sure to subscribe to Lisa's email newsletter and receive some free leadership resources at a bonus. Chapters 00:00 Introductions 02:59 The AI Readiness Gauge and Market Trends 05:57 Cultural Shifts and Organizational Challenges 08:57 Lisa Nirell’s AI Strategy Test Drive 11:49 People-Centric Approaches to AI Implementation 14:57 Navigating Job Displacement and Opportunities 17:46 Embracing Change and Innovation in Business 23:26 The Power of “Long Life Learning” 24:57 Adapting to Change in a Rapidly Evolving World 26:38 Cultivating Curiosity and Community 30:18 The Importance of Supportive Networks 35:21 Planning for AI Integration 42:39 Hopes for the Future of AI and Humanity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of No Brainer, we are sharing four interviews Geoff Livingston conducted with brand experts at the recent GovAI Summit. Our speakers join us from Adobe, Abt Global, Zoom and Avaya, and discuss the state of federal, state and local adoption of AI technologies. Conversations include the adoption of image, video, and text generative AI, ethical AI to serve citizens, taxpayers and other consumers of digital government services, how improved generative AI is continuing to improve video meeting experiences, and state and local AI adoption. Join Geoff on the media stage with our experts. 01:46 Jeffrey Young, Solution Consulting Manager and Steve Lewis, Digital Media Solutions Consultant at Adobe on creative-specific generative AI. 18:30 Nora Connor, Director of Data Science, Abt Global discusses the ethical adoption of AI to serve citizens. 34:17 Josh Stanley, AI Sales Strategy, Zoom joined Geoff in a conversation about Zoom's AI Companion and its impacts. 39:38 Jennifer Bond, Vice President of U.S. SLED, Avaya offered insights into the state and local side of public sector AI adoption. Interested parties can learn more about the GovAI Summit at https://www.govaisummit.com/. Learn more about events company Modev https://www.modev.com/ and see more of its AI video content on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/@Modev/videos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston, principal analysts from CognitivePath run down the most important AI news stories from this year's Consumer Electronics Show and give their take on what they mean for marketing decision-makers. Correction: During this episode, Greg refers to the FTC banning Walgreens from using facial recognition technology for five years. He misspoke. The correct retailer is Rite Aid. https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/12/rite-aid-banned-using-ai-facial-recognition-after-ftc-says-retailer-deployed-technology-without Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harnessing AI and Data in Advocacy featuring Tom Spencer from AdvocacyAI Get ready for a fascinating discussion about how AI is impacting the political advocacy space with Tom Spencer, CEO and Founder of AdvocacyAI. In this episode of the No Brainer Podcast, Tom, Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston dive into explore topics ranging from the role of AI in advocacy, effective data utilization, and the human element in political communication. The conversation included a fascinating segment on using AI for political micro-segmentation and personalization were a major factor in the 2024 election.  And yes, they do talk about English breakfasts, scrapple, the Super Bowl, and Margaritaville, too.  Tom, Greg and Geoff also touch on the nuances of using AI without stripping the humanity out of advocacy efforts and reflect on the technology's larger impact on political strategies. 00:00 Start 02:07 Introducing Tom Spencer 06:00 Data's Importance in AI and Advocacy 10:04 AI Helping Human Communication 22:42 Political Communication and Data in Elections 29:54 AI's Role in Non-Profit and For-Profit Sectors 34:59 Job Loss Concerns with AI 45:33 Closing Remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of 'No Brainer,' Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston host Sanjeev Pulapaka, Principal Solutions Architect at AWS and lead author of 'Empowering the Public Sector with Generative AI.' They start the conversation with a discussion about how the Trump Administration will likely deregulate AI guidance, further increasing the speed of adoption in the federal sector. Then three take a deep dive into the impact of generative AI on government operations, its potential to streamline tasks like RFP creation and data management, and the role of AI in improving productivity and service delivery in the public sector. Conversations include a discussion of the red-hot AI Agent trend and how soon it will be deployed and in which use cases. Then they discuss how Multimodal AI is already changing inputs into LLM. Finally,  the conversation elves into the regulatory landscape, the importance of innovation balanced with risk management, and the latest advancements from AWS in the AI space. Sanjeev shares insights from his book throughout the conversation on how AI can transform public sector services and highlights the importance of responsible AI use, data security, and regulatory compliance. Individual chapters include: 03:35 Discussion of AI in Government 08:26 AI's Role in Public Sector Efficiency 12:56 Challenges and Responsibilities of AI in Public Sector 15:21 Innovative AI Use Cases in Public Sector 17:41 Future of AI Agents 22:08 Innovative Uses of AI in Everyday Life 22:47 AI Maturity and Adoption Challenges 25:03 Data Challenges in AI Implementation 27:54 The Rise of Multimodal AI 31:46 Practical Applications of Multimodal AI 37:07 AWS and the Future of AI Interested parties can connect with Sanjeev Pulapaka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjeevpulapaka/ You can order empowering the Public Sector with Generative AI here: https://www.amazon.com/Empowering-Public-Sector-Generative-Applications/dp/B0D4PG9MHZ And learn more about Amazon’s Bedrock Platform here: https://aws.amazon.com/ai/generative-ai/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker joins Greg and Geoff to discuss the role of AI in marketing and professional services.  The three discuss the importance of leveraging AI to enhance professional services companies' capabilities and relationships. Courtney emphasizes the value of relationship data in professional services and how AI can help organizations gain actionable intelligence to proactively engage with clients and prevent churn.  The discussion also touches on the evolving business models of agencies in the age of AI, with Courtney, Geoff, and Greg agreeing that the traditional hourly billing model is outdated and that agencies must focus on delivering (and getting paid for) value to remain competitive.  Courtney, Greg, and Geoff explore the potential impact of AI on creativity, emphasizing the importance of human judgment and strategic decision-making in determining when and how to effectively use AI tools.  Ultimately, the episode highlights the significance of embracing AI as a thought partner and collaborative tool to enhance work and spark ideas, while still recognizing the unique value of human creativity and relationships in marketing and professional services.   Segments Include: 00:00 Start 03:50 The importance of humanity: What makes the human marketer valuable in the age of AI? 15:03 Data is gold, yet it is scarce. Why data is so important to all types of professional services firms, even their communications with clients. 18:55 How to change relational data into meaningful insights to reduce churn and strengthen operations. 22:33 Deciphering deep data to democratize analytics for all businesses. 26:02 Creative Agencies have to change to meet AI, but how does their business model and client relationships evolve? 36:31 Why Sam Altman is wrong about AI replacing agencies. 43:09 How AI helps us to level up creativity and our humanity.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Special guest Eyelevel.ai CEO Neil Katz joins Geoff and Greg to discuss generative AI's hallucination problem. Large language models' (LLMs') propensity to hallucinate in their answers represents one of the biggest barriers to enterprise adoption. Eyelevel boasts a 95% accuracy on private instance responses by using its APIs and tools to prepare proprietary data for LLM consumption. The trio dives into the LLM marketplace, including discussions about why brands choose to implement a private instance, how the LLM market has evolved, and what causes the hallucination problem. Then, they discuss the enterprise data problem and how retrieval augmented generation (RAG) techniques still need additional help to strengthen LLM responses. Chapters include: 0:00 Start 4:40 Private instance versus licensing enterprise editions of LLMs 7:32 Eyelevel’s Air France implementation achieving 95% success rates 12:29: The need for enterprise data preparation 18:14 The hallucination problem with LLMs and RAG approaches 28:23 How governance can or cannot help enterprises 32:32 Why some use open source versus proprietary LLMs 39:12 The future of AI and an incredible vision Learn more about Eyelevel at https://www.eyelevel.ai/ or contact Neil Katz via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilkatz/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there an AI bubble and if so what does it mean to businesses? Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino discuss the AI bubble with guest Shashi Bellamkonda, Principal Research Director, Marketing & AI Research and Advisory for Info-Tech Research Group. The three explore a hype wave or a bubble in the AI industry and the challenges faced by companies that have overinvested in generative AI. They also discuss the role of OpenAI and its missteps in managing consumer expectations. The conversation highlighted the importance of practical applications and the need for critical thinking when it comes to AI. The conversation explores the future of AI and its impact on various industries with an emphasis on driving revenue growth rather than just focusing on cost savings. Chapters 04:43 The AI Bubble: Hype Wave or Bubble? 12:10 The Missteps of OpenAI 21:07 The Importance of Critical Thinking in Evaluating AI 31:29 Consolidation and Shakeout in the AI Market Shashi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbellamkonda/ Shashi’s X Account: https://x.com/shashib Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This fun end-of-summer podcast features Nick Unger, Managing Partner, AlterityAI in a follow-up conversation about the AI hype bubble and its potential impacts on enterprise adoption.  Nick, Geoff, and Greg discuss some of the winners and losers of the generative AI bubble (28:52), but before they get there, they discuss what long-term impacts AI hype will have on businesses.  Nick argues that while we may not be approaching artificial general intelligence, the power of generative AI is just beginning to be tapped and to market it Silicon Valley companies will keep promoting roadmap goals. The hosts and guest discuss the importance of education, data governance, and strategic implementation of AI within organizations.  Finally, the conversation concludes with a conversation on winners and losers in the bubble era, including the challenges faced by traditional big tech companies adapting to the AI revolution, using examples like Cisco and Intel. Nick, Geoff, and Greg speculate on potential winners and losers in the AI landscape, discussing companies like Nvidia and Google and how established companies like SAP and Adobe might better navigate the AI landscape within their respective domain expertise. 00:00 Start 3:27 MIT Generative AI Course - What was it like? 4:44 Is the AI hype wave actually going to end? 8:39 How valuations are driving the hype cycle. 13:14 Using AI to lift humans. 16:00 When the seismic impact of generative AI technology normalizes 21:14 How do organizations pick the right use cases successfully? 23:49 There are no organizational AI experts 29:21 Brands that are winning and losing in the AI era, including Cisco, NVIDIA, Google, Intel, SAP and Adobe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, the AI Knowhow podcast team – Knownwell CEO David DeWolf, CMO Courtney Baker, CPO Mohan Rao, and CSO Peter Buer – take over the No Brainer podcast to dive into how to decipher AI hype and (perhaps) overambitious hope. Is AI poised to solve all of humanity’s problems? Or are we headed for a tech-driven catastrophe? This episode of AI Knowhow dives into the polarizing world of AI hysteria to separate the hype from the hope. Courtney, David, and Mohan break down where AI has been overhyped and where genuine hope lies. They discuss the foundational models in AI, the future of AI hardware, and the realistic applications of generative AI. David also shares insights on the potential of AI to transform enterprise operations, focusing on collaboration and knowledge management, while Mohan explores how AI can create hyper-personalized experiences for users. For the AI Knowhow interview segment, our very own Geoff Livingston joins Pete Buer to discuss the current state of AI in marketing and beyond. They highlight the integration of generative AI with machine learning and analytics, and how this blend could drive real enterprise value. All of that PLUS this episode kicks off with a segment called “Take a Lap, David,” revisiting one of David’s Hot Takes from a few months back. David predicted that the rise of Nvidia and AI in general would spell the beginning of the end of the dominance of the FAANG stocks. Specifically, David suggested that Amazon would be the company to falter because competitors like Microsoft and Google would make gains in their cloud and AI offerings. Venture capitalist Tomasz Tuzung recently covered what may be the beginning of this trend in a post titled When 1% Market Share Shifts Represent $5b of Market Cap. Knownwell is an AI startup that helps you reimagine your business in the AI Era. They are heavily focused on the professional services market. https://knownwell.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Geoff Livingston interviews Lisa Adams, a CMO known for her expertise in AI. They discuss the importance of trust and authenticity in AI, the challenges of implementing AI responsibly, and the potential for AI to enhance human connection. Liza Adams and Geoff Livingston touch on the rise of PR, the importance of creating personalized and engaging experiences on websites, as well as the need to diversify marketing strategies beyond relying solely on search engines. Finally, they explore the role of brands in elevating the customer experience and building trust in AI, and how Apple may lead the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If data is gold, then the domain-specific data in membership and customer communities is platinum. In this episode of No Brainer, CognitivePath’s Greg and Geoff discuss the high-potential intersection of community, content, and AI with Conor Sibley, CTO of Higher Logic – an industry leader in cloud-based engagement platforms for associations and enterprises. They explore the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, particularly in the context of community knowledge, data governance, and operational efficiency. The conversation highlights the importance of leveraging community insights, ensuring data quality, and the transformative potential of AI agents in organizations. They also address the need for clear communication of AI's value to stakeholders and the outlook for AI in professional associations. Connect with Conor Sibley on LinkedIn and visit HigherLogic.com to learn more about their suite of engagement solutions, including online communities and marketing automation. Takeaways ·     AI tools must be intentionally developed to avoid poor user experiences. ·     Communities provide valuable domain knowledge that can enhance AI applications. ·     Data governance is crucial for effective AI integration. ·     Content should be viewed as a valuable data asset. ·     AI can automate routine tasks, allowing staff to focus on strategic initiatives. ·     Organizations need to establish data standards for better integration. ·     AI can help reduce errors in critical business processes. ·     The future of work will involve AI augmenting human capabilities. ·     Engagement can be increased through better use of technology and data. ·     AI's role is to enhance, not replace, human jobs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:31 AI Integration in Community Software 05:07 Leveraging Community Knowledge for AI 08:20 Challenges of Data Validation in AI 11:28 The Importance of Data Governance 16:17 The Future of AI in Organizations 18:58 The Challenge of Data Standardization 22:00 Agent Orchestration and API Integration 27:34 Transformative Potential of AI in Membership Management 33:05 Strategic Thinking in the Age of AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a CMO and serial marketing innovator, Shiv Singh has been on the forefront digital change for decades. So, when he says that AI is underhyped, marketers might want to pay attention. In this 50th (50th!) episode of No Brainer, Shiv joins hosts Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino for a power-packed conversation about AI’s transformative potential and the future of marketing in an AI-driven world. For marketers who want to remain relevant, Shiv emphasizes the importance of adapting quickly, embracing AI tools, and developing uniquely human skills to thrive in the evolving marketing landscape. The conversation dives into the evolving relationship between humans and AI, as Shiv, Greg, and Geoff share personal stories about their experiences with AI at work and in life. They discuss the implications of AI on human interactions, the importance of humility when working with AI, and the need for businesses to adapt to the changing landscape. The conversation also touches on the regulatory environment surrounding AI and concludes with insights from Shiv's book, Marketing with AI for Dummies, emphasizing practical advice for marketers and the marketing industry in the AI era. In the end, the message is clear: Get on board or get left behind. Shiv Singh is an author, advisor, and the co-founder of AI Trailblazers. He has held senior marketing leadership roles at Lending Tree, Expedia, Visa, PepsiCo, and web 1.0 superagency Razorfish. For more of his insights be sure to subscribe to Savvy AI on Substack and be sure to grab a copy of his latest book. Chapters  00:00 Introduction 04:56 Why AI is Underhyped 14:52 The Future of Marketing Careers 20:00 Human Skills in an AI-Driven World 24:51Navigating Change in Marketing 31:53 The Human-AI Connection 34:04 Embarrassing AI Experiences 45:07 Navigating AI in Business Leadership 48:00 Marketing with AI for Dummies: Insights from the Book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taylor Swift is taking over the world... Fake Taylor Swift is taking over the Internet (and hawking Le Creuset pot and pans). In this episode of No Brainer, Greg and Geoff explore the effects of AI-generated deep fakes, misinformation, and disinformation on brands. In the second part of the show, the guys flip the script to look at how some brands are using the same technology behind deep fakes to put synthetic spokespeople to work for their own marketing purposes. What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 05:10 (Not) Taylor Swift, Le Creuset, and Fake Celebrity Endorsements 12:00 (Not) Jason Aldean, "Go Woke Go Broke," and AI Narrative Attacks 22:50 Fake News! And How AI Generated Clickfarms Steal Ad Dollars 33:10 How Virgin Cruises and Cadbury Use Synthetic Celebrities Right 38:58 Levi's and Volkwagen Generate Controversy with AI 47:30 Brainer and No Brainer Visit https://nobrainerpodcast.com/ai-brand-fakes for the full show notes, including links to the stories we discussed on this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of No Brainer, Geoff is joined by successful serial entrepreneur Andre Yee, Founder and CEO of Tiga AI. They have a great conversation about the future of AI and its impact on sales and marketing. Andre brought his wisdom, offering insights like, “ChatGPT is the Excel spreadsheet of generative AI.” ChatGPT is a powerful tool, like Excel. But it takes more than a tool to realize true productivity gains. Real results require that companies invest in task- or process-specific AI solutions. In another key insight, Andre dropped a bomb, offering that “Generative AI has a deflationary effect on personalization.” His comments revolve around the cheapening of personalization around singular human behaviors. As a result, generated content hangs on singular life points that turn off customers more than engage them. Listen to the whole episode to get a thoughtful view of AI’s impact on sales and marketing. Chapters 00:00 Start 02:53 Generative AI as an impact event on sales and marketing 08:17 Evolution of sales development representative (SDR) role and AI’s impact on the position 14:43 Changes in marketing leadership and technology, including the CMO role 17:36 AI and machine learning in marketing and how it works with generative AI 24:50 Google's potential acquisition of HubSpot, and the challenges for incumbent big tech companies adapting to AI 29:57 Personalization is getting deflated, and it needs to become more relational   About Andre Yee and Tiga.AI Andre Yee is the Founder of Tiga.AI, a company that actively prospects leads for companies by learning details about your target accounts and contacts at scale. He is also the founder and former CEO of Triblio, which he led to successful exit to International Data Group (IDG), a global B2B media and data company. Prior to founding Triblio, he was the SVP Product Development for Eloqua, responsible for product development and operations. At Eloqua, he was part of the executive team responsible for leading Eloqua to an IPO and a $957M acquisition by Oracle. Before his time at Eloqua, he was CEO of NFR Security, which he successfully led to growth and exit to Checkpoint Software. Connect with Andre: Visit www.tiga.ai for more information or to request a demo Connect with Andre Yee on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Greg and Geoff answer listener questions from Lisa Nirell, Phil Gerbyshak, last week's guest Paul Chaney, and TikTok commenters in an open-mic mailbag format. They discuss the challenges of educating organizations on AI integration, emphasizing the importance of alignment, change management, and training. They explore why people prefer fake AI-generated images of themselves and the potential impact on corporate recruiting. And they delve into the topic of AI marketing ethics and the need for marketers to prioritize ethical considerations in their work. The conversation covers the importance of making small improvements, the need for responsible AI, the bare minimum approach in marketing, connecting ethics with day-to-day work, the divide between marketers who get it and those who don't, the power of authenticity, the divide between brands who get social and those who don't, and the importance of providing value to customers. 00:00 Start 00:31 Introduction and Open Mic Mailbag 03:40 Educating Organizations on AI Integration 17:48 Fake Imagery with AI and Social Media 28:34 AI Marketing Ethics (Again!) 36:06 – Divide Between Marketers Who Get It and Those Who Don’t 53:58 -.Appreciation for the Audience and Final Word Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yahoo! Finance found that executives are only half as likely to mention AI on their earnings calls. Research from BCG found that enterprises aren't as enthusiastic as they used to be about generative AI. Even Sequoia Capital -- a major investor in AI startups --- has argued that the majority of AI tech companies are struggling to nail their value proposition. And all of this is happening as researchers find that OpenAI's ChatGPT plagiarizes its training data 70% of the time and Google's latest releases amount to a series of self-inflicted wounds. AI -- and generative AI in particular -- sure seems like it has teetered from the peak of hype and fallen into the trough of disillusionment. Greg and Geoff discuss why this might be the case. And why this is a good thing for any company serious about AI. What to Watch/Listen For: 00:00 Introduction 02:44 AI Hype is Dead 10:32 Challenges of Implementing AI 15:41 Generative AI and its Limitations 31:58 The Hype Around OpenAI 33:27 OpenAI's Success and Merit 34:54 The Importance of Basic Marketing 36:18 Salesforce's Focus on Trust 37:45 The Success of Companies like Nvidia and Amazon 40:00 AI as a Baked-in Technology 42:06 Diminished Hype and the Importance of Trust 43:03 The Potential Consolidation and Failures in the AI Space 48:16 Differentiation and the Need for Viable Products 53:54 The End of Hype and the Importance of Getting Serious As always, you can visit NoBrainerPodcast.com for complete show notes, including links to the articles referenced during this show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of No Brainer, Greg and Geoff discuss OpenAI’s announcement of GPT-4. Geoff shares his take on moves by Salesforce and HubSpot to bake GPT into their popular CRMs, then the two discuss whether this will be a boon for salespeople or a bust for their target prospects.   All of this leads Greg and Geoff into a conversation about why it’s so important for Chief Marketing Officers to take ownership of the decisions their organizations are making about how AI is woven into various communications workflows, and why now is the time to draft your organization’s guidelines for responsible AI.   Wrapping things up, Geoff talks about feeding the algorithm with your own content as a way of ensuring your brand ‘shows up’ in relevant output.   What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 00:29 Welcome to the pod 01:18 OpenAI releases GPT-4 16:11 Salesforce and HubSpot go all in on AI 27:50 Responsible AI for brands 35:43 Feed the algorithms   Visit https://nobrainerpodcast.com for complete show notes, including links to resources mentioned during this episode.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is packed with power as Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino dive deep into AI ethics. With ChatGPT churning out fake news and Midjourney attempting to pump the brakes on deepfakes, it’s no wonder companies and countries are looking to rein in the use of generative AI. Geoff and Greg explore all of this and more, as they ponder whether humans are striking back against runaway AI productization. Geoff shares his thoughts on the seven essential elements for corporate responsible AI policy, the guys discuss some practical ways to keep AI from going off the rails (and taking your brand reputation with it) and tackle some tough questions that were submitted in advance by show listeners. (Psst… Want to suggest a topic or have your question answered? Email your ideas to hello@nobrainerpodcast.com.) The show wraps with some thoughts on why it’s important to involve your employees in your AI ethics decisions, and even more important to understand what your consumers expect when it comes to how your brand uses AI in your marketing programs. A quick note: We pride ourselves in offering a reasonably professional podcast (ahem), so we want to give you a heads-up that we had some audio issues during today’s show. It’s certainly listenable and the content more than makes up for it (if we don’t say so ourselves).   What To Listen For 00:00 Intro 03:32 ChatGPT “lies” about law professor Jonathan Turley 06:10 The Guardian’s fake facts op-ed 08:34 Six-month AI “pause” and the real risks 10:43 Companies and countries pushing back on AI 16:13 Overestimating (and overselling) ChatGPT’s capabilities 18:10 Midjourney cracks down on deep fakes 23:00 Preventing ChatGPT from spewing bad info (Listener question) 27:33 AI writing and tone of voice (Listener question) 28:57 Human + AI hybrid workflows (Listener question) 32:29 How VERDINO incorporates AI into workflows 34:07 Best practices for responsible AI content creation 35:29 Don’t feed proprietary info into public GPTs 37:41 Why Bloomberg’s proprietary GPT is the future 40:41 The time Geoff met Charles Barkley at SXSW 41:30 Educating Gen Z on the ethical use of AI (Listener question) 46:20 Seven components of a corporate responsible AI policy 54:00 Involving employees in AI ethics policymaking 55:23 Dentsu report on consumer attitudes and adoption   Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review our pod. Have a topic in mind or a question to ask? Hit us up at hello@nobrainer.com.   Visit us at NoBrainerPodcast.com for the full show notes including links to the articles and resources mentioned during today's episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the premier episode of No Brainer, Greg and Geoff discuss Fiat and Kia adopting ChatGPT for showroom and user support, respectively. They discuss what they like about each use case and touch on AI ethics.   Then they dive into a new tool – PRprophet.ai – that has the potential to reshape media relations and challenge the typical PR agency’s model. Discussions include a long-term view on all agencies’ models and the need to move away from hourly billable rates as AI-augmented workflows aim to reduce the time it takes to get work done.   The two wrap up with a discussion of Noah Brier’s AI marketing tech stack map, which gives marketers a useful sense of just how diverse the generative AI landscape has already become.   What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 00:29 Welcome to the pod 01:58 What the No Brainer podcast is all about 05:15 Fiat and Kia turn ChatGPT into a car salesperson 16:56 PRprophet.ai and the future of agencies 32:42 This episode’s “No Brainer” 37:08 This episode’s “Brainer”   Episode Links and Resources:   Fiat and Kia https://theweek.com/meta/1021377/fiat-and-kia-are-using-chatgpt-to-sell-cars-in-the-metaverse https://fiatexperience.it/   PRprophet https://prprophet.ai   Noah Brier’s Generative AI Landscape https://brxnd.substack.com/p/marketing-ai-landscape-chart-brxnd   Connect with Geoff on LinkedIn and get more of his AI insights on Medium.   Find Greg at his website, on LinkedIn and Twitter.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

00:00 Intro 00:28 Welcome to the pod 01:03 Adobe unveils generative AI 09:51 Incumbents vs startups: Who will win? 15:58 Marketers, get serious about strategy 27:08 ChatGPT Plugins: an App Store moment 31:35 What Plugins mean for media and marketers 41:55 Brainer: Going from “ooh shiny” to strategic 43:05 No Brainer: Check out Bard and Poe 47:07 Wrap up   Visit https://nobrainerpodcast.com for complete show notes including links to all the resources mentioned in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices