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Michael Fauscette

CEO & Chief Analyst at Arion Research LLC

Remote, United States

Michael is an experienced high-tech leader, board member, software industry analyst, podcast host and consultant. He is a thought leader and published author on emerging trends in business software, CRM and customer experience strategies and technology, automation, AI and generative AI, and building a digital first enterprise. As a senior market researcher and leader Michael has deep experience in business software market research, starting new tech businesses and go-to-market models in large and small software companies.

Currently Michael is the Founder, CEO and Chief Analyst at Arion Research, a global cloud advisory firm; and an advisor to G2, Board Chairman at LocatorX, board member and fractional chief strategy officer at Spotlogic. He Co-Hosts the show In the Hot Seat on PPN and hosts the Disambiguation Podcast. Formerly the chief research officer at G2, he was responsible for helping software and services buyers use the crowdsourced insights, data, and community in the G2 marketplace. Prior to joining G2, Mr. Fauscette led IDC’s worldwide enterprise software application research group for almost ten years. He also held executive roles with seven software vendors including Autodesk, Inc. and PeopleSoft, Inc. and five VC-backed technology startups.

Michael partners with technology vendors and brands providing thought leadership content development, custom research, keynotes, podcasting and consulting. He often works with technology startups and enterprise vendors on business strategy, go to market strategies, customer advocacy strategies, product led growth, subscription business models and operations, product market positioning, competitive intelligence, leadership development, and product roadmaps.

Available For: Advising, Authoring, Consulting, Influencing, Speaking
Travels From: Philadelphia
Speaking Topics: AI strategies, customer experience strategies, digital first strategy, technology trends

Speaking Fee $12,000 (In-Person), $7,500 (Virtual)

Michael Fauscette Points
Academic 0
Author 782
Influencer 209
Speaker 12
Entrepreneur 20
Total 1023

Points based upon Thinkers360 patent-pending algorithm.

Thought Leader Profile

Portfolio Mix

Company Information

Company Type: Company
Theatre: Global
Minimum Project Size: N/A
Average Hourly Rate: $200-$300
Number of Employees: 1-10
Company Founded Date: 2021
Media Experience: 19 years
Last Media Training: 03/15/2017
Last Media Interview: 05/10/2022

Areas of Expertise

Agentic AI 52.94
Agile 30.07
AI 38.28
Analytics 31.12
Big Data 30.09
Blockchain 30.07
Business Continuity 30.12
Business Strategy 33.64
Change Management
Climate Change 30.21
Cloud 31.45
CRM 35.60
Culture 30.02
Customer Experience 33.31
Customer Loyalty 30.41
Cybersecurity 30.07
Design 37
Design Thinking
Digital Disruption 32.24
Digital Transformation 31.39
Digital Twins 31.11
Ecosystems
EdTech 30.96
Emerging Technology 33.77
Entrepreneurship 30.20
ERP 30.35
FinTech 30.05
Future of Work 30.16
Generative AI 57.30
HealthTech 30.15
HR 30.16
Innovation 30.77
IoT 30.13
IT Operations 31.40
IT Strategy 44.52
Leadership 30.23
Manufacturing 30.55
Marketing 30.31
Mobility 30.58
Open Source 32.33
Personal Branding
Privacy 30.49
Procurement 30.04
Product Management 48.67
Project Management 30.50
Retail 30.51
Risk Management 30.20
RPA 31.33
Sales 39.71
Security 30.13
Social 30.11
Startups 32.04
Supply Chain 30.03
Sustainability 30.15

Industry Experience

High Tech & Electronics
Professional Services

Publications

28 Analyst Reports
AI Driven Business Decisions
Arion Research LLC
January 31, 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept; it is actively reshaping the business landscape today. Organizations across industries are leveraging AI to process vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and automate decision-making in ways that were once impossible. AI enhances efficiency, improves accuracy, and introduces strategic agility that helps businesses stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and data-driven world.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

The Impact of AI on Employee Productivity
Arion Research LLC
January 04, 2025
In today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, productivity is a critical metric for success. Organizations are constantly seeking ways to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and empower employees to focus on high-value activities. AI offers a transformative solution by streamlining operations and enabling employees to achieve more in less time. From automating mundane tasks to providing actionable insights through advanced analytics, AI acts as a powerful enabler of productivity.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

Autonomous AI Agents: Automating the Enterprise
Arion Research LLC
December 14, 2024
Autonomous AI agents are transforming enterprises by automating complex tasks, enabling scalable solutions, and improving decision-making. These agents leverage advanced technologies like Large Language Models (LLMs), machine learning frameworks, and natural language processing to function independently with minimal human intervention. Business leaders can deploy these agents across functions such as customer service, sales, operations, and finance to achieve cost savings, enhance efficiency, and deliver superior customer experiences.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

Decision Intelligence Trends for 2025
Arion Research LLC
December 03, 2024
In the rapidly evolving world of enterprise artificial intelligence (AI), decision intelligence (DI) is poised to become a transformative force for businesses in 2025. As companies navigate increasingly complex decision-making environments, decision intelligence is a key enabler of smarter, faster, and more scalable decisions. Leveraging AI, machine learning (ML), and integrated data models, DI is set to redefine how organizations make routine and high-stakes decisions alike.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

Customer Experience Trends for 2025
Arion Research LLC
November 15, 2024
The world of customer experience (CX) continues to be transformed, driven by rapid advancements in technology and evolving consumer expectations. This research brief, Customer Experience Trends for 2025, explores the ten most impactful trends reshaping CX strategies for businesses worldwide. From hyper-personalized journeys enabled by AI to the rise of autonomous CX agents and ethical data practices, these trends are poised to redefine how organizations interact with their customers.

Key highlights include:
The integration of large behavioral models (LBMs) to create dynamic, individualized customer journeys.

The emergence of sophisticated AI agents like Salesforce's Agentforce, capable of end-to-end interactions.

A renewed focus on data ethics, emotional AI, and sustainability in shaping future CX.

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Tags: CRM, Customer Experience, Generative AI

A Use Case Driven Approach to Selecting the Ideal Language Model
Arion Research LLC
November 12, 2024
Language models are transforming industries by enabling businesses to automate communication, generate content, analyze data, and improve decision-making. However, with the growing variety of language models available—ranging from small, efficient models to large, advanced systems—choosing the right one for a specific use case has become increasingly challenging. Each type of language model offers unique capabilities and trade-offs, and their effectiveness depends heavily on the context in which they are deployed.

This report aims to guide organizations in understanding which type of language model best fits their needs. By breaking down the strengths, limitations, and unique use cases of Small, Medium, Large, Industry-Specific, Liquid Foundation, Large Behavioral, and Large Action Models, we provide a structured framework to help you identify the most appropriate technology for your specific applications.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, IT Strategy

Research Brief: AI Trends for 2025
Arion Research LLC
November 04, 2024
As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that artificial intelligence is continuing to evolve at a rapid pace, pushing boundaries and unlocking new opportunities. This research brief dives into some of the most transformative AI trends on the horizon. From specialized language models tailored to specific industries to the rise of autonomous agents and multimodal capabilities, each trend points to a future where AI is more adaptive, insightful, and seamlessly integrated into our daily workflows. As organizations increasingly rely on AI for decision-making, personalization, and efficiency, these trends will help guide how businesses can stay ahead in a highly dynamic landscape.

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Tags: AI, Emerging Technology, Generative AI

The Small Business Guide to AI
Arion Research LLC
October 31, 2024
In a business environment where every advantage counts, small businesses can now harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to effectively compete with larger enterprises. The increased availability of AI enabled software has opened up a world of opportunities for smaller enterprises to level the playing field. This guide is focused on how AI can serve as a powerful force multiplier, enabling small businesses to maximize their efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and make data-driven decisions—all while operating with limited resources.

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Tags: AI, Business Strategy, Generative AI

The Board Member’s Guide to Enterprise AI
Arion Research LLC
October 23, 2024
In the rapidly evolving technological landscape, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as a transformative force reshaping industries and redefining competitive advantages. For board members and organizational leaders, understanding AI is no longer optional; it is a critical imperative. This research report, "The Board Members' Guide to Enterprise AI," is designed to provide an accessible yet comprehensive overview of AI's potential, challenges, and strategic implications for businesses.

As custodians of corporate governance and strategic direction, board members play a vital role in guiding their organizations through the complexities of digital transformation. This guide will demystify AI concepts and terminology, equipping you with the knowledge needed to engage in informed discussions, evaluate AI initiatives, and make strategic decisions that drive innovation and growth. We will explore key topics, including the fundamentals of AI, its applications across various sectors, the ethical considerations that come with its implementation, and frameworks for assessing AI readiness within your organization.

Whether your organization is just beginning its AI journey or seeking to enhance existing initiatives, this guide will serve as a valuable resource. Together, let us navigate the exciting world of enterprise AI, ensuring your board is well-prepared to harness its transformative potential for sustainable success.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Research Brief: Salesforce Dreamforce 2024
Arion Research LLC
September 29, 2024
-Salesforce Dreamforce 2024 focused heavily on generative AI, automation, and data-driven customer experiences with over 1,500 sessions covering these innovations.
-Salesforce introduced Agentforce, a new AI platform enabling companies to create autonomous agents for service, sales, and marketing, marking a significant step beyond traditional chatbots.
-New AI language models like xGen-Sales and xLAM were launched to automate complex tasks in sales and other business processes.
-Salesforce expanded its AI capabilities across industries with over 100 specific AI tools and a comprehensive use case library, addressing unique challenges in sectors like healthcare and retail.
-Salesforce Ventures announced an additional $500 million AI investment, bringing their total AI funding to $1 billion, aimed at supporting startups driving AI innovation.

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Tags: AI, CRM, Generative AI

Research Brief: Zoho Analytics 6.0 Sept 2024 Release
Arion Research LLC
September 17, 2024
-AI and ML Enhancements: Zoho Analytics now includes advanced diagnostic insights, predictive analysis, and automated report generation, powered by its AI engine, Zia. It also introduces a no-code Data Science and Machine Learning (DSML) Studio for building custom ML models.
-Generative AI Integration: The platform features OpenAI integration, allowing more efficient natural language query responses and deeper contextual insights through Zia Insights.
-Improved Data Management: The latest version expands its data connectors with real-time Stream Analytics and enhanced ETL pipelines. The Unified Metrics Layer helps businesses standardize and manage metrics across various departments.
-Platform Extensibility: With a no-code connector builder, BI fabric, and third-party platform integration (like Power BI and Tableau), Zoho Analytics becomes more adaptable for custom integrations and workflows.

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Tags: AI, Analytics, Generative AI

Research Brief: Oracle CloudWorld and SuiteWorld 2024
Arion Research LLC
September 16, 2024
-Multicloud Expansion: Oracle broadened its partnerships with AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, enhancing its database services' accessibility across platforms.
-AI-Powered Applications: New AI-driven features for Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications enhance decision-making through predictive analytics in HCM, SCM, and ERP systems.
-OCI Zettascale Computing: Oracle launched its first zettascale cloud computing cluster, leveraging NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs to support large-scale AI model training and high-performance computing.
-SuiteWorld Innovations: NetSuite introduced AI-powered tools for financial management, data analysis, and automation, along with i

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, IT Strategy

Research Brief: IBM AI Strategy
Arion Research LLC
August 20, 2024
Background and History: IBM has a rich history in AI, beginning in the 1950s with significant advancements such as the IBM 701 computer and the development of Deep Blue, which defeated chess champion Garry Kasparov in 1997.
Watson and Cognitive Computing: IBM Watson gained worldwide recognition after winning Jeopardy! in 2011, showcasing IBM's prowess in natural language processing, machine learning, and information retrieval, with applications in healthcare, finance, and customer service.
AI Ethics and Governance: IBM is dedicated to ethical AI development, implementing principles and tools for fairness, transparency, and accountability to ensure unbiased and trustworthy AI systems.
Diverse AI Product Offerings: IBM offers a wide range of AI products, including Watsonx Assistant for customer interactions, Watson Studio for model building, Maximo Application Suite for asset management, and Environmental Intelligence Suite for weather and environmental response.
Recent Developments: IBM's Watsonx platform integrates AI and data management tools, including Watsonx.ai, Watsonx.data, and Watsonx.governance, while IBM Granite provides robust models for natural language processing, coding, time series analysis, and geospatial data processing. InstructLab is a component within IBM's Watsonx AI and data platform, designed to enhance and facilitate the customization of foundation models for specific enterprise needs.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, IT Strategy

Research Brief: Adobe AI Strategy
Arion Research LLC
July 25, 2024
Adobe has a long history of integrating AI into its products, primarily through its AI and machine learning framework called Adobe Sensei. Launched in 2016, Adobe Sensei aims to streamline creative processes, enhance marketing strategies, and improve document workflows by leveraging AI and machine learning. Adobe has continuously invested in AI research and development, partnering with academic institutions and integrating advanced AI capabilities into its products. This RB provides a detailed look at their current AI offerings and future strategy.

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Tags: AI, Customer Experience, Generative AI

Decision Intelligence
Arion Research LLC
July 16, 2024
The Decision Intelligence Report presents a compelling case for the importance of decision intelligence (DI) in today's data-driven business landscape. By leveraging AI and advanced analytics, DI offers businesses the opportunity to make faster, more accurate decisions, ultimately driving better outcomes. As we continue to navigate an increasingly complex business environment, the adoption of DI is set to become a crucial factor in organizational success. DI delivers many business benefits. By integrating DI into their operations, businesses can expect improved efficiency, reduced risk, and increased agility. DI also allows organizations to leverage their data assets more effectively, ultimately leading to better decision-making and competitive advantage.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Pricing Impacts in the AI Age: Zuora + Togai
Arion Research LLC
June 21, 2024
In the age of AI, providers of AI technology are reexamining pricing strategies and moving more towards usage / consumption based models. Subscription management technology provider Zuora recently added some new and significant capabilities to its product portfolio through the acquisition of Togai.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, Product Management

Salesforce AI Strategy
Arion Research LLC
June 21, 2024
Salesforce has a long history of AI research and development, with key milestones including launching Einstein in 2016, creating the Office of Ethical & Humane Use in 2018, introducing CodeGen in 2022, and launching Einstein GPT and Copilot in 2023-2024.

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Tags: AI, CRM, Generative AI

Zoholics 2024
Arion Research LLC
June 07, 2024
A short summary of the announcements and overall look at the recent Zoho US user conference, Zoholics 2024, in Austin, TX held June 5-6, 2024.

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Tags: AI, CRM, ERP

Research Brief: Tableau Conference 2024
Arion Research LLC
May 08, 2024
The 2024 Tableau Conference, held recently from April 29th to May 1st in San Diego, California, aimed to be the premier data visualization event of the year. It promised a mix of learning and fun for data enthusiasts, with opportunities to develop skills, hear real-world success stories, and network with the "DataFam" community. A key focus was on showcasing the latest Tableau product innovations, including features that leverage generative AI and improve data governance.

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Tags: AI, Analytics, Generative AI

Research Brief: AI Strategy Framework
Arion Research LLC
April 30, 2024
Building a comprehensive enterprise AI strategy is crucial for businesses looking to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence effectively. This RB is a high-level step-by-step approach to developing such a strategy.

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Tags: AI, Business Strategy, Generative AI

Generative AI Business Use Cases
Arion Research LLC
October 19, 2023
The business use cases for generative AI are very diverse, with new applications of the technology popping up nearly weekly. To better understand the potential of generative AI, it’s useful to break it down into the major use categories, and then work down from there into more detail. The model in this report is an attempt to capture the current use cases as categories. Today, generative AI can be broken into five major categories with several subcategories, and into specific industry use cases in each industry vertical.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Business Adoption and Use of Artificial Intelligence
Arion Research LLC
August 07, 2023
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business is no longer a vision of the future, but a present reality that is rapidly transforming the global commercial landscape. As companies of all sizes recognize the immense potential of AI, its integration across sectors is experiencing exponential growth. In the modern business environment, AI is instrumental in driving efficiencies, automating repetitive tasks, aiding decision-making, predicting trends, and enhancing customer experiences.

The report “Business Adoption and Use of Artificial Intelligence” is based on a survey in August 2023 of 402 respondents in North America. It looks broadly across the business use and adoption of AI, as well as the challenges and biggest concerns.

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Tags: AI, Business Strategy, Generative AI

Consumer Communication Preferences for Sales, Marketing and Customer Service
Arion Research LLC
July 19, 2023
When it comes to interacting with your customers’ for sales, marketing and customer service consumers are clear, they want what they want, when and how they choose. That’s not a new concept, but is a map to improved customer experiences. Offering the channel that a prospect or customers trusts and prefers is much more likely to lead to a positive outcome for the interaction.

Earlier this year Sendbird approached us about sponsoring a global study on consumer communication preferences. The survey, conducted in February was built around the prompt: “what communication channels do consumers trust, which do they distrust, which do they prefer for a variety of online activities and what happens when you do, and don’t meet them where they are?” To answer those questions we ask 1200 consumers in all three major geographic regions. The second report from the study is available to download.

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Tags: AI, CRM, Customer Experience

Consumer Channel Preferences for Communicating with Businesses
Arion Research
May 16, 2023
Your customers’ want what they want, when and how they choose. That’s not a revolutionary concept, but needs repeating from time to time. It is easy, apparently, for you to project your desires on your prospect or customer. It doesn’t work now…maybe (with a few exceptions) it never worked. This is particularly true of communication with your prospects and customers.

Earlier this year Sendbird approached us about sponsoring a global study on consumer communication preferences. The survey, conducted in February was built around the prompt: “what communication channels do consumers trust, which do they distrust, which do they prefer for a variety of online activities and what happens when you do, and don’t meet them where they are?” To answer those questions we ask 1200 consumers in all three major geographic regions.

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Tags: CRM, Customer Experience, Sales

Optimizing the Sales Discovery Process
Arion Research
July 13, 2022
Focusing on quotas, fiscal quarters and "closing the deal" leads to a transactional culture, not one of building strong, ongoing relationships with customers. The shotgun approach to prospecting was never particularly effective, but with the level of access control afforded prospects by technology, it is easier than ever to ignore unwelcome and irrelevant sales outreach. Customer expectations have changed. It’s no longer enough for sales reps to reach out with generic offerings and messaging. To gain attention and create interest, sales reps need to create real value in each customer interaction – and the way to do that is to help the customer think about their needs more holistically.

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Tags: AI, Emerging Technology, Sales

201 Article/Blogs
The Paris AI Action Summit 2025: A Global Gathering to Shape the Future of AI
Arion Research LLC
February 15, 2025
The Paris AI Action Summit, held on February 10-11, 2025, at the Grand Palais, brought together global leaders, industry executives, and policymakers to discuss the future of artificial intelligence (AI) governance and collaboration. Co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the summit convened representatives from over 100 countries, marking a significant step in international AI discourse.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Open Source

Challenges in Building Trustworthy Agentic AI Systems
Arion Research LLC
February 12, 2025
Agentic AI is increasingly shaping automation and decision-making across industries, from customer service to finance and healthcare. These AI systems operate autonomously, make decisions, and interact with users and systems to execute tasks. However, building trust in agentic AI remains a significant challenge. Trustworthiness is crucial for adoption, regulatory approval, and ensuring that these systems align with human values. It’s critical for businesses implementing agentic AI to understand the key challenges in building trustworthy agentic AI systems and strategies for overcoming them.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

Agentic AI and the Role of Reinforcement Learning in Complex Environments
Arion Research LLC
January 30, 2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved significantly over the past few decades, with one of the most notable advancements being the development of Agentic AI—systems capable of autonomous decision-making, adaptability, and goal-directed behavior. These AI systems leverage Reinforcement Learning (RL) to navigate complex environments, learning through trial and error to optimize their performance over time. Let’s take a look at the fundamental concepts of RL, its critical role in enabling agentic AI, the challenges faced in complex environments, real-world applications, and the future of AI-driven decision-making.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

The Architecture of Agentic AI: Building Systems that Think and Act Autonomously
Arion Research LLC
January 26, 2025
Agentic AI represents a significant leap in the evolution of artificial intelligence, enabling systems that can independently perceive, reason, and act in dynamic environments. Unlike traditional AI models designed for specific tasks, Agentic AI integrates advanced cognitive capabilities to perform autonomously across diverse scenarios.

The demand for such systems is growing across industries, from autonomous vehicles to smart customer service solutions. This article explores the foundational architecture of Agentic AI and the design principles critical for building systems that think and act autonomously.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Emerging Technology

How Agentic AI Drives Innovation in Enterprise Applications
Arion Research LLC
January 24, 2025
The pace of technological innovation has increased exponentially over the past few years, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and associated tools like language models (LMs), generative AI and the hottest new "thing", agentic AI. Enterprises are continually searching for tools and systems to transform operations supported by aging / outdated enterprise applications, to enhance their ability to innovate and stay ahead of the competition. Agentic AI has emerged as a compelling method of transformation due to its autonomous decision-making and contextual adaptability. It is redefining how businesses operate by enabling dynamic problem-solving and proactive decision-making at scale. In addition, its ability to drive innovation in enterprise applications is reshaping the future of business operations.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

The Ethics of Agentic AI: Who is Responsible for Autonomous Decisions?
Arion Research LLC
January 18, 2025
Imagine a self-driving car faced with a split-second decision: veer off the road to avoid a pedestrian but endanger its passengers or stay on course and risk the pedestrian’s life. Such scenarios were once confined to ethics classrooms, but with the rise of agentic AI, they are becoming real-world dilemmas. Agentic AI—systems capable of making autonomous decisions—is now integrated into various sectors, from healthcare to transportation. However, its growing presence raises an urgent question: who is responsible when these systems make decisions that lead to significant consequences?

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

A Multi-Agent Approach to Agentic AI
Arion Research LLC
January 15, 2025
Agentic AI, a concept emphasizing autonomy, goal-oriented behavior, and decision-making capabilities, is reshaping the AI landscape. Unlike traditional AI systems that heavily rely on user input, agentic AI operates independently, adapting to dynamic environments and collaborating to achieve specific objectives. By leveraging a multi-agent approach, the capabilities of agentic AI can be enhanced further, creating systems that are scalable, flexible, and efficient. Multi-agent systems (MAS) can amplify the power of agentic AI, and have a variety of high value applications across various industries and functions.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

GraphRAG: The Future of Knowledge-Driven AI
Arion Research LLC
January 12, 2025
The introduction of generative AI a couple of years ago created excitement, some hype and over time, a growing concern about hallucinations or inaccuracies in provided answers. Adding methods to add contextual data to the generative AI tools is proving to ground the LMs and greatly improve model accuracy, reducing or eliminating hallucinations. One of the most common frameworks is retrieval augmented generation (RAG). Advanced forms of RAG, which mash up different approaches, are being introduced, and in the proper use case, are having a large impact on business adoption of generative AI enabled tools. One of the most promising techniques to emerge is GraphRAG (Graph-based Retrieval-Augmented Generation), a cutting-edge framework that combines graph-based data structures with RAG to provide highly accurate, context-driven, and explainable AI solutions. This approach is especially impactful for tasks requiring deep reasoning over interconnected knowledge, such as complex question answering, summarization, and tailored content generation.

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Tags: AI, Emerging Technology, Generative AI

The Evolution of Language Models in 2025
Arion Research LLC
January 10, 2025
Language models (LMs) are rapidly increasing in capabilities, evolving from simple statistical models to sophisticated systems capable of a growing set of use cases for business. The year 2025 is likely to be a pivotal moment in their development, with significant advancements across multiple dimensions. The various types of language models, their sizes, and their impact, including their role in enabling agentic AI, continue to expand and gain more advanced capabilities. From Large Language Models (LLMs) to Liquid Foundation Models (LFMs), these LM innovations open a great deal of value and opportunity for businesses.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

Agile Product Development with AI: Automating Code, Testing, and Deployment
Arion Research LLC
December 31, 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how software is developed, making it faster, smarter, and more efficient. In Agile product development, where adaptability and speed are foundational, AI is a game-changer. By applying AI to automate coding, testing, and deployment, AI tools not only streamline workflows but also empower teams to focus on innovation. The use of AI enhances the Agile software development lifecycle (SDLC) and changes the roles and necessary skills of employees.

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Tags: Agile, AI, Product Management

How Agentic AI is Redefining the Role of Autonomy in Digital Systems
Arion Research LLC
December 29, 2024
In a business environment marked by continual rapid change, autonomy in digital systems is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Business leaders are seeking smarter solutions that not only streamline operations but also proactively drive innovation and growth. Agentic AI represents a new frontier in this evolution, providing the foundation for a scalable, intelligent digital workforce. Business leaders who embrace this technology can unlock unprecedented efficiency, agility, and competitive advantage.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

Sustainable Product Design with AI: Reducing Waste and Emissions
Arion Research LLC
December 15, 2024
Sustainability is a critical part of modern product design. With growing awareness of environmental challenges and increasing consumer and regulatory demands, companies are seeking innovative ways to create eco-friendly products. Artificial intelligence (AI) has high potential in this transformation by offering tools and methodologies to optimize material usage, reduce waste, and enhance energy efficiency throughout the product lifecycle.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, Product Management

From Automation to Autonomy: Agentic AI in Manufacturing and Logistics
Arion Research LLC
December 15, 2024
The manufacturing and logistics industries continue to evolve through a digital transformation, marked by the shift from basic automation to systems that are increasingly autonomous. Automation has long been a cornerstone of industrial operations, but the advent of Agentic AI represents a disruptive leap. This emerging technology goes beyond pre-programmed tasks, enabling systems to learn, adapt, and make decisions independently. By reshaping workflows, optimizing efficiency, and redefining roles, Agentic AI is set to revolutionize these industries.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Manufacturing

Agentic AI, Creating a Digital Labor Force
Arion Research LLC
December 06, 2024
Agentic AI represents the next evolution of artificial intelligence—a leap from simple automation to creating AI systems capable of autonomous decision-making and self-directed problem-solving. This type of AI is poised to change the nature of work and create what can be thought of as a digital labor force. As organizations increasingly integrate Agentic AI into their operations, they are shifting from traditional labor models towards a blend of human and digital workforces, enabling significant gains in efficiency, productivity, and innovation.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

The Role of AI in Structured versus Unstructured Work
Arion Research LLC
December 02, 2024
In most companies today, the nature of work is undergoing significant transformation, largely driven by advances in artificial intelligence (AI). As organizations seek ways to optimize their operations, increase profitability and enhance productivity, understanding how AI can support different types of work is critical.

Broadly speaking, work can be classified into two categories: structured work and unstructured work. Structured work involves repetitive, rule-based tasks with clear guidelines, while unstructured work encompasses creative, decision-driven activities that require human intuition and emotion. With AI technologies advancing at a rapid pace, they are now increasingly capable of both optimizing structured work and contributing to and improving unstructured work. Let's look at how AI agents are being used to enhance structured and unstructured work, what opportunities this presents for businesses, and the challenges that come with integrating AI into various workflows.

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Generative AI

How Agentic AI Will Transform the Role of Knowledge Workers
Arion Research LLC
November 24, 2024
Agentic AI, the latest evolution of artificial intelligence, is poised to transform the workplace by autonomously taking actions to fulfill specific goals. Unlike traditional AI systems that rely heavily on human input for decision-making, Agentic AI can independently perform tasks, learn from interactions, and adapt to changing environments, making it a powerful ally for knowledge workers.

Currently, knowledge work is marked by an overwhelming volume of information, routine tasks, and the need for constant decision-making. Knowledge workers often struggle to balance high-value, creative work with the burden of repetitive, low-impact activities. In this context, the introduction of Agentic AI has the potential to enable workers to shift their focus from mundane tasks to more strategic, meaningful contributions.

The central question is, how will Agentic AI reshape the roles, skills, and value of knowledge workers? The potential of Agentic AI to augment human capabilities can empower individuals to achieve higher productivity, creativity, and job satisfaction.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

Agentic AI and the Rise of Adaptive Enterprises
Arion Research LLC
November 22, 2024
As businesses attempt to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market, the concept of adaptability has become a key component of strategic planning. Agentic AI is emerging as a catalyst in creating enterprises that can not only respond to change but also anticipate and proactively adapt to it.

An Adaptive Enterprise is one that is designed to be agile, resilient, and capable of evolving in response to shifts in the business environment. Adaptability is no longer just an advantage—it is a necessity for survival in the face of rapid technological advancements, market disruptions, and changing customer expectations.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

Developing a Robust Data Strategy to Support Your AI Initiatives
Arion Research LLC
November 15, 2024
Artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining how businesses operate, innovate, and compete. However, the success of any AI initiative largely depends on a solid foundation: data management. Without a well-thought-out data strategy, AI projects can falter, delivering suboptimal results or, worse, failing entirely. The effectiveness of AI hinges on quality data, structured governance, and streamlined accessibility—all of which are anchored in a robust data strategy.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, IT Strategy

From Idea to MVP Faster: How Generative AI is Speeding Up Product Development Cycles
Arion Research LLC
November 14, 2024
In the fast-paced world of product development, time is everything. Companies are under constant pressure to get their ideas off the whiteboard and into the hands of users as quickly as possible. In this environment, building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) rapidly can be the difference between leading the market or playing catch-up. Enter generative AI—a transformative set of tools that is redefining the way R&D teams innovate and iterate.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, Product Management

Large Behavior Models: The Key to Predicting and Optimizing Human Actions
Arion Research LLC
November 10, 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought us powerful tools to understand, interact, and make decisions in the world around us. Among these tools, Large Language Models (LLMs) have become incredibly well-known for their ability to understand and generate natural language. However, there’s another class of AI models gaining prominence: Large Behavior Models (LBMs). These models specialize in predicting, simulating, and optimizing human-like actions and are uniquely equipped to tackle challenges where understanding behavior is key.

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Tags: AI, Emerging Technology, Generative AI

Boosting Marketing ROI with AI-Powered Predictive Analytics
Arion Research LLC
November 09, 2024
AI-powered predictive analytics is fundamentally reshaping how marketers develop and execute their strategies, bringing a new level of precision and efficiency to decision-making processes. In today’s competitive market, relying solely on traditional approaches and intuition is no longer sufficient to capture audience attention and deliver high returns on marketing investments. Predictive analytics uses advanced AI and machine learning models to analyze large amounts of historical and real-time data, extracting valuable insights about customer behavior, preferences, and emerging trends. This allows marketers to not only understand their target audience better but also anticipate needs and take preemptive actions to maximize impact.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, Marketing

Automating Sales Outreach with Generative AI: Enhancing Personalization at Scale
Arion Research LLC
November 08, 2024
Imagine sending every prospect a sales email that feels as personal as a handwritten note—but without spending hours writing each one. This is where generative AI steps in, transforming how businesses handle sales outreach. The power lies in enhancing personalization at scale—creating a connection with every lead without sacrificing the quality of engagement.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, Sales

AI in Finance: Optimizing Risk Management and Forecasting for CFOs
Arion Research LLC
November 03, 2024
As financial leaders, CFOs face growing challenges in navigating economic shifts, risk, and fraud prevention. AI has become essential in reshaping financial management by optimizing forecasting, enhancing risk management, detecting fraud, and automating accounting tasks. This post outlines how AI can empower CFOs in these critical areas, with an emphasis on the technologies and types of AI required.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

AI and Legacy Systems: Crafting an IT Strategy for Seamless Integration
Arion Research LLC
October 31, 2024
Integrating AI into legacy systems is one of the most critical challenges and opportunities for CIOs today. Legacy systems—typically complex, rigid, and outdated by modern standards—often carry significant technical debt but remain essential to daily operations, particularly in industries like financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing. Here’s how CIOs can approach creating an IT strategy that seamlessly integrates AI with legacy systems, minimizing disruption and maximizing value.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, IT Strategy

AI for Sustainability: How Executives Can Leverage Technology for Green Business Practices
Arion Research LLC
October 29, 2024
As the urgency for businesses to adopt sustainable practices intensifies, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in the quest for environmental responsibility. In an era marked by climate change and resource scarcity, organizations are increasingly turning to AI to navigate the complexities of sustainability. This powerful technology offers innovative solutions for reducing carbon footprints, optimizing energy use, and enhancing the efficiency of supply chains —areas that are of growing concern to today's business leaders.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, Sustainability

1 Founder
Arion Research LLC
Arion Research LLC
June 01, 2021
Digital insights, business innovation and technology research

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Tags: Cloud, Customer Experience, CRM, Sales

4 Infographics
Generative AI Industry Use Cases
Arion Research LLC
August 27, 2024
The other way to examine generative AI is in specific industry vertical applications. The path of horizontal technology often leads to more industry focused functionality that addresses the unique needs and requirements of each vertical. This infographic breaks down some of the more compelling industry vertical use cases. These use cases build off the base categories (see the previous use case infographic) to meet specific needs in each covered vertical.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Generative AI Use Cases
Arion Research LLC
August 24, 2024
The business use cases for generative AI are very diverse, with new applications of the technology popping up nearly weekly. To better understand the potential of generative AI, it’s useful to break it down into the major use categories, and then work down from there into more detail. The model is an attempt to capture the current use cases as categories.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Large Action Models
Arion Research LLC
August 08, 2024
Large Action Models (LAMs) are a new advancement in AI that builds upon the capabilities of Large Language Models (LLMs). LAMs leverage a combination of existing AI technologies to bridge the gap between understanding language and taking action in the digital world.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, IT Strategy

Business Adoption and Use of Artificial Intelligence
Arion Research LLC
August 05, 2023
Arion Research conducted a survey of 402 people in North America on AI adoption in August 2023. This infographic presents some of the preliminary finding and a small sample of some of the high level data from that survey.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, Innovation

17 Media Interviews
Business Adoption and Use of AI
BrightVision
October 04, 2023
In this week's Tech Marketing Trends episode, Jakob Löwenbrand welcomes Michael Fauscette, a tech veteran with a rich background including roles at PeopleSoft, Autodesk, and as Chief Research Officer at G2. Michael is here to discuss his latest report on business adoption and use of AI.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, Marketing

BIG CX News – The Latest on Microsoft Sales Copilot, Salesforce AI Cloud, and Zoom In WFM
CX Today
August 11, 2023
CX Today’s Charlie Mitchell presents the latest trending news from the customer experience world.
He’s joined by five prominent CX analysts to dissect the latest stories from the space – including news from Microsoft, Salesforce, and Zoom.

In this edition, our CX experts include:

Liz Miller, VP & Principal Analyst at Constellation Research
Rebecca Wetteman, Principal at Valoir
Michael Fauscette, Founder, CEO & Chief Analyst at Arion Research
Shelly Kramer, Principal Analyst at V3B
Martin Schneider, Head of Research at Annuitas Research

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Tags: CRM, Customer Experience, Generative AI

BIG CX News – The Latest on Verint’s CCaaS Move & the Genesys Experience Index
CX Today
July 11, 2023
CX Today’s Charlie Mitchell presents the latest trending news from the customer experience world. He’s joined by three prominent CX analysts to dissect the latest stories from the space – including news from Verint and Genesys.

In this edition, our CX experts include:
Liz Miller, VP & Principal Analyst at Constellation Research
Rebecca Wetteman, Principal at Valoir
Michael Fauscette, Founder, CEO & Chief Analyst at Arion Research

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Tags: AI, CRM, Customer Experience

The Latest on Zoom’s AI Assistant, Twilio’s Losses, & a Possible RingCentral-8×8 Merger
CX Today
June 02, 2023
CX Today’s Charlie Mitchell presents the latest trending news from the customer experience world.

He’s joined by four prominent CX analysts to dissect the latest stories from the space – including news from Zoom, Twilio, Lifesize, RingCentral, and 8×8.

In this edition, our CX experts include:

Dave Michaels, Lead Analyst at TalkingPointz.com
Liz Miller, VP & Principal Analyst at Constellation Research
Rebecca Wetteman, Principal at Valoir
Michael Fauscette, Founder, CEO & Chief Analyst at Arion Research

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Tags: Customer Experience

Just like Coffee - Digital Transformation is not ONE and done
Digital Evolution Forum
March 14, 2022
Companies are now focussing on the digital experience they provide to their customers and their staff. When digitally transforming it is important to understand it is not a one and done. In order to become a fully digitised business, you must look at all of your operations in a new light. CEO & Chief Analyst, Arion Research, Michael Fauscette explains digital transformation is all about the people, not the technology and how to shift towards a digital-first mindset.

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Tags: Business Strategy, Digital Disruption, Digital Transformation

Ep. 24 - Business Innovation And Technology Research with Michael Fauscette
YouTube
November 04, 2021
This episode of the Success Fundamentals Podcast features Michael Fauscette, CEO & Chief Analyst of Arion Research and Advisor to G2 and Entercom.io. A career in tech is not dependent on your educational background.

Michael's story of success found him in many different fields trying many things out before he found his way to tech. His background in music lent a different way of learning but his natural curiosity is what drove him forward.

After a decade of experience in engineering and software while in the Navy, Michael adapted post-Navy to a life in tech. He shares that you define your success and passion is the only reason you should be doing it.

He shares his thoughts on money as a tool and power as best wielded by servant leaders. Finally, Michael shares his current initiatives like an upcoming book and his role in Arion Research.

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Tags: Cloud, Innovation, Leadership

Curiosity Doesn't Kill the Cat with Michael Fauscette
Success Fundamentals
November 04, 2021
This episode of the Success Fundamentals Podcast features Michael Fauscette, CEO & Chief Analyst of Arion Research and Advisor to G2 and Entercom.io. A career in tech is not dependent on your educational background.

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Tags: Digital Disruption, Startups, Entrepreneurship

CRM Playaz Weekly with Mike Fauscette
YouTube
April 08, 2021
Advisor, Board Chair, Influence, Analyst, Thought Leader, Jazz Aficionado and Expert Photographer Mike Fauscette joins us to shoot the stuff about whatever comes to our mind....

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Tags: CRM, Leadership

CRMKonvo #25 Michael Fauscette on CX Trends Analysts and photography
YouTube
December 02, 2020
We will discuss 2021 trends, views on the best and worst buzzwords on the market, the role of CDPs and an actually usable AI.

Michael is a renowned analyst and author, with more than 20 years of experience in and around the CRM industry. He is the Chief Research Officer at G2, an analyst firm that bases its analyses on customer feedback. Our discussion topics will include the role of analysts — whether they are serving their purpose well and what could be improved, the meaning of CX, trends and, of course, the worst industry buzzwords of the year.

And some photography.

As usual - it is a conversation and might lead different directions.

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Tags: Customer Experience, Innovation, CRM

How to get the right technology to power mobile marketing success
MarketingSherpa
January 15, 2019
To truly leverage mobile marketing, it takes three crucial elements — the right plan, the right technology to power that plan, and great creative ideas to make use of that technology for the customer’s benefit.

We sat down with Michael Fauscette, Chief Research Officer, G2 Crowd, to give you ideas for your brand’s mobile marketing strategy — discussing everything from AR and beacons to single view of the customer to data-driven marketing to vendor selection.

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Tags: Customer Experience, Marketing, Mobility

Why AI-faked videos are a danger to national and business security
TechRepublic
May 18, 2018
If you thought fake news was bad just wait until hackers get their hands on AI-powered face swapping tech, says G2 Crowd CRO Michael Fauscette.

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Emerging Technology

DisrupTV Episode 0023
DisrupTV
July 08, 2016
A discussion with the DisrupTV team about reviews sites, buyer behavior and analyst firms.

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Tags: Digital Disruption, Sales, Startups

Competitive Advantage: It’s Not Just About the Technology, It’s About the Frame of Reference
CxOTalk
October 09, 2015
Creating the right environment to connect with customers, employees and partners is not just about doing the same thing we have always done. If we do more of the same thing we don’t have the right frame of reference. The Business Modernization framework is a way to look at all aspects of the business and identify what the new way to operate should be, identify the technology that can enable that, then identify the culture shifts and the change that needs to happen to enable the business to be effective in today's environment.

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Tags: Business Strategy, Digital Disruption, Digital Transformation

Customer Edge TV: The Modern Customer Journey Map CRM
Customer Edge TV
October 03, 2014
Mike Fauscette, Group VP of Software Business Solutions at IDC discusses modernizing customer journey mapping and building customer experience models. He takes us through the stages of buying: Need, Brand Awareness, Education, Evaluation, Decision, Purchase, Advocate. They also touch upon how mobile changes this model.

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Tags: CRM, Customer Experience, Digital Disruption

Characteristics of High Growth Successful SaaS Companies
Montclair Group
January 10, 2014
A discussion on the SaaS and subscription model, and what it takes to be a successful SaaS startup.

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Tags: Cloud, Emerging Technology, Startups

#14: CXOTalk with Michael Fauscette
YouTube
June 14, 2013
CXO-Talk brings you live conversations on leadership, innovation, and transformation with people shaping the future. Your hosts are Michael Krigsman and Vala Afshar.

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Tags: Innovation, Leadership

Community for a Complete Customer Experience Strategy: IDC's Michael Fauscette
YouTube
January 09, 2013
Your customers have adapted to the social age—they're tech savvy with lots of options and short attention spans. Your business must adapt along with them if you want to capture their attention and earn their loyalty. Michael Fauscette, Group VP of IDC's Software Business Solutions, discusses about the best way for companies to engage, interact, and provide a positive experience at every point in the customer lifecycle.

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Tags: Customer Experience, Leadership

99 Podcasts
ZohoDay Analyst Summit 2025
Arion Research LLC
February 10, 2025
This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Raju Vegesna and Anand Nergunam from Zoho during the special edition of ZohoDay Analyst Summit 2025, held at a beautiful resort outside Austin.

Here are three key takeaways from our enlightening conversation:

The Shift Towards Agentic AI: We discussed how Zoho is embracing the concept of agentic AI, which empowers AI systems to take actions on behalf of users. This shift is not just about enhancing existing tools but about creating new opportunities for businesses to automate processes and improve customer interactions. Raju emphasized that while we are still in the early stages of this technology, the potential for innovation is immense. Businesses can leverage agentic AI to streamline operations, such as automating customer support responses or optimizing ticket routing.

Building Trust Through Data Privacy: Trust is paramount, especially when it comes to AI and data usage. Anand highlighted how Zoho prioritizes customer privacy by ensuring that AI models are built with a focus on data security. They utilize a framework called RAG (Retrievable Augmented Generation) to keep customer data isolated and secure while still allowing for powerful AI capabilities. This approach reassures enterprises that their sensitive information remains protected, fostering a more comfortable environment for adopting AI solutions.

The Importance of Customization and Vertical Solutions: Both Raju and Anand shared insights on how Zoho is moving towards a platform approach that allows for extensive customization tailored to specific industries. This is a significant departure from the traditional one-size-fits-all model. By focusing on vertical solutions, Zoho aims to provide businesses with the tools they need to address their unique challenges effectively. This customization not only enhances user experience but also drives better outcomes for businesses across various sectors.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

The Potential Disruption of Enterprise Applications and SaaS by AI
Arion Research LLC
January 27, 2025
Welcome to this week's episode of the Disambiguation Podcast! Join host Michael Fauscette as he dives into the potential disruption of enterprise applications and the SaaS business model by AI, generative AI, and agentic AI.

In this episode, Michael shares insights from a recent panel discussion at the In Real Life IRL 2025 event in Atlanta, where he explored how these emerging technologies are poised to redefine user experiences, operational efficiency, and business models in the enterprise tech landscape.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

January 2025 AI Pulse
Arion Research LLC
January 20, 2025
In this episode of Disambiguation, co-host Tom Pringle and I dive into the latest developments in artificial intelligence, generative AI, and business automation. We kick off with a discussion about the Rstar Math model developed by Microsoft, which showcases the potential of self-learning models in specialized areas like mathematics. This model outperformed major large language models in math benchmarks, highlighting the shift towards smaller, more efficient, and task-specific AI models.

We also reflect on the trends emerging from CES, particularly the rise of agentic AI and the importance of specialization in AI applications. As we explore the implications of these advancements, we consider how they might reshape roles in software development, with developers transitioning to more conceptual modeling rather than traditional coding tasks.

The conversation takes a turn towards the ethical considerations of autonomous AI, especially in scenarios where decision-making impacts human lives. We discuss the complexities of accountability and the challenges of ensuring transparency in AI systems.

Additionally, we touch on the recent announcement from NVIDIA regarding their new personal AI supercomputer, Digits, and the implications of AI-generated code in software engineering. As we wrap up, we highlight the importance of understanding the evolving landscape of AI and its potential to create value in various industries.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

Decision Intelligence Trends for 2025
Arion Research LLC
January 13, 2025
Welcome to Episode 2 of Season 3 of the Disambiguation Podcast! In this episode, host Michael Fauscette dives into the fascinating world of Decision Intelligence and its trends for 2025, based on a research brief from Arion Research.

Join our co-host avatars, Joshua and Julia, as they explore how AI is set to revolutionize decision-making in businesses. Discover how AI can assist in everyday tasks, enhance strategic thinking, and even create digital twins for simulating business scenarios.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

Revolutionizing Code Maintenance with AI
Arion Research LLC
January 06, 2025
In this episode of Disambiguation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Matt Van Itallie, the founder and CEO of SEMA, about the critical role of AI in code maintenance. We explored how AI can enhance visibility and understanding within engineering organizations, particularly for executives who often lack insight into their software development processes. Matt shared his unique background, which includes a blend of history, economics, and education technology, and how it shaped his approach to understanding code as data. He emphasized the challenges of creating a comprehensive CTO dashboard that accurately reflects the state of engineering, noting that while many developer tools exist, none serve as a single source of truth for executives. We discussed the complexities of code maintenance and the importance of contextualizing technical debt in financial terms to facilitate better decision-making. This episode is packed with insights for business leaders looking to leverage AI for better code maintenance and overall software development efficiency.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Bridging the Gap: The Path Toward Human-Level AI
Arion Research LLC
December 23, 2024
In this episode of the Disambiguation Podcast, host Michael Fauscette welcomes Michael Azoff, Chief Analyst at Omdia and author of "Toward Human-Level AI." Together, they explore the fascinating journey towards achieving human-level artificial intelligence (AI) and the significant gaps that still exist between current AI capabilities and true human-like intelligence.

Michael Azoff shares his insights on the challenges facing AI, including the limitations of large language models, the importance of inner motivation, and the role of embodied intelligence. They discuss how advancements in neuroscience can inspire the next generation of AI and the potential implications for businesses and society as a whole.

Tune in to discover:

The key characteristics that define human-level intelligence

The impact of neuroscience on AI development

The exciting and concerning use cases of AI in various sectors

The future of AI, including the potential of neuromorphic computing and agentic AI

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

December 2024 AI Pulse
Arion Research LLC
December 16, 2024
Welcome to the December edition of AI Pulse on the Disambiguation Podcast! Join your host, Michael Fauscette, and co-host Tom Pringle, Director of Pilot Research, as they dive into the latest news and trends in artificial intelligence, generative AI, and business automation.

In this episode, we discuss:

The recent integration of ChatGPT with Siri and its implications for the tech landscape.

The ongoing debate around DIY AI versus purchasing AI solutions, and the future of specialized models.

Insights from the latest OpenAI announcements, including the launch of Sora Turbo and its impact on video generation.

The potential dangers of AI technology, including the use of autonomous robots in law enforcement and military applications.

A look at the importance of regulation in the rapidly evolving AI space.

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Tags: Agentic AI, AI, Generative AI

AI and Deltek: Revolutionizing Project Management for Competitive Advantage
Arion Research LLC
December 09, 2024
In this episode of Disambiguation, I had the pleasure of welcoming back Warren Linscott, SVP of Product Strategy at Deltek, where we explored the significant advancements in their AI strategy, particularly through their AI assistant, Dela. Over the past year, Deltek has made remarkable progress in leveraging AI to enhance project management for project-based businesses.

Warren shared insights into the various capabilities of Dela, which now includes smart summaries, intelligent search and retrieval, task automation, and even anomaly detection. These features are designed to help businesses streamline operations, reduce mundane tasks, and focus on more meaningful work. We discussed how Dela can assist in generating project summaries, analyzing data, and automating approvals, ultimately allowing project managers to spend more time on billable activities.

We also touched on the growing trend of AI adoption among small and mid-sized businesses, which are embracing these technologies at a faster rate than larger enterprises. Warren highlighted the importance of freeing up resources in these organizations, particularly in areas like staffing and resource management, where Dela can provide valuable insights and match skills to project requirements.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, Project Management

Orchestrating Innovation: AI's Role in Empowering Knowledge Workers
Arion Research LLC
November 25, 2024
In this episode of Disambiguation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Asim Rizvi, founder and CEO of Momba AI. We dive into orchestrating innovation and the pivotal role of AI in empowering knowledge workers. Asim shared his extensive background in technology and innovation, particularly in financial services, and how it led him to establish Momba AI.

We explored the concept of AI value tiers, discussing the commoditization of hardware and language models, and the promising potential of the application layer. Asim emphasized that while hardware and LLMs are crucial, the real value creation lies in how businesses leverage these technologies through innovative applications. He articulated the shift from knowledge workers being mere executors of tasks to becoming orchestrators of complex processes, allowing them to focus on higher-level decision-making.

A significant part of our conversation revolved around agentic AI and its implications for the future of work. Asim highlighted the importance of a human-centric approach to user experience, where the complexities of AI are managed behind the scenes, enabling knowledge workers to engage with technology seamlessly.

Overall, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how organizations can prepare for the future of AI, emphasizing the need for a cohesive strategy that integrates various AI capabilities while focusing on customer success and innovation.

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Tags: AI, Future of Work, Generative AI

November 2024 AI Pulse
Arion Research LLC
November 18, 2024
In this episode of Disambiguation, co-hosted with Tom Pringle, we dive into the November edition of AI Pulse, where we explore the latest developments in AI, generative AI, and business automation. We discuss the current state of AI news, noting a slight decrease in dramatic headlines compared to previous cycles, which may indicate a maturation of the industry.

Tom shares insights from his recent work on language models, highlighting the emergence of industry-specific models from Microsoft and Google's new developments in large language models that mimic smaller models' efficiency. We delve into the concept of Relaxed Recursive Transformers (RPTs) and their potential to optimize resource usage.

The conversation shifts to the importance of model specificity, particularly in business processes, where tailored models can enhance productivity. We also touch on the intriguing idea of large behavior models (LBMs) that focus on understanding human emotions, which could revolutionize customer service interactions.

As we navigate through the implications of AI in business, we consider the balance between structured and unstructured activities, emphasizing the need for human creativity in decision-making processes. We also discuss the ongoing interest from venture capitalists in AI startups, with significant funding rounds indicating a robust future for AI innovation.

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Generative AI

AI Trends for 2025
Arion Research LLC
November 11, 2024
In this episode of the Disambiguation Podcast, host Michael Fauscette takes you on a deep dive into the future of AI, exploring the groundbreaking trends that will shape the landscape by 2025. Joined by Avatar co-hosts Julia and Joshua, they discuss the recently published AI Trends for 2025 research brief from Arion Research, highlighting 12 major trends that are set to revolutionize industries.

From specialized language models and large action models to liquid foundation models and autonomous agents, this episode covers it all! Discover how AI is evolving to become more efficient, adaptable, and integrated into our daily lives. The conversation also touches on the ethical implications of AI, the impact on the workforce, and the importance of sustainable AI practices.

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Tags: AI, Emerging Technology, Generative AI

The Role of AI in Customer Experience Research
Arion Research LLC
November 04, 2024
In this episode of Disambiguation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ranjitha Kumar, Chief Research Scientist at User Testing. We delved into the exciting intersection of AI and customer experience research, particularly focusing on how large language models (LLMs) are transforming the way we gather and analyze user feedback.

Ranjitha shared insights into her role at User Testing, where she leads the AI product strategy. We discussed the various stages of customer experience research where AI can play a pivotal role—from creating tests and identifying target users to analyzing results and contextualizing findings within a broader dataset. The conversation highlighted the challenges of integrating AI, especially when dealing with multimodal data streams that include both explicit feedback, like survey responses, and implicit feedback, such as clickstream data.

One of the key takeaways was the potential for AI to enhance qualitative research by providing deeper insights into user emotions and behaviors. Ranjitha emphasized the importance of human oversight in the AI process, ensuring that researchers can verify AI-generated insights against raw data to avoid misinformation.

We also explored the future of AI in this space, envisioning a seamless integration of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Ranjitha discussed the potential for AI to not only analyze data but also generate design alternatives, creating a holistic system for optimizing digital experiences.

As we wrapped up, Ranjitha recommended the People Plus AI research website from Google, which offers valuable guidelines for user-centered machine learning. This episode provided a fascinating look at how AI is reshaping customer experience research and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

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Tags: AI, Customer Experience, Generative AI

Harnessing AI for Competitive Advantage: A Responsible Approach
Arion Research LLC
October 28, 2024
In this episode of Disambiguation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rohan Sen, a data risk and privacy principal at PricewaterhouseCoopers US. Our discussion centered around the critical topic of responsible AI, a subject that is increasingly top of mind for business leaders as they navigate the complexities of AI adoption.

Rohan provided insights from a recent Responsible AI survey, which revealed that while a significant number of executives are adopting AI technologies, many are still grappling with the associated risks and governance challenges. Notably, only 58% of respondents had considered these risks, and a mere 14% felt they had made substantial progress in implementing responsible AI practices.

We explored the biggest challenges organizations face in establishing a responsible AI governance framework, including the lack of clarity around ownership and the need for effective stakeholder engagement. Rohan emphasized the importance of data quality and governance as foundational elements for successful AI initiatives.

Trust emerged as a recurring theme in our conversation. Rohan highlighted that building trust in AI requires transparency and a commitment to responsible practices. He also discussed how organizations can leverage responsible AI to gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating their commitment to ethical practices and stakeholder interests.

As we looked to the future, Rohan predicted that organizations would need to operationalize their responsible AI efforts and rethink their processes to fully harness the potential of AI technologies. He also recommended following thought leaders like Professor Ethan Malik for further insights into generative AI.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

October 2024 AI Pulse
Arion Research LLC
October 21, 2024
In this episode of Disambiguation, co-host Tom Pringle and I dive into the latest developments in AI, generative AI, and business automation, particularly focusing on the October edition of AI Pulse. We kick off the conversation by discussing OpenAI's recent funding round, which has raised an astonishing $18.9 billion in 2023-2024, highlighting the dominance of generative AI in the venture capital landscape—40% of all VC funding in the past year has gone to generative AI startups.

We explore the implications of this funding trend, noting that while generative AI is receiving significant attention, it may overshadow other innovative software solutions. We also touch on the emergence of new models, such as the liquid foundation model, which promises to be more efficient and adaptive than traditional large language models (LLMs).

The episode also covers the current state of GPU availability, particularly NVIDIA's Blackwell chips, which are sold out for the next 12 months, reflecting the high demand for AI training resources. We discuss NVIDIA's entry into the language model space and the potential impact of their adaptive AI systems.

As we dive deeper, we examine the ethical considerations surrounding AI, including the importance of explainability and the risks of data leakage, especially in the context of shadow IT. We also touch on the exciting developments in autonomous agents and their applications in customer service, emphasizing the need for real-time decision-making capabilities.

Finally, we wrap up with a light-hearted discussion about a new AI product that aims to help dogs communicate with their owners, reflecting on the humorous and intriguing possibilities of AI in our everyday lives.

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Tags: AI, Emerging Technology, Generative AI

Info-Tech Tech Trends 2025
Import from youtube.com
October 14, 2024

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Navigating the AI Landscape: Insights on Autonomous Agents in Customer Service
Import from youtube.com
October 07, 2024

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Tags: Agentic AI

AI Pulse September 2024
Import from youtube.com
September 30, 2024

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Disambiguation: AI Pulse September 2024
Arion Research LLC
September 30, 2024
In this episode:

-Anthropic's Impressive Valuation: We discuss the staggering $40-50 billion valuation and what it means for the future of AI investments.

-OpenAI's Growth and Challenges: With a valuation soaring to $150 billion, we examine the implications of their rapid expansion and the talent exodus at the company.

-The Future of AI Regulation: As California pushes forward with 38 AI-related bills, we analyze the potential impact on the industry and the importance of responsible AI development.

-The Rise of Autonomous Agents: Following Dreamforce, we dive into how Salesforce is integrating AI into their platforms and what this means for businesses moving forward.

-We also touch on the exciting findings from a recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey, revealing that 98% of small firms are now utilizing AI technology, with a significant jump in the adoption of generative AI tools.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, IT Strategy

Personality AI: Understanding Your Buyer #BuyerFirst
Import from youtube.com
September 16, 2024

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Personality AI: Understanding Your Buyer
Arion Research LLC
September 16, 2024
In this episode, we discuss:
-The difference between the traditional sales intelligence and buyer intelligence, and why buyer intelligence is so important to a modern sales strategy.
-How personality AI helps companies understand buyer behavior.
-The DISC personality profile and how it can be used in a sales process.
-The other ways companies can use DISC and personality AI
-How a sales team should approach the need for a complete customer data profile
-How companies can protect privacy and ensure data is secure.
-The future of sales tech over the next 3-5 years

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, Sales

The Transformative Power of AI in the Workplace
Import from youtube.com
September 06, 2024

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The Transformative Power of AI in the Workplace”
Arion Research LLC
September 06, 2024
In this episode:
-How managers can balance productivity gains from AI with maintaining human engagement and psychological safety in the workplace.
-What practical steps business leaders should take to adopt AI without increasing workforce stress while gaining the adoption they need to be successful.
-How businesses can maintain the level of human engagement while integrating AI.
-The best strategies for addressing the disconnect between executives and employees concerning AI adoption.
-Strategies that managers can use to address AI as both an opportunity and a challenge.
-Advice to employees who are anxious about the increasing presence of AI in their jobs.
-How you build a resilience plan and the impact it can have on performance and mental health.

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Tags: AI, Future of Work, Generative AI

Automation as a Competitive Advantage
Arion Research LLC
August 30, 2024
In this episode:
-Biggest challenges businesses face today that process automation / BPM aims to solve.
-How small and medium businesses should be using process management and automation.
-How automation serves as a competitive advantage for businesses.
-Advice for leaders looking to prioritize automation initiatives.
-How embedding SOPs into daily workflows enhances the effectiveness of business automation.
-Overcoming common challenges companies face when implementing business process automation.

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Tags: AI, Innovation, IT Strategy

Conversational AI in Technical Support
Arion Research LLC
August 23, 2024
In this episode, we discuss:
-How AI is currently being utilized in technical support.
-How AI can help in identifying and resolving issues before they become major problems.
-Examples of AI-driven tools or platforms for technical support.
-key benefits of AI in technical support.
-How AI-driven technical support can provide personalized CX.
-Challenges companies face when integrating AI into their technical support systems.
-How the role of human support agents is evolving.
-How businesses can protect PII and other company data.
-Future developments in AI-driven technical support.

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Tags: AI, Customer Experience, Generative AI

August 2024 AI Pulse
Import from youtube.com
August 18, 2024

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1 Speaking Engagement
Regaining Trust Through Connected Selling
Customer Gauge
March 12, 2019
In 2019, it’s time to ask the pertinent questions: Where are your customers going? What are they doing? And, most importantly, how will you meet them where they are? Using data from over 2 million B2B buyers per month, G2 Crowd’s Chief Research Officer, Michael Fauscette, discusses what clients are saying it takes for them to make a buying decision in today’s market.

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Tags: Customer Experience, Customer Loyalty, Sales

3 Webinars
How to communicate with mobile consumers to increase sales and loyal customers
Techcrunch
July 26, 2023
This time a survey of global consumers about channel preferences for communicating with businesses.
Highlights
1. The channels consumers prefer to communicate with businesses vary depending on the type of activity, level of trust and perceived personal risk
2. Email and phone top the list for trust, while SMS and social media are the least trusted channels for communicating with businesses
3. Businesses that over communicate through any channel will face negative consequences
4. Consumers prefer to communicate in real-time with businesses when seeking support
5. Retention, attention and advocacy are high value outcomes directly related to full spectrum communication strategy

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Tags: CRM, Customer Experience, Sales

Communication Channel Preferences for Mobile Consumers
Sendbird
May 10, 2023
Arion Research surveyed 1200 global consumers who use mobile apps about their communication channel preferences for interacting with businesses. The survey asked consumers 18 years and older from 14 countries around the world which channels they use, prefer, trust and pay attention to when interacting with businesses. The survey reveals that not all channels are equal for consumer trust and attention when it comes to different types of business communication.
*Why mobile apps matter as a channel to connect with customers
* Consumer preferences for push notifications from mobile apps
* How consumer experiences with SMS have changed in the past 12 months
* Consequences for poor business communication practices

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Tags: CRM, Customer Experience, Digital Transformation

Gamification in the Workplace Webinar with Michael Fauscette
YouTube
September 16, 2013
This is an exclusive Webinar with IDC's VP of Software Business Solutions, Michael Fauscette.

In this webinar, Michael discusses how business gamification creates a more successful and engaging community experience for customers, employees and partners.

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Tags: Leadership, Business Strategy

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Radar

1 Trend
Generative AI Trends 2025: Moving Beyond LLMs: The Next Frontier in AI Innovation

Date : October 22, 2024

In the past two years, large language models (LLMs) have revolutionized the AI landscape, showcasing their remarkable capabilities in understanding and generating human-like text. Their versatility has led to widespread adoption across industries, powering applications from chatbots to content creation. This rapid innovation cycle has not only highlighted the potential of LLMs but also paved the way for the emergence of next-generation language models tailored to specific needs and contexts.

The Rise of Specialized Language Models
As organizations seek to leverage AI for more targeted applications, specialized language models are gaining traction. These models come in various sizes—small, medium, and large—each designed to meet the specific demands of different industries and domains. For example, a small model might be optimized for customer support interactions, while a large model could be tailored for complex legal document analysis. This specialization allows businesses to harness the power of AI in ways that are most relevant to their operations, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.

Large Action Models: Bridging the Gap
Another significant part of this trend is the development of large action models that go beyond mere text generation. These models are designed to understand and execute complex tasks, integrating various forms of input and output. This capability not only improves user experience but also enables businesses to automate workflows and make data-driven decisions more effectively. As large action models become more sophisticated, their applications will expand into areas such as process automation, decision support, and predictive analytics.

Liquid Foundation Models: The Future of Continuous Learning
One of the most exciting advancements on the horizon is the concept of liquid foundation models (LFMs). These models aim to minimize the need for extensive pretraining and enable continuous improvement without the traditional retraining processes. By leveraging a dynamic approach to learning, LFMs can adapt to new data and changing environments in real-time, making them highly responsive to the evolving needs of users. This shift represents a significant departure from the static nature of current LLMs, paving the way for more resilient and adaptable AI systems.

As we move beyond traditional LLMs, the future of AI is set to be defined by specialization, action-oriented capabilities, and continuous learning. The emergence of specialized LMs, large action models, and liquid foundation models reflects a broader trend toward more adaptable and efficient AI solutions. By embracing these innovations, organizations can unlock new possibilities for automation, decision-making, and customer engagement, ultimately transforming their operations in the process. The next phase of AI development promises to be as transformative as the last, as we explore the full potential of these next-generation models.

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2 Predictions
2025 Predictions for Generative AI

Date : November 08, 2024

In the past two years, large language models (LLMs) have revolutionized the AI landscape, showcasing their remarkable capabilities in understanding and generating human-like text. Their versatility has led to widespread adoption across industries, powering applications from chatbots to content creation. This rapid innovation cycle has not only highlighted the potential of LLMs but also paved the way for the emergence of next-generation language models tailored to specific needs and contexts. The Rise of Specialized Language Models As organizations seek to leverage AI for more targeted applications, specialized language models are gaining traction. These models come in various sizes—small, medium, and large—each designed to meet the specific demands of different industries and domains. For example, a small model might be optimized for customer support interactions, while a large model could be tailored for complex legal document analysis. This specialization allows businesses to harness the power of AI in ways that are most relevant to their operations, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. Large Action Models: Bridging the Gap Another significant part of this trend is the development of large action models that go beyond mere text generation. These models are designed to understand and execute complex tasks, integrating various forms of input and output. This capability not only improves user experience but also enables businesses to automate workflows and make data-driven decisions more effectively. As large action models become more sophisticated, their applications will expand into areas such as process automation, decision support, and predictive analytics. Liquid Foundation Models: The Future of Continuous Learning One of the most exciting advancements on the horizon is the concept of liquid foundation models (LFMs). These models aim to minimize the need for extensive pretraining and enable continuous improvement without the traditional retraining processes. By leveraging a dynamic approach to learning, LFMs can adapt to new data and changing environments in real-time, making them highly responsive to the evolving needs of users. This shift represents a significant departure from the static nature of current LLMs, paving the way for more resilient and adaptable AI systems. As we move beyond traditional LLMs, the future of AI is set to be defined by specialization, action-oriented capabilities, and continuous learning. The emergence of specialized LMs, large action models, and liquid foundation models reflects a broader trend toward more adaptable and efficient AI solutions. By embracing these innovations, organizations can unlock new possibilities for automation, decision-making, and customer engagement, ultimately transforming their operations in the process. The next phase of AI development promises to be as transformative as the last, as we explore the full potential of these next-generation models.

See Radar

2024 Predictions for Generative AI

Date : October 12, 2023

Over the next year generative AI continues to evolve rapidly, reinforcing and compounding the role it played in 2023 in democratizing and consumerizing AI. Generative AI providers will make several improvements including increasing conversational fluency, improving response accuracy and providing better tools for improving prompts. Application providers will continue to embed generative AI across the full range of enterprise applications, democratize the use by moving prompt engineering away from the user and into the middle layer which will simplify user interaction with the tools, and offering more applications tailored for individual industries. Companies will continue the focus on immediate outcomes for generative AI projects (productivity gains), moving from proof of concept and pilot projects to full production and increase investments in generative AI enabled applications, particularly for industry vertical use cases. The early adopter companies will start shifting from immediate outcomes (productivity) to strategies that systematize end-to-end solutions.

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Opportunities

1 Board Member Services
Board Director / Advisory Board Member

Location: virtual     Fees: fee, equity or a blend of both tbd

Service Type: Service Offered

Senior leader with executive level experience in business software, services management, starting new businesses and business models in large and small software companies, and business turn-a-round. Direct experience leading all facets of technology companies including strategy, market intelligence, data analysis and visualization, consulting, research, product marketing, and services.
Experience:
-31+ years in high tech
-26+ years of executive leadership
-Executive at 5 venture backed technology startups including unicorn G2
-International Management Experience
-17 years advising tech companies on strategy, go to market, competitors, product market fit, PLG
-16+ years leading market analysts, delivering strategy consulting and market intelligence
-Deep vertical industry expertise in high technology and services industries
-Board director, board chairman, advisor

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1 Business Consulting
B2B Reviews and Customer Advocacy Programs

Location: virtual or client location    Fees: starting at $12,000 and up dependin

Service Type: Service Offered

Build a customer advocacy and review strategy and program. (Former chief research officer at premier unicorn B2B review site G2).

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1 Service
Competitive Market Analysis

Location: virtual    Fees: $12,000 for client and up to 4 comp

Service Type: Service Offered

Develop a market analysis report and presentation for technology company product. Study includes a SWOT analysis of client and up to 4 competitors (additional competitors can be added for an additional fee) and an executive briefing (virtual)

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1 Writing & Editing
Develop thought leadership content - blog, article or eBook

Location: virtual    Fees: To be negotiated based on content t

Service Type: Service Offered

Develop thought leadership content in the form of a blog post, an article or an eBook. Subjects include customer experience, subscriber experience, digital first, digital transformation, CRM, project based ERP, sales tech, subscription management, customer advocacy, etc. (See profile for areas of expertise).

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