Digital First Magazine – August 2023 – Most Innovative Company in 2023

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Redefining Possibilities: The Faces of Innovation in 2023

paved the way for monumental advancements in cryptography, optimization, and materials science, heralding a new era of computational exploration.

Moreover, the blockchain ecosystem continues its expansion beyond cryptocurrency, with applications spanning supply chain management, healthcare interoperability, and decentralized finance. The cumulative market capitalization of blockchainbased assets crossed the $2 trillion threshold this year, further underscoring the widespread adoption of decentralized systems.

The year 2023 has been marked by a convergence of cutting-edge technologies that are reshaping industries and redefining possibilities. Artificial Intelligence, a perennial trendsetter, has further solidified its role as a transformative force. A staggering 79% of businesses have integrated AI into their operations, reporting an average increase of 37% in operational efficiency. Machine Learning algorithms, with their ability to learn from data, have enabled businesses to enhance decision-making accuracy by 51%, according to recent industry surveys.

But the revolution does not stop at AI. The surge in quantum computing capabilities has opened doors to solving complex problems previously deemed insurmountable. IBM’s quantum computer achieved a historic milestone, surpassing the 1000-qubit mark, signifying a leap towards quantum supremacy. This achievement

In this latest issue of Digital First Magazine, we embark on an exciting journey into the realm of innovation, highlighting the trailblazing companies that have redefined the landscape in 2023. Our exploration of the most innovative companies of 2023 is intrinsically tied to the burgeoning technological trends that underpin their achievements. As we celebrate their accomplishments, we are reminded that the future of business is undeniably intertwined with the relentless march of technology. These companies not only embrace change – they are architects of it, shaping industries and influencing the course of progress.

On the cover, we feature Carol Kim, Executive Director at Enterprise Data at IBM, a world leader in information technology headquartered in Armonk, New York. She brings more than 20 years of experience in IBM leadership roles spanning various Finance and operations disciplines (Chief Data Office, Finance and planning, Pricing, Treasury), geographies (Americas, Asia), and business models (Services, Hardware, Software). Enjoy Reading.

Sarath Shyam

Executive

Director,

Enterprise Data, IBM

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN BUSINESS & IT TO ACHIEVE ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS

Carol Kim

34 The Unsung Heroes

Internet

50 Embracing Disruptive Change: How IT Leaders Can Lead The AI-Driven Digital Transformation Journey

Chau,

Canada Computers and Electronics

72 How Cloud Computing Is Fueling the AI Hype Cycle — And Everything That Will Come After

Alvin

CIO,

Paul Colmer, EXCO Member, Wireless Access Provider’s Association (WAPA)

of

Access in South Africa

Lewis Smithingham, SVP of Innovation at Media.Monks

COVER STORY

Carol Kim Executive Director, Enterprise Data, IBM

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN BUSINESS & IT TO ACHIEVE ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS

Carol Kim is an Executive Director at Enterprise Data at IBM, a world leader in information technology headquartered in Armonk, New York. She brings more than 20 years of experience in IBM leadership roles spanning various Finance & Operations disciplines (Chief Data Office, Finance & Planning, Pricing, Treasury), geographies (Americas, Asia) and business models (Services, Hardware, Software).

Ms. Kim is a leader who successfully builds high trust relationships with both Internal and external partners, her business degree and ability in technology supply a unique knowledge and skill set that helps the organization across all sides of finance and technology. Carol has received numerous recognitions for her ability, most recently the 2023 Most Influential People in Data by dataiq100, 2023 & 2022 Global Data Power Women by CDO Magazine and the 2022 Top 25 Data Strategy influencer by Databand.ai.

Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Carol shared her insights on the importance of data science in today’s business environment, her professional journey, success mantra, personal source of inspiration, future plans, pearls of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.

Do you think that data science is perceived to be more important now than ever before? And what has been the impact of AI on data science?

Data has applications in every field and no matter where you are in the world, there will always be a need, a use, and a demand for data. With the increasing amount of data being generated and collected, the need for data science skilled professionals is increasing and expected to grow in the future. Data science combines math and statistics, specialized programming, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning with specific subject matter expertise to uncover actionable insights hidden in an organization’s data. These insights can be used to guide decision making and strategic planning. AI can play a crucial role in this process by automating certain tasks and assisting data scientists in their work. For example, it can automate repetitive and time-consuming processes like data gathering, cleaning, and analysis, allowing data scientists to focus on high value-added jobs.

What can business leaders do to promote a data driven decision-making culture in their organizations?

One of the biggest obstacles in creating a datadriven company isn’t technical, but cultural. It is simple to describe how to inject data into a decision-making process, but it is far harder to make this a normal day to day activity, which requires a shift in mindset. Some suggestions to help create and sustain a culture with data at its core are:

Data driven culture starts at the top. Have top managers set expectations that decisions must be anchored in data. Lead by example.

Choose metrics with care. Leaders can have a powerful effect on behavior by artfully choosing what to measure and what metrics they expect employees to use.

Quantify uncertainty. Absolute certainty is impossible. Require teams to be explicit and quantitative about levels of uncertainty. Is the data reliable? Are there too few examples for a reliable model? Analysts can gain a deeper understanding of their models when they have to evaluate uncertainty. And emphasis on understanding uncertainty pushes organizations to run experiments. Most importantly, it is all about having clean data. Your AI solution can only be good as your data. Feeding AI inaccurate or insufficient data will deliver misleading results that will undermine your initiative’s integrity and reliability.

Use analytics to help employees, not just customers. Share why it is beneficial to them. It’s easy to forget the potential role of data fluency in making employees happier. If the idea of learning a new skill is to better handle data, few employees will get excited. But if the immediate goals directly benefit them – by saving time, helping avoid rework, or access to frequently-needed information, then a chore becomes a choice.

Get in the habit of explaining analytical choices. For most analytical problems, there’s rarely a single, correct approach. Instead, data scientists make choices with different tradeoffs. So, it’s a good idea to ask teams how they approached a problem, what alternatives they considered, what they understood the tradeoffs to be, and why they chose one approach over another. Run agile retrospective meetings.

IT IS SIMPLE TO DESCRIBE HOW TO INJECT DATA INTO A DECISION-MAKING PROCESS, BUT IT IS FAR HARDER TO MAKE THIS A NORMAL DAY TO DAY ACTIVITY, WHICH REQUIRES A SHIFT IN MINDSET

Carol, can you tell us about your professional background and areas of interest?

I have expertise in data, finance, and business transformation. I have 20+ years of experience in IBM roles spanning various Finance & Operations disciplines (Enterprise Data, Chief Data Office, Finance & Planning, Pricing, Treasury), geographies (Americas, Asia) and business models (Services, Hardware, Software). My business degree and ability in technology supply a unique knowledge and skill set that helps the organization across all sides of finance and technology. I am passionate about lifelong learning and making a difference in the world.

Brief us about your primary roles and responsibilities as the Executive Director, Enterprise Data at IBM. Enterprise Data’s mission is to empower our employees to perform at their best by providing trusted and secure data driven business insights. I lead a team of subject matter and domain

experts who work towards bringing new users onto the Enterprise Data & AI Platform. Our goal is to identify the necessary capabilities to be developed, ensuring that data is harnessed to generate significant business value across all of IBM’s processes and business units. Our responsibilities encompass governing, managing, transforming, and integrating data to create tangible business value. By doing so, we enhance decision-making processes, drive financial outcomes, and uncover revenue opportunities while optimizing resource utilization and streamlining various aspects such as cash flow and cycle time. Additionally, we actively work on reducing expenses, mitigating regulatory issues, and improving overall performance. I also lead 3rd Party Marketplace and ingestion to provide centralized acquisition, governance, management, and oversight of external data assets across the enterprise. In addition, I lead IBM’s data strategy, and manage the Enterprise Data’s finances, business operations and business controls.

What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion in tech? How important is it to have authentic conversations with leaders, professionals, and changemakers to create more acceptance across the globe? Throughout my childhood and early adult years, I learned firsthand that race and sex biases are weaved in our education, in extra-curricular activities, in job interviews, in pay, and in professions across industries. Stereotypes (whether it be cultural, social, racial, gender, religious, etc) are unfortunately present and ingrained in one’s mind since childhood, and thus can be difficult to remove. We are products of our upbringing, and as such I, too, have grown up with certain biases and opinions. I fortunately have had opportunities to live in various countries and travel and work with people from all over the world, giving me the opportunity to “learn and unlearn” the concepts

of diversity and inclusion. Systemic problems such as discrimination in the workplace require systemic changes and placing higher value in strengthening supportive relationships. These important relationships take the form of not just mentors and sponsors, but also allies committed to building a better future that is more inclusive.

I’m a proud Exec Sponsor of IBM’s Tri-State Asian BRG (Business Resource Group), and our mission is to promote Pan Asian leadership, mentoring and volunteering opportunities. I believe it is important to educate oneself and others (knowledge is power) about diversity and inclusion and react (when you see something, say something). Ways to take action to improve equity and inclusion in tech: allyship, talent identification and recruiting, training, assessment, education and dialogue, accountability, advocacy, wellness, community action, safety, etc.

ENTERPRISE DATA’S MISSION IS TO EMPOWER OUR EMPLOYEES TO PERFORM AT THEIR BEST BY PROVIDING TRUSTED AND SECURE DATA DRIVEN BUSINESS INSIGHTS.

What, personally, has allowed you the success you have had in the role of a leader in technology?

These days all leaders are expected to understand and lead technology initiatives that shape the future of their organizations. This requires collaboration, communication, coordination, and co-creation skills. The ability to nurture talent is also essential to success, along with strategic thinking and effective execution. With my data, finance, and business transformation background, I am able to be a translator that connects business with the technology. Help the business side understand the opportunities and limitations of technology, and help IT understand the business goals, needs and requirements. Building a bridge between the two helps enable success.

Where or whom do you seek motivation and inspiration from? How?

I love trying new things, learning new things, meeting new people, and thus love traveling and reading. I like to surround myself with inspiring people and cherish intelligent conversations. I look for new challenges, try to be creative and am always learning from others.

What is your secret to striking a worklife balance?

I have accepted that there is no ‘perfect’ worklife balance. For now, I have defined success for myself as follows: Feeling fulfilled, doing work that is meaningful, being valued and recognized for contribution, having the opportunity for growth and to have an impact, developing strong personal and professional relationships, and working in an environment that allows authenticity and integrity. And at the same time

having the flexibility to successfully integrate work and life, maintaining good health, achieving financial stability allowing lifestyle and choice, making time for my loved ones, and not be afraid to unplug and take vacations.

I have a job that I love, I stick to my values, set boundaries, diligently practice time management, and make time for myself and my loved ones.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I am passionate about lifelong learning and making a difference in the world. IBM’s purpose is “to be the catalyst that makes the world work better” - IBM aspires to make a lasting, positive impact on the world in business ethics, our environment, and the communities in which we work and live. I am excited to leverage my finance, data, and business transformation expertise to make the world work better.

What advice would you give to women who want to pursue a career in tech?

Technology offers a world of great opportunities – it is broad, exists in every industry, and it is constantly evolving. Focus on your strengths and continuously seek and explore opportunities where technology can be leveraged alongside your existing skillsets or passions. Have an open mind, embrace new challenges, and expand your network and skillsets. My greatest growth came from pushing outside my comfortzone. Build relationships with people who you aspire to be like. Always be willing to listen and learn and surround yourself with great mentors, coaches, and sponsors. Have a positive attitude, stay curious and focus on your potential and willingness to grow!

Industrialisation 4.0: Ignoring OT Phygital Risks Can Put Economies and Lives at Risk

Steven SIM Kok Leong, Chair, Executive Committee, OT-ISAC

OT is used in our Everyday Lives

Operational Technology (OT) has been with us for the longest time, deeply rooted in our everyday lives. As you sleep and work, whether at home or in the office, the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning are OT. The elevators and escalators you use to ascend or descend buildings and train platforms are OT. Your automobile, the bus you took, the train you took is OT. The traffic lights and

signaling systems, the power that generates almost every equipment around us operates using OT.

So, WHY are we concerned now? WHAT has changed?

OT equipment wasn’t built with the intent to operate in industry 4.0. It was insecure by design because security relies heavily on such legacy equipment operating in enclosed

As we mature in this journey up the maturity levels from better computerization, connectivity, visibility, transparency, predictive capacity until adaptability, phygital risks correspondingly also elevates

Steven Sim worked for more than 25 years in cybersecurity with large end-user enterprises and critical infrastructures, undertaken global CISO role, driven award-winning CSO50 security governance and management initiatives. He also volunteered as Chair, OT-ISAC Executive Committee, President (2021-22), ISACA Singapore Chapter (ISACA Global Outstanding Chapter Achievement in 2022), and a member of Geneva Dialogue Technical Community. He is recognised as #1 CSO30 ASEAN Award (2021), ISACA Outstanding Chapter Leader Achievement Award (2022), #7 Global Cyber Security Thought Leaders (IFSEC Global Top Influencers 2022), Top 100 Global CISOs (Cyber Defense Magazine), ISACA Global Outstanding Chapter Leader (2022), Singapore SkillsFuture Fellow.

networks, without exposing themselves to hacking from the outside world.

Our industry revolution towards industrialization 4.0. The digital transformation that leads this revolution into increased interconnectivity and the convergence of IT and OT. As we mature in this journey up the maturity levels from better computerization, connectivity, visibility, transparency, predictive capacity until adaptability, phygital risks correspondingly also elevates.

At the peak of the maturity index, we will have autonomous systems which act independently using analytical and predictive abilities. The actions they take to adapt to changing conditions are often dependent on interconnected sensors and equipment to handle both routine operations as well as emergencies and developing problems, to the extent of becoming self-healing systems.

The risks are wide-ranging and entire economies can be crippled. Already, even now at the foot of the industry 4.0 maturity index, the impact can be felt. We read about the power plant hacks in many cities, resulting in unavailability of electricity, the cascading impact with the unavailability of operational heating systems in freezing cold weather.

We read about the ransomware and wiperworm breaches disrupting major logistic shipping giants and pharmaceuticals to the tune of US10 billion losses, and delaying the delivery of life-saving drugs. We also read about emergency telephone lines and hospitals brought down, sometimes through self-induced frantic and inadequate testing due to bugfixes being themselves buggy in specific configurations. State of Emergencies have been declared when entire city networks have been crippled.

The ever-increasing intertwining of technologies with the critical functioning of societies is exposing populations to direct domestic threats, including those that seek to shatter societal functioning

Supply chain attacks further complicates the attack surface. We have seen that in NotPetya, SolarWinds, Log4Jattacks. Supply chain attacks are not new and have occurred in IT for the longest time such as in multiple OpenSSL (an opensource component relied heavily by commercial software and platforms for encryption) attacks. However, with the advent of Supply Chain 4.0, the convergence of IT and OT has and will made it worse.

Hacker tactics have also turn increasingly sophisticated. Ransomware has evolved from just a single extortion attack (i.e. demand payment to decrypt the harddrive), to wormlike behavior and with double-extortion (i.e. demand payment also not to leak stolen sensitive information), to triple-extortion (i.e. demand payment not to disrupt internet websites with DDoS attacks), to quadruple-extortion (i.e. demand payment not to leak news about the breach to public media) and ransom cartels.

Performing penetration testing on OT in the earlier days of my career some ten years ago, I was able to hack into autonomous vehicles to freeze them on their tracks. Therefore, I cannot imagine the impact to the economy if autonomous vehicles, cranes and ships were halted in their tracks altogether at once. The convergence of critical infrastructure to the Internet in smart cities through IoT and smart sensors increasingly inter-twines cybersecurity and safety to be mentioned in the same breath.

In the World Economic Forum Global Risks Report 2023, widespread cybercrime and cyber insecurity were among the top ten risks in both the two years and ten years horizon. With emerging technologies used in industrialization 4.0, and this includes but not limited to, the use of quantum, artificial

intelligence, the “limited protocols governing their use poses its own set of risks”. The report sums the risk impact nicely with the following statement: “The ever-increasing intertwining of technologies with the critical functioning of societies is exposing populations to direct domestic threats, including those that seek to shatter societal functioning.”

Now this is definitely worrisome, WHAT can WE do NOW?

We are leaving in a New Cyber World Order. In this new cybersecurity normal, breaches are inevitable. No vendor will guarantee you a security solution that can secure your company and guarantee zero breaches.

While breaches are inevitable, disrupting the attacks to mitigate down the impact to the business, to critical infrastructure and to entire economies is not. We can prevent the loss of livelihood and lives.

Within the enterprise and across your supply chain, adopt a Zero Trust Mindset and Approach, shore up Active Defenses and focus not just on security-by-design, default and deployment but also on the ability to ingest threat intelligence timely, detect fast, contain fast and recover fast in a cyber resilient manner.

Cybersecurity teams and OT engineering teams must work together now to align their fight and defense against perpetrators.

Tipping the scale of asymmetry by our Collective Defense

For the longest time, hackers are helping out one another in strongly-knitted communities. They created ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) and have quality control processes and codesharing schemes.

Therefore, at the macro level, defending enterprises need to work with other enterprises, communities and regulators in a public-private partnership to synergise efforts through a multi-pronged approach, deploy and execute best practices, share threat intelligence and through force multiplication, tip the current in-balance in the scale of asymmetry against them.

For hackers, they just need to develop one new tactic on one new vulnerability and then re-use the same tactic repeatedly against all digitally connected entities. As defenders, we have to scour through all systems for this vulnerability and tactic by checking across all defenses and all signals.

However, when defenders come together and share best practice and threat intelligence

on that new tactic and new vulnerability with the rest of community, everyone else gets to shore up their defenses, fix the vulnerability and render this tactic useless. Enterprises need to look outwards by standing up collectively as a community (e.g. ISACs such as OTISAC, ISACA, ISC2, Geneva Dialogue, etc), to share best practices and threat intelligence. You are not alone in this fight. And this is how the asymmetry can be tipped over.

Ultimately, what’s key to future-proofing against OT phygital risks in Industrialization

4.0 is elevating maturity in both risk governance and security governance as well as having an ecosystem thinking and level everyone up together by tapping on the collective mind-share. Ultimately, we are only as strong as our ecosystem.

Enterprises need to look outwards by standing up collectively as a community (e.g. ISACs such as OT-ISAC, ISACA, ISC2, Geneva Dialogue, etc), to share best practices and threat intelligence

Backplain

Unveiling the Canvas of Generative AI Mastery and Inclusivity

Backplain, the pioneering force behind the democratization of Generative AI, extends its innovative reach to organizations of every scale and sector. With a pioneering SaaS platform, it introduces an access hub for Generative AI, unleashing the full potential of Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT-3 and GPT-4 that supports ChatGPT throughout entire enterprises. By forging seamless connections between applications and models, backplain empowers users to harness transformative Generative AI capabilities effortlessly, securely, and with unprecedented control – offering a nuanced alternative beyond binary choices.

Over the past three years, its sister services company, Epik Systems, has championed a spectrum of services encompassing AI consulting, cybersecurity, IT operations, software development, marketing strategy, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) implementation. Primarily catering to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with annual revenues below $100 million and employee counts up to 500, Epik Systems has cultivated an extensive footprint across diverse industries.

At the beginning of this year, discourse with leaders from varied services within Epik Systems client organizations converged upon the realm of Generative AI, particularly the

Tim O’Neal, Founder and CEO

Analogous to a backplane - an assembly of parallel electrical connectors facilitating the linkage of multiple printed circuit boards, culminating in a comprehensive computer system - backplain functions as the connective tissue weaving numerous Large Language Models (LLMs) into a unified tapestry of Generative AI control

landscape of Large Language Models (LLMs) and the unique utility of ChatGPT. “In the realm of marketing, where projections hint that 30% of sizeable organizations’ outbound marketing communications will be synthetically crafted by 2025,” remarks Tim O’Neal, Founder and CEO of Backplain, “one of our clients aspired to inject a significant boost into content generation and market research efficacy. However, concerns about potential pitfalls like misinformation, bias,

copyright entanglements, plagiarism, source attribution, and transparency cast a shadow of hesitancy.” Tim elucidates, “A specific concern that loomed large was the specter of copyright infringement claims stemming from ChatGPT’s potential exposure to training data containing copyrighted text.”

With the addition of a CRM system encompassing customer service functionalities, the Customer Experience (CX) team - the

dedicated guardian of customer satisfaction (CSAT) and net promoter score (NPS) – learned about the prospect of ChatGPT-4 shouldering the majority of routine inquiries. “The promise of reduced first response time, average handling times, and an elevated first contact resolution rate fueled their interest,” shares Tim. “Nevertheless, the intricate dance between automation and the cherished human touch, an integral facet of our approach, posed a perplexing conundrum.”

“Further, in scenarios of support decisioning, where automated processes wield substantial influence, apprehensions around Right to Explanation – a crucial doctrine governing decisions with consequential effects based solely on automated handling – came to the fore,” Tim adds.

Unsurprisingly, for many clients their engineering cohort had embarked on tentative forays into the realms of ChatGPT. Yet, Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) craved a more comprehensive blueprint for harnessing the benefits of Generative AI, not only for code generation, completion, refactoring, and documentation, but also for the complexities of debugging. “The thought of transforming arduous processes that traditionally consumed eight to ten weeks into expedited tasks within a week was irresistible,” Tim notes, sharing insights from interactions with development management. “Yet, the specter of potential hazards – lapses in code quality, vulnerabilities that might stealthily creep into generated code, and inadvertent data leaks – remained palpable.”

Undoubtedly, the epicenter of deliberations radiated from the IT echelons, where a steadfast stance against ChatGPT’s adoption had been firmly entrenched. “Given the imminent

responsibility of overseeing the gamut of ChatGPT and other LLM applications, IT leadership grappled with the pivotal question: how to harmonize security imperatives and compliance mandates with the rich potential that ChatGPT augurs?” Tim emphasizes.

“A trajectory where CISOs and IT stewards in smaller enterprises grappled with a perceived role as inhibitors rather than enablers of progress underscored the urgency,” Tim emphasizes. As the ubiquitous tide of accessible LLM capabilities beckoned, an attendant shadow AI phenomenon necessitated proactive mitigation.

“When confronted with a prospect that affords precise control over access privileges, refined prompt engineering for optimal output, verifiable and controlled results, heightened model performance, and preemptive screening to thwart objectionable outputs,” recounts Tim, “the response was unequivocal – a resounding ‘yes please.’ And thus, the genesis of backplain was set into motion.”

Technology Underpinning backplain

Analogous to a backplane - an assembly of parallel electrical connectors facilitating the linkage of multiple printed circuit boards, culminating in a comprehensive computer system - backplain functions as the connective tissue weaving numerous Large Language Models (LLMs) into a unified tapestry of Generative AI control.

Delving into the core essence of backplain, Tim elaborates, “backplain stands as a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, providing IT departments with the reins of command over Generative AI’s utilization throughout the organization. This dominion encompasses the spectrum - ranging from immediate out-of-the-

Tim O’Neal, CEO and Co-Founder of Backplain

Tim O’Neal is the forwardthinking CEO and Co-Founder of Backplain, an innovative technologystartupspecializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI). With 25+ years of experience as a technology expert and leader, Tim spearheaded rapid change and significant growth across large public healthcare, financial services, and education companies before bringing his own unique

blend of strategic vision, industry insight, and dynamic ingenuity to help startups get to where they need to be faster – including his own. Tim has always advocated tech democratization, reflected in his previous San Diego-based startup, Kazuhm, founded in 2016 and dedicated to building an AIpowered distributed workload processing platform, and now

Backplain. Championing this new startup in the burgeoning generative AI field, Tim has gathered an exceptional team of his former colleagues to launch an affordable, easy-touse SaaS platform, providing thecontrolplane(punintended) to fully support useability, trust, risk, and security management of AI models, including Large Language Models (LLM) such as GPT-3, GPT-4, and LaMDA.

box model usage like the ChatGPT service in its native form, to the orchestration of custom-designed models, tailored or licensed to align exclusively with the organization’s distinct prerequisites.”

analogous to consuming an elephant - one bite at a time.” He underscores the resultant pivotal triad of foundational pillars that carved the initial contours of backplain’s functionality.

1. Ease of Use: The inaugural pillar reverberates with the resounding tenet of accessibility. Tim elucidates, “Our concerted efforts converged upon ensuring the platform seamlessly useable for both administrators and users. Within mere minutes, stakeholders can navigate the dashboard, wielding functional components with fluency and acumen.”

2. LLM Aggregation: Tim recounts the catalytic spark that kindled a revolution, remarking, “The advent of ChatGPT, a collaborative venture between OpenAI and Microsoft in November 2022, served as the fulcrum that tipped Generative AI into mainstream consciousness. Subsequently, the landscape witnessed the meteoric rise of specialized LLMs - Cohere’s textual summarization prodigy, Google’s Bard, Meta’s LLaMA (Large Language Model Meta AI), and DataBricks’ Dolly 2.0.” He underscores the exponential proliferation of both public proprietary and open-source LLMs. Tim emphasizes, “Notably, the burgeoning arena of private LLMs - harboring bespoke architectures, training data, and processes - to facilitate meticulous fine-tuning, has emerged as an even more robust contender.”

Tim sheds light on early developmental trajectory, stating, “With an extensive product roadmap laid out ahead of us, we embraced the reality that such a monumental feat needed to be accomplished by tackling them incrementally,

A key hallmark setting backplain apart lies in its unbiased command over this diverse array of LLMs. Tim envisions a dynamic utilization matrix, “Today’s GPT-3 might transition into GPT-4’s realm, followed by

Navigating a landscape evolving at breakneck velocity, backplain’s intrinsic ability to adapt, evolve, and innovate with equal swiftness ensures its continual preeminence

a rendezvous with BERT, a dalliance with PaLM 2, an interaction with LLaMA, and an eventual tryst with a private LLM.” He highlights the prescient capability conferred upon administrators, allowing selection of models from an ever-evolving roster, to support more and more use cases, while restricting individual users’ access privileges in accordance with organization mandates.

3. Security and Compliance: Tim’s discourse converges on the paramount issue of security and compliance, championed through rigorous content filtering and meticulous screening mechanisms. “Empowering organizations to adhere to policy mandates,” Tim affirms, “backplain’s shield of control encompasses comprehensive logging and insightful reporting, illuminating the

landscape of Generative AI deployment within the organization.”

Pioneering the Realm of Generative AI Governance

In an arena where contenders are scarce, Backplain stands as a trailblazer, steering the narrative toward empowering users while simultaneously entrusting control to IT custodians. Tim accentuates the unparalleled advantage this affords, particularly within a select spectrum of organizations. “A strategic first-mover advantage underpins our identity, with a clientele spanning the gamut from Enterprise entities surpassing $50 million in annual revenue and 100 employees to nimble SMBs nestled below this threshold,” Tim affirms. Noteworthy inclusions encompass a multinational Fortune 500 conglomerate, a

prominent consumer goods company, and an emerging pharmaceutical facing competitive headwinds - all currently participating in an exclusive closed beta phase. With imminent open beta slated for later this month, and commercial launch soon after, heralds an epoch of transformative Generative AI.

Navigating a landscape evolving at breakneck velocity, Backplain’s intrinsic ability to adapt, evolve, and innovate with equal swiftness ensures its continual preeminence. “The dynamics of the Generative AI panorama necessitate a pace in parallel, and we remain primed to outpace our limited competition of today, as well as any inevitable contenders of tomorrow,” Tim articulates. This agile equilibrium between innovation and competition fortifies Backplain’s position as an indomitable industry protagonist.

Central to backplain’s proposition is an extensive product roadmap, undergirded by a steadfast commitment to be at the vanguard of Generative AI governance. “Our platform’s resonance with IT orchestration of Generative AI spans both present and future,” Tim affirms, encapsulating Backplain’s commitment to sustaining its pivotal role as a harbinger of effective control in the ever-evolving Generative AI landscape.

Catalyzing Transformation through Clarity, Compliance, and Cost Efficiency

Engaging in a transformative discourse, Tim spotlights the quintessential triad driving backplain’s initial client triumphs.

To maximize efficiency and minimize cost, backplain’s proactive insights guide users towards linguistic precision and strategic interaction

“Our initial forays have seamlessly converged upon three pivotal facets,” he explicates.

1. Enhancing Visibility and Governance: As organizations transition from absolute prohibition to embracing the potential of Generative AI, backplain furnishes an invaluable prism. Tim explains, “Our platform delineates the trajectory from opacity to clarity, affording unprecedented insight into ChatGPT’s and other LLM application utilization. This engenders a shift from shadow

AI practices to an environment of transparent and controlled utilization.”

2. Elevating User Experience: Amidst this paradigm shift, users’ interaction with Generative AI transforms from mere utilization to a proprietary experience. Tim underscores, “Users are no longer just using ChatGPT; they’re engaging with the immersive realm of backplain.” This metamorphosis is a testament to backplain’s efficacy in enhancing user engagement and comprehension.

In the uncharted terrain of tomorrow, Backplain’s trajectory is defined by rapid growth and an expansive product roadmap, underscored by two resounding initiatives poised to redefine the generative AI landscape

3. Cost Efficiency and Performance Optimization:

Tim accentuates the pivotal role of effective communication in harnessing Generative AI’s prowess. “The fulcrum of success resides in the quality of input,” he states. To maximize efficiency and minimize cost, backplain’s proactive insights guide users towards linguistic precision and strategic interaction. “Cost, intimately entwined with token consumption, aligns with average tokens per word. Language choice, succinct phrasing, and soliciting concise responses from ChatGPT-4 can yield savings of 40-90%,” Tim adds, unveiling backplain’s potential cost mitigation capabilities.

Forging Ahead: backplain’s Future Trajectory

In the uncharted terrain of tomorrow, Backplain’s course is defined by rapid growth and an expansive product roadmap, underpinned by two strategic initiatives poised to redefine the generative AI landscape.

1. Illuminating the Path with General API and SDK Integration

Looming large on the horizon is the imminent launch of Backplain’s General API and Software Development Kit (SDK), a pivotal stride aimed to foster harmonious integration with enterprise applications. Tim elaborates, “Our vision extends beyond conventional boundaries, resonating with the intricate tapestry of enterprise systems. The release of our General API and SDK is poised to transcend traditional paradigms, extending the embrace of backplain to encompass seamless integration with multifaceted frameworks. This synergy finds a natural nexus within Customer

Relationship Management (CRM) suites, unleashing transformative potential for customer engagement and experience enhancement.”

2. Bridging the Digital Divide: Backplain’s Odyssey into Education

A transformative paradigm shift is on the horizon as Backplain sets its sights on the academic realm. School districts and universities are emerging as fertile ground for Backplain’s unique offerings, addressing a striking oversight prevalent in current generative AI implementations. Tim articulates this crucial facet, stating, “The landscape resonates with a recurring theme, mirrored across commercial organizations, where an overarching ban on ChatGPT prevails. Yet, an oft-overlooked aspect emerges, particularly within K-12 settings.” While employees can potentially bypass such bans by resorting to personal devices, the same cannot be said for K-12 students, many of whom lack the privilege of access beyond school premises.

Tim and his team believe Backplain’s groundbreaking endeavor can alleviate this digital inequity. “Backplain envisions a realm where access to ChatGPT, alongside other Large Language Models (LLMs) applications, extends within educational institutions. This strategic intervention holds the potential to dissolve the ‘digital divide,’ ensuring that K-12 students transcend the limitations imposed by access disparities.”

As Backplain’s narrative unfolds, its future shines forth as a beacon of integration and inclusivity, poised to redefine the contours of generative AI utilization in the realm of academia while seamlessly interlacing with the world of commercial enterprise.

The Unsung Heroes of Internet Access in South Africa

Paul Colmer, EXCO Member, Wireless Access Provider’s Association (WAPA)

Internet connectivity is still relatively new in SA. It’s come on in leaps and bounds, but there are many of us who still remember the pre-Internet days of dial-up and ADSL of our recent past.

The reason for this context is important when you consider the story of Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) in the country, and also in many African countries that follow a similar trajectory to our own. It’s a story of emergence, a steep fall, and a surprising rebirth that’s defined our digital landscape, which can serve as a lesson for many other countries that find themselves in similar geopolitical situations down the line.

As in many other countries around the world, dial-up modems were the first gateway to the

Internet. But back then, in the 1990s, people weren’t using the internet the way we’re using it now. Then, South Africa’s largest state-owned telecommunications company, Telkom, launched DSL services, and suddenly the Internet became far more accessible.

Not all Telkom exchanges were enabled for DSL, however, especially the outlying and rural areas. As cellular networks came into being, they too didn’t have much coverage in large swathes of rural settlements, and even when they did, connectivity was extremely slow. It left a lot of people, especially in outlying areas, without any internet connectivity at all.

South Africans being the resilient lot that we are, the idea was then born to use wireless links,

South Africans being the resilient lot that we are, the idea was then born to use wireless links, over unlicensed spectrum bands, to send internet feeds from DSL service areas to outlying farms and landholdings

With a passion for all things ICT and telecommunications, Paul offers consulting and training for ISPs, WISPs and Telcos in network design, connectivity and creating working business cases. Author and seasoned conference presenter, Paul sits on the executive committee of WAPA(Wireless Access Providers Association) and consults to many corporate businesses with regard to ICT strategy. Paul is also the founder and former owner of Greencom FTTX.

over unlicensed spectrum bands, to send internet feeds from DSL service areas to outlying farms and landholdings. This was still very slow at first, until we developed ways to strap multiple DSL lines together (known as bonding) to increase the speed of services that they could deliver wirelessly to each other.

Thus was born the first WISPs, out of necessity more than anything else. As they started to expand their services to include voice services (VoIP) and support fax machine transmissions over wireless links, their popularity grew, and they became more established and prevalent throughout the rural mainland.

In 2008, South African WISPs received another shot in the arm when a court ruling was made that anyone with a VANS (value added network service) license could build their own network. WISPs became organised, flourishing in the small towns where they originated, and even spreading to outlying metro areas.

● As technology advanced, we started seeing higher speed ADSL and VDSL services spreading across the country. Cellular coverage was also

growing, offering even better speeds as mobile operators squeezed more performance out of the radio spectrum they had been allocated. Fast forward a few more years, and the introduction of fixed fibre to the home (FTTH) promised even faster internet connections, affordable to many.

From a position of dominance in the late 2000s, WISPs were fast becoming a niche market. But the tide was turning in South Africa. Political upheaval and years of mismanaging the country’s sole electricity provider – state-owned Eskom – started to affect internet services in unexpected ways.

Fixed wireless, in the form of LTE and 5G was well established. But mobile operators with millions invested in tens of thousands of cellular towers across the country had to contend with regular power outages, forcing them to spend even more on backup power. With so many towers to service, most of the investment went into protecting towers in urban areas, leaving outlying cellular internet services vulnerable to dropouts.

Fixed wireless, in the form of LTE and 5G was well established. But mobile operators with millions invested in tens of thousands of cellular towers across the country had to contend with regular power outages, forcing them to spend even more on backup power

Nor did the threat of faster, cheaper fibre materialise. Outside the main metro areas, fibre services were proving unreliable. Unregulated fibre rollouts meant that operators often dug up their competitors’ fibre links while laying down their own, resulting in delays and outages for all concerned. Fibre operators similarly had to

contend with the power issue, since losing power at curbside exchanges meant FTTH services were directly affected.

Meanwhile, advances in wireless technology used by the WISPs meant that speeds and reliability were now on par with both cellular and fibre service providers. But WISPs had

two distinct advantages: power resilience, and unlicensed spectrum. From the very start, WISPs were operating ‘off grid’, mainly out of necessity, being situated far from major centres and power distribution networks. Their equipment was also far less complex than their competitors’, working with unlicensed spectrum, and needing far less power to run.

Today, WISPs have come into their own again. As mobile operators scramble to power their towers with solar panels and generators, they’re finding it increasingly difficult to compete on an even footing with WISPs in their rural strongholds. Similarly, fibre operators are running up against major infrastructure breakdowns in poorer rural communities, meaning the number cases of fibre breakages is rising rather than dropping.

The majority of WISPs are also SMMEs and have the agility to be able to make changes and set up infrastructure in places where there was no grid power in the first place, and where physical cabled infrastructure is redundant.

This allows them to stay up while everyone else is down, using a few towers compared to the thousands mobile operators have to contend with. Even non-radio infrastructure like Telkom exchanges is now suffering from the power crisis, which is adversely affecting FTTH in small towns, when the backhaul goes down.

I think that what we are seeing now, and going into the future, is a distinctly South African issue, but there are many lessons other countries can learn from our experience. For example, in Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, the majority of network towers are off grid by design. That was not the case in South Africa in the past, but it is now.

the playground of WISPs

Also, the idea of burying fibre and forgetting about it for decades might work well in the main urban centres and in first world countries, but the majority of South Africa is being constantly dug up because of decaying infrastructure.

As for WISPs, they’re evolving. The hybrid model is becoming more common, with many WISPs now offering both wireless and fibre services. This way, customers get an immediate wireless link, which is then used as a backup to the fibre service once it’s installed. This makes it possible to offer five nine’s uptime, and as long as the client has backup power at the premises, the link will

remain active regardless of power cuts or fibre damage.

Looking ahead, South Africa is following the global trend of opening up the 6GHz band in unlicensed (and therefore free to use) wireless spectrum, which has always been the playground of WISPs. This creates an even bigger opportunity for creating faster, more reliable services.

And so, due to a set of unique circumstances, WISPs have become the unsung heroes of internet connectivity in SA. In a country more divided, digitally, than ever before, it’s a silver lining. Not only have they risen above the rest, their future is looking brighter than ever.

Looking ahead, South Africa is following the global trend of opening up the 6GHz band in unlicensed (and therefore free to use) wireless spectrum, which has always been

Sugandha Sahay

Pioneering Responsible Automation and Inspiring the Tech World

Sugandha Sahay, the award-winning technology professional and ardent advocate for responsible automation and AI integration, has truly left an indelible mark on the tech industry. Her journey commenced with a childhood fascination for technology, which blossomed into a stellar career dedicated to revolutionizing business processes using cuttingedge technology.

Starting her tech odyssey at TATA Consultancy Services, Sugandha’s passion and determination led her to Carnegie Mellon University, where she finetuned her skills and expertise. As she progressed through various leadership roles, Sugandha found herself at AWS as a Technical Program

Manager. There, she mentored aspiring tech enthusiasts and spearheaded the implementation of groundbreaking technologies. “During my time at DataCore Software Corporation, I delved deeper into Business Process Automation, implementing responsible hyper-automation technology. I discovered the immense potential of automation in streamlining business processes, reducing errors, and maximizing efficiency, which further fueled my interest in this field,” says Sugandha.

An integral part of Sugandha’s vision is the promotion of inclusivity and diversity within the tech sector. Her active involvement with the Criya Expert Circle and the WomenTech Council showcases her commitment to making the industry

Technical Program Manager, AWS

Sugandha Sahay, Technical Program Manager, AWS

a more inclusive space for all. As a respected industry expert judge for prestigious tech awards and hackathons, Sugandha continues championing innovative ideas and solutions. Sugandha remarks, “Technology is a powerful tool that can transform businesses and lives. Embracing responsible automation and AI integration is not just about efficiency; it’s about positively impacting society.”

From India to Carnegie Mellon

Significant milestones have marked Sugandha’s journey in the tech industry, each contributing to her growth as a leader and innovator. Starting her academic pursuit at the prestigious Manipal Institute of Technology in India, she laid the foundation for a career driven by perseverance, adaptability, and an insatiable thirst for continuous

An integral part of Sugandha’s vision is the promotion of inclusivity and diversity within the tech sector

learning. These invaluable lessons shaped her skills and ignited her passion for problem-solving and critical thinking.

Recalling her formative years as a student, Sugandha shares, “My time as a student taught me that true growth comes from embracing challenges and never settling for mediocrity.”

The pivotal milestone of securing her first tech job at TATA Consultancy Services catapulted Sugandha into the world of technology, setting her on a trajectory of success and accomplishments. However, she knew there was much more to learn, leading her to the hallowed halls of Carnegie Mellon University. There, Sugandha refined her skills in cutting-edge technologies, developing a strong work ethic and a relentless pursuit of innovation.

Receiving her master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University was a defining moment for Sugandha, cementing her position as a tech professional with world-class expertise. She says, “It was a humbling experience to be part of an institution that fosters innovation and encourages its students to push boundaries.”

Another significant milestone in Sugandha’s journey was the invitation to join the Expert Circle at Criya—an esteemed opportunity to mentor and support aspiring tech professionals. For Sugandha, being part of this circle is not just an honor; it’s a privilege to impart her knowledge and experiences to guide others along their paths. Through mentorship, she aims to positively impact the careers of young professionals, empowering them to shape the future of the tech industry. “Being a mentor is about more than just sharing knowledge; it’s about empowering others to achieve their full potential and making a lasting impact,” Sugandha affirms.

Navigating Challenges and Championing Diversity

When starting her career, Sugandhafaced one of the most significant challenges: navigating the rapidly evolving tech landscape while pursuing her dreams in a foreign land. Adapting to the

pace of change was no easy feat. Undeterred, she embraced the obstacles, persevered, and remained steadfast in her commitment to achieving her goals. Building a strong support network, seeking mentorship, and continuously upgrading her skills became the cornerstones of her journey, enabling

her to overcome hurdles and grow personally and professionally. Reflecting on her experiences, Sugandha shares, “Embracing challenges has been a crucial part of my growth. Each obstacle has presented an opportunity to learn and evolve.”

As a woman carving her path in the automation field, Sugandha’s journey has been

shaped by unique opportunities and challenges. She encountered biases and stereotypes in a male-dominated industry but confronted them head-on with her expertise and skillset. Through determination and hard work, Sugandha broke through barriers and inspired other women aspiring to thrive in the technology sector. Her resolve to promote diversity and inclusion in automation goes beyond her individual success. She advocates for equal opportunities, striving to empower more women to excel in this field and create a balanced tech industry.

Sugandha passionately emphasizes, “Diversity is not just a buzzword; it’s a strategic imperative. Embracing diverse perspectives fosters innovation and an enriching work environment.” At the core of Sugandha’s leadership style lie values that have shaped her into an exceptional leader. Integrity, empathy, and collaboration are the guiding principles she lives by. Leading by example, she cultivates a culture of trust and respect within her team, encouraging open communication and ideasharing. Empowering and supporting her team members is paramount, as she believes in helping them realize their full potential and fostering their professional growth. By promoting collaboration and embracing diverse viewpoints, Sugandha harnesses the collective intelligence of her team, ensuring they work together harmoniously to achieve remarkable results.

Balancing Focus and Well-Being

Sugandha has achieved remarkable success in the tech industry and mastered the art of maintaining a balanced and purposeful life. Her approach to setting and achieving goals revolves around a clear perspective—identifying the problems she aims to solve and the value it will bring to those impacted. This focus empowers her to prioritize objectives

By promoting collaboration and embracing diverse viewpoints, Sugandha harnesses the collective intelligence of her team, ensuring they work together harmoniously to achieve remarkable results

wisely, allocating time and resources effectively. “I believe that every goal should be driven by its potential impact. Understanding the problem at hand keeps me aligned with the needs of the people I serve,” Sugandha shares.

To enhance her productivity and mental clarity, Sugandha embraces regular meditation—a practice that allows her to remain centered amidst a demanding schedule. By calming her mind, she can tackle challenges with a clear and focused mindset, making informed decisions and steering her projects towards success. Emphasizing the role of technology in her daily life, Sugandha harnesses the power of automation and AI to streamline tasks and boost efficiency. These invaluable tools keep her organized and enable her to maximize productivity, freeing up more time to dedicate to her passion for innovation.

A typical working day for Sugandha at AWS involves collaborating with teams, strategizing projects, and leading hyper-automation initiatives. She relies on effective time management and delegation to manage pressure and maintain composure. By entrusting tasks to capable team members, she can maintain a healthy work-life balance and ensure that each project receives the attention it deserves.

“I believe in leading by example and empowering my team members to take ownership of their responsibilities,” Sugandha remarks.

While dedication to her work is evident, Sugandha also understands the importance of unplugging and recharging. Taking short breaks throughout the day allows her to refresh her mind and maintain peak productivity. Beyond work, she finds joy in spending time with loved

ones and engaging in activities that bring her happiness, like playing with her dog or learning new skills. “Maintaining a work-life balance is essential for overall well-being and sustained success,” Sugandha advocates.

Emphasizing the role of technology in her daily life, Sugandha harnesses the power of automation and AI to streamline tasks and boost efficiency

Empowering Through Inclusivity

As a trailblazer in the tech industry, Sugandha firmly believes in the power of inclusivity to drive innovation and foster a thriving work environment. At the core of her leadership philosophy lies a commitment to creating a space where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. By encouraging open and honest communication, Sugandha ensures that everyone’s voice is heard, creating a truly collaborative and inclusive atmosphere. “Diversity is not just a checkbox; it’s the key to unlocking new possibilities and fueling creativity,” Sugandha emphasizes.

Promoting diversity is not merely a goal but a passionate pursuit for Sugandha. She actively seeks out individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and ideas, celebrating the richness that comes from embracing such diversity. For her, building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in is not only an aspiration but a responsibility to drive positive change in the tech industry.

To women aspiring to take on leadership roles, Sugandha shares invaluable advice rooted in her own experiences. She encourages them to have an unwavering belief in themselves and their capabilities and to surround themselves with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and allies who uplift and encourage them along their journey.

“Having a strong support system is vital. It’s what helps you rise above challenges and reach new heights,” Sugandha affirms.

Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, Sugandha advises women to

fearlessly take risks and seek out resources and educational opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge. Building strong relationships and collaborating with others is also pivotal, as these connections open doors to new perspectives and possibilities.

Above all, Sugandha reminds aspiring leaders to never underestimate the power of their dreams and the value of their unique contributions. Each role they take on, no matter how big or small, has the potential to create positive change and make a lasting impact in the world. “Believe in yourself and your vision. The leadership journey is not always easy, but with determination and resilience, you can pave the way for others,” Sugandha encourages.

Empowering the Future

Sugandha’s stellar contributions to the tech industry have not gone unnoticed, earning her a series of prestigious awards. From being honored as one of the “50 under 50 Quality Leaders 2023” by Fox Story India to receiving the “Program Manager of the Year GOLD GLOBEE® WINNER” and “Technical Professional of the Year BRONZE STEVIE® WINNER” accolades, her excellence is celebrated on a global stage.

In addition to these remarkable achievements, Sugandha was inducted into the “Hall of Fame 2023” by Passion Vista, recognizing her enduring impact and exceptional contributions. The Indian Achiever’s Award 2023, bestowed upon her by the Indian Achiever’s Forum, further solidifies her position as a trailblazer in the tech realm.

Today, Sugandha is a force to be reckoned with in the world of hyper-automation. Leading several groundbreaking programs within the Utility Computing organization, her mission is clear—to develop cutting-edge solutions that enhance business efficiency while ensuring secure implementation.

With a passion for mentorship and guiding young professionals, Sugandha actively contributes to platforms like Criya’s Expert Circle. Through this esteemed circle, she imparts her knowledge and experiences to empower aspiring tech enthusiasts, shaping the industry’s future with her guidance.

As the Marketing Director on the board of the American Association of Information Technology Professionals, Sugandha is committed to building a digital brand that echoes the organization’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Beyond her corporate endeavors, Sugandha’s passion project is co-authoring a book that focuses on helping readers identify hyper-automation opportunities and design secure solutions in their work environments. Her dedication to sharing knowledge underscores her desire to elevate the tech community and drive positive change.

Sugandha’s journey, in a nutshell, is a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and dedication. Her work revolutionizes business operations and elevates the tech industry to new heights. As she continues empowering the future through her leadership, mentorship, and groundbreaking projects, Sugandha’s legacy remains an enduring beacon of inspiration for future generations.

Embracing Disruptive Change: How IT Leaders Can Lead The AI-Driven Digital Transformation Journey

Alvin Chau, CIO, Canada Computers and Electronics

The rapid development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the past few years have become a driving force in the digital transformation journey of many organizations. It has exponentially increased in the first few months of 2023. As a result, IT leaders, especially Chief Information Officers (CIOs), are facing the challenge of adapting to this disruptive change. These are some points how IT leaders can successfully navigate the complexities of AI adoption and ensure their organizations can reap the benefits of this cutting-edge technology.

1. Develop a Clear Vision and Strategy for AI Adoption: IT leaders need to establish a clear vision and strategy for AI adoption, outlining the organization’s objectives and the role AI will play in achieving these goals. This includes identifying high-impact use cases where AI can deliver significant value, such as automating repetitive tasks, enhancing customer service, or improving decision-making. By prioritizing these use cases, IT leaders can ensure their organization’s AI initiatives align with overall business objectives and deliver tangible results.

Adopting AI in an organization requires a shift in mindset, embracing a culture that encourages innovation, experimentation, and learning from failure

Alvin Chau is a distinguished IT expert, boasting 25 years of experience in spearheading sophisticated technology projects, driving digital transformation, and managing mergers and acquisitions. Alvin’s international expertise has seen him work with prominent companies across North and South America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Europe. Recently, Alvin’s exceptional contributions earned him a place on CIO Coverage magazine’s list of the 10 Best Innovative Companies to Watch in 2021. As a business technologist, he continually seeks to expand his knowledge and has pursued studies at prestigious institutions such as the University of Waterloo, MIT, and Harvard Extension School.

By adopting methodologies such as Agile and DevOps, organizations can more effectively respond to changing market conditions, emerging technologies, and evolving customer needs

2. Foster a Culture of Innovation and Experimentation: Adopting AI in an organization requires a shift in mindset, embracing a culture that encourages innovation, experimentation, and learning from failure. IT leaders should champion this change by promoting cross-functional collaboration, encouraging employees to explore new ideas, and providing resources and support for experimentation. This approach will help create an environment where employees feel empowered to contribute to the organization’s AI initiatives and drive transformative change.

3. Invest in Talent and Skills Development: The success of AI adoption hinges on an organization’s ability to attract, develop, and retain skilled talent. IT leaders should invest in training and development programs to upskill existing employees and ensure they are well-equipped to work with AI tools. Additionally, IT leaders should focus on attracting new talent with expertise in AI, machine learning, and data science to further bolster their organization’s capabilities.

4. Implement Agile Processes and Methodologies: In the fast-paced world of AI and digital transformation, it is essential for IT leaders to embrace agile and flexible processes. By adopting methodologies such as Agile and DevOps, organizations can more effectively respond to changing market conditions, emerging technologies, and evolving customer needs. This adaptability is critical for navigating the disruptive change brought about by AI and ensuring that digital transformation initiatives remain on track.

5. Ensure Data Privacy and Security: With the increased adoption of AI tools comes the need for heightened data privacy and security measures. IT leaders must prioritize data protection and compliance, working closely with legal, compliance, and security teams to ensure that AI initiatives adhere to relevant regulations and ethical guidelines. By taking a proactive approach to data privacy and security, IT leaders can build trust with stakeholders and mitigate potential risks associated with AI adoption.

6. Leverage External Partnerships and Collaborations: IT leaders can accelerate AI adoption by leveraging external partnerships and collaborations with technology vendors, research institutions, and industry peers. These relationships can provide valuable insights, resources, and expertise to help organizations navigate the challenges of AI adoption and ensure they stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.

7. Continuously Evaluate and Optimize AI Initiatives: As organizations progress on their AI-driven digital transformation journey, it is crucial for IT leaders to continuously evaluate and optimize their AI initiatives. This involves tracking performance metrics, assessing the effectiveness of AI models, and refining processes to ensure they continue to deliver value. By regularly reviewing and adjusting AI initiatives, IT leaders can ensure their organizations remain agile and adaptive to change.

8. Communicate the Value of AI Initiatives to Stakeholders: To gain buy-in and support from stakeholders, IT leaders must effectively

communicate the value of AI initiatives. This includes showcasing the tangible benefits and outcomes of AI projects, such as cost savings, increased efficiency, and improved customer experiences. By articulating the impact of AI-driven digital transformation, IT leaders can ensure that stakeholders understand

the importance of these initiatives and are committed to their success.

Conclusion

Adapting to the disruptive change brought about by AI is a complex and ongoing process for IT leaders. However, by embracing a strong AI culture, developing a clear vision and strategy, prioritizing high-impact use cases, investing in talent and skills development, fostering collaboration, implementing agile processes, and continuously evaluating and optimizing AI initiatives, IT leaders can successfully navigate their organization’s digital transformation journey.

In this era of rapid technological advancement, IT leaders must remain vigilant and proactive in their approach to AI-driven digital transformation. By staying informed about the latest AI trends and developments, collaborating with industry peers, and engaging in continuous learning and adaptation, CIOs can ensure that their organizations remain at the forefront of the AI revolution.

Ultimately, the successful adaptation to disruptive change in the digital transformation journey with AI depends on the ability of IT leaders to balance innovation with pragmatism, fostering a culture of curiosity and experimentation while maintaining a laser-like focus on business objectives and value creation.

As organizations continue to embark on their digital transformation journeys with AI, IT leaders who can successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this disruptive technology will be wellpositioned to drive lasting, positive change within their organizations, creating a more agile, innovative, and competitive business landscape for years to come.

By regularly reviewing and adjusting AI initiatives, IT leaders can ensure their organizations remain agile and adaptive to change

Helping Organizations Unlock the Full Value of Data Assets

Dan Merzlyak, Director, Head of Aladdin Data Migration Practice and Business Intelligence, BlackRock

How has the adoption of data and analytics evolved over the last five years?

Over the last five years, the adoption of data and analytics has undergone a transformative evolution, driven by several factors.

Firstly, there has been a massive increase in the volume, variety, and velocity of data generated, often referred to as “big data.” This growth has been fueled by the proliferation of connected devices, social media usage, and the digitization of various industries.

Secondly, advances in technology, such as cloud computing and improvements in data storage and processing capabilities,

have made it possible for organizations to manage and analyze vast amounts of data effectively. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques have further enhanced the power of analytics, enabling businesses to extract valuable insights from complex data sets.

Thirdly, the democratization of analytics tools has made it easier for non-technical users to access and interpret data. This has led to a growing emphasis on data literacy and the development of user-friendly, self-service analytics platforms, promoting a more datadriven culture across organizations.

The growing use of AI and ML in analytics enables organizations to derive deeper insights, automate processes, and make more accurate predictions

Dan is a seasoned operations and analyticsexpertwithadecadeofexperience managing large global teams to provide deep operational and strategic insights across various industries. He specializes in data mining, statistical analysis, and visualization, adding value to Fortune 500 and private-equity-owned clients.

Currently, Dan leads the ACT Data Migration Practice at BlackRock, ensuring enhanced platform implementations and client satisfaction. Before BlackRock, he held leadership positions at LSEG, Cerberus Capital Management, PwC, and EY. Dan graduated from Cornell University with a dual major in Economics and Statistical Sciences and also holds an MBA and an MS in Business Analytics from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.

In an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Dan shares his insights on the adoption of data and analytics over the last five years, professional journey, the unique methodologies developed and led by him at BlackRock, pearls of wisdom for aspiring professionals, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.

Lastly, there has been an increased focus on data governance, privacy, and ethics, as businesses recognize the importance of responsible data usage and compliance with data protection regulations. Overall, these factors have contributed to the widespread adoption of data and analytics, fundamentally changing the way organizations make decisions and operate.

In your opinion, what are the most important contemporary trends that you see emerging in the Analytics space across the globe?

The growing use of AI and ML in analytics enables organizations to derive deeper insights, automate processes, and make more accurate predictions. This has led to the development of advanced analytics techniques, such as natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, and recommendation systems.

With increasing amounts of sensitive data being collected and analyzed, there is a heightened focus on data privacy and security. Organizations must ensure compliance with data protection regulations, such as the GDPR, and implement robust data governance practices to safeguard the privacy of users’ information.

As more devices become connected and generate data, there is a growing need for analytics to be performed closer to the source of data generation. Edge computing allows for data processing and analytics at the “edge” of the network, reducing latency and improving efficiency.

Finally, the ability to effectively communicate complex data and insights through visualizations and storytelling is

Organizations should also embrace advanced analytics techniques like machine learning and artificial intelligence to derive deeper insights and unlock the full potential of their data

becoming increasingly important. Businesses are investing in tools and training to help employees better understand and convey the insights gained from analytics.

Can you share some of the

methodologies

developed and led by you to support private markets business intelligence requirements at BlackRock?

At BlackRock, I have developed and led several methodologies to support private markets business intelligence requirements, which are designed to cater to specific client needs while providing a robust framework for delivering actionable insights. The methodologies typically involve a thorough client needs assessment, during which we work closely with clients to understand their objectives, challenges, and data requirements. This stage is crucial for tailoring our approach accordingly.

Next, we identify and integrate relevant client data sources to create a comprehensive dataset that meets the client’s requirements. Effective data management practices, such as data cleansing, validation, and normalization, are employed to ensure data quality and consistency.

Once the data is prepared, we load the data into our best-in-class investment products to help clients use our tools to manage their investment process and to uncover hidden patterns, trends, and insights. These techniques enable us to generate valuable intelligence for clients, helping them make informed decisions.

Lastly, we focus on effective communication of insights through data visualization and

storytelling. This allows clients to easily understand and interpret the results, leading to better decision-making and implementation of data-driven strategies throughout the investment lifecycle.

You are a Governing Body Member of the New York CDAO Community at Evanta. Can you please tell us about this company and your role in it?

Evanta is a company that specializes in providing executive-level networking, conferences, and leadership development programs across various industries. They create forums for executives to share best practices, insights, and strategies, fostering collaboration and innovation within their respective fields.

As a Governing Body Member of the New York CDAO (Chief Data and Analytics Officer) Community, my role involves contributing to the development of strategic agendas for events, sharing my expertise and insights with fellow CDAOs, and participating in discussions to address critical challenges faced by the data and analytics community. My involvement with Evanta provides an opportunity to engage with industry peers, stay informed about emerging trends and best practices, and help shape the future of data and analytics within organizations.

What are a few things that organizations should be doing with their analytics efforts that most don’t do today?

In order to make the most of their analytics efforts, organizations should prioritize a few key aspects. First, they should invest in

building a strong data infrastructure to ensure they can efficiently manage, store, and process the vast amounts of data generated. A solid infrastructure lays the foundation for successful analytics initiatives.

Second, organizations should work towards fostering a data-driven culture. This involves training employees, encouraging collaboration across teams, and making data and analytics accessible to all relevant stakeholders. By creating an environment where data-driven decisionmaking is valued and supported, organizations can effectively leverage the power of analytics.

Additionally, focusing on data governance is essential for maintaining data quality, consistency, and accuracy. Establishing clear policies and processes for data management, privacy, and security helps protect valuable information and ensures that analytics efforts yield reliable insights.

Organizations should also embrace advanced analytics techniques like machine learning and artificial intelligence to derive deeper insights and unlock the full potential of their data. These cutting-edge tools can help companies stay competitive and make more informed decisions.

Lastly, measuring the impact of analytics initiatives is crucial. By setting clear success metrics and monitoring progress, organizations can optimize their efforts, justify investments in analytics, and demonstrate the value generated by their data-driven strategies.

What are you most excited about in the next few years?

In the next few years, I am most excited about the advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning within the analytics space. As these technologies continue to evolve, we can expect to see new and innovative ways to analyze

and interpret data, leading to deeper insights and more informed decision-making. I am also looking forward to seeing how organizations continue to prioritize data literacy and adopt datadriven cultures, which will empower employees at all levels to leverage data in their work and drive better business outcomes.

What do you suggest to new graduates aspiring to get into the analytics space?

For new graduates aspiring to enter the analytics space, it’s important to focus on building a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and programming. This will equip you with the necessary skills to work effectively with data and perform advanced analytics tasks.

Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships, part-time roles, or freelance projects can help you understand how analytics is applied in a real-world context and make you more attractive to potential employers. Familiarize yourself with industry-specific tools and platforms, such as SQL, Python, R, Tableau, and Power BI, as employers often require or prefer proficiency in these tools.

Networking with professionals in the analytics field is crucial for staying informed about the latest trends and opportunities in the industry. Attend industry events and join relevant online forums and communities to engage with others in your field.

Finally, prioritize continuous learning and skill development, as the field of analytics is constantly evolving. Be open to pursuing additional certifications or degrees if necessary and stay informed about new technologies and techniques. By focusing on these aspects, new graduates can position themselves for success in the competitive and rapidly growing field of analytics.

CLEARSTEM Skincare

Revolutionizing Skin Wellness with a Holistic Approach

In the world of skincare, finding effective products that address both acne and aging concerns can be a challenge. Conventional skincare often contains toxic ingredients or pore-clogging fillers, leaving consumers in a bind when it comes to achieving healthy, clear skin. However, in 2017, Danielle Gronich and Kayleigh Christina, two passionate women with a deep understanding of skin wellness, set out to change this narrative. Together, they founded CLEARSTEM Skincare, a brand that

offers a safer and more effective alternative to traditional skincare by simultaneously targeting both acne and aging.

Danielle Gronich, a Licensed Clinical Esthetician and the founder of San Diego Acne Clinic, brought over ten years of personal experience with cystic acne to the table. Through her clinic, she has successfully helped numerous individuals from diverse backgrounds achieve clear skin, earning her the title of The Acne Guru™. One of her success stories was Kayleigh Christina, a Certified Holistic

Danielle Gronich, CEO

Kayleigh and Danielle’s commitment to health, wellness, and clinical research continues to shape the trajectory of CLEARSTEM Skincare

Nutritionist who had struggled with cystic acne in her mid-twenties. Kayleigh finally found relief and a renewed sense of confidence through Danielle’s comprehensive, wholebody approach to skin wellness.

The bond formed between Danielle and Kayleigh over their shared passion for holistic health led them to embark on a journey of clinical research. They delved into the skincare world to uncover the alarming truth: many acne products contained toxic and hormone-disrupting ingredients. At the same time, those designed to address aging concerns were often loaded with poreclogging fillers. This discovery fueled their determination to create a brand that offered a toxin-free solution capable of effectively addressing both acne and aging.

The foundation for CLEARSTEM Skincare was laid during their time together at the San Diego Acne Clinic. Danielle’s expertise, combined with Kayleigh’s personal experience, gave birth to a brand that sought to provide safer and more efficient options for individuals struggling with acne. In 2017, they officially launched CLEARSTEM, and their innovative approach quickly gained recognition in the skincare industry.

Kayleigh and Danielle’s commitment to health, wellness, and clinical research continues to shape the trajectory of CLEARSTEM Skincare. The brand stands as a pioneer in the skincare space, offering research-backed education that intersects skin health and holistic wellness. Their dedication to providing effective and safe products has garnered a loyal following of individuals who seek a comprehensive approach to achieving and maintaining healthy skin.

Talking about their mission and the vision behind CLEARSTEM, Danielle Gronich, CEO of the company, emphasized their commitment to empowering individuals through education and transformative skincare. She states, “We believe that healthy skin starts from within. By combining a whole-body approach with science-backed formulations, we aim to not only clear acne and target signs of aging but also provide our customers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their skincare.”

CLEARSTEM Skincare has emerged as a trusted brand, offering a range of products that are free from toxins and pore-clogging fillers. Their formulations leverage natural, clinically proven ingredients that work harmoniously with the body’s healing processes. By addressing the root causes of skin issues, CLEARSTEM seeks to empower individuals to achieve lasting results and unlock their skin’s true potential.

As the skincare industry continues to evolve, CLEARSTEM remains at the forefront, leading the way with its holistic approach and dedication to skin wellness. The brand has set a new standard through the combined expertise and passion of Danielle Gronich and Kayleigh Christina, proving that effective skincare can be both safe and transformative. With CLEARSTEM Skincare, individuals can confidently embrace a holistic and researchbacked path toward clear, healthy, and radiant skin.

Targeting Acne and Aging Simultaneously

Formulating an all-in-one skincare brand that effectively addresses both acne and aging concerns is no easy task. However, Danielle

and Kayleigh recognized the need for such a solution and embarked on a mission to create a line of products that targeted these common skin issues without compromising on safety or efficacy.

“We wanted to challenge the status quo and provide a skincare line that truly addresses the needs of individuals who struggle with both acne and aging,” explained Danielle. “Traditional acne products often lead to excessive dryness and premature aging, while anti-aging products tend to contain thick, poreclogging ingredients that exacerbate acne. We knew there had to be a better way.”

As individuals in their thirties with acneprone skin themselves, Danielle and Kayleigh understood the frustration and challenges faced by those seeking effective solutions. They set out to develop the first clean skincare line that simultaneously targeted acne and wrinkles without compromising on the integrity of the ingredients.

“We believe that skincare should be a harmonious blend of effective ingredients and a conscious exclusion of harmful substances,” stated Danielle. “Through extensive research and collaboration with a world-renowned cosmetic chemist, we identified the safest and most potent active ingredients to address common skin conditions such as acne, melasma, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging.”

The journey of creating CLEARSTEM Skincare involved a meticulous selection process that prioritized ingredient safety and effectiveness. The founders placed equal importance on what they included in their formulations as well as what they left out.

“Our focus is on ingredients that truly move the needle for your skin’s overall glow,” Danielle explained. “We ditched all the toxic fillers commonly found in skin care products and zeroed in on the active components that deliver real results.”

By staying abreast of the latest clinical research and leveraging its partnership with a renowned cosmetic chemist, CLEARSTEM Skincare was able to curate a range of products that catered to the unique needs of individuals battling acne and aging simultaneously.

“Our formulations are the result of a combination of cutting-edge research and a deep understanding of the skin,” shared Danielle. “We wanted to provide a line of products that not only effectively targeted acne and aging but also harnessed the power of ingredients that promote a healthy, radiant complexion.”

CLEARSTEM Skincare has succeeded in breaking free from the traditional paradigm of skincare, offering individuals a comprehensive solution that addresses multiple skin concerns without compromise. By utilizing safe and potent ingredients, the brand has created a devoted group of customers looking for a comprehensive skincare approach.

“As acne sufferers ourselves, we are committed to empowering others with the knowledge and tools to achieve clear, healthy skin,” emphasized Danielle. “Our goal is to redefine the skincare experience by offering products that are both safe and effective, ultimately giving our customers the confidence to embrace their natural beauty.”

With their innovative approach, CLEARSTEM Skincare has emerged as a gamechanger in the industry, offering a new skincare

standard that revolutionizes how we address acne and aging. By prioritizing ingredient safety, efficacy, and a holistic approach, Danielle Gronich and Kayleigh Christina have paved the way for a new generation of skincare enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on the health and vitality of their skin.

Developing CELLRENEW

The flagship serum of CLEARSTEM Skincare, CELLRENEW, was born out of a deep understanding of the unique needs of individuals with darker skin tones and a desire to solve their specific skincare concerns. Danielle had a thriving practice at San Diego Acne Clinic, where she treated clients from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Through this experience, she recognized the need for a better way to address scars, particularly for those with darker skin.

“I saw the struggle my clients with darker skin tones faced when it came to treating scars,” explained Danielle. “Many of them scarred easily and were sensitive to certain treatments like chemical peels and lasers. I knew I had to find an alternative approach to healing their scars effectively.”

Driven by intuition and a common pain point, Danielle embarked on a journey to develop a serum that would cater specifically to the needs of individuals with darker skin tones. She had a clear vision of what the product needed to be and the desired functionality. Armed with a list of traits and ingredients, Danielle approached several labs, searching for a partner who understood her vision and shared her passion.

“I wanted to work with a cosmetic chemist who not only understood the needs of individuals with acne-prone skin but also had personal

As the skincare industry continues to evolve, CLEARSTEM remains at the forefront, leading the way with its holistic approach and dedication to skin wellness

experience with acne,” said Danielle. “I needed someone who resonated with my mission and was enthusiastic about developing a product that could make a real difference.”

After careful consideration, Danielle found the perfect match—a renowned cosmetic chemist whose son struggled with acne. The chemist connected with the product concept and had already seen some positive results from Danielle’s tips for her son. This shared passion and belief in the product’s potential solidified their partnership, even though CLEARSTEM Skincare was still in its early stages.

Since its inception, CLEARSTEM Skincare has garnered countless success stories from individuals who have experienced transformative results. Recent reviewers have hailed CLEARSTEM as the “answer to their prayers” after struggling with acne for over a decade, praised the MINDBODYSKIN supplement for saving their hormonal acne-prone skin, and described the BOUNCEBACK serum as a “game changer” for improving sensitivity and dry patches. Notably, lifestyle influencer Alyssa Lynch has touted the Hydraberry Moisture Mask

as her favorite product, crediting it with healing her long-term skin inflammation and redness. It also helped clear her dermatitis.

Through their commitment to research, formulation excellence, and addressing the unique needs of individuals with darker skin tones, CLEARSTEM Skincare continues to provide effective, safe, and transformative solutions that promote hormonal health and overall skin wellness.

The Ditch Your Acne Protocol

At CLEARSTEM Skincare, the commitment to providing comprehensive solutions for acne extends beyond products alone. Recognizing that each individual’s skin is unique and that acne is influenced by a multitude of factors, Danielle and Kayleigh developed the Ditch Your Acne Protocol—a transformative 7-module course designed to help individuals uncover their personal acne triggers and establish a

The journey of creating CLEARSTEM Skincare involved a meticulous selection process that prioritized ingredient safety and effectiveness

holistic routine and lifestyle for achieving acnefree skin.

The Ditch Your Acne Protocol goes beyond the surface-level approach to acne treatment, delving into the often-overlooked aspects of gut health, environmental toxins, hormones, nutrition, and various lifestyle factors that can impact the skin and overall well-being. Through this comprehensive program, participants understand the interconnectedness between their skin and various aspects of their lives.

“Acne and aging are not just about the products we use on our skin,” emphasized Danielle Gronich. “They are influenced by how we eat, exercise, work, and relate to others. Our protocol aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to uncover their unique acne triggers and establish a personalized skincare regimen for clear, healthy skin that lasts.”

The Ditch Your Acne Protocol takes participants through a transformative journey, with each module covering a crucial aspect of acne management and overall wellness. By providing information and guidance on gut health, environmental toxins, hormonal balance, nutrition, and other lifestyle factors, the program equips individuals with a holistic understanding of their skin and empowers them to make informed decisions for their well-being.

Program graduates have experienced lifechanging results, discovering that achieving clear skin requires a comprehensive approach that extends beyond topical treatments. By understanding and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to acne, participants can create a unique skincare regimen that suits their specific needs.

“Our goal is to provide individuals with the tools and knowledge to establish their own holistic routine and lifestyle for acne-free skin,” shared Danielle. “We believe that true skin transformation occurs when individuals recognize the broader influences on their skin health and make conscious choices to create a supportive environment for their skin to thrive.”

The Ditch Your Acne Protocol has helped thousands of people break free from the cycle of acne and discover a path to long-lasting clear skin. By uncovering their personal acne triggers and adopting a holistic approach that encompasses various aspects of their lives, participants gain control over their skin and overall well-being.

Hormonal health has always been a cornerstone of CLEARSTEM’s philosophy, both internally and externally. Danielle emphasized the fragility of modern endocrine systems due to heightened stress levels and environmental toxins in daily life. To maintain control over what can be controlled, CLEARSTEM Skincare emphasizes avoiding known hormone disruptors and other toxic agents to maintain control over what can be controlled. The brand remains vigilant, staying up-to-date with lists of harmful ingredients and formulating products at the highest intersection of efficacy, safety, and joy of use.

CLEARSTEM Skincare’s dedication to education and empowerment sets it apart, offering individuals a comprehensive and personalized approach to skincare that extends beyond products. Through the Ditch Your Acne Protocol, the brand continues to make a positive impact, helping individuals find their unique path to clear, healthy, and radiant skin that lasts a lifetime.

Celebrating Success and Expanding Services

For the team at CLEARSTEM Skincare, the receipt of awards is a testament to the brand’s dedication and the positive impact it has on its customers. The recognition received through these accolades brings joy and serves as a pleasant surprise. What truly matters to the brand is the diverse reasons why people love CLEARSTEM

Skincare, whether it’s for effectively clearing their acne or the overall performance of the products. The awards also play a vital role in increasing brand awareness, ensuring that more individuals have the opportunity to experience the transformative results the brand offers.

“We are thrilled when we receive awards because they validate our mission and the positive experiences people have had with our products,” expressed Danielle Gronich. “The recognition helps us reach more people and give

them a chance to try CLEARSTEM Skincare and achieve the results they deserve.”

Building on its success, CLEARSTEM

Skincare has exciting plans for the future. In addition to expanding its range of acne-safe formulations, the brand is set to launch an acnefocused telehealth wing. This new endeavor aims to address a significant need in the market, providing accessible options for individuals who require lab testing and personalized guidance related to their acne concerns.

“We understand that many people struggle to access the necessary lab tests and medical support for their acne, either due to limitations in their regular medical coverage or exorbitant fees charged by functional medicine clinics,” explained Danielle. “We are dedicated to addressing this need and are thrilled to announce that our acne-focused telehealth wing will be launching in the summer of 2023.”

CLEARSTEM Skincare’s dedication to education and empowerment sets it apart, offering individuals a comprehensive and personalized approach to skincare that extends beyond products

By offering telehealth services, CLEARSTEM Skincare will bridge the gap, providing individuals with the opportunity to receive proper testing and guidance for their acne concerns. This initiative is driven by the brand’s commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to reliable and effective solutions for their skincare needs.

The upcoming launch of the acnefocused telehealth wing is a testament to CLEARSTEM Skincare’s continuous innovation and dedication to serving its customers in a comprehensive and accessible

manner. With this expansion, the brand aims to further empower individuals on their journey to achieving clear, healthy skin.

As summer 2023 approaches, anticipation builds for the new services that CLEARSTEM Skincare will offer, reinforcing the brand’s position as a leader in the skincare industry. By combining its expertise in acne-safe formulations with personalized telehealth support, CLEARSTEM Skincare continues to prioritize the needs of its customers and solidify its commitment to transforming skin health and well-being.

How Cloud Computing Is Fueling the AI Hype Cycle — And Everything That Will Come After

Lewis Smithingham, SVP of Innovation at Media.Monks

At a time when the possibilities of technology seem limitless, it’s hard to imagine we could be on the verge of hitting any sort of ceiling. But the truth is, we are. For a while now, experts have been warning that we’re approaching the computational limit of devices—which means we can’t pack more transistors onto a microchip nor make the existing devices smaller than they are. However, the imminent limits of current hardware are meeting a ferocious hunger for new technological innovations, which are mainly driven by software. This poses the question of how we’re going to be able to advance in areas like AI and VR when computing performance

can’t keep up—at least not while maintaining the same stability and efficiency.

After years of exploring different tools, services, and technologies to exploit their opportunities, I’m convinced that the answer to this conundrum can be found in cloud computing.

The Key Enabler of Technological and Cultural Change

As previously mentioned, the biggest drivers of technological and cultural change are now in software, not devices (although, if you try HalfLife: Alyx in a VR headset, you may beg to differ). Years ago, smartphones wildly evolved from one generation to the next, whereas now they introduce almost no new features. Yet

While we have moved from onedirectional, one-stop-shop content (cable TV) to ecosystems encompassing the entire customer journey, supply will still loom over demand, and content distribution will face a bottleneck issue

Lewis Smithingham is the SVP of Innovation at Media.Monks. A problemsolver who identifies innovative digital opportunities, he helps usher brands and partners into the future with creative and technical expertise and the forefront of digital transformation and virtualization. With a background in film and fine arts and passion for gaming, he levels up Media.Monks’ work at the intersectionofcreativityandtechnology. Most recently, he was named to Business Insider’s list of the top ‘24 agency executives leading advertisers’ charge into the metaverse and Web3.’ He sits on the World Economic Forum working group on Value Creation in the Metaverse.Heisasought-afterspeaker, taking the stage at the NVIDIA GPU Technology Conference, Sports Video Group Summit, Siggraph, CES, NAB, IBC and IAB –– to name a few.

as hardware suffers from the computational plateau, software and GPU are taking off. The improvements in Unreal Engine and Unity, the development of ICVFX, the virtualization of broadcast production and the sudden and rapid onslaught of generative AI are some of the most prominent examples.

At the core of this change lies the fact that people want a type of internet that’s experiential, meaningful and useful. ChatGPT reaching one million users in five days is not only a reflection of how good the technology is, but also how much value people are finding in it.

If we want to continue to ride that wave, we have to invest in cloud computing. Considering where Moore’s Law—coined by the late Gordon Moore, who recently passed away—is at today (flat and potentially inapplicable), computing has to shift off-device. Unless computers and phones get substantially bigger (thank you, but no) cloud computing will grow as the most valuable infrastructural tool in society.

While digital businesses will still face some profitability challenges, much of this new wave is, quite simply, very useful to the vast majority. And when technology meets cultural needs, commerce waterfalls naturally off their back— even in a recession. People are willing to pay for tools that they find value in, and investors are gazing longingly at the biggest AI startups. It’s the reason OpenAI has become profitable, increasing its intake and revenue at a speed that many other technology startups have never seemed able to reach.

The Solution to the Content Distribution Bottleneck

For those of us in the business, it’s sad to see Moore’s law coming to an end, even though

it will leave a lasting impact. The number of transistors in integrated circuits has become a mainstream metaphor for technological change in general, and interestingly enough, it reached the world of marketing. In fact, Moore’s law has probably been overshot in the content department.

Soon, we’ll find ourselves with more content than we know what to do with. While we have moved from one-directional, one-stop-shop content (cable TV) to ecosystems encompassing the entire customer journey, supply will still loom over demand, and content distribution will face a bottleneck issue.

I’m interested in seeing what we come up with to increase distribution in a way that’s costefficient and sustainable, and cloud computing will rise as the obvious solution in that regard too.

As Matthew Ball said years ago, “The tens of billions that will be spent on cloud gaming over the next decade, too, is based on the belief that such technologies will underpin our onlineoffline virtual future.” Cloud computing will be the key to solving the immediate problems we face in the age of AI enablement, new hardware formats and the distribution of content through new and existing channels.

Ultimately, the internet has developed through punctuated equilibrium. It hasn’t been a linear evolution; rather, a series of sudden jumps that pushed the technology forward. AI represents the most recent jump, but we’ve hit an “uncanny valley” where it’s almost but not quite exact. In order to get over that feeling, the technology needs to become more sophisticated, and the cloud will play a key role in enabling it—as well as allowing us to effectively navigate whatever advancements and new technologies lie ahead.