The Union podcast

#Tech #Automation #Hyperautomation #Machine Learning #Artificial Intelligence #Krista #Aipaas #Ipaas #Orchestral #Conversational AI

28:52

Retailers are facing a rapidly evolving landscape where consumer expectations, AI advancements, and social media platforms like TikTok are redefining engagement. It feels like the holiday shopping season just ended, but when do retailers start planning for the next one, and some retailers already behind the curve for this season? Joining us today is Carey Cockrum, Director of Consulting at Cella by Randstad Digital, where she helps major brands and marketing teams optimize their strategies with data-driven insights, AI-powered content creation, and cutting-edge retail marketing trends. With the holidays just around the corner, she’s here to share what’s next for retail marketing, campaign optimization, and how brands can stay ahead in a hyper-competitive space. ABOUT CAREY COCKRUM Carey has been a part of the Creative Agency space for nearly 30 years. She has served as Designer, Creative Director, Creative Operations Lead and Agency Lead in both internal and external agencies (big and small). Carey has worked directly with C-suite stakeholders to understand organizational strategies that inform effective creative solutions. She is a bit of a data nerd and loves demonstrating results. Brands she’s supported include Fruit of the Loom, Wendy’s and Humana. In her free time, she enjoys going back to her creative roots through painting and drawing. She also spends her time improving upon the house she lives in today in Southern, MI - inside and out. RESOURCES Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company…

The Union

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The Union is about the intersection between people, technology, and artificial intelligence. Get ready to be inspired and challenged as we ask questions, uncover insights, and share inspiring stories about digital ecosystems and automation.

59 episodes

The Union

updated il y a environ 12 jours

maison des série•Feed

59 episodes

#Tech #Automation #Hyperautomation #Machine Learning #Artificial Intelligence #Krista #Aipaas #Ipaas #Orchestral #Conversational AI

Tous les épisodes

1
You DO Want AI Training on Your Data 36:08

il y a environ 12 jours36:08

36:08

Most business leaders say they don’t want AI training on their data—but what they really mean is they don’t want to lose control. In this episode, we explain why the only way AI delivers real value is by learning your business: your documents, your processes, your language, and your priorities. We break down the difference between exposing data and improving outcomes, and why generic AI won't scale. You’ll hear how AI that understands your workflows can anticipate needs, suggest actions, and drive results—without writing endless prompts or building from scratch. If you’re still treating AI like a tool that needs babysitting, it’s time to rethink the strategy. Topics covered: Why blocking AI from learning limits your ROI The risks of generic intelligence in enterprise settings How to train AI like you train your people Real-world examples of AI reinforcing strategy by learning context Learn how to make AI work for your business—starting with your data. Listen now and subscribe for more episodes on making AI work in the enterprise. #AI #EnterpriseAI #Automation #BusinessIntelligence #AgenticPlatforms #AITraining #LLM #ProcessAutomation #DigitalTransformation More at krista.ai…

1
Elevate Recorded Meetings to Enterprise Knowledge 23:54

il y a 5 weeks23:54

23:54

Tired of meeting recordings that lead nowhere? We explore why summaries and tasks aren’t enough for operations executives seeking real enterprise knowledge. It’s more than recordings—it’s about weaving in emails, Teams chats, CRM data, and documents for a complete picture. Learn how orchestration transforms these insights into automated workflows, boosting efficiency and outcomes. From tackling customer churn with full context to unifying data with Krista, this episode shows how to turn meetings into a strategic asset. Key Takeaways: Recordings alone don’t cut it—context is king Enterprise data (emails, chats, CRM) powers smarter decisions Orchestration automates action from unified knowledge Want to elevate your meetings? Check out Krista’s conversation agents, AI-led knowledge management, and orchestration at https://krista.ai/solutions/conversation-agent/ . Subscribe for more tips on turning data into results! #EnterpriseKnowledge #MeetingAutomation #Orchestration #AI #BusinessStrategy More at krista.ai…

1
MCP – Hype, Risk, and Enterprise Reality 27:58

il y a 6 weeks27:58

27:58

In this episode, we break down the Model Context Protocol (MCP) — what it is, how it works, and why it’s generating so much hype in the AI world. But beyond the headlines, we explore the real enterprise implications. Is MCP secure? Can it be trusted to connect large language models to your internal systems? And what risks are developers and businesses ignoring in the rush to experiment? We draw parallels to past tech missteps (remember ActiveX?) and share firsthand insights from our own use of MCP tools. If you're leading AI strategy, running IT, or just trying to understand where this is all headed — this is the conversation you don’t want to miss. 👉 Subscribe for more deep dives on AI, automation, and enterprise tech. #MCP #AIintegration #EnterpriseAI #LLM More at krista.ai…

1
AI Agents—What Lies Beneath 27:16

il y a 8 weeks27:16

27:16

Should AI agents really cost $20,000 per month? In this episode, we break down OpenAI’s reported pricing for specialized AI agents and why many companies will try (and fail) to build their own. 🔍 What’s Inside: ✅ The hidden costs of DIY AI—why it’s not just about training a model ✅ Why most AI agents fail without orchestration, security, and integration ✅ How businesses get trapped in an endless cycle of building, fixing, and rebuilding ✅ Why a platform approach is the key to deploying AI agents faster and at lower costs 💡 Instead of sinking millions into fragmented AI projects, companies need a smarter way to assemble, orchestrate, and scale AI agents. Krista is that platform. 📌 Subscribe for more insights on AI and automation! 📩 Want to learn more? Visit Krista.ai for smarter AI deployment. #AI #Automation #ArtificialIntelligence #AIAgents #BusinessTech More at krista.ai…

1
Your TeenAGENTer 37:01

il y a 9 weeks37:01

37:01

Are AI agents the future of business—or just overhyped digital teenagers? In this episode, we break down why today’s AI agents promise big but need serious guidance to deliver. Think of them as teens on their first job: full of potential, but not ready to run the show. We explore: - The truth behind slick AI demos (spoiler: they’re not autonomous yet) - How AI can boost your business today—as a helper, not a boss - Why a solid platform is key to keeping AI in line - A quick-start checklist to make AI work for YOU Perfect for business leaders who want practical AI wins without the hype. Watch now to learn how to raise your AI agents into responsible business partners—and skip the growing pains! Subscribe for more no-BS takes on AI in business. Connect with Krista: Ready for AI that actually works? Visit https://krista.ai/ More at krista.ai…

1
AI Agents—Security Asset or Hidden Risk? 38:40

il y a 13 weeks38:40

38:40

Are AI agents a security risk or a security enhancement? In this episode, John Michelsen breaks down the biggest concerns enterprises have about AI-driven automation. We discuss data privacy, internal and external threats, compliance, and how AI platforms like Krista can actually improve security posture. If you're deploying AI in your organization, this conversation is a must-listen. 🔹 Topics Covered: ✅ The biggest security risks with AI agents ✅ How to ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR & SOC 2 ✅ The real reason some AI platforms are "free" (and why you should be cautious) ✅ How AI can reduce human error and insider threats More at krista.ai…

1
Chasing Agents 23:11

il y a 15 weeks23:11

23:11

The explosion of AI agents is transforming enterprise workflows, but it’s not without challenges. From integration hurdles to operational silos, businesses struggle to navigate the crowded ecosystem of hundreds and eventually thousands of agents. In this episode of The Union Podcast, Scott and Chris discuss risks of disconnected tools and how a platform approach like Krista’s agentic platform ensures seamless automation, scalability, and efficiency. Learn how to avoid repeating past mistakes with standalone apps and discover why enterprises are embracing platforms to future-proof their AI investments. If you’re exploring AI for your business, this episode is your essential guide to understanding the big picture. More at krista.ai…

1
You Don't Have to Know Your Future 52:11

il y a 17 weeks52:11

52:11

In a world where technology evolves faster than ever, you don’t have to know your exact future to thrive—you just need to be on the path to it. This video explores how AI is reshaping industries, redefining work, and accelerating innovation in ways we couldn’t have imagined just a few years ago. John Michelsen shares insights into the rapid advancements of AI, emphasizing that while you can’t predict every step, embracing change and adopting AI iteratively are essential for staying competitive. Learn why small, practical steps can help you build the muscle for rapid technology adoption, and how leaders and organizations can align to create a culture of continuous learning and growth. From AI’s potential to elevate human roles to the pitfalls of waiting too long, this discussion highlights why it’s not about knowing the future—it’s about being prepared to meet it. Key Takeaways: Why you don’t need to know your future to start leveraging AI. How leadership alignment accelerates AI adoption and innovation. The importance of starting small, scaling fast, and building agility in your organization. Real-world examples of businesses turning AI into a competitive advantage. The future isn’t about replacing humans—it’s about unlocking their potential. Watch now to learn how to lead with confidence and thrive in an AI-driven world. #AI #FutureOfWork #Innovation #Leadership More at krista.ai…

1
Mastering AI Outputs: A Review of Prompt Engineering Guides 24:33

il y a 20 weeks24:33

24:33

In this episode of The Union Podcast, Scott King and Chris Kraus review AI prompting guides from Microsoft, OpenAI, and Google. They discuss the challenges of crafting effective prompts, the limitations of teaching prompt engineering to everyone, and why automation should take center stage for business users. Highlights include: ✅ The differences between Google’s business-focused approach and Microsoft/OpenAI’s developer-centric guides. ✅ Privacy concerns and the complexities of integrating tools like Google Workspace or Azure. ✅ Why prompt engineering is both an art and a science—and not always the best use of time. ✅ How automation can eliminate repetitive tasks, improve customer support, and free your team to focus on what matters most. Join the conversation and learn how to navigate the world of generative AI without wasting time on unnecessary complexities. 📎 Links to prompting guides mentioned in the video: Microsoft Prompting Guide OpenAI Prompting Guide Google Gemini Prompting Guide More at krista.ai…

1
You Can Buy Half the AI You Need; the Other Half is Unique to You 30:30

il y a 22 weeks30:30

30:30

AI is no longer optional—it’s a competitive necessity. But what does it take to implement AI effectively for your business? In this episode, we break down why half of the AI you need is readily available in generative models, but the other half must be tailored to your unique processes, data, and goals. Join Scott King, Chris Kraus, and John Michelsen as they explore the challenges of traditional machine learning, the limitations of generative AI, and how Krista’s automated machine learning framework builds machine learning for you. Learn how Krista enables businesses to deploy AI quickly and cost-effectively without needing expensive data science teams. Discover how to identify high-ROI processes, streamline operations, and let machines handle repetitive tasks, so your team can focus on high-value work. Ready to get started? Visit Krista.ai to learn more about building AI solutions tailored to your business. #AI #Automation #MachineLearning #GenerativeAI #KristaAI #DigitalTransformation #BusinessInnovation More at krista.ai…

1
What is an Agentic Platform, and Its Essential Capabilities? 24:29

il y a 24 weeks24:29

24:29

Agentic platforms are essential for AI-driven automation. Join John Michelsen and Chris Kraus as they discuss how agentic platforms empower organizations by enabling autonomous AI agents to perform complex tasks and make intelligent decisions. Discover the key capabilities that set agentic AI apart, including low-code configuration, robust security guardrails, and seamless multi-channel engagement. If you're looking to transform your business operations with cutting-edge AI, this conversation will show you how agentic platforms can deliver real organizational value. More at krista.ai…

1
There's No I in LLM 27:11

il y a 25 weeks27:11

27:11

Are large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT truly automating work? John Michelsen unpacks the misconception that LLMs alone can drive business transformation. Join us as Michelsen shares real-world examples, revealing why relying solely on LLMs leads to slow, manual workflows. Learn how true automation requires orchestration across systems and processes, integrating AI into a seamless workflow to deliver meaningful outcomes at machine speed. Tune in to understand how to maximize the power of AI and avoid the pitfalls of superficial automation. More at krista.ai…

1
Document Understanding and the Power of Entity Extraction 27:54

il y a 27 weeks27:54

27:54

In this episode, we John Michelsen and Chris Kraus explain the limitations of traditional document processing methods like Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and how they struggle with unstructured data and unforeseen questions. Listen in as they discuss how flexible, context-driven Natural Language Processing (NLP) is transforming document understanding, enabling businesses to extract information accurately and efficiently—even in complex scenarios. They detail the benefits of NLP techniques such as lexical matching, entity extraction, and context-aware data sorting, which help technology leaders move beyond rigid rules and regular expressions. Discover how NLP allows organizations to identify essential data points, streamline workflows, and reduce human error, all while improving the accuracy of information extraction. Learn how Krista integrates these NLP advancements to simplify document processing, freeing your team from complex rules and enabling faster, more reliable decision-making. Ready to take your document processing to the next level? Watch now to see how NLP is revolutionizing data extraction with the power of context. More at krista.ai…

1
Moving Beyond Traditional IDP and OCR to AI-Driven Solutions 30:05

il y a 30 weeks30:05

30:05

AI is redefining document processing, moving beyond the limitations of traditional methods like Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR). As business demands become more complex, old solutions fall short—especially when dealing with unstructured content like diverse invoice formats and sales orders. Discover how AI's advanced capabilities can adapt to varying document types, improve accuracy over time, and significantly reduce manual intervention. In this episode, John Michelsen shares real-world insights, including a case study from a European healthcare organization that improved its document processing accuracy from 65% to 82.5% by implementing AI. Learn why businesses must act now to adopt these technologies, streamline workflows, and stay ahead of the competition. This episode offers actionable steps for using AI to automate repetitive tasks, enhance data extraction, and unlock new growth opportunities. Like, subscribe, and share to stay informed about how AI is transforming the future of business operations. More at krista.ai…

1
How AI Delivers Real-Time Answers to Unforeseen Questions 38:14

il y a 31 weeks38:14