Exclusive Trusted Magazine Q&A with Erik Qualman, Author and Keynote Speaker.
How could you describe your career path in few words?
A very fortunate career path. I started on the business side of technology working for such firms as General Motors, AT&T, Yahoo!, Earthlink, EF Education, and Travelzoo. As the Head of Marketing at Travelzoo I wrote a book called Socialnomics. It went on to become a #1 bestseller. Since I've written 4 additional #1 Bestsellers and have spoken in 55 countries and reached over 50 million people. I was fortunate to be a sitting professor at MIT and Harvard’s edX labs and later received an honorary doctorate. I'm also the inventor of the bestselling board game Kittycorn. A twisted journey.
I currently speak around the world for companies like Starbucks, Microsoft, Google, Meta, Huawei, FedEx, Pepsi, BlackRock, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, IBM, Cartier, and many more.
What are the highlights of the key digital innovation trends for 2022? Can you give us some major examples?
Machine learning (ML): ML is a subset of AI that allows machines to learn without being explicitly programmed. ML is being used to power everything from self-driving cars to fraud detection.
Blockchain: Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that can be used to record transactions in a secure and transparent way. Blockchain is being used in a variety of industries, including finance, supply chain management, and healthcare.
5G: 5G is the next generation of cellular network technology that will offer faster speeds and lower latency than 4G. 5G will enable new applications in areas such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and self-driving cars.
The Internet of Things (IoT): The IoT refers to the network of physical devices that are connected to the internet. The IoT is growing rapidly and is being used in a wide range of applications, from smart homes to industrial automation.
Here are some examples of how these trends are being used today:
ML is being used by retailers to personalize shopping experiences and recommend products to customers.
Blockchain is being used by banks to track financial transactions and by supply chain managers to track the movement of goods.
5G is being used by gaming companies to provide real-time gaming experiences and by healthcare providers to deliver remote medical care.
The IoT is being used by businesses to monitor equipment, improve efficiency, and create new products and services.
Based on your experiences, what are the impactful trends in digital innovation that are becoming more important in the context of 2023?
Artificial intelligence (AI): AI is becoming increasingly sophisticated and is being used in a wide range of applications, from customer service to healthcare. For example, AI is being used by customer service agents to provide more personalized and efficient service, and by healthcare providers to diagnose diseases and recommend treatments. It's also being used by banks to detect fraud and prevent cyber-attacks. Generative AI is improving search capabilities, helping to write marketing material, and even doing high level programming.
In your opinion, how can they create high value for organizations?
Improved customer experience: By using AI, IoT, 5G, and machine learning, organizations can provide customers with a more personalized and engaging experience. For example, AI can be used to recommend products and services that are likely to be of interest to customers, and IoT can be used to track customer behavior and preferences.
Increased operational efficiency: By using these technologies, organizations can automate tasks, improve decision making, and optimize operations. This can lead to cost savings, increased productivity, and improved customer service.
New product and service innovation: By using these technologies, organizations can develop new products and services that meet the needs of customers and create new markets. For example, AI can be used to develop new healthcare treatments, and IoT can be used to develop new transportation and logistics solutions. Generative AI can allow an average programmer to perform as a 10x programmer.
These are just a few of the impactful trends in digital innovation that are becoming more important. These trends are transforming the way we live, work, and play. Businesses that embrace these trends will be well-positioned for success in the years to come.
Erik Qualman Bio:
#1 Bestselling Author and Keynote Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 55 countries and reached 50 million people. His Socialnomics work has been on 60 Minutes to the Wall Street Journal and used by the National Guard to NASA. His book Digital Leader propelled him to be voted the 2nd Most Likeable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series.
What Happens in Vegas Stays on YouTube helped Qualman be listed by Forbes and Fortune as a Top 100 Digital Influencer. His business books are used in over 200 universities and he has received an honorary doctorate for his groundbreaking work.
His latest book,The Focus Project, is a guide to pursuing less in order to achieve more. Qualman was formerly a sitting professor at Harvard & MIT’s edX labs.
