Category: Featured Leader

In our interconnected world, the ability to communicate effectively across cultures has never been more important, especially in public relations (PR). Intercultural awareness, which involves understanding and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of the people we interact with, is essential for building meaningful relationships and ensuring our messages resonate with varied audiences.

Why Intercultural Competence Matters

Globalization has brought about a highly connected and diverse market. PR practitioners must develop intercultural competence to function within this complex context. This competence is about the ability to understand, appreciate, and communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds. It allows the PR practitioner to build a relationship with individuals and groups across different cultures. This is at the heart of public relations because it is a core value.

Cultural sensitivity is one aspect of intercultural competence. Being able to be aware and respectful of cultural differences and avoid doing things that might be considered offensive is of great importance. Cultural sensitivity allows us to communicate well with a diverse audience and ensure that messages and campaigns do not offend the cultural and religious sensibilities of the people.

For example, take the case of the Chevy Nova. In the 1960s, General Motors launched the Chevy Nova to the U.S. market with great success. When they decided to expand to Spanish-speaking countries, sales just did not take off. It was later found out that “Nova” translates to the Spanish phrase “no go.” This could have been averted had there been better cultural insight. This example shows the importance of understanding cultural differences in our global economy.

Challenges in Intercultural Communication

Despite the significance of intercultural communication, it also poses some serious challenges. The two most common challenges that occur when dealing with people from other cultural backgrounds are miscommunication and cultural misunderstandings. Such misunderstandings usually crop up as a result of differences in communicating styles, values, and norms.

The first, and perhaps most obvious, challenge intercultural communication has to face is language barriers. Even if both parties speak the same language, cultural expressions and idiomatic expressions may still confuse. For example, some phrases or gestures considered appropriate in one culture will be highly insulting and inappropriate in another. This gives rise to significant obstacles to the proper delivery of PR messages.

Cultural stereotypes are also a challenge in intercultural communication. These stereotypes can lead to assumptions and biases that affect how messages are received and interpreted. For example, a campaign that inadvertently reinforces negative stereotypes about a particular cultural group can damage the reputation of an organization and alienate key stakeholders. PR practitioners must recognize and address these biases to ensure their messages are inclusive and respectful.

Another challenge is the difference in expectations and norms across cultures. In some cultures, formal and hierarchical communication is practiced; in others, it is informal and egalitarian. PR practitioners should be aware of these differences and adjust communication strategies accordingly. If not done, it may deliver messages that are either misunderstood or rejected by the audience targeted.

A usually used example of intercultural expectations is of an American company selling high-end technical goods to a potential Chinese buyer. At dinner, the head of the Chinese delegation was received by a junior member of the U.S. team, who asked him to “sit where you like,” after which the Chinese delegation felt insulted and reconsidered the deal. The Chinese respect their hierarchy and cannot consider equality; the Americans are different in this regard.

Strategies to Improve Intercultural Awareness

To navigate the challenges of intercultural communication, PR practitioners must adopt strategies that enhance their intercultural awareness. Here are some suggested approaches:

1. Adapting Communication Styles: PR practitioners must be flexible and adaptable in their communication styles. This involves tailoring messages to fit the cultural context of the target audience. For example, in high-context cultures, where communication is often indirect and relies heavily on context, PR messages should be crafted to convey meaning subtly and respectfully. Conversely, in low-context cultures, direct and explicit communication is more effective.
2. Engaging with Local Communities: Building relationships with local cultural groups helps PR practitioners to understand their values and preferences. This should be followed by a higher level of engagement with cultural groups, through community events or even focus groups and social media. This helps practitioners to have knowledge of the cultural landscape and develop campaigns relevant to the target audience.
3. Utilizing Local Expertise: Hiring local experts or consultants who have a deep understanding of the cultural nuances is highly recommended. These experts can offer guidance on culture, language usage, and potential sensitivities that may arise from the campaign and ensure that PR campaigns are appropriate and effective in the culture.
4. Culturally Inclusive Content Creation: Content creation should be inclusive to avoid the exclusion of some audience members. The use of inclusive images, language, and narratives will ensure that the target audience is reflected in the content created. The content also should not stereotype any cultural groups but represent different groups in the multicultural reality of the target audience.

It should be noted that intercultural awareness is an important PR practitioner’s asset: it helps improve the efficacy of communication, develop better relationships, resolve conflicts, and improve brand reputation. This all means that further development of intercultural competence by PR professionals is necessary for future success in a more globalizing world. These insights are appropriate to infuse into PR practices, helping navigate the complexities of a globalized marketplace and produce more effective, respectful strategies in communications.

About the author:

Dr. Clāra Ly-Le is the founder and managing director of EloQ Communications, a boutique PR agency in Vietnam. With a Ph.D. in Communication, she champions professionalism in Vietnamese PR, mentors the next generation, and has earned numerous accolades for her innovative and impactful work in the industry.

The warehousing market is estimated to be valued at USD 329.79 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 562 billion by 2026 at a CAGR of 11.25%. Warehousing is the foundation of the global logistics sector, with a crucial contribution to product storage and management.

Socius24 was incorporated in 2013 by Craig Jones and Ray Williams, who had for 20 years previously, been deeply involved in the development of a best-in-breed Warehouse Management System (WMS) – Dispatcher WMS. The company is now an award-winning reseller of that software – Dispatcher WMS – and the preferred sales partner of the company that currently owns it Blue Yonder.

Socius24 implements Dispatcher WMS (alongside its own, complementary software) all over the world, and uses the extensive industry knowledge of its employees to ensure customers achieve optimal returns on their investments. Socius24 is known for its straightforward, honest, and effective deployment, training, and post-implementation support. “We are problem-solvers.”

The differentiating factor

Socius24 employs many of the people who originally developed and deployed the software that the company now implements. Many employees have worked with the system since the 1990s. It has had many reincarnations over the years, due to its effectiveness and has just been updated again with a new UI.

“No one knows the software better than we do. As well as this, all our project managers used Dispatcher WMS extensively in their previous jobs. We offer a unique combination of technical and operational insight into this WMS to our customers,” says Craig Jones, Managing Partner and Executive Director, Socius24.

The initial challenges

“We work within the supply chain and we’re not immune to a worldwide trend of trying to minimize costs and maximize profit. The software we sell is a best-in-breed, highly functional system that can (and does) run anything from a small family business to massive international corporations. Because of this, it’s sometimes not the cheapest option available.

When we lose out to lesser options, it’s typically because businesses have decided to implement a shorter-term, less scalable solution. And often, it’s one that then goes on to choke their expansion because the product they chose isn’t scalable or functional enough to support their growth goals. It can be frustrating at times to watch businesses go through the disruption and expense of a WMS implementation, only for them to have to do the whole thing again a few years later, but with the additional costs brought to bear by having to implement the right solution, second time around.

Strategies to remain ahead of the competition

“Having worked in the warehousing and logistics industry for such a long time, Socius24 has been able to look at where things were headed and then create additional, mobile apps that can be bolted onto a traditional WMS to expand its reach.

Additionally, when Socius24 was originally incorporated, the partners decided to make the company entirely remote as we have no offices. They did this to support their sustainability goals (no commute). However, the infrastructure that this way of working needed was already in place when 2020 came around, and because of it, the company was able to implement four projects remotely when the world needed the Supply Chain the most and many other providers had to shut operations down,” added Craig Jones.

Adaption to the contemporary demand

“Since 2020, a lot has changed in the supply chain industry, and Socius24 has evolved to facilitate those changes. Warehousing businesses used to work on a ‘just in time’ basis, meaning that they kept as little stock on hand as possible, to keep down costs. Things would be delivered and then shipped out as quickly as possible.

With the supply chain disruption brought about by the pandemic (and then through various other influences on the world supply chain such as the war in Ukraine, issues with moving container ships through the Suez Canal etc.), this ‘just in time’ methodology has transformed into a ‘just in case’ one. This means that businesses spread their inventory over a much larger area, often using third-party logistics (3PL) companies to keep additional stock on hand local to customers, in case there are additional disruptions.

Post 2020, Socius24 anticipated this movement to decentralized storage and developed their own WMS-independent and database-agnostic e-billing software – something that can quickly and easily be deployed for 3PLs to keep track of their customers’ stock,” elaborated Craig Jones.

Future vision

“The partners decided to change the structure of the company to become an Employee-Owned Trust (EOT) last year. This means that every employee now has an interest in the company. Socius24’s move into Employee Ownership was designed to secure its independence and empower its employees as co-owners,” concluded Craig Jones.

The import-export market is a dynamic and complex environment influenced by various factors such as global economic conditions, trade agreements, technological advancements, and geopolitical events. INTERNATIONAL NETWORK FOR ACHIEVABLE SOLUTIONS EXPORT- IMPORT (INAS ExIm LLC) has its primary focus on an easy, profitable, and sustainable business model in international trade.

Established in 2015, INAS ExIm LLC swiftly emerged as a prominent player in the global market with a mission to nurture enduring partnerships in the food industry. Based in the dynamic global hub of the United Arab Emirates, we are committed to cultivating lasting relationships within the global food industry.

“Our comprehensive services include private label solutions, brand strategy, product innovation, and support for bulk commodity trade. We prioritize reliability, quality, and trust in our global supplies, emphasizing the intertwining of quality and sustainability. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our strategy emphasizes making a positive impact on the world through corporate responsibility and adherence to SDGs,” says Nadiya Albishchenko, Business Owner.

The differentiating factor

“INAS ExIm LLC stands out in the industry with its unique focus on an Easy, Profitable, and Sustainable business model in international trade. Our commitment to providing achievable solutions sets us apart, ensuring that our clients experience streamlined processes, profitable outcomes, and environmentally sustainable practices. With a primary emphasis on making international trade accessible, lucrative, and eco-friendly, we redefine industry standards and create value for our partners worldwide,” added Nadiya.

Beating the odds

“Our primary challenge lies in recovering from the aftermath of the Russo-Ukrainian war, but we are proactive in our approach. With a blend of resilience, innovation, and a dash of determination, we are tackling these challenges head-on, paving the way for a brighter future.”

Influence on the global market

“At our company, we envision our products and services as catalysts for global industry transformation. With our innovative approach and commitment to excellence, we are not just changing the game—we are rewriting the rules. By consistently delivering the latest market trend solutions that exceed expectations, we are setting a new standard of excellence that resonates on a global scale. Our goal is not just to influence the industry; it is to redefine it. Through groundbreaking technologies, unparalleled quality, and a relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction, we are paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future for our industry worldwide.”

Meeting the contemporary challenges

“We have been always looking for a new partnership, especially in the wild ride that is 2024. Our company has been like a pickle in brine—adaptable and always in search of new jars to jump into! We are currently dipping our metaphorical cucumbers into the pickle business, expanding beyond our bread and butter. After some serious taste-testing in the UAE and Jordan (because who does not love a good pickle test?), we are cooking up some exciting new flavors like hamburger chips, sweet corn, and jalapenos. By the end of this rollercoaster year, we will have a whole pantry full of pickle delights ready to tickle your taste buds. Keep an eye on our catalog for the latest updates you never know what tasty surprises we will pickle next.”

The leader behind the curtain

“Well, let me tell you, it is all about creating that special something we like to call “Synergy.” You see, in my book “Synergy: A Synopsis of an Elite Business Partnership,” I dish out some practical advice on how to get your team firing on all cylinders and hitting those company goals. From celebrating the little victories like finding that missing stapler to building a team that works together like a well-oiled machine, “Synergy” is all about making work fun while still getting the job done. So, if you want to learn how to inspire and motivate your employees, grab a copy of Synergy.”

 The success story

“Yes, we had the opportunity to collaborate with one of India’s foremost pickle-manufacturing companies last year. They had a thriving business of supplying a variety of pickles to esteemed clients such as Walmart, Aldi, Lidl, and Tesco under their private label, both in the USA and European markets.

Identifying their untapped potential in the Middle East, we worked out a strategic partnership to extend their presence into this region, as well as Africa. Since our collaboration began, we have successfully initiated supply chains to key markets including the UAE, Tanzania, Jordan, and Bahrain. Additionally, we are currently in discussions with other pivotal regions such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar to commence supplies. Our extensive network and dedication to quality and reliability have played a pivotal role in our rapid market penetration.

The exceptional speed and success of our endeavors have exceeded expectations, leaving our partners delighted, satisfied, and ecstatic to continue our collaborative journey in the region.”

The Future Roadmap

“Our future roadmap is like a surprise box of chocolates you never know what you are gonna get! From animal feed to high-tech wonders, we are charting a course that is as unpredictable as it is exciting. So, buckle up, because the journey ahead promises to be a wild and delicious ride,” concluded Nadiya.

The global Customer Experience (CX) Enterprise Software Market size was valued at USD 11.05 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 22.08 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecasted period from 2024 to 2030.

UnfoldLabs, a SoftClouds Company is an innovative and leading technology and CX solutions provider based in San Diego, California. The company specializes in helping organizations maximize their Salesforce CX implementations, technology, and solution development services. “We offer a full suite of solutions and services ranging from architecture and development to integration, implementation, and support in the areas of CX, cloud, and mobile technologies,” Asokan Ashok, CEO, UnfoldLabs.  

Our Services

UnfoldLabs provides a wide range of innovative technology solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses & individuals that can make an impact globally. We are committed to delivering high-quality, reliable, and innovative solutions that empower clients to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced digital world. The company’s services include:

• Technology-Driven Innovative Products: Team UnfoldLabs uses technology to specialize in developing advanced, cutting-edge products aimed at enhancing user experiences and pushing the boundaries of digital transformation. With a keen focus on mobile and cloud technologies, we are at the forefront of creating dynamic products that incorporate the latest in AI, machine learning, and data analytics. Our commitment to innovation is evident in our approach to tackling complex technological challenges and turning them into accessible products and solutions.

• Digital Transformation: Among our array of products, UnfoldLabs has products that range from mobile/software platforms to sustainable & scalable cloud infrastructures. Notably, our mobile products stand out by offering innovation, seamless integration capabilities, and enhanced user interfaces, with usability. By continuously exploring new horizons and applying groundbreaking technologies, we are truly setting a benchmark for innovation and customer-centric solutions in the tech industry.

• Next Generation Experiences: TeamUnfoldLabs is at the cutting edge of reshaping customer and user experiences through next-generation technology products & solutions. Leveraging technologies like advanced AI, our products offer intuitive interfaces and personalized interactions that anticipate user needs and preferences. With a focus on real-time responsiveness, UnfoldLabs enhances user satisfaction & engagement across various digital & tech platforms, setting new standards for innovation in user experience. We are committed to future-ready and customer-centric innovations.

The Differentiating factor

UnfoldLabs sets itself apart from competitors through an unwavering commitment to innovation and a customer-centric focus. “We prioritize exploring the latest technologies to deliver cutting-edge solutions, ensuring that our clients benefit from the most advanced offerings on the market. Our tailored approach involves understanding each product & client’s unique needs and goals, resulting in bespoke solutions that consistently exceed expectations.

With a team of highly skilled professionals and years of industry experience, UnfoldLabs brings unparalleled expertise to every product & project. We pride ourselves on our agility and adaptability, enabling us to pivot as needed to stay ahead of market demands. Our dedication to quality and collaborative partnerships fosters strong, long-lasting relationships with our clients,” added Ashok.

The Clientele

UnfoldLabs serves a diverse and prestigious clientele across various industries, ranging from startups to established enterprises. “Our clients value our innovative approach and our ability to deliver tailored technology solutions that drive their business forward. We partner with companies in sectors such as automotive, education, finance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and telecommunications.

Our strong reputation for quality and excellence has attracted clients who seek cutting-edge technology solutions & CX services to address complex challenges and improve their operations. Through close collaboration and a deep understanding of their unique needs, we have established long-term relationships with our clients, earning their trust and becoming a trusted partner in their growth and success.”

The Future Roadmap

“Our roadmap is centered around continuous innovation and growth, with a focus on emerging technologies and expanding our products & solutions. We aim to integrate cutting-edge technologies with innovation into our solutions. By staying at the forefront of these advancements, we can deliver transformative products that drive significant value to our products & solutions. Our plan includes expanding our global footprint by entering new markets and forming strategic partnerships, allowing us to serve a broader range of industries and clients worldwide,” concluded, Ashok.

Visit Asokan Ashok – LinkedIn Profile

Visit Website –https://unfoldlabs.com

The global advisory firm landscape is characterized by intense competition, with firms continuously innovating and expanding their service offerings to meet the evolving needs of clients in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. TOUGHLOVE is a homegrown advisory firm based out of Dubai, UAE, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. “We aim to make business advice accessible to those who do not have the people, capability, capacity, or knowledge to manage this growth or even the time or funds to experiment with theories and best practices. We commit to telling these businesses what they need to hear, not what they want to hear, in a peer-to-peer approach that is driven by co-creating solutions that are market-ready. We recognize that often these assignments leave businesses vulnerable during implementation, and we are prepared to continue partnering with them throughout that phase,” says TOUGHLOVE, Khaled M. Ismail, CEO.

Our Services

TOUGHLOVE offers a modern business advisory service to guide & shape your business. “We recommend agile & scalable solutions for the best business outcomes. We partner with businesses to unlock their potential & deliver creative hands-on solutions without sizeable overhead. We help clients identify blind spots, support them in co-creating solutions, & help them develop internal skills & capabilities to overcome your challenges.”

The differentiating factor

“There is no other advisory firm with this amount of collaborative hands-on experience in the market. At TOUGHLOVE, we tell our clients what they need to hear, not what they want to hear, so we can effectively help them and their businesses. We have witnessed first-hand the dire need to engage with real-life practitioners who are about developing practical, tailor-made solutions based on their own experiences, as opposed to sharing theoretical best practices. We want businesses to know that there is a different way to get help, and that is the TOUGHLOVE say,” adds Ismail.

Mission and Vision

We focused on our experience rather than theory to advise our clients, but the trigger is our approach. Straight-talking, jargon-free, and honest approach. We tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. You will understand what we recommend to you. So, we do things differently.

• Sophisticated NOT condescending
• Trustworthy NOT fluffy
• Inspiring NOT preachy
• Progressive NOT buzzword bingo
• Ambitious and Driven NOT antagonistic
• Provocative NOT imposing
• Confident NOT Arrogant
• Supportive NOT transactional
• Direct NOT Blunt

Shaping the business landscape in the Middle East

“TOUGHLOVE partners have acquired most of their learnings from hands-on, real-life experience in prominent leadership positions and by working with, and on some of the region’s more prominent and successful brands and organizations over the past few decades.  As individuals, we have consistently been tasked with challenging and highly demanding agendas in the region that have been pegged as a growth potential for the past couple of decades.  Today, SME and family-owned businesses, which contribute to the vast majority of the economy as well as employment in most countries, must compete with the scale, financial power, and broad expertise of international organizations and brands. We collaborate with them via a straight-talking, tried-and-tested approach that brings real-life, fit-for-purpose solutions that are devoid of theory. Arguably, this formula might not appeal to all, but that’s OK. Growth and progress often require TOUGHLOVE and that is in our DNA. So, those who do seek support and advice will value the journey with us and the results it will enable them to achieve,” elaborated Ismail.

The success story   

“Over the past two years, we have worked with many local, regional, and international clients taking on a variety of assignments, from refreshing the company’s brand and positioning, assisting clients with their go-to-market strategies, restructuring marketing departments, setting marketing and business strategies, implementing plans, and always working closely with our clients. We have also been asked to take on assignments for developing and shaping internal company cultures and taking on interim CMO positions.”

Why TOUGHLOVE?

“TOUGHLOVE originated from a business insight that traditional consulting models can be improved to better serve the needs of new-age businesses. Sharing this view, our founding partners of senior practitioners joined forces to form a group that offers companies a fresh perspective for solving the problems that we had experienced ourselves. We help companies facing organizational, commercial, and operational challenges that limit their growth and performance,” concluded Ismail.

Visit Website –https://tlapartners.com

Visit Khaled M. Ismail  –  LinkedIn Profile

Amidst my studies at the esteemed Sport Institute of Finland, a captivating journey unfolded—a journey that would sow the seeds of Vilike’s inception. Engaged in conducting the APM Inventory—a method devised to assess motor and perceptual skills in children aged 3-6—I found myself deeply intrigued by the intricacies of early childhood development.

As a devoted mother and a semi-professional football player, the evolution of motor and perceptual skills in young children held a profound fascination for me. However, amidst the meticulous data collection using pen and paper, a pivotal moment of frustration ensued—the loss of essential assessment papers. It was a moment that sparked a revelation, igniting the spark of innovation.

Simultaneously pursuing studies in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, I found myself at the nexus of opportunity and ingenuity. Inspired by the potential of technology to revolutionize traditional paradigms in early childhood education, I ventured into discussions at our university’s startup incubator.

It was within this dynamic environment that the seeds of Vilike were sown—a vision to harness technology for the advancement of childhood development. Thus, from the convergence of passion and innovation emerged Vilike—a testament to the power of perseverance and the boundless possibilities of merging technology with education.

As we embark on this transformative journey, Vilike stands poised to redefine the future of childhood development, one technological innovation at a time.

Navigating the Challenges: Vilike’s Journey of Resilience

In the early days of Vilike, the road to innovation was fraught with challenges, yet each obstacle became a stepping stone towards progress. Securing adequate funding was a formidable hurdle, but with the support of the Finnish Invention Foundation and the fortuitous hiring of a development company, we forged ahead. As fate would have it, my final thesis and work placement led me to collaborate with the same company, resulting in the development of Vilike’s inaugural digital version of the APM Inventory in 2014.

Transitioning into the role of a solo entrepreneur after graduation presented its own set of challenges. Despite my earnest efforts to introduce Vilike’s digital solution to daycares, the concept was met with limited understanding. However, a serendipitous encounter with Riikka Luoto from the UKK Institute in 2015 breathed new life into our vision. Collaborating on Motor Skill Master events, we successfully collected data from over 200 children using Vilike’s digital solution.

Yet, amidst our triumphs, adversity struck once more when an integer mistake in the backend rendered our collected data unusable for scientific research. It was a devastating setback that led to a period of burnout. However, with resilience and determination, we regrouped and embarked on a journey of redemption. Joining the Boost Startup Journey accelerator, we found renewed inspiration in collaborating with Haaga-Helia students and digital artist Jenni Nadin.

The culmination of our efforts materialized in Vili’s Playbook: Active Adventure—a testament to our perseverance and commitment to innovation. In 2018, at the Junction Hackathon, we forged a pivotal partnership with computer vision specialist Sarthak Tripathi, enabling Vilike to integrate AI technology into our assessments. Recognized as the most promising startup at the HYPE sports tech accelerator in 2020, Vilike has emerged from a decade of development with a solid founding team and a bright future ahead.

As we prepare for our re-launch, we remain guided by our unwavering dedication to our mission and bolstered by the invaluable support of our peers. The journey ahead may be fraught with challenges, but with a holistic approach and a resilient spirit, Vilike is poised to redefine the landscape of childhood development for generations to come.

Fostering Curiosity, Igniting Growth: Vilike’s Mission and Vision

At the core of Vilike’s ethos lies a commitment to harnessing the transformative power of technology to enhance childhood development. Our mission is rooted in the belief that technology should serve as a catalyst for growth, igniting curiosity and fostering holistic well-being.

In a world inundated with digital distractions, Vilike envisions a future where technology becomes a facilitator of movement and learning, rather than a passive observer. Rejecting the notion of excessive screen time and linear user experiences, we are dedicated to leveraging the power of AI to create immersive solutions that inspire children to explore, discover, and move.

Central to our vision is the recognition that the journey of childhood development is not confined to a single moment, but rather a lifelong process. With this in mind, Vilike assumes full responsibility for the entire product lifecycle, ensuring that our digital offerings not only entertain but also nurture the growth of young minds.

As we embark on this journey of innovation, Vilike remains steadfast in our commitment to empowering children to thrive in the digital world, fostering happiness, health, and holistic development along the way.

Empowering Play, Inspiring Growth: Vilike’s Services

Vilike is proud to offer a range of innovative services designed to enhance childhood development and empower educators. Our flagship product, Vili’s Playbook: Active Adventure, is a groundbreaking digital experience that seamlessly blends physical movement with motor skills assessment and analysis. Through interactive gameplay, children are inspired to explore and engage in active learning, while our cutting-edge technology provides valuable insights into their developmental progress.

In addition to our pioneering product offerings, Vilike is committed to fostering collaboration and innovation within the education community. We will soon launch a digital community platform where educators can connect, share ideas, and develop similar solutions tailored to their unique professional needs. By providing a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, Vilike aims to empower educators to create impactful learning experiences for children and youth across diverse settings.

With a focus on harnessing technology to inspire growth and facilitate lifelong learning, Vilike is poised to revolutionize the landscape of childhood education. Join us on our journey as we empower the next generation to thrive in a digital world filled with endless possibilities.

Redefining Childhood Development: Vilike’s Unique Approach

Vilike sets itself apart by prioritizing children’s natural growth over entertainment. Our interactive games engage, educate, and promote holistic development. Unlike competitors, we tailor experiences to diverse learning styles, ensuring every child thrives. Vilike also champions responsible technology use, inspiring movement alongside digital exploration. Join us in reshaping childhood education for a brighter future.

Connecting with Vilike’s Clientele: Empowering Partnerships

Vilike’s clientele spans from renowned institutions like the UKK Institute to forward-thinking daycares. As we prepare to launch Vili’s Playbook via vilike.fi, we’re eager to forge co-creation partnerships with schools and academia. Our focus is not just on transactions but on collaborative relationships, where together, we tailor solutions to meet unique educational needs.

Through early access to Vili’s Playbook, stakeholders can experience firsthand the transformative potential of Vilike’s offerings. Our goal is to empower educators and caregivers, fostering holistic growth and innovation in childhood education. Join us as we shape the future of learning, one partnership at a time.

Vilike’s Collaborative Work Culture: Empowering Innovation

At Vilike, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. With a commitment to holacracy, every team member’s input is valued equally, fostering an environment where innovative ideas thrive. Transparency and open communication are key, ensuring everyone is informed and empowered to contribute meaningfully.

We celebrate diversity of thought, encouraging all team members to share their insights freely. This inclusive culture extends to our partnerships, where we collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to drive positive change in childhood education.

Our work culture is defined by a spirit of openness, respect, and shared purpose. Together, we’re reshaping the future of childhood development through technology and education, one collaborative effort at a time. Join us as we empower children to learn, grow, and thrive.

Client Testimonial: Vili’s Playbook in Action

Saara Viteli of Boutique Fun Learning Kindergarten Metsäpirtti, Finland, praises Vili’s Playbook for its simplicity and effectiveness in evaluating physical activity. Children thoroughly enjoy the engaging storyline while their physical skills are seamlessly documented and evaluated. Saara commends the product’s ease of use, highlighting the quick preparation for educators and the added charm of Panda plush toys enhancing outdoor activities. Inspired by their experience, Saara expresses interest in further digital documentation and database creation for outdoor-focused kindergarten groups. She enthusiastically recommends Vili’s Playbook to other early educators and primary education setups, affirming its value in promoting active learning experiences.

Visit Kirsi Ekberg – LinkedIn Profile

Visit Website – https://vilike.fi/

Although it started with students at first, when social media arrived on the professional scene it took off quickly.  Clients became curious then distracted before getting overwhelmed with the growing number of platform options from Facebook to Twitter/X, Insta, Snap, Pinterest, TikTok and then there were blogs too.  I was getting questions about what to do, where to be and how to do it without wasting a lot of time and energy. Even if we have not mastered the latest online tools and communities many of us have made peace with social media by picking one or two that work for us and focusing our attention.  For me and my business LinkedIn matters most.

The Metaverse started to get a lot of attention during the pandemic as the whole world migrated online but it seems to be cooling off a bit now that Artificial Intelligence or AI has moved to the forefront.  Media stories abound about ChatGPT being able to replace doctors, lawyers, MBAs, you name it.  Robots took away factory jobs years ago and now this.  Many people have asked me lately about whether I am worried that AI is going to replace marketers too.

Newspapers, radio, and television all had to adjust as technology has evolved with computers, cell phones, streaming, etc.  The marketing fundamentals will continue to be relevant – understanding what motivates your target audience to buy your products or services never goes out of style.  We will continue to help clients find the right words and pictures to tell their stories that educate, inform and/or entertain using AI but I’d argue the real killer application today is Authentic Interactions not Artificial Intelligence!  While your competition generates robotic copy that sounds generic you can stand out and break through the sea of sameness with personalized thoughtful content serving their specific needs. So don’t get distracted by the latest shiny object, to win today authenticity is what people remember.  Building connections and relationships with your audience is more important now than ever!     

I have found a nice framework for evaluating whether or not ChatGPT (or any AI) is appropriate for your task is to consider:

• Is the task high or low stakes?
• Does the task require high accuracy or high fluency? If your task is low stakes, high fluency (i.e. writing a birthday poem), conversational AI is likely a good fit for the task. If your task requires high stakes and high accuracy (i.e. making a business investment), conversational AI is most likely a bad fit for the task.

There are thousands of tasks that fall somewhere in between these two extremes so you need situational awareness and subject matter expertise to get the most out of this (or any) technology.

In my experience, the human touch always wins.  We’ve seen the push and pull between campaign automation and human-driven approaches, and human wins every time. When influencer marketing first began, every aspect of a campaign was done manually. This was by necessity since we were essentially building the playbook and executing this new marketing tactic simultaneously. Those early days required a strong foundation of brand marketing experience, smart instincts and a whole lot of grit.  Successful influencer marketing requires building relationships with influencers, crafting personalized campaigns and creating authentic content that resonates with the influencers’ audiences. These tasks require a tailored approach for every client, as well as the ability to understand the nuances of influencer marketing, specifically the unique nature of working with content creators.

Any smart marketer will tell you that technology can help streamline aspects of a campaign, but you won’t find an experienced strategist who will recommend relying solely on automation for influencer marketing.  The best influencer marketing approach is a hybrid one: human-driven campaigns enhanced by technology.  With ChatGPT generating text with just the click of a few buttons, I can see why many are questioning whether this new language model will replace content creators. If AI is so good at natural language processing and personalization, it could seem like a worrisome proposition but don’t sound the alarms yet.  Effective influencer marketing relies on the ability to create genuine and engaging content that resonates with the creator’s audience, and this requires creativity, empathy and a personal touch that is difficult for AI to replicate.  We need to keep tabs on AI developments, but I am confident that authenticity will continue to reign supreme. Influencer marketing requires experienced professionals with real—not artificial—intelligence to use tools in a smart way to engage creators who ultimately connect with and influence their followers on a personal level. Tools can enhance but cannot replace that human touch.  Technology does not have to be isolating it can be used to build our real world communities and relationships too!  

Here is my bio:   Paige Arnof-Fenn is the founder & CEO of global branding and digital marketing firm Mavens & Moguls based in Cambridge, MA.  Her clients include Microsoft, Virgin, The New York Times Company, Colgate, venture-backed startups as well as non profit organizations.  She graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Business School.  Paige serves on several Boards, is a popular speaker and columnist who has written for Entrepreneur and Forbes.