TechBurst Talks

By: Charles Reed Anderson
  • Summary

  • In the dynamic realm of technology, buzzwords such as IoT, Smart Cities, and AI hold promise for transformative change, yet why do they often fall short of expectations? Introducing TechBurst Talks — a beacon of pragmatism in an industry often swayed by complacent optimism. Join us as we engage with global industry leaders to delve into the latest buzzwords, discerning between hype and reality.
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • 059: AI & Advertising: From MAD MEN to MACHINE LEARNING
    Mar 20 2025
    🚀 AI is transforming advertising, and in this episode, we dive deep into how digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising is changing the game. My guest, Dagny Lacka, founder of Flow City, explains how her company is using AI, foot traffic analytics, and real-time bidding to make billboard advertising as dynamic and targeted as online ads. No more two-week static campaigns—now brands can target the right people, at the right time, in the right place. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: ✅ How AI is revolutionising outdoor advertising ✅ The power of real-time ad buying & precision targeting ✅ How challenger brands are using AI to take on big advertisers ✅ The future of DOOH advertising—from 3D billboards to hyperlocal campaigns 🔥 Whether you’re in marketing, AI, or just curious about how technology is reshaping the industry, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. 🎧 Tune in now! SHOW NOTES: ⏳ [00:00] Introduction • Charles welcomes Dagny Lacka, founder of Flow City. • Today’s topic: How AI is transforming the digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising industry. ⏳ [01:30] What is Digital Out-of-Home Advertising? • DOOH is modern outdoor advertising using digital billboards instead of static posters. • Ads can now be traded in real time, rather than booked in weeks-long slots. • More flexibility and precision targeting for advertisers. ⏳ [04:15] How Flow City is Changing the Game • Flow City connects AI, foot traffic data, and ad space to help brands buy smarter and target better. • Real-time audience insights: Ads are served when the right people are present. • Example: A tech brand targeting London professionals can buy space at peak commute hours in key locations. ⏳ [08:30] Dagny’s Journey: From Journalism to AI & Advertising • Started in TV advertising, later shifted into digital outdoor advertising. • Founded Flow City to make advertising more data-driven and accessible. • Early challenges: Moving from retail analytics to smart city-driven ad placements. ⏳ [12:00] AI & Footfall Analytics in Advertising • Predicting audience movement in cities using AI. • Why traditional retail analytics didn’t work, but DOOH was a perfect match. • Dynamic content: Tailoring ads in real-time based on location and audience type. ⏳ [16:30] The Pandemic Pivot: Turning Crisis into Growth • COVID-19 shut down outdoor advertising, leaving Flow City in crisis. • The tech team used the downtime to develop better automation. • Breakthrough moment: Secured direct access to premium ad networks, unlocking major growth. • New model: Clients only pay for ads when they are actually seen, reducing risk. ⏳ [21:00] AI’s Role in Pricing & Campaign Optimization • AI helps brands find the best locations at the best prices. • Avoiding high-cost ad slots by identifying when advertising competition is lower. • Strategic ad buying: Instead of running for two weeks, brands can spread ads over months for better impact. ⏳ [25:15] Challenger Brands vs. Big Advertisers • Big brands are slow to adopt change, while small brands use AI to disrupt the market. • Case study: A challenger brand outperformed an industry leader, which eventually went into administration. • Startups and new brands can now compete with industry giants using targeted, affordable ad placements. ⏳ [30:00] How Flow City Works for Clients • AI analyzes audience behavior and suggests optimal ad placements. • Example: Instead of random billboards across London, the system targets a specific group repeatedly for higher impact. • Smart pricing: Ads are placed where they cost less but still reach the right people. ⏳ [34:00] The Future of Digital Out-of-Home Advertising • 3D digital ads & transparent screens are the next big innovations. • Hyperlocal targeting: Global brands are now customizing ads per city and even per neighborhood. • AI is improving real-time engagement in advertising, making campaigns more interactive. ⏳ [37:30] Startup Challenges & The London VC Scene • London’s VC market is risk-averse, making it harder for startups to secure funding. • Many European startups end up raising money in the US or Asia. • Flow City grew by focusing on profitability instead of chasing VC funding. ⏳ [40:00] Final Thoughts & Closing • Flow City’s mission: Help challenger brands take market share from incumbents. • The future: Expanding to more markets, helping millions of businesses run smarter ad campaigns.
    Show more Show less
    42 mins
  • 058: The ART & SCIENCE of B2B Marketing: Delivering what Buyers VALUE
    Feb 11 2025

    🚀 Tech, Marketing, and a Football Obsession—What Could Go Wrong?

    In this episode of TechBurst Talks, I sit down with my old mate Jon Buckthorp—Commercial Director of Differentiated, founder of Jon B Studios, and the kind of guy who juggles marketing, content, board advisory roles, and a questionable football allegiance (looking at you, Lincoln City).

    We cut through the noise of B2B marketing, diving into:

    🔥 Why creativity is the secret weapon in tech marketing

    🔥 The brutal truth about building a personal brand

    🔥 How to stay authentic in a world of corporate BS

    Plus, we chat about Jon’s journey from Vodafone to his portfolio career, the future of B2B marketing, and—because he can’t help himself—football.

    This one’s raw, insightful, and packed with no-BS lessons on career, creativity, and making an impact. Tune in, laugh a little, and maybe even learn something.

    01:15 Welcome to TechBurst Talks with Jon Buckthorp

    02:05 Jon's Journey in Tech and Marketing

    04:00 The Birth of a Portfolio Career

    05:10 Inside Differentiated: Creativity in B2B Marketing

    06:36 Jon B Studios: Influencer Marketing Redefined

    08:15 Challenges and Triumphs of Personal Branding

    17:40 The Women's Sports Alliance: Promoting Women in Sports

    19:45 Future Goals and Aspirations

    21:30 B2B Tech Marketing: The Good, The Bad, and The Creative

    22:50 Deliberate Marketing Strategies

    23:33 B2B Marketing Success Stories

    26:35 Challenges in 5G Marketing

    28:20 Innovative Marketing Approaches

    33:25 Personal Reflections and Career Advice

    36:05 Fun and Personal Questions

    41:40 Closing Remarks

    Find out more:

    Differentiated Web Site Linkedin

    Women's Sports Alliance Web Site Linkedin

    Follow Jon on LinkedIn X BlueSky

    Download Differentiated’s “Art and Science Research Report” here

    Show more Show less
    43 mins
  • 057: SAMSUNG'S GALAXY AI: Exploring Innovation, Security and Real-World Applications for AI on the Smartphone
    Nov 28 2024

    In this episode of Tech Burst Talks, I sit down with Ian Chong from Samsung Electronics to talk about his work on the mobile B2B team and the cutting-edge advancements Samsung is making, particularly in AI technology for smartphones.

    We dive into the new Galaxy AI capabilities, including features like Circle to Search, Live Translate, and Transcript Assist. Ian shares why on-device AI is critical for ensuring both security and speed and discusses Samsung’s collaborations with major tech players.

    We also explore how AI is being implemented in industries like law enforcement and finance. On a lighter note, Ian opens up about his passion for coffee and his quirky sock collection. To wrap up, we talk about the future of AI and its transformative potential across different sectors.

    Show Notes:

    00:45 Welcome to Tech Burst Talks

    01:00 Introducing Ian Chong and His Role at Samsung

    01:35 AI Innovations in Samsung Smartphones

    02:13 Galaxy AI Features in Action

    04:25 Live Translate and Business Features

    08:00 Samsung’s Security Measures

    10:49 Rugged Devices for Various Industries

    13:27 Customer Insights on AI

    16:58 Samsung’s Open Ecosystem and Partnerships

    21:45 Enhancing Experiences with AI

    22:21 Addressing AI Skepticism

    24:25 The Power of Hyper-Connected Devices

    25:38 Future of AI and Gen AI

    26:44 AI in Retail and B2B Applications

    29:36 Transformative AI in Healthcare

    31:20 Personal Addictions: Coffee and Crazy Socks

    36:18 Reflections and Future Aspirations

    38:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    Show more Show less
    42 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro768_stickypopup

What listeners say about TechBurst Talks

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.