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The Uncanny Ability to Balance Idealism and Enterprise Value, feat. Adii Pienaar, Cogsy

Future Commerce
Future Commerce
Episode • Nov 25, 2022 • 49m

With the advancements in technology over the years and the prospect of advancements looking into the future, how can we make sure we are looking around and keeping our approach as one that brings others with us? Is there a way to build that also lifts others and strives to not leave some behind? Phillip and Brian chat with Adii Pienaar about this and more. Listen now! 

Human-Centered Future

  • “Going from 0 to 1 remains hard. As a founder, especially when you are responsible to your shareholders and your team members, there are some days where things don't work as hoped or planned. That is still hard.” - Adii
  • “There's an African proverb that says “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you're going to want to go far, go together.’” - Adii
  • Adii is a technologist and early adopter and believes that AI and machine learning will continue to advance, but it will stop before the robots take over completely
  • Functionally or logistically it is easier to build a business now than it was 20 years ago, but without that balance of science and art, there can’t truly be success
  • It’s very interesting to look at the dynamics of building a business with teams where the communication has to be asychronous
  • Writing well, being a storyteller, is an important skill set in eCommerce
  • “The core technology has probably not changed significantly, but we're probably at that stage now where there is a massive step change in the skills that you need to apply to use the same technology.” - Adii
  • As we continue to build technology, we have to consider the consequences from a human perspective and not leave some behind who may need a different approach

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Future Commerce Podcast: eCommerce, DTC and Retail Strategy • The Uncanny Ability to Balance Idealism and Enterprise Value, feat. Adii Pienaar, Cogsy • Listen on Fountain