Mia Pokryfka & Elissa O'Dell are the founders of Huxley, a Shorty Award-winning creative tech studio specializing in innovative chatbots designed to build meaningful relationships in the DMs. Their all-female team has worked with a range of clients from best-selling authors to nonprofits like charity water, merging cutting-edge technology with a deeply human approach. They have a longstanding partnership since the viral Kony 2012 campaign, marking over a decade of pioneering digital communication and championing women in STEM.

What You'll Learn:

• Insights into the rise of AI chatbots in marketing and their impact on brand-consumer relationships.
• Strategies for using chatbots to engage consumers in one-on-one conversations that build trust and loyalty.
• The evolution of digital communication and the potential of AI to enhance rather than replace human interaction.

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Carl chats with Mia and Elissa about the transformative role of AI chatbots in marketing. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of using chatbots to forge genuine connections with audiences, emphasizing the need for chatbots to facilitate rather than automate conversations. The conversation delves into the technical and ethical aspects of AI, exploring how businesses can use these tools to enhance customer engagement without compromising on the human touch that consumers value. Highlights include Huxley's innovative approach to using chatbots for interactive online courses and their success in creating compelling digital narratives that resonate on a personal level.

Fadi Boulos is the founder of Supportful, a startup focused on reducing Lebanon's brain drain by linking global tech firms with top Lebanese engineering talent. With 16 years of international experience, Fadi effectively addresses both the needs of the tech industry and the economic challenges in Lebanon. Supportful offers a transparent, cost-effective staffing solution, rapidly connecting companies with pre-vetted engineers skilled in various tech disciplines. Outside the office, Fadi is an avid reader interested in history and politics, a football enthusiast, and a devoted father to four beautiful souls.

What You'll Learn:

• Adapting to Remote Work
• Cultural Enrichment
• The Evolution of Remote Work

Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Pixel Retentive they discussed shedding some light on the transformative power of remote work beyond its practical benefits. Through Fadi's experiences and vision, we gain a deeper understanding of how embracing remote work can enhance company culture, foster global connections, and drive significant societal change, particularly in regions facing economic challenges. Fadi’s perspective encourages business leaders and entrepreneurs to rethink how they can leverage the flexibility of remote work to create a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Kerry Ann King is the CEO and founder of Eluminate Labs, a software development company that focuses on decolonizing tech and creating inclusive software for human well-being. A lifelong dancer and choreographer, Kerry Ann leverages her artistic sensibilities to foster collaboration and innovation in the tech space. Her company, Eluminate Labs, is currently launching its debut mobile app, Finn, aimed at enhancing personal productivity through tailored feedback and coaching.

What You'll Learn:

• The role of self-discovery in boosting productivity and the importance of understanding one’s personal productivity style.
• Strategies for decolonizing technology and creating ethical, inclusive tech solutions.
• The significance of the artist’s approach to solving business problems and enhancing communication.
• Insights into managing personal and professional growth amidst the challenges of modern entrepreneurial landscapes.

Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, host Carl Cleanthes engages with Kerry Ann King in a deep dive into the intersections of creativity, technology, and productivity. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of starting and running a tech company with a focus on human-centric, inclusive design. Kerry Ann shares her journey from working in tech-adjacent roles to founding her own company, driven by a desire to make significant, values-driven changes in the tech industry. The conversation explores the concept of decolonizing technology—not just in terms of developing software but also in reshaping the cultural narratives around tech development.