In this episode of the Heartbeat Podcast, host Mike Sommer sits down with John Ayers, a seasoned expert in customer experience, AI-driven personalization, and digital business transformation. John takes us through his fascinating career—from the rise of desktop publishing and MP3s to mobile responsiveness and the AI boom—sharing hard-earned lessons from navigating massive tech shifts.

Together, they unpack:

• How data powers personalization and why it’s the backbone of modern customer experience
• The game-changing role of AI in boosting efficiency and redefining user engagement
• The "data flywheel" effect and how to pick the right use cases for digital transformation
• Why trust is non-negotiable in brand relationships—and how to protect it
• AI’s impact on user behavior and the future of digital advertising

John also reflects on his journey, offering wisdom on staying curious, finding balance, and mentoring the next wave of leaders. Whether you’re a CIO, tech enthusiast, or business strategist, this conversation is packed with insights to help you thrive in today’s AI-driven world.

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00:00 Introduction to Heartbeat Podcast 00:22 Guest Introduction: John Ayers 01:03 John Ayers' Career Journey 05:34 The Role of Data in Advertising 08:49 AI and Real-Time Personalization 11:04 Lessons in Digital Transformation 21:32 The Future of AI in Customer Experience 30:15 Balancing Technology and Human Experience 38:33 Closing Thoughts and Reflections