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Digital Transformation with...

Digital Transformation with...

By We Build Bots

Every sector of industry is undergoing digital transformation. In this podcast series we chat to those people leading transformation projects across the Public and Private sectors. We learn about the steps they're taking, the mistakes they wish they'd avoided, and the software tools helping them along their journey. Hopefully we can create a place for people to come, listen and learn. If you're undergoing digital transformation in your organisation, we'd love to hear from you at hello@wbb.ai.

Enjoy!
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#3 - Lisa Matthews - Organising your life with AI & chatbots

Digital Transformation with...Aug 31, 2018

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Digital Transformation with... Michael Sage, Head of Digital, Chelmsford City Council

Digital Transformation with... Michael Sage, Head of Digital, Chelmsford City Council

Each month we chat to transformation leads across the public and private sectors to understand a little about their digital journeys and to (hopefully) extract some best practices. This episode we chat cloud technologies, conversational data and working to a flat IT structure across the Chelmsford City Council organisation. Enjoy!

Sep 07, 202149:25
Digital Transformation with... Kay O'Flaherty, Wrexham Borough Council

Digital Transformation with... Kay O'Flaherty, Wrexham Borough Council

Digital Transformation across the Public Sector is widespread, varied... and not without its challenges. There are so many lessons to be learnt from those doing transformation well. We include Kay O'Flaherty in that bracket, and it was fascinating to hear how Kay is driving Wrexham County Borough Council's digital adoption; and how her most recent journey differs from her previous Local Authority roles. Enjoy!

Jun 28, 202143:03
AI, automation and robotics with Dorset Council

AI, automation and robotics with Dorset Council

We caught up with Dorset Council recently as a part of their digital network initiative; a monthly gathering of council team members and external technology providers that examines best practices in digital transformation, and explores the art of the possible. This month was all about AI, automation and robotics, and we managed to chat with Lisa Trickey, Digital Strategy and Design Service Manager, Penny Syddall, Senior Communications Officer, and Laura Hall, Digital Manager. Here are the best bits!

Oct 18, 201948:14
#33 How emerging technologies are transforming tourism with Dave Vincent, Chief Digital Officer at Tourism Northern Ireland.
Sep 06, 201923:05
#32 Best Of the Botcast Year 1 - Part 2

#32 Best Of the Botcast Year 1 - Part 2

The Botcast is one year old! During the best bits part two, we highlight our conversations with the following guests …

  • Michael Sage, Head of Digital Transformation, Chelmsford City Council. We talk about the top challenges he's faced working within local authorities with the rise of digital.


  • Karen Cawte, Digital Transformation Manager at West Lothian Council. We talk to Karen about their contribution to setting up the Local Government Digital Partnership along with 31 other Scottish Local Authorities plus much more.


  • Alex Cousins, Business Development Director at Capita. Alex offers a fantastic birds eye view of 20 years in transformation.


  • Steven Kyle, Transformation Programme Manager at Dundee City Council. We discuss what their transformation model looks like in relation to service design, how they're approaching digital transformation as a whole.


  • Lee Jones - Head of Contact Centre Newport, Lucy Parton - Head of Transformation and James Harrison - Head of Robotics and AI at Lloyds Banking Group. We talk about Lloyds £3 billion investment in technology and staff to improve digital services, how they're planning to better engage with their 14 million digitally active customers.


  • Jenny Nelson, Digital Newcastle Programme Manager at Newcastle City Council. We talk about how Jenny’s tackled imposture syndrome, the adoption of their adult social care bot, how Newcastle is set to become the UK’s leading Smart City plus much more!


  • Paul Ward, Head of ICT & Digital at Coventry City Council. Budget cuts are a challenge faced across the board so we talk about how they're using technology to help make savings as well as drive innovation.


  • Natasha Bhambhra, Senior Strategy Advisor at Government Digital Service. We talk to Natasha about the GDS Academy, DDaT Fast Stream programme as well as their Emerging Technology Development Programme.


  • Derek Hobbs Interim Director of Business Development and Digital Transformation at Careers Wales. We discuss Derek’s highly praised Carer’s Allowance Digital Service which has an impressive satisfaction score of 90% and a take-up of over 70%!


  • Aaqib Usman, Founder & CEO at Midwest Immersive. We wanted to know how the public sector could use immersive technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) to better engage constituents.

Let us know your favourite episodes and top takeaways using #thebotcast on any of our social channels listed below or via Anchor.fm. You can also find us at ⇢ wbb.ai or email us at info@wbb.ai.

Twitter - @webuild_bots

Instagram - @we_build_bots

Facebook - @webuildbotsai

Linkedin - @webuildbots

Aug 30, 201958:28
#31 Best Of The Botcast Year 1 - Part 1

#31 Best Of The Botcast Year 1 - Part 1

The Botcast is one year old! And in celebration of it’s first birthday, we thought we’d throwback to some of the best bits and top takeaways over the past year! There are so many, so here is part one where we highlight our conversations with the following guests …


  • Julian Harris, Head of Technology Research at CognitionX. We discuss Digital Autonomous Organisations (DAO’s), how London has just emerged as the AI Capital of Europe and how to harness the power of AI in business.


  • Dr Zara Nanu, CEO at Gapsquare. The World Economic Forum have said that it’s going to take 217 years to close the gender pay gap. Dr Zara Nanu and her team are aiming to do this in under 20 years so we talk about how she’s planning to achieve this.


  • Lisa Matthews, CEO at HellyHolly. Lisa is building a personal organisation chatbot called 'Our Canary' which takes all spheres of life into consideration - not just your calendar. We also discuss opportunities within voice and what it's like being a minority in the tech industry.


  • Pete Gatenby, Chief Strategy Officer at B60. We talk to Pete about how companies can embrace digital transformation, the importance of testing and celebrating failure and how slow and steady no longer wins the race.


  • Kane Simms, Host of VUX World. We find out what Kanes learnt from chatting to voice specialists over the past 6 months. We also talk about voice search becoming the new organic search and whether voice search will be the death of SEO.


  • Emma Jackson, Digital Programme Manager and Abigail Barton, Communications and Engagement Manager at Monmouthshire County Council. We talk about the launch of their new chatbot Monty and how it’s helping them better engage with constituents.


  • Cindy Rose OBE, CEO at Microsoft UK. Microsoft publicly commit to re-skilling people already working in the tech industry in areas such as the Cloud and AI - specifically in the public sector so we wanted to know what this looks like and how Cindy see's AI impacting the Government as a whole. We also talk about how with the potential of AI often comes unintended consequences and lastly we touch upon how AI is being used to address broader societal issues.


  • Alison Hughes, Assistant Director of ICT Strategic Partnerships at Wigan & Bolton Councils. Alison was voted #2 Female Gov Tech Leaders 2018 and Top 30 Women In Tech Manchester. We chat to her about the challenges they face at Wigan and Bolton and their decision to outsource IT in a £47m contract in 2013 and how they go about storing and effectively utilising the data of 600,000 citizens plus much more!


  • Kieron McGhie, Strategic Transformation Workstream Lead at Barking and Dagenham Council. Kieron has helped generate vast savings by integrating 2 major councils with digital solutions resulting in them offering services online as well as being an influencer and significant contributor as part of 2 major digital platform roll outs with 2 large local authorities. We were excited to understand Kieron's birds eye view perspective on councils across the world in order to really understand challenges across the board.

Let us know your favourite episodes and top takeaways either via the Anchor.fm app directly or using #thebotcast on any of our social channels listed below. You can also find us at ⇢ wbb.ai or email us at info@wbb.ai.

Twitter - @webuild_bots

Instagram - @we_build_bots

Facebook - @webuildbotsai

Linkedin - @webuildbots

Aug 30, 201955:54
#30 How local authorities can use immersive technologies to better engage constituents, increase efficiencies and save money with Aaqib Usman, Founder & CEO at Midwest Immersive

#30 How local authorities can use immersive technologies to better engage constituents, increase efficiencies and save money with Aaqib Usman, Founder & CEO at Midwest Immersive

This week, we went international and caught up with Chicago based Aaqib Usman, Founder & CEO at Midwest Immersive.

In July 2016, Aaqib set up Midwest Immersive which is an interactive technology studio that works with brands and agencies combining new media art forms and emerging technologies to create one-of-a-kind consumer experiences. They’ve worked with a number of major brands including Nike, Adidas and Cadbury as well as won multiple awards for innovation. 

Aaqib tells us about some of the most interesting and exciting projects he’s working on including the creation of a Snapchat lens that gained 24,000 views in just four hours as well as working on a project with Adidas during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. 

I wanted to know how the public sector could use immersive technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) to better engage constituents. Aaqib came up with some great examples so if you’re looking for ways to better engage your community, grab a cup of tea and take half an hour to listen to this episode. 

We ask all of our guests which resources they use to enhance their digital transformation knowledge. Aaqib’s top pick was a podcast called AngelList where you learn investing from experienced angels and VCs.

As always, we love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, so please send your questions/ requests/ feedback to us via the Anchor.fm app directly or using #thebotcast on any of our social channels listed below. You can also find us at ⇢ wbb.ai or email us at info@wbb.ai.

If you'd like to be a guest, you can contact our host directly ⇢ lucy@wbb.ai. 

Twitter - @webuild_bots

Instagram - @we_build_bots

Facebook - @webuildbotsai

Linkedin - @webuildbots

Aug 06, 201928:17
#29 Exploring The Art Of The Possible with Derek Hobbs Interim Director of Business Development and Digital Transformation at Careers Wales

#29 Exploring The Art Of The Possible with Derek Hobbs Interim Director of Business Development and Digital Transformation at Careers Wales

We're interviewing Digital Transformation specialists across the country to find out how they're approaching their digital transformation process and how the use of AI, automation, machine learning and chatbot technology can help councils to save money, increase efficiencies and improve customer service. 


This week, we chatted to Derek Hobbs, Interim Director of Business Development and Digital Transformation at Careers Wales. Derek started his digital transformation journey with the DVLA where he was taken on to market the new online car tax system. He then held a number of interesting roles within digital transformation, including Head of Operational Digital Services, Digital Efficiencies, Channels and Customer Experience (CX) at the Department for Work and Pensions not to mention setting up his own digital transformation consultancy.


Derek introduced RPA (robotic process automation) into the Department for Work and Pensions so we discuss what made him pivot towards automation and how RPA was received internally as well as externally. He then tells us about the highly praised Carer’s Allowance Digital Service he developed using agile methodology which has an impressive satisfaction score of 90% and a take-up of over 70%!


We also talk about Dereks role as Head of Strategic Marketing at the pensions regulator where he was hired for the role out of automated enrolment as well as his objective to make DWP paperless internally by 2022 - a huge task with considering they have 90,000 staff!


We ask all of our guests which resources they use to enhance their public sector digital transformation knowledge. Dereks top picks were whitepapers, podcasts such as Tech Tent, Trending and McKinsey as well as a book called The Best Service Is No Service by Peter Massey. 


As always, we love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, so please send your questions/ requests/ feedback to us via the Anchor.fm app directly or using #thebotcast on any of our social channels listed below. You can also find us at ⇢ wbb.ai or email us at info@wbb.ai.


If you'd like to be a guest, you can contact our host directly ⇢ lucy@wbb.ai. 


Twitter - @webuild_bots

Instagram - @we_build_bots

Facebook - @webuildbotsai

Linkedin - @webuildbots

Jul 26, 201948:07
#28 Building The Most Digitally Skilled Population of Civil Servants In The World with Natasha Bhambhra, Senior Strategy Advisor at GDS

#28 Building The Most Digitally Skilled Population of Civil Servants In The World with Natasha Bhambhra, Senior Strategy Advisor at GDS

We're interviewing Digital Transformation specialists across the country to find out how they're approaching their digital transformation process and how the use of AI, automation, machine learning and chatbot technology can help councils to save money, increase efficiencies and improve customer service. 


This week, we caught up with Natasha Bhambhra, Senior Strategy Advisor at Government Digital Service. GDS is a team within the Cabinet Office tasked with transforming government digital services. Responsibilities include building GOV.UK, making sure that people can sign into government services safely and easily, choosing the right technology for government, improving the way in which the government buys digital services plus much, much more!


We talk to Natasha about the GDS Academy, DDaT Fast Stream programme as well as their Emerging Technology Development Programme which offer training in subjects like artificial intelligence, virtual reality and biotechnology. This leads us on to discuss the importance of growing your own talent in order to combat the skills gap. 


Lastly, we discuss which new technologies Natasha thinks will impact the government most and how the likes of AI, machine learning, chatbots, voice technology and data capture will continue to transform the way the government operates over the coming years. 


We ask all of our guests which resources they use to enhance their public sector digital transformation knowledge. Natasha's top picks were Wired Newsletters and Digital Leaders Blog


As always, we love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, so please send your questions/ requests/ feedback to us via the Anchor.fm app directly or using #thebotcast on any of our social channels listed below. You can also find us at ⇢ intelagent.ai or email us at info@webuildbots.ai.


Twitter - @webuild_bots

Instagram - @we_build_bots

Facebook - @webuildbotsai

Linkedin - @webuildbots

Jul 16, 201924:47
#27 Creativity, Innovation and Self Service Strategy with Paul Ward, Head of ICT & Digital at Coventry City Council

#27 Creativity, Innovation and Self Service Strategy with Paul Ward, Head of ICT & Digital at Coventry City Council

We're interviewing Digital Transformation specialists across the country to find out how they're approaching their digital transformation process and how the use of AI, automation, machine learning and chatbot technology can help councils to save money, increase efficiencies and improve customer service.


This week, we caught up with Paul Ward, Head of ICT & Digital at Coventry City Council who has worked at Coventry for almost two decades and therefore seen huge evolution in this space with the rise of digital. Budget cuts are a challenge faced across the board so we talk about how they're using technology to help make savings as well as drive innovation.


Coventry's contact centre covers a huge range of topics including general enquiries, payments, council tax appointments and queries, housing benefit and housing services plus much more. We wanted to find out how they're looking to streamline their contact centre and improve the customer journey using automation, AI, chatbots and data capture. We also talk about their biggest challenges, how they're approaching digital transformation and which technologies they see having the biggest impact on local authorities in the future. 


As always, we love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, so please send your questions/ requests/ feedback to us via the Anchor.fm app directly or using #thebotcast on any of our social channels listed below. You can also find us at ⇢ intelagent.ai or email us at info@webuildbots.ai.


Twitter - @webuild_bots

Instagram - @we_build_bots

Facebook - @webuildbotsai

Linkedin - @webuildbots

Jul 09, 201952:30
#26 Digital Cities: Newcastle set to become the UK’s leading smart city
Jul 02, 201945:22
#25 Bots in Banking: Tech Talk With The UK’s Largest Digital Bank – Lloyds Banking Group
Jun 25, 201931:44
#24 Strategy & Service Design with Steven Kyle, Transformation Programme Manager at Dundee City Council

#24 Strategy & Service Design with Steven Kyle, Transformation Programme Manager at Dundee City Council

We're interviewing Digital Transformation specialists across the country to find out how they're approaching their digital transformation process and how the use of AI, automation, machine learning and chatbot technology can help councils to save money, increase efficiencies and improve customer service.


This week, we spoke to Steven Kyle, Transformation Programme Manager at Dundee City Council about how digital transformation is integral to all transformation projects, not just digital ones and how this is an essential pillar of the 21st century public sector workforce. 


Service Design is an area that Dundee City Council is particularly passionate about. We discuss what their transformation model looks like in relation to service design, how they're approaching digital transformation as a whole, what challenges they're up against and which technology they're implementing to help combat some of these challenges. 


Last year, Dundee hosted GovJam; a global event carried out simultaneously across 32 cities. GovJam aims to introduce public sector workers to a wide range of service design techniques throughout a 48 hours challenge to solve problems around a key theme. We talk to Steven about what they learnt by hosting this event as well as discussing the work that Dundee are carrying out alongside the Scottish Government in order to help develop the ‘Scottish Approach to Service Design’. 


As always, we love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, so please send your questions/ requests/ feedback to us via the Anchor.fm app directly or using #thebotcast on any of our social channels listed below. You can also find us at ⇢ intelagent.ai or email us at info@webuildbots.ai.


Twitter - @webuild_bots

Instagram - @we_build_bots

Facebook - @webuildbotsai

Linkedin - @webuildbots

Jun 18, 201937:12
#23 Twenty Years Of Transformation with Alex Cousins

#23 Twenty Years Of Transformation with Alex Cousins

We're interviewing Digital Transformation specialists across the country to find out how they're approaching their digital transformation process and how the use of AI, automation, machine learning and chatbot technology can help councils to save money, increase efficiencies and improve customer service.


This week, we spoke to Alex Cousins, Business Development Director at Capita whose career stems back to the 1980’s when she spent 16 years working in various roles in Liverpool City Council. In 2001, she spent nearly four years working as Head of E-Government at Hammersmith & Fulham Council before moving into Local Government Consulting. In 2006, she then became Transformation Sales Director at BT Global Services before moving into a Local Government and Communities Executive role at Hewlett-Packard. Since 2015, she's been working as the Business Development Director at Capita.


With over 20 years experience working within local authorities as well as many years working within the private sector organisations, Alex offers a fantastic birds eye view of Digital Transformation across the board. We talk about how has emerging technology and working within a more digital environment has been received and adopted within the public sector and Alex shares some success stories as well as roadblocks along the way.


We talk about her involvement with The Northern Powerhouse, a project aimed to rebalance the economy with over £13bn worth of planned investments to be spent on place based infrastructure. Five years in, we ask Alex how has this project been rolled out, what impact it's had and whether there's been a ROI.


Capita are working on some really exciting projects of late and Alex has pitched Ismail Alma, Patrick Gormley and Serge Torbin as the ones to watch so be sure to watch out for what these digital pioneers are up to over the following months. 


As always, we love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, so please send your questions/ requests/ feedback to us via the Anchor.fm app directly or using #thebotcast on any of our social channels listed below. You can also find us at ⇢ intelagent.ai or email us at info@webuildbots.ai.


Twitter - @webuild_bots

Instagram - @we_build_bots

Facebook - @webuildbotsai

Linkedin - @webuildbots

Jun 11, 201948:16
#22 West Lothian Council's Take On Transformation

#22 West Lothian Council's Take On Transformation

We're interviewing Digital Transformation specialists across the country to find out how they're approaching their digital transformation process and how the use of AI, automation, machine learning and chatbot technology can help councils to save money, increase efficiencies and improve customer service.


This week, we spoke to Karen Cawte, Digital Transformation Manager at West Lothian Council. Karen has a career in the public sector stemming back to 2003, so we talk about the changes she's seen with the rise in digital and how this has impacted and benefited local authorities. West Lothian are part of the Digital Champions Network so we talk to Karen about what this looks like and the impact it has, they also contributed to setting up the Local Government Digital Partnership along with 31 other Scottish Local Authorities so we find out more about how collaboration is helping Scottish local authorities to innovate across the country. 


Karen breaks down the core themes within West Lothian's Digital Transformation Strategy and explains what their vision for each theme. Data is a big talking point and West Lothian store data of around 175,000 citizens, so we find out how they use this data to feed into their decision making and better engage with your constituents. We also talk about how they plan to better serve vulnerable members of society as well as encourage constituents to sign up for a 'MyAccount', plus much more. 


As always, we love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, so please send your questions/ requests/ feedback to us via the Anchor.fm app directly or using #thebotcast on any of our social channels listed below. You can also find us at ⇢ intelagent.ai or email us at info@webuildbots.ai.


Twitter - @webuild_bots

Instagram - @we_build_bots

Facebook - @webuildbotsai

Linkedin - @webuildbots

Jun 04, 201936:09
#21 Talking Transformation with Michael Sage, Head of Digital Transformation, Chelmsford City Council

#21 Talking Transformation with Michael Sage, Head of Digital Transformation, Chelmsford City Council

We're interviewing Digital Transformation specialists across the country to find out how they're approaching their digital transformation process and how the use of AI, automation, machine learning and chatbot technology can help councils to save money, increase efficiencies and improve customer service.

We were thrilled to welcome Michael Sage, Head of Digital Transformation, Chelmsford City Council onto the show, Michael has over the last 16 years experience running digital transformation projects in the public and 3rd sector. We talk about how maintaining his consultancy role throughout his permanent public sector roles has benefited the local authorities he's worked with as well as the top challenges he's faced working within local authorities with the rise of digital. 

We wanted to find out what the process of becoming digitally independent looks like for Chelmsford and whether there are any synergies between the challenges faced by both South Norfolk and Chelmsford Councils. 

Lastly, we talk about which technology has reaped the most rewards over the years, which new technologies he's most excited about as well as what advice/best practices he'd suggest to councils who are early on in their Digital Transformation process. 

As always, we love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, so please send your questions/ requests/ feedback to us via the Anchor.fm app directly or using #thebotcast on any of our social channels listed below. You can also find us at ⇢ intelagent.ai or email us at info@webuildbots.ai.

Twitter - @webuild_bots

Instagram - @we_build_bots

Facebook - @webuildbotsai

Linkedin - @webuildbots

May 29, 201940:55
#20 Digital Transformation in UK & NZ Local Authorities with Kieron McGhie, Strategic Transformation Workstream Lead at Barking and Dagenham Council

#20 Digital Transformation in UK & NZ Local Authorities with Kieron McGhie, Strategic Transformation Workstream Lead at Barking and Dagenham Council

We're interviewing Digital Transformation specialists across the country to find out how they're approaching their digital transformation process and how the use of AI, automation, machine learning and chatbot technology can help councils to save money, increase efficiencies and improve customer service.


We were thrilled to invite Kieron McGhie, Strategic Transformation Workstream Lead at Barking and Dagenham Council onto The Botcast. After starting out as a labourer working on bridges all over Lancashire and becoming a qualified street mason, Kieron worked in councils for most of his life, either as a permanent employee or as a contractor. Not only has he worked for councils across the UK but also overseas in the likes of New Zealand where you lived with your family for 13 years. 


Kieron has helped generate vast savings by integrating 2 major councils with digital solutions resulting in them offering services online as well as being an influencer and significant contributor as part of 2 major digital platform roll outs with 2 large local authorities. As an experienced contractor who understands in depth the challenges that all local authorities face from a digital transformation perspective, we were excited to understand Kieron's birds eye view perspective on councils across the world in order to really understand challenges across the board. 


As well as talking about his wealth of experience, we also talk about which emerging technologies are set to change local authorities over the next decade. Lastly, Kieron gives some great advice on first steps for councils struggling to kick start their digital transformation process. If you need a helping hand on your Digital Transformation journey, you can contact Kieron here 👉ciukltd@gmail.com


As always, we love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, so please send your questions/ requests/ feedback to us via the Anchor.fm app directly or using #thebotcast on any of our social channels listed below. You can also find us at ⇢ intelagent.ai or email us at info@webuildbots.ai.


Twitter - @webuild_bots

Instagram - @we_build_bots

Facebook - @webuildbotsai

Linkedin - @webuildbots

May 22, 201947:14
#19 Hacker, Headbanger, Harley Rider & Tech Evangelist - An Interview with Julien Simon, Global Technical Evangelist in AI & Machine Learning at AWS

#19 Hacker, Headbanger, Harley Rider & Tech Evangelist - An Interview with Julien Simon, Global Technical Evangelist in AI & Machine Learning at AWS

During this episode, we talk to Julien Simon, Global Technical Evangelist in AI & Machine Learning at AWS about what he's learnt over the past decade working as a CTO for a number of companies around the world and what his role as Global Technical Evangelist in AI & Machine Learning at AWS looks like.


We ask Julien to expand on the different services AWS offer around infrastructure, AI and machine learning as well as discussing Amazon SageMaker which holds huge potential for developers. Julien provides some valuable insights into initial steps for developers if they're new to using AWS and we ask him to expand on how he envisions AI, ML and Automation continuing to enhance the buyers journey over the next decade. 


Lastly, we dig a little deeper into what emerging technologies he's most excited about as well as talking about re:MARS; Amazons invite only tech conference inspired by Mars!


As always, we would love to hear what you’re enjoying, what you’re not and what you’d like to hear more of so please send your questions/ requests/ feedback to us via the Anchor.fm app directly or using #thebotcast on any of our social channels listed below. 


Twitter - @webuild_bots
Instagram - @we_build_bots
Facebook - @webuildbotsai
Linkedin - @webuildbots

May 17, 201954:45
#18 Digital Transformation and Innovation at Wigan & Bolton Councils with Alison Hughes, Assistant Director of ICT Strategic Partnerships & #2 Female Gov Tech Leaders 2018

#18 Digital Transformation and Innovation at Wigan & Bolton Councils with Alison Hughes, Assistant Director of ICT Strategic Partnerships & #2 Female Gov Tech Leaders 2018

We're interviewing Digital Transformation specialists across the country to find out how they're approaching their digital transformation process and how the use of AI, automation, machine learning and chatbot technology can help councils to save money, increase efficiencies and improve customer service.


We were thrilled to invite Alison Hughes, Assistant Director of ICT Strategic Partnerships onto The Botcast. Alison has built an exceptional network across the public sector and is a trusted advisor to many authorities on driving business change through the use of ICT and digital transformation. Alison heads up a unique relationship on behalf of the Bolton & Wigan Partnership which she tells us all about during this episode. She was also voted #2 Female Gov Tech Leaders 2018 and Top 30 Women In Tech Manchester - as you know, we're passionate about showcasing inspiring and pioneering women in technology so we are thrilled to call Alison a guest on The Botcast. 


We talk to Alison about the challenges that Wigan and Bolton Councils face, how they are planning to tackle these challenges using technology and how AI, machine learning, chatbots and voice activated devices could be integral to councils of the future. We also chat about their decision to outsource IT in a £47m contract in 2013 and how they go about storing and effectively utilising the data of 600,000 citizens plus much more!


As always, we love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, so please send your questions/ requests/ feedback to us via the Anchor.fm app directly or using #thebotcast on any of our social channels listed below. You can also find us at ⇢ intelagent.ai or email us at info@webuildbots.ai.


Twitter - @webuild_bots

Instagram - @we_build_bots

Facebook - @webuildbotsai

Linkedin - @webuildbots

Apr 18, 201956:09
#17 Tech Gets Its S3XY Back

#17 Tech Gets Its S3XY Back

At the end of each month, Lucy Hopkins, Digital Marketing Manager at We Build Bots and Craig Pugsley, Director and Creative Lead at StudioFlow explore the hottest tech news stories to hit the press that month. 


During this episode they discuss foldable phones, Nike's brand new self lacing Adapt BB, the release of Apples rumoured AirPods 2, how Elon Musk is bringing S3XY back with his Model Y, not to mention the shocking release of 'The secret lives of Facebook moderators in America' by The Verge.


As always, we love to hear from you! We want to know what you’re enjoying, what you’re not and what you’d like to hear more of. Please send your questions/ requests/ feedback to us via the Anchor.fm app directly or using #thebotcast on any of our social channels listed below.


Twitter - @webuild_bots
Instagram - @we_build_bots
Facebook - @webuildbotsai
Linkedin - @webuildbots


Thanks for listening :)

Mar 28, 201950:38
#16 Tech News Digest - Tesla Talks
Mar 13, 201942:23
#15 Talking AI with Cindy Rose: The UK's Most Powerful Women In Tech
Mar 07, 201909:00
#14 - How Monmouthshire County Council Are Digitally Transforming Using Chatbots & AI

#14 - How Monmouthshire County Council Are Digitally Transforming Using Chatbots & AI

During this Botcast episode, we talk to Emma Jackson, Digital Programme Manager and Abigail Barton, Communications and Engagement Manager at Monmouthshire County Council. 


We Build Bots have been working with Monmouthshire County Council to develop their bilingual chatbot; Monty. Monmouthshire welcomed residents to ‘Love Digital’ on Friday, 25th January – St Dwynwen’s Day, the Welsh equivalent of Valentine’s Day – with the launch of Monty which is available 24/7/365 on Monmouthshire’s website – monmouthshire.gov.uk – and via its Facebook messenger service – @MonmouthshireCC. Monty is the first local authority chatbot in Wales and is set to enhance Monmouthshire County Council’s digital experience. 


During this episode, they share how they have approached their digital transformation strategy, the key challenges they face as a council and how Monty is helping to combat these challenges. We also talk about what challenges they foresee for councils over the coming years and how they think chatbot technology and AI will help with these challenges. Lastly, we ask them what advice they would give to Councils who are wary about chatbot adoption. 


If you're a council interested in learning more about how chatbot technology could help you save money, increase efficiencies and transform your customer service, book a demo ⇢ wbb.intelagent.ai/book-a-demo or email us at info@webuildbots.ai.


As always, we love to hear what you’re enjoying, what you’re not and what you’d like to hear more of so please send your questions/ requests/ feedback to us via the Anchor.fm app directly or using #thebotcast on any of our social channels listed below.


Twitter - @webuild_bots
Instagram - @we_build_bots
Facebook - @webuildbotsai
Linkedin - @webuildbots

Feb 28, 201924:00
#13 - Natalia Solnica - How Chatbots And AR Are Coming For Commerce In 2019
Feb 12, 201931:02
#12 CES 2019
Jan 23, 201945:01
#11 - Kane Simms - Top Takeaways from 6 Months Talking to Voice Specialists
Jan 07, 201942:11
The Botcast #2 Monthly News Digest
Dec 21, 201848:43
#9 - Charlie Cadbury - The Future Of Communication Between Brand & Customer
Dec 12, 201819:52
The Botcast #1 Monthly News Digest
Dec 02, 201850:26
#7 - Craig Pugsley - VUX Series ~ All Things Alexa

#7 - Craig Pugsley - VUX Series ~ All Things Alexa

Over the next three episodes, we focus specifically on Voice ~ The Botcast VUX Series.

During this episode, we talk to Craig Pugsley, Director and Creative Lead at Studio Flow about what he's learnt working with conversational user interfaces, his time at Just Eat where he created the UK’s very first e-commerce Alexa skill and his VCSW meet-up where he brings together a community of VUX designers, chat engineers and conversational product owners to talk about all things Voice.

We also chat about IFA 2018 in Berlin, Studio Flow's approach to building voice interfaces and what Craig predicts the next 5 years will look like in the world of voice and chat bots.

Remember to use #TheBotcast to share your thoughts, topic ideas and guest suggestions.
Nov 05, 201831:34
#6 - Adam Greenwood - Top Takeaways from a 1 month Tech Pilgrimage

#6 - Adam Greenwood - Top Takeaways from a 1 month Tech Pilgrimage

We talk to Adam about what he learnt during his one month tech pilgrimage, his continuous experimentation in the voice space and how Greenwood Campbell has evolved and adapted in this rapidly changing landscape.
Oct 25, 201840:32
#5 - Pete Gatenby - Embracing failures during Digital Transformation with Pete Gatenby.

#5 - Pete Gatenby - Embracing failures during Digital Transformation with Pete Gatenby.

We talk to Pete about how companies can embrace digital transformation, the importance of testing and celebrating failure and how slow and steady no longer wins the race.
Oct 11, 201836:09
#4 - Paul Shepherd - Revolutionising Customer Services with Chatbots

#4 - Paul Shepherd - Revolutionising Customer Services with Chatbots

We talk to Paul Shepherd, CEO of We Build Bots about their rapid growth after overfunding by 55%. We also talk about micro services, how WBB's product IntelAgent is revolutionising customer services and what chatbots can do for businesses as a whole.
Sep 14, 201833:52
#3 - Lisa Matthews - Organising your life with AI & chatbots

#3 - Lisa Matthews - Organising your life with AI & chatbots

We talk to Lisa about her personal organisation chatbot; 'Our Canary' which takes all spheres of life into consideration - not just your calendar. We also discuss opportunities within voice and what it's like being a minority in the tech industry.
Aug 31, 201835:25
#2 - Dr Zara Nanu - Closing the Gender Pay Gap with AI
Aug 14, 201822:22
#1 - Julian Harris - Harnessing the Power of Chatbots
Aug 13, 201845:29