Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge, Episode #48

How This Tech Startup Made Standing in Lines Obsolete

Show Notes

About the Guest(s):

Nathaniel Smith is the innovative force behind Blue Nova Technology, a company he founded in 2014. His vision for Blue Nova stemmed from the idea of streamlining shopping experiences through the versatility of a smartphone, making it simpler than ever to locate, purchase, and enjoy products and services in various venues. Well-versed in technology and leadership, Nathaniel’s impressive journey encompasses a broad expansion into management services, workforce development, and consulting, enhancing businesses far and wide.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of “Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge,” we dive into a hearty conversation with Nathaniel Smith, the visionary CEO of Blue Nova Technology. Nathaniel has steered his company toward remarkable innovations that reshape how we think about and engage with retail experiences. His focus on leveraging technology to create immersive, efficient, and human-centered interactions is a central theme we unravel in our dialogue.

Nathaniel discusses the spark that ignited Blue Nova Technology – his drive to revolutionize the shopping landscape through mobile applications. He explores the power of AI and machine learning, not just as functional tools but as the conduits of human experience, aiming to dissolve barriers and equip businesses with the intelligence to cater seamlessly to customer needs. Later, he delves into the significance of employee engagement, highlighting how opportunities for growth and skill development are key to employee retention.

Key Takeaways:

  • Blue Nova Technology is reshaping the shopping experience by using mesh networks for indoor navigation and immersive engagement through mobile devices.
  • Nathaniel emphasizes the human aspect of AI and machine learning – these technologies should enable human interaction, not replace it.
  • The future of AI is dependent on the intentions and actions of the users; AI can be a force for good or ill based on its creators and operators.
  • Employee retention is closely tied to creating an environment that fosters growth, learning, and opportunity within the company.
  • The episode touches on personal anecdotes about Nathaniel’s journey and his perspectives on business growth, customer interaction, and technology’s evolving role.

Notable Quotes:

  • “The whole point of the machine is to allow us to remove the barriers to making a sale, to closing in on what that customer need is.”
  • “I want to be able to provide all the available information to the customer that I’m talking to.”
  • “Everybody wants to be able to continue to do things that are different, so we all want to grow.”
  • “AI is only as smart as the user.”

Watch Episode #48 on YouTube

Subscribe on YouTube

Episode Details

Harnessing the Power of AI for Streamlined Shopping: Insights from Blue Nova Technology’s CEO

In an insightful discussion on Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge, Nathaniel Smith, CEO of Blue Nova Technology, delves into the transformative power of AI in the retail and tech industry. The company, since its inception in 2014, has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the shopping experience, expanding its services to include management, consulting, and workforce development. This article unravels the future of artificial intelligence, the heart of customer-centric innovation, and the importance of team engagement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Innovative Use of Mesh Networks: Blue Nova Technology leverages mesh networks for an immersive shopping experience, enhancing customer convenience.
  • AI’s Human Touch in Business: AI and machine learning are instrumental in addressing customer needs effectively when balanced with a human approach.
  • Employee Engagement and Company Growth: Engaging employees through growth opportunities and an enriching work environment is key to retention and business success.

Revolutionizing Retail with Smart Technology

The Evolution of an Immersive Shopping Experience

The foundation of Blue Nova Technology was built upon the idea of simplifying and enhancing the retail experience. Nathaniel’s initial inspiration was to create a system where “with my smartphone just a few clicks now, I’m able to purchase, search, find friends, change music, so many other things.” The technology harnesses mesh networks to pinpoint customer locations indoors, revolutionizing how we interact with products and services.

“Now, the way the system works is it uses mesh networks to locate customers and products indoors. So you’re able to identify […] all the available information to the customer that I’m talking to.” By combining intuitive technology with a personal approach to customer service, Blue Nova Technology has changed how individuals interact in commercial spaces, rendering shopping seamless.

The Roadblocks and Revelations

Transitioning from concept to reality wasn’t devoid of hurdles. Nathaniel details his approach to overcoming skepticism, emphasizing the importance of customer feedback and resilience“It worked by getting no. So, as many people told me, no. […] All of that. And I just went back to figure out what is ideally what’s wrong.” These encounters helped Nathaniel tailor Blue Nova’s offerings to address the pain points of consumers, reinforcing the tenet that feedback and persistence are invaluable in tech innovation.

AI’s Impact: A Human-Centric Approach to Technology

Embracing AI for Efficiency and Growth

Artificial intelligence, in the realm of commerce, is often seen as impersonal and intimidating. Blue Nova challenges this perception, humanizing AI to genuinely understand and fulfill customer requirements. Nathaniel eloquently puts it: “The whole point of the machine is to allow us to remove the barriers to making a sale, to closing in on what that customer need is.” His vision illustrates that the powerhouse of AI and machine learning is most effective when directed by empathy and insight into human behavior.

Aligning AI With Customer-Centric Values

What sets Blue Nova apart is its focus on utilizing AI to facilitate authentic interactions and provide customer-centric solutions. As stated by Nathaniel, “The whole point […] is to get to a cell, is to get to that ideal paying customer. If you’re able to identify the customer’s needs […], there’s ways that you can pivot and the machine allows that pivot to happen.” By aligning AI with a company’s core values of sincerity and customer care, there lies considerable potential for positive impact.

Fostering a Culture of Engagement and Innovation

Balance and Growth for Sustained Focus

Nathaniel acknowledges that employee retention is heavily influenced by their attribution of meaning and growth in their work. He asserts that by providing opportunities for learning and taking on exciting projects, team members feel invested and are less likely to seek alternative employment. This shared culture of innovation is fundamental to sustaining a dedicated workforce within a technology-driven company.

Investing in Employee Potential

The key to a dynamic and cohesive team, according to Nathaniel, is keeping them engaged through continuous challenges and learning opportunities. He champions the potential within each member, fostering an environment where “if you’re adaptable, you’ll find that excitement about a job that will allow you to stay focused for so long.” The company’s growth and employee satisfaction stand as a testament to the leadership’s commitment to their team’s personal and professional development.

Engaged, motivated employees are cornerstones in building a resilient tech company, and this philosophy underpins the ethos at Blue Nova Technology, ensuring its continued advancement.

Throughout the discourse between Mike and Nathaniel, the leadership ethos at Blue Nova Technology shines as a beacon for potential growth in the tech industry. The insightful approach to AI, prioritizing human interaction and customer satisfaction, establishes a model for future businesses. Emphasizing growth and engagement within the team ensures continual innovation and success, setting a standard for tech companies worldwide. The overall meld of technology, human touch, and leadership provides an optimistic outlook for AI’s future—demonstrating its potential to enhance lives when guided by ethical and progressive ideals.

Contact Information for Nathaniel Smith

Website: https://bluenovatechnology.com/
LinkedIn: Nathaniel Smith

Timestamp Summary
0:00:00 Nathaniel founded Blue Nova Technology in 2014 to streamline shopping.
0:01:32 Blue Nova Technology uses mesh networks to locate customers and products indoors, providing an immersive shopping experience.
0:05:29 Blue Nova Membership Services walks business owners through starting, running, and expanding a business, providing guidance and support.
0:09:36 The membership service uses AI to map the progress of customers and provide personalized recommendations for businesses and investments.
0:11:29 The Blue Nova team consists of partners and employees, with a focus on training and skill development to retain employees.
0:14:36 Nathaniel discusses the unique AI capabilities of Blue Nova Technologies.
0:15:21 Nathaniel emphasizes the importance of customer satisfaction and feedback.
0:16:00 Nathaniel explains how the work of Blue Nova Technologies attracts global talent.
0:16:42 The impact of the creator’s intentions on the ethical use of AI is discussed.
0:17:56 Nathaniel shares the importance of balance and boundaries for staying focused.
0:18:35 Finding enjoyment in work and pursuing personal interests helps maintain focus.
0:19:51 Nathaniel highlights the excitement of problem-solving and debugging in coding.
0:21:09 The potential for AI to enhance human connections and shopping experiences is explored.
0:22:01 Mike shares his experience with Magic Mind, an alternative to caffeine for focus.
0:23:26 The enjoyment and satisfaction of solving coding puzzles is discussed.
0:26:47 Nathaniel believes the future of AI depends on the user and their intentions.
0:28:59 Nathaniel discusses how users can influence AI behavior.
0:29:26 Mike talks about limitations placed on AI, such as refusing to say negative things about the president.
0:30:26 Nathaniel mentions that AI is not as smart as people think and can be programmed to perform specific tasks.
0:31:51 Nathaniel discusses how some companies control their customers through subscriptions and services.
0:32:22 Nathaniel mentions the issue of regenerative AI and the importance of AI being able to decide who to listen to.
0:33:24 Nathaniel talks about how Blue Nova Technology listens to its customers and provides them with choices.
0:34:01 Nathaniel shares where he can be found, primarily on LinkedIn and at bluenovatechnology.com.
0:34:54 Mike thanks Nathaniel for the conversation and wraps up the episode.