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Data without context is just noise. Despite billions invested in data infrastructure, most Fortune 1000 companies struggle to extract meaningful value from their investments. Why? They've built complex, fragmented ecosystems focused on tools rather than outcomes.

Srujan Akula, founder of The Modern Data Company, shares how his frustration with this industry-wide problem led to a revolutionary approach. After witnessing global enterprises repeatedly fail to achieve ROI from massive data investments, he and co-founder Animesh Kumar developed an operating system for data that converges the entire management stack into a simplified, business-centric ecosystem.

What makes their approach unique is how they flip traditional data management on its head. Instead of starting with source systems and figuring out what to do later, they begin with business intent and work backward. This right-to-left paradigm dramatically improves efficiency and accelerates time-to-value. One $30 billion distribution company transformed their customer marketing capabilities in just six weeks after spending years and $70-80 million without success.

The timing couldn't be more critical as organizations rush toward AI adoption. Akula reveals that 75-80% of enterprises are "stuck at the starting line" with AI initiatives because their data lacks the context and business meaning AI requires to be effective. By positioning their operating system as the "brain" that provides this context, The Modern Data Company helps businesses move beyond experiments to embedding AI into decision-making processes.

Perhaps most refreshing is their business approach - founded on humility, empathy, accountability, and transparency, they measure success by time-to-ROI and charge based on value created rather than seats or data volume. As Akula looks toward a future where agent technologies will transform enterprise efficiency, The Modern Data Company continues expanding with federal partnerships and an upcoming SaaS offering that promises to be "an AWS for data."

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Imagine having a delete button for the internet. That's exactly what Loti offers—a groundbreaking service that literally downloads the entire web and runs sophisticated face and voice recognition across billions of pieces of content to find and remove unwanted digital traces.

Luke Arrigoni, Loti's founder, shares how the service evolved from combating non-consensual intimate imagery into a comprehensive digital protection platform now backed by major entertainment agencies and venture capital. What sets Loti apart is their extraordinary technical approach—they can identify as little as 15% of a face or voice, making them uniquely effective at finding content that's deliberately hidden or manipulated. The company processes takedown requests within 24 hours, dramatically faster than traditional DMCA requests that can take weeks.

Corporate executives have become major users of the platform as deepfake threats proliferate. Scammers create convincing impersonations of C-suite leaders to sell fake access to companies or release fraudulent financial information. Meanwhile, celebrities and public figures use Loti in surprisingly strategic ways. Rather than removing everything, most clients establish specific rules about what should remain online versus what should be taken down, understanding that their digital presence forms an important part of their public identity.

The conversation explores fascinating ethical dimensions of digital protection. Loti operates as a "strategy engine, not a morality engine," allowing clients to set their own boundaries. While they support child protection organizations and partner with major social platforms to streamline takedowns, they deliberately avoid providing "surveillance as a service" to law enforcement, recognizing the complex ethical questions such arrangements would raise.

Ready to protect your digital self? Visit Loti's website to explore their services, including a free option providing five takedowns monthly for individual users who need protection without the hefty price tag.

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The marketing landscape is constantly evolving, but what actually works for small businesses with limited time and resources? Dave Charest, Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, reveals the surprising truth: despite all the technological advancements, success still comes down to building authentic relationships.

Drawing from Constant Contact's extensive research with thousands of SMBs, Dave shares eye-opening statistics: 56% of small business owners have less than an hour daily for marketing, 73% feel uncertain about their strategy, and over half regularly procrastinate on marketing tasks. These challenges create a perfect storm where business owners know marketing matters but struggle to implement effective approaches.

What's truly fascinating is the generational shift happening right now. Gen Z and millennials are actively seeking out small businesses at nearly twice the rate of baby boomers. They're deliberately choosing to support companies that align with their values and create authentic experiences. This presents an incredible opportunity for SMBs willing to showcase what makes them unique.

While social media remains important, Dave cautions against over-reliance on these "rented" platforms where algorithms can change overnight. Instead, he advocates building assets you actually own—particularly your email list, which he describes as "pure gold" for small businesses. Unlike social followers that can disappear with algorithm changes, your email list represents a tangible business asset that adds significant value.

The conversation takes an exciting turn when discussing AI's potential for time-strapped business owners. Dave highlights Constant Contact's AI-powered campaign builder that can create comprehensive multi-channel marketing strategies based on simple prompts about your business goals. These technologies don't replace human connections but rather free up owners to focus on creating the personal experiences that increasingly differentiate them in today's marketplace.

Looking for practical marketing guidance that cuts through the noise? This conversation delivers actionable insights on building customer relationships, leveraging automation effectively, and finding the right balance between technology and human connection for your small business.

An Acxiom podcast where we discuss marketing made better, bringing you real...

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