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AI’s Customer Service Impact: Siddhartha Sharad on Disruption of Machine-Led Interactions

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Join Karla Jo Helms on the Disruption InterruptionTM podcast as she sits down with Siddhartha Sharad, a customer experience expert, to delve into the transformative impact of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) on customer service. They discuss shifting from traditional customer service models to AI-enabled strategies, emphasizing the strategic balance between experimentation, employee engagement, and scalable AI implementation.

TAMPA BAY, Fla., July 1, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — In transformed organizations, research estimates AI could add up to $1 trillion in annual value, with revamped customer service as a major contributor. This transformation is driven by increased customer acceptance of machine-led interactions, the growing accessibility of related technologies, and an enhanced understanding of customer behaviors through expanding data pools. (1) Karla Jo Helms (KJ), host of the Disruption Interruption podcast, sits down with Siddhartha Sharad, a trailblazer in the field of customer service advisory and a distinguished leader in business transformation, to analyze the profound impact of digital transformation and AI on customer service. They explore how these technologies are unlocking untapped potential and driving unprecedented value. “For me, disruptive innovation is about continuous improvement and driving value for both the business and its customers. The fundamental principle behind this is to keep it simple, identify the problem first, and then focus on execution.”

Generative AI Revolutionizes Customer Service
Customer service has long been a critical aspect of business operations, traditionally focused on scale, efficiency, and delivering stellar customer experiences. However, the landscape is changing rapidly with the advent of AI. “The traditional model of customer service involved scaling capabilities by adding more people. But today, finding skilled labor is increasingly difficult, and there are inflationary pressures,” Sharad explains. “Now it’s about solving problems with technology and data capabilities to position organizations for long-term success.”

“For me, disruptive innovation is about continuous improvement and driving value for both the business and its customers,” Siddhartha Sharad states. “The fundamental principle behind this is to keep it simple, identify the problem first, and then focus on execution.”

Generative AI is set to revolutionize customer service by creating a mix of human, automated, augmented, and new high-value tasks. This technology enables companies to provide proactive, personalized service, enhancing customer engagement and reducing costs while requiring human oversight to ensure accuracy and ethical behavior. As generative AI evolves alongside its adoption, it will continuously disrupt industries, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and problem-solving, thus empowering companies to gain a competitive edge. (2)

Sharad notes that approximately 30-40% of customer interactions are complex and require a human touch, but the majority are repetitive and transactional, making them ideal for automation through AI.

Transforming Customer Service with AI
Sharad shares how implementing AI in customer service faces challenges, particularly in shifting the perception from a cost center to a value center. He discusses how organizations must move beyond pilot projects to achieve real progress, leveraging AI to enhance productivity, revenue growth, and customer experiences. Success in AI adoption requires effective communication, employee engagement, high-quality data, skilled talent, and sufficient resources, with significant advancements expected to automate up to 70% of customer service interactions in the near future.

Links:
Disrupting the $100B+ US Customer Service Industry Using AI, with Siddhartha Sharad
https://omny.fm/shows/disruption-interruption/disrupting-the-100b-us-customer-service-industry-u?in_playlist=podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidsharad/
Company Website: https://www.westmonroe.com/

Disruption Interruption is the podcast where you will hear from today’s biggest Industry Disruptors. Learn what motivated them to bring about innovation and how they overcame opposition to adoption.

Disruption Interruption can be listened to in Apple’s App Store and Spotify.

About Disruption InterruptionTM
Disruption is happening on an unprecedented scale, impacting all manner of industries— MedTech, Finance, IT, eCommerce, shipping, logistics, and more—and COVID has moved their timelines up a full decade or more. But WHO are these disruptors and when did they say, “THAT’S IT! I’VE HAD IT!”? Time to Disrupt and Interrupt with host Karla Jo “KJ” Helms, veteran communications disruptor. KJ interviews badasses who are disrupting their industries and altering economic networks that have become antiquated with an establishment resistant to progress. She delves into uncovering secrets from industry rebels and quiet revolutionaries that uncover common traits—and not-so-common—that are changing our economic markets… and lives. Visit the world’s key pioneers that persist to success, despite arrows in their backs at http://www.disruption-interruption.com.

About Siddhartha Sharad
Siddhartha Sharad is a Customer Experience Expert who helps enterprises realize business value through technology automation and artificial intelligence. Siddhartha has built a strong reputation as a strategic client advisor, a true “problem solver” and a business leader with proven experience in fostering innovation-led growth.

Siddhartha’s recipe for success is simple: strike the right balance of problem-solving intelligence (IQ), emotional awareness (EQ), and execution focus (XQ). He’s honed that formula through hands-on experience running complex transformation projects and managing business P&Ls.

He successfully executed the turnaround of a Pharma & Life Sciences solutions business within 15 months by updating the customer service technology platform, revitalizing the workforce to deliver a better patient experience, and instilling a culture of innovation and change. Results achieved – $8 million in annual savings, 500% growth in the pipeline and a 10-point increase in client Net Promoter Scores.

He holds a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai and a Master in Business Administration from the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata.

About Karla Jo Helms
Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™. Karla Jo learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line — and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill into the good graces of public opinion — Karla Jo operates on the ethic of getting it right the first time, not relying on second chances and doing what it takes to excel. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception.

References
1. Das, Avinash Chandra, et al. “The next Frontier of Customer Engagement: Ai-Enabled Customer Service.” McKinsey & Company, McKinsey & Company, 27 Mar. 2023,
2. Daugherty , Paul, et al. “Generative AI Will Enhance – Not Erase – Customer Service Jobs.” Harvard Business Review, 3 Apr. 2023, hbr.org/2023/03/generative-ai-will-enhance-not-erase-customer-service-jobs.

Media Inquiries:
Karla Jo Helms 
JOTO PR™ 
727-777-4619 
jotopr.com 

Media Contact

Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, khelms@jotopr.com, jotopr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/ais-customer-service-impact-siddhartha-sharad-on-disruption-of-machine-led-interactions-302186985.html

SOURCE Disruption Interruption

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In HelloNation, Custom Auto Expert Gecovey Coffman Breaks Down Brake Warning Signs

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AMARILLO, Texas, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What do small changes in your vehicle’s braking behavior really mean? A HelloNation article featuring Gecovey Coffman of Coffman Customs helps drivers understand how early brake warning signs can prevent major repairs and improve safety on the road.

The article points out that many drivers ignore early signs like brake squealing or a slight change in pedal feel, assuming they’re harmless or temporary. But these signals often indicate worn brake pads or related issues that deserve prompt attention. When left unchecked, what begins as a small inconvenience can grow into a costly and potentially dangerous brake problem.

Brake squealing is among the most common early signals. According to the article, this high-pitched sound during light braking usually stems from worn brake pads or dust buildup. In Amarillo’s dry climate, dust is a regular factor in how brakes wear. The article explains that while occasional noise might be harmless, repeated or worsening squealing is one of the clearest brake warning signs to watch for.

Another issue the article explores is brake vibration. This can be felt through the pedal or steering wheel and is typically caused by uneven wear on the rotors. Brake vibration can worsen over time and reduce the driver’s ability to stop smoothly. The piece recommends brake inspection at the first sign of vibration to prevent further damage.

Pulling to one side when braking is another signal that may indicate uneven pressure or worn brake pads on a single wheel. The article explains how this imbalance can affect stability, especially in wet or dusty conditions, and is often overlooked until it impacts everyday driving.

The article also sheds light on the role of heat in brake wear. Stop-and-go traffic, frequent hard stops, and Amarillo’s shifting weather can all raise the temperature of brake components. This kind of repeated heat exposure increases the chances of brake squealing and accelerates the wear on pads and rotors alike.

The article emphasizes that a timely brake inspection can make a significant difference. It describes how inspections help identify wear patterns before they reach critical levels, limiting both cost and downtime. A standard brake inspection often includes checking for worn brake pads, measuring rotor thickness, and evaluating the condition of the brake fluid.

Speaking of brake fluid, the article notes that this is a frequently overlooked part of the system. Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture, which can reduce its effectiveness and lead to a softer pedal feel. The piece stresses that brake fluid should be checked regularly, as degraded fluid contributes to inconsistent stopping power, particularly under heavy use.

Seasonal changes also play a role in brake behavior. The article explains that temperature fluctuations, especially during Amarillo’s cooler mornings and warmer afternoons, can cause brake materials to expand and contract. These shifts often make existing problems like brake squealing or brake vibration more noticeable.

Even with modern dashboard alerts in newer vehicles, the article encourages drivers not to rely solely on sensors. Physical feedback, like vibration, squealing, or pulling, often appears first. By recognizing and responding to these brake warning signs early, drivers can maintain safer and more reliable braking performance.

Ultimately, the HelloNation article promotes regular maintenance as the most effective way to prevent serious brake problems. A proactive approach, based on local driving conditions and vehicle feedback, protects both safety and the vehicle’s long-term reliability.

The article, When Your Brakes Are Telling You Something, features insights from Gecovey Coffman, Custom Auto Expert of Amarillo, TX, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-custom-auto-expert-gecovey-coffman-breaks-down-brake-warning-signs-302747736.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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Sinai.ai Closes $1.45M Pre-Seed Round to Reimagine the Future of Reading

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The AI-native books platform backed by KAUST Innovation Ventures, DisrupTech Ventures, and a coalition of leading investors is transforming the way people read, bringing books to life as living, interactive aiBook™ experiences

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sinai.ai, an AI-native books platform, today announced the close of its $1.45M pre-seed funding round, led by KAUST Innovation Ventures (KIV) and DisrupTech Ventures, with participation from Maza Ventures and YOUXEL Ventures, alongside a coalition of angel investors. The capital will fund proprietary tech, AI infrastructure, user acquisition, and licensing.

The $150 billion global book market has seen little innovation in format for decades. Sinai was built to change that. At the heart of the platform is the aiBook™, a trademarked, patent-backed book format built on 100% licensed, full-text content. Readers can converse with their book in real time, generate study guides and quizzes, access titles across multiple languages, and switch between reading and listening. Sinai is launching with thousands of titles, having already secured partnerships with double-digit publishers, including several prominent names in the industry.

Investor Perspectives

“We strongly believe that AI will fundamentally reshape a wide range of industries, and the book industry is long overdue for meaningful innovation. For over two decades, the core format of books has remained largely unchanged. What the Sinai.ai team is building introduces a truly new paradigm — transforming books into interactive, intelligent experiences where readers can engage, learn, and explore in entirely new ways. We are particularly excited about the team and their ability to execute on a vision that sits at the intersection of content, technology, and user experience. We are always proud to back Egyptian founders who are building category-defining companies and pushing the boundaries of innovation beyond local markets.”
— Mohamed El Sayed Okasha, DisrupTech Ventures

“What drew me to Sinai.ai is that they’re approaching a huge, old industry with respect and clarity. Publishing has been around for centuries, and for good reason, but much of how it operates hasn’t evolved at the pace of technology. Instead of trying to break it, Sinai.ai is working alongside it, using AI to modernize how books are created, produced, and distributed. That’s a harder path. It requires understanding the incentives of everyone involved and building something that fits into a real ecosystem, not just replacing it. But it’s also the more enduring one. The companies that last are often the ones that reshape industries from within, and Sinai.ai feels like it’s doing exactly that.”
— Tambi Jalouqa, Maza Ventures

About the Team

Sinai.ai was co-founded by five individuals: Ahmed Kamel (CEO), a serial tech entrepreneur with post-graduate studies in AI and innovation at Stanford; Mohamed Elshamy (CRO), Yale MBA, with experience at Google, McKinsey, and Meta; Mohamed Elshenawy (CTO), PhD in AI from the University of Toronto, and led AI teams in different ventures; Hana Malhas (CFO), University of Michigan MBA, with deep experience in creative industries; and Abdullah Moatasem (CCO), creative director with credits at Warner Bros., Netflix, and Disney+.

Media Contact
Hana Malhas
6692369534
412491@email4pr.com
www.sinai.ai

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sinaiai-closes-1-45m-pre-seed-round-to-reimagine-the-future-of-reading-302747713.html

SOURCE Sinai.ai Inc.

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OpenTable Acquires Canadian Reservation Platform Libro, Expanding Presence in Quebec and Beyond

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SAN FRANCISCO, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant technology, announced today that it has acquired Libro, a leading Canadian reservation and table management platform. With Libro currently serving thousands of restaurant partners in the region, the acquisition will strengthen OpenTable’s offering in Canada, specifically across Quebec.

By joining forces, OpenTable and Libro will combine industry-leading discovery, table management systems (TMS), and guest relationship tools to better serve the Canadian hospitality industry.

“Libro and OpenTable share a deep commitment to the success of local restaurants, making this a natural fit for both companies,” said Debby Soo, CEO of OpenTable. “By combining Libro’s localized expertise with our global diner network, we are deepening our commitment to the Canadian dining scene and providing Libro’s restaurant partners the option to soon join OpenTable’s diner network, driving broader visibility and more bookings.”

“This is an exciting next chapter for Libro and the restaurants we serve,” said Lorne Schwartz, CEO of Libro. “By joining forces with OpenTable, we’re able to expand our reach and bring even more value to our community, while continuing to deliver the localized support and innovation our partners rely on.”

To ensure seamless service for current partners, Libro will continue to operate as a standalone brand, while benefiting from expanded visibility on the OpenTable marketplace. A phased integration of inventory, infrastructure, and security capabilities is expected to be completed in the foreseeable future.

As part of the agreement, OpenTable will welcome Libro’s employees and leadership team. The combined expertise of both organizations will focus on delivering innovative solutions for restaurateurs and diners across North America.

About OpenTable

OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant tech and part of Booking Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG), helps more than 65,000 restaurants worldwide fill 1.9 billion seats a year. OpenTable’s world-class technology empowers restaurants to focus on what matters most – their team, their guests, and their bottom line – while enabling diners to discover and book the perfect restaurant for every occasion.

About Libro
Libro is one of North America’s leading online guest experience platforms, providing restaurants with a fully branded way to fill tables, manage reservations, reduce no-shows, engage customers, and elevate the overall guest experience.

The platform enables operators to strengthen relationships with their guests and drive repeat visits—all within a seamless reservation experience.

Headquartered in Montreal, Libro serves restaurants across Canada, the United States, and Europe.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opentable-acquires-canadian-reservation-platform-libro-expanding-presence-in-quebec-and-beyond-302747348.html

SOURCE OpenTable, Inc.

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