Innovation and the Digital Enterprise

Scott Kitun is a rock star in the Chicago startup and investment world. His company, Technori, is Chicago’s largest media platform for entrepreneurs and has seen billions invested in its first decade. He joins Shelli and Patrick to talk about the current state of Chicago’s investment landscape.

For a new company, success can seem so difficult to attain. But there is a pattern to success that can help you navigate the growing pains of a fledgling business. Les McKeown is the bestselling author of Predictable Success: Getting Your Organization on the Growth Track - and Keeping It There, and has started more than 40 businesses in his own right.

The education industry has long faced barriers to innovation in the digital space. Jason Dole, CTO of World Book, wants to change this.

Ever wonder about the process of getting your packages from an online store to your door? This seemingly simple, everyday action is thanks to a complex supply chain with hundreds of touchpoints. FourKites is a supply chain management platform, enhanced by machine learning, that aims to make this process easier. Vivek Vaid is FourKites’ Chief Technology Officer and our guest today on Innovation and the Digital Enterprise.

Vivek talked to Patrick and Shelli about technology versus product development, and his approach of doing the work that is in service to customers. He also discussed why organizations need to make decisions that take into account everyone's point of view, from the customer to the tech and sales teams.

Let’s say it’s almost lunchtime and suddenly you receive a text from your favorite local restaurant with a coupon. You read the text and think, “That does sound pretty good.” You head there for lunch, show your coupon, and get your discount. In a nutshell, this is what Vibes, a platform that helps marketers drive experiences and meaningful customer connections, is all about.

Today, Pat and Shelli spoke to Vibes’ CTO Brian Garofola about the underutilized power of mobile when it comes to driving customer experience. Brian discusses why text marketing and mobile wallet can bridge the digital and physical divide, thus increasing transactions.