Web Summit Insights 2023

As the dates of November 13-16 approached, anticipation for Web Summit 2023 reached an enormous. Attendees were eager to partake in this global gathering set in the captivating fall ambiance of Lisbon. The event promised more than just networking; it was an opportunity to exchange best practices, gain tech insights, and savor the unique charm of Lisbon.

Some of the most important sessions presented at the summit were:

• The EU's approach to AI by Amy Challen and Tom Lee-Devlin.
• A digital transformation odyssey across PepsiCo's end-to-end value chain by Dr. Athina Kanioura.
• The green startups landscape in Germany: Business opportunities Masterclass.
• The ever-changing aspects of GTM strategy by Marcos Osorio.
• The entrepreneur's IPO: Taking your company public masterclass by Peter Goldstein and David Meltzer. ?

Voices from Web Summit after-party????

??"The only thing that works 100% for sales now is client relations and account management. We need to look for opportunities to make our customers' businesses powerful and present ideas to the client's team," ?shared the CEO of a Software Game Development company during the Web Summit after-party.

This sentiment echoed across medium and large enterprises, emphasizing the importance of mutual agreements based on the value each side contributes.

"Unknown became a part of the game and did not frighten so much." Julia is a head of the client service at the medical labs' network

She shared the story about a new service introduced to parents in the medical labs network where she works: a board game to help the parents prepare kids for medical procedures that little ones do not like; it became a part of the kids' lab center.

Cracking the pitching code

A critical discussion emerged around the efficacy of pitches, with insights revealing common pitfalls and potential solutions. The consensus was that pitches often lacked value for customers, exhibited a reluctance to learn from others, and lacked integrity. So we should to learn the art of active listening, ask relevant questions, and read paraverbal signs.

AI's role in content creation and storytelling?

Web Summit delved into the fusion of AI and content creation, providing tips and brainstorming sessions. The power of storytelling took center stage, with insights into how soft skills, coupled with compelling narratives, could significantly impact business success.

'Engineers who don’t have soft skills would be more likely not getting a promotion, even if their experience is fascinating,' this story of Pierluigi Meloni, a co-founder of Utterskills , really sells, and there is a power of storytelling behind it.??

The stories that work better are those about the journey of fighting some villains on the way. Every story should have a hero. It’s not enough for business communication to have a mission, vision, and earnings today. Creating a story behind the scenes that uncover employees, case studies, and some elements of secret sauce becomes crucial to gaining stakeholders and clients' trust.?

“To make a hard-to-understand idea easy for mass reading, add a personal story behind it,” shares Alex O'Brien, a science writer, and a poker player, about how she created a story of one of the last Nobel Prize inventions.

AI impact on storytelling: journalists and other content creators can benefit from AI to delegate routines and focus on the stuff they are really good at as consumers are looking for original content, which Generative AI can’t produce. Misinformation and fact-checking of the AI-generated content will become a big issue, especially with the UK & USA upcoming elections. The quantity of content will increase even more.

Crafting an effective AI strategy

The panel with Sami Bouremoum and Tamara Steffens , led by Nick Huber (The Guardian, Financial Times times) brought a great question to all of us: What’s our AI strategy, and do we need any? Does every business need one??

Emphasized the need to assess the necessity of an AI strategy based on margin, revenue, and competition. Calculating ROI and evaluating how AI could enhance product experiences were considered crucial steps in this journey.?

Tamara pointed it out well: “Someone who is applying AI to their problem will get faster to the solution.”

Corporate-startup synergy and future visionaries

The Web Summit showed a revealed an evolution in the collaboration between corporations and startups. The focus shifted from R&D to embracing new ideas for core business efficiency, service expansion, and even ventures unrelated to the core industry. Visionary companies like Shell and Novo Nordisk showcased their future models, signaling a shift toward sustainable and customer-centric practices.

Serendipity as a business strategy

The concept of serendipity took center stage at Web Summit, emphasizing the value of an open-minded mindset in business success.

"Serendipity in business is a part of strategy and mindset. 'The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck' was introduced by Christian Busch in his bestseller 'The Serendipity Mindset'

With various techniques and examples, Christopher leads us to the serendipity mindset, which is pretty crucial for anyone who runs a business because a lot of payable stuff was invented by accident and brought revenue when it was used wisely, like wheeled suitcases and Viagra, for instance.?

During last year's GITEX GLOBAL Largest Tech & Startup Show in the World, I stumbled upon the IKEA logo at a booth and found an unexpected connection at the MENA region's 'Web Summit.'I've met M?rten Skog - General Manager at S2Medical. Their biosynthetic dressing aids faster wound healing. Since then, S2 Medical has generously supported hospitals in Dnipro, Ukraine, my home country. This chance encounter demonstrates the power of unexpected connections in diverse settings, emphasizing the importance of staying open to new opportunities.

Web Summit survival guide for introverts

Here are some of my effective strategies for navigating and enjoying significant business events:

Strategic event planning:

Plan every aspect of the event flow before, during, and after. Personally inform key partners, leads, and clients about your participation, coupled with social media announcements. Utilize event apps and explore side events for a comprehensive experience.

LinkedIn profile optimization:

Keep your LinkedIn profile fresh and up-to-date. Capture a photo in the outfit you plan to wear, aiding easy recall by attendees.

Preventing burnout:

Recognize the potential for burnout and stress, allowing time for recovery. A CEO friend wisely suggests taking at least one day off after an event.

Balancing act during the event:

Create a schedule for meetings, keynotes, and booth visits. Maintain a balance in engagements. Identify a place for rejuvenation during the event. Savor the overall experience.

Acknowledge that business events are more of a marathon than a sprint. Allocate time for rest, regular workouts, and mental health practices. Recognize the importance of energy exchange in networking and communication.

#strategy?#digitaltransformation?#innovations #websummit