An interview with Andrew Brooks, Founder and CEO at Contextual
Q: Can you tell us about Contextual? What services do you offer, and who are your typical customers?
Contextual.io is an enterprise AI automation and orchestration platform designed to simplify the design, development, and deployment of AI-driven solutions across business processes. Our platform provides a low-code, visual environment that enables developers and system integrators to create sophisticated AI solutions and workflows with minimal coding.
By combining data, logic, connections, and computing into a single platform, we make the creation of AI solutions dramatically faster and ready for production scale.
Contextual customers are building AI-enriched solutions ranging from simple workflow augmentation and AI data processing solutions to completely new business systems. All of these solutions are focused on enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities with business ROI at the core.
Our typical customers include system integrators and VARs (Value-Added Resellers) who utilize our platform to develop and deploy AI solutions for their clients in various industries. We also serve SMEs and large enterprises looking to integrate AI into their existing systems to drive innovation and streamline their operations without the complexities often associated with such integrations.
Q: How have your customers leveraged the AI technology in their businesses?
We see customers leveraging AI solutions to impact their existing go-to-market, service delivery and data reporting workflows, tasks and processes, as well as customers building completely new businesses with Contextual and AI at the core.
One example of a customer building a new business model leveraging AI is Aivin. Aivin is an AI-based wine sommelier with a range of services designed for wine producers, restaurants, and even individual collectors.
Aivin has built an interactive, chat-based front-end that dynamically chooses a custom AI Assistant (built on OpenAI Assistants) in order to provide personalized wine recommendations, food pairing recommendations, and purchasing recommendations tailored to both the end user and the restaurant, shop, or producer.
The AI Assistants leverage retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) in order to build recommendations based on the unique menu of a restaurant or inventory of a wine producer.
Contextual serves as the orchestration platform that manages the selection of the appropriate Assistant based on the interests of the user, API connection with the Assistants themselves, tracking and analysis of all communications, and integration with the client’s back-end CRM and inventory systems.
Aivin is extending their solution to include image analysis (using Claude) to read bottle labels and convert those into pairing recommendations in real time, and Contextual provides the infrastructure for uploading and streaming of the images to this new AI tool.
You can read more about this solution here.
Q: The blog post “Revolutionizing Finance: The Impact of AI on the Financial Sector” piqued my interest. What trends do you see shaping the future of work, particularly in relation to AI?
We see the following AI Trends shaping the future of work:
- AI-Powered Automation: Across industries, AI automates repetitive tasks-scheduling in offices, diagnostic support in healthcare, and predictive maintenance in manufacturing. This shift allows workers to focus on creative and strategic roles.
- Remote Work and AI Collaboration Tools: AI-enhanced tools support decentralized workplaces by improving scheduling, project management, and global team collaboration through features like real-time translation and sentiment analysis.
- Personalized Learning and Upskilling: AI-driven learning platforms provide customized training to help workers adapt to new technologies, enhancing job readiness and performance in a rapidly evolving work environment.
- AI-Augmented Roles: AI tools extend human capabilities in sectors like marketing and healthcare by analyzing data to guide decisions, allowing professionals to concentrate on creative solutions and critical thinking.
- Ethical AI and Regulation: With AI’s integration into daily operations, the focus on ethical practices and compliance with policies and laws, such as unbiased algorithms and transparent models, is intensifying to ensure fairness and accountability in the workplace.
- AI in Customer Experience: AI virtual assistants and chatbots revolutionize customer service by providing 24/7 responses and personalized support, enhancing customer interactions and satisfaction in various industries.
- Supply Chain Optimization and Predictive Analytics: AI improves logistics through enhanced demand forecasting, route optimization, and risk management, streamlining operations and reducing inefficiencies in sectors like manufacturing and food wholesale.
- AI-Driven Workforce Development: While AI replaces certain jobs, it also creates new roles centered on AI management, data analysis, and strategy, highlighting the growing need for AI literacy and collaboration skills in the workforce.
Q: What skills do you believe will be most valuable for professionals in the age of AI?
In the age of AI, professionals can benefit from developing a mix of technical, adaptive, and interpersonal skills to stay competitive and effective. Here are some of the most valuable skills:
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AI Literacy: Understanding the basics of AI and machine learning, including how algorithms work and can be applied in various industries. This doesn’t mean everyone needs to be an AI developer, but having foundational knowledge will be crucial. Perhaps most critical is understanding what AI is and is not good at, how to manage prompts, and what AI tools to use in a given situation. Like many tools, there are a number of specialized capabilities for AI tools that should be in a worker’s quiver.
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Data Literacy: The ability to interpret, manage, and analyze data will be indispensable, as most AI systems rely on data to function effectively. Skills in data visualization and statistical analysis will also be highly valuable. Understanding how to query, interrogate, and validate data with AI is crucial.
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Critical Thinking: With the increase in information and data available, the ability to analyze facts, interpret data, and make informed decisions will become more crucial. Critical thinking helps in discerning the quality and relevance of information.
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Adaptability and Flexibility: AI and technology evolve rapidly, so the ability to learn and adapt to new tools, technologies, and environments is essential. This includes being open to continual learning and development.
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Ethical Judgement and Reasoning: As AI systems take on more roles in decision-making, professionals need to guide these systems with a strong ethical framework. Understanding the broader impacts of AI, including privacy, fairness, and transparency, will be important.
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Interpersonal and Emotional Intelligence: AI may handle tasks involving logic and efficiency, but human interactions, empathy, and emotional intelligence will remain irreplaceable. These skills are crucial for leadership, collaboration, and customer service.
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Creative and Innovative Thinking: Creativity will be a key differentiator for humans, as AI can support or enhance, but not replace, the human capacity for innovative thoughts and unique problem-solving.
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Technical Skills: AI can handle routine coding and offer suggestions for improvements, but a deep understanding of programming remains crucial for tackling complex problems and managing AI-generated code.Additionally, skills in training, managing, and correcting AI systems are essential. Familiarity with system architecture and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure also provides a significant advantage.
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Project Management: The ability to manage projects, especially those involving cross-functional teams and integrating new technologies, will be valuable. This includes understanding of agile methodologies and the ability to use project management tools and software.
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Communication: Clear communication that bridges the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders will become more important as AI technologies permeate various sectors. Being able to explain complex concepts in an accessible way is crucial.
Q: What advice would you give to early-career professionals navigating current changes in the workplace?
Navigating workplace changes brought about by AI specifically requires some targeted strategies for early-career professionals.
- Develop AI Literacy: Even if you’re not in a tech-focused role, understanding the basics of AI, its applications, and its implications is crucial. This knowledge will help you understand how AI might affect your industry and role.
- Enhance Your Data Skills: AI thrives on data, so being skilled in data handling, analysis, and interpretation is advantageous. Learn to use data analytics tools and understand how data can inform decision-making processes.
- Adopt a Tech-Savvy Mindset: Embrace technology and be open to using new tools and platforms. Familiarize yourself with AI-powered software that’s relevant to your field, whether it’s customer relationship management systems, automated marketing tools, or financial analysis tools.
- Focus on Human-Centric Skills: As AI takes over more routine and computational tasks, soft skills like creativity, critical thinking, leadership, and emotional intelligence become more valuable. These are areas where humans have an edge over AI.
- Stay Current with AI Trends and Developments: Keep up with the latest advancements in AI by following relevant news, attending workshops, and participating in webinars or courses. Understanding current trends will allow you to anticipate changes in your field.
- Seek Roles in AI Governance and Ethics: As AI becomes more prevalent, there will be a growing need for professionals who can oversee AI operations, ensuring they are ethical and comply with regulations. This can be a niche area for career development.
- Learn to Work Alongside AI: Understand how to complement AI in your workplace. This might mean learning how to interpret AI outputs, manage AI systems, or even correct AI-driven decisions. Knowing how to integrate AI into your workflow effectively will make you a valuable asset.
- Cultivate Adaptability and Continuous Learning: AI is evolving rapidly; staying adaptable and committed to continuous learning is key. Be prepared to upskill or reskill as necessary to keep pace with technological changes.
- Network with AI Practitioners: Building a network with those skilled in AI can provide insights and opportunities that you might not find elsewhere. It also helps to share knowledge and learn from real-world AI applications.
- Prioritize Ethical Considerations and Impact: Understand the ethical implications of AI, particularly how automated decisions can affect fairness, privacy, and bias. Being able to navigate these considerations thoughtfully can set you apart as a conscientious professional.