The Tech Strategy Podcast

Jeffrey Towson
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Dec 3, 2025 • 37min

AI Infrastructure Lessons from Our Visit to Huawei (269)

This week’s podcast is a summary of our visit to the Huawei AI Cloud exhibition in Shenzhen.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Here is the link to the TechMoat Consulting.Here is the link to our Tech Tours.Here are the mentioned articles about AI Infrastructure.Understanding AI Infrastructure Part 1: AI Data Centers (Tech Strategy)Understanding AI Infrastructure Part 2: AI Compute is Different (Tech Strategy)Understanding AI Infrastructure Part 3: GenAI Operating Costs (Tech Strategy)Understanding AI Infrastructure Part 4: The Cost of Correctness (Tech Strategy)------I am a consultant and keynote speaker on how to accelerate growth with improving customer experiences (CX) and digital moats.I am a partner at TechMoat Consulting, a consulting firm specialized in how to increase growth with improved customer experiences (CX), personalization and other types of customer value. Get in touch here.I am also author of the Moats and Marathons book series, a framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment, legal or tax advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. This is not investment advice. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show
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Nov 25, 2025 • 46min

What is the Cost of Maintaining the Correctness of a GenAI Service? (268)

The discussion dives into the costs of maintaining correctness in generative AI services. It highlights how correctness impacts AI economics and product strategies. Jeff contrasts modern AI data centers with traditional ones, exploring architectural implications for cost. You'll hear about the trade-offs between compute costs for self-hosted models versus APIs. The importance of required accuracy levels varies significantly across applications, along with considerations of human involvement and ongoing maintenance costs. The complexities of evolving correctness over time are also examined.
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Nov 19, 2025 • 44min

Lessons from My Visits to Xiaomi, Unitree and iQIYI (267)

Discover insights from a journey through innovative companies like Xiaomi, Unitree, and iQiyi. Explore how iQiyi is reshaping Chinese streaming with a focus on premium content and generative AI tools. Learn about Unitree's agile robots, including humanoids mastering Kung Fu moves. Delve into Xiaomi's ecosystem strategy, balancing products for people, homes, and vehicles, while maintaining customer excitement. Witness the dynamic interplay between technology and consumer expectations through this fascinating exploration.
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Nov 10, 2025 • 43min

For Agentic Ecommerce Focus on the ABCs (Advisors, Brokers and Concierges) (266)

This week’s podcast is about AI Agents transforming ecommerce. Likely all commerce.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Here is the link to the TechMoat Consulting.Here is the link to our Tech Tours.Here is the McKinsey article I mentioned:The agentic commerce opportunity: How AI agents are ushering in a new era for consumers and merchantsHere is the BCG article I mentioned:When Brands Meet AI Bots: Customer Experience in the Era of Agents-------- I am a consultant and keynote speaker on how to accelerate growth with improving customer experiences (CX) and digital moats.I am a partner at TechMoat Consulting, a consulting firm specialized in how to increase growth with improved customer experiences (CX), personalization and other types of customer value. Get in touch here.I am also author of the Moats and Marathons book series, a framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.Note: This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show
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Nov 4, 2025 • 41min

Habit Formation and 3 Other Psych Hacks You Can Copy from Gmail (258)

Dive into the intriguing world of habit formation and discover how Gmail’s clever design keeps users engaged. Learn about the psychological triggers that create lasting habits and how variable rewards offer motivation. The discussion also touches on AI's role in consumer interactions, with fun personal stories woven in. Plus, get insights on how companies can replicate these strategies to boost user retention and engagement. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of digital product psychology!
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12 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 50min

Why Data Network Effects and Data Scale Aren’t Moats. Plus, More on Bundling. (260)

Discover why bundling is a game-changer in the digital marketplace, creating benefits for both sellers and buyers. Explore the complexities of product bundling and how factors like customer willingness to pay play a vital role. Unpack the myth of data moats and network effects, revealing that success is often about learning and adaptation. Dive into the nuanced relationship between data quality and decision-making, and hear intriguing case studies that reinforce these concepts. Plus, get a glimpse into personal travel experiences tied to business ventures!
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13 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 45min

4 GenAI Take-Aways from Sangeet Choudary’s Book Reshuffle (257)

Dive into the fascinating world of generative AI and its role in transforming business strategies. Discover how it enhances coordination, revolutionizing communication and operational efficiency. Hear examples from industries like shipping and construction that showcase its potential. Personal anecdotes add a unique touch, including a memorable trip to Krabi, Thailand, and exciting travel plans to China. This engaging discussion reveals how AI is reshaping traditional business models and creating new avenues for value within ecosystems.
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9 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 33min

My Take-Aways from the Tencent AI Cloud Summit (262)

Discover the exciting insights from the Tencent Cloud Data Ecosystem Summit! The discussion unfolds Tencent's strategy with AI, highlighting its impressive Hun Yuan LLM and the importance of digital avatars. Learn about the cutting-edge Tyros robotics platform and the diverse AI enhancements across Tencent's apps. Key business results, like Yuanbao adoption and the marketing cloud's impact, also take center stage. Plus, hear about their visionary leaders shaping the future of AI in the cloud!
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Nov 4, 2025 • 41min

How to Build an Agentic AI Operating Model (263)

Explore the transformative potential of agentic AI as a new tech paradigm. Discover crucial components like agents and hybrid workforces that redefine organizational structures. Learn how to prioritize impactful AI use cases and map them into workflows. Delve into the importance of treating agents like employees and the stages of adopting agentic systems. Examine data challenges, governance risks, and the influence of these agents on industry interactions and content creation. Prepare for a future where non-human contributions reshape marketplaces.
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Nov 4, 2025 • 33min

Master These 4 Topics to Win in Digital (264)

Discover the core of digital strategy with four essential topics. Learn how to pinpoint where to play and how to win in the digital landscape. Explore the importance of growth, constant customer improvements, and operational performance. Delve into the concept of building moats for competitive advantage. See how generative AI is reshaping strategies and the implications for digital operations. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to elevate their digital game!

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