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Wales Online
a day ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Wales star reveals 'disgusting' training regime and Morgan's chances rated
Tonight's rugby news as Wales star reveals 'disgusting' training regime and Morgan's chances rated These are the rugby stories making headlines on the evening of Thursday, June 19 Jac Morgan warms-up during a training session (Image:) These are your headlines on the evening of Thursday, June 19 Page reveals 'disgusting' training regime Macs Page says training sessions in the intense heat at Wales' Vale base have been the hardest thing he's ever done. Matt Sherratt is busy preparing his side for their two-Test tour of Japan this summer and has been putting his players through a gruelling schedule in order to help them acclimatise. Temperatures in the Far East will reach sweltering levels during their visit and in preparation for the conditions, the heating in the gym at the Vale has been turned on to get temperatures up to more than 38°C. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Article continues below Sitting down in conversation with team-mate Taine Plumtree, the pair discussed what it's been like in their first week in camp. "The highlight was probably that chamber," Page began. "That's probably the hardest thing I've ever done. Yeah, it's disgusting. Getting used to that heat and being able to work in it. It's been good getting training. "All the boys have been good getting around me." Page, new to the squad this summer, said there had been a few tears when he told his family of his call-up. "The first person I told was my dad, I FaceTimed him and told him," he added. "Then I FaceTimed my mam," to which Plumtree asked "any tears?" "My mam was crying yeah!" he replied. "No tears from me." Page has earned some rave reviews for his performances in a Scarlets jersey last season and hopes a debut in the red of Wales could be the cherry on the top. "Well, that's the dream, isn't it, someone growing up in Wales, that's what you dream of," he said. " If I get that opportunity, it's obviously a proud day for me and my family if it happens and the people that have helped me the last few years." Woodward: Morgan good enough to start Tests Former Lions head coach Sir Clive Woodward says Jac Morgan is good enough to start in the Tests against Australia this summer but needs to show it. Morgan has been handed a first start under Lions chief Andy Farrell in the warm-up match against Argentina in Dublin on Friday night. Farrell has gone strong in the Lions' first proper hit-out, with Morgan named alongside Tom Curry and Ben Earl in the back-row. Morgan will know he has stiff competition for his shirt but Woodward believes he has the talent to make the jersey his own, if he shows what he's all about. "There are only two Welshmen in this Lions squad - Morgan and scrum-half Williams," Woodward wrote in his Mail column. "Wales have had such an awful time of it in the last two years or so. "But I've been hugely impressed with flanker Morgan. To stand out as he has at international level in a team that has struggled so badly is very, very impressive. "He fully deserved his Lions selection and it's great for him that he starts against Argentina. "Alongside Tom Curry and Ben Earl, Morgan forms part of a very dynamic back-row. I like what I see in that area. "The back row is probably the most competitive area of this Lions squad and there are the likes of Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan still to come into the equation. "Morgan is good enough to start the Tests. He just has to show it." Russell signs new deal By Rachel Steinberg, PA Scotland fly-half Finn Russell has signed a new deal with Bath that will keep him at the Gallagher Premiership champions until 2028. The 32-year-old kicked 13 points and added an impressive interception in Saturday's 23-21 victory over Leicester to inspire Bath to an historic treble and first Premiership title in 29 years. Russell, who joined Bath in 2023, has made 45 appearances and scored 420 points in all competitions, and finished the 2024-25 Premiership season with 183 points. 'I have loved my time here at Bath,' the British and Irish Lion told the club website. 'It's a great team and a great club. We've come a long way over the last couple of years and I am really looking forward to staying here and seeing what the club can achieve. 'The fans have been outstanding since I got here. We've had some big results at home and that's just our way of giving back to the fans and trying to represent them in the right way.' 'The way the club is developing and with the young players coming through, the belief and confidence that we've got week-to-week is just growing. There are some brilliant new signings coming in as well who will be great additions to the club and I can't wait to get started next season.' Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan, who has transformed the Somerset side from rock-bottom finishers in 2021-22 to league champions, added: 'It's amazing news. 'Finn is one of the world's best 10s, a player who performs in the big moments and more importantly he's an incredible team man and a family man. 'He is one of the lads, his training is exceptional, and he's added so much to our group. 'It's great that he'll be staying on at Bath Rugby and continuing his journey with the blue, black and white.' Care backing Smith to make mark By Ed Elliot, PA Danny Care has tipped 'incredible' Harlequins team-mate Marcus Smith to hit greater heights as he bids to make his mark with the British and Irish Lions. Smith began this year's Guinness Six Nations as England's first-choice fly-half before being shifted to full-back and dropped to the bench due to the emergence of rival playmaker Fin Smith. In preparation for this summer's series in Australia, the 26-year-old will start Friday's pre-tour send-off fixture against Argentina in Dublin in the Lions' number 15 jersey, with namesake Fin selected at 10. Care believes his long-term half-back partner has been a victim of his own versatility and also suffered at international level due to an underwhelming season for Quins, which concluded with a seventh-placed finish in the Gallagher Premiership after a 62-0 thrashing by Leinster in the last 16 of the Investec Champions Cup. Fin Smith, meanwhile, helped Northampton finish runners-up to Bordeaux in the European competition following last season's Premiership title triumph. 'I don't think he's got anything to prove,' former England scrum-half Care, speaking of Marcus Smith, told the PA news agency. 'He played in the autumn internationals against some pretty good teams not long ago and everyone was saying he's England's best player and he was wearing the 10 shirt. 'Unfortunately, I think Harlequins' form probably hasn't helped because we've not been playing in the big games, or giving ourselves a chance in those big games this season, whereas Northampton have been playing really well and got themselves to a European final. 'My belief in Marcus' ability is he's still going to get better and better; he's already incredible and he deserves everything he gets.' Marcus Smith was a late addition to the 2021 Lions squad as injury cover for Finn Russell but did not make a Test appearance during the series defeat in South Africa. Russell is the other fly-half selected by head coach Andy Farrell this time around, with fellow Scotland star Blair Kinghorn and Ireland's Hugo Keenan the alternatives at full-back. Following the Aviva Stadium clash with Los Pumas, the Lions will fly to Australia to prepare for Test matches against the Wallabies on July 19, 26 and August 2. 'They are three very different 10s, which I think is great for Andy,' said 38-year-old Care, who will officially retire from professional rugby at the end of this month. 'Maybe there are games where he can pick and choose a certain style that maybe he wants to see. 'Obviously Marcus almost suffered from his own success in a way: he's so good at playing 15 as well that he's so interchangeable. 'I'd imagine you're going to see him in a 10 and a 15 jersey this summer, whereas the other two are out-and-out 10s.' While the two Smiths took part in last week's Lions training camp in Portugal, Russell only joined the group on Monday after becoming a Premiership champion with Bath on the back of Premiership Rugby Cup and European Challenge Cup glory. 'I've been a massive Finn Russell fan ever since playing against him, seeing him throwing some of those incredible passes, unlocking our defence with England a few times,' said Care, who won 101 England caps and made a record 395 appearances for Quins. 'And Fin Smith has come in and taken to international rugby so well. I've been blown away by his professionalism. Article continues below 'He's a wise head on young shoulders but he's a real confident lad and it's shown again with the Lions that it's timing: if you get your timing right and you can get in and play really well in that Six Nations and your club form is good then you can find yourself on a Lions tour. 'Three different 10s to choose from and each of them would deserve a pick, so I'm looking forward to seeing how they go.'
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Health
- Perth Now
Grim prediction for flu season in WA prompts urgent warning
WA is in the grips of a horror flu season with the number of people in hospital with the virus more than doubling the same time last year, with experts warning the worst is yet to come. WA Health figures show that, as of June 8, nearly one in five recorded flu cases have ended with the person being admitted to hospital. There have been 8083 recorded influenza infections so far this year, more than double the 3488 cases this time last year. Of those 8083 cases, 1489 people have been admitted to hospital — more than double the 692 hospitalisations at the same time last year. It's also almost twice the five-year average of 765 hospitalisations. The high spread of the disease comes as health experts warn a further spike is expected in coming weeks as the middle of winter nears. In May alone, there were 1797 cases of the flu recorded across the State — 936 more than May last year. Australian Medical Association WA president Michael Page said it had been an unusual flu season, with baseline rates of the infectious disease remaining higher even throughout summer. Dr Page said the fact the community had forgotten good hygiene habits adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic could be helping to spread the disease. However, he said WA's low vaccination rates was the number one cause. A poster issued by the WA Department of Health recommending handwashing procedure. Credit: Supplied 'There was that cultural shift during COVID where people would be cautious and stay home when sick and keep their kids home from school,' he said. 'The community has reverted to going back to work when they feel able to and sending their child to school with a runny nose. 'This would definitely be impacting the spread but the number one issue is vaccination. 'We do have unacceptably low rates of influenza vaccination in WA — some of the lowest in the country.' WA's flu vaccination rates are below the national average in all age groups with only 11.6 per cent of five to 15-year-olds vaccinated so far this year and 15.7 per cent of six month to five-year-olds jabbed. We need a new approach and we need to put a bit of time and effort into working out what the underlying reason is that people are not taking up vaccination in the way they used to. Almost 15 per cent of 15 to 50-year-olds have been vaccinated while 25.7 per cent of 50 to 65-year-olds and almost 55 per cent of over 65s have had the jab. Dr Page called on Minister for Preventative Health Sabine Winton to find a new approach to boost flu vaccination rates. 'I think all the hospital system needs is another big wave of infection to just push it even further behind in its ability to treat patients,' he said. 'We need a new strategy in Western Australia — we've got a minister for preventative health and I hope that she's looking very seriously at the impact of low vaccination rates on the overall health system, as well as on the health of individuals. 'More shocking billboards of people on their last breath in hospital is not the solution here. 'We need a new approach and we need to put a bit of time and effort into working out what the underlying reason is that people are not taking up vaccination in the way they used to.' The Kids Research Institute and Perth Children's Hospital infectious specialist Chris Blyth also urged West Australians to get vaccinated to prevent a further spike in cases, which would in turn lessen the pressure on the State's hospitals. 'Our influenza season has started by all accounts and so we expect case numbers to climb — not just in children, but in all populations,' he said. 'We know it spreads quickly in all populations, and we do know that children, particularly primary school children, are great vectors for influenza in the community. 'That's why we have a primary school program in Western Australia and we know that vaccinating primary school children reduces the amount of transmission in the community. 'Normally it takes a week or two to develop immunity from an influenza vaccine so those unvaccinated people out there should take the opportunity now as we expect that numbers will peak in the coming weeks.' Data shows the flu has been spreading the most rapidly among five to nine-year-olds followed by zero to four-year-olds. The Wirth family was struck down with the flu earlier this year, with two-year-old Mia the worst hit. With high fevers for six days, Renee Wirth rushed her young daughter to urgent care and the GP where she was diagnosed with Influenza A. 'Influenza A was scary for me, we had to sleep on her floor as her fevers were hitting hard every four hours,' she said. 'She was getting bad blood noses and we were having to syringe small amounts of Hydralite into her just to keep her hydrated. 'This is the sickest Mia had ever been. We were hospitalised with RSV and pneumonia last year, which I thought was scary, this was far worse. The Wirth family was struck down with the flu earlier this year, with two-year-old Mia the worst hit. Credit: Jackson Flindell / The West Australian 'She tired easily for a good month post-influenza.' Ms Wirth said she believed a lack of hygiene played a part in the spread of influenza this season. 'As a teacher, the last two years I have never been so sick with constant virus after virus hitting me, or the kids in my class. Daycare was the same,' she said. 'We were sick every second week. I truly believe it's the lack of hygiene from people sneezing and coughing then touching door handles, light switches, or sending kids to school thinking it's a cold when it's not. 'People don't want to use sick days unless they have to, which also means people are going to work, using public transport or sending kids to daycare unwell, which impacts families like ours.' A spokesperson for Ms Winton said the Minister would continue to work with doctors and health professionals to find ways to encourage more people to get a free flu vaccination. 'With winter here, the Cook Government is urging all Western Australians to protect themselves and their loved ones against influenza through our free flu vaccination program,' the spokesperson said. 'Now in its fourth year, this important program is helping ensure eligible Western Australians can access their free flu vaccination ahead of the peak season. 'Last year, the State Government launched the successful 'Don't Assume You're Immune' campaign, which continues to play a key role in raising awareness about the importance of immunisation and countering harmful misinformation about public health. 'The campaign has driven more people to seek out accurate, trusted information from sources like the Immunisation WA website. 'The Minister recently met with the AMA and will continue to work with doctors and all health professionals to find ways to encourage more Western Australians to take up the opportunity of a free and safe flu vaccination.'
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'There is no such thing as redemption': Hangman Adam Page is ready to rescue the AEW World Championship at All In
It's been three years since 'Hangman' Adam Page held the AEW World Championship. Having since experienced the most drastic character transformation in the promotion outside of possibly Toni Storm, Page's journey back to the top has seen his story unfold as a champion who lost his confidence, a deranged madman, and now a veteran who scratched and clawed his way back into the spotlight. He points to life experiences — serving as the perfect dance partner in gruesome battles with Swerve Strickland, ending the in-ring career of Christopher Daniels, and everything that took place onscreen over the past few years — as pivotal in getting him back to the doorstep at the top of the mountain. Advertisement As a Day 1 original in the promotion, there's perhaps no better character to rescue the AEW World Championship from Jon Moxley and the Death Riders at AEW All In: Texas on July 12. And he feels he's never been closer. 'In the past three years since I've lost the championship, I've had a title shot before, probably more than one honestly. But this feels, for me personally, the closest that I've been to regaining that championship," Page tells Uncrowned. "And that's just a personal feeling within myself. Now is my time. Now will be my time to regain that championship. 'So I'm incredibly excited about All In, excited about the biggest show of the year in the U.S., in a freaking baseball stadium. The whole atmosphere, a cowboy riding into Texas to win the World Championship.' Advertisement Page's journey back to the top ignited in 2023 with a verbal and physical slap in the face from Strickland, kicking off what became AEW's hallmark rivalry of 2023-24. In a span of a year, Page had gone from losing the world championship to appearing on the pre-show ahead of All Out 2023. Page calls it a low point in his career and admits he'd lost sight of who he was. 'I was previously the world champion and I was opening the show, and there's no shame in that,' Page says. 'The desire for more than that, maybe [Swerve] was right a bit, maybe that had been missing. But ultimately what he went on to do was what lit a fire under me. And I wish that had never happened, obviously. But it did bring out something in me that I don't think had ever been out of me before.' Advertisement The rivalry with Strickland gave Page something to sink his teeth into. It renewed a sense of passion and purpose. Page and Strickland pushed each other to levels we hadn't seen before in an AEW ring. Page says he let the rivalry 'consume' him and he 'wasted two years focusing on the wrong thing.' That blind rage led him on a path of destruction, leaving Strickland's blood, the ashes from Strickland's burned-down childhood home, and the final three-count of Daniels' career in his wake along the way. Daniels represented more than just a locker room vet who Page was putting out to pasture. Page recalls wrestling Daniels more than a decade ago at a small independent show. Daniels was the first person he'd ever wrestled who was 'somebody' who had made a career and a name for themselves. Advertisement 'So the whole show was in a cage and we're booked on a Saturday night. We ended up wrestling on a Sunday night because the show went so long. There were a thousand opportunities for him to have been an a**hole, a thousand opportunities for him to be a grizzled guy who, in front of a couple hundred people, didn't need this. This was beneath him,' Page says. 'But he never gave me that sense that I was beneath him. That my time, was beneath him. And it was a match and an experience in life that I learned a lot from, not just as a wrestler, but as a person. And that's something that I've tried to carry with me.' Page says at the end of Daniels' career, he didn't treat him with the same respect he was given so many years ago. Advertisement 'And I think in the moment of realizing that, it was kind of a grounding moment where I've got to really look at who I am, and how I will shape wrestling, how I'll shape the lives of the people around me,' Page continues. 'I'd realized that for so long I had been a negative. I had done nothing good. And looking at the material accomplishments, I had accomplished nothing with that. Nothing. I'd won nothing. I had nothing to show for any of it, and I didn't feel any better about any of it.' That was the ultimate moment for Page to look in the mirror and change his path forward. 'It has been a lot more difficult than to just focus on the negative and to take it out on others,' Page says. Advertisement 'That was easy. This has been a lot more difficult. But it's been a lot more rewarding, not just professionally now winning the Owen [Hart Cup] and going to main event All In, but on a personal level it's been rewarding as well.' Page says he's been able to refocus in 2025 in a way that he hadn't before his rivalry with Strickland. And if there's any positive to take away from the past few years, it's that. 'While I can say that [Strickland is] one of the worst humans that I've ever met or encountered in any way, I won't take away his wrestling ability, his passion, his desire for not just pro wrestling, but for AEW,' Page says. 'So in some ways I'm appreciative of what I've been through and the ways that it's shaped me, as much as it has destroyed a large portion of my life.' Advertisement Page's journey has been relatively atypical from your standard professional wrestler. He's introspective, vulnerable, and has shown it's OK to express emotion and admit fault. He's the epitome of what AEW represents. Hangman Adam Page (left) and AEW World Champion Jon Moxley have a long and sordid history. (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports) (USA TODAY Sports / Reuters) 'Maybe it's not typical for professional wrestling and maybe that's good," he says. "Maybe it's good that some of the things that the people in AEW are doing are not typical for wrestling. Because we've seen wrestling before, right? Maybe it's good to see it through a new lens, to allow yourself to be vulnerable, and I think that is ultimately more tough. Advertisement 'I'm not afraid to admit if I'm wrong. I'm not afraid to admit fault, and I don't think that's a negative quality as much as anyone might want to paint it as one.' Page's return as the resident good guy isn't your classic redemption arc story. He simply doesn't believe in that, unwilling to accept that somehow the good deeds of the past few months make up for escalation of his rivalries that knew no bounds. 'I think wrestling fans can call the story that they've seen unfold in front of them, as it relates to my life, whatever they like to call it, whatever they like to see in it. But I don't like to put that label on it. I said a long time ago that there is no such thing as redemption. And I still believe that to a degree,' Page says. 'A lot of the things that I've done in the past few years, they can't be undone. So the only thing that I know that I can do is to try to be a better version of myself going forward. I certainly won't forget what led me down those paths. And all I can do is try not to go down similar paths in the future.' Advertisement As much as Page has tried to shift away from the violence that the past three years have brought him, it's quite poetic that he'll meet arguably the most violent man in wrestling today in Moxley at AEW All In. They've had their battles, including one of the best matches in AEW history at AEW Revolution 2023. Now the stage is set for another knock-down, drag-out brawl. 'It is ironic that I end up in this position where I may have to be at my most violent," Page says. "I know 'Mox' has got the Death Riders behind him, apparently now he has Matt and Nick (Jackson) behind him, Gabe Kidd behind him and God knows who else. 'So I know this is an uphill battle. Even without all those others, I know what kind of competitor 'Mox' is. I know how violent he is firsthand. So I know what it would take to defeat him. And I know it actually very personally, having done it myself. The timing is odd as I try to move myself away from that approach to wrestling to now need it.' Advertisement Page says the difference between the violence he's committed in the past few years to now is intent. The past two years involved violence born out of hate and frustration with no clear end goal. 'There's a clear end goal here,' Page maintains. 'There's an end to it. And the end is retrieving the AEW Men's World Championship from that briefcase. And that is where it ends for me. If I'm going to have to go back to that, I can go back to it now with a goal in mind and with a different outlook on its intent.' Page has been here before. But this time is different. On the grand stage of All In, AEW's biggest domestic show, he's up for the challenge. And there's nothing more appropriate than a cowboy riding into Texas to win the world championship.
Indian Express
13-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
9 essential AI tips for CEOs from a people-first leadership expert
Artificial intelligence is transforming our world. While it is not only changing the way we work, it is also redefining leadership. Businesses worldwide are racing to deploy new AI technologies, however, not many business leaders are able to see it beyond the realm of tech upgrades. If you are a business leader who wants to make the most of the present AI wave, here is a practical roadmap for AI adoption and navigate transformation. The following tips are a faithful reproduction of a LinkedIn post by Elaine Page, who is an influential voice and renowned talent strategist. Page begins her post by informing her followers that she has been doing what most would be doing at the moment – leafing through everything on AI and talking to founders, skeptics, operators, and optimists. And in all of these conversations, Page revealed one line that hit her harder – 'This isn't just a tool shift. It's leadership reckoning.' The growth and transformation expert said that this line reminded that her job as leader was not simply to understand disruption; rather humanise it, translate it, and, most importantly, to help her team grow through it instead of being left behind. She later turned to one of her most trusted mentors, whom she describes as 'a no-BS-CEO-turned-investor' to ask what he would do if he were running a company today. Page revealed that her mentor laid out a crisp, people-first roadmap for AI transformation. Below are the practical steps for leaders to navigate through the age of AI. These steps, born out of personal experience of Page's mentor, can resonate with leaders across the spectrum. As we know, AI is no longer optional learning; it is important that every senior leader must go through an immersive, hands-on bootcamp. It should not just be a webinar or a white paper but rather deep learning. This is imperative, as according to Page, one cannot lead what they cannot understand. Moreover, educating senior members in an organisation is key, as they are more likely to set the direction, culture, and pace of change. If they are unable to comprehend the benefits or disadvantages of AI, they cannot take informed decisions or raise the right questions. There could also be a possibility that they may unknowingly slow the innovation process, pursue hype and delegate AI strategy without vision. In an organisational setup, as leaders are learning about the change, Page recommends that companies should deploy their best thinkers to start documenting real challenges across business. In essence, they should skip the hype and just create a working list of problems that they would need better answers for. In simple words, dedicate resources to identifying real problems and focus on pain points across teams, workflows, and customer experience. Once a list of problems has been identified, it is time to start matching them with AI solutions. The expert recommends looking for opportunities to boost productivity, improve customer service, reduce costs, and scope out new revenue streams. Page asserts that AI is not here to replace people but to support them. She advises business leaders to frame it this way and works towards proving it. 'Communicate with optimism' is the mantra here. The present day evokes a need for leadership that is intentional and understands the technology, enables people, and most importantly, builds trust in the face of change. Leaders should be cautious as to not leave this solely to the IT teams alone. Page advises setting up an AI helpdesk and recruiting internal 'power users' and curious learners who can be the 'AI coaches' for various teams. Page essentially calls them the in-house translators, change agents, and champions of AI. In short, make AI adoption peer-led and momentum-driven. This can be one of the most useful recommendations for companies that desire to equip its staff with the latest AI tools. Primarily, because many organisations reportedly struggle with skilling their staff, and having an in-house helpdesk or familiar faces to coach them can be a valuable move. There is a need to balance the portfolio. Page believes that although quick wins are essential to building energy and belief, organisations also need long-term bets to push themselves forward in the long run. The transformation expert advises balancing short-term sprints with long-term missions. As we know, the AI landscape is currently a loud space with many selling their tools. The expert cautions against falling for just features. One should opt for ones that are adaptable, align with one's value, and grow with the needs of the organisation. One should look for flexibility, reliability, and strong values alignment. 'Think of relationships, not just features.' Many CEOs and innovators are working towards embracing this change with policies that are human-centric, ensuring that everyone gets to reap its benefits. However, there are many who may be struggling to sift through these times of dimensional shift without the tools and skills needed to make the most of it. Page believes that AI must come with governance, and it should not be phase 2. Leaders should be transparent with their teams, set boundaries around data use, and put people at the centre of every decision. In essence, companies should prioritise human-centred outcomes. Making ethics part of AI strategy should be a given. AI is bringing along a need for a shift in mindset. In the past few years, perhaps the biggest challenge has not been keeping up with rapid AI advancements but leading through this phase with purpose and empathy. Page terms this as 'the messy middle'. Even though people are likely to break things, they should celebrate the ones who experiment. Organisations should strive to make failing forward a part of their culture. Normalise learning and celebrate the bold. At a time when there is a mad rush to scale, leaders should avoid simply tracking usage and focus on tracking value. These could simply be where you are saving time, which domains are showing enhanced productivity, or even where human potential is being unlocked. Page believes that ROI should be about real human outcomes and not vanity metrics. The author claims that this is not a checklist but a cultural shift, and she believes that one should focus on building trust, learning, and transparency. Elaine Page is currently a chief people officer, board advisor, and talent strategist known for building high-performing teams. Based on my interactions with enterprise leaders, tech innovators, and organisational experts, one recurring theme is the lack of clear direction around AI adoption. But insights from leaders like Page suggest a growing effort to bring clarity and structure to what often feels like a chaotic wave of advancement. Her post offers not just guidance, but a much-needed human lens on transformation. Bijin Jose, an Assistant Editor at Indian Express Online in New Delhi, is a technology journalist with a portfolio spanning various prestigious publications. Starting as a citizen journalist with The Times of India in 2013, he transitioned through roles at India Today Digital and The Economic Times, before finding his niche at The Indian Express. With a BA in English from Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, and an MA in English Literature, Bijin's expertise extends from crime reporting to cultural features. With a keen interest in closely covering developments in artificial intelligence, Bijin provides nuanced perspectives on its implications for society and beyond. ... Read More
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Personalized, Efficient, and On-Brand: The Human Bean's Journey into AI
Harnessing the Power of AI with a Human Touch Medford, OR, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- While artificial intelligence (AI) is the buzzword dominating conversations in every industry, The Human Bean is turning talk into action—leveraging AI not just for efficiency, but to elevate the customer experience, support franchisee partners, and infuse brand personality into every touchpoint. For The Human Bean, AI isn't about replacing people; it's about enhancing their impact. From review responses to creative design, the brand is harnessing the power of AI to support its franchise network and reinforce its values of experience, integrity, community and quality. 'Our approach is grounded in practical results,' said Janie Page, Chief Marketing Officer at The Human Bean. 'One of our first major steps was adopting SOCi Genius Reviews. This tool allows us to respond to reviews with customized, brand-aligned messages that reflect our tone—mentioning the customer's name, drinks by name, and speaking directly to the customer's experience. It saves time while feeling more personal than ever.' Franchisees have reported reduced review response time and more meaningful engagement, further validating the impact of AI when used thoughtfully. Other teams have found value in Adobe's generative fill and text-to-image tools, which cut design time from hours to minutes, making it easier to create on-brand visuals for promotions and social media. AI-generated mockups provide inspiration and efficiency—two key ingredients in a fast-moving marketing environment. Franchise-wide adoption has been strategic. 'We piloted tools with clear value and communicated them as assistants—not replacements,' explained Page. 'For example, with SOCi, franchise partners still approve all responses. It's not about removing the human; it's about giving them superpowers versus finding a template that matches the need.' 'At SOCi, we believe AI should act as an extension of your brand's voice, not a replacement for it,' say Monica Ho, Chief Marketing Office at SOCi. 'The Human Bean is a perfect example of how to use AI to make every customer feel seen and valued—turning a simple review into a personal, brand-aligned conversation. Our consumer research consistently shows that personalization drives loyalty, and when brands use AI to enhance speed and relevance without losing their human touch, they build stronger connections and drive real business outcomes."The company's advice to others in the franchise space? 'Start small, stay flexible, and stay human. AI is only as strong as the people guiding it,' said Page. 'If you treat AI as a creative collaborator, it can help you deliver more thoughtful, personalized content—without losing your brand voice.' With plans to continue expanding AI usage across marketing and operations, The Human Bean is proving that even in a digital age, the human touch still leads the way. About The Human Bean With a passion for creating happy 'Human Beans', the company's drive-thrus around the U.S. have established a reputation for friendly baristas and high-quality coffee, teas, smoothies, granitas, Bright® Energy and good eats. The Human Bean opened its first drive-thru espresso stand in Ashland, Oregon in 1998, and currently supports over 260 locations open or under development in 23 states. Learn more at Attachment Harnessing the Power of AI with a Human Touch CONTACT: Kathryn Braet The Human Bean 541-608-0564 in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
