Latest news with #digitalexperience
Entrepreneur
a day ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Meet the Entrepreneur Behind Qualified Digital
Jaqi Saleem is the founder and CEO of digital experience agency Qualified Digital, and founder of Jaqi Purpose Co., a mission-driven investment fund. Here she breaks down her best advice for sustainable growth, fundraising, and creating a culture of collaboration. Please give us the elevator pitch of your business. My company, Qualified Digital, is an award-winning digital experience agency that competes with top consultancies 100-1,000 times our size to serve Fortune 500 clients like Mayo Clinic, CVS, Hitachi Vantara, CommonSpirit Health, Kaiser Permanente, Novo Nordisk, Bristol-Myers Squibb and TransUnion. Our 360° approach, in partnership with industry leaders like Adobe, blends B2B and B2C expertise to craft seamless customer journeys. Our tagline is "The Experience of Connection". Or, if you want a simpler soft pitch, we can use my Mom's description: "I think they put the buttons on the internet." You are not wrong, Mom, we do that too. What inspired you to create this business? The truth is, I started this digital customer experience agency completely by accident. After over 15 years at agencies — and getting the feeling I had hit a glass ceiling — I decided to give independent consulting a try. A couple of months in, a customer offered me an opportunity to build and fund my own guerrilla dream team to pick up some business-critical projects after an unexpected and rapid split with their previous digital agency. I didn't hesitate — I called all of the smartest people I knew and asked them to join me. I was gratified and humbled when they did. Fast forward 7.5 years, Qualified Digital is private equity backed by Stella Point Capital, and has 100+ teammates composed of the smartest people I now know. Related: 'We Didn't Know We Could Do That!' These Co-Founders Built a Unique Photography Business That Tapped an Unexpected Need — And Now Is Found in 60 Cities What advice would you give entrepreneurs looking for funding? Make sure you are looking for a partner who adds value and is aligned to your vision, not just a check. Don't be pompous, but be curious in ways that show you need to know about the potential investor, as well. Don't ask them questions you could find on their website; welcome them into the conversation; leave room for their voice, as the dynamic changes and creates more opportunity to connect. They are investing in you as a leader, as much as in your business, so be human, not a well-dressed robot. While you want to be prepared to speak the entire time, hope and invite a dialogue and anticipate what they might ask so you don't freeze or skip a beat. Practice, practice, practice, not just for presenting your investor deck in the order it is laid out, but for any direction that the conversation may go. I often keep an appendix of items that likely wouldn't make it into a brief pitch, but may be a confidence builder if they ask a pointed question and you can show you are on top of it. Lastly, and this is extremely important: ensure they don't see you as a project. Investors don't want to do your job; they need to believe that you can execute on an incredible idea, not just that you have one. Especially if you don't have a track record to point to, develop a clear plan or include a partner who can lead on the business front. Clear plans are important, either way, so they feel they can press the easy button by just funding and advising. Female-owned businesses only get 2 per cent of VC funding — what specific advice can you give to women business owners seeking to emulate what you achieved in getting PE investment? Knowing that stat can be intimidating, but don't let it get in your head. It might stop you from asking at all, and we need to change that number, not perpetuate it. I did not run into any resistance in my process, and ran a competitive one, which I highly recommend. This allowed me to command the value I knew Qualified Digital was worth, gender identity aside. If you are at the right stage, really consider bringing on a banker to represent you. They come with fees, but the right ones, with the right network, are worth their weight in gold. Related: He Hated Furniture Shopping. So He Built a Business to Do It for Him. Here's How This Unconventional Founder Is Finding New Customers and Growth. What kind of growth have you seen? In the early years, starting from scratch, Qualified Digital grew 100% YoY+. As our revenue numbers increased, that percentage has naturally changed. Last year, we delivered 45%+ growth. This year, through the combination of organic growth and our recent acquisition of Xpediant Digital, we are on track to deliver another 40% growth year for 2025 and are projecting $31.5M in revenue. What tips can you give to other founders on maintaining company culture when your team is either partially or fully remote? I'm proud of the work-life balance that we're able to give our team by being a fully remote company. We have over 100 employees and FTE equivalents on our team, based all across the US and around the world, and that team is able to pick up and drop off their kids at school, take care of their mental and physical health, and do the things they love like travel, or whatever passions or hobbies they have. QD's company culture encourages a mindset that is both entrepreneurial and collaborative, and I feel that is one of the things that really sets us apart. My advice is: create an energy that multiplies, and it will. Culture cascades from the top, so your team has to want you to win, they have to want each other to win, and they have to want to win themselves. And most of all: hire great humans and interesting people. Your team is the magic, and it is your job as a leader to protect that culture from those who draw down on it. What advice can you give about making the decision to acquire another company, such as your recent acquisition of Xpediant Digital? See a clear 1+1 = 3. Do not buy revenue, buy a value multiplier, whether that is a new capability, new industries, or products that accelerate what you do. Is it a value add to your existing clients, or is it all about new clients you can add value to? Either way, just ensure you have a clear vision that helps your team and their team get excited to execute on that vision. Make sure the company is a culture fit; that your team and their team will be proud to stand shoulder to shoulder and excited to collaborate. Remember, when you are hungry, everything can look like a steak (or a portobello mushroom burger if that's more your style). Related: They Started a Side Hustle in Their College Dorm and Bootstrapped Their Way to a Massive Business: 'It's Always Been About Being Scrappy' You also make investments through your investment fund, Jaqi Purpose Co. What tips can you give entrepreneurs seeking to pitch to investors like you? Show me the problem, show me that solving that problem adds a social or mission-oriented outcome, and then show me the solution you have for that problem and how you are doing so. Show me there is a market or need for it, that no one else is doing it (well), and that if you had the money, you would be able to deliver what and by when. Be ready to show me that you are ready. I want to invest in things that matter, which means I want that investment to be successful. It cannot just be an idea, it needs to be a plan. A plan that you can execute on with guidance and money, not one that would be a project I would take on. What does the word "entrepreneur" mean to you? If I am honest, the word entrepreneur is still a word that I have to remember to match myself to. I love this question, because it challenges old thinking I had around the word. Taking a step back, acknowledging that I am an entrepreneur, I would say this: It is someone who is relentlessly passionate about the business, product or problem they are solving; someone who is not afraid of failing, but mostly because they think they won't in the long run; know that controlled failure is an essential part of the process in any kind of meaningful success; someone who teeters the line of confidence and delusion, just enough to take the big risky swings necessary to drive meaningful impact, but with the humility and pragmatism that keeps them grounded and taking the right swings; someone who builds with the end in mind, making space for the right amount of uncertainty and evolution, but with some sense of what success looks like in the end. Is there a particular quote or saying that you use as personal motivation? "I have no particular talents — I am just passionately curious" - Einstein. I love this quote, and in fact, "passionately curious" is one of our five core values at Qualified Digital. It was just so relatable to me. It eroded some of that "them but not me" impostor mindset. If Einstein says he has no special talents, and his superpower is curiosity, well then, that is a recipe I could put to action.
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
From Savior To Scapegoat: How IT Can Regain Its Business Hero Status
Elise London is the CTO of Lakeside Software, where she oversees the design and delivery of its digital employee experience platform. Picture this: It's 2004. MySpace had just hit a million users. Mark Zuckerberg and his Harvard roommates launched Facebook. The Nintendo DS had just been released with two screens—mindblowing. I was wrapping up college and working part-time at a hospital IT help desk, a job that I loved. Why? Because back then, those of us in IT were seen as saviors. Here's how that story went. When an employee had a problem, an IT person would swoop in, diagnose the issue on the spot and get things up and running again. Whether it was a desktop frozen mid-task or a coffee-soaked keyboard, IT pros were always there with a fix—and a reassuring presence. No one made them feel bad for asking for IT's help. It felt heroic. Fast-forward to today. If anything goes wrong—and I mean anything—it's immediately pinned on IT! Let's look at how this scenario plays out now: • My computer is slow: It's IT. • My application is slow: It's IT. • Google is slow: It's IT. • A security tool is blocking my favorite LLM online: It's IT. • My computer blue-screened: It's IT. • Teams or Zoom freezes: It's IT. • My home Wi-Fi is down: It's IT. • My baseball team lost: It's (still) IT. • I'm out of coffee creamer: You guessed it—IT. Okay, maybe I'm stretching it a bit. But seriously—IT today is under more pressure than ever. IT is expected to deliver seamless, consumer-grade digital experiences and enforce the security and controls needed to combat relentless cyber threats. Add in the complexity of AI, growing ticket volumes, the risk of outages, rising expectations—it's no wonder IT often feels like it can't win. And yet, the stakes have never been higher. More than half of employees say they're more likely to leave a company if the digital tools they rely on don't work well. That makes digital employee experience (DEX) a critical priority—for both productivity and retention—and a powerful way for IT to reclaim its role as a business hero. So, what can enterprise IT leaders do to shift the narrative? How do you create a positive culture around IT? How do you get end users to sing IT's praises again? The answer: proactive IT. IT is one of the few roles where success means nothing goes wrong. It's a bit like software testing or insurance—you only notice when things break. On top of that, IT must always deliver the latest and greatest software, hardware, AI systems and security measures. But by establishing a proactive IT practice—instead of reacting to every issue after the fact—IT teams can step back into the spotlight. Here's how this (revised) story goes: By embracing machine learning models that detect issues before end users even notice, IT ensures endpoints are always available, reliable and usable. I call that "getting the computer out of the way" so employees can focus on their work. Dependable devices unlock peak productivity, enabling people to do their best work. Like the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain, IT quietly powers the exceptional digital experiences that fuel employees, end users and, ultimately, customers. In this new story of IT, the days of simply running a costly support organization are gone. In 2025 and beyond, IT becomes a strategic enabler, shifting the narrative from constant complaints to the kind of praise usually reserved for true business champions. Let's take another look at how this scenario plays out: • Airport kiosks stay functional for passengers, accommodating long lines of passengers during heavy traffic—even after a bug was detected early: It's IT! • Insurance customers are happy because the rep's computer isn't slow today: It's IT! • The firm's top trader closes a massive deal because her laptop works at just the right moment: It's IT! • The company uncovered $1.4 million after unused software licenses were identified: It's IT! Okay, maybe not everyone's shouting "It's IT!" just yet—but imagine instead of suffering hours or days of downtime, you receive one of these messages: • "Hey, your computer was running slowly because of some unused software. I went ahead and cleaned that up—let me know if you still need that software.' • 'Hey, it looks like you're a power user and need upgraded RAM. I went ahead and shipped it to you and will walk you through the install.' That is proactive IT management. And that, my friends, is how IT stops being the scapegoat—and becomes the hero once again. By shifting from reaction to anticipation, IT empowers the enterprise to focus on creativity, innovation and digital transformation. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Globe and Mail
11-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Portsmouth Tourism Enhances Online Experience With Powerful New Business Directory
Portsmouth Tourism has unveiled a powerful new digital experience platform with an updated Business Directory built to better connect residents and visitors with accurate, real-time local business information. With a focus on reliability, customization, and community inclusion, this new tool supports the city's ongoing mission to promote discovery, engagement, and economic vitality. A More Intuitive Way to Explore Portsmouth Now integrated into the new platform offers an enhanced Visitor Directory that delivers verified listings through a clean, mobile-friendly interface. Visitors can easily: - View Google Reviews and real-time open or closed status - Access operating hours and essential details with confidence - Browse business descriptions, services, contact information, and photos - Filter listings by category, such as Things to Do, Dining, or Shopping - Get directions with integrated GPS navigation Whether a first-time visitor or a longtime local, the platform delivers trustworthy, relevant information right at ones fingertips. Serving the Community With Reliable, Automated Content By streamlining how business listings are managed and automating content delivery, Portsmouth Tourism can now maintain high-quality, consistent information with far less manual effort: 'Because of the Places Module's accuracy, it has reduced our team's workload by 50%,' said James McCann, Tourism Manager. 'Especially when it comes to business and content updates.' The dashboard also offers full editorial control, allowing Portsmouth to approve, edit, or feature listings that align with its tourism goals. With customizable layout and styling options, the platform is designed to reflect the unique voice and branding of Portsmouth Tourism. 'The dashboard's ability to customize many features and tailor it in a way that suits our style and branding' has made the implementation both seamless and exciting, McCann shared. A Platform That Benefits Businesses and Visitors Alike For local business owners, the new platform offers greater visibility and discoverability. For residents and travelers, it's a reliable hub for finding the best of Portsmouth—whether that's a boutique shop downtown or a new restaurant. 'If you have a business,' McCann emphasized, 'it will be more likely to be found. And you can trust the sites to have accurate information.' Powered by a Proven Technology Partner The platform was developed by ITI Digital, a technology company with over 30 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. ITI specializes in building easy-to-manage digital tools that enhance visitor engagement while reducing the workload for destination marketing teams. 'Their representatives and ITI's Support team are top notch,' McCann said. 'Their ability to onboard your team and walk you through any questions or issues you may have is amazing.' Driving Tourism Forward With Smarter Tools With this new platform in place, Portsmouth Tourism is taking a significant step forward in digital innovation, enhancing how travelers discover the destination and how local businesses connect with their audience. By combining automation, editorial control, and user-focused design, the updated Business Directory underscores Portsmouth's commitment to visitor experience and continued tourism growth. To see the platform in action, explore the Visitor Directory on for local businesses, attractions, and experiences. Media Contact Company Name: Visit Portsmouth, VA Contact Person: James McCann Email: Send Email Country: United States Website:
Arab News
03-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Hajj minister, Mobily sign cooperation agreement to enhance digital experience
RIYADH: The Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, and Mobily's CEO Nezar Banabeela have signed a cooperation agreement in Riyadh to enhance the digital experience for pilgrims and visitors to the Kingdom. Mobily is to assess digital infrastructure solutions to elevate service quality and enrich the overall digital experience of pilgrims and visitors, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. The partnership reflects the ministry's commitment to engaging the private sector in delivering services that facilitate a smooth Hajj and Umrah experience.
National Post
29-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Insurity Survey Finds Only 15% of Consumers Prefer a Fully Digital Insurance Experience
Article content Article content HARTFORD, Conn. — Insurity, a leading provider of cloud-based software for insurance carriers, brokers, and MGAs, today released new insights from its 2025 Digital Experience Index, shedding light on how P&C insurance customers want to interact with their insurers in an increasingly digital world. While many insurers are doubling down on automation and digital self-service, the research reveals that only 15% of consumers want a fully self-service, digital-only experience from their insurer. In contrast, 48% of respondents prefer a digital-first model with the option to speak to someone if needed, underscoring the importance of hybrid engagement strategies combining efficiency and flexibility. Article content The survey also found that communication preferences vary widely. While 47% of consumers still use the phone to communicate with their insurer, 44% prefer email updates during claims, and others favor text messages or app notifications. This insight suggests that beyond automation, consumer expectations are centered on choice, especially in how and when they receive information. Article content This push for flexibility reflects a broader consumer expectation for seamless, intuitive digital experiences across every touchpoint. The Digital Experience Index found that 64% of consumers would consider switching insurers for a better digital experience, making it clear that frustrating or rigid interactions don't just cause dissatisfaction; they actively drive attrition. For insurers, meeting these expectations is a key driver of retention and competitive differentiation. Article content For P&C carriers refining their digital strategies, achieving the ideal balance between technology and human interaction is paramount. While mobile apps and online self-service tools offer convenience and efficiency, including accessible human support for high-stakes or complex situations ensures a deeper connection with policyholders. This delicate integration not only enhances user satisfaction but also fosters trust, loyalty, and long-term engagement, making it a cornerstone of competitive advantage in an increasingly digital insurance landscape. Article content 'The push for digitization often overlooks the nuanced needs of policyholders,' said Sylvester Mathis, Chief Revenue and Insurance Officer at Insurity. 'Our findings highlight that while automation and self-service tools are invaluable, they should never come at the expense of human connection. Customers seek reliability and empathy, especially in critical moments like claims or policy adjustments. Insurers that strike the right balance between cutting-edge technology and accessible human support will not only meet but exceed expectations, fostering deeper loyalty and solidifying their competitive edge.' Article content This survey was conducted online in April 2025, and more than 1,000 adult participants were randomly selected across the United States to ensure a representative sample. Respondents were asked a series of 19 questions, ranging from multiple-choice to scale-based, to gauge their opinions on their digital experience. Data analysis was performed to identify key patterns and insights. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
