This article is part of the Digital Deep Dive Show, which aims to showcase incredible technology, the exceptional people building and using it, and its impact on the middle market to the enterprise. Subscribe here and follow me to read future editions of the #Digital3DShow.
In episode 033 of the Digital Deep Dive Show, we’re diving into the biggest tech trends and updates shaping 2025. From AI use cases to Grammarly’s acquisition of Coda, the rise of Substack, and Microsoft’s latest AI platforms, we’ve got it all covered. We also unpack insights from the AI Proficiency Report, talk about CB Insights’ impressive growth, and share details about upcoming events where you can connect with us in person.
Key takeaways
AI is being leveraged in unique functional areas beyond just email.
Coda's acquisition by Grammarly aims to enhance productivity tools.
Substack is evolving into a platform for long-form content and audience engagement.
Microsoft's new AI division focuses on integrating advanced capabilities across applications.
Organizations must actively teach their workforce to utilize AI effectively.
CB Insights has significantly increased its user base, showcasing its value in research.
Creative prompting is essential for maximizing the benefits of data platforms.
Networking events are crucial for connecting with industry leaders and innovators.
The podcast aims to feature more guests and diverse topics in 2025.
LinkedIn continues to enhance its features for content creators.
You can listen to the Digital Deep Dive Show on Apple Podcast, Spotify, & YouTube or subscribe to the newsletter on LinkedIn. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and have all the episodes downloaded automatically to your device. With that all out of the way, let’s get into the show!
321 real-world gen AI use cases from the world's leading organizations
Overview: G Last month, Google released Gemini 2.0, ushering in the agentic era of AI. For many of our customers, they were already living it. The use cases are broken out into the following groups: Customer, Employee, Creative, Data, Code, and Security agents.
Key Takeaways: CEOs and CFOs are increasingly scrutinizing the cost and value of AI services, prompting tech companies to shift their focus from AI models to AI agents and human-in-the-loop operations. Similar to SharePoint’s workflow innovations 20 years ago, this next wave of AI innovation hinges on integrating robust technology, industry expertise, functional knowledge, and effective change management to drive widespread adoption of best practices.
More Info - Linked Here
AI Leader Grammarly to Acquire Coda, Bring on New CEO
Overview: Grammarly is acquiring productivity platform Coda, signaling a transformative step towards creating a leading AI productivity platform. The integration will combine Grammarly’s trusted AI communication tools with Coda’s versatile productivity suite, enabling smarter, faster workflows. With Shishir Mehrotra as the new CEO, the combined platform aims to redefine productivity for the AI era.
Key Takeaways: The integration of Grammarly and Coda combines AI-driven communication and productivity tools to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency. Coda Brain will unlock company knowledge across 800+ applications, enabling context-aware AI assistance. This partnership aims to foster seamless AI-human collaboration, redefining productivity for the modern workforce under the leadership of Shishir Mehrotra, a seasoned tech innovator.
More Info - Linked Here
Substack rolls out live streaming for all publishers
Overview: Substack has expanded live video access to all publishers, enabling real-time audience engagement and collaboration with fellow creators. To utilize this feature, update the Substack app and ensure you have at least 10 free subscribers. After streaming, recordings and AI-generated clips are available for sharing across platforms.
Key Takeaways: Substack knows that they are starting to dominate text-based media, but to begin to expand their market presence either to raise funds or become a more attractive acquisition target, video, both long form and short form (clips) is likely required in 2025
Why It Matters: We are taking our podcast / Newsletter Lite to Substact as well as LinkedIn to see the differences between the two platforms and how to leverage both to dominate in digital deep dive space in 2025:) Check Out Our SubStack
More Info - Click Here | Check Out Our SubStack
Introducing CoreAI – Platform and Tools
Overview: Microsoft has established a new engineering division, CoreAI – Platform and Tools, led by Jay Parikh, to develop an AI-first application stack that integrates advanced AI capabilities across all layers of the application stack.
Key Takeaways: This consolidation reflects a proactive approach by Microsoft to support IT and digital leaders as they navigate the complexities of modern technology. The focus on developing agentic applications—those that possess memory, permission management, and actionable capabilities—opens up new opportunities for businesses across various sectors. These enhanced applications are designed to streamline workflows and foster innovation, ultimately resulting in a stronger competitive edge. As organizations adapt to rapid technological changes, integrated AI solutions are becoming increasingly vital. Microsoft's commitment reinforces the message that embracing AI can lead to greater efficiency and responsiveness in business processes, helping organizations thrive in today's fast-paced environment.
More Info - Click Here
The AI Proficiency Report
Overview: Section offers companies an AI Proficiency Diagnostic to assess and benchmark their teams' AI knowledge, usage, and proficiency. This evaluation provides personalized recommendations to inform AI strategies and plans for 2025 rollouts.
Key Takeaways: Assessing your current AI proficiency and setting clear goals is crucial for effective AI integration. Recognizing that not achieving a perfect score is acceptable can provide valuable insights. However, if your assessment indicates a need for improvement, be prepared for significant change management efforts.
Implementing AI initiatives often requires substantial change management resources. Some studies suggest a 4:1 ratio of change management to technology spending to ensure successful AI adoption. This highlights the importance of investing in both technological infrastructure and the human elements necessary for effective change. Engaging with your team and stakeholders throughout the process can facilitate smoother transitions and better outcomes. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments to foster a collaborative learning environment.
More Info - Click Here
Digital Deep Dive: CB Insights
Overview: CB Insights positions itself as an AI-driven "super analyst" for market intelligence, offering instant insights to help businesses identify promising markets, monitor
Capabilities: CB Insights positions itself as an AI-driven "super analyst" for market intelligence, offering instant insights to help businesses identify promising markets, monitor competitors, and source suitable companies. Industry research, technology research, company briefs, and data and insights
Use Case: Using their stack to build Scouting Reports and their Large Language Models to research companies, evaluate key themes to discuss with targets, assess market positioning, and build intelligent briefs is going to be a big part of win themes in 2025. If you want to learn more about leveraging this approach and the CB Insights platform with API hooks to your CRM, DM.
More Info - Click Here
Event.01: BuiltWorlds - 2025 FinTech Conference
Description: Emerging technologies are transforming how architecture, engineering, construction, and real estate firms handle finance, accounting, payments, purchasing, and insurance. Modern ERPs, accounting systems, payment management tools, and insurance platforms boost efficiency, improve risk management, and enhance transparency.
Details: January 14th & 15th at 1871 Innovation Hub at the Merchandise Mart 222 W Merchandise Plaza, #1212 Chicago, IL 60654
More Info - Click Here
Event.02: ACG Chicago - Annual Market Trends Breakfast
Description: First-hand overview of trends driving middle-market deal activity in 2025. This annual event, launched over three decades ago, draws hundreds of senior professionals annually. The program welcomes keynote speaker Jeffrey Korzenik Chief Economist for Fifth Third Bank, followed by a panel of seasoned professionals in the investment banking, private equity, debt capital, and fundraising markets who will share their insights and vision for 2025.
Details: January 28, 2025 7:30 AM - 10 AM CST
More Info - Click Here
Even.03: CohnReznick 2025 Kick Off Cocktails Event
Description: Private Cocktail and networking event for Chicago's financial sponsor/capital allocator community.
Details: January 29th, 2025, 5:00 PM - 8 PM CST; Chicago
More Info - DM for event details
Event.04: BuiltWorlds - 2025 AI/ML Conference
Description: The buildings and infrastructure industries are undergoing a data-driven transformation powered by AI and machine learning. At the AI/ML Conference, part of our Specialty Research Track, experts will help members understand this field and develop strategies to integrate AI/ML into workflows while staying ahead of future changes.
Don't miss this opportunity to explore the practical applications of AI/ML in AEC. Please feel free to register below to join this increasingly important conversation.
Details: 2.5.2025 & 2.6.2025; Wyndham Atlanta Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center 3405 Lenox Road NE Atlanta, GA 30326
More Info - Click Here
Suppose you plan to be in the same city over the coming weeks. Please feel free to reach out on LinkedIn, Email, or X @ReedDailey. Alternatively, here is a link to my Calendly Scheduler App to automate the scheduling process.