Zeenal Thakare Of Ateliere: How We Leveraged AI To Take Our Company To The Next Level
From a business perspective, Ateliere leverages both Open AI and Amazon’s Bedrock technology — a generative AI application powered by AWS — to optimize media workflows and enhance customer interactions daily. The integration of Ateliere’s new Connect AI technology streamlines internal processes such as content generation, processing, planning, and distribution. This integration has led to improved productivity, faster response times, and higher customer satisfaction levels. The incorporation of Open AI and Bedrock into the workflow enables quick responses to queries, generation of supply chain recommendations, and seamless management of communication workflows, making it an indispensable tool in the company's operations.
The Evolution of AI in Business
In the ever-evolving business landscape, staying ahead of the curve is essential for success. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transitioned from a futuristic concept to a daily business tool that executives cannot overlook. In this interview series, we delve into discussions with business leaders who have successfully integrated AI into their operations, leading to transformative changes within their companies. Zeenal Thakare, a visionary leader in media and entertainment technology, with extensive experience in driving organizational advancements through scalable, cloud-based solutions, shares her insights.
Zeenal Thakare has a rich background in data analytics and media distribution technology, with previous roles at leading content companies such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Paramount, and HBO. Her expertise lies in implementing data-driven tech and ops strategy for the global media supply chain, ad tech integrations, and cloud-based content distribution across various streaming platforms.
On a personal note, Zeenal embraces an active lifestyle and enjoys spending time outdoors with her one-year-old puppy.
Lessons in Leadership and Growth
Zeenal's career journey began in Mumbai, where her early experiences in journalism and digital platform expansion at Star News ignited her passion for media and entertainment. Overcoming challenges early in her career, Zeenal emphasizes the importance of proactive decision-making and creating an environment that fosters critical thinking and data-informed choices.
Reflecting on valuable lessons learned from past mistakes, Zeenal shares insights on decision-making processes, intuition, and the significance of taking accountability to pivot and find solutions in challenging situations.
The Integration of AI in Operations
AI's potential impact across industries is monumental, with Zeenal highlighting the importance of leveraging AI to unlock existing assets' full potential, transforming operations and informing strategic decisions. Zeenal's personal use of AI tools enhances efficiency in daily tasks, allowing for more proactive and strategic focus on key projects and initiatives.
While implementing AI into a company, Zeenal acknowledges challenges related to skepticism, security concerns, and the importance of transparent communication in the adoption process. Overcoming these obstacles requires a cultural shift, emphasizing data security measures, and showcasing how AI complements human expertise.
AI Tools Driving Innovation
At Ateliere, the integration of Open AI and Amazon’s Bedrock technology has revolutionized media workflows and customer interactions, resulting in increased productivity and customer satisfaction. These tools streamline internal processes and provide valuable insights for decision-making and content distribution.
On a personal level, Zeenal uses ChatGPT for planning strategic initiatives and relies on AI applications like Woof for pet care management. Exploring tools such as Affectiva, Zeenal appreciates AI's ability to understand human emotions, showcasing its diverse applications beyond business operations.
