3rd September 2024
Chris Johnson on the commercial implications of AI adoption
Episode 12
Chris Johnson
CEO, TomorrowToday
Having touched on the omnipresent topic that is AI in pretty much every episode, this time we dive right in. Our guest is Chris Johnson, Founder and CEO of the AI consultancy, TomorrowToday.
And wow, does he give value for money. While much of the industry discourse around AI centres on creative tools and ideation speed, Chris is focused on commercial application.
Our conversation starts with him sharing detailed advice on how agencies can reinvent their pitch process using commonly available AI tools. From simple efficiencies, to the creation of synthetic target audiences – and even synthetic clients! – he describes how you can proactively improve not just your ideas, but also how well they land.
Chris also shares his experience of the challenges associated with getting agency teams on board with wholesale adoption of new tools and technologies.
We wrap the episode by looking forward – exploring how AI will inevitably impact the way that agencies sell, price and make money.
This is such a valuable conversation. As well as honesty, humour and pragmatism, Chris brings plenty of clarity – not least on what AI can’t do, as well as how these emerging tools can help you generate real commercial impact.
Highlights:
[01:41] How Chris first blew my mind
[02:51] Reinventing your pitch process with AI
[05:50] How synthetic audiences can improve your ideas
[10:00] Creating an AI version of what your clients care about
[15.30] Creating commercial value with AI tools
[18.25] How agency adoption dramatically varies
[20.15] The mindsets that help agencies use AI effectively
[25.20] How AI will redefine the agency business model
[27.25] AI, value-based selling and why differentiation is essential
[32.35] Can agencies really price on deliverables?
[35:50] Advice for agency leaders on driving AI adoption
Previous episodes
Leading the next phase of digital
Episode 33
Michael Olaye
EVP, Huge
AI and the pursuit of happiness
Episode 32
Matt McNeany
Ex-Chief Transformation Officer, Omnicom
Knowing the people behind the creds
Episode 31
Lisa Colantuono
President, AAR Partners
Creativity as a process
Episode 30
Eric Zuncic
Global MD & CPO, Forsman & Bodenfors
A human-first future for agencies
Episode 29
Holly Maguire
Global Chief Growth Officer, Design Bridge & Partners
Leading with culture
Episode 28
Michael Lebowitz
Founder & Executive Chairman, SPCSHP
A unique perspective on agencies
Episode 27
Marla Kaplowitz
CEO, 4A's
Challenging the global market
Episode 26
James Townsend
CEO, Stagwell EMEA
Every moment is a chance
Episode 25
Nils Leonard
Co-Founder, Uncommon Creative Studio
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Episode 24
Conrad Persons
President, Grey London
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Episode 23
Toby Southgate
Global CEO, We Are Social
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Episode 22
Bianca Best
Global Growth Officer, Performics
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Episode 21
Trevor Guthrie
Co-founder, Giant Spoon
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Episode 20
Ruud Wanck
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Episode 19
Omid Farhang
Founder & CEO, Majority
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Episode 18
Josh Krichefski
CEO, GroupM EMEA
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Episode 17
Greg Hahn
Co-founder, Mischief
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Episode 16
Jo Wallace
Global ECD, Jellyfish
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Episode 15
Anthony Freedman
CEO, Common Interest
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Episode 14
Neil Perkin
Founder, Only Dead Fish
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Episode 13
Tim Ringel
CEO, Meet The People
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Episode 11
Alex Lubar
Global CEO, DDB
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Episode 10
Natalie Graeme
Founder, Uncommon Creative Studio
Building careers in a changing world
Episode 9
Sue Unerman
Chief Transformation Officer, EssenceMediacomX
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