The marketing technology landscape is experiencing a seismic shift, and at the epicenter is Optimizely's revolutionary AI platform, Opal. Fresh from Opticon in New York, this episode takes you behind the scenes of what might be the most significant advancement in marketing operations we've seen in years.

Optimizely, recognized as the leading digital experience platform by both Forrester and Gartner, has unveiled an AI system that goes far beyond basic chatbot functionality. Opal represents a fundamental reimagining of how AI can transform marketing workflows from content creation through experimentation and analytics. What makes it truly revolutionary is its contextual understanding of your brand combined with its ability to orchestrate multiple AI agents working in concert across your entire marketing ecosystem.

The practical "Crawl-Walk-Run" framework shared at Opticon provides organizations with a strategic approach to AI adoption. Starting with building a foundational toolbox of AI capabilities, progressing to integration in daily workflows, and ultimately scaling to full automation of complex processes, this measured methodology helps marketing teams overcome adoption challenges while focusing on what matters most: creativity, strategy, and innovation. As one participant noted, the varying approaches to AI within different organizational units often creates friction—HR might be cautious while marketing pushes forward—highlighting the need for unified strategies when implementing agentic AI tools throughout an organization.

Looking beyond the horizon, Opal's roadmap reveals exciting developments in three core areas: becoming smarter through enhanced memory capabilities, more connected through integrations with tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams, and increasingly productive with features like workflow agents that analyze websites overnight and provide optimization suggestions the moment you start your workday. These autonomous capabilities fundamentally shift what's possible in marketing operations, allowing teams to accomplish in seconds what previously took days. Want to see how AI is transforming marketing from the inside out? This episode provides your front-row seat to the revolution. Share your thoughts on how you're approaching AI adoption in your organization!

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"Crawl, walk, run, but do a dead sprint towards embracing technology." These powerful words from Brandon Scott, Chief Innovation and Growth Officer at Ten Adams, perfectly capture the urgency facing healthcare organizations in today's AI revolution.

Healthcare has traditionally lagged behind other industries in digital adoption, primarily due to regulatory constraints and data security concerns. But as Scott reveals in this compelling conversation, that cautious approach is no longer sustainable. Drawing from his unique background—spanning music, architecture, and user experience design before landing in healthcare marketing—Scott brings a fresh perspective to digital transformation in highly regulated environments.

At the center of our discussion is the innovative DRI framework (Deploy, Reshape, Invent) that 10 Adams has adapted from Boston Consulting Group's methodology. This structured approach helps healthcare organizations implement AI with measurable outcomes: 10-15% productivity gains for individuals through strategic deployment, up to 50% increased output by reshaping functional workflows, and transformative innovation through carefully selected strategic bets. Rather than approaching AI with fear, Scott advocates for controlled pilots with clear parameters: "Put some parameters on it... say what does a 30, 60, 90 day pilot begin to look like? And if it starts to show some promise, it's the math, go ahead and double down."

The episode concludes with powerful insights for professionals of color navigating the MarTech landscape. Scott shares his father's wisdom—"Preparation is the mother of victory"—emphasizing that thorough preparation, data-driven decisions, and authentic human connections remain the foundation for success, especially when facing additional obstacles. Whether you're in healthcare marketing or any regulated industry considering AI adoption, this episode provides both practical frameworks and inspirational guidance for your digital transformation journey.

Ready to transform your approach to AI adoption? Subscribe to That MarTech Girl on your favorite platform and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for more insights at the intersection of marketing technology and culture.

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In this week’s episode of That Martech Girl, Rachel Gray comes to you live from Martha’s Vineyard with returning guest and friend, Bria Porter, Engagement Analytics Supervisor at FCP Health and CEO of The Coyote Agency. Together, they dive into the intersection of AI, authenticity, and culture, starting with what AI means for the Black experience and why representation matters in this new era.

They also explore the environmental and equity implications of AI, asking tough questions about who benefits, who bears the cost, and how brands can take a more responsible approach. Finally, Rachel and Bria look ahead to 2026, outlining what marketers and businesses should be doing now to prepare for the seismic shifts of the AI revolution.

This is a powerful conversation about technology, equity, and leadership in a moment that will define the future of marketing and beyond.

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