Multiverse Founder and CEO Euan Blair: organisations must connect their people to powerful AI technology
The AI era presents incredible possibilities for every organization but realising them requires work. Not because the technology isn't powerful, but because we're treating it like a plug-and-play solution.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: “The organizations seeing genuine returns are the ones who've cracked the code on something fundamental: connecting their people to the technology. This was a key theme from last week's discussions at The Times CEO Summit. The gap isn't in our algorithms - it's in our approach.”
”Every successful AI implementation has one thing in common: skilled people who understand how to bridge the gap between what the technology can do and what the business actually needs. Without that human connection - the ability to question, adapt, and apply AI with real purpose – even the most sophisticated tools sit underutilised. The shift we need isn't budgetary. It's strategic.”
Blair concluded: “From buying technology to building capability. From acquiring tools to developing the people who can wield them effectively. The question every leader should be asking: are we investing enough in the people who will make our AI efforts transformative?”
RTIH AI in Retail Awards
Our sister title, RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries.
As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.
With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.
Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.
Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.
This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in theGarden Room.
Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com
Key 2025 dates
Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline
Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed
Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days
Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.
