Recently, Zoom CEO Eric Yuan was making the media rounds. He rendered those opening remarks via an AI avatar on the company’s most recent earnings call. Zoom Clips, the firm’s new asynchronous video creation tool, made it possible for this creative approach. We think it’s a testament to an exciting new trend in corporate communication.
Yuan is an evangelist convert for the new age use of avatars in corporate meetings. His ultimate aim is to develop digital twins of users. His latest maneuver is part of a trend-making wave among CEOs. Many leaders, including those of the AI-powered transcription service Otter, have already started experimenting with this technology. Avatars have been found to be an effective means of improving communication and collaboration in professional settings.
During the most recent earnings call, Yuan was clearly giddy over this new reality.
“I am proud to be among the first CEOs to use an avatar in an earnings call,” – Zoom CEO Eric Yuan’s avatar [“techcrunch.com”]
Aside from the astonishing technical feat, Adobe’s factory-made visual digital avatar of Yuan turned out to be a historic moment in corporate communication. Following a similar initiative by Klarna’s CEO, who previously utilized an AI avatar in an investor call, Yuan’s actions signal a shift towards integrating advanced technologies into everyday business practices.
Zoom has large product ambitions here, and Yuan really wants to re-imagine communication altogether. Referencing the need for trust and security before the public can fully utilize AI-generated content, he said,
“It is just one example of how Zoom is pushing the boundaries of communication and collaboration. At the same time, we know trust and security are essential. We take AI-generated content seriously and have built in strong safeguards to prevent misuse, protect user identity, and ensure avatars are used responsibly.” – Zoom CEO Eric Yuan’s avatar [“techcrunch.com”]
This use of avatars in workplace environments is surging, as it’s becoming more evident to leaders that avatars can help unlock a plethora of benefits. By using this technology, organizations can maximize engagement in the meeting and learning settings. Yuan’s initiative serves to highlight Zoom’s incredible technological prowess. It deepens that in the corporate world, and lays the groundwork for future exchanges.
