Posts

The Cracks in the Foundation: What ICE Raids Reveal About Background Checks in the Sharing Economy

Since the early days of the peer-to-peer and sharing economy boom, platforms like Uber, Lyft, Turo, and Airbnb have promoted one key selling point: trust. I know this firsthand—I worked at Digisure , a company built around enabling that very trust. We provided identity verification, fraud detection, and insurance services for platforms that promised safety without owning assets. The premise was simple: by offering robust background checks, user verification, and community reviews, platforms could create a safe, decentralized ecosystem where strangers could share cars, homes, and even pets. But the recent ICE raids targeting rideshare lots—many focused on Uber and Lyft drivers—have revealed a troubling truth: the trust infrastructure we assumed was secure may have been paper-thin all along. Background Checks in Name Only? While Uber and Lyft claim to perform background checks on all drivers, what's becoming clear is that these checks did not always include verification of legal work...

Transforming Remote Healthcare with AI

Image
  Validic’s Game-Changing Innovation in the Triangle The healthcare technology landscape is rapidly evolving, bringing unprecedented efficiencies to clinical workflows. Right here in Durham, NC, Validic is leading the charge. Nestled in the heart of the Research Triangle, a renowned hub for healthcare and technology innovation, Validic is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital health. They've just unveiled a groundbreaking, patent-pending enhancement to their award-winning remote patient monitoring (RPM) platform, Validic Impact™ – a true game-changer. This innovative solution harnesses the power of Generative AI (GenAI) to analyze and summarize patient data trends, significantly lightening the administrative load for clinicians while simultaneously improving patient outcomes. In today's increasingly data-driven healthcare world, physicians and care teams are faced with a deluge of patient-generated health data. Extracting meaningful insights from this mount...

Mercedes Sprinter: The Ultimate Choice for NEMT Businesses

Image
  In the fast-paced world of Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT), providing safe, comfortable, and reliable service is paramount. That's why leading NEMT providers are increasingly choosing the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. In fact, industry leader ACC Medlink recently expanded their fleet by 20% with Sprinter vans, a testament to the vehicle's superior performance and value in the medical transport sector. This move underscores a growing trend: the Sprinter is rapidly becoming the gold standard for NEMT businesses. Why Choose the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter? It's More Than Just a Van. Let's be honest: Our passengers often have mobility challenges, so a smooth ride is essential. The Sprinter delivers just that: its superior suspension and spacious interior designed for maximum comfort. But it's not just about a comfy ride. Mercedes-Benz's renowned advanced safety features are crucial in our line of work. Think Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and a 360-deg...

Driving Change: Support Accessible Transportation Before the Year Ends

Image
 While working with medical transportation companies, I’m often asked: Is scaling our business possible? Should we consider becoming a nonprofit? How fast should we aim to grow? And, perhaps most critically, how do we acquire both vehicles and qualified drivers? These are complex questions, and the answers often hinge on a mix of creativity, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment to service. One example of an organization successfully navigating these challenges is the Center for Independent Living (CIL) in Berkeley, CA. CIL has become a beacon of hope for individuals with disabilities, blending advocacy and practical solutions to create a business model that transforms lives. Founded in 1972, this nonprofit has tackled the logistics of accessible transportation and community support with remarkable success. Their work proves that with a clear mission and a focus on inclusion, scaling to meet the needs of your community is absolutely achievable. A shining example of their e...

Unlocking the Future of Business with Agentic AI: Automation that Works for You

Image
Imagine a world where your digital coworker doesn't just sit around waiting for your instructions—it takes the initiative to get things done. Picture it booking flights, resolving customer issues, or even optimizing your supply chain without needing a single nudge. Sounds like a sci-fi dream, right? Not anymore. This is the power of agentic AI, a game-changing technology that's set to transform the way businesses operate. Unlike generative AI, which wows us with creativity, agentic AI focuses on execution, bridging the gap between intention and action. Advantages of Agentic AI Adoption Enhanced Productivity Salesforce’s Agentforce suite is a perfect example of how agentic AI can free up valuable time. By automating routine tasks like sales follow-ups and customer interactions, teams can zero in on high-value work—closing deals and building relationships. Productivity goes through the roof, and burnout goes down. Cost Efficiency Klarna’s bold attempt to replace human customer se...

Bird: Empowering Small Businesses with Omnichannel Communication

Image
In a fast-paced digital world, small businesses face increasing pressure to connect with customers effectively while keeping costs under control. While assisting a client in the healthcare space, I had the opportunity to introduce and ramp Bird as part of a new marketing strategy. I was impressed by the capabilities and affordability of their tech stack—a perfect fit for businesses needing powerful communication tools without the hefty price tag. Bird, formerly known as MessageBird, has emerged as a transformative force in the realm of omnichannel communication, redefining how small businesses engage with their customers. Why Bird Matters for Small Businesses Small businesses often operate with tight budgets and limited resources, making finding cost-effective and easy-to-use tools crucial. Bird’s omnichannel communication platform checks all the boxes: Affordability: In 2024, Bird announced a groundbreaking 90% reduction in SMS pricing through its APIs, significantly lowering the bar...

The Power of Presence: Why Industry Conferences Still Matter in Your Omnichannel Marketing Mix

Image
In a world awash with digital ads, perfectly segmented email campaigns, and meticulously orchestrated account-based marketing (ABM) strategies, you might ask: Do industry conferences still have a place in a modern enterprise’s omnichannel marketing plan? The answer, in my experience, is a resounding “yes.” Conferences offer a one-of-a-kind level of authenticity and personal connection that’s nearly impossible to replicate online. They transform your brand from a static logo on a screen into a dynamic industry player—one that listens, responds, and engages in real time. In 2023, I crisscrossed the country to attend more than ten industry events. I won’t lie, the travel was grueling, and I carried a product so challenging to position that even a legendary salesperson—one who could sell raincoats in the Mojave Desert—would’ve struggled. However, those face-to-face meetings yielded insights and relationships that no digital channel could match, helping us adapt our messaging, refine our of...