#248 Revolutionizing the Call Center Industry with AI: A Conversation with Chris Barkhurst, CEO of BBCE

How do you revolutionize a traditional industry with AI? What if we told you that there's an AI product that can handle over 500,000 phone calls? You'll find the answers in our insightful conversation with Chris Barkhurst, CEO of BBCE and mastermind behind BarkyAI, the virtual call center agent that's disrupting the industry. Chris takes us on a fascinating journey, sharing how he leveraged AI to not only enhance business processes but also to create a solution for handling entry-level technical queries. Onto the intriguing world of counterfeit proof systems, Chris uncovers how AI plays a pivotal role in combating counterfeits. He emphasizes the importance of continual learning and an unwavering 'I want to learn' mentality. Sprinkling in some invaluable insights into his hiring philosophy and how it's more about passion and ambition than experience, he takes us through his process of building a successful business. As we delve deeper into the episode, Chris paints a fascinating picture of the future trends in AI and entrepreneurship. He warns against the rise of fake accounts created by bad actors using AI and shares his thoughts on how to counteract these threats. Chris also offers nuggets of wisdom for budding entrepreneurs - find your niche, be ready to face the challenges, and above all trust your instinct. He signs off with a sneak peek into his personal project, the Beaver and Otter Show, where he plans to explore hypothetical questions using AI characters. This conversation with Chris is a goldmine of information for anyone interested in the evolving world of AI. More about Chris: Chris Barkhurst stands as a paragon of innovation and leadership in the fields of Data and AI, boasting an illustrious career spanning over two decades. With a knack for technology and a visionary outlook, he has been a driving force in pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence and data analytics, contributing significantly to the advancements in these domains. From a young age, Chris displayed an entrepreneurial spirit that set him apart. Demonstrating remarkable business acumen, he sold his first venture at the tender age of 19 while still navigating the halls of academia. This early success marked the beginning of a journey characterized by innovation, determination, and a passion for entrepreneurship. Central to Chris’s leadership philosophy is his “employee-first” approach to business. He firmly believes that the backbone of any successful enterprise is its workforce. By fostering a nurturing and supportive environment, Chris ensures that his team feels valued and motivated, which in turn, drives productivity and innovation. This compassionate approach to leadership has earned him respect and loyalty from his colleagues and peers alike. https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbarkhurst http://www.barkyai.com