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Mastering Digital Customer Engagement - Insights from a Digital Pioneer

Writer's picture: Appsolute Value editorialAppsolute Value editorial

Updated: May 24, 2024

Profile Digital Transformation Lead.


In the vast sea of digital transformation, there are those who ride the waves, and then there are pioneers who shape them. Meet Michael van den Berg, a seasoned innovator whose career narrative is an odyssey through the ever-evolving business landscapes, eCommerce growth opportunities and the new waves of technology.


Redefining Gen AI Together the Next Wave of Digital Transformation


As the driving force behind Appsolute Value and a seasoned entrepreneur, 'Tall Dutch Mike' (how insiders like to call him) has sculpted the digital future for global business clients over decades of generation of tech waves, Gen1 the web, Gen 2 Mobile and the current 3rd wave, Gen AI. With a passion for building sustainable business futures, Michael continues to pioneer innovative solutions, with awesome business client teams, together to redefine the boundaries of Financial Services, Commerce and Food.


"AI will reshape industries and businesses while there may be loses in other area's, there will be always significant gains and transformations in how business will operate," .....

muses Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. A quote that resonates deeply with Michael, igniting a passion for navigating the currents of change and harnessing the power of innovation. From the early days of the web to the dawn of Gen AI, Michael has been at the forefront, sculpting digital business futures.


Pioneering Web technologies: The Foundation of Digital Business Transformation


The journey begins amidst the first wave of technology: web technologies. Armed with vision and expertise, Michael collaborated with business clients and their teams to pioneer internet banking experiences. It was a time of exploration, laying the foundations for the digital revolution that would follow.


Embracing Mobile: Revolutionising Retail with mCommerce growth


As the tide shifted towards mobile technologies, Michael embraced the challenge with fervor. His His thought-leadership in Mobile Engagement has been sought after by knowledge providers like Gartner and IBM.

Working alongside global business clients and forward-thinking tech partners, the team of Appsolute Value spearheaded the growth of mobile banking and mobile payments, while also revolutionising mobile commerce in North America. The canvas expanded, and Appsolute Value has painted new experiences, with awesome client members both in business and IT, driving online sales growth and redefining retail paradigms.


Leading the Personalisation Charge; Conversational Commerce and Customer Service in Retail and Financial Services


But true visionaries are never satisfied with the status quo. Anticipating the next wave, Appsolute Value has delved into the realm of early-stage AI programs since 2017. Collaborating with Kik, the messaging app, Michael pioneered Conversational Commerce, leveraging hyper-personalization strategies to forge deeper connections between brands and consumers. With retailers like Canadian Tire, Michael and the team of Appsolute Value laid the groundwork for a new era of commerce, where conversations drive conversions.


And now, as the world stands on the precipice of Gen AI, Appsolute Value with Michael still at the helm, stands ready to embark on the next chapter of innovation. With the unique works in retail and Financial Services, Appsolute Value's team is poised to redefine eCommerce growth through the lens of Conversational Commerce, harnessing the power of in-app chats and messaging to create unparalleled customer experiences.


People drive change, not just a vision



a group of diverse people collaborating around a conference table, representing teamwork in digital business transformation though Gen AI and chatbots
Creating conversational commerce collaboratively


Michael's journey is not just about bridging business to technology; it's about people. With a passion for sustainability and a commitment to driving digital change collaboratively, Michael always aims to merge consulting expertise, digital product management, and entrepreneurship to co-create a future where technology serves humanity.

As humanity drives every change, not just a vision.


Sustainable strategies: Innovating Local - Transform Global


Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit and a stalwart in the startup ecosystem, Michael leads by example, pioneering new ventures that embody the principles of sustainability and circularity. He has spearheaded initiatives for ING and in the Food sector, that push the boundaries of what's possible, inspiring local food businesses to embrace Net Positive models and forge a path globally towards a brighter, more sustainable future.


Examples of his recent sustainable ventures are ING's Shareways, The Olive Yards, the Agriculture Regenerative Oliva project and InnovationAIQ.


Trailblazing conversational AI with The Trust of Global Brands


Through agile project management and a relentless focus on delivering results, Michael has earned the trust of global brands like ING, Toys R Us, and Canadian Tire, guiding them through the digital maze and into a future where innovation knows no bounds.


In the ever-changing (digital) business arena, Michael is not just a participant; Michael is a luminary, illuminating the path forward and transforming possibilities into realities. For in the words of Gartner, "Gen Web, Gen Mobile, Gen AI... technology waves creating opportunities to create new value. Keeping customers engaged!" 


And Michael, with Appsolute Value and its partners, is at the helm, ready to navigate the waves of change and unlock the infinite potential of tomorrow's business landscapes.



Michael van den Berg riding another Digital Transformation wave on mobile on a legendary bike, symbols of Mike's digtial innovation and change management leadership
Riding the Next wave of Digital Change with Gen AI




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