An Interview With Chad Silverstein

I’ve always been curious about emerging technologies and how they can be harnessed for practical, real-world impact. As a technophile, I’m constantly researching and experimenting with tools that can give me or my team an edge.

In today’s tech-driven world, artificial intelligence has become a key enabler of business success. But the question remains — how can businesses effectively harness AI to address their unique challenges while staying true to ethical principles? To explore this topic further, we are interviewing Erik Wagner

Erik Wagner is the Chief Marketing Officer at NETSOL Technologies, where he leads a global marketing department of 50+ professionals, driving the company’s transformation into a SaaS provider. With over 17 years of experience scaling B2B technology companies, Erik has built and led high-performing teams, leveraging data-driven and AI-powered marketing strategies to accelerate growth.

A specialist in modernizing marketing organizations, Erik has successfully restructured global teams, streamlined operations, and implemented AI-driven automation to enhance efficiency and execution. His ability to rapidly scale marketing capabilities has enabled businesses to expand into new markets, launch new products, and drive sustained company growth.

Erik has led marketing strategies that contributed to successful acquisitions and major revenue milestones, making him a key driver of business transformation. His expertise spans demand generation, product marketing, revenue operations, and communications, positioning him as a versatile leader in complex international markets.

He is known for fostering high-performing, cross-functional teams. His leadership style cultivates a culture of continuous learning and growth, empowering team members to exceed their potential while ensuring alignment with broader organizational objectives. He holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin and a BA from Union College, NY.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path in AI?

I’ve spent the better part of two decades in B2B tech marketing, which has put me at the intersection of emerging technologies and marketing. While I wouldn’t necessarily call myself an “AI professional” in the traditional sense — I’m not building complex algorithms or coding — my journey has consistently led me to leverage AI-based solutions to drive real business impact.

My first professional exposure to AI was during my tenure at Onclusive in 2019. Our platform harnessed artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing to provide PR analytics and measure the sentiment and impact of earned media. That experience opened my eyes to AI’s transformative potential in uncovering insights at a scale and speed that humans alone simply couldn’t match.

From there, I continued to find ways to integrate AI into my marketing efforts. I’ve used it to streamline content creation, fine-tune market research, improve product marketing, and accelerate demand generation — ultimately speeding up time to market and boosting my team’s effectiveness.

Today, as the CMO of NETSOL Technologies, I’m deeply involved in elevating our AI-first Transcend Platform, which empowers dealers, OEMs, and financial institutions with advanced tools for asset sales, financing, and leasing in the automotive and equipment industries. Our AI capabilities within Transcend have expanded dramatically, driven by both market demand and our core belief that AI can revolutionize the asset finance and digital retail space.

In July 2024, we launched Transcend AI Labs to expand our AI strategy even further. Our focus is on three pillars: building internal AI expertise through intensive training, integrating AI enhancements into Transcend Retail and Transcend Finance, and offering consultancy services to organizations looking to embed AI in their business processes. As CMO,

I’m responsible for guiding my marketing team’s AI learning journey and articulating the value of our platform’s AI capabilities to the market. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that effective marketing for AI solutions goes beyond buzzwords; it’s about demonstrating real-world impact, delivering measurable outcomes, and helping customers harness AI to solve their most pressing challenges. That mission continues to inspire me every day.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started working with artificial intelligence?

I’m not sure if it’s the most interesting story, but it’s certainly been eye-opening. In the last couple of months, we’ve seen several inbound leads come our way thanks to ChatGPT’s recommendation. Essentially, these prospects asked ChatGPT to suggest vendors for a specific problem, and NETSOL was on that shortlist. It made me pause and think about how quickly AI-driven recommendations could reshape how people discover solutions — potentially signaling a shift away from traditional search engines and bringing about a new era of “AI optimization” as a marketing discipline.

You are a successful leader in the AI space. Which three character traits do you think were most

instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

1. Curiosity — I’ve always been curious about emerging technologies and how they can be harnessed for practical, real-world impact. As a technophile, I’m constantly researching and experimenting with tools that can give me or my team an edge. Even in my free time, I channel that curiosity into projects like home automation — using platforms like Home Assistant and integrations with Gemini to optimize my home environment. This drive to explore “what’s next” has been invaluable in my professional life. It pushes me to seek new solutions, embrace change, and ultimately bring the best possible innovations to my customers and colleagues.
2. Lifelong Learner — A thirst for knowledge has been a defining trait throughout my career. Whether diving into the newest technological breakthroughs or analyzing past failures, every experience is a chance to gain insights that can shape future success. I’m incredibly excited about generative AI — it’s such a powerful tool for enhancing marketing initiatives. I feel like I’m just beginning to uncover its vast potential. This commitment to constant learning keeps me nimble and forward-thinking, allowing me to adapt quickly and stay one step ahead in a rapidly changing tech landscape.
3. Adaptability — Nothing in the tech or marketing world is stagnant — what worked yesterday may already be out of date today. In my career, I’ve seen this happen firsthand. When I first entered the professional world, digital marketing was still in its infancy. The Yellow Pages were relevant, and Ask Jeeves was a widely used search engine. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has shifted radically. Marketing is now more measurable, data-centric, and scientific than ever before. Staying ahead means being willing to learn, pivot, and experiment to remain at the forefront of these rapid changes.

Let’s jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you share a specific example of how you or your organization used AI to solve a major business challenge? What was the problem, and how did AI help address it?

NETSOL’s journey with AI started in 2019 when we deliberately invested in the talent and the technology required to become an AI-first organization. Since then, we’ve consistently built internal capabilities, culminating in the 2024 launch of Transcend AI Labs. This dedicated innovation hub focuses on three core objectives:

• Internal Capacity Building: We’ve developed comprehensive training curriculums to upskill our global workforce in AI and data science.
• Product Enhancements: We continually add and refine AI-driven features within our Transcend Retail and Transcend Finance solutions.
• Transcend Consultancy’s AI Services: Our AI-focused consultancy arm partners with businesses to embed intelligent workflows and analytics into their day-to-day operations.

This groundwork laid the foundation for a major leap forward: the launch of the Transcend platform, our AI-driven unified ecosystem that transforms how assets — particularly vehicles and heavy equipment — are sold, financed, and leased. Working with some of the world’s largest automotive and equipment manufacturers, we understood the sheer complexity of global finance. Each country has regulations, tax codes, and compliance obligations, making it challenging to efficiently manage purchase, lease, or financing agreements across multiple territories.

Enter Transcend: By unifying the entire process — from sales and originations to servicing — our platform leverages AI and machine learning to deliver predictive insights, automate complex workflows, and streamline risk management. Transcend’s AI models can use diverse data sets (such as local tax regulations, historical payment trends, and real-time risk factors) to simplify decision-making. This drastically reduces manual intervention, minimizes errors, and speeds up customer time-to-approval.

How AI Addressed the Challenge:

• Predictive Insights: Our algorithms analyze vast data to forecast demand, identify credit risks early, and optimize financing terms.
• Automated Workflows: By automating tasks previously done by hand — like document checks, compliance reviews, and contract generation — we cut down on delays and improved accuracy.
• Global Scalability: Because AI-driven processes adapt to different regulations on the fly, Transcend can support OEMs in multiple geographies without the need for separate, siloed systems.

Through this holistic, AI-powered approach, Transcend is cutting operational complexity for our clients and enhancing the overall customer experience — helping dealers, OEMs, and financial institutions simplify their processes, keep up with evolving regulations, and ultimately scale their businesses more efficiently and profitably.

What are some of the common misconceptions you’ve encountered about using AI in business? How do you address those misconceptions?

One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that AI will replace humans, leading to widespread unemployment. In reality, the core purpose of AI is to augment human skill sets, not replace them. For example, in our Transcend Platform, we automate manual, time-consuming tasks so employees can refocus on more strategic, high-value work that requires creativity or complex decision-making.

There’s also the notion that AI is “too futuristic” for the average business, which isn’t accurate. Companies need to be embedding AI in everyday workflows. With the proper guidance, even companies without deep technical expertise can leverage AI for tangible benefits.

Finally, some assume that AI is a one-size-fits-all fix for any business problem. However, successful AI implementations must be tailored to individual needs, objectives, and data sets. Our approach is to work closely with clients, ensuring we align AI capabilities with their unique requirements and strategic goals.

This customization is crucial in ensuring AI delivers a measurable impact rather than becoming just another technology experiment.

In your opinion, what is the most significant way AI can make a positive impact on businesses today?

The most significant way AI is transforming businesses today is by enhancing decision-making. AI provides actionable insights, streamlines operations, and enables highly personalized customer experiences — helping organizations make smarter, data-driven choices. By leveraging AI, companies can improve efficiency, uncover new opportunities, and navigate complex markets more easily. Ultimately, embracing AI isn’t just about optimization; it’s about unlocking innovation and positioning businesses for long-term success in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Ok, let’s dive deeper.

Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways AI Can Solve Complex Business Problems”? These can be strategies, insights, or tools that companies can use to make the most of AI in addressing their challenges. If possible, please share examples or stories for each.

Absolutely. From a marketing perspective, here are a few of the advantages that AI can provide:

1. Data-Driven Insights & Predictive Analytics — AI processes vast datasets in real-time, identifying consumer behavior patterns and market trends that human analysts might miss. This enables hyper-targeted campaigns, precise demand forecasting, and optimized marketing spend allocation.
2. Hyper-Personalization & Enhanced Customer Experiences — AI-driven chatbots, virtual assistants, and recommendation engines create highly personalized customer journeys. Businesses can deliver tailored messaging, product recommendations, and real-time support, significantly improving engagement and retention.
3. Marketing Automation & Content Intelligence — AI automates campaign management, ad placements, and A/B testing, ensuring continuous optimization. Additionally, AI-generated content enhances efficiency, scaling high-quality copywriting, video production, and visual assets while maintaining brand consistency.
4. AI-Powered Sales Enablement & Revenue Optimization — AI enhances lead scoring and predictive sales analytics by identifying high-intent prospects. It streamlines the handoff between marketing and sales, enabling teams to focus on high-value accounts and close deals faster with AI-driven insights.
5. Operational Efficiency & Competitive Intelligence — AI-driven tools automate time-intensive tasks like project management, market research, compliance monitoring, and competitor benchmarking. This reduces risk, increases agility, and ensures that marketing efforts align with regulatory standards and industry trends.

How can smaller businesses or startups with limited budgets begin to integrate AI into their operations effectively?

There is a misconception that smaller businesses cannot afford AI, but that’s far from the truth. In reality, small companies and startups can integrate AI into their operations by starting with affordable, scalable solutions and targeting specific, high-impact use cases. For instance, many organizations are now leveraging cloud-based AI services and subscription models to access powerful generative AI APIs — such as those provided by OpenAI — that allow for rapid integration without hefty upfront investments.

Additionally, thanks to transfer learning and pre-trained models, developing a custom generative AI model tailored to your data has become more accessible. These approaches reduce both cost and complexity, enabling even resource-constrained businesses to build AI solutions that drive efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and boost overall growth. Smaller companies can harness AI’s potential and remain competitive in today’s dynamic marketplace by taking a strategic, incremental approach.

What advice would you give to business leaders who are hesitant to adopt AI because of fear, misconceptions, or lack of understanding?

Addressing hesitations around AI starts with education and a gradual, hands-on approach. Begin by providing your team with accessible training — through online courses, webinars, or in-person workshops — to build a strong foundation in AI fundamentals. This demystifies the technology and helps establish a data-driven culture where decisions are backed by analytics.

At the same time, start small with pilot projects that focus on specific use cases. Testing AI solutions on a manageable scale allows you to demonstrate tangible benefits without committing large resources upfront. These early successes build confidence and offer valuable insights that pave the way for broader implementation.

Engaging with experts and fostering open communication across your organization also plays a key role.

When your team sees how AI can enhance efficiency, spark innovation, and empower employees, the fear of the unknown is replaced by a readiness to adapt. Ultimately, a small-scale educational approach mitigates risks and sets the stage for scalable, long-term AI adoption that drives future success.

In your opinion, how will AI continue to shape the business world over the next 5–10 years? Are there any trends or emerging innovations you’re particularly excited about?

AI is set to revolutionize the business landscape, enhancing efficiency, improving decision-making, and delivering personalized experiences.

I am particularly excited about using AI in real-time analytics, which allows companies to respond swiftly to market changes, customer preferences, and operational challenges. AI will increasingly enable businesses to harness big data through advanced analytics, providing actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making.

In addition, the automation of routine tasks across various functions will accelerate, leveraging AI to optimize processes, enhance productivity, and reduce costs. This is the basis of our Transcend Platform and AI Consultancy — helping our clients learn and adapt to manage administrative workflows and data processing more efficiently, ultimately delivering a better customer experience.

One emerging trend to watch closely is the rise of agentic AI, where autonomous “agents” can proactively learn and make decisions with minimal human intervention. These advanced AI agents not only generate insights but also execute actions on behalf of businesses, the potential impact of this advancement has incredible promise.

Finally, combining AI and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to predict customer behavior and preferences will empower businesses to build stronger relationships and improve customer satisfaction. In marketing, AI will enable the hyper-personalization of customer experiences, tailoring products, services, and messages to individual preferences through advanced machine learning techniques.

Overall, the next decade promises to be an exciting era of innovation, during which AI will transform business operations and redefine how industries — from healthcare to customer engagement — deliver value.

How do you think using AI to solve business problems influences relationships with customers, employees, and the broader community?

Personalizing customer experiences, empowering employees, promoting sustainability, and adhering to ethical practices can help businesses cultivate stronger connections and enhance their reputations.

• AI enables businesses to analyze customer data and preferences, allowing for hyper-personalized experiences. Tailoring recommendations, marketing messages, and services to individual needs can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• By automating routine tasks, AI allows employees to focus on more strategic, creative, and fulfilling responsibilities. This empowerment leads to higher job satisfaction and encourages employees to take ownership of their work and contribute more significantly to the organization.
• As businesses adopt AI, they must commit to ethical practices, such as ensuring data privacy and avoiding algorithm bias. Demonstrating transparency in AI usage builds trust with customers, employees, and the community. Organizations must communicate openly about how AI is used, especially in decision-making processes affecting employees and customers.

As AI technologies evolve, companies that prioritize the human aspect while leveraging AI’s capabilities will likely achieve greater success and positive impact in their relationships. Embracing AI thoughtfully can lead to a more engaged workforce, loyal customers, and meaningful contributions to the community, ultimately driving business growth and sustainability.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people through AI, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

If I could start a movement that would bring widespread good through AI, I’d focus on making healthcare more affordable and accessible for everyone. AI’s capabilities — from predictive analytics that flag health risks before they become severe to AI-powered imaging that improves diagnostic accuracy — hold enormous promise for reducing costs and improving patient outcomes. By leveraging AI, healthcare providers can optimize resource allocation, automate routine tasks, speed up diagnoses, and personalize treatment plans, all of which translate to significant cost savings and better patient care.

A key advantage of AI in medicine is how quickly and continuously it can learn. While physicians must complete training regularly to stay updated on the latest advancements, pharmaceuticals, and new treatment options, an AI model can refine its understanding of diseases, treatments, and patient data 24/7. This constant evolution leads to more accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations, further driving down misdiagnosis or delayed intervention costs.

How can our readers further follow you online?

Please connect and follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikwagner/

This was great. Thank you so much for the time you spent sharing with us.

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Erik Wagner Of NETSOL Technologies On How Artificial Intelligence Can Solve Business Problems was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.