Stephen D. Pickett Unveils Envoku: Live Group’s AI Platform to Transform Communication Across Industries

On November 4th, 2024, Live Group officially launched Envoku, a platform designed to transform communication, engagement, and inclusivity across diverse sectors. With its use of artificial intelligence, Envoku promises to bridge the gap between audiences by offering hyper-personalized experiences tailored to individual learning and communication styles. 

The launch comes in response to a growing demand for personalised experiences, with research showing that better engagement directly leads to higher profitability and lower turnover rates.

Live Group, with over four decades of experience, has been reimagining global events and engagement strategies. The company has earned a trusted reputation, partnering with the UK government, FTSE 100 companies, and leading global brands to deliver dynamic and accessible events. 

Stephen D. Pickett, Managing Director at Live Group, the brains behind the launch of Envoku. Stephen has led the launch of Envoku blending data insights with human psychology to create meaningful and inclusive experiences. 

AsiaTechDaily had the opportunity to interview with Stephen to discuss the platform’s potential and his vision for the future of engagement in the digital age.

Can you tell us about your journey from Fortune 100 companies to joining Live Group and leading the launch of Envoku? What inspired you to pursue this role?

My career with Fortune 100 companies gave me invaluable insights into the complexities of global operations, customer engagement, and driving innovation and growth at scale. 

When I looked at the opportunity to join Live Group, it was predicated on the opportunity to help an organization grow while helping to inspire people to reach new levels of engagement – starting with our own team. As we worked to grow the business and open the office in Singapore, understanding their cultural nuances and differences in people, it really became clear that in the smaller microcosm of working in North America, I was able to understand how much more varied the world is, and how much more we need to work to get different people to be able to communicate at the same level.

Hence, being able to be involved in Envoku allowed me to hopefully bring clarity and focus that what makes us different around the world, is what makes us better. This has been my driving force in making sure that cultural nuances, neurodiversity areas etc, are at the forefront in showing that the difference in all of us is what allows us to be better.

The opportunity to lead a platform that marries data with human psychology to enhance real connections was too exciting to pass up. I’m inspired by the potential to revolutionize how organizations engage with their audiences in this digital age.

How do you see Envoku transforming the communication and event management industries?

Envoku redefines how organizations engage with audiences by prioritizing personalization and empathy in every interaction. By blending psychology-based insights with real-time data, our platform enables event organizers and businesses to deliver experiences that resonate deeply on a personal level. 

For example, we are able to use real-time data in a situation where two people messaging each other on Envoku, the system is able to pick up on this and suggests an onsite meeting at a location that suits their personalities.

This shift from generic communication to tailored, impactful engagement can transform both industries, fostering stronger relationships, improving ROI, and setting a new standard for audience connection.

In your view, how does AudienceDNA help organizations craft more engaging and personalized event experiences, and what sets it apart from traditional event management tools?

AudienceDNA sets itself apart by delving deep into the psychological makeup of event attendees. Unlike traditional tools that stop at age or job title, AudienceDNA analyses factors like communication styles and motivational triggers. For instance, if data shows a segment of your audience prefers interactive learning, the platform suggests incorporating workshops or Q&A sessions. This level of personalization leads to more engaging experiences. Clients who’ve used AudienceDNA have reported an increase in attendee satisfaction scores, underscoring its impact.

With hybrid and digital events becoming increasingly popular, what unique challenges do you believe businesses face in personalizing virtual and in-person experiences, and how does Envoku help overcome these hurdles?

Businesses face the challenge of creating cohesive experiences that engage both virtual and in-person attendees. Virtual participants often feel disconnected, and it’s tricky to offer networking opportunities across both mediums. Envoku addresses these issues by providing interactive features like virtual networking lounges and real-time polling that includes all attendees. Our platform also adjusts content based on engagement metrics, ensuring that if virtual attendees show decreased interaction, we can introduce elements to re-capture their attention. This ensures a seamless and personalized experience for everyone involved.

In what ways do you see AI playing a pivotal role in reshaping not just events but workplace communication and customer interactions in the future?

AI’s potential lies in its ability to process and interpret data at incredible speed, enabling organizations to deliver highly personalized experiences at scale. 

AI is already creating a revolution in how we interact across all facets of business. In events, AI can personalise agendas for attendees in real-time, enhancing engagement. In the workplace, AI-driven communication tools can adapt to individual employee preferences, increasing productivity and satisfaction. For customer interactions, AI chatbots can handle routine inquiries, freeing up human representatives to tackle complex issues with a personal touch. However, it’s crucial that we use AI ethically, ensuring data privacy and keeping human empathy at the core of all interactions.

From your experience in private equity and operational leadership, what’s the secret to balancing innovation with operational efficiency, especially in a fast-evolving industry like AI-driven platforms?

Balancing innovation with operational efficiency requires uniting diverse perspectives under a shared vision. Working with private equity requires aligning the needs of our investors, internal stakeholders, and the ownership group. Each board member brings valuable expertise that shapes our strategies and drives innovation, but achieving consensus can be challenging. It requires tailored communication and genuine understanding to align ambitions without losing sight of our goals – this is a reminder of the power of personalization, which underpins our solutions.

Private equity also provides access to cutting-edge technology and networks, enabling us to innovate while maintaining operational focus. With these resources, we’ve developed AI-driven solutions that enhance human connection rather than replace it, delivering personalized, impactful experiences.

This partnership allows us to realise the vision of Envoku: creating transformative, AI-powered solutions that lead in audience engagement, driving inclusion, innovation, and operational excellence.

As part of Live Group’s 2025 growth strategy, what are some of Envoku’s next steps? How do you plan to expand the platform’s reach beyond events into other business sectors?

Looking ahead to 2025, we are thrilled to expand Envoku’s capabilities to drive employee engagement across diverse business sectors. Our focus is on meeting the needs of organizations that prioritize inclusivity, foster a sense of belonging, and invest in technology to help employees feel heard, valued, and connected. By leveraging our platform, companies can build vibrant communities that transcend departments and bridge generational gaps.

At Envoku, we understand the importance of delivering personalized experiences in the workplace. Our solutions include seamless API integrations with trusted systems—whether in-house platforms or leading martech and CRM tools like Salesforce and Slack. This integration establishes Envoku as a unified platform, connecting Learning & Development systems, intranets, and employee engagement tools through a single interface.

Our goal is to replicate the intuitive, personalized experiences employees enjoy in their daily lives, such as Netflix or Facebook, within professional settings. By providing tailored experiences at an individual level, Envoku helps organizations forge deeper, more meaningful connections with their teams, making it the go-to solution for enhancing engagement across industries.

Envoku is indeed a great tool that enhances communication and promotes inclusivity and personalization at scale. With Stephen D. Pickett, Live Group aims to reshape how businesses connect with their audiences, whether in the workplace, at events, or in customer interactions. 

As we look towards 2025 and beyond, the platform’s potential to drive employee engagement, streamline communication, and deliver impactful experiences across industries is undeniable. The future of engagement is here—and it’s personalized, data-driven, and powered by AI.