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Have you seen Marie Kondo’s new Netflix show, ? I have, and I love it. Tidying Up I work as a software developer consultant at . My job is to go into companies, join their engineering teams, and help them and processes. So what could Marie Kondo, organization consultant, have to teach me? Stride build better software There is a moment in the show when Marie is helping a family clean up their kitchen cabinets. She pulls out a silver cup. The wife explains that it is an engraved sippy cup given to the husband by his godmother. The wife says, “We asked him, ‘Will you drink out of it?’, and he’s like ‘Yes! Yes!’ and we’re (the rest of the family) like *rolls eyes*”. How does Marie respond? Does she roll her eyes or pinch her lips together in a sarcastic smile? No! She says, “Let’s make this a decoration for the kitchen.” Let’s make this. A decoration. For the kitchen. Marie respects that the husband has already gone through the exercise of asking if the cup sparks joy for him. She accepts that the husband wants to keep the cup and gives it a new role to honor its significance: a decorative item. What I appreciate about this exchange is that Marie does not try to make people feel bad or shame people into making a decision she believes is correct. It would be easy for her ask, “When is the last time you used that cup?” But instead, she suggests making the cup a decoration for the kitchen. Her action underscores the importance of respecting what matters to other people. This was a light-bulb moment for me as a consultant. Once upon a time, I worked with a designer who challenged my “don’t motivate people by making them feel bad” urge daily. This designer and I disagreed over pixels, line placement, box area, you name it. One time when we were not seeing eye-to-eye on something, I asked her in a condescending voice: “Sure, but what value does this have for the user?” Zing! Got her. Just kidding. Regardless of whether or not this argument is compelling, it was not effective. I did not change the designer’s mind. I made it clear to her that I had no interest in what she had to say. So what should I have done instead? I wish I had spoken in a sincere, neutral voice. I wish I had presented the designer with a clear idea of the trade-offs: “Making this change will take two hours, possibly more. Is this change a higher priority than starting work on a new story?” I wish I had asked, “Tell me more about why you’d like us to make this change.” That’s what I imagine Marie Kondo would do. That’s what I imagine the best version of myself would have done. #WWMKD Originally posted on the Stride Blog . Author: Meredith Edwards Senior, Lead, or Principal developer in NYC? ! Want to level up your tech team? ! Stride is hiring See how we do it www.stridenyc.com

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The energy sector is undergoing a paradigm shift as the world clamors for more environmentally friendly energy solutions — and with it, the need to develop innovative power products. In this article, we'll explore how energy industry trends affect innovations and lead to a more sustainable future. Technological advancements have already revamped many facets of the energy sector, from production to transmission and storage. The mere presence of smart grids, energy-efficient appliances, and other innovative energy solutions is invaluable. However, it is essential to acknowledge that while these innovations may have some differences, they all share a common goal — prioritizing sustainability and increasing our reliance on renewable energy sources. The ELEKS’ Head of Product Design Office, Oleg Slyusarchuk shared his expert opinion on the main trends that are driving the development of sustainability-driven digital products for the energy sector. Staying up to date with key energy industry trends 1. Renewable energy revolution The world is undergoing a renewable energy revolution, and it's time to embrace this change. With the increasing demand for energy and the growing concerns about climate change, green energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower are becoming more popular. According to , solar and wind energy consumption is expected to surge 11% during 2023. Economist Intelligence Harnessing the power of renewable energy revolves around a fundamental principle — tapping into an endless supply of natural resources within our environment and converting them into practical electricity or sustainable fuels. In this pivotal endeavor, product design assumes a crucial role, driving the creation of groundbreaking solutions to capture, store, and effectively harness renewable energy. As consumer demand for sustainable energy sources like solar and wind power continues to rise, energy companies find themselves at a pivotal juncture to proactively meet this demand. They have an opportunity to embrace renewable energy themselves and provide customers with renewable energy choices. These options can encompass community solar initiatives and eco-friendly energy tariffs, empowering consumers to participate in the clean energy movement. Moreover, individuals are increasingly interested in generating power through distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar panels and energy storage systems. By offering DER solutions and services such as net metering and virtual power plants, energy companies can effectively cater to this growing preference for decentralized energy generation and consumption. With an array of innovative technologies available to generate power from renewables, this trend has become one of the most significant developments within the energy industry today, and many governments, companies, and individuals are already reaping its benefits. Renewable energy: real-life applications With the help of the European Union, small and medium enterprises in Kosovo have embraced the promising realm of renewable energy, reaping remarkable rewards. For instance, Forma SHPK, a medium-sized enterprise specializing in plastic product manufacturing, made a strategic investment in solar panels. The outcome has been twofold: a substantial reduction in energy expenses and a significant stride toward environmental preservation. Forma SHPK successfully installed a robust system, resulting in an impressive 80% reduction in energy costs. 112kWp solar panel 2. Energy storage transformation While renewable energy sources offer immense benefits, they often face a significant challenge: maintaining a consistent output throughout the year. Solar panels excel in sun-drenched regions but cannot generate power at night or during cloudy days. Similarly, wind power can be a potent source of electricity, but it relies on the whims of the wind. Recognizing this, the renewable energy sector has embraced a crucial trend: finding innovative ways to store surplus power when production conditions are optimal. Storage projects in power applications primarily aim to accumulate excess renewable energy and unleash it when needed. This stored energy is pivotal in alleviating grid strain during peak periods while empowering prosumers to profit from expensive energy purchases. Energy storage technologies, including batteries and pumped hydro storage, are increasingly vital in shifting toward customer-centric energy ecosystems. Energy storage enhances resilience by effectively balancing the grid and providing backup power during outages. Furthermore, it enables customers to store energy generated from their own distributed energy resources, harnessing it at their convenience. Many companies have entered the energy storage market diligently working to address the energy storage challenge. Energy storage: real-life implementations By leveraging the intermittent power generated by renewable sources like solar and wind, Energy Vault's, a Swiss startup, the innovative solution ensures a consistent supply of baseload power around the clock. Inspired by the proven concept of pumped-storage plants, their system harnesses the power of gravity and the movement of water to deliver unparalleled performance. Another example is Energy Storage Technologies’ solution, that revolves around a hydrogen on-demand (HOD) system. Setting itself apart from conventional methods, this innovative system eliminates the need for compressors and tanks by producing hydrogen precisely when needed. Furthermore, STOREH's storage solution employs natural and environmentally friendly materials like zinc and water. STOREH 3. Digitalisation revamping the energy sector The imperative of digital transformation reverberates across industries, with the energy industry no exception. As the array of energy sources expands, managing such a dynamic system requires highly sophisticated automation and analytics. Supporting technologies, including predictive artificial intelligence, machine learning, the Internet of Things, and blockchain, play a pivotal role in studying demand patterns and dynamically adjusting power allocation across distributed grids. The power of digitalisation and data analytics takes centre stage in the seamless integration of distributed energy resources and energy storage into the grid. By harnessing these transformative technologies, customers can access real-time information about their energy usage and associated costs. Thus, customers can make informed decisions about their energy consumption, optimising efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Simultaneously, utilities benefit from the ability to effectively manage the grid, promptly responding to fluctuations in supply and demand. This synergy of digitalisation and data analytics empowers customers and utilities to navigate the energy landscape with precision, ensuring a harmonious and dynamic energy ecosystem. At the forefront of this digital revolution, smart grid infrastructure is a prominent trend in the energy industry. Smart grids leverage advanced sensors and automation systems to enhance efficiency and curtail power wastage within distribution networks. This empowers utilities to optimize resource management, bolstering reliability by mitigating issues like overloaded circuits or equipment failures, thus minimizing outages. In technological advancements, autonomous energy systems are poised to gain significant traction in the coming years, primarily fueled by strides in AI and ML. These innovative systems enable utilities to monitor their operations autonomously, identifying areas for improvement and optimizing performance with minimal reliance on manual intervention from on-site operators and technicians. This pioneering shift towards autonomy promises enhanced operational efficacy and streamlined maintenance processes. Digitalization in the energy industry: real-life solutions At ELEKS, we have years of experience addressing the challenges of the energy sector with advanced digital products. We have developed our own solution, , a software product crafted by the experts at ELEKS to revolutionize real-time power systems management within vast power networks. This solution empowers organizations with automated system stability analysis and optimized load flow calculations, resulting in unparalleled operational efficiency. By centralizing data storage and equipping users with specialized data management tools. DAKAR DAKAR's impact extends beyond the realm of efficiency as well. During times of adversity, such as constant missile attacks on the electric power system in Ukraine, DAKAR played a pivotal role. By modeling the optimal plan to power critical infrastructure, it skillfully balanced reduced power generation and current consumption, creating a schedule for emergency shutdowns. This critical functionality helped maintain the stability of the power system, safeguarding essential services even in the face of imminent threats. While the energy and power business landscape constantly evolves, we can see that no trend is set in stone. To successfully navigate this intricate environment and stay ahead of the competition, more and more companies are turning to sustainability consulting experts like ELEKS, who possess the knowledge and expertise to guide them toward a greener future. Conclusion The energy industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation driven by the need for sustainability and the increasing demand for environmentally friendly energy solutions. Technological advancements have revolutionized various aspects of the energy sector, developing innovative power products. These products prioritize sustainability and rely on renewable energy sources, aligning with the global movement towards a more sustainable future. Renewable energy, innovative energy storage solutions, and digitalization are among the key trends shaping the energy industry. Real-life examples illustrate the successful implementation of these trends. From medium-sized enterprises in Kosovo adopting solar panels and reducing energy costs to Swiss startup Energy Vault's innovative solution for consistent baseload power, there are tangible benefits to embracing renewable energy and energy storage. The impact of digitalization is evident through software solutions like DAKAR, which revolutionize power systems management and ensure operational efficiency and stability. Also published . here for sustainable solutions and expert guidance in the energy industry's evolving landscape. Let's build a greener future together. Contact us today

Energy Industry Trends Fueling the Evolution of Power Products

Tendencias de la industria energética que impulsan la evolución de los productos energéticos

Les tendances du secteur de l'énergie alimentent l'évolution des produits énergétiques

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汎用製品の進化を促進するエネルギー業界の動向

Tendências do setor de energia alimentando a evolução dos produtos de energia

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THE EXPERIMENTAL FARM

Recent studies have shed light on a vital issue plaguing the B2B sales industry, showing that over 80% of SQLs (Sales Qualified Leads) fail to convert. Of the sales forecasted to succeed, over 54% ultimately fall through. The difficulty behind closing deals largely stems from the prevalence of overtly aggressive selling techniques. When salespeople get too focused on pitching, they wind up missing subtle signals from their negotiating partners, leading to misinterpretations of interests and generally impairing their ability to close deals. To varying degrees of success, sales and business development professionals combat the issue by utilizing sales analytics and conversational intelligence software to analyze successful sales calls and identify words, phrases, and other verbal patterns that are conducive to closing deals. However, while effective, these tools fail to discern subtext and pragmatic meanings within interactions, despite the long-established importance of implicit messages in persuasive communications. Fortunately, the minds behind (an Aves Lair portfolio company) have developed a new approach. Substrata SubStrata is an emergent startup whose innovative Social Signal Processing Technology uses deep learning technology to identify social signals that reflect attitudes, goals, intentions, social status, and dispositions. Essentially serving as an invisible sales coach, it helps salespeople recognize and respond accordingly to the covert, yet critical patterns within their clients' nonverbal communication that can make or break a deal. SubStrata recently joined Aves Lair after impressing the VC's experts with their technological innovation. In an interview with Aves Lair, CEO Ori Zuckerman explains how the company grew out of his tiresome experience with office politics. After growing exasperated with veiled messages and communicative inefficiencies, he sought a way to analyze subtexts in digital communication, so he partnered with CTO Baruchi Har-Lev and CPO Eran Yessodi to find a solution. Combining Zuckerman's entrepreneurial experience with Har-Lev and Yessodi's technical and product expertise, the team developed SubStrata. However, after recognizing its utility in negotiations, the team decided to focus on the B2B sales industry. While SubStrata's tech is undoubtedly unique, so is the synergy between their executive team. Long before going into business together, Zuckerman and Yessodi met in their youth and developed a close friendship during their high school years. When asked about their experiences while working with their best friends, they compared themselves to an old married couple who occasionally dispute but are typically on the same page — sometimes even finishing each other's sentences. Substrata's Social Signal Processing Technology analyzes text, audio, and video to identify the implicit social cues that indicate dispositions, biases, conflict, and more. Capable of integration with Zoom, Webex, GSuite, and Salesforce, the tech interprets nonverbal cues such as kinesics (posture, hand gestures, facial expressions, etc.) and intonation (tone of voice) to enable greater mutual understanding between negotiators. SubStrata's Pragmatic Intelligence Engine (or PIE) utilizes deep natural language processing technology to analyze textual paralanguage — the expression of nonverbal cues in written communications such as emails and text messages. Furthermore, their soon-to-be-released “Q Beta” features "a pragmatically intelligent AI Sales Assistant," which boasts a human-in-the-loop deep reinforcement learning architecture and is capable of providing insights in real-time to help achieve your goals. When asked about Substrata's advantage over its competitors, Zuckerman pointed to their emphasis on pragmatics and subtext. Whereas other companies transcribe and analyze audio segments to identify keywords and patterns that are conducive to successful deals, Substrata "focuses more on pragmatics and less on syntax" to read between the lines and find the underlying meaning. Furthermore, instead of compartmentalizing interactions, Substrata's tech contextualizes the entire history between participants. Another advantage SubStrata holds over its competitors is its immediacy. While most sales tools analyze messages after they're sent, SubStrata's real-time analysis allows users to adjust their communications as they occur to smoothen interactions and guarantee all participants are on the same page. SubStrata's technology comes at just the right time, as salespeople worldwide scramble to adjust to the virtual platforms that have arisen in the face of the social distancing regulations surrounding the ongoing pandemic. While some have taken the changes in stride, many others struggle to adapt to their new digitally mediated communication channels that lack the richness of social cues we rely on when interacting in person. Management consulting agency Corporate Visions surveyed over 500 salespeople to gauge the impact of the transition to remote work — and almost 70% of their participants reported difficulties when compared to selling in person, mainly due to factors including "limited interactions" and "passive presentations." The difficulties in selling over remote channels come as no surprise when you realize how little of our communication relies on spoken words. Communication experts have long recognized that meaning is conveyed primarily through nonverbal signals. While studying human communication, scholar Albert Mehrabian developed a model to illustrate how spoken words comprise only 7% of a message's meaning, while intonation constitutes 38% and body language 55%. Applying his findings to the sales industry, the professionals at Masterclass warn against discounting the importance of nonverbal cues, explaining how relying solely on spoken words risks "[misinterpreting] what your negotiating partner is communicating, and [diminishing] your chances of finding common ground." The importance of nonverbal cues explains why so many salespeople have struggled with working remotely. Tricia Jones, professor at Klein College of Media and Communication, explains how the lack of nonverbal cues makes it harder to display authenticity and build trust and advocates for "[improving] technology to bring it closer to the experience of in-person communication." SubStrata's PIE technology and Q software help bridge the gap between virtual and face-to-face communication. By helping salespeople identify and interpret nonverbal signals, they enable greater understanding and foster trust between negotiators — making it easier to meet clients' needs and close deals. ( ) Written By Jacob Johnson for Aves Lair . To learn more about Substrata, visit substrata.me , or email contact@substrata.me To learn more about Aves Lair and the Aves Lair accelerator program, visit aveslair.com , or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter .

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