O3

Big news at O3—we’re excited to share two promotions that position us for our continued growth. Christine Sheller has been promoted to Chief Experience Officer. Over the past 5 years, Christine has elevated our UX research and design practice, making an indelible mark on the quality of work we deliver. In her expanded role, she’ll continue driving that division forward while strengthening our client services to ensure an exceptional experience at every touchpoint. Justin Handler has been promoted to Managing Director. Justin has been a cornerstone of O3 for over 15 years, playing an integral role in shaping the success and growth of our business. In this role, he’ll focus on operational excellence and strategic direction across the organization.Together, Christine and Justin will work to elevate O3, ensuring continued growth while delivering the quality and partnership our clients expect. Congratulations to both! Please join us in celebrating! #O3World

“Never lead with technology - lead with business solutions” “People don’t get replaced by AI, people get replaced by people who know how to use AI.” “Creativity can’t be fully codified — value comes from surprise and collaboration” These are just some of the outstanding insights shared today at 1682 Conference that lead into the why of the importance of the day. Thank you to all of our speakers and all those who attended and collaborated with us today!

Thank you @mybestegg and Lindsay for sharing your insight on piloting Ai in organizations!

Our day of business and innovation has begun! Follow along as we explore how organizations define success, measure impact, and scale solutions beyond abstract concepts. Who’s joining today??

Join 1682’s summer session on June 5 at the Comcast Technology Center for a half-day event exploring the future of enterprise innovation and AI investment, hosted by and presented in partnership with @lift_labs . Innovation requires structure, strategy, and the right collaborators. This event brings together enterprise leaders, VCs, and startup founders for a series of candid conversations about how organizations are building scalable innovation programs—and how investors are navigating the fast-changing AI landscape. Agenda highlights include: Fireside Chat: Sushma Akunuru, CIO of @independencebluecross , on Digital Transformation in the Age of AI Moderated by Maureen Rinkunas, Director of Insights Membership at Rock Health. Panel 1: Inside enterprise innovation programs—what works, what doesn’t, and why. Featuring Jonathan Walsh, Director of Health Innovation / Corporate Venture at CSL, Kirby Forlin MBA - @mckessoncorporation - SVP Data commercialization / and Katie Teuber – Director, Startup Engagement at Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs. Panel 2: How VCs are evaluating AI startups today. Featuring Jim Hao, Founder and Managing Partner at Reformation Partners, Jonathon Beschen, Managing Director of Tech Investments at @cnp.benfranklin , and moderated by Sushma Rajagopalan Partner at Rittenhouse Ventures. Plus: Light Breakfast, Coffee + Networking, an update from our 2024 Venture Award winner, Tejas Agarwal from Sahay AI, and actionable insights for startup founders and enterprise innovation teams alike. 📍 Location: Comcast Technology Center, 1800 Arch Street, 4th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 🗓️ Date: Thursday, June 5 🕤 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 🎟️ Tickets: $50 (Visit 1682conference.com to secure your ticket)

This week, O3 celebrates 2️⃣ 0️⃣ years—not just of business, but of building, adapting, and growing alongside the ever-changing customer experience landscape. 🎂 🎉 What started as a small team with big ideas has grown into a collective of strategists, designers, and technologists who continue to challenge convention and prioritize impact. We’ve navigated two decades of change—not by chasing trends, but by listening deeply, learning continuously, and putting people at the center of everything we do. Throughout the years, we’ve built more than solutions—we’ve built partnerships. With our clients, with our community, and with each other. We’re proud of the long-lasting relationships that have shaped who we are and who we continue to become. As we look back, we’re grateful. As we look ahead, we’re energized. And as we celebrate this milestone, we’re reminded that the best experiences are the ones we create together.

In 2025, companies face a paradox: while innovation is more critical than ever, many are cutting back, restructuring, or sidelining it entirely. In our latest blog, O3 Senior Strategist Brady Halligan explores: - Why innovation isn’t a product—it’s an operating model  - The risk of mistaking AI hype for strategy  - 5 principles to build lasting innovation capability Check out our website for the full perspective (link in bio).

What does it look like when AI doesn’t just enhance — but elevates— the human experience? Meet Scarlet AI, a virtual assistant co-created by O3 and REC Philly to hyper-personalize the creative gig economy. Inspired by the vibrant spirit of @recphilly ’s Membership Director, Scarlet isn’t just a chatbot — she’s the conversational face of a community, powered by the intelligence of OpenAI and shaped through human-centered design. In under 30 days, we went from concept to launch — building a secure, Azure-based MVP that drove 1,000+ interactions in its first month alone. But this is more than a case study. It’s a glimpse into what’s possible when strategic vision meets AI activation. Scarlet AI now helps creators book meetings, navigate membership info, and feel a personalized connection with the REC brand — all in a voice they know and trust. Learn how O3 is helping organizations create hyper-personalized experiences, streamline workflows, and redefine customer interaction through responsible, measurable AI.

The 1682 conference is back! 1682 is returning to the @barnesfoundation on October 8th. This year will include additional events leading up to the flagship conference. 1682 will continue to highlight the business side of innovation, showcasing what is happening behind the scenes with AI piloted projects and programs. Leaders will share firsthand insights on overcoming roadblocks, making tough decisions, navigating financial challenges, and achieving breakthrough results that rarely make it out into the world publicly. This year’s 1682 innovation series includes… 🗓️ 1682 Summer session: Inside corporate innovation on June 5th at the @comcast Center in Philadelphia. This half-day pre-event will feature high-impact discussions on how organizations structure innovation programs, scale solutions, and measure success. 🗓️ 1682 innovation leaders mixer on September 25th at O3 Headquarters. This exclusive, invite-only gathering will bring together 30 executives, founders, and industry leaders for an evening of meaningful connections and curated conversations. Interested in speaking, sponsoring, or attending? Let us know. (Link in bio)

In 2025, dynamic data visualization is transforming the way users interact with information. Static charts and complex reports are giving way to real-time rendering, interactive 3D dashboards, and adaptive infographics that adjust based on user needs and device capabilities. The result? More intuitive, engaging, and accessible data experiences that empower users to make faster, smarter decisions. 💡 Brands that embrace dynamic, user-centric visualization will unlock new ways to communicate insights, enhance usability, and drive engagement. This is just one of the five key UX trends shaping digital experiences in 2025. Want to explore them all? Download 5 for 2025: Top UX themes now. (Link in bio)

O3 had the pleasure of hosting the second VC Village gathering last night at our office in Fishtown. The event fostered engaging conversations among regional venture capitalists, angel investors, and LPs. Special thanks to John Tokarowski and Milos Milosevic for organizing such an intimate event. We look forward to continued support and future collaboration at our upcoming 1682 Innovation Conference, with details to be announced soon.

O3 believes in the power of bringing people together—for meaningful connections and curated knowledge sharing. Events like @1682conf have created a platform for thought leadership, helping us and our community navigate the evolving intersections of AI, business, and customer experience. As our Co-founder & CEO, Keith Scandone, recently shared on Max Traylor’s Podcast 💬 “1682 has provided a thought leadership lane for us, and we’re expanding it to more of a series now this year.” Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement for 1682’s events happening this year.