In this episode of the Next Gen AI Case Study Series, we are joined by
Kim McKinley, the Chief Marketing Officer and Deputy Director at Utopia
Fiber. With a career that began in the hospitality industry, Kim has
leveraged her entrepreneurial background and customer-centric approach
to transform Utopia Fiber into a leading community-owned fiber optic
network.
Our conversation starts with Kim sharing her journey to becoming the CMO
at Utopia Fiber. She highlights the importance of authenticity and hard
work in navigating the business world. Kim's transition from
hospitality to telecom has been marked by her commitment to treating
customers with appreciation, a principle that has significantly shaped
Utopia Fiber's success.
Kim explains the unique structure of Utopia Fiber, a network owned by 11
cities in Utah. This community-driven model emphasizes the importance
of local leadership and citizen involvement in developing essential
infrastructure. Despite initial challenges, this innovative approach has
proven its value, especially evident during the pandemic when reliable
fiber infrastructure became crucial.
We delve into the technological advancements and tools used by Utopia
Fiber to manage customer relationships and enhance service delivery. Kim
discusses the integration of AI and new technologies to improve both
internal operations and customer interactions. She provides insights
into the company's approach to fostering open communication and
maintaining transparency with their customers.
The discussion also covers the dynamic nature of the telecom industry
and the shifts Kim has witnessed over her 14-year tenure. She reflects
on the monumental changes, particularly the increasing demand for
advanced communication technologies. Kim shares her perspective on the
future of telecom, emphasizing the need for continuous innovation and
adaptation.
Towards the end of the episode, Kim offers actionable advice for
professionals in similar positions. Her emphasis on the rehumanization
of corporate interactions and the importance of staying relevant amidst
rapid technological changes provides valuable takeaways for listeners.
For those looking to connect with Kim McKinley, you can reach out to her on linked in:
To connect with the Next Gen AI team, visit nextgengrowth.com.
Join us for this engaging episode to gain practical insights from a
leader in the community-driven telecom industry.