Business

Open Letter to Toxic Workplace Culture Incubators

My friends,

I’m writing to you today not as a consultant or a guru, but as a peer, heck even a virtual friend.

Someone who has sat in the same meetings, felt the same pressures, and wrestled with the immense responsibility of guiding a group of people toward a common goal. It’s a privilege, this work we do. But I’ve also seen the dark side of it and it’s getting worse with the pace of life and technology we’re facing.

I’ve watched brilliant, passionate people slowly dim under the weight of so-called “leadership” that fails to understand its own impact, not just in the workplace, but to people’s personal lives outside of work.

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By David Tong, ago

I Want My Internet Back!

It was 1995, I flick the power switch of my Compaq Presario desktop in my dorm room, the first time I heard that screeching modem tone just weeks before our campus upgraded to T1 connections. That free AOL CD from a PC Mag became my passport to something extraordinary.

Back in those days, the internet felt like exploring a strange new city where every alleyway held potential surprises. You’d stumble into chat rooms with names like “DragonSlayer42” or “BeavisOwnsButthead69” and actually have conversations with real people about ridiculous topics that somehow mattered in the moment. You argue, you laugh, you use weird ASCII combos to make a crude but complex reaction.

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By David Tong, ago

How Big Tech’s AI “Neutrality” Enables Ethical Disasters: 3 Cautionary Tales for Business Leaders

AI is often marketed as an impartial, efficiency-boosting tool, but the reality is messier. As highlighted in videos like “How AI Decisions Go Rogue”, “The Hidden Biases in AI”, and “When Automation Goes Wrong”, AI systems don’t operate in a moral vacuum. They mirror and amplify the data, incentives, and oversight gaps built into them.

For business leaders, this isn’t just a technical issue, it’s a strategic, legal, and reputational risk. When deployed without guardrails, AI can silently automate discrimination, escalate PR crises, or even violate regulations without malicious intent.

Below, we dissect three high-profile cases where household-name companies enabled ethically dubious AI outcomes, unintentionally. Each reveals a critical flaw in how corporations approach AI governance, with actionable lessons for leaders who don’t code but do control budgets and policies.

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By David Tong, ago
Gen AI eCommerce Content Sucks

Most Gen AI eCommerce Content Sucks (and Brands are Paying For It)

Remember that cringe-worthy ad where a “diverse” group of models all had six fingers, or the product shot featuring a bizarrely distorted hand clutching an otherwise beautiful watch? Or perhaps you’ve scrolled past an eCommerce DTC site where every single product description felt like it was churned out by a robot on a caffeine overdose, full of repetitive phrases and generic platitudes.

You’d think these are just minor hiccups; but they’re glaring examples of generative AI gone wrong, particularly for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands aiming for authenticity and connection. In the wild west of AI integration, many brands are jumping on the bandwagon without truly understanding the reins. This isn’t about AI being inherently “bad”; it’s about using it badly. No brands, big or small, are immune to this, especially in the current hype cycle.

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By David Tong, ago
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AI-Washing – AI Hype vs. Reality: What It Means for You

The AI gold rush is in full swing. Every corporate earnings call, tech conference, and LinkedIn post touts artificial intelligence as the inevitable future. McKinsey predicts generative AI could add $2.6–4.4 trillion annually to the global economy, while headlines declare AI will reshape jobs, industries, and human productivity. Yet beneath the glossy promises lies a stark disconnect: most organizations, outside a handful of tech giants, are struggling to implement AI meaningfully. For career professionals caught between fear and FOMO, understanding this gap is critical.

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By David Tong, ago

The DTC Shift Isn’t About Tech, It’s About Trust

You don’t need a website.

You need a new way to matter to someone.

For decades, your business thrived by serving other businesses. Contracts, relationships, bulk orders. It is predictable, reliable, known. But DTC (Direct to Consumer)? It’s a different kind of promise. One that whispers, “I see you” to a stranger scrolling at midnight.

This isn’t a pivot. It’s a leap of faith.

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By David Tong, ago

Generative AI Powering Ecommerce Growth in Southeast Asia’s Marketplaces

Ecommerce in Southeast Asia is booming, with marketplaces like Shopee, Lazada, and Amazon leading the charge. But beyond flashy AI-generated images or chatbots, I’ve noticed that Generative AI’s subtle but rapid insertion in ecommerce operations on the major marketplaces here in Southeast Asia to get efficient, profitable, and customer-friendly through automation.

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By David Tong, ago

Unlocking Your Next Opportunity: How to Use AI Tools Like Google NotebookLM and Perplexity to Nail Your Job Interview

For seasoned professionals like us in their 40s and 50s, navigating today’s competitive job market can feel like stepping into a new technological frontier. The good news? Modern AI tools like Google NotebookLM and Perplexity are not just for the tech-savvy; they are powerful allies that can significantly enhance your interview preparation, giving you a distinct edge. I’ll will walk you through a strategic approach to leverage these tools for a more efficient, comprehensive, and ultimately, successful interview journey.

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By David Tong, ago

Entering the China eCommerce Market – A Guide for the Uninitiated

You’ve been assigned the exciting task of expanding into China’s massive eCommerce market, congratulations! Soon after, you realize China presents unique challenges and opportunities compared to Western markets dominated by Amazon. The distinct characteristics of China’s eCommerce landscape and unique consumer demands require strategies to navigate this dynamic market successfully. Read more

By David Tong, ago

Opinion: AI’s Influence on eCommerce Search Results and How CPG Brands Content Strategy Needs to Adapt

As AI technology continues to evolve, it brings about three significant changes that will reshape search results on eCommerce marketplaces and, consequently, force CPG brands to rethink future digital shelf content strategies. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has undeniably revolutionized the way we interact with technology, and its impact on eCommerce search Read more

By David Tong, ago