Episode #521: From NASA to ASENSEI-Steven Webster on Digital Transformation in Fitness

Steven Webster has carved out a rather unique career path combining sports, technology, and coaching. Originally from the UK and now in California, Steven boasts an impressive martial arts background. His expertise extends beyond the dojo, selling his first company to Adobe and working with customers including NASA, Nike, and the NFL.

Also a Microsoft alumnus, he's made significant contributions to athletic coaching, leading British University sports teams to ten national championships. His multifaceted knowledge spans movement recognition, coaching intelligence, artificial intelligence, and athletic intelligence. Webster and host Pete Moore explore his early passion for computers sparked initially by his Dad (an electrical engineer) to eventually founding ASENSEI, a company specializing in movement recognition technology for fitness and healthcare.

We uncover Steve's insights on enhancing consumer engagement, solving real-world problems through AI, and the future of interactive training technology. This is a deep-dive into the convergence of fitness, technology, and business innovation.

Key themes discussed

• ASENSEI: Movement recognition company for various applications.
• AI coaching potential to scale being digitally demonstrated.
• Athletes training with consumers in real time.
• Solve frustration to validate business funding needs.
• Building on existing AI is an industry standard practice.
• Customer experience tests show high net promoter scores.
• Trade shows are arsenals for success strategies.

A few key takeaways: 

1. Holistic View of Digital Transformation: Webster emphasizes the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to digital transformation in the HALO space. Drawing parallels with successful digital shifts in ecommerce and financial services, he underscores the necessity for both legacy and pioneer brands to integrate advanced technologies to stay competitive.

2. Martial Arts Influence: Webster shares how his background in martial arts strongly influences his approach to coaching and technology. Martial arts not only offer physical benefits but also emotional and behavioral improvements. This translates into his work with ASENSEI, where movement recognition technology enhances fitness and health applications.

3. Asensi's Technology Implementation: The episode focuses a lot on ASENSEI's movement recognition technology and its practical applications in fitness and health. Initially applied to indoor rowing, the tech has expanded to meet the demands of home workouts. Examples include using cameras for analyzing exercises to prevent injuries and using AI to interpret and improve physical activities.

4. AI and Coaching Synergy: Webster clarifies that their technology is designed to complement, not replace, human coaches. The AI serves as a "copilot," capturing user movements and providing real-time feedback based on expert coaching insights. This ensures the technology enhances the coaching experience rather than detracting from the human element.

5. Legacy Brands and Market Evolution: The discussion around how legacy fitness brands are leveraging digital technologies to enhance customer experiences is especially noteable.

Click here to download transcript. 

Resources: 

• Steven Webster: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenwebster 
• ASENSEI: https://www.asensei.ai 
• Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
• Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com 

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