Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how businesses operate, but for many, the challenge is not just understanding AI—it’s implementing it in a way that delivers real, measurable impact. On this VistaTalks episode, Polly Barnfield OBE, Founder and CEO of Maybe*, shared her insights on how AI is helping businesses of all sizes, from global enterprises to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), embrace digital transformation.
Making AI Accessible to Every Business
At the heart of Maybe* is a mission to help businesses—regardless of size or technical ability—deploy AI safely and effectively. Polly and her team have already worked with over 35,000 SMEs, providing AI-driven solutions that help businesses thrive in the digital world.
Polly sees AI not as a threat to jobs but as an accelerator of human potential. Rather than replacing workers, AI is changing how businesses function by automating repetitive tasks, providing instant customer support, and helping companies generate content faster.
«Every business should see AI as the colleague they wish they had,» says Polly.
AI and Multilingual Digital Transformation
One of Maybe*’s standout projects is its work with Birmingham City Council, helping local businesses create digital content in multiple languages, including Hindi, Urdu, and Spanish. This initiative has been a game-changer for companies lacking an effective digital presence.
With AI-powered content creation and training, businesses can now generate posts, respond to customer queries, and increase their visibility online in seconds, all in their preferred language. The result? Stronger local economies, more jobs, and better engagement with diverse communities.
AI for Global Brands: From SMEs to Enterprises
While Maybe* has empowered thousands of SMEs, its AI-first approach is also transforming large enterprises. Polly explains how global brands struggle with content approvals, regional marketing compliance, and workflow efficiency.
By applying the same AI-driven knowledge base that has helped small businesses grow, Maybe* is now working with large organizations to automate content workflows, ensure brand consistency, and reduce manual workloads, all while maintaining data security and compliance.
The Importance of AI Security & Trust
With the rapid adoption of AI, security is a growing concern. Polly stresses the importance of SOC 2 compliance, ensuring that Maybe* users’ data remains protected.
«If you wouldn’t want to see your data somewhere else, don’t put it in a public AI model,» Polly advises.
By providing businesses with safe AI environments, Maybe* ensures that organizations can use AI without compromising privacy, compliance, or competitive advantage.
From Equestrian Champion to Tech Innovator
Beyond the world of AI, Polly’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Before launching Maybe*, she was a gold medal-winning equestrian athlete for Team GB. She later pivoted into the tech industry and went on to raise over £30 million for charitable causes, earning her an OBE. Her approach to business reflects her relentless drive for innovation and impact, making her one of the most influential leaders in AI-driven digital transformation today.
Advice for Businesses Ready to Adopt AI
For business leaders still hesitant to embrace AI, Polly’s advice is simple:
- Start small. Find a task that your team hates doing and automate it with AI.
- Keep your data secure. Ensure your AI use is within a safe, compliant environment.
- Think of AI as an extension of your team. AI should enhance human capabilities, not replace them.
«AI is about banishing the boring so that people can focus on what they do best—engaging with customers, growing their businesses, and driving impact,» Polly says.
What’s Next for Maybe*?
Looking ahead, Polly and her team at Maybe* are building a next-generation AI platform that blends multimodal AI, automation, and deep integrations with tools like Google Analytics, Facebook, and Adobe. Their vision? A world where AI acts as a digital assistant, streamlining workflows and helping businesses get more done with less effort.
Final Thoughts
AI is not a futuristic concept—it’s a powerful tool available today, and Maybe* is leading the charge in helping businesses harness AI for growth. Whether you’re an SME looking to improve customer engagement or a global brand aiming to streamline content workflows, Polly Barnfield and her team are proving that AI can be a game-changer for all.
About VistaTalks:
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