Ep 249 The Future of AI Agents, M&A Strategy, and Innovation with Tom Eggemeier

In this episode of The Silicon Valley Podcast, we sit down with Tom Eggemeier, CEO of Zendesk, to discuss the transformative power of AI Agents, the evolving landscape of M&A, and the future of customer experience. Tom shares his insights on how businesses can leverage AI to drive growth, the decision-making process behind strategic acquisitions, and what’s next for Zendesk.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ AI Agents vs. Traditional AI – What sets them apart and how they’re reshaping customer service.
✅ The Role of AI in Business Growth – How AI can enhance both customer and employee experiences.

✅ M&A Strategy at Zendesk – The company’s approach to acquisitions and lessons from past deals.
✅ AI's Impact on Competitive Advantage – Will AI adoption create stronger moats or increase disruption risks?
✅ Zendesk’s Future Vision – What innovations are coming and where the company is headed in the next decade.

Key Questions We Discuss:

🔹 How are AI Agents revolutionizing customer service, and how do they differ from traditional tools?
🔹 What are some real-world examples of businesses benefiting from AI adoption?
🔹 How can businesses balance AI-driven efficiency with personalized customer experiences?
🔹 What metrics should companies track to measure AI's impact on operations?
🔹 What’s Zendesk’s M&A playbook, and how does it guide acquisition decisions?
🔹 How can AI enhance the employee experience, not just the customer experience?
🔹 What groundbreaking innovations is Zendesk unveiling at Zendesk Relate?
🔹 What’s Tom’s vision for the next 5-10 years in AI and customer service?
🔹 How does a CEO continually adapt and grow in a fast-changing market?

Connect with Tom Eggemeier & Zendesk:

🔗 Tom’s LinkedIn
🔗 Zendesk Website

Email: Tom.eggemeier@zendesk.com