Ruder Finn Debuts Amazon Alexa Skill Focused on CEO Thought Leadership

NEW YORK, Aug. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ruder Finn today announced the launch of a new Alexa Skill called "Kathy's Thoughts" which features regular thoughts and inspirational quotes from Dr. Kathy Bloomgarden, Ruder Finn CEO.  The Skill demonstrates a move toward new, experiential ways for CEOs to authentically communicate with internal and external audiences.

"We are really excited to be at the forefront of voice technology and recognition," says Kathy Bloomgarden. "Technologies like Alexa not only allow us to automate communications for extended reach, but to do so in a more personal and authentic way, generating real human connection to a wide range of audiences. I'm excited to be able to offer the ability to build similar Thought Leadership Skills for our clients as well."

Technology like Amazon Alexa is opening doors to more authentic connections for CEOs. While tools like blogs and webinars are still popular, Alexa is potentially the next frontier of the way leaders will communicate with their audiences in a more natural, experiential way.  

With the launch of "Kathy's Thoughts", Ruder Finn demonstrates a unique application of Alexa Skills by using it for CEO thought leadership.

According to recent research by eMarketer, an estimated 35.6 million Americans will use a voice-controlled speaker at least once a month in 2017, a 128.9% increase over last year.  The research also noted that Amazon has 70% share of the emerging voice-controlled speaker market (compared to 23.8% for Google).

As a regular contributor of thought leadership to Fortune, Forbes, Entrepreneur and LinkedIn, Bloomgarden brings her latest ideas to a new medium with voice-activated content. By simply saying: "Alexa, ask Kathy's Thoughts to inspire me," users can hear Kathy's perspective on company culture, innovation, leadership, strategy and more.

Ruder Finn developed the "Kathy's Thoughts" Skill with the technical expertise of Tejas Totade, Vice President of Technology and Innovation, and is a reflection of the company's focus on new and emerging technologies. "Ruder Finn is dedicated to leveraging technology and developing innovative content that transforms the way we interact with companies," says Totade. "We are passionate about voice-activated content and this new Alexa Skill speaks to the future of how our industry will engage with customers and brands."

Dr. Kathy Bloomgarden is recognized as one of the most powerful women in the industry. She has been named one of PR News' Top Women in PR for two years in a row, and this year was inducted into the PR Week Hall of Femme. In 2007, Dr. Bloomgarden published the book "Trust: The Secret Weapon of Effective Business Leaders," in which she underscores the importance of building trust to a business' corporate strategy.

ABOUT RUDER FINN, INC. Ruder Finn, Inc. is one of the world's largest independent global communications and creative agencies with dual headquarters in the U.S. and China. Founded in 1948, Ruder Finn serves the global and local communication needs of over 250 corporations, governments, non-profit organizations and startups. The agency is organized around four strategic pillars that reflect its core areas of expertise: Health & Wellness, Corporate Reputation & Transformation, Technology & Innovation, and Consumer Connections. RFI Studios, the agency's full-service digital practice, leads the industry in designing and developing internal collaboration platforms, building conversations and communities around brands, and staying top-of-mind in the world of mobile applications. Ruder Finn's work, talent and culture have received industry-wide recognition, featuring awards from the Cannes Health Lions, the Clio's, the SABRE Awards, the Big Apples and the PRWeek Awards. In 2016, Bulldog Reporter named Ruder Finn Large and Tech Agency of the Year, and PR News' has listed Ruder Finn as one of the Top Places to Work in PR for three years in a row. For more information, visit www.ruderfinn.com.

CONTACT: Sarah Coles, Director, Marketing and Communications, Ruder Finn, [email protected] +1 212-593-6393

SOURCE Ruder Finn, Inc.

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