10-best-leaders-from-ai-in-india-2024-veronica-benson

Championing Collaboration for Photography's Evolution

Veronica Benson

Vice President Strategic Partnership

Aftershoot

The creative world of photography thrives on strategic partnerships, where alliances are forged to amplify innovation and expand horizons, especially in these tech-savvy times. As the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Aftershoot, Veronica Benson spearheads such collaborative efforts. With a keen eye for opportunity and a passion for driving industry growth, Veronica navigates the intricate fabric of partnerships, illuminating pathways for collective success and shaping the future of photography.
Veronica’s journey into the world of strategic partnerships is grounded in a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of industry dynamics. With a background in product development and a keen sense of market trends, she brings a unique perspective to her role, combining strategic acumen with a hands-on approach to partnership cultivation. Her ability to identify emerging opportunities and forge meaningful connections has been instrumental in driving Aftershoot’s growth and solidifying its position as a leader in the photography industry.
As VP of Strategic Partnerships, Veronica faces a myriad of challenges, from navigating complex market dynamics to fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups. However, it is her innate resilience and unwavering determination that set her apart. In the face of adversity, Veronica remains steadfast in her commitment to driving positive change, leveraging her leadership skills and industry expertise to overcome obstacles and achieve collective goals.
One of Veronica’s greatest strengths lies in her ability to bridge the gap between innovation and practical application. With a deep understanding of emerging technologies such as AI, she works tirelessly to ensure that Aftershoot remains at the forefront of industry innovation while staying true to its core values of ethics and authenticity. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives, Veronica seeks to empower photographers to embrace new technologies responsibly, driving positive change within the industry and creating opportunities for growth and advancement.
As she continues to forge strategic partnerships and navigate the dynamic world of photography, Veronica remains committed to empowering creators and shaping the future. In an exclusive interview with TradeFlock, Veronica talks about her roles and responsibilities and more.

What are the photography industry's current challenges, and how does Aftershoot tackle them with its AI platform?

The photography industry is currently at a crossroads, with numerous new companies and technologies transforming the way professionals work. While these advancements bring opportunities, they also introduce challenges, as outsiders may not prioritise the industry’s needs. Aftershoot acknowledges the rise of image generation and tools that could potentially replace certain types of photographers, such as headshot or product photographers. In response, Aftershoot positions itself as an ally to photographers, committed to their benefit and well-being. This commitment is evident in Aftershoot’s values, including flat-rate pricing, local software for data protection, and 24/7 in-app support. By fostering a supportive community and prioritising industry values, Aftershoot plays a crucial role in driving positive change within the photography sector.

What sets Aftershoot apart from competitors like PhotoMechanic and Adobe Lightroom?

Aftershoot stands out from its competitors in the photography software space, such as PhotoMechanic and Adobe Lightroom, primarily due to its innovative use of AI technology. Unlike other platforms, Aftershoot was purposefully designed from its inception to streamline photographers’ workflows, particularly in tasks like culling and editing. By harnessing the power of AI, Aftershoot significantly accelerates these processes, reducing the time photographers spend on tedious tasks. This efficiency is exemplified by real-world experiences where users report drastic reductions in time spent culling and editing, allowing them to focus on other essential aspects of their business. Moreover, Aftershoot maintains a commitment to ongoing innovation, consistently introducing new features and tools aimed at enhancing photographers’ experiences and transforming industry workflows. In essence, Aftershoot represents a long-awaited breath of fresh air in an industry that has lacked significant innovation for many years, offering a comprehensive solution that aligns with photographers’ needs and expectations for the future.

What strengths and weaknesses drive your leadership in this field?

My greatest strengths lie in my adeptness at cultivating authentic connections and leveraging relationships for mutual benefit. I excel at thinking creatively and swiftly adapting to evolving circumstances, enabling me to devise innovative strategies on the fly. However, my primary weakness is the constraint of time. Despite my ceaseless efforts, the limited hours in a day often hinder my ability to fully capitalise on all opportunities for growth and expansion. Nevertheless, I remain committed to harnessing my strengths to overcome challenges and drive impactful change within the industry

How do you stay updated on industry trends?

Staying current in a fast-paced industry requires diverse sources. From browsing social media to networking with industry peers, I prioritise gathering insights from various channels. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of trends and developments. By avoiding reliance on single sources and seeking information from multiple outlets, I maintain a well-rounded perspective and adapt effectively to changes in the dynamic landscape.

Do you contribute to society, and if yes, how?

Contributing to society has always been a core value for me. Whether through small gestures or larger initiatives, I strive to make a positive impact. Recently, I collaborated with the co-founder of Aftershoot to organise a charity event in Peru. We provided meals for over 200 individuals and brought Christmas joy to 50 children in need. Moving forward, I am committed to expanding my philanthropic efforts, recognising that we all play a vital role in creating a better world, whether as givers or recipients.

How do you foresee AI's role evolving in photography, and how does Aftershoot prepare to embrace these changes?

As AI continues its rapid evolution, the future of the photography industry is poised for transformation. At Aftershoot, our focus lies on elevating photographers amidst this wave of innovation. While it’s tempting to chase the latest trends, our strategy remains rooted in addressing photographers’ current and future needs. We’re actively engaging with companies across the AI and photography sectors to understand emerging trends and potential challenges. There’s a notable trend of some AI companies aiming to minimise the photographer’s role, while photographers themselves prioritise adaptability and endurance. Our goal is to empower photographers by making technical tasks easier while keeping them at the forefront of the creative process. By innovating thoughtfully and staying deeply connected to industry needs (both as developers and active photographers), Aftershoot is prepared to embrace the changes AI brings, ensuring that photographers remain central to the evolving landscape.

What are Aftershoot's upcoming projects and partnerships, and what outcomes are expected?

Our current focus centres on the upcoming Aftershoot Retreat in Peru’s mountains, gathering photographers, educators, users, ambassadors, and partners for a threeday event. This initiative aims to showcase our company’s ethos and foster meaningful collaborations. Beyond events, our partnerships prioritise long-term relationships built on trust and shared goals. We’re dedicated to continuous growth, both for our partners and for the industry as a whole. While our roadmap includes innovative projects, our ultimate goal is collective advancement. Through collaboration and commitment to excellence, we seek to uplift the photography community and create opportunities for mutual growth and progress.

What's next for expanding Aftershoot's partnerships?

Moving forward, I and my co-founder Justin Benson focus on expanding Aftershoot’s partnerships involves maximising the potential of each collaboration organically. While identifying new partners involves staying abreast of industry trends and maintaining communication with existing contacts, our priority lies in fostering innovation within these relationships. Our industry boasts a tightly knit community, facilitating organic growth and collaboration. Each partnership is invaluable, and we’re fortunate to have an array of dedicated individuals within our network. Innovation drives our approach to nurturing these connections, with growth being a mutual endeavour. While there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for expansion, we’re committed to seizing opportunities as they arise, often sparked by insightful conversations with our partners.

Define yourself as a leader in two words and explain why.

“Empowering” and “innovative” define my leadership style. I prioritise empowering my team members through trust, support, and encouragement, fostering an environment where they feel valued and motivated to excel. By providing resources, guidance, and opportunities for growth, I enable them to reach their full potential and achieve their goals. Moreover, I emphasise open communication and collaboration, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Additionally, I embrace innovation, constantly seeking new ideas, technologies, and strategies to drive progress and overcome challenges. Through a combination of empowerment, collaboration, and innovation, I strive to lead my team towards success and inspire a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.