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TSIA Vegas 2025: The AI Moment and Why Fundamentals Still Matter

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Insights from the VFP Consulting Team

This year’s TSIA World: Interact in Las Vegas had one overarching theme: AI is everywhere, but clarity is not. From hallway conversations to keynote stages, the excitement (and anxiety) around artificial intelligence was palpable. Everyone is trying to figure out how to harness it, but few have a solid plan or success story to show for it.

AI FOMO Is Real

If there was one phrase that summed up the event, it would be “AI FOMO.” Across sessions and side chats, it was clear that most organizations are in the early stages of experimentation. They’re testing ideas, dabbling with pilots, and watching competitors, but not yet transforming.

Even at the keynote level, where Microsoft shared five AI initiatives, the message was refreshingly honest: two failed completely, while three succeeded, saving the company an impressive half a billion dollars. Incremental gains are proving valuable, even when the big vision is not yet fully realized.

Much of what’s being done today focuses on automation of existing tasks, improving documentation, refreshing content, or augmenting service workflows. But as one closing keynote emphasized, AI’s potential goes far beyond this. By breaking down traditional service silos — Professional Services, Managed Services, Support, and Education — companies can unlock new models of value delivery. The overarching advice from every closing speaker: act now, learn fast, and iterate. Waiting for the perfect strategy is no longer an option.

The Growing Threat (and Opportunity) of AI Companies

One of the most striking takeaways from TSIA leadership was a candid warning: AI engine companies like OpenAI aren’t just tools—they’re competitors.

TSIA predicts that these AI-first firms will not remain behind the scenes for long. Instead, they’ll continue to move up the value chain, embedding their technology into full-fledged B2B SaaS and services solutions. As one presenter put it, “The trap is set.”

However, this transformation also presents an opportunity. TSIA refers to this as the “ERA of Services.” In this new era, service organizations have a distinct advantage in their deep, ongoing relationships with customers. The challenge is clear: every service team must evolve, embracing AI as an enabler rather than a threat.

The Services Era and the Race to AI Profitability

Back to Basics: Why Fundamentals Matter More Than Ever

At VFP Consulting, our biggest takeaway is simple: no one knows which AI strategy or tool will win in the long run. What matters right now is readiness.

Organizations that have their data, processes, and teams in order will be the ones that can adapt fastest as AI evolves. That means focusing on the fundamentals:

  • Eliminate data and tech debt: A strong foundation enables quick pivots as new AI solutions emerge.
  • Review and streamline processes: Identify what can be automated, augmented, or reimagined with AI.
  • Prioritize change management: Prepare teams for the mindset and workflow shifts that come with AI adoption.

Our mission at VFP Consulting is to help companies build that foundation—ensuring they’re not just chasing AI trends, but are ready to realize their full benefits.

TSIA Vegas 2025 reinforced what we already knew: AI is not a future disruptor, it’s a present reality. The organizations that thrive will be those that experiment boldly, learn quickly, and stay grounded in operational excellence.

As the service landscape evolves, VFP Consulting is here to help clients stay nimble and data-driven, enabling them to choose the best strategy to support their transformation. 

We are registered Salesforce® & Certinia partners
and honored to be 2X Partner of the Year for Certinia and 3X Inc.5000 winner

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Raul Acosta

Sales Director

As an agile, focused and collaborative team player Raul strives to consistently take a holistic approach and make an impact with each networking experience and partnership forged.

 

With 15+ years of experience in sales strategy, application sales, and relationship management, he excels at solving complex business challenges through data-driven insights, superior customer service, and relevant Salesforce expertise.

 

As a former trusted advisor at Certinia and Salesforce, Raul has successfully implemented strategies that drive revenue, align business units, engage target audiences, strengthen brand image, maximize productivity, develop people, transform processes, and improve overall customer experience, showcasing his commitment to clients, partners, and colleagues.

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Michael Kelly

Engagement Director & Head of Project Management

Michael, with a background in project financial management and analysis, has spent over a decade in various project management roles. Leading clients, project teams, and fellow project managers, he ensures successful project deliveries and implementations. Michael’s PMP Certification enables him to stay current with the latest industry standards and project management practices.

 

Passionate about his field and role, Michael finds fulfillment in successful projects, tangible results, and meeting client needs.

 

Throughout his experience in engagement management Michael has successfully led over 25 clients, projects, and go-lives. He has overseen a project budget portfolio of $25 million per year, managing 21 separate project engagement efforts concurrently for his client base. In his career, Michael has hired, trained, and personally managed a team of over 50 project managers.

 

He has also contributed to the development and training of new agile project methodologies in multiple companies.

 

Currently, at VFP, Michael has played a crucial role in implementing the new agile methodology across all active projects for their client base in 2023.

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Greg Plaisance

Managing Consultant

Throughout his career at VFP, Greg has progressed from the role of Consultant to Senior Consultant and currently serves as a Managing Consultant.

 

With 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Greg possesses a diverse skill set that spans Retail Banking, Post Audit, and Consulting. He holds 3 Salesforce certifications and 2 Certinia certifications, showcasing his expertise in areas such as Accounting, Revenue Recognition, Billing, and leadership strategy. Greg’s extensive background equips him with a deep understanding of financial processes, enabling him to offer valuable insights and guidance to clients within the industry.

 

Passionate about process improvement, efficiency, and leadership he helps companies by managing the systems that support their core objectives, allowing them to focus on their key goals.

 

Greg aims to build VFP into a premier consulting firm that is highly sought-after by both clients and professionals as a desirable place to work.

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Kristin Hubbard

Managing Consultant

Kristin, a seasoned Salesforce and Certinia professional since 2011 specializes in Financial Management, specifically focusing on areas such as Billing, Revenue, and Accounting.

 

With a degree in Accounting, Kristin began her career as a Billing Specialist, where she actively contributed to the implementation of Salesforce and Certinia, showcasing her problem-solving skills and passion for process improvement.

 

Recognizing her abilities, she transitioned to the role of Certinia Administrator, playing a crucial role in the system’s global rollout. Later, as a Business Systems Manager, she assumed responsibility for the entire Salesforce platform. Motivated by her love for the job and a desire to help multiple organizations, Kristin pursued consulting, specializing in Certinia ERP and leading consultant teams for approximately eight years.

 

Since 2018, she has played a vital role in planning and executing the Florida Dreamin event. Recognized as a Salesforce MVP in 2023, she holds 7 Salesforce and 1 Certinia certification, demonstrating her expertise and dedication to growth.

 

Kristin understands the value of embracing technology and streamlining processes to reduce costs and enhance profitability. With expertise in Salesforce and Certinia, she guides organizations to implement efficient systems, optimize operations, and achieve financial success.

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Ty alibhai

Managing Consultant

Ty is a seasoned consulting leader who has focused his experience over the last 15 years on the Salesforce platform and solutions in its ecosystem. He brings 20+ years of business knowledge, consulting experience, and a knack for successful Salesforce and Certinia implementations in the quote-to-cash space. Ty has successfully implemented technology solutions such as Salesforce and Certinia to over 100+ customers over his career and has led/managed consultant teams of 5-10 people.

 

Graduating from UC Berkeley’s Haas Business School and with a strong background in Computer Science, he launched his career in technology consulting. He focused his career on the Salesforce platform after experiencing success at Salesforce in the early 2000s and growing that knowledge with consulting partners the latter half of his career. His knowledge spans multiple industries, solutions, and market segments from SMB to Enterprise level experience.

 

As part of his role at VFP, he effectively manages a team of consultants, empowering them to achieve their career objectives. He also leads project teams and ensures the seamless adoption of technology, thereby driving client success at VFP.

 

Driven by a strong desire to make a positive impact on customers’ lives by simplifying their experience with new systems he excels as a leader, mentoring consultants and guiding project teams to successful outcomes.

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Nick Anderson

Managing Consultant

A global Salesforce and Certinia consulting and implementation leader, Nick is an expert in his field with more than 8 years of experience on the platform, specializing in Quote to Cash and Professional Services Automation best practices.

 

With a focus on mid-market and enterprise accounts, Nick brings a deep knowledge of best practices to all aspects of client projects including change management, business process documentation & improvement, system configuration, revenue recognition and managed services.

 

With an extensive background in International Business and PSA solutions, Nick is the driving force behind the VFP consultants, helping the team tap into their full potential in order to deliver excellent results.

 

Never one to back down from a challenge, Nick embraces his ever-changing environment and encourages customers to do the same as a way to drive further success down the road. He stresses the importance of clear communication and building strong working relationships in order to effectively articulate a vision for the future of a business.

 

Using his own years of consulting experience as a touchstone, Nick’s focus is on developing talent and ushering in customer success for the VFP team across the board.

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Doug Johnston

Chief Operating Officer

Building scalable large-capacity services teams in enterprise environments for more than 25 years, Doug is focused on operational excellence and builds high-quality and high-growth companies and teams.  


As COO, Doug’s responsibilities encompass overseeing all facets of customer services including a Project Management team, internal operations, and a team of expert consultants. His primary focus lies in fostering a high-performing team and culture, guiding its development, providing support, and offering coaching to optimize efficiency.

Doug’s diverse experiences in industries including software services, government, private sector, medical, and beyond have led to the development of a global team, overseeing projects ranging from small initiatives to multi-million dollar implementations and long-term relationships with clients.


With unwavering determination, Doug strives to establish a top-tier consulting firm in collaboration with VFP’s CEO, Stephanie Taylor. Together they shared a vision that transcends software implementation, aiming to provide value, challenge conventions, and leverage expertise for optimal outcomes. Though strategies shift with growth, the core objective of building an exceptional company remains a constant in Doug’s journey. 


Doug joined VFP in its infancy, with a goal to grow the team and scale the operation – which is now doubling year over year, based on a passion for people matched with a deep sense of purpose. With 2x INC5000 placements under 1000, team growth of more than 10,000%, high customer success ratings and stability within the team, his leadership has proved vital to positive growth and long term stability for VFP. 

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Stephanie Taylor

Chief Executive Officer

A sought-after leader with a 20+ year history working with global Fortune 500 companies, Stephanie is a business process expert with a deep and well-recognized expertise in the Salesforce and Certinia ecosystems, with a focus on Quote-to-Cash, ERP, CRM, and Financial Management.

 

Stephanie founded VFP Consulting to offer companies with access to a 360 approach to not just implementing but managing their technology investments over time, from aligning people, process and product needs to long term management that maximizes the investment and fuels growth and business needs over time. 

 

Front-line experience overseeing 100+ projects and relationships with diverse clients, from mid-market enterprises to billion-dollar enterprises, Stephanie’s expertise spans high-growth businesses, private equity, mergers and acquisitions across various industries. Her leadership at VFP places a premium on the core values behind the name – Vision, Focus, and Passion.

  • Industry:
    Call Center Technology
  • Company Size:
    • 2,000+ employees around the world
    • 2,500+ enterprise, mid-market, and SMB customers in 104 countries
  • Solutions:
    Certinia Professional Services Cloud