Podcast: Creating real-time training scenarios

In the latest episode of the Building Rapport podcast, we spoke to Arjun Nagendran, Co-Founder of Relativ.ai, about how he is leveraging Rapport to create immersive learning experiences across a range of industries including, recruitment, leadership development, sales, education, and HR.

Listen to the podcast below or check out the summary blog below. 

A New Era of Experiential Learning

At its core, Relativ.AI aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Nagendran explains, “Imagine you had an AI mentor that was around all the time, simulating conversations before they actually occurred and providing you with feedback on the things that you need to do better.” This approach is not just about acquiring knowledge; it's about practicing using that knowledge so that you are able to apply it in realistic, high-pressure scenarios.

This is where Rapport comes into play. The platform enables Relativ.AI to create highly interactive and lifelike digital characters that users can engage with in various simulated environments. These simulations range from handling interpersonal conflicts in the workplace to navigating complex sales negotiations. By practicing in these safe, controlled environments, users can build the confidence and skills needed to excel in real-world situations.

The Power of Human Interaction

Relativ.AI and Rapport both share a commitment to improving human interactions. As Nagendran emphasizes, “Success depends on human connection.” This philosophy underpins the entire Relativ.AI approach. The tools they create are not designed to replace human interaction but to enhance it. The AI models are trained to understand and replicate the nuances of human communication, making the learning experience as realistic and impactful as possible.

Rapport’s platform adds a critical layer to this by enabling natural language interactions between users and AI-driven digital characters. Nagendran points out, “What Rapport does is add one new layer... allowing us to avoid that process of having to type, but instead communicate and have natural language be understood on the other side.” This natural communication is key to making the AI feel more like a human mentor or coach, thereby increasing user engagement and the effectiveness of the training.

Impact Across Multiple Industries

Leadership development

The partnership between Relativ.AI and Rapport is making waves across several key industries. In leadership development, for example, managers can use the platform to practice handling difficult conversations and resolving conflicts before they arise in real life. This not only helps in improving interpersonal skills but also boosts team productivity and cohesion.

Sales

In the realm of sales, Relativ.AI uses data from real-world sales calls to create customized training modules that address specific challenges faced by sales teams. As Nagendran describes, “We have the ability to kind of look at those particular calls that the salespeople are on... and identify patterns across hundreds of calls.” This data-driven approach allows for the creation of highly targeted training sessions that can be delivered on-demand, ensuring that sales teams are always prepared to tackle the most common objections they face.

Education

Education is another area where Relativ.AI is making a significant impact. By providing students with opportunities to practice and develop durable skills such as collaboration and empathy, the platform is helping to prepare the next generation for the challenges of the modern workplace, recognizing the importance of these soft skills in today’s interconnected world.

Looking to the Future

As AI technology continues to evolve, the partnership between Relativ.AI and Rapport is poised to lead the way in creating even more advanced learning experiences. Nagendran envisions a future where digital characters become an integral part of our daily interactions with AI, helping to build trust and empathy in ways that were previously unimaginable. “The minute you actually put a face and a voice to the AI model... you’re sort of creating trust, because now you feel like you’re talking to a person,” he explains.

This trust is crucial for the continued success of AI-driven learning platforms, as it encourages users to engage more deeply with the training material and apply what they’ve learned in real-world situations. By focusing on the human element of learning and development, Relativ.AI and Rapport are not just enhancing how we learn—they’re fundamentally changing the way we interact with technology and each other in the process.

The future of learning is here, and it’s powered by AI that understands the importance of human connection. Through this partnership, Relativ.AI and Rapport are setting a new standard for experiential learning that is as engaging as it is effective.