AI is Replacing Human Customer Support | Dennis de Reus | Beyond Coding Podcast #202

Can AI truly replace human customer service—or is it just hype? In this episode, I talk with Dennis de Reus, co-founder of Stellar and former Head of AI at ABN Amro, to explore how AI-driven voice technology is transforming customer support interactions. Dennis shares real-world insights on building Stellar, an innovative startup that uses AI to answer customer calls naturally and effectively. In this conversation, you'll learn: ✅ How Stellar's AI outperforms traditional human support in certain scenarios. ✅ Why modern AI voice bots no longer feel robotic or impersonal. ✅ Where AI shines and where human interaction remains essential. ✅ Practical insights into building and scaling an AI startup. ✅ How AI impacts developer productivity and innovation in tech teams. If you've ever wondered about AI’s role in customer support and whether it can genuinely deliver human-level experiences, this episode offers deep insights and honest perspectives. Connect with Dennis de Reus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisdereus #Software #Programming #Podcast - Connect with Patrick Akil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-akil https://twitter.com/PatrickAkil_ Feedback is always welcome :) Beyond Coding is a weekly podcast with fireside chats on tech, entrepreneurship and career journeys. Common topics are: software engineering, leadership, self-improvement and entrepreneurship. Authentic, informative and inspiring. That's the aim for each episode. Shoutout to Xebia for making these episodes possible 💜: https://www.xebia.com Beyond Coding on your favourite podcast platforms 🎙: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7asIKIPU3N6n0SNWHxwMnQ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-coding/id1572440477 Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy81YmI1N2VhYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw== Audible - https://www.audible.com/pd/Podcast/B08K56MZBQ Anchor- https://anchor.fm/beyond-coding Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/id4169675 Breaker - https://www.breaker.audio/beyond-coding Pocket Casts - https://pca.st/gljc9jhh Radio Public - https://radiopublic.com/beyond-coding-G3YVLg Equipment we use 💕 Rodecaster Pro - https://www.amazon.com/-/en/dp/B07M5LQ1YZ/ref=sr_1_1 Rode Procaster - https://www.amazon.com/Rode-Procaster-Broadcast-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B001IPUJJI/ Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro - https://www.amazon.com/Beyerdynamic-Professional-Headphones-Limited-Renewed/dp/B07KWY57MR/