Directed-, chelation-assisted-, or "guided" C-H activation involves directing groups that influence regio- and stereochemistry. This is the most useful style of C-H activation in organic synthesis. N,N-dimethylbenzylamine undergoes cyclometalation readily by many transition metals.  A semi-practical implementations involve weakly coordinating directing groups, as illustrated by the Murai reaction.
The mechanism for the Pd-catalyzed C-H activation reactions of 2-phenylpyridine involves a metallacycle intermediate. The intermediate is oxidized to form a Pd species, followed by reductive elimination to form the C-O bond and release the product.