Technovation with Peter High (CIO, CTO, CDO, CXO Interviews)

In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Dan Caruso, founder of Zayo Group and Caruso Ventures. Dan, a pioneer in communications infrastructure, shares his journey from leading multi-billion dollar exits with MFS and Level 3 to his current investments in quantum and space technologies. He discusses insights from his new book Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation That Shaped the Internet Age.

Key Highlights:

• The breakup of AT&T and how it created modern telecom.
• How fiber optics and broadband became the foundation of the internet.
• The boom-bust cycle of innovation and how it applies to AI and quantum today.
• Why quantum computing and space tech will reshape industries from cybersecurity to finance.
• How ambitious professionals can ride the next tech wave.

How do you build a modern, AI-powered financial services platform while keeping your workforce agile and innovative? On this episode of Technovation, Bread Financial CTO Allegra Driscoll joins Peter High on Technovation to discuss her leadership in technology modernization, cloud migration, and fintech innovation. She shares insights into Bread Financial’s shift to a product operating model, AI-driven transformation, and mainframe-to-cloud transition—all while leading a large-scale reskilling initiative.

Key Topics:

• AI-Driven Financial Services – Using AI and real-time analytics to enhance customer experiences.
• Cloud & DevSecOps – How Bread Financial is retiring mainframes and embracing public cloud for scalability.
• Workforce Reskilling & Agile Transformation – Investing in cloud & AI training while rethinking the way teams work.
• Diversity & Inclusion in Tech – Creating high-performing teams with diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches.
• The Future of AI in Finance – How Bread Financial balances AI automation with human decision-making.

New York Life is embracing AI and data to enhance customer experience and business strategy. In this episode of Technovation, Don Vu, Chief Data & Analytics Officer, shares how he’s leading a transformation at the 180-year-old mutual insurance giant. Don discusses how AI and data modernization are reshaping insurance, the role of data in improving agent and customer interactions, and how New York Life is structuring its organization for agility and innovation. He also reflects on his career spanning Major League Baseball, Northwestern Mutual, and WeWork, and what excites him about AI’s future.

Highlights:

• How AI & data are driving New York Life’s customer and agent experience
• The four pillars of AI strategy: data foundation, insights, culture & experience
• The role of AI in transforming traditional industries
• Don’s reflections on the evolution of data leadership

How does the world’s largest logistics real estate company stay ahead of rapid growth and disruption?

Prologis CTO Sineesh Keshav joins Peter High to discuss how the global logistics real estate leader is leveraging AI, automation, and proprietary data to drive efficiency, sustainability, and business expansion. Sineesh shares insights into Prologis’ rapid growth, $220 billion in assets under management, and its transition into energy, EV charging, and smart buildings. He also explains the company’s 100% cloud-based strategy, how AI is embedded into decision-making, and the role of data-driven innovation in scaling global logistics operations.

Key Topics:

• AI & Automation in Logistics – How Prologis is embedding AI into decision-making.
• Scaling Growth with Data – Leveraging proprietary data to drive operational efficiency.
• Energy & Sustainability – Becoming the 2nd largest solar producer in the U.S.
• Tech-Driven Expansion – Why M&A strategy and digital transformation are critical to Prologis’ success.

How can technology leaders leverage innovation ecosystems to drive meaningful business transformation? In this episode of Technovation, Steven Norton moderates a discussion with Medtronic CIO Rashmi Kumar and Berkadia CIIO Damu Bashyam on how they are tapping into hyperautomation, AI, and startup partnerships to expand their innovation ecosystems and accelerate growth. Rashmi shares how Medtronic is building an innovation ecosystem through its Hyperautomation Center of Excellence, enabling AI-driven decision-making, automation, and operational efficiencies that enhance healthcare delivery. Damu explains how Berkadia’s Startup Accelerator Program fosters an ecosystem of fintech and proptech innovators, driving competitive advantage and industry-wide transformation. Learn how leading technology executives are creating and nurturing innovation ecosystems by integrating cutting-edge technology, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and leveraging external partnerships to fuel continuous innovation.

Comerica Bank COO Megan Crespi joins Peter High to discuss the bank’s digital transformation strategy, AI adoption, and customer-centric innovation. Megan shares insights on Comerica’s cloud migration journey, investments in AI-powered risk management, and how the bank is modernizing operations to enhance customer experience. She also delves into cybersecurity strategies for the quantum computing era and lessons from her leadership roles at Ally Bank and General Motors.

Highlights:

• Digital Transformation at Comerica: Moving 80% of applications to the cloud and modernizing banking infrastructure.
• AI in Banking: How AI and analytics are enhancing customer insights, security, and operations.
• Cybersecurity & Quantum Computing: Preparing for next-gen security threats.
• Customer-Centric Innovation: Improving digital banking, payments, and self-service experiences.

In a panel from last year’s Metis Strategy Summit, Royal Caribbean’s CIO Martha Poulter and Avis Budget Group’s Chief Digital and Innovation Officer Ravi Simhambhatla share how they’re harnessing AI to transform customer experiences and operations. During the discussion, these executives explore how AI-driven personalization boosts conversions, the role of predictive models in operational efficiency, and the importance of blending digital and physical realities. From improving asset utilization to reducing waste and empowering employees, discover how these industry leaders are shaping the future of travel and hospitality.

Highlights include:

• AI-powered vacation planning at Royal Caribbean: Simplifying complex customer journeys.
• Avis Budget Group’s innovative use of predictive AI models to optimize fleet utilization.
• Operational excellence: Transforming food waste and sustainability challenges into data solutions.
• The intersection of technology and customer satisfaction in travel and hospitality.”

Unisys CTO Dwayne Allen joins Technovation to discuss how he is leading AI-driven innovation and shaping the future of IT services. Dwayne shares insights into Unisys’s transformation from hardware to IT solutions, the democratization of digital acumen, and how the company’s AI training program has driven adoption across 13,000 employees. He also highlights the promise of generative AI, ethical use policies, and emerging technologies like quantum computing. Tune in to learn how Dwayne’s strategic leadership is driving Unisys forward and empowering clients globally.

Highlights include:

• CTO Role Evolution: Discussion on CTO 3.0, focusing on AI practices, solution development, and client collaboration.
• AI Strategy: Details of Unisys’s AI training program and its integration into internal and client solutions.
• Customer Collaboration: Insights into leveraging client partnerships to enhance solutions and strategy.
• Generative AI & Ethical Guidelines: Highlights of AI use cases, Unisys’s AI acceptable use policy, and future integration.
• Board Membership: Reflections on serving as a board member and its influence on his operational role.

Onsemi CIO Neeraj Vijay joins Technovation to discuss the company’s transformation journey, driven by a unique digital thread framework. Neeraj shares insights on leveraging intelligent power and sensing technologies for industries like automotive and life sciences, achieving carbon neutrality by 2040, and fostering cultural adaptability in IT leadership. Learn how Onsemi integrates AI and digital innovation to lead in the semiconductor space.

Highlights include:

• Digital Threads: Explanation of the framework and seven defined threads, such as idea-to-market and silica-to-chip.
• AI in Action: Use of large language models for customer engagement and support optimization.
• Cultural Shifts: Emphasis on flexibility, change readiness, and breaking down silos in IT leadership.

In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High interviews Kai Boysan, CEO of Flix North America, to explore how Flix is modernizing intercity travel. Learn about Flix’s strategic acquisition of Greyhound, its use of AI for optimizing operations, and its mission to provide sustainable, affordable travel to over 1,600 destinations. Discover how Flix employs AI to forecast demand, optimize pricing, and improve customer engagement through seamless technology integration. Kai also discusses the company’s innovative approach to partnerships and the adaptability needed to succeed across diverse global markets.

Highlights include:

• Greyhound Acquisition: Merging legacy and innovation for transformation.
• AI-Driven Operations: Forecasting demand and optimizing efficiency.
• Customer-Facing Technology: Enhancing satisfaction with real-time updates.
• Sustainability Focus: Promoting greener travel alternatives.
• Leadership Insights: Structuring teams for innovation and growth.

Fifth Third Bancorp CIO Jude Schramm shares how he has spearheaded a comprehensive digital transformation over the past seven years, positioning the bank for growth, resilience, and innovation. Jude discusses the modernization of IT infrastructure, the integration of AI tools for employees and customers, and the bank’s strategic fintech acquisitions, such as Rise Money, to advance in embedded finance. He also delves into the evolution of customer experience, emphasizing a blend of human and digital interactions to meet modern banking needs. Additionally, Jude reflects on lessons from his tenure at GE, including the importance of leadership development and applying Lean Six Sigma principles to technology and business processes.

Highlights include:

• Modernization and Resilience: Jude explains how Fifth Third upgraded its infrastructure, migrated to cloud-based systems, and established a robust foundation for scalability.
• AI for Transformation: The discussion explores the four pillars of AI at Fifth Third: for employees, engineers, business processes, and customers.
• Customer Experience Evolution: How the bank enhanced its mobile app, enabling 500+ updates in 2024 and creating seamless digital banking experiences.
• Talent Development: Strategies for building an engineering-centric IT workforce, including reskilling programs and partnerships for nontraditional hires.
• Fintech Acquisitions: Insights into how acquisitions like Rise Money and Provide have accelerated the bank’s entry into embedded finance and healthcare verticals.
• Governance and Innovation: The balance between adopting generative AI and ensuring regulatory compliance in a banking context.
• Lessons from GE: Jude reflects on the leadership training and Six Sigma practices that shaped his approach to problem-solving and innovation.

Shaleen Devgun, Chief Innovation and Technology Officer at Schneider National, joins Technovation to share how the company is transforming logistics through innovation, sustainability, and advanced technology. In this episode, Shaleen discusses Schneider’s Scope 23 platform, a groundbreaking solution to decarbonize supply chains, and the role of Packerland Ventures in investing in startups that are redefining logistics and transportation management. He also delves into how generative AI is optimizing human decision-making and operational efficiency, as well as the impact of The Grove, Schneider’s innovation hub in Green Bay, which attracts talent and fosters collaboration to solve critical industry challenges. This episode is a must-listen for technology executives and rising leaders eager to explore how innovation is reshaping logistics and supply chains for a sustainable future.

Highlights include:

• Scope 23 and Decarbonization: Shaleen explains how Scope 23 enables companies to proactively reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their supply chains today.
• Packerland Ventures: Schneider’s corporate venture fund invests in transformative technologies like Platform Science and Mastery Logistics to redefine logistics and transportation management.
• Generative AI in Logistics: Shaleen discusses how Schneider is piloting generative AI solutions to enhance human decision-making and operational efficiency.
• The Grove Innovation Hub: Located on Schneider’s Green Bay campus, The Grove attracts entrepreneurs and fosters collaboration to tackle industry-wide challenges.
• Leadership Philosophy: Shaleen shares how Schneider’s innovation culture is embedded in its DNA and how the company’s “corporate athletes” drive transformative change.

939: Dmitri Alperovitch, co-founder of CrowdStrike and the Silverado Policy Accelerator, joins Technovation to explore the U.S.-China geopolitical rivalry and the rise of a second Cold War. In his latest book, World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the 21st Century, Dmitri outlines the critical need for the U.S. to dominate key technological industries, strengthen alliances, and focus strategically on the Indo-Pacific region to deter China’s ambitions. He also discusses parallels between today’s geopolitical tensions and the Cold War with the Soviet Union, as well as Taiwan’s emergence as a pivotal flashpoint.

Highlights include:

• The Second Cold War: Dmitri compares U.S.-China tensions to the Cold War with the Soviet Union, emphasizing the striking similarities and the critical role of Taiwan in the current geopolitical landscape.
• Winning the Innovation Race: The discussion focuses on the importance of U.S. leadership in AI, biotech, clean energy, and aerospace to maintain global power.
• Lessons from Ukraine: Dmitri reflects on Russia’s cyber operations in the Ukraine war and the implications for U.S. companies and global cybersecurity.
• The Role of Cybersecurity in Modern Warfare: Insights into how cyber operations have become a cornerstone of geopolitical strategy, from espionage to infrastructure disruption.
• North Korea’s Cyber Prowess: A deep dive into how North Korea is innovating in cyber operations to fund its missile programs and achieve strategic goals.
• Xi Jinping’s Legacy: Dmitri examines Xi’s ambitions to surpass Mao Zedong’s legacy and the potential for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan in the coming decade.

Kristy Folkwein, Chief Information Officer of Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), shares how she has driven a comprehensive digital transformation at one of the world’s largest food supply companies. From consolidating processes with S4 to leveraging generative AI for flavor innovation, Kristy explains the importance of data-driven decision-making and creating a digital-first culture. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High interviews Kristy about her strategic approach to using data and AI to unlock operational efficiencies, safeguard proprietary information, and promote experimentation across the organization. Kristy also discusses the challenges of balancing innovation with managing cybersecurity risks, navigating subscription-based technologies, and building a sustainable digital culture.

Highlights include:

• Digital Transformation at Scale: Kristy outlines ADM’s strategy to modernize processes, standardize operations, and enhance agility with S4.
• AI in Action: Examples include flavor innovation with generative AI and capturing tribal knowledge in manufacturing.
• Protecting Proprietary Data: How ADM navigates the risks of adopting AI while ensuring data security and aligning innovation with business goals.
• Fostering a Digital Culture: Initiatives like ‘Feast Your Mind’ tech talks and success storytelling to encourage adoption of new technologies.
• Future Trends and Concerns: Kristy highlights emerging technologies like edge AI and machine vision while addressing the challenges of the subscription model shift and cybersecurity.

937: In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Joe Park, President of Digital and Restaurant Technology Ecosystem and Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Yum! Brands. Joe discusses Yum!’s incredible journey from 19% to over 50% digital sales in just a few years, fueled by innovations in proprietary technologies and AI-first strategies. He shares insights into how the company has built and scaled an integrated technology ecosystem—referred to as “Restaurant in a Box”—to empower franchisees and enhance the customer experience globally.

Joe also highlights Yum!’s strategic use of generative AI and voice AI to streamline operations, reduce team member attrition, and improve restaurant operations. Additionally, he delves into leadership training initiatives, including an AI and digital mindset curriculum developed in partnership with Harvard Business School, to prepare Yum!’s leaders for the digital future.

Highlights include:

• Digital Transformation at Scale: Joe discusses Yum! Brands’ evolution from 19% to over 50% digital sales and the deployment of kiosks across its restaurants.
• Restaurant in a Box: How Yum! Brands integrates proprietary technologies into a seamless platform for franchisees.
• AI-Driven Operations: The use of voice AI and Dragontail to enhance efficiency and employee satisfaction.
• AI and Digital Leadership Training: A Harvard-led curriculum to equip Yum!’s top 200 leaders with AI skills.
• Team Member Empowerment: How tools like the SuperApp digitize and simplify daily routines for restaurant managers.
• Centralized vs. Decentralized Governance: Balancing global and brand-specific needs for scalability.

Medtronic CIO Rashmi Kumar discusses her leadership in advancing digital transformation for one of the world’s largest healthcare technology companies. Rashmi shares how hyperautomation, artificial intelligence, and robotic-assisted surgery are reshaping patient care and operational efficiency. She also highlights Medtronic’s recent establishment of a global IT center in Hyderabad and her journey to joining the board of Myriad Genetics. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High explores Rashmi’s unconventional path from metallurgical engineering to technology leadership, the cultural changes needed to foster innovation, and the role of AI in the future of healthcare. Rashmi also delves into Medtronic’s use of generative AI for internal operations and product innovation, including its transformative impact on patient care and global healthcare access.

Highlights include:

• Hyperautomation at Scale: Rashmi explains Medtronic’s AI-powered chatbots and machine learning models that drive operational efficiency and predictive analytics.
• The Hyderabad IT Center: Insights into Medtronic’s global talent strategy and its focus on cloud engineering, cybersecurity, and AI.
• AI in Healthcare: How Medtronic is using AI for robotic-assisted surgery and imaging to improve diagnostics and patient outcomes.
• Leadership Lessons: Rashmi reflects on the importance of aligning IT goals with business outcomes and fostering a culture of innovation.
• Path to Board Membership: Her journey to joining the board of Myriad Genetics and how it has expanded her professional perspective.
• Future Trends: Rashmi shares her vision for the future of healthcare technology and its potential to reach underserved populations worldwide.

In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Soumya Seetharam, Chief Digital and Information Officer of Corning, a 170-year-old material science innovator. Soumya discusses her dual role in leading IT operations and driving digital transformation, focusing on reducing technical debt, democratizing technology, and implementing AI-powered solutions like Corning GPT and GenAI operator assistants. Learn how Corning is harnessing data and AI to stay at the forefront of innovation and efficiency.

Highlights include:

• Corning GPT: A secure private instance of OpenAI for enterprise innovation.
• GenAI in Manufacturing: Revolutionizing operations with AI-driven assistants.
• Technical Debt Strategy: Retiring legacy systems for clean data and agility.
• Data-Centric AI Strategy: Plans for advancing Corning’s digital footprint in 2025.

Fraud is constantly evolving, but leveraging data accelerates understanding and adaptation to changes in the environment. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Prem Natarajan, EVP, Chief Scientist and Head of Enterprise AI at Capital One. Prem delves into how Capital One is leveraging AI to revolutionize financial services, with applications ranging from fraud detection to customer service enhancements. Discover how the company’s vibrant tech culture and partnerships with academia fuel innovation, and learn why Prem believes diverse perspectives are critical in shaping the future of AI.

Highlights include:

• AI-Powered Fraud Prevention: How real-time data analytics and machine learning protect customers.
• Generative AI Applications: Enabling developers and call center agents with Gen AI tools.
• Responsible AI Partnerships: Multi-year collaborations with universities like Columbia and USC to explore ethical AI use cases.
• Innovation Culture: How events like SECON and Data Week foster tech collaboration and growth.
• Diversity in AI Development: The importance of diverse perspectives in AI lifecycle stage

933: Through advanced data and AI, healthcare companies are transforming care with precision health, delivering earlier diagnoses and personalized treatments. At Illumina, CIO Carissa Rollins is leading the charge, modernizing the tech stack to power the future of precision health. In this episode of Technovation, Carissa discusses how technology is reshaping genomics, sharing her efforts to streamline IT, foster AI innovation, and tackle global challenges like cancer and rare diseases. Host Peter High explores Carissa’s journey to becoming a CIO, her leadership in change management, and her vision for advancing precision health.

Highlights include:

• Modernizing Technology: How Illumina is eliminating redundancies and driving organizational growth with a modernized IT landscape.
• Global Capability Centers: The launch of Illumina’s India GCC to enable 24/7 operations and scale innovation.
• AI Governance and Personalization: Ensuring ethical AI use and leveraging it for breakthroughs in personalized medicine.
• Leadership and Board Membership: Carissa’s boardroom experience and its impact on her CIO role.
• Precision Health and Genomics: The future of healthcare through genomics, addressing critical diseases, and improving patient outcomes.

932: Customer loyalty is a key metric for success in retail, prompting companies to leverage AI to optimize customer engagement. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Sharmeelee Bala, Chief Information Officer and Head of Product Management at JCPenney, to explore how she is enhancing customer engagement and the transformative role AI plays in this process.

Highlights include:

• Customer-Centric Innovation: Sharmeelee discusses how JCPenney creates seamless experiences tailored to customer preferences.
• AI and Data Strategy: She explains the role of clean, consolidated data in improving decision-making and how AI augments both employee productivity and customer insights.
• Next-Gen POS Systems: Learn about JCPenney’s mobile-first POS systems pilot, designed to enhance in-store shopping experiences.
• Loyalty Program Relaunch: The revamped rewards program strengthens customer engagement with benefits like “Cash Passes.”
• Retail from the Customer Perspective: Sharmeelee shares how her personal experience as a customer informs her leadership in retail innovation.

931: Transitioning from project to product thinking is more than an operational change—it’s a mindset shift. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Dak Liyanearachchi (CTO, NRG Energy), Arthur Hu (Global CIO, Lenovo), and Mike Anderson (CIO, Netskope) about how their organizations are embracing this evolution. The discussion spans the challenges of aligning business capabilities, fostering cross-functional teams, and developing leadership for a product-driven future.

Highlights include:

• From Projects to Products: Transitioning to agile and product-focused models that enhance collaboration and deliver enterprise-wide innovation.
• Transformation Offices: How these structures act as enablers for integrating technology, data, and business functions for strategic alignment.
• Building Cross-Functional Teams: Developing “fusion teams” to break down silos and streamline operations.
• Developing Product Owners: The importance of identifying and nurturing leaders to take ownership of digital and technology products.
• The Role of AI in Innovation: Exploring how AI and Generative AI are reshaping enterprise operations and the customer experience.

930: The role of digital and technology leaders is rapidly evolving, with executive recruiters discussing how advancements like AI are redefining their titles, responsibilities, and organizational impact globally. In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our 2024 Metis Strategy Summit with executive recruiters Katie Graham Shannon (Heidrick & Struggles), Art Hopkins (Russell Reynolds), and Henry Man (Candela Search) who explore how technology executive roles are changing in title, scope, and influence. The panel, moderated by Metis Strategy’s Steven Norton, delves into the shifting dynamics of leadership and discusses the implications for organizations worldwide.

Highlights include:

• CIO Role Evolution: The panel explores how technology leaders are moving closer to the CEO, taking on broader responsibilities like cultural transformation and value creation.
• AI’s Leadership Impact: Discussion on how AI is reshaping leadership, with roles focusing on business disruption rather than purely technical oversight.
• Global Leadership Trends: Insights into differences between US and European leadership cultures, including compensation, risk-taking, and reporting lines.
• Technology Leaders on Boards: Analyzing the growing trend of CIOs joining corporate boards and the critical business acumen required.
• Recruiter Relationships and Interview Tips: Practical advice on building meaningful recruiter connections and standing out in executive interview processes.

929: In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our 2024 Metis Strategy Summit with panelists Nick Parrotta (CDIO & President of Digital Transformation Solutions at HARMAN Intl.), Bonnie Titone (CAO of Duke Energy), and Pritha Mehra (CIO of USPS) where they discuss their insights into leading large-scale modernization efforts. The conversation spans diverse industries—automotive, energy, and logistics—exploring how these leaders balance innovation with the challenges of legacy systems and crisis management.

Highlights include:

• USPS’s Cloud Strategy: Pritha Mehra details USPS’s hybrid cloud approach and its role in transforming the organization’s 950 legacy applications into efficient, scalable solutions.
• Clean Energy Transition: Bonnie Titone explains Duke Energy’s use of cloud-based grid planning tools to support its clean energy goals and manage disaster preparedness with tools like drones and Scout.
• Personalized Digital Experiences: Nick Parrotta discusses how HARMAN integrates AI and cloud technologies to deliver cutting-edge customer experiences in automotive and consumer audio.
• Crisis Management at Scale: Stories of leadership and innovation, from USPS’s COVID-19 test kit distribution to Duke Energy’s hurricane response.
• Building Cultures of Curiosity: Strategies for fostering innovation, enabling teams to adopt emerging technologies, and bridging the gap between legacy and modern systems.

As the role of CIO continues to evolve as a strategic partner to the business, many CIOs are emerging as strong contenders for CEO positions. In a panel discussion from the 2024 Metis Strategy Summit, Alorica Co-CEOs Mike Clifton and Max Schwendner sit down with Peter High to discuss their leadership journeys—Mike’s transition from CIO to CEO and Max’s progression from CFO to Co-CEO. They delve into how their complementary expertise in technology and finance fuels innovation at Alorica. Additionally, the conversation highlights the transformative power of AI in customer experience (CX) and the bold strategies Alorica employs to disrupt its own business model for future growth.

Highlights include:

• From CIO to CEO: Mike Clifton shares how his experience as a CIO prepared him for his role as Co-CEO, emphasizing the importance of technology leadership and inspiring teams.
• Co-CEO Collaboration: Mike and Max discuss how they divide responsibilities while maintaining a unified leadership approach, leveraging their complementary expertise.
• AI Innovations in CX: Alorica’s cutting-edge advancements in AI, including real-time voice translation and dialect neutralization, are transforming customer interactions and operational efficiency.
• MetaHuman AVA: Introduction of AVA, a bespoke AI solution tailored for Alorica’s clients, capable of delivering human-like interactions to enhance customer service.
• Disruptive Innovation: The necessity of cannibalizing existing business models to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
• Future of AI in Business: Insights into how AI is enabling new opportunities for efficiency, customer satisfaction, and revenue generation across industries.

927: Operationalizing AI offers transformative potential but requires organizations to adopt “responsible AI” practices that ensure transparency, accountability, legality, and ethics. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with three influential leaders—Ed McLaughlin, CTO and President at MasterCard, Marina Bellini, President of Global Business Services at Mars, and John Russell, CIO at Northrop Grumman—about the critical role of responsible AI in driving innovation while maintaining ethical and regulatory integrity. Moderated by Alex Kraus, the panel unpacks how companies across industries can balance business value with accountability, leveraging AI responsibly for global impact.

Highlights include:

• Responsible AI Frameworks: The panel shares how organizations like Mars, MasterCard, and Northrop Grumman are developing governance models that ensure AI aligns with corporate values and global regulations.
• Balancing Innovation and Risk: Insights into navigating the risk-reward trade-off by focusing on scalable AI applications that enhance productivity, minimize bias, and reduce operational risks.
• Ethics at the Core of AI: Ed McLaughlin emphasizes that ethics must guide innovation, with AI only adding value when it upholds organizational principles and consumer trust.
• AI Scalability and Validation: Techniques like MasterCard’s “silent mode validation” to test AI in real-time environments and prevent concept drift, ensuring robust performance at scale.
• Navigating Global Regulations: Marina Bellini and John Russell discuss the challenges of adapting AI practices to comply with international regulatory frameworks while maintaining organizational principles.
• The Future of AI in Defense and Business: John Russell explores how ethical constraints drive innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors, while Ed McLaughlin warns against over-restricting AI technologies.

926: As organizations navigate the future of work and technology, leaders are rethinking how to recruit, retain, and upskill talent to drive innovation. In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel discussion from our 2024 Metis Strategy Summit with Soumya Seetharam (Chief Digital and Information Officer, Corning), Teddy Bekele (Chief Technology Officer, Land O’Lakes), and Tigran Khrimian (Chief Technology and Engineering Officer, FINRA). Moderated by Peter High, the conversation highlights practical strategies for developing next-generation operating models and integrating emerging technologies into the workforce.

Highlights include:

• Global Talent Hubs: Soumya discusses Corning’s strategic creation of digital hubs worldwide to access diverse talent pools and align operations with business needs.
• AI and Data-Driven Insights: Tigran shares FINRA’s groundbreaking use of AI to process exabytes of data and maintain market integrity.
• Fusion Teams for Agility: Teddy reveals Land O’Lakes’ approach to embedding IT talent within business functions for deeper collaboration and innovation.
• Rotational Programs for Skill Development: Soumya explains how Corning’s mid-career rotational programs build leadership and broaden expertise.
• Generative AI’s Impact on Programming: Tigran explores the transformative potential of AI, including the idea of English as a programming language.
• Citizen Development: Insights on empowering non-technical employees to leverage low-code/no-code tools safely and effectively.

925: As organizations increasingly experiment with AI, technology leaders are turning their attention to demonstrating how these tools can deliver tangible returns for the business. In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our 2024 Metis Strategy Summit where Rob Alexander (CIO, Capital One), Katya Andresen (Chief Digital and Analytics Officer, Cigna), and Nitin Tandon (CIO, Vanguard) discuss how their organizations are advancing data strategy and extracting measurable value from AI initiatives. Moderated by Chris Davis (Partner and West Coast Office Lead, Metis Strategy), the conversation highlights real-world insights and provides actionable advice for technology leaders on how to measure AI’s business value, identify initiatives that will drive the greatest impact inside their organizations, and ensure a strong data strategy to guide it all.

Highlights include:

• Cloud Infrastructure for AI Readiness: Panelists emphasize the critical role of cloud adoption as the foundation for scalable AI strategies and innovation.
• AI and Business ROI: The group explores frameworks for identifying high-impact AI use cases and measuring their value, from productivity gains to cost reductions.
• Generative AI in Action: Examples of how Generative AI is transforming customer service, developer productivity, and predictive analytics in their organizations.
• Human-Centric Product Mindset: Insights on embedding a human-focused, outcome-driven approach to AI development and deployment.
• Data Strategy and Governance: Practical steps for creating AI-ready data ecosystems while balancing experimentation with structured governance.
• Cross-Industry Lessons: Rob, Katya, and Nitin share their unique perspectives on leveraging AI to drive transformation in large-scale, data-intensive businesses.

With the global economic outlook in flux, companies worldwide are preparing for scenarios that could redefine their technology adoption strategies. In a fireside chat at our 2024 Metis Strategy Summit in NYC, George Lee, Co-Head of the Goldman Sachs Global Institute, shares his insights with Peter High on how technology and business leaders can position their organizations for readiness and resilience amid uncertainty.

Highlights include:

• Supply Chain Resilience Amid Geopolitical Complexity: George emphasizes the critical need for companies to bolster supply chain resilience in response to global geopolitical shifts. He highlights how these changes are pushing companies to rethink their strategies to ensure stability and agility.
• AI as a National Strategic Asset: The conversation dives into AI’s evolution from a technological tool to a national strategic asset, with George exploring its implications for productivity, culture, and national defense in a rapidly advancing digital landscape.
• Focus on Inflection Points Over Predictions: George introduces the concept of planning around “inflection points” instead of relying solely on predictions, encouraging leaders to proactively navigate pivotal moments that could redefine their industries.
• Enterprise AI and the Productivity Paradox: George discusses the “productivity paradox” seen in AI’s adoption within enterprises, noting the discrepancy between AI’s rapid advancements and its slower integration into enterprise workflows.
• Superintelligence vs. Super Automation: The discussion distinguishes between the concepts of superintelligence and super automation, examining the different impacts each could have on future economies and labor markets.
• Insights from Global Conversations: George shares how the Goldman Sachs Global Institute gathers and refines insights from dialogues with global leaders, using these insights to guide clients through geopolitical and economic complexities.
• Challenges in Adopting New Technology: Drawing on his experience as a former CIO, George addresses the practical challenges organizations face when implementing advanced technologies, underscoring the importance of strong frameworks and patience in driving enterprise adoption.

In their latest book, All Hands on Tech, Babson College Professor Tom Davenport and automation pioneer Ian Barkin explore how citizen development is transforming the workplace. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Tom and Ian about the core concepts of their book, covering the rise of citizen developers, the role of governance frameworks, and real-world case studies that demonstrate the impact of democratizing technology.

Highlights include:

• Citizen Development: Tom and Ian define citizen development as the democratization of IT, allowing non-technical employees to create applications and automations, empowering them to drive meaningful change within their organizations.
• Digital Transformation: They explain why citizen development is a critical ingredient in digital transformation, providing organizations with the agility to respond faster and innovate continuously.
• 4G Framework for Governance: The 4G Framework—Genesis, Governance, Guidance, Guardrails—offers a structure for responsibly supporting citizen development, ensuring scalability and mitigating technical debt.
• Amtrak and Shell Case Studies: The authors share insights from Amtrak’s individual-led development and Shell’s structured DIY movement as examples of successful grassroots innovation.
• Generative AI & Low-Code Tools: Tools like Microsoft’s Power Platform and generative AI enable non-technical users to develop software and solutions, fostering a culture of innovation from all levels within an organization.
• Future of Work and Citizen Development: Tom and Ian discuss the future of work, where employees with domain expertise play an increasing role in technology initiatives, bridging gaps between IT and business for collaborative innovation.

922: Artificial intelligence has enabled software developers to significantly boost productivity by automating tedious tasks and improving code quality across complex projects. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Scott Dietzen, CEO of Augment, about how Augment’s AI platform is changing how software teams collaborate, making it easier for developers to work efficiently and creatively. Scott shares how Augment’s AI sets itself apart by deeply understanding the codebase and architecture of each team, providing tailored support beyond coding tools from the tech giants.

Highlights include:

• Codebase Intelligence and Team Collaboration: Scott explains how Augment’s AI goes beyond generating code; it learns from your team’s specific codebase and workflows, fostering enhanced collaboration and efficiency.
• Competing with Microsoft: The discussion dives into Augment’s strategy for taking on Microsoft Copilot, emphasizing specialized AI that deeply understands complex code repositories, enabling faster problem-solving and greater project continuity.
• Productivity Gains and ROI: Scott shares examples of customers who have doubled their productivity and reduced their software backlogs, demonstrating the strong ROI and value Augment delivers to enterprises.
• Human-AI Collaboration: Scott reflects on the future of software engineering, highlighting how Augment’s approach is about augmenting human capabilities rather than replacing them, giving developers more freedom to focus on creative problem-solving.
• The Future of AI in Software Development: Scott offers insights into the potential for AI to reshape the software development landscape, emphasizing the importance of continued innovation and specialization to stay ahead of industry giants.

921: Picking up a rental car is often the final step in a traveler’s journey, making it a pivotal moment where technology can transform the customer’s overall experience. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High interviews Ravi Simhambhatla, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Innovation Officer at Avis Budget Group, about his approach to driving digital transformation and customer-centric innovation within a global car rental company. Ravi shares how he and his team are enhancing every touchpoint of the customer journey through AI-driven self-service tools, dynamic pricing, and real-time personalization.

Highlights include:

• Customer-Centric Digital Transformation: Ravi discusses the modernization efforts underway at Avis Budget Group, including a focus on cloud migration and the integration of AI to create frictionless customer experiences.
• Dynamic Pricing and Personalization: Using data-driven insights, Avis Budget Group tailors offers to individual customer profiles, aiming to maximize satisfaction and optimize revenue through strategic dynamic pricing.
• Generative AI in Operations: Ravi describes how AI-based damage detection and chatbots for customer support improve efficiency and transparency, reducing customer disputes and response times.
• Autonomous Vehicles and Future Innovation: Ravi shares his vision for autonomous vehicles in car rentals, detailing a future where customers can seamlessly locate and receive their vehicles upon arrival at airports, further enhancing convenience.
• Employee Enablement: Emphasizing the value of frontline employees, Ravi highlights efforts to equip staff with tools that enhance their ability to serve customers efficiently, ensuring customer satisfaction from arrival to vehicle return.

Ulta Beauty has positioned itself as an industry leader by merging in-store and digital experiences for a seamless, personalized customer experience. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Ulta Beauty’s Chief Technology and Information Officer Mike Maresca on the company’s digital transformation, cloud expansion, and omni-centric strategy. Mike shares insights on how Ulta’s GlamLab enables virtual try-ons and how data and AI drive hyper-personalization for Ulta’s 44 million loyalty members.

Highlights include:

• Digital Transformation and Omni-Centric Strategy: Mike shares how Ulta Beauty is investing in multi-cloud infrastructure and agile development to build a connected experience across online and in-store channels.
• Hyper-Personalization Through Data and AI: Ulta’s approach to creating personalized customer experiences leverages a modern data platform, enabling customized product recommendations, loyalty rewards, and shopping experiences.
• GlamLab and Virtual Try-Ons: Using augmented reality, Ulta’s GlamLab allows customers to try on products virtually, blending digital convenience with a tactile shopping experience.
• Talent and Agile Innovation: Mike emphasizes the importance of fostering a learning culture through Ulta University and empowering fusion teams that bring business, product, and IT closer together.
• Expansion into Mexico: Announcing Ulta Beauty’s international expansion into Mexico in 2025, Mike provides a glimpse into the company’s future growth strategy.
• Automation and Supply Chain Efficiency: Through robotic automation in distribution centers, Ulta is optimizing fulfillment accuracy and scaling to meet seasonal demand, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

919: NYU Stern Professor Aswath Damodaran explains in his latest book, The Corporate Life Cycle, that companies must adapt their strategies and leadership styles to match their stage in the corporate life cycle, whether it’s embracing visionary leaders to drive growth during startup phases or appointing pragmatic managers to steer the company through periods of decline. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High interviews Aswath about the core concepts of his book, exploring how companies experience growth, maturity, and decline just like humans. He offers insights on aligning leadership styles to different stages of a company’s life cycle and shares examples of companies like Microsoft and Apple that have successfully rejuvenated their growth.

Highlights include:

• The Corporate Life Cycle: Aswath breaks down the stages of business aging, comparing them to human life and outlining the strategic adjustments companies need at each phase to stay competitive.
• Leadership Evolution: The discussion covers the importance of adapting leadership styles according to the company’s life cycle stage—visionaries for startups, business builders for expansion, and pragmatic leaders for firms facing decline.
• Reincarnation of Companies: Rare cases like Microsoft and Apple illustrate how some companies reverse aging through leadership changes, organic growth, and strategic acceptance rather than relying on acquisitions.
• Valuation and Storytelling: Aswath emphasizes the need to integrate financial modeling with a compelling narrative to give deeper meaning to valuation metrics.
• Scaling Challenges in Modern Business: The conversation highlights the rapid rise and fall of companies like Yahoo and Uber, showcasing the difficulties of scaling quickly without establishing a sustainable business model.
• Active vs. Passive Investing: Aswath discusses why active investing yields diminishing returns in today’s data-rich environment, as passive investing gains popularity and market share.
• AI’s Role in Business: The episode explores Microsoft’s strategic investment in OpenAI, underscoring the mix of strategy and luck that fuels success in the AI-driven economy.

To create stronger alignment between technology and business objectives, farm-to-fork cooperative Land O’Lakes is embracing Fusion Teams, which combine deep technical expertise with business insights to anticipate needs, innovate faster, and deliver more tailored solutions. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High interviews Land O’Lakes CTO Teddy Bekele about the critical role technology plays in driving both innovation and operational alignment within the company’s cooperative model. Teddy shares how Land O’Lakes is transforming its operations through Agile practices, Fusion Teams, and AI-driven decision-making, all while fostering sustainability and growth across its diverse business units, including smarter farming and enhanced supply chain management.

In his newest book, This is Strategy, renowned author and marketing thought leader Seth Godin provides a detailed framework for developing an effective strategy and challenges the way strategy is approached across industries. In this episode, Peter High sits down with Seth to explore the critical difference between strategy and tactics, offering practical insights into how individuals and organizations can craft strategies that stand the test of time. Seth emphasizes the importance of simplicity, demonstrating how profound strategies can be communicated in clear, memorable terms. Seth also dives into the growing role of AI in strategic thinking, sharing his experience with tools like Claude to challenge assumptions and refine strategies. Additionally, he discusses the necessity of empathy in leadership and the importance of embracing change and constraints to fuel innovation. Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of strategy in an AI-driven world, this episode offers actionable insights to help you navigate the complexities of modern leadership.

The ways customers interact with retailers and other organizations have vastly changed in recent years, and the pet care industry is no different, leveraging technology to deliver personalized, efficient experiences for pet parents. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Greg Fancher, Executive Vice President of IT and Chief Information Technology Officer of PetSmart. Greg discusses PetSmart’s ongoing digital transformation, which has included a shift from a distribution center-focused model to store-based e-commerce fulfillment, improving speed and efficiency for customers. He also shares insights into re-platforming PetSmart’s systems to use microservices, enabling faster innovation, and the company’s strategic use of AI for optimizing operations like pick path efficiency and personalized marketing. Greg provides an inside look at the company’s efforts to enhance its omnichannel retail strategy, including cloud-based booking for pet services and real-time inventory visibility. Lastly, Greg highlights the importance of leadership restructuring and portfolio management in aligning technology investments with business goals and discusses his excitement for future technologies like quantum computing and their potential impact on security.

915: Consumer insights are the lifeblood of any company, enabling them to optimize product availability, personalize marketing, and enhance customer experiences through direct-to-consumer channels and loyalty programs. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews John Gigerich, Chief Information Officer of Keurig Dr Pepper. John shares insights into the 2018 merger between Keurig and Dr Pepper, which created a beverage powerhouse, and discusses his role in integrating the companies’ IT systems while ensuring cybersecurity. He elaborates on Keurig Dr Pepper’s digital transformation journey, covering cloud migration, intelligent automation tools like RPA and AI, and the company’s data-driven approach to consumer insights that optimize product offerings and marketing strategies. John also provides a fascinating look into the company’s supply chain optimization initiatives and the role of the digital value chain. Finally, he highlights the importance of ROI in IT investments and shares his excitement for AI and data-driven innovation at KDP.

914: The shift towards cloud computing has accelerated with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), and venture capital firms like Bessemer Venture Partners have taken notice. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High interviews Mary D’Onofrio, partner at Bessemer, who leads investments in cloud software and emerging technologies. Mary discusses her journey into venture capital, Bessemer’s Cloud Index, and the State of the Cloud reports, while highlighting how AI is transforming the cloud landscape. She also shares insights into the “five Cs of cloud finance” and the importance of customer feedback in shaping investment decisions. 

913: In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High interviews Aaron Gwinner, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Reynolds American. Aaron discusses the company’s ambitious goal to reduce the health impact of its products by transitioning customers away from traditional cigarettes to lower-risk alternatives like vaping. He explains how technology plays a critical role in this transformation, including a significant cloud migration effort aimed at centralizing data and improving operational efficiency. Aaron also shares insights on the evolving challenges of cybersecurity and the potential of generative AI to improve employee productivity and supply chain management. Drawing on over two decades of experience at The Coca-Cola Company, Aaron reflects on how his international career has informed his approach to leadership at Reynolds American. Tune in to hear more about Reynolds American’s digital transformation, its mission to build a better tomorrow, and the key role of IT in achieving this vision.

912: The fusion of IT transformation and AI is revolutionizing how businesses leverage technology to drive growth and innovation. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Satya Jayadev, CIO of Skyworks Solutions, a global leader in high-performance analog semiconductors that power the wireless revolution. Satya shares insights into his six-year journey at Skyworks, leading a digital transformation that took IT from a back-office support role to a business driver and visionary partner. He discusses how Skyworks is leveraging AI to optimize processes and product development and how the AI Enablement Office is identifying critical use cases across the organization. Satya also explains the role of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) in improving engineering efficiency and product design speed. Lastly, he provides a forward-looking view on how AI and 5G are shaping the future of business and consumer experiences.

911: In financial services, automation and AI are transforming risk management, streamlining compliance, and enhancing customer experiences for greater efficiency. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Jason Strle, Chief Information Officer of Discover Financial Services. Jason discusses Discover’s unique position as one of the first FinTech companies, emphasizing its direct-to-consumer model and its role as one of the four major credit card networks. He highlights how Discover’s customer-first approach drives innovation across the company, earning high levels of customer loyalty. As CIO, Jason provides insights into the breadth of his responsibilities, covering everything from core banking platforms to cloud infrastructure and information security. He also delves into how Discover is embracing AI and automation to innovate risk management, making traditionally complex processes more efficient and competitive. Jason shares his thoughts on how Generative AI is transforming customer service and risk management, while also addressing the challenges it presents. The conversation also explores Discover’s partnerships with FinTech startups and how the company stays on the cutting edge of financial technology.

910: Biopharma companies have adapted their business and technology strategies to address the decreased demand for COVID-19 vaccines, shifting towards a more predictable, seasonal market. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Brad Miller, Chief Information Officer of Moderna. Brad shares how Moderna is harnessing cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and cloud computing to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry. As Moderna transitions from a COVID-19 vaccine-focused company to a diversified portfolio that includes oncology and rare disease treatments, Brad explains how digital transformation is powering advancements in R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization. He also highlights Moderna’s internal learning academies, which ensure the workforce stays on the leading edge of digital and AI innovations. With a rich background that includes leadership roles at Capital One, Mastercard, and Amazon, Brad brings valuable insights into technology leadership in biotech. Tune in to discover how Moderna is shaping the future of medicine through technology.

909: According to MIT’s Center for Information Systems Research (CISR) Senior Research Scientist and Chairman Peter Weill, “real-time business” refers to an organization’s ability to make decisions, respond to customer needs, and manage operations instantly using up-to-date data and technology to drive efficiency and outcomes. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High welcomes Weill to discuss his groundbreaking research on real-time business and lessons for executives seeking to transform their organizations. Weill shares how companies are leveraging cloud data, AI, and APIs to enable real-time decision-making, customer onboarding, and employee support. He highlights case studies from companies like Chase and United Airlines, showing how real-time operations have improved customer satisfaction and boosted performance. Weill also emphasizes the importance of digital-savvy leadership, noting that boards and executives with these skills are best positioned to succeed in this new paradigm. Finally, he offers insights into the future of real-time business with Generative AI, which promises to revolutionize customer interactions and internal processes.

908: In the world of customer service, artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) are unlocking new possibilities to elevate the customer experience beyond what was once thought possible. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High sits down with Harry Folloder, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Alorica, to explore how the company utilizes AI to revolutionize customer service, streamline operations, and empower both employees and customers. Harry highlights the crucial role of technology in building trust and delivering personalized, seamless customer interactions in today’s digital-first world. He also shares his inspiring personal journey, detailing how his background in law and emergency services—as a firefighter and paramedic—has uniquely prepared him to lead digital transformation at a tech-driven company. Discover the innovative AI-powered solutions propelling Alorica’s success and how Harry’s leadership is shaping the future of customer experience. Whether you’re interested in AI, digital transformation, or leadership, this episode provides valuable insights into the technologies and strategies driving innovation at Alorica.

907: Enhancing the end-user experience is key to driving productivity, security, and scalability in today’s digital landscape. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Muneer Mirza, Director of End-User Computing at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Muneer shares his journey at Amazon, starting from his role in developing the company’s website to overseeing AWS’s end-user computing services. He provides an inside look at services like Amazon WorkSpaces, AppStream, and Secure Browser, and how these products address diverse customer needs. Muneer also delves into the challenges of balancing innovation with cybersecurity and cost management, a common struggle for tech and digital leaders. He shares AWS’s customer-centric approach to problem-solving and provides insights into the role of generative AI in cloud computing. This conversation is packed with practical advice for leaders navigating the complex world of cloud economics, cybersecurity, and technological innovation.

906: The combination of predictive AI and generative AI allows companies to not only anticipate customer behavior, but also deliver a more personalized experience. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Shankar Arumugavelu, Executive Vice President and President of Verizon Global Services. Shankar shares his journey from Chief Information Officer to his new expanded role, overseeing not only IT and data but also supply chain, real estate, and shared services. The conversation delves into Verizon’s innovative use of AI, including generative AI’s role in customer service, predictive AI for churn management, and the company’s commitment to scaling these technologies across all functions. Shankar discusses the challenges and opportunities involved in industrializing AI at Verizon and offers insights into the future of technology, particularly the convergence of AI, edge computing, and 5G. Tune in to learn how Verizon is leveraging cutting-edge technologies to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

905: With Generative AI becoming prevalent across industries, proper data management is also becoming more important than ever. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Graeme Thompson, the Chief Information Officer at Informatica, a leader in AI-powered cloud data management. With over eight years at the helm of Informatica’s IT, information security, and data functions, Graeme has overseen the company’s digital transformation from a traditional software licensing model to a cloud-first, consumption-driven business. Graeme shares how Informatica empowers its clients to leverage data as a critical asset, driving business outcomes through trusted AI and automation solutions. He discusses the company’s AI initiatives, its hybrid and multi-cloud strategy, and real-world use cases that demonstrate the power of AI in automating processes and improving decision-making. Additionally, Graeme reflects on how peer collaboration within the IT community helps address common challenges, and he explores the future of AI in enterprise automation and beyond.

904: As technical surveillance, AI, and advanced technologies become increasingly ubiquitous, the CIA, as a human intelligence organization, must be equipped to address these challenges. Through public and private collaborations, the agency is integrating critical technologies essential for national security. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High welcomes Nand Mulchandani, the first-ever Chief Technology Officer at the CIA. Nand discusses his role working closely with Director William Burns to oversee the CIA’s technological advancements. Drawing on his Silicon Valley experience, Nand shares how the agency fosters innovation, builds relationships with tech companies, and adapts to the evolving challenges of great power competition, particularly with China. He explores the transformative role of AI, data analytics, and other technologies in national security while emphasizing the need for cultural change within the agency to tackle future threats. Tune in to hear insights from a leader at the forefront of both national security and cutting-edge technology.

903: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has had a transformative impact on the financial services industry by enhancing decision-making, personalizing customer experiences, and driving innovation. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Shri Santhanam, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Software Platforms and Artificial Intelligence at Experian. Shri delves into Experian’s evolution from a credit bureau to a platform company, emphasizing the critical role of Artificial Intelligence in driving this transformation. He discusses the development of the Ascend Technology Platform, AI’s impact on financial inclusion, and the importance of AI governance. Shri also shares his passion for credit education and how generative AI is helping consumers better understand and improve their financial health. Tune in to gain insights into the future of data-centric AI and Experian’s innovative use of technology to create business and consumer impact.

902: AI is reshaping legal services by streamlining tasks and driving innovation, yet it also challenges firms to navigate complex ethical and security issues. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Mike Lucas, Chief Information Officer at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. They discuss the integration of Artificial Intelligence in legal services and how Mike is driving Digital Transformation at one of the world’s leading law firms. Mike shares insights on the firm’s innovative initiatives, including the development of AI tools like the Neuron platform and pilots with ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. He also delves into the challenges of change management and the ethical considerations of adopting AI in a traditional industry like law.

901: As AI and analytics evolve, one constant remains: clean, well-organized data is at the heart of these technologies. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Ajit Jagtap, Chief Information Officer at MODE Global. They discuss the rapid digital transformation in the logistics industry, driven by the pandemic, and how MODE Global is leveraging technology to enhance its services. Ajit shares insights on the importance of a robust data strategy to support AI and machine learning initiatives, the role of IT in integrating MODE’s family of brands, and the future of AI in logistics. The conversation also touches on Ajit’s approach to leadership and the significance of a people-centric culture within the IT organization.

900: Recognized as one of the most influential CIOs, Rob Carter of FedEx has had an extraordinary career, driving the company’s digital transformation while reshaping the technology landscape and redefining the CIO role. In this milestone 900th episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Rob to reflect on his remarkable journey and explore the evolving role of technology executives in enterprise leadership. They discuss FedEx’s digital transformation, including the transition from proprietary systems to cloud-based, virtualized environments. Carter shares insights from his early career, the impact of key mentors, and how FedEx leverages data through initiatives like FedEx Dataworks. The conversation underscores the critical role of leadership and technology in modernizing one of the world’s largest logistics companies.

899: Digital transformation goes beyond technology, requiring robust enterprise change management and the implementation of secure, responsible guardrails to drive sustainable innovation. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Dolores Mears, Chief Information Officer at Hensel Phelps. They discuss the company’s comprehensive modernization journey, focusing on digitization, data strategy, and the integration of advanced technologies like AI. Dolores shares her approach to leading enterprise change management, fostering innovation through the AI Council, and evaluating investments in emerging technologies. They also explore how augmented reality is transforming the construction industry. Join us for an insightful conversation on the future of technology in complex project management.

898: Target’s decade-long experience with Artificial Intelligence (AI) has primed the company to fully leverage the transformative potential of Generative AI. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Brett Craig, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Target. They discuss the pivotal role of Generative AI in transforming retail and how technology has evolved to become a defining element in enhancing customer and employee experiences. Brett shares his journey from various roles within Target, including merchandising and finance, to his current role as CIO, where he leads the company’s technology strategy. The episode also delves into Target’s culture of innovation, highlighting initiatives like demo days, hackathons, and 50 Days of Learning that empower technologists to drive progress. Tune in to learn how Brett and his team are shaping the future of retail technology at Target.

897: Successfully adopting AI within an organization hinges on aligning people and processes first, rather than relying solely on the technology. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Leo Bodden, Group Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer at New York-Presbyterian. Leo discusses the transformative journey of the hospital system through strategic digital initiatives, the integration of AI in healthcare, and the balance between centralized and decentralized IT management. With nearly three decades at the organization, Leo offers valuable insights into the evolution of healthcare technology and shares his thoughts on the future trends that will shape the industry.

896: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare and enhancing the patient experience by making it more efficient, predictive, and consumer-friendly. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Rajeev Ronanki, Chief Executive Officer of Lyric, a leading AI-based platform focused on enhancing payment accuracy in healthcare. Rajeev discusses the challenges in modern healthcare and the AI solutions his team is building. He shares his journey from Deloitte to Elevance Health and finally to Lyric, highlighting his passion for healthcare innovation. They explore how AI is automating administrative processes, improving payment accuracy, and providing personalized consumer experiences. Rajeev also shares his vision for the future of Lyric and the broader healthcare industry, emphasizing the importance of consumer-friendly solutions and the potential of AI to simplify healthcare transactions.

895: As the AI landscape continues to expand, cybersecurity remains a top priority for technology executives, creating abundant opportunities for venture capital firms to invest in the cyber space. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Andrei Brasoveanu, Partner at Accel. They discuss the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, highlighting the increasing complexities introduced by cloud computing and AI. Andrei shares Accel’s investment strategies, focusing on developer tools, data security, and Web3 technologies. The conversation also delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in cybersecurity and Andrei’s journey from Romania to becoming a key figure in Accel’s global investment efforts.

894: General Electric (GE) historically has been a powerhouse in the technology world as a bootcamp for some of the most prestigious tech leaders of today. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews David Burns, Chief Information Officer at GE Aerospace. They discuss the company’s recent separation from General Electric and its transformation into an independent entity. David shares insights into the challenges of decentralizing IT services, the role of AI and augmented reality in enhancing operations, and the importance of a lean and cloud transformation journey. He also reflects on his extensive career at GE, the lessons learned from crises, and the value of continuous learning and talent development.

893: As the future of work continues to evolve, executives must keep pace with not only technological advancements but also talent strategies, learning to leverage both internal and external talent to succeed as a global enterprise. In this episode, Peter High interviews John Winsor, Executive in Residence at Harvard Business School’s Laboratory for Innovation Science and founder and CEO of Open Assembly, about his latest book, ‘Open Talent,’ and the strategies he has developed for leveraging global talent pools, including freelancers, internal talent clouds, and open innovation contests. John shares his journey from founding an open talent company in the ’90s to leading innovation at Havas and exploring the future of work with AI and digital transformation. He offers insights into the challenges large organizations face in adopting new business models and emphasizes the importance of culture in a networked organization. Finally, John looks ahead at how AI and technology, more broadly, can play a role in the framework of ‘open talent.’

892: Ascending to the CEO role from a technology background showcases the critical impact of tech expertise in guiding business transformation and growth. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Mike Clifton, Co-Chief Executive Officer at Alorica, about his career journey and how his experience as a technology executive has shaped his perspective as a co-CEO. Mike discusses Alorica’s strategic approach to enhancing customer experiences through AI and digital transformation, and provides insights into the company’s unique Co-CEO model. He also explains his strategy for investing in startups to curate an ecosystem of partners, keeping the company at the forefront of innovative technologies like noise cancellation and voice translation.

891: Proper cybersecurity practices within a company involve a shared responsibility across the entire enterprise, not just the IT organization, requiring a unified approach that encompasses people, processes, and technology. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Sesh Tirumala, Chief Information Officer of Western Digital, to discuss the company’s focus on cybersecurity, employee experience, and engineering excellence. Sesh details his experience handling a major cyber incident at Western Digital and the framework he applied to identify vulnerabilities and establish guardrails to mitigate future cyber incidents. He also talks about his approach to improving operational and engineering excellence at the company and explains the importance of culture in IT. Furthermore, he reflects on his journey across various scaled and fast-growing technology companies and shares the future trends in technology that excite him, such as generative AI and digital twins in manufacturing.

890: During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Postal Service (USPS) had to rapidly set up infrastructure to ship subsidized test kits, scaling their operations within three weeks. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Pritha Mehra, Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President of USPS, about this incredible story and the resulting digital transformation. With 34 years at USPS, including more than three and a half as CIO, Pritha discusses the immense technological infrastructure she oversees, including 32,000 network locations and over 930 applications. She highlights USPS’s modernization efforts to stay competitive, their significant role during the pandemic, and initiatives to enhance employee experience and efficiency. Pritha also delves into the implementation of digital twins for tracking packages, the importance of data, AI, and machine learning, and fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation within her team.

889: Venture capital has driven technological advancement from hardware companies like Cisco to software giants like Google. But what does the future hold? In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High talks with Saul Klein, co-founder and managing partner of Phoenix Court, about his insights on a more balanced future for tech VC. They discuss Saul’s innovative approach, which includes managing four distinct funds—LocalGlobe, Latitude, Solr, and Basecamp—to strategically support potential unicorns. With experience as a partner at Index Ventures and a non-executive director at the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Saul shares insights on the European and Israeli tech ecosystems, the historical and social context of innovation, and the need to demystify venture capital. Additionally, he analyzes the impact of Brexit on innovation, regulation, and trade agreements, and delves into the social impact initiatives of Phoenix Court and his perspectives on the future of tech investment.

888: The rapid pace of technological change, particularly with the advent of AI tools, has drastically decreased the average half-life of skills to less than five years, necessitating a focus on continuous learning at every level. In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our May 2024 Metis Strategy Digital Symposium, where Liberty Mutual Global CIO Monica Caldas and WestRock CIDO Amir Kazmi speak with Metis Strategy Partner and East Coast Lead Alex Kraus about future-oriented storytelling, talent upskilling, and innovation processes. Discover how Liberty Mutual leverages its ecosystem of partners to develop the ‘Skills to Fuel our Future’ strategy, maturing employee skills in data, software, and AI, and how Amir at WestRock emphasizes purpose-driven innovation and a growth mindset. Both executives also share their thoughts on executive storytelling, cultural nuances in approaching different personas, and the importance of metrics for evaluating performance and progress.

887: Peter Zeihan, renowned geopolitical strategist and founder of Zeihan on Geopolitics, wrote in his most recent book, “the seeds of deglobalization were sown decades ago.” Since then, the world has seen both demographic and economic shifts that further validate his analysis. In this episode, Peter High interviews Peter Zeihan about his deep insights on topics intersecting demography, economics, energy, politics, technology, and security. The conversation delves into Zeihan’s perspectives on Stalin’s influence on the global order, the early indicators of deglobalization, and the demographic challenges leading to economic declines. Zeihan provides an in-depth look at the geopolitical futures of major powers like China, Russia, and the United States. He explains the mechanisms driving historic trends, the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, and what might be expected on the world stage in the coming years. Pivoting more locally, Zeihan discusses his predictions for the 2024 US Presidential elections, what each candidate’s win might mean for America’s role on the world stage, and what needs to happen for the US to keep pace with the shifting trends toward deglobalization. Finally, Zeihan gives his thoughts on which other countries might come out on top in the coming years once the dust settles.

886: In high-stakes negotiations, whether for ransom, cyber extortion, or business dealings, emotional self-regulation, empathy, and trust-building, alongside practical stress management techniques, are critical to achieving a successful outcome. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Scott Walker, a former Scotland Yard detective-turned-crisis and risk management consultant about his experience in crisis management and the skills he wishes to pass along to help others in similar situations. With 16 years of experience in serious crime investigation and military intelligence, Scott shares his journey into crisis management, his techniques for negotiation, and the importance of emotional intelligence and resilience. He offers practical advice on how to regulate emotions, build trust through empathy, and manage high-pressure situations, illustrating these with stories from his career. Scott also delves into the parallels between kidnap negotiations and cyber extortion, emphasizing the critical role of time and trust in successful outcomes. His recently published book, ‘Order Out of Chaos,’ further explores these themes to help readers thrive in adversity and become world-class communicators.

For more information about Scott’s career and his speaking sessions, you can connect with him on LinkedIn.

885: Organizations navigate a landscape marked by frequent AI interface releases, expanding interaction channels, and heightened expectations for quick, seamless, personalized experiences. Emphasizing responsible customer data use, they strive to balance AI with human touch to enhance both customer and employee engagement. In this episode of Technovation, a panel from our May 2024 Metis Strategy Digital Symposium features Bala Subramanian, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer at UPS, and Marty Brodbeck, Chief Technology Officer at Priceline, in conversation with Metis Strategy Co-Head of Research, Media, and Executive Networks Steven Norton about customer experience in the age of AI. Bala discusses UPS’s tech-driven improvements in customer and employee experiences and operational efficiency, while Marty outlines Priceline’s use of AI tools for enhanced customer care and efficiency. They delve into evolving customer expectations, generative AI applications, and the balance of tech with human touch. Both emphasize leveraging data and innovation for efficiency, effectiveness, and new business models, stressing the importance of robust data infrastructure and foreseeing AI’s potential to boost operational productivity and drive future development.

884: Although AI won’t fundamentally change the notion of leadership, it challenges business leaders to adopt it to enhance their workforce, fostering innovation and competitive value. In this episode, Peter interviews David De Cremer, Dean of the D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University and a Professor in Management and Technology. David, with an esteemed career in AI and management studies across global institutions like Cambridge University and the National University of Singapore, discusses his journey into artificial intelligence and its significant impact on business leadership. He delves into his latest book, “The AI-Savvy Leader: Nine Ways to Take Back Control and Make AI Work,” and the core leadership skills necessary to harness AI effectively. As a dean, David offers his perspective on AI in education, emphasizing how “outputs have become the inputs” and AI’s role in making better decisions post-graduation. The conversation also covers cultural nuances in AI adoption across different continents, the balance between human intelligence and AI, and the role of purpose-driven AI integration in modern businesses. Tune in for profound insights into how AI can augment human capabilities rather than replace them, and the critical leadership qualities needed in the AI era.

883: Innovation can be transformative for companies in terms of internal productivity and efficiency, but there is often even greater potential in advancing that innovation to productize it for external use. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Prasanna Gopalakrishnan, Group Chief Technology Officer at Sky Group, about her perspective on the innovation cycle within the company, from value-driven use cases to potential monetization and productization strategies. Prasanna discusses her role, managing technology across multiple markets, and leading an innovation engineering team focused on future-state technology. She highlights the use of AI and data analytics to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency and considers the potential impact of quantum computing on Sky’s industry. Prasanna also explores the opportunities and challenges of generative AI, particularly in creating personalized sports highlights and addressing IP concerns. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of hyper-personalization in customer engagement and shares insights into Sky’s strategies for monetizing technological developments. Prasanna also reflects on her global career journey and experiences serving on the board of Tesco Bank, drawing lessons from her extensive background in financial services.

882: The IT organizations within universities operate similarly to those in the corporate sector, but the role of the technology leader often differs in terms of both authority and responsibility. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Tom Murphy, the Senior Vice President of Information Technology and University Chief Information Officer at the University of Pennsylvania about the innovation he is driving, the obstacles universities are facing, and more. With over a decade of experience at Penn and multiple tenures as a CIO in the private sector, Tom shares his insights on managing the challenges of a highly decentralized IT function, starting with the successful centralization of the email system, and reflects on the lessons learned in serving a diverse set of constituents. Tom also discusses the significant impact generative AI has had on education and why he believes the future lies in embracing this technology and integrating it into the curriculum with appropriate tools to detect plagiarism and enhance the education process. Drawing from his extensive experience as a technology executive in the corporate world, he reflects on the unique challenges faced when transitioning into higher education, the higher levels of collaboration among peer CIOs at other universities, and the influences these experiences have had on his perspective of a career in IT.

881: Fame is often perceived as a pathway to wealth, popularity, and happiness, but its reality is more nuanced than commonly thought. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High hosts Harvard Professor and author Cass Sunstein to discuss his latest book, ‘How to Become Famous: Lost Einsteins, Forgotten Superstars, and How the Beatles Came to Be.’ Throughout their conversation, Cass explores his method of selecting long-term projects and the creative journey of developing ideas with modest claims to originality into compelling books. He shares insights from his research, including stories of the Beatles’ rise to fame, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé as contemporary examples of fame’s mechanisms, and the lessons from unrecognized talent. Cass also reflects on The Music Lab Experiment, his tenure at the University of Chicago, and his broader career.

880: Few industries are as knowledge-centric as pharma and healthcare, where groundbreaking innovations can positively impact lives and potentially eradicate diseases. In this episode of Technovation, we feature a discussion from our May 2024 Metis Strategy Digital Symposium, where AstraZeneca CDO/CIO Cindy Hoots, Bristol Myers Squibb CDTO Greg Meyers, and Eli Lilly CIDO Diogo Rau explore the profound impact of artificial intelligence on talent management, research and development, and operational efficiencies within the pharma industry. These executives delve into the innovative applications of AI, from improving clinical trials and document generation to enhancing internal workflows and customer service. Discover how these AI pioneers are laying the foundation for a future where AI and human ingenuity drive unprecedented advancements in medicine and patient care.

879: AI can serve as a great enabler of customer experiences and breakthrough innovations, but a lack of preparation and organizational readiness often limits how quickly companies can adopt and leverage AI tools. In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our May 2024 Metis Strategy Digital Symposium where Praveen Jonnala, CIO of CommScope, and Tim Dickson, CDIO of Regal Rexnord, speak with Metis Strategy Partner and Central Office Lead Mike Bertha about how organizations can prepare to leverage AI effectively. The panel explores strategies like the 80/20 principle of organizational readiness at CommScope, the creation and implementation of AI playbooks, and the importance of data quality. Learn about practical approaches to upskilling internal teams, leveraging external partners, and focusing on business-driven AI initiatives. 

878: Centuries-old industries like the legal profession and home-building are typically slower to adopt the latest advancements in technology, but even these industries today are taking advantage of the benefits provided by new artificial intelligence tools. In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our most recent Metis Strategy Digital Symposium where Greg Moore, Chief Information Officer at KB Home, and Michael Lucas, Chief Information Officer at Wilson Sonsini discuss the topic of driving digital innovation ahead of disruption with Metis Strategy Partner and West Coast Lead Chris Davis. Greg shares insights into how KB Home uses technology to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations, while Michael explains Wilson Sonsini’s use of AI-driven legal tools to improve service delivery. Both leaders highlight the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning and adapting to new technologies.

877: Kellogg’s has become a household name in cereals and snack foods. When the company spun off its snack food business as Kellanova in 2023, extensive IT efforts were made to preserve the company’s culture and brand identity. In this episode of Technovation, Lesley Salmon, SVP and Chief Digital and Information Officer of Kellanova, joins Peter High to share insights from her 11-year tenure, detail the challenges and innovations involved in the spin-off of Kellanova from Kellogg’s, and provide a deeper look at the strategic priorities of the new company. She emphasizes the importance of a unified IT team, leveraging cloud strategy for seamless transitions, the creation of dual IT functions, and the integration of AI and machine learning to drive business value. Lesley also discusses fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation, balancing risk with compliance, and maintaining strong global collaboration despite geographical boundaries. She also talks about the unique talent development program YODA that drives this culture of curiosity and how it embraces new ways of working in a global setting. Finally, Lesley looks ahead at the future trends in digital twins and reflects on the keys to her career success.

876: Despite extensive regulations and public health efforts, 1 billion people still smoke today, prompting companies like Philip Morris International (PMI) to develop better alternatives to continued smoking. In this episode of Technovation, Michael Voegele, the Chief Digital and Information Officer of PMI, joins Peter High to discuss the company’s ambitious journey towards creating a smoke-free future and the innovative role of AI and data in this endeavor. Michael talks about PMI’s transformation from a traditional tobacco company to a leader in smoke-free products, driven by significant technological and digital innovations. He shares insights into the role of technology in evolving business models, the importance of data governance in leveraging AI tools, and the people-first approach to fostering a fast-learning organizational culture. Michael also reflects on lessons from his previous experience as Group CIO of Adidas, offers advice on career growth in tech leadership, and looks ahead at trends in AR, VR, and generative AI.

875: Buying a car is often a significant decision for many households, and a process filled with friction only adds to the stress of the customer experience. In this episode of Technovation, Jim Lyski, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at CarMax, joins Peter High to discuss the innovations he is driving to enhance customer experience, address information imbalances in the used car industry, and revolutionize the vehicle purchase process. Jim explores the history of CarMax, his role in shaping the company’s direction, and the collaborative culture he fosters within his team. He explains how the company improves customer experiences through its transparent no-haggle pricing model, personalized vehicle recommendations, and virtual showrooms. Jim also emphasizes the importance of responsible AI, detailing the development of an AI Center of Excellence and the necessity of providing accurate data. Finally, Jim discusses the positive impact of a good associate experience on customer satisfaction, looks ahead at future trends in generative AI, and reflects on the keys to his career success.

874: In the realm of payments, integrating an AI assistant can significantly streamline operations and ease the burden on support teams handling common customer inquiries. In this installment of Technovation, Shannon Johnston, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Global Payments, explores the company’s focus on enhancing internal capabilities and automating processes. Specifically, she delves into the utilization of chatbots for customer service and co-pilots for development teams. Shannon highlights the benefits of these technologies in boosting performance and improving both customer and employee experiences. Additionally, she outlines the implementation of GenAI tools within her organization, stressing the importance of security and privacy. Looking ahead, Shannon discusses the ongoing evolution and refinement of these initiatives while reflecting on the key factors driving her career success.

873: As demographics shift and alter people’s news and media consumption habits, companies such as the Washington Post are implementing significant changes in how they engage with their readers, adopting new technologies internally to stay abreast of new trends. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High is joined in conversation by Vineet Khosla, CTO of The Washington Post, and they explore the transformative changes in technology and innovation at this iconic news organization. Vineet shares insights into his role, the integration of AI throughout the company, and the omnichannel approach to delivering news. Vineet also discusses how his team leverages data, analytics, and AI to enhance the reader experience and adapt to the changing media landscape. He also details his journey from roles at Uber and Apple to leading The Post’s tech team, his views on the future of news, and the exciting potential of quantum computing.

872: Deploying AI or any new technology across an enterprise can quickly become time-consuming and expensive if not approached with a plan in mind. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High interviews Deepika Rayala, the Chief Digital and Information Officer at Cornerstone OnDemand, and speaks with her about her ‘frugal IT’ approach and how she thinks about AI deployment at the company. Deepika shares insights into her role, focusing on IT operations, data, corporate security, and the implementation of Generative AI. She highlights key initiatives like the North Star program, which integrated multiple acquisitions through advanced IT infrastructure, and the AI innovation her team has deployed to enhance productivity across the company. Additionally, she covers the digital academy that she has helped develop to upskill and train employees on skills for the future. Deepika also touches on the future of hybrid work, the impact of generative AI and quantum computing, and her personal leadership philosophy characterized by authenticity, empathy, situational leadership, and resilience.

871: In the age of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity has become of utmost importance to protect private information and customer data. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Gafnit Amiga, leader of the security research group at Outshift by Cisco, where they delve into the evolving landscape of cloud and artificial intelligence security. Gafnit, having a substantial background in application and cloud security, shares her journey from Lightspin to Cisco, highlighting her team’s focus on identifying and mitigating potential security vulnerabilities in cloud services, Kubernetes, software supply chains, and AI. She shares insights on the unique challenges AI presents to security, the importance of observability, and the continuous game of staying ahead of threats. Gafnit also discusses the diversity and approach of her research team in tackling security challenges, reflecting on the transition from a startup to being part of Cisco, and offers advice to CIOs and CISOs on safeguarding against emerging security threats.

870: Innovation is key to becoming a nimble enterprise, and an important way to foster a culture of innovation is to ensure employees have the ability and the forum to share their ideas. In this episode of Technovation, Brett Lansing, Chief Information Officer of AccentCare, shares his insight into how technology, particularly innovations like generative AI, plays a crucial role in enhancing patient services and alleviating the administrative burden on clinicians, and the process behind driving that innovation at the company. He discusses the importance of aligning technology with business strategy, challenging the status quo, and fostering a culture of innovation and employee satisfaction. Brett dives into the Quarterly Ideas Forum he has developed to amplify voices across AccentCare and ensure the company isn’t resting on its laurels. Brett also highlights the significance of cybersecurity in healthcare and shares his experiences and benefits of working in a private equity-owned company. Finally, Brett concludes with the keys to his success and recounts the career development philosophies passed down to him, offering valuable guidance for increasing marketability and succeeding in leadership roles.

869: The new digital tools available to logistics providers have allowed these companies to reimagine what the network of the future looks like. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High interviews Bala Subramanian, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer at UPS, about how they are using these new tools to become a ‘logistics orchestrator’. They discuss UPS’s role in global logistics and its digital transformation efforts aimed at enhancing customer and employee experiences, and improving organizational agility. Bala shares insights into his background, including his stint as Chief Digital Officer at AT&T, and delves into UPS’s initiatives like creating a digital twin of the network, expanding the use of RFID for package tracking, and developing UPS’s DeliveryDefense to protect against fraud. Additionally, Bala and Peter cover the importance of digital and data fluency, the concept of logistics as a service, and the vision for a network of the future that mimics an IP network’s flexibility. Bala also reflects on the cultural and leadership aspects key to successful digital transformation and other lessons he has learned across his career.

Also available on YouTube:

868: As data becomes increasingly valuable, technology executives have the important task of ensuring the company’s data infrastructure allows for efficiency and scalability. In this episode of Technovation, James Rhodes, President of Morningstar Data Research and Enterprise Solutions and the company’s Chief Technology Officer, joins Peter High in a discussion about modernizing the company’s enterprise architecture and enhancing the client experience with improved personalization. James elaborates on the three hats he wears in his current role at the company and the approach he is taking to modernize legacy systems for scalability and efficiency. He shares insights on driving customer personalization at scale, leveraging AI for better financial advice, and establishing a Responsible AI Council to ensure the company retains its transparency and client trust. James also describes the evolution of their AI-driven digital assistant ‘Mo’ and how it will augment, but not replace, the financial advisor. Finally, James shares the technology trends on his radar including digital avatars for enhancing customer engagement and the advancement of cybersecurity measures, and the keys to success that he’s learned across his career.

867: In a global organization, an enterprise architecture that links technology to its everyday users enables IT to better identify and deliver value-added opportunities. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High interviews Jonathan Webster, the senior managing director and chief operating officer of CPP Investments. Jon discusses his career journey, his experience at Boston Consulting Group and Lloyds Banking Group, and the transition from the CIO role into the COO role. Jon talks about the strategic importance of technology and data in driving investment strategies, the shift towards a product-based technology delivery model, the implementation of a modular architecture, and the potential of generative AI to revolutionize workflows. Jon emphasizes the significance of being software-defined for security, integrating user-centric design, and the necessity of fostering a culture of curiosity, dissatisfaction with the status quo, and thorough understanding within his team. Finally, Jon reflects on the kets to his career success and looks ahead at the trends in generative AI and other technologies.

866: The role of IT within companies is constantly evolving, driven forward by tech sector companies as they propel it into the future. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Intel’s CIO, Motti Finkelstein, about the future of IT and his strategies for preparing the IT organization within Intel to lead this industry-wide evolution. Having transitioned into his role roughly six months ago from serving as the company’s Digital Transformation Officer, Motti elaborates on the various organizations within the broader Intel Corporation and outlines his current focal points, including cloud computing, data center innovations, the Internet of Things, and PC solutions. He shares insights into Intel’s distinctive position as both a product designer and manufacturer and delves into the complexities of his role as a tech-sector CIO. With the recent release of Intel’s IT Annual Report titled ‘The Next Evolution of IT,’ Motti highlights key points from the report, such as the significant role artificial intelligence plays in improving the company’s operational efficiency and the emphasis placed on enhancing the customer experience. The conversation also encompasses Intel’s strides in integrating sustainability into its product design and how sustainability is emerging as a critical focus for IT leaders across sectors. Finally, Motti reflects on his career journey, his motivations for joining Intel at a pivotal moment in its history, and the noteworthy trend of integrating security into software products.

Read the 2023-2024 Intel IT Annual Report:

www.intel.com/ITAnnualReport

865: CEOs of major companies serve as both the public face of the organization and pivotal leaders responsible for shaping its strategy and upholding internal values through their actions. In this episode of Technovation, Jim Kavanaugh, co-founder and CEO of World Wide Technology, joins Peter High in a conversation regarding his 34-year leadership tenure at the company and the career path that culminated in his current position. Jim shares his early career journey, playing professional soccer and representing the United States in the 1984 Summer Olympics, and what led him to pivot into technology and co-found WWT in 1990. He reflects on the transition from athlete to entrepreneur, the influence of his upbringing, and the foundational values that have guided his leadership and WWT’s culture. Jim also gives his assessment of the evolution of technology since starting WWT, the strategic pivots the company has made to stay ahead in the industry, and the importance of culture, teamwork, and continuous learning in driving success. Given the rise and current significance of generative AI as a transformative technology, Jim talks about the role this technology plays at the company and how WWT’s Advanced Technology Center explores future tech advancements. Finally, he recounts the lessons he has learned from his remarkable career and offers valuable advice for individuals seeking to level up their leadership within their organizations.

864: In many cases, companies develop systems with a primary focus on efficiency and begin to address their impacts on the customer late in the process. At BJ’s Wholesale Club, CIO Anjana Harve looks to flip this around with the customer experience in mind at the beginning and end of the process. In this episode of Technovation, Anjana joins Peter in a discussion on improving the digital customer experience at BJ’s Wholesale, optimizing revenue, and boosting efficiency. With extensive experience as a CIO in the healthcare industry, Anjana brings a unique perspective to the retail sector, focusing on customer centricity and the application of technology to serve and improve the member experience at BJ’s. She delves into her strategy for a member-centric architecture that provides a 360-degree view of the customer and fosters hyper-personalization at scale. Finally, Anjana shares her perspective on how companies can uplift and support women in tech, the trends and intersections in technology she keeps her eye on, and the secrets to her continued career success.

863: In the Digital Age, customers rarely distinguish between digital and physical when evaluating the experiences provided by companies. In this episode of Technovation, Tilak Mandadi, Executive Vice President of Ventures and Chief Digital, Data, Analytics, and Technology Officer at CVS Health, joins Peter High in a discussion about how he is driving a consistent and accurate omnichannel experience for customers. Tilak discusses the evolution and current scope of CVS Health, detailing the company’s extensive reach and current integration of physical and digital healthcare services. He reflects on his career journey from MGM Resorts International and Disney to CVS Health and how his prior experiences have informed his view on digital innovation, customer-centricity, and healthcare accessibility. Tilak talks about leading CVS Health Ventures and the organization’s role in fostering innovation and investments in healthcare technology, keeping CVS Health abreast of industry trends, and providing critical assistance to startups through the company’s scale and expertise. Finally, Tilak explains why a one-company mentality is essential for creating better customer experiences, looks ahead at broader technology trends in AI and digital accessibility, and speaks about the personal principles that have guided his career success.

862: Tomorrow’s banking will be unrecognizable to past generations, driven by rapid technological and digital advances in the financial services industry. In this episode of Technovation, Ather Williams III, the Senior EVP and Head of Strategy, Digital, Innovation & Enterprise Payments at Wells Fargo, returns to the broadcast to discuss the progress being made towards providing a comprehensive digital customer experience and the exciting innovations he is driving which leverage the latest tools in artificial intelligence (AI). Ather shares the recent expansion of his role to include the head of enterprise payments and the organizational rationale behind it. He delves into the strategic focus on delivering seamless digital experiences through new digital platforms highlighting initiatives such as the development of Vantage, the bank’s new digital banking platform; the adoption of Fargo, the digital assistant powered by AI; and the deployment of LifeSync, the digital financial advice and planning tool. The conversation also covers Ather’s three major predictions for the future of banking, the company’s strategic approach to digital transformation, and the anticipation of significant generational wealth transfers. Finally, Ather shares insights into his career success, emphasizing the importance of being data-driven, staying customer-focused, and fostering a curious mentality.

861: Kara Swisher has established herself as one of the tech world’s most influential, recognizable, and ‘feared-but-revered’ journalists. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Kara about her remarkable career journey and highlights from her recent book “Burn Book”. Kara reflects on the events from her early life that instilled a sense of resilience and toughness and the impacts they had on her career success. She touches on her military ambitions, the early realization of the limitations imposed on her by her sexual orientation, and how that inspired her to instead pursue journalism. Kara then shares her experiences from her decorated career as a tech journalist interviewing tech giants, developing a critical view of Silicon Valley’s leadership, and learning the role of technology, media, and government regulation in society. Throughout the conversation, Kara sheds light on the impact of technology on societal progression and the continual need for innovation in media.

Learn more about “Burn Book”: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Burn-Book/Kara-Swisher/9781982163891

860: Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a larger role than ever in every aspect of our lives. From businesses to academia, technology leaders must not only learn how to wield these tools but also how to collaborate with them. In this episode of Technovation, Ethan Mollick, Associate Professor of Management at The Wharton School, discusses insights from his latest book “Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI” and focuses the conversation around the dynamic interplay between humans and artificial intelligence. Ethan begins by reflecting on his early entrepreneurship journey during the internet boom and his eventual pivot into academia pioneering educational methods using AI and simulations at Wharton Interactive. He shares his research on the implications of AI on work and creativity, demystifies common myths around entrepreneurship, and provides a glimpse into an AI-driven future of entrepreneurship. Furthermore, Ethan delves into the ‘Four Rules of Co-Intelligence’ explained in his book, talks through the variety of roles that AI can play ranging from a co-founder to a tutor, and emphasizes the importance of a proactive and experiential approach to integrating AI into educational and professional environments citing its potential challenges and opportunities.

Learn more about the book “Co-Intelligence”: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/741805/co-intelligence-by-ethan-mollick/

This interview was recorded in early March 2024.

859: As the digital landscape continues to evolve rapidly, executives are quick to understand that doing the same thing they did before isn’t going to get them where they need to go in the future. In a panel from our February 2024 Metis Strategy Symposium, Sunbelt Rentals CDTO JP Saini and Grainger CTO Jonny LeRoy join Metis Strategy Co-Head of Research, Media, and Executive Networks Steven Norton in a discussion about digital as an enabler of scale and how these executives are evolving their organizations’ business practices through the integration of technology and people to achieve growth and efficiency. JP and Jonny share insights on their companies’ journeys toward digital transformation, focusing on scaling operations, enhancing customer experiences, and improving predictive maintenance and service quality. These executives also cover the significance of culture, value alignment, and leadership in driving innovation and operational change. The discussion also covers the role of AI in enhancing productivity and decision-making highlighting the practical applications both JP and Jonny have identified and the challenges they’ve encountered in managing the costs of emerging technology. Finally, both technology leaders conclude with strategies they’ve implemented within their organizations for maintaining a forward-looking mindset and inspiring teams to navigate the dynamic landscape of technology and business.

858: The world of travel today is defined by digital experiences and powered by technology. At Marriott, CTO Naveen Manga is leading a digital transformation across the company’s 30 brands to bring guests the digital experiences they desire and transform the hospitality industry as a whole. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Naveen about technology transformation and Marriott’s new tech-enabled headquarters, which serves as a symbol of how the company has embraced technology in its corporate strategy. Naveen provides insight into the new technology capabilities his team has delivered, including a revolutionary composable architecture, and a range of other initiatives. Finally, Naveen looks ahead at trends in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies and shares how he has fostered a culture of innovation in his team to be able to act upon these trends quickly.

857: In the last decade, companies across a variety of industries have experienced the ascent of the as-a-service model. At Nile Secure, Co-Founder and CEO Pankaj Patel has pioneered the category of network-as-a-service featuring built-in security, automation, and continuous monitoring for maximum performance. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Pankaj about this category of network-as-a-service and the broader mission of Nile. Pankaj reflects on his early career at Cisco, the challenges he saw in the IT landscape, and how the partnership with Cisco’s former CEO John Chambers led to the eventual establishment of Nile Secure. He also details the market transitions that influenced the company’s founding, the impact of AI and automation in network engineering, and what the future ahead looks like for the industry. Finally, Pankaj looks back on starting a company as a grandfather, balancing family life with work, and the secrets to his career success including early customer interaction and emphasis on team building.

856: With a wide range of levers at their disposal, technology and operational executives are strategically positioned to be masters of speed within their respective organizations. In this episode, we feature a panel from our February 2024 Metis Strategy Digital Symposium where Jen Felch, Chief Digital Officer and Chief Information Officer of Dell, and Mojgan Lefebvre, Chief Technology and Operations Officer of Travelers speak with Peter High about how they drive speed and agility at their companies. Both executives discuss cultivating a culture of speed and innovation on their team, leading the change management associated with the mindset shift toward agility, and the methods they use to accelerate and automate processes within the organization. Jen and Mojgan also dive deeper into the types of technology they are using today and the emerging technologies like advancements in artificial intelligence that are on their radar for the future.

855: As digital capabilities become more important to competitive positioning, companies have begun to rethink the composition of their digital and IT workforces. In a panel from our February 2024 Metis Strategy Digital Symposium, Brink’s Global CIO Neelu Sethi and Zurich North America COO Barry Perkins join Metis Strategy Partner and Central Office Lead Michael Bertha in a conversation about optimizing workforce composition for digital maturity. Tune in to the discussion to hear these executives speak about shifting workforce compositions within their organizations, focusing on storytelling when driving the mindset shift, and the cultural implications of the new composition.

854: The pandemic has caused executives from across industries to think through how to best prepare their organizations for times of uncertainty and develop a digital strategy that fosters resilience. In a panel discussion moderated by Metis Strategy Partner and West Coast Lead Chris Davis, Shobie Ramakrishnan, CDTO of GSK, and Diego Silva, CIO of Gates Corporation, discuss building resilience through technology amid disruption. Shobie, hailing from a long-standing science and pharmaceutical company, emphasizes the importance of innovation and the dual approach of playing offense and defense in digital and technological implementations to impact global health positively. Diego shares insights from Gates Corporation’s manufacturing and materials science advancements, highlighting how investing during downturns can prepare a company for future success. Both executives explore the significance of cybersecurity, AI responsibility, and supply chain management in maintaining a resilient organization and underscore the need to balance investment in innovation with risk management to navigate uncertain times effectively.

853: Advancing and maintaining digital capabilities can be a tall task especially if for organizations that are not digitally native, or those that have been in existence and operating before the onset of the Digital Age. In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our February 2024 Metis Strategy Digital Symposium with FM Global Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer Srini Krishnamurthy and Northrop Grumman Chief Information Officer John Russell speaking on the topic of advancing digital capabilities in non-digital-native organizations. Both executives discuss their digital strategies, automating processes within their organizations, and the role technology overall plays in the broader corporate strategy. Additionally, these executives share their forward-looking perspectives on the advancement of artificial intelligence, the opportunities it will present, and the challenges that will be faced.

852: Technology executives within an organization are no longer solely regarded as a support function having had their responsibilities grow into key business decision-makers with a seat at the table. According to Total Quality Logistics (TQL) CIO Ryan Kean, tech execs are “business leaders first and technology leaders second.” In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Ryan about the massive growth TQL has experienced over the past few years and the elements of his strategy that have helped facilitate that growth. Ryan discusses the broader modernization of the logistics industry, the focus he has placed on people and talent development, and the importance of having a sound data strategy. He also shares the work being done to improve the business user experience for the clients TQL serves, the company’s shift toward a product-oriented approach, and the interplay between automation and process innovation at the company. Ryan dives deeper into the Hackathons TQL hosts to bring about innovative ideas within the company, the advancements in AI that have come from those events, and the emphasis placed on celebrating the successes of talent within the company. Finally, Ryan looks ahead at the broader impacts of trends in emerging technologies and reflects on the keys to his career success.

851: Following the COVID-19 Pandemic, companies operating within the biopharmaceutical space are seeing an increased need to stay ahead of technology trends and keep pace with the speed at which digital technology is evolving. At Danaher, the leading producer of technology and services for biopharma companies, CTO James Ross is leading a digital transformation that sets the foundation for future agility and “innovation at the speed of life.” In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with James about the company’s transformation, the strategic areas of focus for his team, and how he is shifting away from the legacy OpCo model towards an IT-centric model. James also discusses the importance of Danaher’s Data and Analytics Strategy, their exploration of AI tools, and other areas of innovation. Finally, James looks ahead at the trends in technology, reaffirms the growing popularization of the metaverse, and reflects on the keys to success from his career journey.

850: With patient care being the top priority for healthcare providers, offering digital experiences for clients and associates and integrating technology into every aspect of operations is crucial in staying ahead of the competition. In this episode of Technovation, Jane Moran, the Chief Information and Digital Officer at Mass General Brigham, discusses the impact of integrating technology in healthcare. Jane shares her experiences transitioning into the non-profit healthcare sector, the strategic unification of technological operations within Mass General Brigham, and the emphasis on improving patient care through digital innovation. She notes the catalytic effect the pandemic had on digital innovation across industries, explains the advancements that her team has made in identifying use cases for AI tools, and provides a deeper look at the newly founded digital research operations team at the company. Jane also delves into her passion for fostering greater health equity and championing diversity. Finally, she shares her insights on the technology trends that are on her radar and reflects on the keys to her career success.

849: In a world of work defined by remote employees, management skills are crucial for executives to retain talent, develop culture, and achieve success. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High interviews David Dodson, a seasoned entrepreneur, author, and academic at Stanford Graduate School of Business, to discuss Dodson’s career journey, from his initial foray into investment vehicles called search funds to his ongoing involvement in over 40 businesses. Dodson highlights the importance of entrepreneurship through acquisition and shares the strategy behind the notable success of companies like Apple and Amazon. He also offers in-depth insight on critical skills for a leader gleaned from his book ‘The Manager’s Handbook: Five Simple Steps to Build a Team, Stay Focused, Make Better Decisions, and Crush Your Competition’. These skills include building teams, managing time, using advisors, sticking to priorities, and obsessing over quality. With real-world examples, Dodson highlights how these skills contribute to successful execution and, ultimately, business success.

848: The experience a company delivers to its customers is critical to its success, making it the number one priority for many technology and digital leaders. As such, a paradigm shift is beginning to emerge transitioning from being product-oriented to being experience-oriented. In this episode of Technovation, Ally’s President of Consumer & Commercial Banking Diane Morais and Chief Information, Data, & Digital Officer Sathish Muthukrishnan jointly discuss the digital financial institution’s journey and its focus on being experience-oriented. Throughout the conversation, both executives expand on the company’s digital capabilities they’ve developed and explain how the Ally Technology Operating Model (ATOM) was the answer to creating a better banking experience. Similarly, both Sathish and Diane share details around the One Ally initiative which aims to bring the company’s multiple customer experiences to a single platform powered by data and artificial intelligence. Finally, both executives reflect on the opportunities that have come from challenging times, the innovation process they’ve developed, and the culture of collaboration they’ve fostered to drive forward this experience-oriented mindset.

847: The digital experiences for both customers and employees are experiencing an overhaul thanks to new artificial intelligence tools at executives’ disposal. But what value do these tools provide? In this episode of Technovation, Munir Hafez, CIO of TransUnion, discusses the role that AI is playing at the company and how it is improving the digital experiences the company provides. He explains how he leverages AI tools in business operations, developer workflows, and the overall employee experience. Munir also talks about how he integrates security into the innovation process and how he manages the multitude of integrations coming from the company’s M&A activities. Finally, Munir looks ahead at the trends in technology that he is keeping an eye on and reflects on the keys to his career success.

846: Enterprises are rapidly accelerating their artificial intelligence strategies as new tools emerge, and the executives at these companies are constantly looking for ways AI can solve big problems that have plagued them for decades. Seeing this niche as an opportunity, Gustavo Sapoznik, the founder and CEO of ASAPP, has led the company toward building products that leverage AI/ML tools to solve the world’s most difficult problems. In this interview, Gustavo sits down with Peter High to describe the journey he went through starting up ASAPP, the value it provides companies, and what inspired him to start down the path of entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, Gustavo has gathered many unique insights on the evolution and potential of artificial intelligence and shares some of what he has learned throughout the conversation. More broadly, Gustavo discusses his personal entrepreneurship journey and his advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps.

845: As with most industries, artificial intelligence has had an immeasurable impact on the entrepreneurial journey and the types of offerings being provided to enterprises from start-ups. In this episode of Technovation, Samsara co-founders Sanjit Biswas and John Bicket join Peter High in a conversation about the genesis story behind the company, its rationale for selling into physical operations, and how artificial intelligence is changing the start-up landscape. Both executives explain the role of AI at the company, the convergence of IT and OT within the industrial sector, and how they came to focus on the industrial sector when starting Samsara. They share how they overcame the learning curve associated with operating in an unfamiliar industry, the evolution of generative AI applications within the industrial sector, and how they’ve built their team with the right skills in technology. Finally, they share their lessons from scaling the business to become a publicly traded company, the trends in technology that are on their radar for the future, and the learnings they’ve taken away from their entrepreneurial journey.

844: The railway industry has gone through a number of technological transformations since its inception, and is again transforming to take full advantage of the latest tools available to rail companies. In this episode of Technovation, Judith Apshago, CDO at Amtrak, joins Peter High in a discussion about her team’s efforts in modernizing the company’s legacy systems. Judith explains the method of bringing mobile technology to employees as a way of improving efficiency and productivity as well as implementing sensors and AI tools into newly manufactured fleets in order to ensure safety and security. She also talks about her focus on sustainability and reducing emissions over the next few years. Finally, Judith reflects on her career journey and provides advice for executives looking to grow into a similar role as hers.

843: The introduction of DevOps and Agile practices revolutionized organizational management, but while these practices helped organizations tackle once-daunting challenges, other problems still remained. In order to help these companies develop better mechanisms for problem-solving and create high-performance teams, award-winning CTO Gene Kim along with his co-author Dr. Steven J. Spear wrote Wiring the Winning Organization with a groundbreaking new theory of organizational management. In this episode, Gene joins Peter in a conversation about this theory and how organizations can win by using three key approaches: slowification, simplification, and amplification. Throughout the conversation, Gene explains each of these three approaches, describes in detail the research he conducted on their benefits, and exemplifies what a successful adoption of that approach looks like. Finally, Gene shares his broader perspective on the evolution of IT, leadership, and organizational management.

842: Software development, like the tech landscape as a whole, is constantly evolving, and the pace of change is faster than ever. Now, with the advent of generative AI and ChatGPT, a significant paradigm shift is occurring. Varun Mohan, co-founder and CEO of the code acceleration toolkit Codeium, joins Peter High on the broadcast to explain this shift and how generative AI is being leveraged to accelerate coding and the software development lifecycle. Varun shares the genesis story of Codeium, the benefit his infrastructure background had on building the company, and the trends he noticed signaling the impact of artificial intelligence on software development. He shares the future ahead for generative AI as a whole, the value proposition that Codeium’s generative AI toolkit offers its customers and the best practices that executives should follow when partnering with generative AI vendors. Finally, Varun talks about how Codeium competes with larger-scale organizations, the company’s plans with its new Series B investment, and the lessons he learned from his career.

841: The product development lifecycle includes a list of many disparate stakeholders that if not aligned properly, can result in disagreements, delays, and potential negative financial impacts. At Northrop Grumman, CIO John Russell has developed a “digital thread” that brings every stakeholder together to align the team before the product hits production. In this interview, John discusses the concept behind the “digital thread” and other methods he has adopted to create a more efficient enterprise. He explains the sanctity of data in a highly sensitive industry, the advantages of implementing automation across the organization, the implications of AI on talent development, and the critical process of including cybersecurity early in the product development process. Finally, John looks ahead at trends in AI and remote collaboration and reflects on the key elements of his career ascension.

840: Adopting a customer-focused culture requires the implementation of internal processes that allow the organization to quickly deliver improvements to the client experience. In this interview, Michael Hicks, CIO at Jackson, shares how he has fostered a customer-oriented culture by understanding the customer journey and setting up an agile architecture with the customer at the center. Michael underlines Jackson’s commitment to customer service and a strong technology strategy that includes data, AI, portfolio management, and more. He speaks about the rationale behind centralizing IT across the organization, separating the CIO and CTO responsibilities, and adopting agile practices on his team. Given his diverse set of leadership experiences, Michael shares how his non-IT background prepared him for the CIO role and what lessons he has brought to his current role. Finally, Michael looks ahead at trends in APIs, AI, and digital experiences that continue to shape the financial industry.

839: The healthcare industry is constantly evolving and finding uses for new and emerging technologies. Zeeshan Tariq, CIO at Zimmer Biomet, shares his experience exploring the use cases of AI in this latest episode and explains his metrics-based approach to driving that transformation internally. Zeeshan describes the company’s transition from purely medical devices to a full healthcare solutions provider and what new operating models came along with that transition. He details the company’s adoption of KPIs for every facet of performance and why it has led to immense success in benchmarking over the last few years. Zeeshan also discusses the value of artificial intelligence, the advantages of collaborating with strategic partners, and the challenges of collaborating with a global team. Finally, Zeeshan looks ahead at the trends in emerging technologies that are on his radar and the advice he has for those early in their careers.

838: There’s no shame in being called a “geek”. In fact, according to Andrew McAfee, it’s actually a compliment. In this episode, Andrew, co-founder of MIT’s Initiative on the Digital Economy, shares insight into the research he’s conducted while writing his latest book “The Geek Way”. He explains the ‘Four Norms’ of geeks; science, ownership, speed, & openness; and how companies can foster and navigate a culture that follows ‘the geek way’. Andrew discusses what it means to adopt Agile, how to leverage Agile practices to accelerate the pace of innovation, and why companies often get trapped in planning-heavy processes. Finally, Andrew looks back on his career and the learnings he has drawn from his writing process.

837: The media and publishing industry has undergone a massive evolution over the years as more and more readers prefer a digital experience. To talk about this shift in customer expectations towards digital, Sanjay Bhakta, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Condé Nast, joins Peter High on the broadcast and speaks about the company’s digital-first strategy. He begins with an overview of his role that combines product and technology and explains the rationale behind having a single executive focused on both. He shares his insights on centralizing the IT function across his global team, building offshore capabilities like the Condé Nast Technology Lab in India, and his transition from traditional IT to broader engineering responsibilities. Finally, Sanjay talks about the trends on his radar for the coming years, the ethics behind generative AI in media, and his reflections from across his career.

836: The world of technology is increasingly becoming more and more connected offering valuable data to enterprises offering such products. At Textron, this data provides critical insight into product usage and allows the company to offer true value-added services to its customers. On this episode of Technovation, Global CIO Todd Kackley explains how he has built a better-connected business and aligned the IT function that reports to him. He discusses the collaboration between the Divisional CIOs, ascending to the Global CIO post, and the North Star Strategy he follows to foster this alignment. Todd also talks about the technology he uses including the adoption of generative AI tools, the advantages of digital twins, and the necessity of connected products. Finally, Todd covers his talent strategy, succession planning, and the trends in technology that are on his radar for the future.

835: No matter what the latest technology is that’s available to IT organizations, the need for talent and a seamless digital employee experience is a constant for organizations to compete in the digital age. This episode of Technovation features a panel from our December 2023 Metis Strategy Digital Symposium where Munir Hafez, CIO of TransUnion, and Muru Murugappan, CIO of BNSF Railway, spoke with Metis Strategy’s Steven Norton on optimizing the digital employee experience. Muru shares insights from the company’s digital transformation and how it has impacted the employee experience, speaks to the impact AI has had on improving safety for employees, and explains how AI tools have increased internal productivity for the organization. Munir makes the case for the digital experience citing the importance of that experience being “human-centric” and details the way he has optimized the developer experience balancing efficiency with security. Finally, both panelists provide their strongest piece of advice for other executives looking to drive a digital employee experience transformation at their enterprise.

834: The introduction of ChatGPT and generative AI this past year has pivoted the conversation around AI in terms of how this new technology fits into a company’s broader transformation strategy. In a panel from our December 2023 Metis Strategy Symposium, Vishal Gupta, CITO of Lexmark, and Sumedh Mehta, CIO of Putnam Investments, join Metis Strategy’s Steven Norton in a conversation about driving an enterprise AI mindset and the implications the new technology has across the business. Vishal adds color to his role and team structure at Lexmark, the value he aims to deliver with new AI capabilities, and the importance that trust holds when driving a mindset shift. Sumedh expands on this with details on how he breaks down the silos present between teams at Putnam, collaborates with strategic partners to deliver AI capabilities, and brings talent into the organization to realize a successful AI strategy.

833: The advent of artificial intelligence comes with a host of new cybersecurity risks that technology and business leaders alike must consider when adopting these tools. In a panel from our most recent Metis Strategy Digital Symposium, Peter High spoke with Martin Stanley, Chief of the Strategic Technology Branch at the US Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), to discuss the ways executives can prepare for these risks and the work he is doing to stay ahead of bad actors in the space. Martin explains the relationship between CISA and NIST and the basis behind their collaboration on the AI Risk Management Framework. Finally, Martin shares the advantages of collaboration with both private and public sector organizations on AI cybersecurity and what the path ahead looks like for cybersecurity innovation.

832: As AI tools become more prevalent across companies, executives are putting more emphasis on refining processes and implementing new technology to compete in a future defined by data. In a panel from our most recent Metis Strategy Digital Symposium, Vish Narendra, CIO & SVP of Global Business Services at Graphic Packaging, and Filippo Catalano, CIDO at Reckitt, join Metis Strategy’s Alex Kraus on the virtual stage to discuss how they are leading the transformation in preparation for the data-driven future and the key ingredients necessary to ensure success. Throughout the discussion, both executives explain the importance of data hygiene and proper data governance as a part of a company’s data strategy and what it looks like to operationalize these new AI tools available to them. Vish and Filippo also touch on the impact AI will have on business including the value they hope to see from the use cases they’ve explored, the implications the technology will have on talent strategy, and generally what the art of the possible looks like. Finally, each panelist shares their perspective on the challenges they are facing when it comes to AI and their strategies for hedging their bets.

831: Once executives implement the much-talked-about AI and GenAI tools into their company’s operating models, the next step in their AI journey is scaling those tools. In a panel from our December Metis Strategy Digital Symposium, Yasir Anwar, CTO/CDO of Williams-Sonoma, and Cisco Sanchez, CIO of Qualcomm, join Metis Strategy Partner and West Coast Lead Chris Davis in a discussion about how they’ve scaled their respective AI-first operating models and the impact they’ve seen on AI tools on their business. Yasir talks about beginning the journey with a moonshot idea and tracking the evolution of AI within the company’s operating model. Cisco shares details about Qualcomm’s Imagine platform used to explore the art of the possible with GenAI and the impact it has had on the overall AI journey. Finally, both executives discuss challenges, risks, and future ambitions when it comes to implementing AI into more of their business models.

830: A primary focus of the CIO is increasing the pace at which IT operates. To Marsh McLennan’s CIO Paul Beswick, a fundamental part of his role is what he describes as increasing the velocity of IT. In this interview, Paul shares the methods by which he accomplishes this which includes forging the right culture, creating central capabilities, and enabling efficiency. He also talks about exploring the art of the possible through innovation, organization, and driving business value. Specifically, Paul explains the inception of the company’s in-house generative AI tool “LenAI”, the process he went through to adopt GenAI internally, and how GenAI might impact IT more generally. Finally, Paul reflects on the keys to success across his unique career path, provides advice on ascending to leadership positions, and looks ahead at the trends that are on his radar for the future.

829: As a technology leader within a tech company, an important advantage is acting as the first customer of its products to test them before offering them to customers. Salesforce, often cited as the first SaaS company, is no different. In this conversation, Juan Perez, CIO of Salesforce, shares his thoughts on serving peer CIOs in his role at the company and discusses the key priorities that have remained constant throughout his career. He delves into Salesforce’s mission in building technology to help customers succeed and highlights the potential applications of generative AI. In addition, he discusses the importance of maintaining technological modernity, cybersecurity, and people development. Juan also details his board responsibilities at The Hershey Company and shares valuable advice for aspiring board members. Finally, Juan reflects on his methods for championing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the firm, the critical leadership skills he learned at UPS, and the exciting trends in technology that have been on his roadmap for the future.

828: In order for the technology organization within an enterprise to function properly, there must be a deliberate focus on talent and collaboration. According to W.W. Grainger CTO Jonny LeRoy, “technology is a team sport.” In this interview, Jonny discusses how he fosters this collaboration within his technology team and how this focus on talent is a key part of the company’s overall strategy. Jonny explains the three major components of talent development, the approach he takes to in-person versus remote work environments, and what it means to make the workplace a magnet rather than a mandate. He also talks about the process of modernizing the nearly 100-year-old company, efforts to adopt automation, and the company’s overall data strategy inclusive of cybersecurity. Finally, Jonny looks ahead at the future of generative AI, identifies the methods of finding focus areas for customer interactions, and reflects on his unique career path into technology.

827: For the past three decades, WIRED co-founder Kevin Kelly has published multiple pieces of work ranging from tool reviews to long-form books. In his latest book, Excellent Advice for Living, Kevin takes his learnings from his life and shares the advice he wished he had learned when he was younger. In this interview, Kevin discusses some of these insights from his book including his recommendation of “being the only,” the concept of prototyping your life, and the importance of time and experiences. He discusses his source of ‘radical optimism’, the lesson that the best things happen slowly, and the ‘better delusion’ which he calls ‘pronoia’. Finally, Kevin turns the conversation towards his view of technology, specifically on the future of artificial intelligence, its impact on humans, and why it will become more of a partnership between AI and humans than a total replacement.

826: Companies often serve a variety of clients ranging from individual consumers to large-scale organizations. When delivering experiences for each of these clients, Jen Felch, CIO and CDO at Dell, believes they are one and the same. In this interview, Jen explains the interplay between these two types of experiences her team delivers and the customer-centric mindset she fosters at the company. She describes the benefits and challenges of being customer zero for the company’s products, the management of the organization’s modernization efforts, and what having a magnetic and transformative culture looks like. Similarly, Jen talks about the culture of risk-taking when it comes to innovation, her approach to generative AI and AI more generally, and the necessity of weaving together cybersecurity with these innovative technologies and methods of experimentation. Finally, Jen reflects on the keys to her success and looks ahead at the trends in technology that are on her radar.

825: Creating high-performing teams is increasingly important in a world defined by hybrid working environments. In this episode, Keith Ferrazzi, Chairman of Ferrazzi Greenlight and bestselling author of Competing in the New World of Work, delves into the world of high-performing teams and the creation of a sense of bonding among team members. Keith explains his process of diagnosing team issues, emphasizing the importance of cross-divisional teamwork and a concept he coined as ‘co-elevation.’ In a profound meditation on evolving work culture, Peter and Keith discuss implementing methods that encourage mutual trust and promote psychological safety in the shifting landscape of hybrid work. They also shed light on re-engineering collaborations and emphasize making the best of face-to-face interactions. Keith also describes his perspective on the implications of generative AI and how to ‘future-proof’ oneself. Finally, Keith reminisces about his transformative journey from being a CMO to becoming a thought leader and shares insightful reflections on leading without authority, the significance of relationships, and the potential for creating high-performing teams in IT.

824: Behind every successful digital transformation is a well-defined mission that drives the enterprise toward a common goal. At Collins Aerospace, CIO Mona Bates leads her team with the company’s mission in mind and ensures everyone feels that tie to the business and the customers they serve. In this interview, Mona talks about the strategy behind Collins’ digital transformation, the four pillars that make up that strategy, and how the company’s mission connects her globally distributed team. She emphasizes the importance of building digital literacy in talent beyond IT, defines the process of digitizing the product lifecycle, and explains her methods of collaborating with the other business units within the broader organization of RTX. Finally, Mona describes her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion; reflects on the keys to her career success; and looks ahead at the trends in technology and beyond.

823: The role of the technology executive has expanded beyond the help desk capacity and into being a partner to the business. In this episode, Subha Tatavarti, CTO of Wipro, joins us to speak about how she is planning for the future and growing the core capabilities of Wipro in her role at the company. Through a combination of creating compelling solutions, building the right infrastructure, and exploring the art of the possible, Subha aims to grow the company as well as improve its efficiency internally. She explains the organization of her team, the interplay with the company’s think tank Lab45, and the internal training and skill credentialing platform DICE ID. Subha also talks about engaging with technologist clients as a CTO, curating an ecosystem of partners, and experimenting with various use cases for generative AI. Finally, Subha shares the secrets to her career success and the advice she has for other aspiring technology executives.

822: The last decade is referred to as the Age of the Customer due to the digital capabilities that have unlocked the customer experience and increased personalization. In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our September Metis Strategy Digital Symposium where Fahim Siddiqui, CIO of the Home Depot, and Kristie Grinnell, CIO of DXC Technology, discuss the future of the digital customer experience with Metis Strategy Partner and East Coast Lead Alex Kraus. Throughout the session, these two executives share how technology has improved the value streams and end-to-end process behind the customer and employee experiences, how data has allowed them to measure the user experience and take corrective action, and how that same data is at the center of the relationship between the customer and the employee. Finally, these executives speak about the culture of learning they foster to stay ahead of trends, the office of AI that was set up to manage risk, and the role leadership plays in shepherding cultural change at the company.

821: The topic of generative AI needs no introduction, however, that doesn’t mean that it is easy to move fast on the journey towards developing and scaling it within an organization. On a panel from our September Metis Strategy Digital Symposium, Salumeh Companieh, Chief Digital & Information Officer of Cushman & Wakefield, and Dak Liyanearachchi, Head of Data & 

Technology at NRG Energy, speak about their approaches to AI and how they prepared their organizations to leverage it effectively. Both executives share the challenges they face in educating their teams, tackling practical problems with AI adoption, and prioritizing the use cases to experiment. They also discuss how it is shaping their respective industries, the what opportunities it presents, and how they balance innovation and risk management.

820: Client-centricity is the key to delivering an excellent digital experience, and TIAA looks to take that a step further. In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Austin Barker, Chief Digital and Client Experience Officer at TIAA where she explains how she is pivoting the culture of her team towards ‘customer obsession’ to deliver a ‘digital-first client experience’. Jessica shares her early career experience in customer experience and how it has informed her perspective in her current role. She talks about the art of designing products that simplify complexity for the customer, the critical role analytics plays in the client experience, and the future skills shaping talent development in Jessica’s team. Jessica also describes the collaboration she engages in to leverage broader expertise, the metrics she uses to measure quantitative progress toward customer satisfaction, and the importance of retaining the empathy component to customer interactions. Finally, Jessica shares the trends she is seeing in customer experience and the key difference-makers she has noted across her career.

819: When the infamous motto “Move fast and break things” was informally embraced by Facebook years ago, it fueled the idea that there was a trade-off between the pace of transformation and building a great company. Bestselling authors Frances Frei and Anne Morriss assert otherwise. Join us in this episode of Technovation where the renowned authors and co-hosts of TED podcast ‘Fixable’ share valuable insights on leading change management with both speed and excellence from their latest book, “Move Fast & Fix Things: The Trusted Leaders Guide to Solving Hard Problems”. Frances and Anne both draw from their expertise in leadership coaching and provide actionable strategies to build trust through authenticity, logic, and empathy; lead effective change management; and achieve excellence through radical prioritization. Tune in as we explore the importance of storytelling, the advantage of failures, and other key takeaways from their book.

818: Lakshman and Shubham join us on a panel at our most recent Metis Strategy Digital Symposium to discuss the topic of talent strategy in the age of artificial intelligence. Both executives give their perspectives on the general evolution of the talent landscape, the impacts that AI is having on the skills they are hiring for, and use cases for generative AI on internal learning. Each shares his view on the financial component of talent and AI strategies, in-house solutions on cost control, and other opportunities and challenges that AI poses on a company’s talent management strategy.

817: Andrew Brock joins the broadcast to speak about the future of real estate innovation and how he has paved the way for Associa to become a technology company at its core. Andrew shares his journey in the company, the unique approach Associa takes with its entrepreneurial culture and acquisition strategy, and the vision he brings to Associa’s digital transformation. He also explains his purview as President and CEO of HOAM Ventures, the team he has curated there, and how he manages his expansive responsibilities across these roles. Finally, Andrew shares the exciting trends in AI and data that are on his radar for the future and details the secrets to his career success.

816: Michael Lewis joins Peter High in a discussion about his latest book, Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon, and the insights he gleaned from his research into FTX and the disgraced founder, Sam Bankman-Fried. He shares how the topic stumbled into his lap, what interested him about the story, and why luck played a role in the story’s success. Michael Lewis pulls anecdotes from his book and talks about getting to know the crypto tycoon, learning about his upbringing, and understanding how the concept of ‘effective altruism’ set SBF on his eventual path. He talks about the unconventional business structure of FTX, the skepticism he has around cryptocurrency in general, and his unique perspective on whether or not the crypto startup founder is criminally crooked or just chaotically disorganized.

815: Papi Menon, Vice President and Chief Product Officer of Cisco’s incubation engine Outshift, discusses the innovation he is leading at the company and the process by which his team is scaling that innovation. He explains the skills he has on his team at Outshift and how he is developing that talent internally. Papi also describes the focus on cloud security, the platforms his team has built to help companies secure their cloud infrastructure, and the core pillars of these products. Finally, Papi touches on the cultural component of innovation, exploring use cases for artificial intelligence, and the secrets to his career success.

814: Rajan and Sesh joined us on a panel at our most recent Metis Strategy Digital Symposium to discuss the topic of data and AI strategy as enterprise change agents. Rajan shares insights about Intuit’s AI platform, how it drives new customer experiences, and its use in running and scaling business operations within the company. Sesh describes the main components of Western Digital’s AI strategy, his perspective on the change management part of the equation, and the importance of risk management and data governance. Finally, both executives talk about how they approach the adoption of AI and the most critical elements to keep in mind throughout the implementation process.

813: Douglas Lindemann discusses his experience joining ArcBest through acquisition and how those lessons have helped him in his current role. Douglas covers the improvements he has helped facilitate in the supply chain, the new business model he has helped launch, and why launching this new business model was necessary at the legacy enterprise. He also talks about how he applies the lessons learned from his M&A experience to this new business model implementation. Finally, Douglas explains the tech trends in generative AI and sustainability that are on his radar and the keys to his career success.

812: Amy Brady, CIO at KeyBank, and Ryan Kean, CIO of Total Quality Logistics, join Peter High on the virtual stage at our September 2023 Metis Strategy Digital Symposium to speak about strategic automation across the enterprise. Both executives talk about the opportunities for automation within their enterprises, the impact generative AI has had on the organization, and how automation fits into the long-term strategy for the firm. They also discuss the talent component of the equation, how they train employees in the relevant skills, and how they communicate the value of automation in their respective teams. Finally, the panelists cover the best practices for adopting automation, sources of insight for professional education, and the trends in automation that they both have on their radars.

811: Marcia Calleja-Matsko discusses the elements behind the remarkable growth of the company throughout her tenure. Marcia explains the way she typifies culture at OneDigital, how it’s impacted the process of integrating the technology functions of the company’s various acquisitions, and how she manages this rapid growth in a responsible and sustainable manner. She also talks about the company’s data strategy and the use cases she has identified for generative AI technology. Finally, Marcia reflects on the keys to her career success, the progress being made to bring more women into STEM professions, and the trends in technology that she has kept abreast of in recent months.

810: Filippo discusses the foundational elements of a resilient and intentional IT and digital strategy. He explains his vision behind rebranding IT internally to include digital and what impacts that has had on the make-up of his team. Filippo also touches on the elements of a sound data strategy, what the future of data and AI looks like at Reckitt, and how AAA Architecture is the key to a successful IT strategy. He talks about fostering resilience during COVID, collaborating with startup founders and venture-backed companies, and trends in technology that he is staying educated on for the future. Finally, Filippo reflects on his career and gives advice for others to follow in his footsteps.

809: Lakshman Nathan joins our host Peter High in a conversation about the catalyzing factors behind the company’s cloud transformation and the strategic alignment he aims to achieve between the IT organization and the rest of the business. Laksh explains his expanded purview as he has moved into a global role within the company, the evolving team composition as a result, and the changing skillsets needed along with the process of upskilling the talent on his team. He also goes into the M&A integration process, how it has helped push forward the cloud-first adoption, and how collaboration has been impacted by the move toward a more remote workplace environment. Finally, Laksh talks about the trends in generative AI, the experimentation with the new technology on the horizon, and the secrets to his career success.

808: Sumedh Mehta discusses the key elements of the company’s digital transformation and aligning the organization to the overall business strategy. Sumedh describes the methods behind this transformation, the ways in which he thinks about connecting the dots across the enterprise to engage multiple business units, and the role that technology plays in the company’s consumer products. He also shares how he approaches the transformation from a change management perspective and how trust and diversity are foundational components of the underlying culture. Finally, Sumedh reflects on the keys to his career success and looks ahead at the trends in technology such as blockchain and generative AI.

807: Gili Raanan, venture capitalist and co-founder of Cyberstarts, discusses his entrepreneurial roots, his pivot into venture capital, and cybersecurity more generally. Gili begins with explaining the concept of the ‘sunrise process’ which he uses to identify product-market fit and dives into his experience with starting up a cybersecurity company early in his career. He discusses the cybersecurity threats on the horizon, the constantly changing nature of cybersecurity, and the positive outlook he has for the industry. Gili also talks about how he finds talent worth investing in, the characteristics of great entrepreneurs, and why talent matters more than investing in new trends or technologies.

806: Naveen joins Peter High in a conversation about the foundational technology strategy that he has helped set up to foster greater enterprise growth. He explains what it’s like to run IT within a tech-centric organization and how the company’s Databricks-on-Databricks customer zero program helps to develop better product offerings for customers. Naveen provides insight into his perspective on generative AI, the value it poses to executives, and the necessity of creating a sound data strategy in order to fuel AI. Finally, Naveen shares learnings from across his career, the keys to his success, and the trends that are on his radar for the future.

805: Ravi discusses his role as a CIO within a scaled technology organization and how he interacts with the CIO-level clients that the company serves. He explains the focus areas he prioritized when he joined the company including scalability, agility, and execution. He also describes the company’s Box-on-Box program where they pilot offerings internally as ‘customer zero’ and how this helps deliver better products and services for their clients. Finally, Ravi reflects on the keys to his career success, recounts his pathway into technology, and looks ahead at the trends in AI and cybersecurity.

804: Vijay Sankaran discusses the future of work, the growing impact of AI, and its downstream effects on real estate. Vijay explains the critical role the digital customer experience plays in real estate, the way workspaces have evolved in recent years, and technology’s impact on how companies leverage their physical workspaces. He also reviews the company’s acquisitions in recent years and the effort to bring digital capabilities like cyber, data, AI, and more in-house. Finally, Vijay covers the generational differences in perspectives on hybrid and remote work environments, looks ahead at other trends in technology that he has on his radar, and reflects on the major keys to success from across his career.

803: Moti joins our host Peter High in a conversation about creating a world-class supply chain and developing a digital customer and employee experience at the company. He explains how his global team is organized and the ways he collaborates with the broadly distributed executive team. Moti talks about the transformation of the 150-year-old company, the responsibility he holds in supply chain management, and his perspective on the future of work and its impact on real estate. Finally, Moti looks ahead at the trends in 6G and other technologies on the horizon and reflects on the secrets to his career success.

802: Thomas Benjamin; EVP, CTO, and Head of Platform & Analytics R&D at National Instruments (NI); discusses the innovation he is leading at the company focused on what he calls ‘Horizon 3’ technologies and the preparation needed to take advantage of these technologies down the road. He shares how his team is organized across the diverse segments that are a part of the broader business and the ways in which these segments interact and collaborate with the IT organization. Thomas also gives an in-depth overview of the innovation labs he leads, the potential value that generative AI can bring to NI, and the skills that will be necessary to leverage these emerging technologies. Finally, he reflects on the lessons he has learned across his diversified career path, explains the benefit of being a hands-on leader, and looks ahead at the trends in technology that he believes will change the game.

801: Srini talks about the transformation he is leading within the company and the art of change management behind the transformation. He discusses his unique title and why it made sense to blend strategy with the CIO’s responsibilities and sheds light on the strategic planning that takes place within the large-scale insurance organization. Srini delves into the innovative use of digital and data in assessing property risks coming from climate as well as other areas and expands on that use of data with a background on the company’s experimentation with generative AI. Additionally, Srini elaborates on the importance of developing his team’s skill set to prepare for the future, being a force for change management, and using the lessons from his experience in human resources to drive this talent strategy. Finally, he reflects on the secrets to his success and looks ahead at trends in InsureTech, AI, and more.

800: Mustafa Suleyman discusses his career journey, the future of artificial intelligence, and his latest book; The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the 21st Century’s Greatest Dilemma. Mustafa describes his entrepreneurial background as a pioneer of the AI and Deep Learning space from studying philosophy at Oxford to his eventual founding of DeepMind and subsequently Inflection AI. He recounts the inception of groundbreaking AI concepts, Google’s acquisition of DeepMind, and the importance of ethics in AI. In his book, Mustafa proposes the idea of a modern Turing Test to mitigate the spread of misinformation, AI’s paradoxical impact on productivity and stability, and the vision of a fully digital ‘Chief of Staff’ called Pi.

The Coming Wave was released on September 5th and can be found here:
https://www.the-coming-wave.com/

799: Nitin discusses the customer-facing technology that he oversees and how his team remains innovative and up-to-date on trends despite the company’s massive size. He emphasizes the company’s push towards automation and personalization when it comes to the digital customer experience and how he drives cross-functional collaboration to align this experience with the overall business strategy. Nitin talks about his “fast follower” approach to experimenting and piloting emerging technologies, the cybersecurity implications that must be considered, and how he views the business from the customer’s perspective. Finally, Nitin explains the culture that brought him to the company, the secrets to success over the course of his career, and the technology trends that are on his radar for the future.

798: Shubham discusses how he is developing a digital, technology, and associate strategy based on a modular architecture approach that is focused on microservices, API-driven, Cloud-native, and Headless. Discover how Shubham builds an ecosystem of talent internally and externally, applies data and AI to differentiate the business, and embraces design thinking and collaboration across the firm all with the aim of developing a digital customer experience to enhance the traditional tactile experience. Shubham also talks more broadly about how he pushes his team to learn from experiences regardless of their success and approach challenges with what notes as a comp[any-wide collective confidence. This translates more specifically to how his team is experimenting with generative AI and the other technology trends that are on his radar. Finally, Shubham describes the mental models he has applied in his role and recommends a few critical readings that he has found helpful in his career.

Recommended Readings:

Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith

Build by Tony Fadell

797: Josh discusses the company’s tremendous growth throughout his tenure and the areas he has focused on to achieve that growth. He explains the pivotal role the CIO plays in shaping the digital customer experience and dives deep into the progress of the company’s overall modernization journey. Following the company’s acquisition of CareOregon, Josh explains the process behind integrating acquisitions from a digital and technology perspective and how this helps to grow the company in addition to the organic growth and expansion efforts. Josh also talks about the strong technology culture at SCAN, facets of its data strategy, and the Emerging Technology Operating Model he developed to address the emergence of artificial intelligence and find its use cases. Finally, Josh looks ahead at the trends in technology on his radar and reflects on his career path including his pivot to the not-for-profit space and the keys to his career success.

796: Professor Daron Acemoglu joins the broadcast to speak about his latest book, Power and Progress: Our Thousand-Year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity, and his perspective on techno-optimism in the era of artificial intelligence. Daron issues a warning about blind optimism during this pivotal moment in technology and draws on the key themes of power dynamics, techno-optimism, and effective regulation strategies from his book to explain the balance between power and progress and ways to counteract the accrual of power to a select few. He explains the three countervailing forces of democracy, worker voice, and regulation; the two key problems with regulations surrounding generative artificial intelligence; and what this future of AI regulation means on a global scale. Finally, as a writer himself, Daron talks about the ongoing Writer’s Strike as a defense against Generative AI, the potential benefits generative AI will have for writers of the future, and why he is optimistic about generative AI being a “job helper”.

795: Alina discusses the future of innovation, cybersecurity, and IT. With over three years of experience as CIO, Alina delves into the company’s strategy around artificial intelligence, its robust and unique approach to cybersecurity, and its commitment to data protection. Regarding innovation, she speaks to the partnership with R&D for groundbreaking initiatives and areas to revolutionize while introducing continuous improvement and automation to a field of R&D. Alina also talks about the implementation of training and upskilling policies around cybersecurity. Finally, Alina looks ahead at the latest trends in technology and reflects on the key drivers of her career success.

794: Vishal Gupta joins the broadcast to explain the elements behind his broad purview in corporate and IT strategy. Vishal explains the structure of his relatively new team and how he trains the talent he hires through Lexmark’s Cohort Training Program. Vishal talks about overseeing the company’s overarching corporate strategy, the innovation he is driving, and the security implications that come with what he and his team are developing. Of the innovation discussed, Vishal specifically dives deep into his perspective on the potential of AI and Generative AI within the firm. Finally, he reflects on the keys to his success and looks ahead at the trends in technology that excite him.

793: Jeff Sippel joins the broadcast to describe why he believes technology strategy should be viewed as a ‘peer’ to corporate strategy, focusing on client-centricity. He explains the importance of cybersecurity as a core capability and driver of trust within the financial services industry, the advantage of data as a key element in developing a perspective on customer experience, and the criticality of incorporating AI/ML for automation and productivity enhancement. Jeff also explains the modernization process at Northwestern Mutual, the culture that helps with the change management behind that modernization, and how his past roles in customer experience helped inform his view as CIO. Finally, Jeff looks ahead at the trends in technology on the horizon and reflects on the keys to his career success.

792: Shobie Ramakrishnan shares insights with our host Peter High about developing a cohesive technology strategy that focuses on intersections within the organization. Shobie shares how she orchestrates her team’s collaboration across departments, crafting a strategy with a clearly communicated vision, and plays both defense and offense with technology and data. She explains GSK’s forward-thinking approach to AI, the maturation of cybersecurity practices, and efforts to supercharge R&D with data. Shobie also dives into the tech-centric culture of the firm, the talent training strategy it has developed, and the skills that are necessary to drive the business forward. Finally, Shobie looks ahead at trends in technology that are on her radar and reflects on the keys to her career success.

791: Damu sits down with our host Peter High to discuss the various ways he approaches innovation to drive growth, efficiency, and improvements to the digital customer experience. Damu explains the idea behind Berkadia’s Startup Accelerator program BeEngaged and its role in keeping his team on top of emerging trends, building innovative solutions, and integrating new platforms like Blue Suit AI into its ecosystem. Similarly, Damu shares his experience leading the redIQ software business at the company and the way the cloud-based platform leverages AI/ML to help clients visualize data. He also talks about balancing the priorities of both IT and the broader business, building a data strategy, and driving internal technology adoption. Finally, Damu reflects on the keys to his career success and looks ahead at the trends in technology that he is excited about.

790: CIDO Naveen Krishna shares his expertise in leading technology and digital initiatives at GPC, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic roadmap, and driving innovation to prepare for a future of electric vehicles (EV). Naveen delves into the topic of creating a frictionless digital customer experience, leveraging technology to optimize supply chains, and driving innovation and emerging tech exploration within the company. He goes over the rationale behind GPC’s strategic investment in the EV sector as it prepares for the transition to an EV future. Finally, Naveen looks back on the keys to success across his career and explains the top trends in technology that are on his radar.

789: Shanthi Iyer shares her remarkable journey in scaling the organization and developing a sound data strategy. Shanthi describes how she and her team have elevated employee experience, focused on the customer experience, and streamlined internal processes through strategic automation. She also discusses how she is crafting a robust data strategy for DocuSign and exploring potential use cases for Generative AI to unlock a realm of future value. Finally, Shanthi provides an update on the state of women in technology, looks ahead at the latest trends in technology, and reflects on the keys to her career success.

788: Laura discusses the modernization efforts that she is helping to drive at the company. She provides insights on aligning IT with business objectives, the democratization of data, and the development of a comprehensive 360-degree view of the customer. Laura talks through the five pillars of growth as a part of Macy’s modernization and the company’s approach to personalized customer experiences which includes leveraging data and AI/ML. Finally, she reflects on her pathway to board membership, the keys to her career success, and the trends in technology that are on her radar.

787: Ramesh discusses the modernization efforts at the company and the AI journey he has led. He has driven a remarkable transformation and instilled a positive, driven mindset across the organization. In this insightful conversation, we explore the company’s thriving AI journey, its participation in the surrounding community, and the cultural shifts that accompanied its modernization efforts. Discover Ramesh’s keys to success and the tech trends that are shaping the future of the industry.

786: Pegah joins the broadcast to speak about investing in mission-driven founders and leveraging her experience as a former CIO and COO to bring a wealth of go-to-market expertise to the companies she invests in. We delve into FPV Ventures’ business overview as well as the company’s emphasis on life sciences and what attracted Pegah and her co-founder to that area. Pegah also explains her journey to the CIO post, her journey to the COO post, and how these experiences have uniquely equipped her for success in the world of venture capital. Finally, she shares valuable insights into investing during uncertain times, the tech trends that are on her radar, and the keys to her career success.

785: Steve discusses the future of the company, the role of technology in driving strategy, and how Xerox is leveraging emerging technology to reinvent the service industry. He highlights the importance of using this cutting-edge technology, such as AI, robotics, and augmented reality, to drive productivity in the office and serve the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. Steve also emphasizes the value of data and the impact of edge computing and quantum computing on the future of technology. Finally, he shares insights from his experience as a CIO and the importance of taking risks and seeking diverse leadership opportunities to advance your career.

784: Greg speaks about being a customer-focused organization and leveraging technology to drive a proactive, predictive, and personalized customer experience. He emphasizes the value of a positive attitude, positive habits, and continuous improvement in achieving success in customer service and why he looks for humility, emotional intelligence, accountability, and learning agility when recruiting talent for his team. Finally, Greg talks about the trends in technology that are on his radar, how those trends aim to impact the customer experience, and the keys to success that have helped him throughout his career.

783: Tracy joins the broadcast to discuss the company’s efforts in becoming digital-first and the new technology and innovations she is helping to drive. She highlights the introduction of Fargo, the company’s first customer-facing AI virtual assistant, and dives into the broader use of artificial intelligence to improve customer service and experiences. Tracy also emphasizes the criticality of data and the organization’s cloud strategy as well as the importance of empowering employees and creating a positive culture of collaboration. Finally, she looks ahead at other trends in technology and reflects on the keys to her career success.

782: Mojgan covers the intersection of technology and operations within her purview and the alignment she drives between her team and the broader business. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the business and customer needs in order to drive technology strategy and highlights the company’s focus on creating great experiences for customers, modernizing technology infrastructure, leveraging data and analytics, and protecting the organization from cyber threats. Mojgan shares examples of how machine learning and AI are being used to enhance employee and customer experiences, the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in driving innovation and success within the organization, and creating a culture of digital fluency through employee training programs. Finally, Mojgan looks ahead at trends in technology that are on her radar and reflects on the keys to her career success.

781: Martin joins Peter in a discussion on how he has developed his team and the new platforms and capabilities that he has driven across the company. He highlights the use cases for AI and ML technologies in areas such as personalization, recommendation, and marketing as well as emphasizes the importance of developer productivity and the automation of software engineering tasks. He shares insights on fostering resilience and scalability within the organization, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry. Finally, he touches on future trends in self-service analytics and quantum computing, reflects on the keys to his career success, and looks ahead at the potential use cases for generative AI at the company and beyond.

780: Jared Cohen and George Lee, the Co-Heads of the Office of Applied Innovation at Goldman Sachs, delve into the intersections between global affairs, geopolitics, and cutting-edge technology such as generative AI. As leaders in the financial services industry and technology space, both executives provide valuable insights into the significance of geopolitical swing states and the current state of global affairs, as well as the rapid rise of generative AI, and the role government regulation plays in technological advancements.

779: Tom joins us to discuss insights from his latest book, All-in on AI, and give his perspective on the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on businesses. From his sociology background to becoming a seasoned technology academic, Tom shares reflections on his career path and the evolving landscape of analytics and the birth of AI. Listen to his explanation of the three eras of analytics, culminating in the rise of “Analytics 4.0” powered by AI. As an AI optimist, Tom shares concerns and opportunities associated with AI, including its potential impact on jobs and the declining automation costs. Gain valuable insights into how companies successfully explore AI tools, allocate organizational resources to its experimentation, and strategize its adoption in order to “win big with AI”. Tom also provides his outlook on the future of AI, its influence on consulting, and practical career advice for young professionals in this transformative era.

778: Brian speaks about the keys to successful cloud adoption and the benefits of a multi-cloud architecture. Throughout this conversation, we dive into Rackspace’s business, explore Brian’s purview within Private Cloud, and discuss the shared and differing responsibilities with his counterpart in Public Cloud. Brian explains how having a CIO background has been advantageous to him when partnering with the current CIO and the IT organization. With a breadth of experience across companies, disciplines, and industries, Brian shares insights into his thoughtful leadership style shaped by his core values, walks us through his career path, and talks about the impact that both his military experience and his pursuit of higher education has had on his professional career. Finally, Brian covers the advantages of having technologists on a board of directors, looks ahead at the latest trends in technology, and reflects on the secrets to his career success.

777: Cal Newport dives into the world of productivity, focus, and intentional living. Cal reflects on his journey as a writer, the impact that professional advice had on his strategies for developing longevity in the field, and why he avoided social media during the age of Facebook. He explains the major themes of his books including time management and the power of “slow productivity” for success, as well as the role that COVID-19 played in influencing these topics. Cal talks about the concept of living a “values-driven lifestyle”, his experience with the “30-Day Declutter” project, and helping young people train their focus. Finally, the conversation uncovers the surprising effects of efficiency and delves into the risks and uncertainties of generative AI and its future.

776: Monica joins Peter for a conversation focused on the digital transformation journey of this century-old firm and developing it into a tech-forward insurance company. Monica describes how her team is driving the modernization program focused on creating a sound data strategy and improving data literacy across the organization. She dives into the process of digitization, collaboration with internal and external constituent groups, and the optimization of the individual experience. Monica provides insights into maintaining technological literacy through training programs and balancing IT resource allocation for operational efficiency and differentiation. Additionally, she covers topics such as cloud migration, the development of an architecture community, and the exploration of generative artificial intelligence and its diverse use cases. Lastly, Monica explores the emerging technology trends in quantum computing and reflects on the keys to her career success.

775: Lori joins us for a conversation about how her team explores use cases for emerging technologies to add value to the business. She explains the process behind the company’s cloud-based core system modernization and also dives deep into the potential value-add coming from advancements in generative AI, quantum computing, augmented reality, and blockchain in banking. Lori also walks through the cycle of innovation within the company and how she partners with the rest of the business to bring these innovations to life and develop an internal ecosystem of sorts. Finally, Lori covers the progress she is helping to drive in improving the state of women in tech and STEM fields, reflects on her own career path and the keys to her success, and looks ahead at the trends in technology that are on the horizon for the company.

774: Steve talks about his remarkable journey as a renowned former CIO and head of technology across multiple companies and how the role has evolved over the course of his career. He discusses how he developed his IT department from scratch early in his career, carved out the purview for the modern-day CIO, and pioneered the convergence of technology and business. Steve gives insight into major learnings from his roles at Rockwell, USAA, and KeyBank as well as what that pathway into each role looked like. He also describes his pathway to board membership and the value he added as one of the first technologists to join a scaled company’s board. Finally, Steve discusses his plans for the future, and how he continues to stay up-to-date on emerging trends in technology, politics, economics, and more.

773: May talks about the remarkable modernization and transformation journey she has led within the company. With May based in Singapore, May leads a truly global team with tech centers worldwide and  shares her insights into managing this diverse and distributed workforce. She describes the process and benefits of modernization, how digitalization leads to better organization throughout IT, and how her team tests new technologies for potential implementation. May describes the advantages of having a long tenure as CIO, the latest tech trends shaping the industry, and the keys to her career success.

772: Eswar explores how data and artificial intelligence are transforming the high-performance lifestyle industry and helping customers to achieve their macro and micro health goals. With over a decade of experience at Equinox, Eswar shares his remarkable career journey, discusses the pivotal role of technology in improving customer engagement, and details the types of innovation his team is driving within the company. We delve into Equinox’s comprehensive data strategy, emerging tech trends, and the keys to Eswar’s career success.

771: Sunny shares an overview of Snowflake’s business and what his purview encompasses at the company. Sunny embodies a customer-centric mindset in his role, spending a remarkable 70% of his time directly engaging with customers, and shares how he has built his team to allow him the bandwidth to do so. He explains how he has managed IT during a period of massive growth, built a strong culture in a remote working environment, and drove innovation in the evolving landscape of data. Sunny explains the key differentiators he has seen of successful data leaders and companies that have leveraged data effectively. He also dives into the importance of platform solutions and why he focuses on investing and building platforms at Snowflake. Additionally, he shares the value derived from his board experience, highlights the latest tech trends shaping the industry, and reflects on the keys to his career success.

770: Our latest episode features a panel from our Metis Strategy Digital Symposium in May 2023 where Rajan and Eben share their experiences applying a product mindset to advance digital and technology capabilities at their organizations. Rajan explains the project-to-product transformation at Ascension, the shifting customer expectations around digital interactions, and the metrics he uses to measure the success of the company’s customer-centric culture. Eben expands on the role technology plays in customer care at Hyatt, the agile and data-focused culture at the company, and driving the long-term strategic mission through the day-to-day empowerment of teams. Finally, both executives speak on the organizational impacts of moving to a customer-centric mindset, the workflow changes as a result of that mindset shift, and the partnership between the CDO and CIO to advance digital within the company.

769: Our latest episode features a panel from our Metis Strategy Digital Symposium in May 2023 where Michael and Rob discuss the topic of design thinking in ecosystem business models. Michael explains how he brings design thinking into ArcBest as a mechanism to drive innovation and the role ArcBest Technologies plays in ArcBest’s innovation ecosystem. Rob details the innovation cycle within Broadridge and how he brings the customer’s voice into that cycle to ensure continuous value is getting delivered. Finally, both executives speak on driving centralized innovation within their ecosystems and deploying those innovations to internal and external customers.

768: Our latest episode features a panel from our Metis Strategy Digital Symposium in May 2023 where Kathy and Josh discuss the topic of sustaining a high-performance culture in times of change. Kathy describes the culture of Principal when she joined the company remotely during the pandemic, explains the necessity of leadership driving the cultural transformation, and speaks to the way she responds to misalignments in the culture of the company. Josh covers the elements of World Fuel’s cultural transformation, how he quantifies and measure culture, and how he communicates constructive feedback to his organization. Finally, both executives look ahead at how hybrid work environments, generative AI, and more will impact the practices around culture at their companies. 

767: Our latest episode features a panel from our Metis Strategy Digital Symposium in May 2023 where Ramesh and Allen speak about driving practical progress on your AI journey. Ramesh explains his methods to educate talent within the company on the latest advancements in AI, measuring the value of AI use cases, and reigning in the bespoke AI applications across the company into a single vision or strategy around artificial intelligence. Allen shares how he cuts through the noise and the hype around AI to pursue practical applications of the technology, leverages AI to navigate talent shortages, and focuses on understanding the foundational data being fed into the AI model.

766: Rob discusses the concept of intrapreneurship, bringing an entrepreneurship mindset to within the organization, and how this concept has helped drive innovation at the company. He talks about the innovation teams he has built, the design thinking and storytelling they bring to the innovation process, and how they collaborate with the rest of the business. Finally, Rob looks ahead at the value potential of emerging tech trends like ChatGPT and generative AI as well as reflects on the keys to his success.

765: Cisco speaks about transforming Qualcomm into an intelligent company across hardware and software. Cisco shares his insights on Qualcomm’s future roadmap and the role of partnerships in the company’s broader ecosystem. We also explore how Cisco’s team is developing a solid foundation to foster growth, how culture facilitates successful change management, and why a high-functioning IT organization should act as guardrails for the rest of the organization. Finally, Cisco shares his views on how he stays ahead of the curve of emerging technology, the trends on his radar, and how he trains his team members in new skills for the future.

764: Asif discusses the evolution of the company and how it reflects the evolution of artificial intelligence more generally. Asif shares his pathway into AI and data science, the genesis story of Quantiphi, and why he decided not to seek outside capital in the early stages of the company’s growth. We also cover the various phases of the company’s history including finding the company’s product market fit, specialization, verticalization, and finally the latest phase of exploring and leveraging generative AI. Asif shares his perspectives on how companies have successfully harnessed the power of AI, the potential disruptions coming from ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms, and the future ahead for AI in general. Finally, Asif shares the two key pieces of advice that he believes facilitated his career success and will continue to help him in the future.

763: Tony discusses the remarkable transformation he led at the company focused on rethinking the digital customer experience and fostering an agile culture with a digital mindset. We explore Signify’s five-frontier strategy and how digital plays in each frontier. We also delve into how the company is digitalizing offers, co-innovating with business partners, and refiguring the business from the perspective of the customer. Tony shares his reflections on his career experience and the tech trends on his radar that are shaping the future of lighting.

762: Hasmukh discusses his experience in the CIO role at AMD and how his team thinks about sustainability, innovation, and artificial intelligence within the context of the semiconductor industry. He talks about driving AMD’s talent strategy, advocating for the customer’s needs through the customer zero program, and leading M&A in the CIO role. Additionally, Hasmukh talks about the overall evolution of the semiconductor industry, looks ahead at trends in AI on the horizon, and reflects on the keys to his career success.

761: Uri joins Peter High in our latest episode to discuss his experience founding Waze and the insights from his latest book, Fall in Love with the Problem, Not the Solution: A Handbook for Entrepreneurs. He describes his calling as being a teacher of others and shares what he sees as the common denominator across his career journey. From founding to the company’s eventual acquisition, Uri tells the story of Waze’s evolution, its collaboration and competition with tech giants like Google and Microsoft, and how Waze exemplifies disruptive innovation. He also shares the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, why the process of firing an employee is more important than hiring, and the three main categories of “users”, among other topics from his book. Finally, Uri looks ahead at the future of disruptive technology trends and what he is keeping an eye on in the market.

760: In a panel from our February Metis Strategy Digital Symposium, Michelle and Marco speak with Metis Strategy’s Steven Norton about cultivating an enterprise mindset. Tune in to hear how both executives drive enterprise alignment, recruit talent with an enterprise mindset, and develop that talent through reskilling and upskilling efforts.

759: Shannon discusses the business unit she leads and how it acts as a start-up within a large company like Jacobs Solutions. She covers the company’s talent strategy balancing new and legacy talent within her team and how her team works with clients to anticipate and respond to changing needs. Shannon also talks about the innovations in sustainability her team is driving, the collaboration she engages in with other business units within the company, and how her team’s ‘cyber-centricity’ has led to developing stronger cyber products for clients across the business. Finally, she reflects on the keys to her career success and looks ahead at trends in data and computing that are on her radar.

758: Our latest episode comes from our February Metis Strategy Digital Symposium on the topic of becoming an AI company with Katia Walsh, Chief Global Strategy and Artificial Intelligence Officer of Levi Strauss & Co., and George Brady, Chief Information Officer of loanDepot. Katia describes the strategies she used to introduce the mindset of artificial intelligence at Levi’s and how she deployed the technology at the company. George similarly describes how he deployed AI at his organization, the use cases he sees for ChatGPT, and how he reskilled talent at Capital One to accommodate AI initiatives.

Also available on YouTube:

757: In this episode, we dive into the concept of the “brilliant basics” with Eben Hewitt, CIO of Hyatt Hotels. Eben shares how he achieves reliability, scalability, speed, and transparency in IT at the company while also improving customer experience. We explore Eben’s experience in replacing Hyatt’s central reservation system, developing better communication throughout the organization, and rebuilding the company after the pandemic shook the hospitality industry.

756: Rob and Mark join our host Peter on a panel at our February Metis Strategy Digital Symposium on the topic of the technology leader’s expanding operational purview. Rob shares his experience across the CIO, COO, and co-CEO roles he has held at Cenlar, the skills he found were necessary to succeed in those roles, and the advantage of developing a relationship with the board of directors. Mark discusses his transition from COO to CIO during ICE’s massive growth, insights from the M&A integrations he led that contributed to that growth, and the combination of technology and operations in his COO that pushed him toward taking the CIO role.

755: Josh discusses the remarkable cultural and digital transformation he has led at World Fuel Services to modernize the legacy systems at the Fortune 100 energy company. Josh explains the elements of culture that he focuses on and the process of operationalizing culture in order to transform an organization and facilitate high-performing teams. Josh also reflects on his career, the keys to his success, and the trends in technology that he has been following.

754: Our broadcast today comes from our February Metis Strategy Digital Symposium on the topic of talent’s role in making transformations stick featuring Sastry Durvasula, Chief Information & Client Services Officer of TIAA, and Ramon Richards, CIO of Fannie Mae. Sastry shares how talent plays a key role in TIAA’s six strategic pillars and how he is upskilling his team to operate within this new virtual normal. Ramon discusses how he energizes talent in order to accelerate transformation and approaches the topic of talent retention at Fannie Mae. Both executives also give their perspectives on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as how the advancement of technologies like AI and ChatGPT will impact the business in the future.

753: Having been with the company for nearly a decade and ascending to the role of CDIO one year ago, Sal shares the remarkable transformation she has driven at the company to bring world-class technology to world-class real estate. She speaks about her approach to end-to-end technology, the implementation of a chief data officer role to curate better insights, and the creation of a business information officer role to align her team with the broader business. She also emphasizes the importance of diversity in thought when it comes to business decision-making and why she prioritizes an ESG strategy at the company. Finally, Sal looks ahead at trends in technology and reflects on the keys to her career success.

Audio-only is also available on YouTube:

752: Our broadcast today comes from our February Metis Strategy Digital Symposium on the topic of establishing a data strategy in complex organizations featuring Krzysztof Soltan, CIO of Vulcan Materials Company, and Anupam Khare, CIO of Oshkosh Corporation. Anupam shares his thoughts on creating a data strategy at Oshkosh and forming an organizational structure that fosters a data-rich decision-making culture at the company. Krzysztof talks about how he helps communicates data across the organization and how he measures the success of its data strategy.

751: Rajan joins us to speak about his experience driving one of the most extensive cloud adoption journeys in corporate America and managing a product-oriented operating model at Intuit. We discuss the company’s ‘Big Bets’ and how technology is being used to bring them to life, specifically the company’s AI virtual expert platform. Rajan covers how he interacts with different customer journeys, how he builds an ecosystem to leverage artificial intelligence tools, and what other trends in technology are on Rajan’s radar. We also explore Intuit’s company culture, the focus on retaining talent, and the keys to Rajan’s career success.

750: We celebrate 750 episodes of Technovation with a discussion featuring Arthur Hu, Lenovo’s Global Chief Information Officer, and Chief Technology and Delivery officer of its Services and Solutions Group (SSG). Peter High discusses with Art the development of SSG, his expanded role within Lenovo, and how this group bridges the gap between IT and the new business group. We also touch on how he divides his time and team across his CIO, CTO, and Chief Delivery Officer roles. Art shares insights on the upstream impacts of new models within SSG and how Lenovo helps organizations navigate the complexities of global business. We also talk about learnings pre- and post-pandemic on managing global teams effectively, the technology that has helped keep him in touch with his team, and the necessity of being physically together in the workplace to build trust. Finally, Art gives his perspective on emerging technology trends and reflects on the secrets to his career success.

749: Allen shares his insights on the evolving role of the CIO and how he has managed the technology life cycles over the course of his 21-year tenure with the company. Allen provides valuable advice on how he has navigated the War for Talent by improving the employee experience, broadening the scope of talent acquisition, and leveraging technology and automation to open up opportunities for process efficiencies. He talks about the strong relationships he has built within the company and how he collaborates with the broader organization to be a better partner to the business. Finally, Allen reflects on the keys to his career success and looks ahead at the trends in technology that are on his radar for the future.

748: Amy joins Peter in a discussion about leading IT at the Cleveland-based regional bank and training talent in both operations and technology. With over a decade of experience at KeyBank, Amy shares her insights on leading digital transformation initiatives and building an end-to-end digital experience for both customers and employees. She also covers the importance of collaboration with the business to understand operational needs and build the digital literacy of non-tech-focused talent. Amy describes her pathway to board membership, provides valuable advice for those looking to develop critical skills to become “board-ready”, and reveals how she keeps up-to-date with emerging technology trends. Tune in to this episode for an informative conversation with Amy on her expansive purview and the keys to her continued career success.

747: Kirk joins us to discuss his role in managing all things digital in the 104-year-old supermarket chain that generates $10B in annual revenue. Kirk explains the structure of his IT team and how he manages a largely virtual team while fostering a collaborative culture. He also shares the areas of priority in Giant Eagle’s technology strategy, including the vision behind the company’s global capability center in Bangalore. Kirk draws from his breadth of industry experience to discuss tech trends and keys to his career success. Tune in for an insightful conversation with Kirk on leading a technology team in a large retail organization.

746: Anita Klopfenstein, CIO of Little Caesars Pizza, joins Peter in a conversation about the IT transformation that she has led at the company, the emerging technologies her team leverages to drive improvements in the customer experience, and the positioning of the IT organization as a profit center for the business. Anita also shares how she implemented an IT steering committee to prioritize the most critical elements of the organization and collaborated with franchisees and customers to identify opportunities for improvements. She describes her team’s process of becoming a predictive enterprise, flexing IT to support the diverse array of additional venues, and giving back to the community during the height of the pandemic. Finally, Anita reflects on her career, the keys to her success, and the tech trends that are on her radar.

745: Matt discusses how he is driving an interconnected experience at The Home Depot bringing together the digital, mobile, and in-store customer experiences. He covers what falls under his purview and what role the CIO plays in improving the customer experience. Matt shares the focus areas in CX that are on The Home Depot’s strategic roadmap, how he measures the progress he and his team are making, and how he partners with the rest of the business to deliver best-in-class customer experience. Finally, Matt reflects on his successful career, the pathway to securing a board position at Chipotle, and the trends in technology and CX that he has kept up-to-date on.

744: Ria discusses the work she is leading at Intel on developing ethical artificial intelligence solutions with a focus on explainability, fairness, and trustworthiness. She discusses her perspective on what it will take to reach ethical AI solutions, the opportunities and hurdles that she faces, and the value proposition that ethical AI offers to companies and communities. Ria also talks about the skills that she hires for on her team, the collaboration she engages in with external and internal partners, and the medium-term outlook for AI given the rise of ChatGPT and other AI tools. Finally, she reflects on her early start in a career in technology and explains how her passion for poetry and writing has helped balance and anchor her during her more technical position at Intel.

743: Penelope covers the integration of the data and analytics officer role into her CIO role at Accenture as well as the importance of focusing on the basics when developing a data strategy at your company. She discusses the structure of her teams in her role, the shared services she leverages to strengthen the relationships across those teams, and how she contemplates the art of the possible when it comes to delivering new innovations to the rest of the business including how she co-innovates with business partners and clients. Penelope also talks about driving sustainability at Accenture, facilitating hybrid work, and using her experience across the company to inform her role as CIO. Finally, she looks ahead at trends being driven by the digital-native generation and reflects on the keys to her career success.

742: Guido joins Peter on the broadcast to speak about the innovation he is driving at the company and what the future of decentralized finance looks like. Guido explains his expansive purview in his role, the structure of IT at the company, and the emerging technologies he is leveraging to enhance business capabilities. He talks about co-innovating with clients and business partners, rethinking the use cases for crypto and blockchain, and expanding the metaverse concept through the payments industry. Finally, Guido talks about other trends in technology that are on his radar and the keys to his career success.

741: Vish discusses the incredible digital transformation that he is leading at the company, the thoughtful and methodical approach he has taken to drive it forward, and the long-term mindset he adopted from the get-go. As a part of this transformation, Vish talks about the cultural elements including the retention of talent, pushing forward a data strategy focused on visibility, and how his experience at GE has informed his view of talent development at Graphic Packaging. Finally, Vish looks ahead at trends in employee engagement and reflects on the difference makers to his own career.

740: Tom discusses the progress he has seen in the artificial intelligence space and the evolution of the role of platform companies like C3.ai in a company’s overall strategy. He explains what he saw back in 2009 that prompted him to embark on his journey to found C3.ai, shares the common characteristics of companies that have successfully adopted AI solutions, and dives into the emerging trend of CEOs becoming more involved with driving AI at their companies. Finally, Tom reflects back on his career success, the key learnings he has brought with him, and what continues to keep him motivated.

739: Our broadcast today comes from our recent Metis Strategy Digital Symposium on the topic of mastering the human side of digital transformation. Rob addresses his role as a strategic facilitator within Tractor, speaks to influencing the prioritization of technology during M&A, and explains how he is building product management capabilities within the organization. Jen discusses the challenges of change management, the emphasis she places on her “platinum rule,” and driving change among her C-Suite level peer group.

738: Michael discusses the cultural shift that was necessary at the company to drive forward its digital transformation. He covers the way technology is structured at the bank, how he has built his team, and where he focused his modernization efforts. As a part of this modernization, Mike talks about the talent part of the transition and moving towards an engineering culture with a build mindset. He also talks about his involvement with startup accelerator 43North, the experience he gained at Capital One, and the learnings he brought to M&T. Finally, he reflects on his career and the future ahead for technology.

737: Our broadcast today comes from our recent Metis Strategy Digital Symposium on the topic of Establishing the Foundation for a Modern Enterprise. The panelists who spoke about this topic were Boris Shulkin, Chief Digital and Information Officer of Magna International, and Michael Rodgers, Chief Technology Officer of Pilot Company and the conversation was moderated by Metis Strategy Co-Head of Executive Networks, Research, and Media; Steven Norton. Michael Rodgers begins the discussion with the role technology plays in the broad businesses under Pilot Company’s umbrella and speaks to the ways he and his team are developing a holistic experience for the business’s customers. Boris talks about the digital transformation of Magna Intl. and the components behind the company’s cloud strategy, data strategy, and more.

736: David joins the broadcast to talk about his latest book How to Invest: Masters on the Craft and the common traits he found among the investors he profiled in the book. He shares anecdotes of his early investment misses, how they led to his future successes, and the reason he always chooses good work ethic over high IQ when hiring prospective employees. David contends that investors often think against the grain and explains why this acceptance of higher risk is critical to the success of these titans of finance. He also sees younger people as being key indicators of successful investments as they drive the technology of future generations. Finally, David reflects on his “patriotic philanthropy” and looks ahead at trends in politics, economics, and the future of cryptocurrency.

735: Our broadcast today comes from our recent Metis Strategy Digital Symposium on the topic of Optimizing Value Delivery through Digital and Technology Capabilities. The panelists who spoke about this topic were Anita Klopfenstein of Little Caesars and Kirk Ball of Giant Eagle and the conversation was moderated by Metis Strategy Partner and East Coast Lead Alex Kraus. Both executives talk about how they align business objectives to operational needs and leverage data & analytics capabilities to improve the employee experience and internal training. Anita shares thoughts on Little Caesar’s “Area 51” initiative to help pilot innovations and measure their success at select locations while Kirk discusses the philosophy behind the co-creation of strategy to build commitment within the team.

734: Katia discusses her unique role combining digital, data, artificial intelligence, and strategy as well as how her role helps blur the dividing line between the business and IT. She describes how she organizes her team cutting across various verticals, drives the strategic roadmap for the business, and modernizes the footprint of a legacy company like Levi’s. Katia explains the impact artificial intelligence has on the customer experience, the consequences of widespread artificial intelligence usage, and the ecosystem of skills and partnerships that help build the AI solutions her team develops. Finally, Katia reflects on the keys to success across her career from her initial stint in journalism, her pivot to technology, and her subsequent pathway to board membership.

733: Chris discusses the innovations he has driven to create new mobility experiences focused on sustainability and efficiency. He discusses the 125-year-old company’s business, what falls under his purview, and why combining operations and technology was key to the company’s digital transformation. Chris also talks about the “Beyond Tires” side of Goodyear’s business, its place in the broader mobility ecosystem, and the open innovation model it uses to breathe life into the digital transformation at Goodyear. As a part of this transformation, Chris covers Goodyear Ventures, the investment arm of the company, and the investments in sustainable mobility solutions such as the non-pneumatic tire. Finally, Chris reflects on his career success and the trends in technology that will help transform the mobility industry.

Since the recording of this episode, Goodyear unveiled at CES 2023 a 90% sustainable-material tire and announced plans to sell a tire with up to 70% sustainable-material content in 2023.

732: Patricia discusses the infrastructure processing unit and foundational network that she leads at Intel and how it has enabled the company to build a software ecosystem for its customers. Having been at the company for nearly two decades, she gives her perspective on the advancements being made in data as a discipline and what have been the difference makers for companies that have successfully adopted better data practices. Patricia also talks about the skills that make up her team and the collaboration efforts both internally and externally. Finally, Patricia reflects on her experience as a board-level executive and the trends in artificial intelligence and data that are on her radar.

731: Pragati joins Peter High on Technovation to speak about the digital transformation that she is driving at the company and how she is weaving ESG Excellence into the company’s key objectives. She explains her role, and the role of the CIO more generally, in driving ESG at a company and the way digital acts as an enabler for sustainability. Pragati also reflects on her career success, how she has educated herself on the intricacies of each industry she has worked in, and looks ahead at trends such as data and the metaverse that particularly excite her for the future.

730: Kristie joins the broadcast to speak about the “Digital DXC Strategy” that she is driving and how she organizes her team to do it. She brings a wealth of experience to the role and talks about continuing a close relationship with the former CIO of DXC, Chris Drumgoole, and the insight that she has gained from it. Having previously held the role of Chief Supply Chain Officer for General Dynamics IT, she speaks to the supply chain issues that companies are facing and how DXC is navigating them. Kristie also reflects on her career, how she got here, the path ahead for women in technology, and trends that she has on her radar for the future.

729: Nancy discusses the strategic importance of operations within the CIO role and how that part of her purview overlaps with technology. She also talks about the company’s data strategy, its criticality within operations, and using it to improve the customer experience. Nancy covers the way she organizes her team, creates a culture of innovation, and leverages technology to alleviate supply chain issues that companies across industries face. Finally, she reflects on her career success, describes her pathway to board membership, and looks ahead to trends in technology that she is excited about.

728: Lidia discusses the game-changing innovation that she is driving at the company and the key components that have helped move this forward. She talks about the company-wide initiative as a result of the pandemic to increase the speed of innovation and the role that her team, as well as technology more broadly speaking, has played in this initiative. Lidia talks about developing the careers of employees through a “zigzag” approach to growth, leveraging talent from other areas including the Digital Innovation Center in Greece, and how culture plays into the innovation process. Finally, she reflects on the keys to her own success and the trends that she has kept an eye on as we enter 2023.

727: Paul Heller and Kendall Kowalski, CTO/COO and CIO of Huntington Bancshares respectively, discuss their collaboration over their careers, the responsibilities that fall under each of their purviews at Huntington, and how they have organized their teams. They also speak about the core modernization effort that they are both driving at Huntington, the transformation office that they have set up to drive the digitization of the customer experience, and the key components behind the successful M&A integrations that they have led, among other topics.

726: Michael discusses how he is driving new digital touchpoints for customers and implementing a frictionless experience for truck drivers and other business partners. He describes the structure of the conglomerate, the various verticals he leads, and how marketing and data fit within his purview. Michael covers his career prior to Pilot and what innovations and new trends in technology are on his and Pilot’s roadmap. Finally, he describes the relationship Pilot has with universities to bring in new talent and foster a culture of innovation, among other topics.

725: Marco discusses his journey from one of the premier digital native organizations and applying his learnings from that experience to one of the older and more storied investment banks. He provides a thumbnail sketch of Goldman Sachs’ long history and how the company’s scale is actually an advantage to its digital transformation. Marco also talks about coming from a background outside of financial services, building credibility within Goldman Sachs, and leveraging his time at AWS to build the B2C business within the organization. Finally, Marco dissects the necessary ingredients in becoming a more nimble enterprise, reflects on the keys to his career success, and talks about his passion for music.

724: Jen discusses her philosophies in leadership and how she has used those lessons to realize the art of the possible at Cargill. She explains her preference for the term ‘digital’ over ‘IT’, describes the value both federated and centralized solutions have within her team, and shares anecdotes about how technology has improved the customer experience at the company. When it comes to leadership, Jen shares her “Four Ls of Leadership,” the “platinum rule” she lives by, and how these frameworks have pushed her to be a strategic driver in the CIO role. Finally, Jen reflects on the keys to her continued success, the progress we still have to bring more women into STEM fields, and the trends in technology that are on her roadmap.

723: Steve discusses his latest book, Rise of the Rest and his mission of growing venture capital outside of the three big epicenters of CA, MA, and NY. He explains the thesis of the book, why 75% of VC focuses on these metropolitan areas, and what inspired him to explore this phenomenon. Steve also gives his perspective on how communities can stimulate venture capital expansion into new areas, how the Rise of the Rest Bus Tours help spur greater visibility on entrepreneurship in these areas, and the venture capital firms he partners with to realize this. He then shares specific anecdotes from his book and the stories from cities that stood out to him during his tours. Across these stories, Steve breaks down the ingredients of a successful venture that he has seen, how the pandemic has changed this, and the role government plays in growing venture capital in their cities. Finally, he talks about growing opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs, economic headwinds that entrepreneurs are beginning to face, and how the tech community has grown in the D.C. Metro area.

722: Rob discusses his career journey going from CIO to COO and ultimately to co-CEO. He gives a brief thumbnail sketch of Cenlar’s business and describes his purview in his new post alongside Jim Daras. Rob also talks about the advantages of being a technologist in his role, the importance of developing a solid relationship with the company’s board of directors, and the benefit of having a close relationship with his CIO successor. Finally, Rob covers the trends in technology that are on his personal radar and reflects on what he attributes to his career success.

721: Sastry discusses the company’s mission of powering the business’s strategic shifts and fueling innovation all while transforming the core. He gives a brief overview of TIAA’s business, the two sides to his purview as Chief Information and Client Services Officer, and how his team collaborates with clients to deliver solutions that resonate with each stakeholder regardless of which stage they are at in their retirement journey. Sastry also describes the way his team is organized, how it drives the broader strategy of the company, and how it is developing a data and AI strategy to realize the organization’s mission. He goes into detail on the types of creative partnerships including those with Universities to upskill talent and diversity groups to open up opportunities for members of those groups. Sastry talks about his involvement in one such group, Girls in Tech, and the impact that it has had on his outlook for DE&I in the industry. Finally, Sastry covers trends in artificial intelligence and the metaverse and reflects on the keys to his career success.

720: Doug discusses the evolution of ethernet and how it continues to be used today. Doug explains the difference between ethernet and other similar technologies it is often confused with, its use across industries, and where it has been used for cost efficiencies. He also shares a personal anecdote about how the technology he works on has been used to impact his life in a meaningful way. Doug then talks about his long career at Intel, the collaboration he experiences across other groups within the company, and the skills he hires for. Finally, Doug looks ahead at trends in autonomous vehicles and other technologies that he is excited about.

719: Bill discusses his latest book True North: Leading Authentically in Today’s Workplace and why authentic leadership is crucial for success. Bill reflects on his upbringing, his time at Honeywell, and why he felt that joining Medtronic was the perfect move for him. He then talks about insights from his book including the importance of building strong relationships based on trust as a leader, why EQ is as important if not more than IQ, and the COACH framework he developed on organizing people. Bill then talks about the men’s group he has been a part of, how it helped orient and support him through his life, and why everyone should find an equally supportive group. Finally, Bill looks ahead at the future of hybrid work, gives advice for young leaders as we face major economic headwinds, and shares what have been the major keys to his career success.

718: Kamran and Roelant discuss the genesis of Adyen and the company’s vision for driving the future of Unified Commerce. Kamran gives a brief history of the company, how he got introduced to the platform, and why Adyen has chosen to grow organically instead of pursuing an M&A strategy. Roelant gives his perspective on why unified commerce is imperative for the future of digital transformations, and shares learnings from working with customers during the pandemic. Finally, both executives then talk about the process of international expansion, the hurdles associated with it, and translating the business model across regions.

717: Mario discusses his journey from CIO to CEO and his vision for the future of the business. He begins with his initial reflections on his transition to the CEO role and explains what helped him rise to the position. He gives an overview of how XPO was founded and the different verticals and spin-offs that have been a part of the company’s history, including the Less-Than-Truckload vertical he served as President for before his promotion. Mario describes the skillsets on his team, lessons from the company’s many successful M&A integrations, and how he fosters a culture of innovation. Finally, Mario speaks about the tech trends in data that are on his radar for the future of XPO and looks back at the keys to his career success.

716: Greg discusses the innovations in digital health that he is driving and how they have accelerated the pace of drug discovery. He gives an overview of BMS’s business and the company’s digital health program as well as how collaboration with physicians and hiring for various skills have been critical in developing game-changing innovations. Greg also covers the way his team collaborates internally across the silos within the organization and leverages technologies like artificial intelligence to increase the speed at which drugs are tested and developed. Finally, he explains why he chooses to immerse himself deeply in more technical aspects of the business, looks ahead at what trends in technology he believes will continue to make important contributions to healthcare, and reflects on the keys to his career success.

715: Sigal reflects on her seasoned career in technology, what she derives from her experiences, and what’s next for her. She explains the growing strategic nature of the CIO role, the insights from her advisory experiences, and how they have all paved the way for her journey to board membership. Sigal also weighs in on how IT can be a differentiator for high-power intellectual organizations like the ones she has been a part of and why GE Capital became a powerhouse for growing the great CIOs of today. She looks back on her time at the Israeli University Technion and the tech and entrepreneurial community coming out of Israel. Finally, Sigal looks ahead at the trends in cloud computing and advises future CIOs on the difference makers in her career.

714: Rob discusses how he is leveraging technology to improve customer and employee experiences, build a closer connection between them, and improve overall operational efficiencies. He describes the three verticals under his purview; technology, digital commerce, and strategy; why it makes sense to combine them under one role, and how he fosters cross-functional team culture to drive customer experience improvements. Rob shares perspectives from his experience across the retail industry, the insights he has drawn from across the different segments in retail, and how it has led to securing a board-level position in his career. Finally, he looks ahead at trends in data and artificial intelligence and reflects on the keys to his career success.

713: Cindy discusses tapping into the global talent network and leveraging the company’s innovation hubs around the world. She explains her purview as both CIO and CDO, why she chose to commingle her team between digital and IT, and how she manages the global team. Cindy gives insight into change management practices, creating firm buy-in to ensure successful execution, and why startup ecosystems around the world are becoming more popular. Finally, she talks about the lessons she learned coming out of the pandemic, trends in technology on her radar, and the keys to her continued success.

712: Anil Cheriyan, EVP of Strategy and Technology at Cognizant, covers the recent economic headwinds and their impact on recruitment and the future of work. He gives his perspective on how companies can prepare for a possible recession in the near future and mitigate economic risk through geographic diversification. Along with risk mitigation, Anil shares how diversity can increase the types of expertise talent can bring from other areas around the world and shift the tide in the War for Talent. Finally, Anil talks about the skill sets he specifically hires for and what the future holds for new ways of working.

711: Ashok Srivastava, Chief Data Officer of Intuit, discusses the way he is transforming the business through the intersection of data, analytics, and artificial intelligence. He describes the way the three areas of focus act independently as well as act interdependently. Ashok follows up with Intuit’s Follow-Me-Home Approach to customer experience and how the three areas of data, analytics, and AI bring the perspective of the customer to the business. He also talks about the skills he hires for his team, the methods of collaboration across the organization, and maturing the company’s data strategy. With respect to artificial intelligence, Ashok addresses safety and biases and how he mitigates the risks associated. Finally, he talks about having a longer tenure in the role of Chief Data Officer, how he balances his responsibilities outside of the organization, tech trends on his radar, and his reflections on the keys to his career success.

710: Neal Sample, former CIO of Northwestern Mutual, discusses his seasoned career as a technology executive across a variety of companies and how the role has evolved over the years. He explains both the enticing and challenging aspects of the CIO role and how it can translate into a broader set of responsibilities at a company. Neal also talks about his board-level experience and why companies, regardless of industry, should look to have a technologist on the board of directors. He looks ahead at his future career prospects, reflects on his pursuit of his Ph.D., provides advice for aspiring CIOs, and speaks to the trends in artificial intelligence and automation that he believes will become prominent in the years to come.

709: Rich reflects on his career at the periodical and the insights he has gained on culture, politics, and the world of business. He talks about the recent Forbes Global CEO Conference in Singapore and debriefs Peter on the high-level takeaways about the foreign perspectives of the global economy, the trajectory of the U.S. economy, and anticipation of the Fed’s response. Rich also looks at his experiences in technology and how he has viewed the generational gap between understanding consumer technology and enterprise technology. Finally, Rich describes his view on entrepreneurship, the keys to his career success, and how he stays knowledgeable on a variety of topics.

708: Justin Mennen, Chief Digital and Technology Officer of Rite Aid, discusses the digital transformation of Rite Aid and how it is leveraging the symbiotic relationship between traditional and digital commerce. He details the hallmarks of a great digital experience, the way his team is structured, and how he has recruited and trained talent to be able to deliver the experience to the company’s customers. Justin describes how he determines when the company invests in shared services across the business versus when a dedicated solution is necessary as well as how the digital platforms increase traffic to the in-store experience. Finally, Justin reflects on the keys to his successful career and how trends in artificial intelligence and data will drive a new level of personalized experiences.

707: Michelle discusses the complexities of Cardinal Health’s business, the power of collaboration, and the company’s internal talent strategy. She gives an overview of how her teams are organized and a deeper look into the company’s technology commercialization engine Fuse and how it contrasts with the company’s digital office. Michelle also discusses how she works together within her executive time and focuses on implementing a culture of collaboration with her colleagues. She covers the recruiting and retraining strategy for employees relating to continuous improvement and diversity of thought and experience. Finally, Michelle talks about the keys to her career success and looks ahead at the trends in automation that are on her radar for the future.

706: Frank and Bhavani speak with Metis Strategy’s Chris Davis about creating innovative sustainable business models. Both executives share what sustainability means for their respective businesses and how technology unlocks new revenue streams. Frank gives insight into the use of industrial IoT at Chevron and looks at driving an ESG strategy through a global lens while Bhavani provides advice for executives operating outside the energy sector on how to build an effective ESG strategy at their companies.

705: Ash and Anil speak with Metis Strategy’s Mike Bertha about transforming a global IT operating model. Anil speaks to the company’s transition to a customer-centric operating model and the role that culture plays in bringing about this transformation. Ash discusses how the complex environment Dentons operates in is accommodated in the company’s operating model and how he is creating buy-in for a unified IT model from the non-technical executive team.

704: Marykay and Carman speak with Metis Strategy’s Steven Norton about driving strategic IT modernization efforts at their respective companies. Marykay gives insight into Pearson’s use of data and technology to engage with consumers and the metrics she looks at to gauge the progress being made in the company’s digital transformation. Carman shares how he is applying digital to the in-person experience at Dollar General’s stores and how consumer insights have driven the evolution of the company’s mobile app. Finally, both executives talk about the methods they’ve followed to future-proof their organizations and foster resilience.

703: Dak discusses the two sides of his purview and how data and technology help maximize value coming from the business. He gives his perspectives on data strategy, NRG’s emphasis on consumer products and services, and the role data and technology play in the company’s overall goals in sustainability, digital engagement, and product development. Dak talks about the universality of his experience in data, but how the unique value comes from how that experience is applied to the specific company and industry. Finally, he looks ahead at trends in the decarbonization of our economy and reflects on the keys to his career success.

702: In our conversation, we spoke about the future of work. Chandra discusses how the landscape is evolving as we come out of the pandemic and how companies are thinking about balancing in-person collaboration and workplace flexibility. She provides advice on how managers can be intentional about bringing employees back to the office and leverage data-driven insights to make the right decisions for their companies. Finally, Chandra reflects on her journey from CIO to CEO and why she believes the CIO role is a great training ground for future CEOs.

701: In a conversation from our Metis Strategy Digital Symposium in September, Kevin discusses the evolution of the cybersecurity landscape and the frameworks being adopted to manage this risk. Kevin talks specifically about the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, the new update the organization rolled out recently, and why global alignment is important to help US businesses remain competitive in global markets. Finally, he also talks about the future of cybersecurity, how companies are implementing better risk-management measurement capabilities, and why the introduction of quantum computing can pose a real threat to organizations.

700: In this interview, we celebrate 700 episodes of Technovation with a special guest, author, thought leader, and NYU Stern Professor Scott Galloway. Scott shares his goal of becoming the most influential thought leader in the history of business, what that means to him, and how he is stretching his expertise as his brand has expanded into a variety of subject areas across media. Despite his tenure at NYU Stern, Scott has been a vocal critic of the traditional university education model. He explains the rationale behind this critique and what the future holds for education and training. Scott also talks about the broader societal problems that America is facing and while these problems are touted as insurmountable, he makes the case for why they can be easily addressed and solved by what America has to offer. Finally, Scott gives his perspective on the overvaluation of the Tech Giants, why the government has yet to step in, and what scenarios are likely to play out in the near future.

Pre-order Scott’s latest book Adrift: America in 100 Charts here:
https://www.amazon.com/Adrift-America-Charts-Scott-Galloway/dp/0593542401

Check out Scott’s podcast, newsletter, and other works on his website:
https://profgmedia.com/

699: Vinod and Susan cover the topic of Data & Analytics as a Source of Resilience and Growth. Susan explains the role data & analytics play in delivering predictability and stability as a part of Boeing’s overall strategy, how she trains her team in the skills needed to achieve that, and why data is integral to a company’s culture and telling its story. Vinod describes how data & analytics impact the customer experience at Sam’s Club, how he is making Sam’s Club into an AI-enabled digital enterprise, and how he is democratizing that data across his business.

698: Gabe discusses the skills that will be necessary for employees in the Digital Age and how companies can foster the upskilling essential to keep pace with their digital transformations. Gabe looks at the current state of digital skills and where Udacity fits in the spectrum of overall education. He describes the three main skill sets that will be crucial for companies to train employees in, the path ahead for employees in non-technical roles, and the best practices for companies developing their own in-house digital academies. Finally, Gabe advises incoming college students on what skills to learn for their future careers.

697: Ramon speaks about the digital transformation of Fannie Mae and the mortgage lending industry. He gives an overview of Fannie Mae’s business and what the digital transformation at the company entails including incorporating automation, maturing a data strategy, and building a team to foster innovation. Ramon describes the process of upskilling the employees with the digital skills necessary and how technology facilitated resiliency during the pandemic. Finally, Ramon looks ahead at the trends in technology that are on his radar and reflects on his long tenure as well as the keys to his success.

696: Rima speaks about the evolution of the telecom industry and how Verizon has pivoted its strategy along the way. She explains her purview as Chief Strategy Officer, how she engages different areas of the business to develop Verizon’s strategy and dives deeper into what the company’s 2022 strategic imperatives include. Rima also discusses the importance of Verizon’s partnerships with strategic partners and “hyperscalers”, highlighting the way her team invests in ecosystems and a few general principles that define a successful acquisition. Finally, Rima reflects on the trends in the telecom industry, the keys to her success in the industry, and the trends on Verizon’s horizon.

695: Mike speaks about how the IT organization has stayed ahead of the company’s growth both organically and through acquisition. He describes the role that technology plays at a company as tactile as Crocs and how that technology has facilitated agility and scalability. Mike also covers how relationships with vendors have allowed the company to grow internationally at an impressive rate. He also discusses the processes of integrating the HEYDUDE acquisition, leveraging the perspective of a consumer to enhance the customer experience within IT, and maturing the data strategy behind Crocs. Finally, Mike looks ahead at the trends in automation and gives advice on the keys to his continued career success.

694: Kevin discusses the digital transformation of the quick-service restaurant industry and how the pandemic has impacted customer behaviors. He details the tech landscape he found at Wendy’s when he joined and the innovation he has driven to digitize the customer experience further. Kevin explains the recently announced “Next Gen Restaurant Design” of Wendy’s locations, the technology being implemented, and how it all comes together to improve and personalize the customer experience. He also describes the relationship he has with franchisees, how they help pilot innovative technology solutions, and how all business units work together to improve the mobile app experience. Finally, Kevin looks ahead at the trends in technology on his radar and reflects on the keys to his career success.

693: Frank discusses the role digital plays in Chevron’s overall strategy. As the first to occupy the role of CDO, Frank describes the responsibilities that fall under his new purview and how he has built his team drawing on talent from both inside and outside the company. He also covers how digital fits into the company’s three key strategic imperatives, customer and employee experiences, and efforts in providing clean reliable energy. Frank also touches on how he leverages ecosystems with startups to develop innovations and speaks to lessons he learned during the pandemic on how digital helps foster resilience at Chevron. Finally, he looks ahead at the trends in technology that excite him and reflects on the keys to his career success.

692: Jay discusses the way he collaborates and engages with his ecosystems, both internally and externally. He gives an overview of Clario’s business, the two sides of his purview, and his role’s impact on the company’s R&D efforts. Jay explains how he engages with the four constituent groups Clairo serves; clinical trial sites, sponsor organizations, patients, & internal customers; how he removes the internal barriers to collaboration, and how he retains company culture in a hybrid working environment. Finally, he weighs in on the benefits he has seen from his substantial social media presence, the trends that he is actively following, and the keys to his career success.

691: Huma discusses the creative ways artificial intelligence is being applied and the path ahead for combatting unconscious biases in AI models. She describes her purview at Intel and explains to Peter High the key differences between typical software and artificial intelligence software. Huma dives deep into the intersection of AI and creativity and shares the remarkable progress being made in the creation of things like art, podcasts, and more. Finally, Huma reiterates the importance of diversity when building AI models to eliminate biases and shares how companies, both AI and non-AI-focused, can improve the opportunities granted to diverse talent in the workplace.

690: Shanthi discusses the company’s immense growth and the transformation that arose as a result. Shanthi begins with what brought her to the company and what her purview entails as the company’s CIO. As a part of her role, she drives the employee experience and looks to improve it across areas like process automation and a consolidated and three-layered data strategy. Shanthi also reflects on her time at Cisco, the lessons she has brought with her to DocuSign, and how the role of the CIO has evolved over the years. Finally, she covers the state of women in technology, trends that excite her as she looks ahead, and the keys to her continued success in the field.

689: Earl discusses the company’s strategic pivot to focus on agility, resiliency, and business capability management. Earl begins with an overview of the company’s business and his role as CIO. As CIO, he covers the areas of importance on his priority list, the new business engagement model he has driven at the company, and the change management that arose as a result. Earl also speaks on bringing diversity into the workplace and the work he and others are doing to increase diverse talent in the workplace through the TechPACT organization. Earl also talks about the company’s increased focus on cybersecurity and how he is training his employees to be “CyberSMART”. Finally, Earl shares the trends in technology that he is looking forward to and gives advice on how others can reach the same level of success as he has had throughout his career.

688: Thimaya Subaiya, SVP and General Manager of Global Customer Experience at Cisco, shares his perspective on changing customer expectations and their impact on the future of work. He shares the hallmarks of great customer experience in the digital age, highlights shifting customer priorities, and articulates the ways in which companies are responding to these changes. He also discusses how hyper-automation is changing collaboration tools and shares his thoughts on what the future might hold. Finally, Thimaya looks ahead at other trends in technology on his radar, including the expansion of 5G and continued prevalence of data analytics.

687: In this interview, Keith discusses his remarkably diverse set of career experiences. Keith reflects on the evolution and adoption of robotics and the internet and the genesis behind Ariba. He also talks about the importance of trust in technology and how that paved the way for DocuSign. We then discuss his time in policy as Under Secretary of State and developing the Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue. Finally, Keith shares his perspective on current geopolitical topics including US-China relations, China’s relationship with Taiwan, and the future of tech diplomacy.

686: Dame Stephanie reflects on her storied career as an IT pioneer. After escaping Nazi Germany and arriving in the UK as a child, she went on to hold a series of influential positions in the technology industry. Dame Stephanie describes the trials and tribulations of starting a company as a woman in the 1960s, building client relationships as a woman-led business, and adopting an ahead-of-its-time approach to workplace flexibility. She also shares her passion for autism research, her role as a “venture philanthropist,” in the space, and progress made in developing an autism treatment. Finally, Dame Stephanie discusses her memoir, Let It Go: My Extraordinary Story, and how she remains active and productive in the later years of her life.

685: Craig discusses the evolution of digital in the healthcare space across his career as a digital executive in the industry. Craig shares how he helped drive a patient-first perspective when it came to digital and his focus on cloud adoption and a mobile-first orientation to set a better foundation for the company. He also discusses the pathway he and his peers have taken going from running support organizations to running strategic drivers for their companies at present.

684: Marykay Wells, CIO of Pearson, discusses the remarkable transformation she has driven at Pearson to reinvent itself for the digital age. Marykay dissects the pandemic’s impact on digital learning platforms and their adoption, including Pearson’s own Pearson+ platform. She also covers how this digital learning has translated into internal training at Pearson and how it has shifted the company’s focus from primarily B2B into a B2C orientation. Marykay describes the internal innovation competitions the company holds to identify opportunities and how she has moved the IT organization towards a new IT service model. Finally, Marykay talks about the up-and-coming trends in technology she sees and gives advice for people looking to follow in her footsteps as a tech executive.

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683: Ather Williams III; EVP & Head of Strategy, Digital, and Innovation at Wells Fargo; and Prakash Kota, SVP & Chief Information Officer of Autodesk, discuss the technology-led business model innovations at their respective companies. Prakash begins with the digital transformation he has led at Autodesk. Both executives then give their perspectives on identifying and operationalizing innovation opportunities and adopting an agile mindset to measure the value realized from these opportunities.

682: In this interview, Rahul discusses his transformation efforts to modernize the 160-year-old railroad. Rahul covers his purview as CIO, what it means to be a tech executive at a railway company, and the internal operational lens of his purview. He also reflects on his experience in B2C functions and how they have informed his B2B role at Union Pacific. Rahul also describes what he means by transforming Union Pacific into a platform company, creating a high-performing culture through recruitment and DE&I, and why he has chosen to rebrand IT at the company. Finally, Rahul looks ahead at trends in technology that he is keeping abreast of and clues us in to the keys to his career success.

681: In this interview, Mamatha Chamarthi, Head of Software Business and Product Management P&L at Stellantis, and Vipin Gupta, Group Vice President & Chief Information Officer of Toyota Financial Services (TFS), discuss building talent for digital operating models. Vipin begins with an overview of the product orientation model he has adopted within the financial services industry and talks about the Digital Academy he has created to train non-technical talent throughout the organization. Mamatha describes the skills and experiences needed to be a successful product owner at Stellantis. Finally, both executives discuss how they curated their career paths from IT to become broader business leaders within their respective organizations.