In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Stephen Witt, award-winning journalist and author of The Thinking Machine, about Jensen Huang’s improbable journey from near-bankruptcy in the 1990s GPU wars to leading NVIDIA at the center of the AI revolution. Witt unpacks how NVIDIA defeated nearly 70 competitors, why Huang began targeting “zero-billion-dollar markets,” and how CUDA became the backbone of modern AI. Key highlights from the episode: How investing in zero-billion-dollar markets created durable platform advantage The emerging bull and bear cases for NVIDIA in robotics, edge computing, and global competition The strategic lessons NVIDIA extracted from surviving a 70-competitor GPU market Why operating with a constant “near-death” mindset shaped long-term execution discipline

What happens when you put revenue and technology under one executive leader? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Drew Pinto, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue and Technology Officer at Marriott International, a $26 billion hospitality leader approaching its 100-year anniversary. Pinto shares how Marriott is transforming technology from a support function into a strategic growth engine — tightly integrated with capital allocation, AI experimentation, and commercial outcomes. Key highlights include: Why Marriott merged revenue and IT under a single executive mandate How disciplined capital allocation is shaping AI investments The shift from “tech for tech’s sake” to measurable business impact Why most “technology problems” are actually data problems How a new product operating model is breaking down silos 🎧 Listen to learn how modern CIOs can align IT strategy directly to top-line growth.

Is AI just another tech bubble or the defining platform shift of this era? Duncan Davidson, Co-Founder and General Partner at Bullpen Capital, argues that the answer lies in one critical distinction: Is the technology being used for its core purpose? In this episode of Technoventure, Duncan draws on his experience across the PC boom, dot-com era, mobile, and now AI to explain why real adoption signals durability. He also explores why CIOs can’t afford to sit out a boom, how AI agents may disrupt the SaaS model, and why history suggests productivity revolutions create more opportunity than they destroy. For technology leaders navigating board-level AI pressure, this conversation reframes the question from timing the bubble to strategically participating in the inflection. Key insights include: Why core-use adoption determines whether AI is hype or a true platform shift Why leaders must participate in tech booms rather than try to time the peak How to distinguish defensible AI innovation from fragile “wrapper” plays What historical signals indicate when a technology boom is nearing exhaustion

How do you scale AI in a regulated enterprise without risking trust, compliance, or credibility? In this episode of Technovation, Nick Colisto, CIO of Avery Dennison, and Sathish Muthukrishnan, Chief Information, Data & Digital Officer at Ally Financial, share how they are moving from AI pilots to measurable enterprise impact. From governance-first implementation inside a federally regulated bank to CFO-grade ROI tracking across a global manufacturing enterprise, this conversation focuses on the discipline required to operationalize AI at scale. Key highlights include: Why one AI misstep can set a regulated enterprise back years How to win over risk, audit, and compliance before scaling Embedding “human-in-the-loop” safeguards from day one Measuring AI-enabled initiatives using EBIT and IRR Taking credit for AI embedded in SaaS platforms If you’re leading AI in a regulated or board-visible environment, this episode offers a pragmatic blueprint for scaling responsibly. 🎧 Listen to learn how CIOs are turning AI experimentation into enterprise value.

Can trust be engineered into digital systems or is it purely cultural? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia and author of The Seven Rules of Trust, about designing platforms that scale without sacrificing integrity. From neutrality policies to radical transparency and human-in-the-loop AI governance, Wales shares how trust must be built, not assumed. Key highlights from the episode: Why trust operates at a human scale, even inside global platforms How incentives shape behavior, and why ad-driven models distort integrity Lessons from Airbnb’s early trust crisis Managing generative AI with human oversight Neutrality as a strategic discipline in polarized times

Is AI really eliminating jobs, or is it redefining skills? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Ehren Powell, Chief Digital Officer of Marathon Petroleum Corporation, about leading digital transformation at one of America’s largest and most complex industrial enterprises. Powell shares how he is building a skills-first organization—decomposing roles, augmenting capabilities with AI, and reassembling work around differentiated processes. Key topics include: Why AI should be treated as a value multiplier—not a strategy How data contextualization unlocks massive sensor environments The creation of data domain ownership across the enterprise Applying edge technology and AI to improve safety and reliability Why curiosity and reinvention define the future workforce

You can’t scale AI on fragmented data. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Ogi Redzic, Chief Digital Officer of Caterpillar, about the foundational platform transformation that made rapid AI innovation possible across a $65B industrial enterprise. Ogi shares how retiring legacy systems, consolidating data into the Helios cloud platform, and establishing trusted data pipelines enabled CAT Digital to launch an enterprise AI assistant in just 10 months. Key topics include: Building Helios to process millions of data pipelines daily Turning unplanned downtime into predictive maintenance at scale Scaling $5B in industrial e-commerce Partnering with NVIDIA on edge AI and digital twins Aligning digital teams to measurable business outcomes

In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Saam Motamedi, General Partner at Greylock Partners, about the evolving role of artificial intelligence within the enterprise technology stack. They discuss how venture capital approaches enterprise AI companies at an early stage, how large enterprises are evaluating changes to their technology stacks, and what implications AI may have for workforce dynamics. Saam shares perspectives on how AI may influence infrastructure decisions, application development, and software business models over time. Key insights include: Shifts in enterprise infrastructure strategy Usage- and outcome-based software economics The future of AI agents What large enterprises should understand about emerging AI startups

Is your AI strategy ready for scale or headed for failure? In this episode of Technovation, leaders from Norfolk Southern, McCormick & Company, and Vulcan Materials joined us at our Metis Strategy Summit to discuss what it really takes to move from AI pilots to enterprise impact. From AI factories and predictive transportation platforms to hybrid operating models and reward system redesign, this conversation dives into the operational and cultural realities of scaling AI in complex organizations. Key highlights: Why 2026 is shaping up as the “scale or fail” year for AI How to industrialize AI with data platforms and governance Embedding technologists in business functions for contextual impact The critical role of AI literacy and trust Aligning incentives to drive behavioral change

Innovation isn’t slowing down, but in many enterprises it’s becoming invisible. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Sean Murphy, Founder and CEO of DemoHop, about why distributed work is trapping great ideas inside organizations and what CIOs can do to fix it. Sean explains how weak ties across enterprises have eroded, why peer-to-peer discovery beats status meetings, and how visibility is becoming the missing ingredient for scaling AI. Key topics include: Why innovation gets trapped in distributed organizations How science fair–style demo days reduce duplication The hidden role of weak ties in creativity and breakthrough Making enterprise AI work visible and scalable Building credibility for technology teams with business leaders

Innovation in healthcare doesn’t start with AI. It starts with operational stability. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Chad Wasserman, CIO of HCA Healthcare, about leading technology at massive scale while keeping patient care at the center. Wasserman explains why “operational quiet” is the foundation that makes AI, data, and digital transformation possible and how HCA balances innovation with reliability across thousands of sites of care. Key topics include: Why stability is a prerequisite for innovation Treating IT as an extension of the care team Scaling AI responsibly in clinical and engineering domains Building data platforms to support generational change Developing technologists through deep business immersion

What if the real driver of digital disruption isn’t technology, but unit economics? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Dan Gill, Chief Product Officer of Carvana, about how disciplined unit economics power one of the most ambitious e-commerce models in retail. Rather than leading with engineering for its own sake, Carvana focuses relentlessly on eliminating friction, capturing profit pools, and reinvesting those economics back into customer value. Key highlights from the episode: Vertical integration and competitive advantage Deterministic, self-service digital experiences Proprietary platforms vs. off-the-shelf tools AI-human collaboration at scale

How can early-stage investors deliver repeatable, outsized returns—without chasing hype? In this episode of Techoventure, Mark Fernandes, Managing Director at Sierra Ventures, shares the disciplined model behind one of the industry’s most consistent early-stage venture firms. Sierra’s strategy is designed for repeatable 3–5x returns by focusing on founder-market fit, tight portfolio construction, and tech-savvy sectors like AI, cloud, and cybersecurity. Key insights include: The four-part rubric Sierra uses to vet early-stage founders Why fund size discipline is critical to long-term VC performance How Sierra balances seed and Series A checks with portfolio theory The power of “AI enablers” in healthcare, legal, and vertical SaaS The 20-year evolution of Sierra’s CXO Board and its enterprise value

Is AI coming for your job—or just changing how you work? In this episode, Wall Street Journal technology columnist Christopher Mims shares a grounded, deeply informed perspective on how AI is reshaping productivity, creativity, jobs, and knowledge work. From the pitfalls of overhyping generative AI to the rise of agentic systems and the enduring role of classic AI, Christopher unpacks what leaders need to know now. He also highlights how experts benefit most from AI, what happens when organizations anchor too heavily on AI tools, and why handwritten notes, walking meetings, and skepticism are critical in the AI age. Key highlights from the episode: Why experts extract more value from generative AI How CEOs are freezing junior hiring while boosting senior productivity Mims’ concept of “work slop” and how to avoid it Why hallucinations are structural in AI and require human oversight Tips for AI adoption that preserve creativity and context

How does a 100-year-old manufacturing leader reinvent itself through autonomy and AI? In this episode, Caterpillar CTO Jaime Mineart shares how her team is transforming industrial work sites using robotics, machine intelligence, and real-time data. From mining to construction, the company is applying decades of engineering expertise to modern digital challenges, partnering with customers to co-develop scalable automation solutions. Key highlights from the episode: How autonomy is expanding beyond mining into quarries and construction What makes Caterpillar’s AI adoption strategy unique—and replicable Inside the Helios platform and NVIDIA partnership powering data-driven insights Why the company pledged $100M to upskill the workforce of the future Lessons from scaling R&D with real-world customer involvement

1048: What if the hiring process wasn’t broken—but reimagined? Anthony Moisant, Chief Information Officer and Chief Security Officer at Indeed, details how his teams are building trusted systems, tackling AI bias, and leveraging background agents and AI sourcing to solve the “black hole” of hiring. He also reflects on the importance of early-career talent, skill-based hiring, and the balance of self-learning and leadership-led growth. The conversation covers: Why trust is foundational to AI innovation at Indeed How “invite to apply” transforms the candidate experience The future of work through agentic systems and AI sourcing Balancing self-driven learning with leadership-created space

1047: What does it take to lead tech—and the enterprise—in 2026? In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our October 2025 Metis Strategy Summit where Steven Norton speaks with three top executive recruiters: Craig Stephenson (Korn Ferry), Jamey Cummings (JM Search), and Scott Robbin (Heidrick & Struggles). Throughout the conversation, each recruiter gives their perspective on the evolving mandate of the CIO. The conversation covers: The convergence of data, security, digital, and operations under the CIO How talent strategy and succession planning are changing What makes a technology leader board-ready The rise (and ambiguity) of the Chief AI Officer Offshore workforce trends and leadership development

Enterprises aren’t failing at AI. They’re failing at data. Daniel Docter, Managing Director at Dell Technologies Capital, shares why the biggest barrier to enterprise AI isn’t models or talent—it’s the fractured, unstructured, and context-free data that most companies still struggle to harness. In this episode of Technovation, Daniel and Peter High explore: Why data context is critical to enabling enterprise reasoning How Redis and other startups are fixing the AI performance gap What Dell Technologies Capital looks for in early-stage enterprise AI How corporate VC has evolved into a founder-enabling force Why the next five years will reward enterprises that fix their data layer

Digitization was just the first step. True digital transformation in healthcare is only beginning. Dr. Michael Pfeffer, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Stanford Health Care, shares how he and his team are moving beyond electronic health records to deliver real-time, AI-powered care. From building ChatEHR, a secure, embedded LLM interface, to developing Stanford’s FIRM framework for responsible AI, Pfeffer provides a behind-the-scenes look at one of the nation’s most advanced digital health systems. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “digitized” isn’t the same as “digital” How Stanford built the first integrated LLM in clinical workflows What makes healthcare AI safe, useful, and equitable Where AI adds real clinical value and where it doesn’t The vision behind precision health at scale

1045: AI is no longer a side experiment—it’s a core capability. But are your people, partnerships, and governance models ready for it? In this special Metis Strategy Summit panel episode, three seasoned technology leaders explore what it really takes to build trust, scale talent, and lead responsibly in the age of AI: Paul Ballew, Chief Data & Analytics Officer, National Football League Lakshman Nathan, EVP & CIO, Paramount Mark Sherwood, EVP & CIO, Wolters Kluwer Moderated by Peter High, the conversation dives into transformation through the lens of distributed governance, workforce readiness, and the human element behind every AI ambition. Key themes from the panel include: How the NFL’s “One-to-One” fan engagement model blends personalization and privacy What happens when $2B in savings depends on department-level AI strategy (Paramount) Why “value realization” starts with your CFO and ends with trust (Wolters Kluwer) The limits of centralization—and why distributed innovation may win out How to balance Copilot rollouts with responsible AI guardrails

What happens when a former startup CEO brings performance management discipline into city government? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with San José Mayor Matt Mahan about applying data-driven decision-making, KPIs, and accountability—practices familiar to tech leaders—to the public sector. Drawing from his experience running venture-backed startups, Mahan explains how focus, measurement, and feedback loops are reshaping how City Hall operates. Key topics include: Applying startup-style performance management to government Using dashboards and metrics to improve accountability Prioritizing outcomes over activity Leveraging AI to improve city services at scale Building a workforce ready to use new technology responsibly

How do you build and scale digital innovation inside a 170-year-old company? Luke Gebb, EVP of Global Innovation at American Express, joins Peter High to share how Amex Digital Labs brings emerging technologies to market through a disciplined stage-gate process. Gebb outlines how his team incubates and graduates products that become core to Amex’s customer experience—from peer-to-peer payments to blockchain-based travel rewards. He also shares lessons in navigating cross-functional execution, partnering with big tech, and launching products customers actually use. Key topics include: Amex’s stage-gate innovation model Scaling peer-to-peer payments via PayPal/Venmo Building customer-centric discovery tools with GenAI Passport: Using NFTs to enhance travel experience Collaborating across engineering, legal, and compliance ” Discount your AI ROI because mileage always varies Learn more

AI can’t fix what the healthcare system fundamentally gets wrong. In this episode, Liam Donohue, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at 406 Ventures, shares why his firm is betting on value-based care—and why AI risks breaking the system if applied to the wrong incentives. From launching EdTech’s earliest funds to shaping 406 Ventures’ sector focus in healthcare, cybersecurity, and infrastructure, Liam offers hard-won lessons in disciplined investing, operator-first teams, and systemic transformation. Key highlights: Why fee-for-service economics undermine care innovation How value-based care reshapes both incentives and outcomes The real reason AI is booming in revenue cycle management Lessons from WelbeHealth: rethinking elder care and payments Liam’s take on what makes a founder truly backable

What if AI is repeating the same mistakes society made during the Industrial Revolution? In this episode of Technovation, Peter is joined by Nobel Prize Laureate in Economics and Ronald A. Kurtz Professor of Entrepreneurship at the MIT Sloan School of Management Simon Johnson. Throughout their conversation, they explore why automation has historically failed to deliver shared prosperity and why artificial intelligence may be following the same path. Drawing on centuries of economic history, Johnson explains how mechanization once displaced workers faster than new jobs were created, fueling inequality and social unrest. Together, they discuss what today’s AI leaders must learn from history, why institutions matter more than technology alone, and how workforce anxiety is an early warning sign of deeper structural problems. Key topics include: Automation vs. job creation AI’s impact on entry-level and knowledge work Workforce polarization and regional inequality Lessons from the Industrial Revolution for today’s leaders What it takes to align innovation with shared prosperity

Most enterprises aren’t struggling with AI because of technology. They’re struggling because they’re trying to scale pilots instead of platforms. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Atilla Tinic, CIO of Qualcomm, about how the company is moving beyond one-off AI use cases to build an enterprise AI platform designed for scale. Tinic explains why unified and validated data is essential for AI accuracy, how Qualcomm enables developers and business teams through a centralized AI marketplace, and why security must be embedded into AI architecture from day one. Key topics include: Why data governance is foundational to AI success How Qualcomm structures AI as a reusable enterprise platform The rise of AI agents and autonomous systems Cybersecurity challenges introduced by AI and how AI helps defend against them

What does it actually take to move AI from experimentation to enterprise-wide impact? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Leigh-Ann Russell, Chief Information Officer and Global Head of Engineering at Bank of New York (BNY), about how one of the world’s most systemically important financial institutions is operationalizing AI at scale. Leigh-Ann shares how BNY trained 99% of its 50,000-person workforce on AI, moved beyond pilots into deep enablement, and empowered employees across technical and non-technical roles to build AI agents that drive real productivity gains. Key topics discussed include: Training nearly the entire workforce to become AI-literate Moving from AI pilots to enterprise-wide enablement Empowering employees to build and deploy AI agents Reducing cognitive load while improving speed and resilience Leading AI adoption through hands-on executive behavior

What if the key to enterprise AI wasn’t a tool, but a mindset? Mark Bloom, Global CIO at AJ Gallagher, joins Technovation to share how the 70,000-person insurance giant is scaling AI by leading with data quality and cultural alignment—not flashy tools. In this episode, Bloom details: How Gallagher eliminated 800+ data silos to centralize insight and enable AI Why crowdsourcing use cases from employees unlocked adoption at scale The shift from efficiency gains to revenue-focused AI How culture helped overcome resistance to data consolidation His dual perspective as both CIO and board member

What really drives cybersecurity investment and why is “threat” often the last reason? In this episode, Rakesh Loonkar, co-founder of Transmit Security and general partner at Picture Capital, shares a contrarian take on how cybersecurity product categories emerge and why compliance and platform shifts often matter more than actual threats. Drawing on decades of experience as both operator and investor, Rakesh explains how he evaluates risk timing, founder mindset, and market inflection points. Key highlights from the episode: Why most cyber spend starts with compliance, not attacks How to invest ahead of platform shifts like AI and cloud A three-part model for understanding cyber spending behavior The risks of financial-only boards in technical startups Lessons from building Trusteer, Transmit, and Picture Capital

What if your AI strategy is your business strategy? In this episode, three top tech leaders share how they’re embedding AI not as a standalone initiative, but as a lever for enterprise transformation. Mojgan Lefebvre (Travelers), Pawan Verma (Cencora), and Glenn Remoreras (Breakthru Beverage) reveal how they’ve partnered with boards, business units, and frontline teams to scale AI from proof of concept to performance. Highlights include: How Travelers reduced onboarding from 2 hours to 2 minutes Cencora’s framework for board-level AI education Breakthru’s use of summits to build AI literacy across leadership The role of generative AI in operational redesign Balancing experimentation with responsible governance

What does it really take to design for resilience in an AI-first world? In this panel from the Metis Strategy Summit, Amtrak CDO Judith Apshago, GE Aerospace CIO David Burns, and Zoetis CDTO Keith Sarbaugh explore how resilient infrastructure is becoming the backbone of enterprise trust, uptime, and AI scalability. Tune in to learn how these leaders are: Responding to cloud outages and software disruption in real time Building AI literacy, governance, and use-case portfolios at scale Extending cyber defense and IT support to vulnerable supply chain partners Using edge computing and sensors to enable predictive diagnostics Converging IT and OT teams to enhance infrastructure intelligence

1036: What does it mean to manage a digital workforce? In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our most recent Metis Strategy Summit where three top executives explore how AI is reshaping work, both automating tasks, and changing the nature of management itself. Peter High speaks with: Jennifer Charters, Chief Information Officer at Lincoln Financial Prasanna Gopalakrishnan, Chief Product & AI Officer at ADP Daniel Marcu, Global Head of AI Engineering at Goldman Sachs Together, they discuss: Why AI agents require new thinking about team structure and oversight How CIOs and CHROs must partner to build enterprise AI fluency The risks of shadow AI and the need for secure platforms How habit loops and performance incentives impact AI adoption What it takes to balance innovation speed with organizational readiness

Our broadcast today features a panel from our most recent Metis Strategy Summit on the topic of Delivering the Product Operating Model (and Mindset) at Scale. In this panel episode, we explore the limits and lessons of scaling the product operating model. Sal Companieh (Cushman & Wakefield), Jim Fowler (Nationwide), and Diane Schwarz (Smurfit WestRock) reflect on where product thinking thrives and where it breaks down. Here are 5 takeaways from their candid discussion: Why “readiness” must come before model The risks of forcing product teams into fragmented structures When to co-create with business leaders—and when to slow down How agile funding models can clash with CapEx culture What to do when the organization “doesn’t want the service”

What if the most defensible companies of the AI era aren’t the ones building the infrastructure—but the ones using it to rethink workflows? In this Technoventure episode, Peter High speaks with Jamie Montgomery, Founder and Managing Partner of March Capital, about why the firm is investing heavily in the AI application layer—not chips, not clouds, but the companies delivering real task-based outcomes. Key topics explored: Why workflow-based moats beat data moats in the new venture cycle How application-layer companies are scaling faster with leaner GTM The ripple effects of AI CapEx on the U.S. economy and tax base March Capital’s bets on open-source LLMs and scientific discovery Why Montgomery believes AI “bailed out” the U.S. and VC industry alike

What’s stopping AI from scaling across the enterprise? For Madhu Ramamurthy, CIO of Zurich North America, it’s not the technology. It’s the culture. In this episode, Madhu shares how he’s navigating the paradox of AI: a tool with unprecedented potential, surrounded by institutional resistance, unclear regulations, and cultural misalignment. He outlines Zurich’s approach to responsible AI deployment, organizational change, and ethical tech use. Key highlights include: How “organizational antibodies” can kill innovation before it scales The case for explainability and governance in AI development Why domain expertise is more valuable than tech fluency Building AI-native teams outside of legacy systems Madhu’s warning on digital flattery and sycophantic AI

What does it really take to scale AI across a global enterprise? In this episode, Jaime Montemayor, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at General Mills, shares the AI playbook behind the company’s digital transformation from foundational investments in cloud and data governance to business-led innovation across supply chain, e-commerce, and marketing. With 96% of General Mills’ supply chain data now clean and governed, Jaime’s team is shifting from predictive analytics to agentic architectures that enable scalable, AI-powered automation. Key insights include: Why cloud migration came before ERP modernization How trust and business integration drive AI adoption Building a connected data foundation to serve every segment Agentic AI use cases in supply chain and marketing Org design strategies to “lift and shift” innovation at scale

What does it take to transform IT from a bottleneck into a business accelerator? In this episode, Waco Bankston, Chief Information Officer at NiSource, shares how he’s repositioning the IT organization to support growth, enable speed, and shift decades of technical and cultural inertia. Leading a 6.5-year enterprise transformation effort, Waco discusses the discipline required to modernize legacy systems while instilling a new execution culture. Key insights from the episode include: Building a modern tech foundation to support future acquisitions Restructuring outsourced/insourced IT mix through platform consolidation Shaping team behavior through leadership-by-experience Establishing unified governance across AI, cybersecurity, and innovation Leading with operational safety and customer-back design

What does it take to reimagine a 10,000-employee enterprise for a digital-first future? In this episode, Unum CTO Gautam Roy breaks down how he transformed the company’s operating model, culture, and technology foundation by reshaping experiences from the customer backward. Gautam shares how Unum evolved from applications to journeys to value streams; how AI, data, and automation have become levers for acceleration; and how innovation culture and continuous learning drive enterprise adaptability. Highlights: Unum’s shift to digital-first architecture and “moments that matter” How AI, data, and automation remove friction across operations Building predictive, proactive technology employee experience Creating safe spaces and recognition models for innovation Developing a future-focused, cross-functional learning culture

What if your company’s greatest advantage isn’t the product—but the purpose behind it? Mike Hayes, Managing Director at Insight Partners and former COO of VMware, believes mission clarity is more than culture—it’s a strategic asset. Drawing on 20 years as a Navy SEAL and senior tech executive, Mike shares why knowing “who you want to be” is a superpower for founders and boards. In this episode, Mike and Peter High discuss: How purpose-led companies outperform in high-growth markets Mike’s “Three Circles” framework for aligning talent to mission What Insight Partners looks for in founder-VC alignment How to say no (with clarity) when everything seems urgent Why values-based leadership scales in unpredictable markets

What does it take to evolve IT into a forward-looking innovation engine? Mike Blandina, CIO of Snowflake, shares how he’s reimagined IT as “Enterprise Technology” as a way to describe what ‘IT’ really does: lead a solutions-first mindset at Snowflake designed for the AI era. In this conversation, Mike reflects on his first eight months leading tech at one of the world’s most AI-forward data cloud companies. Key highlights include: The philosophy behind the Enterprise Technology rebrand Building Raven and RevOps—AI agents replacing 250+ dashboards The Customer Zero model for product influence Governance and localization strategies for responsible AI Redefining staff models to include digital agents

What if your hiring strategy were fueled by the largest contingent workforce dataset in the world? Magnit CEO Chandra Dhandapani joins Technovation to explore how data is reshaping how companies think about talent—from role design to sourcing strategy to real-time labor cost insights. Chandra also shares lessons from her journey from CIO to CEO and offers perspective on why automation—not AI—is the skill trend to watch. Key topics covered include: 12% YoY surge in automation roles vs. 2% in AI Data-driven frameworks for balancing contingent and permanent talent How Magnit uses GenAI internally via its “Maggi” platform Strategic applications of workforce analytics Leadership shifts from digital to enterprise-wide responsibility

How can AI be designed from the customer back and not the model forward? Hari Gopalkrishnan, Chief Technology and Information Officer at Bank of America, joins Peter High to share how one of the world’s largest financial institutions grounds its AI strategy in user behavior. From developing Erica to enabling employees with tools like Ask Merrill, Hari explains why every AI solution must begin with real customer or employee friction. Key topics include: The evolution of Erica from NLP to large language models How to avoid the trap of “shiny object” AI Bank of America’s 3-tier AI architecture: productivity, personas, and platforms Why dismantling old workflows is the prerequisite to automation Training 200,000+ employees in AI through “The Academy”

What does it take to scale AI from 800 siloed experiments into enterprise-wide impact? Doug Schmitt, President of Dell Technologies Services and CIO of Dell, joins Peter High to unpack the company’s enterprise AI playbook—a journey from fragmented innovation to four scalable platforms used across software development, customer service, supply chain, and sales. Highlights from this episode: How Dell consolidated 800 AI initiatives into 4 core platforms Why Doug sees AI as both tech and business model disruption The “customer zero” approach to testing and learning at speed Agentic AI examples in field service and internal ops How Dell’s AI factory enables rapid experimentation across 3,000+ customers

What does it take to play the long game in innovation? Venture capitalist Brad Feld has spent four decades answering that question as a founder, mentor, and early-stage investor in companies like Fitbit, MakerBot, and Techstars. In this episode, Feld unpacks the enduring impact of mentorship, the logic behind his “Give First” philosophy, and how startups and enterprises alike can benefit from ecosystem thinking. Key insights include: How a childhood visit to Frito-Lay inspired a tech career What separates peer mentorship from transactional networking The origin and strategic power of Techstars’ “Give First” mantra How Feld invests in category creation (wearables, 3D printing, cloud) Why innovation requires emotional resilience and long-term relationships

What if your company’s data could become a public good and a competitive moat? Beaumont Vance, SVP of Data and AI at Paychex, shares how his team transforms payroll and HR data into real-time economic insight, powering everything from AI copilots to U.S. government response efforts. With 1 in 11 U.S. workers on the platform and 39 million client interactions annually, Paychex treats data as infrastructure. In this episode, Beaumont and Peter High discuss: How Paychex monetizes data responsibly Why statistical precision trumps survey-based signals Building AI-ready data from unstructured knowledge Lessons from growth equity on “data moats” What AI agents will unlock next

1025: What does it take to go from CIO to CEO? For Saul Van Beurden, tech leadership was the ideal proving ground. Now CEO of Consumer, Small, and Business Banking at Wells Fargo, Saul shares how his background in IT helped him lead at enterprise scale. In this episode, he speaks with Peter High about the strategic, operational, and cultural mindset shifts that enabled his rise—and why CIOs are uniquely positioned to lead beyond technology. Key topics explored: Translating technology leadership into enterprise-wide strategy Lessons from operating at scale in risk-heavy environments Building customer-centric AI and data foundations Driving channel parity across digital, branch, and contact center Creating pathways for talent through neurodiversity hiring

Where is AI actually moving the needle in industrial operations? In this episode, Anil Bhatt, Chief Information and Digital Officer of Norfolk Southern, shares how the $12B freight rail company is turning AI into measurable value without overhyping its potential. Topics include: A disciplined approach to AI deployment with measurable ROI Norfolk Southern’s “3 As” framework for enterprise data strategy Copilot adoption to augment associate workflows Lessons from customer-centric redesign of freight experiences The role of AI in enabling safety, resilience, and transformation

What does it really take to scale AI responsibly across a global enterprise? In this episode, Ramon Richards, Chief Technology Officer at T. Rowe Price, shares how his team is advancing AI capabilities with discipline and speed—balancing innovation with the need for risk controls, data readiness, and workforce enablement. Ramon unpacks T. Rowe Price’s multi-pronged approach to artificial intelligence, from founding an AI Labs function to piloting autonomous agents, all while modernizing infrastructure and investing in talent development. Key topics include: Building an enterprise AI strategy with embedded risk and legal oversight Launching “ChatTRP” to enable AI access across the organization Preparing data and cloud architecture for scaled GenAI use cases Developing human-in-the-loop frameworks and change management tactics Piloting agentic AI to explore the future of autonomous workflows

How can venture investors consistently identify the next breakout market? Barry Eggers, Founding Partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, reveals the firm’s thesis-driven approach to venture capital of using early “learning investments” to test conviction, then scaling fast into emerging markets before the crowd arrives. In this episode, Barry shares insights from Lightspeed’s foundational bets in enterprise tech, Snap’s billion-dollar rise, and how the firm built multi-company portfolios around early themes like flash storage and analytics. Key highlights include: Lightspeed’s strategy for placing early bets to gain market insight The story behind the firm’s $500K Snap investment and $1B+ return Why EQ matters more than technical depth in founder partnerships How globalization and secondaries have reshaped venture economics What it takes to defend against competition in the AI era

What if your innovation team operated more like a venture fund than a lab? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Andres Vazquez, Chief Digital Intelligence Officer of América Móvil, about how he leads open innovation at scale, evaluating thousands of companies a year to drive customer value, operational efficiency, and revenue. Key topics explored include: How Andrés acts as a “VC without capital” inside a $46B telecom Why América Móvil avoids trendy tech experiments without clear ROI Three strategic filters for external innovation: revenue, efficiency, and CX The company’s infrastructure advantage in the AI age Lessons from building a telco empire alongside Carlos Slim

Is your infrastructure ready to flex? In this episode of Technovation, Manish Kumar, EVP of Digital Energy at Schneider Electric, explains how buildings can become interactive energy assets with the help of AI, real-time data, and distributed energy systems. He shares the strategy behind Schneider’s Energy Command Center model, which reduced energy use by 25 GWh across 23 buildings, and outlines how AI can be deployed both locally and enterprise-wide to drive sustainability and efficiency. Key highlights from this conversation: Why net-zero infrastructure is already feasible today How buildings can interface directly with the grid The role of AI in building comfort, performance, and resiliency Examples of command centers transforming energy operations Public-private collaboration opportunities through transparency

What happens when the CIO responsible for powering AI also has to manage its energy demands? Richard Donaldson, SVP & CIO of Duke Energy, joins Technovation to discuss the unique position utilities now face: supporting exponential growth in data center power needs while simultaneously using AI to optimize grid performance, customer experience, and internal operations. In this episode, Richard and Peter explore: The intersection of AI and national energy infrastructure How one data center can require as much power as a nuclear reactor Strategies for responsible AI rollout and internal enablement Customer journey innovation in a highly regulated industry Why the utility CIO role is now central to digital transformation

What does it take to build a high-performing IT organization from scratch while navigating a carve-out, preparing for IPO, and pivoting into acquisition? In this episode of Technovation, Kirk Ball, Chief Information Officer at Worldpay, shares his 15-month journey leading digital transformation, tech modernization, and cultural reinvention at a global payments company doing business in 135+ countries. Ball reflects on the leadership decisions, cloud strategies, and AI integration efforts that helped stand up a scalable, resilient tech function, even as plans shifted from IPO to M&A. Key Highlights: How Kirk tripled Worldpay’s IT team post-spinout from FIS Where AI is driving internal productivity and enterprise search What it takes to build tech culture through transparency and inclusion How to lead through uncertainty—while keeping operations stable The CIO’s role in M&A readiness, from day one to long-term integration

Former Cisco CEO John Chambers returns to discuss why AI is scaling faster than any tech wave before it, including the internet. Now the CEO of JC2 Ventures, Chambers shares lessons from advising 24 AI-native startups and offers a strategic lens on how leaders, companies, and countries can win or be left behind. In this episode: AI’s “5x speed” vs. the internet How La Poste retrained 220K workers on AI Why 60–70% of Fortune 500 firms may disappear Chambers’ M&A playbook from 180+ acquisitions The U.S.-India innovation corridor Risk, reinvention, and why CEOs must lead from the front

How is Experian transforming from a data company into a technology-first innovator? In this episode, Kathleen Peters, Chief Innovation Officer at Experian, joins Peter High to reveal how her team is scaling Generative AI, agentic AI, and behavioral analytics to fight fraud, streamline decisioning, and make advanced modeling accessible to everyone. Kathleen shares how Experian’s global Innovation Labs evolved from blue-sky R&D to delivering real-world impact, from the Experian Assistant, a natural-language AI that can build models in minutes, to cutting-edge behavioral analytics that distinguish humans, bots, and AI agents in real time.

As Senior Vice President for Enterprise Business & Digital Transformation and Chief Information Officer at Lockheed Martin, Maria Demaree is leading one of the world’s largest aerospace and defense companies through a sweeping digital and cultural transformation. In this episode of Technovation with Peter High, Maria shares how Lockheed Martin’s 1LMX program is uniting more than 122,000 employees worldwide under a mission-driven approach to digital enablement, process modernization, and cultural cohesion. She explains how her dual background in business leadership and IT shapes her strategy, the power of connecting global factories through data, and the role of AI and quantum computing in accelerating delivery for national security customers. Maria also discusses: ► The balance between legacy modernization and digital-native innovation ► How Lockheed Martin is fostering a common culture (1LM) across business units ► The impact of AI and data convergence on defense and aerospace operations ► Why empathy, urgency, and mission focus drive effective digital transformation

The AI workforce won’t replace humans—but it will reshape how work gets done. On this episode of Technovation with Peter High, Salesforce EVP & CDO Joe Inzerillo joins to explore the rise of agentic AI and how it’s transforming work, from org structure to customer engagement. Joe draws on lessons from Disney, SiriusXM, and now Salesforce to unpack the “Customer Zero” model, how digital labor changes work design, and why empathy is the superpower for AI leadership.

“No one cares about AI if the Wi-Fi doesn’t work.” As CIO of the U.S. Department of State, Dr. Kelly Fletcher leads a global team delivering secure, resilient, and modern technology across 190 countries. In this episode of Technovation with Peter High, Dr. Kelly Fletcher, Chief Information Officer of the U.S. Department of State, shares how she leads technology strategy for 100,000 users across 190 countries. Kelly discusses her dual mandate of operational excellence and cybersecurity, including the department’s rapid response to the 2023 Microsoft hack. She also explains how AI is reducing “toil” for diplomats, the rollout of StateChat and DocuChat, and the transformative potential of low-earth orbit satellite communications for global connectivity. With past leadership roles at the Department of Defense and the Navy, Kelly reflects on cultural differences across agencies, her philosophy on experimentation, and the future of cloud and cross-government collaboration.

Marina Levinson shares her journey from CIO to venture investor to startup advisor, revealing the skills, relationships, and mindset shifts needed to thrive across roles, how her experience as a tech buyer sharpened her investment approach, how she built bridges between enterprise executives and startups, and highlights such as how CIOs can play a bigger role in innovation ecosystems, why BGV invests in vertical AI rather than infrastructure, lessons from AiDASH, COVU, and Interactly.ai, what makes a solution “must-have” vs. “nice-to-have”, and advice for executives pursuing public or private board roles.

“The speed is so incredible. I can’t tell if I’m getting older and I’m slower, or if just the speed of this technology is so exponentially faster.” As CIO of Analog Devices, Nancy Avila leads digital transformation for a $9.5B semiconductor company at the forefront of AI innovation. In this episode of Technovation with Peter High, Nancy Avila, Chief Information Officer of Analog Devices, shares how she returned from retirement to lead IT, data, and AI strategy at a company powering intelligent edge technologies. Nancy outlines her three-pillar strategy of operational excellence, process optimization, and innovation highlighting the company’s shift toward enterprise-wide adoption of agentic AI. She details how AI agents are boosting engineering productivity, improving anomaly detection in manufacturing, and transforming internal knowledge access. Nancy also discusses her approach to transparent decision-making in AI and cloud spend, how CIOs can shape business strategy in technical organizations, and her experience serving on public boards.

1013: Wyndham’s Scott Strickland on AI, loyalty, and how digital innovation is reshaping hospitality. In this episode of Technovation, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Chief Commercial Officer and longtime CIO Scott Strickland joins Peter High to share how Wyndham is redefining hospitality with digital innovation, from its owner-first philosophy and the new Wyndham Gateway loyalty initiative to the creation of a guest engagement platform that powers mobile check-in, digital tipping, and personalized upsells; Strickland also discusses Wyndham’s $350M technology modernization journey, how it prepared the company for AI adoption, the role of data and personalization in shaping future guest experiences, the impact of user-generated content and micro-influencers, and practical leadership lessons for CIOs aiming to expand into broader commercial roles, proving that in hospitality, where there’s a Wyndham, there’s a way.

1012: Sokwoo Rhee, EVP of Innovation at LG Electronics and Head of LG NOVA, reveals how LG is rethinking corporate innovation through ecosystem-led venture building. In this episode we explore LG NOVA’s venture into healthcare, energy optimization, and AI innovation, including Primefocus Health and PADO, plus how public-private partnerships (like with West Virginia) power new business creation. Learn why LG is focused on vertical AI use cases, how they identify 5-10 year opportunities, and what it takes to build cross-sector teams for impact.

Build with AI. Lead with people. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Jennifer Charters, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Lincoln Financial. Jennifer shares how she’s shaping the future of IT and innovation at the $18.5B insurer by investing in AI while doubling down on what makes transformation succeed: people. She discusses Lincoln’s evolving enterprise AI strategy, why a model-agnostic approach matters, and how her team is redesigning workflows and talent models in parallel. From regulatory complexity to the rise of AI agents, Jennifer emphasizes the need to prepare rather than predict the future, and to keep human connection at the center of it. Key topics include: A 401(k)-style framework for IT budgeting and innovation How Lincoln’s model-agnostic AI architecture supports agility AI use cases in development, cybersecurity, and customer experience Partnering with HR to future-proof skills and change readiness

What if every human had an army of agents working for them? Aaref Hilaly, Partner at Bain Capital Ventures and veteran investor in AI-native startups, joins Peter High to discuss the transformative potential of agentic AI, the mindset he looks for in founders, and how legal, healthcare, and education sectors are poised for disruption. Key highlights from the conversation: How AI is reshaping venture investment strategy The role of agents in redefining work and productivity Why legal and healthcare are prime for automation Lessons from Hilaly’s time as a founder Emerging trends like vibe coding and invisible apps

Simplify to accelerate. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Richard Jardim, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC). Richard shares how his team is modernizing one of North America’s leading banks by focusing on technology simplification, speed, and agility in service of building a relationship-oriented bank for a modern world. He details CIBC’s transformation journey, from migrating core platforms to the cloud and leveraging proprietary online banking infrastructure, to developing digital talent, integrating AI, and preparing for quantum computing. Richard also reflects on the importance of curiosity, communication, and adaptive leadership in today’s fast-moving tech environment. Key topics include: How CIBC simplifies its 1,200+ app footprint to increase agility The bank’s strategy for scaling internal IP and AI skills Bridging business and technology through vertical CIO alignment Quantum computing as both risk and opportunity in financial services

Ukraine’s Digital Revolution: From Warzone to Innovation Hub In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Valeriya Ionan, Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine on Innovation, Digitalization, and Global Partnerships. Previously Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Valeriya played a pivotal role in launching Ukraine’s groundbreaking Diia ecosystem and driving the nation’s goal of becoming the world’s most convenient digital state. She shares how digital public services, AI-driven education, and defense-tech innovation are reshaping Ukraine’s future, even in the face of war. With partnerships spanning global governments and tech giants, Valeriya offers a masterclass in crisis-driven transformation, digital infrastructure, and building agile government at scale. Key insights include: The evolution of Diia: from IDPs to e-marriage to war bonds Scaling drone production from 7 to 500+ in three years Ukraine’s “Win-Win” Innovation Strategy and defense tech surge The rise of the CDTO and building a digital-first public sector

Resilience is earned, not given. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Rusty Patel, Chief Information Officer at Baxter, about leading IT through one of the most consequential 13-month periods in the company’s history. Rusty reflects on Baxter’s mission to save and sustain lives, the resilience required to restore operations after natural disasters, and the CIO’s role in both enabling innovation and enforcing enterprise discipline. He shares insights into simplifying a complex IT ecosystem, building financial acumen across the org, and advancing connected care and AI across Baxter’s portfolio of 1.5 million devices and 350 million patients served annually. Key topics include: How Baxter IT responded to floods and cyber incidents without a playbook Rationalizing thousands of systems to reduce IT cost-to-serve Creating segment-aligned tech leadership and shared services Applying AI to connected care and enterprise transformation

Can AI transform a 200-year-old commercial real estate company? In this episode, Peter High speaks with Yao Morin, Chief Technology Officer of JLL, a $24B global commercial real estate leader. Yao shares how she is leading JLL’s AI and data transformation which is reshaping how buildings are operated, how software is developed, and how employees work. Yao details how JLL is building customer-facing AI products like the JLL Property Assistant, driving cultural change through AI literacy programs, and launching internal tools like JLL GPT that already see 17,000 daily users. She also explains why she believes Scrum teams will shrink, engineers will code less, and AI adoption will soon be table stakes across industries. Key topics include: AI strategy across internal and external JLL platforms The APEX program for AI-driven software engineering Metrics for measuring AI impact beyond efficiency gains Ethical AI design, data privacy, and client trust

Where is software value heading in the age of AI? In the premiere episode of Technoventure, host Peter High speaks with Asheem Chandna, General Partner at Greylock Partners, one of Silicon Valley’s most storied venture firms. Asheem has led early investments in industry-defining companies such as Palo Alto Networks, AppDynamics, Rubrik, and Abnormal Security. With over 20 years at Greylock and a background in product management and cybersecurity, Asheem offers a masterclass on how he assesses founders, identifies breakout potential, and mitigates risk—often before a single line of code is written. He also explores the evolving dynamics of enterprise software, the impact of agentic AI, and how cybersecurity must adapt to combat both bad and good AI. Key themes include: Assessing founders in a world of younger AI entrepreneurs The changing nature of enterprise software and data platforms The immigrant’s mindset and risk tolerance in venture The venture capitalist’s evolving toolkit in the AI era Learn more about Greylock’s AI-native security investments, including Abnormal Security, a leader in protecting enterprises from modern email and collaboration attacks.

Apple’s success in China is more complicated—and consequential—than most realize. In this episode, Peter High speaks with Financial Times journalist and author Patrick McGee, who covered Apple for years and recently published Apple in China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company. Patrick’s reporting reveals how Apple became deeply intertwined with China’s manufacturing and political landscape, why the company’s investment strategy mirrors the scale of the Marshall Plan, and what it means for America’s technological and geopolitical future. Patrick explains how Apple trained tens of millions of Chinese workers, enabled critical industrial know-how, and inadvertently supported the rise of China’s tech and military capabilities. He also discusses the internal tensions between product design and supply chain mastery, Tim Cook’s evolution as a CEO, and the risks of Apple’s continued dependence on a single nation for its most critical operations. Key insights include: The little-known “Gang of Eight” and Apple’s in-China-for-China strategy Why Apple’s $275B China deal dwarfs U.S. tech investments like the CHIPS Act How Apple’s success helped catalyze Huawei’s resurgence and HarmonyOS The supply chain realities that make shifting manufacturing nearly impossible

“Great innovations are painkillers, not vitamins.” In this episode, Peter High speaks with Shez Partovi, Chief Innovation & Strategy Officer and Chief Business Leader of Enterprise Informatics at Royal Philips, a €18B global health technology leader. Shez shares how Philips is building people- and patient-centric innovation by partnering with healthcare providers, co-creating solutions, and scaling software and AI-driven insights to meet the growing demands of modern care delivery. A former AWS health exec and practicing neuroradiologist, Shez offers a unique lens on the convergence of tech and clinical practice. He outlines how Philips’ software-first strategy is accelerating productivity, reducing clinician burnout, and expanding access to care while also navigating AI trust gaps and reshaping internal engineering practices. Key themes include: The strategy behind Philips’ health tech transformation AI’s role in automation, augmentation, and agility in care delivery Co-creation with health systems to drive scalable impact Philips’ dual-speed innovation model (80% business-led, 20% moonshots)

How can AI, digitization, and data create smarter, healthier, and more sustainable buildings? In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High welcomes Vijay Sankaran, Chief Digital and Information Officer of Johnson Controls, a global leader in smart building technologies. Vijay shares how he’s leading enterprise-wide digital transformation across a $23B company while scaling platforms like OpenBlue to optimize energy, equipment, and workplace performance. He unpacks how traditional machine learning, generative AI, and agentic workflows are converging to deliver predictive insights, autonomous actions, and tailored digital experiences. Vijay also reflects on trends in hybrid work, his journey to board membership at Veralto, and why quantum computing is on his innovation radar. Key topics include: AI-driven optimization of HVAC, energy use, and building health OpenBlue’s role in unifying smart building systems Applying generative and agentic AI to customer and employee experiences Trends in workplace utilization and digital transformation at scale

“Resilience is a mindset.” Chris Isaacson, Chief Operating Officer of Cboe Global Markets, joins Technovation host Peter High to discuss how the global exchange operator delivers trusted, 24/7 markets through technology, operational excellence, and a deeply integrated data strategy. A founding employee of BATS Global Markets and former CIO of both BATS and Cboe, Chris reflects on his two-decade journey scaling from startup to enterprise. He shares insights on building fault-tolerant platforms, organizing global teams for growth, and navigating crises like the flash crash and COVID with calm, systems-level thinking. Chris also explores the future of exchange operations, from AI-powered security and timestamping services to data commercialization and agentic software development. Key themes include: Building hyper-resilient, globally consistent trading infrastructure Lessons in leadership from startup growth to post-acquisition scale Cboe’s unified data platform and timestamping innovations The future of exchange technology with GenAI and software agents Cybersecurity as the #1 enterprise risk, and how to lead accordingly

How are companies redefining what it means to be a technology leader? In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel recorded at our most recent Metis Strategy Summit, where Steven Norton moderated a discussion on executive talent and leadership transformation. Panelists include Joon Yoon, Global Co-Head of the Tech Officers Practice at Egon Zehnder; Tony Leng, Managing Partner at H.I. Executive Consulting; and Eric Sigurdson, Head of the CIO Practice at Russell Reynolds Associates. Together, they explore how evolving business needs, AI, and shifting workplace norms are reshaping the archetype of modern tech leaders and the boardroom roles they’re increasingly poised to step into. Key insights include: Three emerging archetypes of technology executives Why self-awareness and “leading from the inside” matter more than ever The growing boardroom presence of tech-savvy leaders How AI is changing C-suite titles, expectations, and accountability The shift from operational excellence to customer-facing innovation

How do you digitally transform a leading beverage distributor across 16 markets? In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Glenn Remoreras, Chief Information Officer of Breakthru Beverage Group, a family-owned company with $8.6B in annual revenue and operations across the US and Canada. Glenn shares how he is driving innovation, scaling AI adoption, and modernizing the company’s sales and operational processes. From expanding a $500M+ B2B e-commerce platform to building data architecture that fuels AI innovation, Glenn outlines his strategy for becoming the distributor of choice in a competitive industry. He also reflects on lessons from global leadership roles and offers insights into fostering AI literacy across an organization’s executive ranks. Key topics include: Breakthru’s digital marketplace and AI-powered sales enablement Cloud transformation and enterprise data strategy Building a culture of AI literacy and scalable use cases Innovation operating models and business-led technology partnerships Leadership lessons from working in Asia, Europe, and North America

From Hollywood mogul to venture capital visionary, Jeffrey Katzenberg’s story is one of bold bets, iconic storytelling, and relentless reinvention. In this milestone 1000th episode of Technovation, host Peter High welcomes Katzenberg to reflect on a remarkable career spanning five decades across film, animation, and now AI-driven venture investing. As the founding partner of WndrCo, Katzenberg backs transformative companies like Netomi (conversational AI), Writer (enterprise GenAI), Alembic (causal AI), and Aura (consumer digital safety). But long before that, he shaped global pop culture as President of Paramount Pictures, Chairman of Walt Disney Studios, and Co-Founder of DreamWorks SKG and DreamWorks Animation. In this wide-ranging and candid conversation, Katzenberg shares: Why the best ideas are risky and why failure is essential to success How DreamWorks was launched just 8 days after being fired from Disney Leadership lessons from icons like Barry Diller and David Geffen The real story behind building Hollywood’s most beloved franchises Why AI is both “prose” and “poetry” and what that means for creativity How WndrCo is scaling category-defining businesses across tech This episode explores 50 years of transformation, from The Lion King to Shrek, from studio boardrooms to Silicon Valley pitch rooms. A must-listen for anyone interested in creativity, leadership, and what it takes to build at scale.

From Tesla to Tekion: How Jay Vijayan Is Transforming the Automotive Experience In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Jay Vijayan, Founder & CEO of Tekion and former CIO of Tesla, about revolutionizing the dealer-to-consumer automotive experience through a cloud-first, AI-powered SaaS platform. Jay shares how his time at Oracle, VMware, and Tesla inspired the vision for Tekion, now valued at over $4 billion and serving major OEMs and dealer groups across the U.S. Jay explains Tekion’s three-cloud architecture—Retail Cloud, Enterprise Cloud, and Partner Cloud—and how it’s streamlining operations, enabling e-commerce, and connecting a vast automotive ecosystem. He also unpacks Tekion’s innovative use of AI agents to enhance after-sales service, deliver transparency, and empower both dealers and consumers. Key topics include: How Tekion modernizes the fragmented automotive retail experience The impact of AI co-pilots on vehicle service and customer trust Lessons from Tesla and Elon Musk that shape Tekion’s product philosophy Jay’s advice for CIOs aspiring to become CEOs

How are executives creating value from AI investment? In this Technovation episode, we feature a panel from our most recent Metis Strategy Summit where Metis Strategy’s Chris Davis moderates a panel on how companies can unlock real value from their investment in AI with AMD CIO Hasmukh Ranjan, Palantir CIO Jim Siders, and Ingram Micro CTO Dham Pathervellai. The panel shares bold strategies for AI adoption, including AMD’s “Four A’s” maturity model, Palantir’s mandate to scale lean with high impact, and Ingram Micro’s marketplace revolution powered by GenAI. With an emphasis on data ownership, productivity KPIs, and shifting product development mindsets, this conversation offers a playbook for turning AI talk into measurable impact. Key themes include: AMD’s assist-to-autonomous AI framework and data-centric strategy Palantir’s edge IT model and shift to generalist engineering teams Ingram Micro’s GenAI integration and “Come as you are” partner model Rethinking productivity, talent models, and data governance for AI scale

At Mars, digital services must feel shared and personal at the same time. In this episode, Peter High speaks with Marina Bellini, President of Global Services and Digital Technologies at Mars. With over 150,000 associates across 70+ markets, Mars spans industries from pet care and veterinary services to food and confectionery. Marina oversees shared services, enterprise technology, and Mars’ digital transformation. She discusses her first six months in the role, how Mars blends scale with customization across business units, and the company’s accelerating use of product operating models, data platforms, and GenAI. Marina also shares how Mars’ family-owned, fifth-generation culture drives long-term thinking and responsible innovation. Key topics include: Mars’ digital and AI platform strategy (MAX) Product model adoption and agile scaling Tailoring global services for local business needs Culture, principles, and shared services as enterprise glue GenAI use cases across pet health and marketing

How are digital leaders driving real business impact with GenAI and agents? In this Technovation episode, we feature a panel from our most recent Metis Strategy Summit where Metis Strategy’s Steven Norton speaks with three top executives who are driving innovation through generative AI and agents: Motti Finkelstein, CIO of Intel; Shri Santhanam, EVP & Chief AI Officer at Experian; and Jaime Montemayor, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at General Mills. Together, they explore what it takes to move from pilots to production at scale, how to build trust in AI agents, and the organizational shifts required to maximize GenAI’s potential. With insights spanning financial services, semiconductors, and consumer packaged goods, this conversation dives into strategic frameworks, technical foundations, and real-world use cases. Key topics include: Experian’s EVA: A financial agent handling personal credit data at scale Intel’s 2,500+ AI use cases tracked through finance-validated buckets MillsChat at General Mills: Securing and scaling enterprise AI tools AI training compressing certification time from 12 months to weeks Future of AI agents as full digital coworkers across B2B and B2C

“The genie is out of the bottle” In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Adam Brotman and Andy Sack, co-CEOs of Forum3 and co-authors of AI First: The Playbook for a Future-Proof Business and Brand. Adam is a former co-CEO of J.Crew and Starbucks Chief Digital Officer, while Andy is a longtime entrepreneur, VC, and former advisor to Satya Nadella at Microsoft. Together, they’re helping executives and brands navigate the unprecedented opportunities and risks of generative AI. They discuss lessons from their book, including their conversations with thought leaders like Sam Altman and Bill Gates, the imperative of becoming an AI-first company, and why future-proofing requires both agility and principled leadership. Adam and Andy also share practical advice on building an “AI council,” experimenting at all levels, and keeping pace with a technology that’s reshaping work, society, and competition. Key insights from this episode: Why AGI could arrive within 3 – 5 years and what it means for your business How to build an AI-first culture, starting with leadership Lessons from Moderna’s AI adoption playbook The importance of balancing innovation, security, and ethics How generative AI can act as a “co-founder” and personal productivity multiplier

994: Leading Through Change Requires Culture, Clarity, and Courage. In this episode of Technovation, Metis Strategy’s Andrew Krusell moderates a powerful panel with three accomplished CIOs: Richard Donaldson (CIO of Duke Energy), Neal Sample (CIO of Walgreens Boots Alliance), and Darlene Taylor (CIO of Superior Industries). Together, they share candid lessons and actionable strategies for leading large-scale transformation amid disruption. From building cultural permission for failure and branding your own leadership style to balancing customer needs with operational rigor and navigating AI-driven growth, these executives illustrate how technology leaders can drive meaningful, sustainable change in complex environments. Key topics include: Building cultural agility at legacy, risk-averse organizations Branding transformation through authentic leadership Balancing internal and external forces driving AI adoption Managing through market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty Avoiding pitfalls and cultivating resilience through networks and listening

Customer-first IT and innovation at scale. On this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Mike Trkay, Chief Information Officer at FICO, a $2B analytics software company. Mike leads not only internal IT but also the operations of FICO’s customer-facing SaaS and PaaS platforms making him a unique, customer-facing CIO. Mike shares insights from his 12-year tenure, during which FICO’s stock has risen 3,600%, and explains how his team drives customer trust, operational excellence, and innovation. Topics include his customer-centric approach to IT, leveraging AIOps and AI to scale operations, and the emergence of focused language models to reduce complexity and deliver business impact. Key topics include: Evolving the CIO role to include customer-facing operations Driving revenue retention through world-class SaaS delivery Scaling with innovation and a culture of experimentation Applying AI, AIOps, and focused language models at FICO

“Healthcare, first of all, unlike other industries, has to be held to a higher standard in terms of responsibility.” In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Sandeep Dadlani, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital & Technology Officer of UnitedHealth Group, the Fortune 3 healthcare leader. Sandeep explains how his team’s technology and digital strategies are tightly aligned to UnitedHealth Group’s mission: helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone. He shares how AI, cloud, and data-driven innovations improve care delivery, enhance provider and patient experiences, and reduce administrative burden while driving transformation at scale. Key topics include: Aligning digital-first strategies to UHG’s mission and patient outcomes Using AI to free clinicians and advocates to focus on care, not paperwork Empowering patients with seamless, portable, digital healthcare experiences Partnering responsibly with startups to accelerate mission-aligned innovation Embedding responsible AI governance to uphold trust and fairness

In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Rajeev Dham, Partner at Sapphire Ventures, about how venture capital investment in enterprise technology is evolving in the age of AI. Rajeev discusses why he prioritizes first-principles, highly technical founders over playbook-driven approaches, and how enterprise buyers are distinguishing between authentic and superficial AI innovation. Rajeev shares his view on why SaaS remains a powerful model in the AI era, how agentic AI is starting to reshape enterprise use cases, and the profound implications AI has on software development, go-to- market strategies, and business models. He also explains how CIOs can identify the most promising emerging technologies and the cultural change required to adopt them effectively. Topics include: Why agility and creativity define great founders in the AI era How agentic AI differs from traditional automation and where it’s gaining traction The evolving role of SaaS in an AI-native world How AI is transforming software development and the developer experience Advice for CIOs evaluating emerging AI-enabled solutions

In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from the Metis Strategy Summit moderated by Ozlem Ulusoy, exploring how senior technology executives are preparing their talent for an AI-driven future. Joining the conversation are Kristie Grinnell, CIO of TD SYNNEX; Madhu Ramamurthy, CIO of Zurich North America; and Sesh Tirumala, CIO of Western Digital. Together, they share how they create safe spaces for experimentation, assess and reskill their workforce, and strike the balance between innovation and governance. The panelists discuss approaches to building transparent and explainable AI models, retaining subject matter expertise, and aligning people, process, and technology to unlock business value while managing risk. Topics include: Creating “playgrounds” for safe AI experimentation Building transparent, incremental AI in regulated industries Assessing and reskilling talent across IT architecture, data, and operations Balancing insourcing, outsourcing, and SME development Fostering a mindset of curiosity, business literacy, and innovation

How do you modernize a 160-year-old company feeding 500 million people? Jennifer Hartsock, Chief Information and Digital Officer of Cargill, joins Peter High to unpack one of the most ambitious IT transformations in food and agriculture. Cargill, the largest privately held company in the U.S., is streamlining tech operations, insourcing talent, and deploying AI to drive global impact. In this episode, Jen shares how she restructured Cargill’s tech teams to better align with business goals, reduced outsourcing from 80% to 60%, and embedded AI across R&D, sales, and operations. She also discusses her board service at Ingersoll Rand and reflects on ethical tech leadership at scale. Key topics include: Cargill’s 2030 digital strategy and purpose-driven IT Scaling AI for precision agriculture and customer insights Building global tech hubs in Atlanta and Bangalore Navigating ethical AI and autonomous agent adoption

In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from the Metis Strategy Summit moderated by Metis Strategy’s Co-Head of Executive Networks, Media, and Research Steven Norton, exploring how senior technology executives are aligning AI to their business strategy. Joining the conversation are Ryan Snyder, CIO of Thermo Fisher Scientific; Ramkumar Rayapureddy, CIO of Viatris; and Allen Fazio, CIO of Houlihan Lokey. Together, they share how their organizations are evolving from isolated AI pilots to holistic strategies grounded in business value, robust governance, and relentless data modernization. The panelists discuss the practical realities of establishing clear measurement frameworks, navigating the tension between centralized control and decentralized innovation, and leading cultural change as AI adoption accelerates across regulated and fast-moving industries. Topics include: Building measurement frameworks to align AI with core business objectives Defining guardrails and governance models for safe, scalable AI innovation Approaches to data consolidation and ownership in the age of AI Enabling decentralized creativity without losing strategic oversight Upskilling technology and business teams to meet new demands

Kelly Services is transforming the way enterprises approach staffing through AI-powered innovation, scalable tech, and smart acquisitions. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Sean Perry, Chief Information Officer of Kelly Services, a $4.3B staffing and professional services company. Sean shares how he’s driving modernization across IT, integrating recent acquisitions like Motion Recruitment, and developing innovative AI tools to deliver enterprise-wide value. From launching a custom AI assistant (GRACE) to implementing a modern tech stack across legacy systems, Sean reveals how Kelly is reshaping its digital future while improving candidate and client experiences. He also draws lessons from his time at Amazon and Robert Half to rethink internal products with a customer-first mindset. Key themes include: Scalable AI deployment through internal platform GRACE Integrating acquired tech stacks post-M&A Applying Amazon-style product thinking to IT Future-ready strategies for AI in staffing tech

In today’s episode of Technovation, we feature a fireside chat from our Metis Strategy Summit, held on May 13, 2025, and moderated by Peter High. The guest is Justin Wexler, General Partner at WndrCo, a venture capital firm focused on scaling AI and enterprise innovation. In this candid conversation, Justin offers a behind-the-scenes look at how WndrCo identifies, mentors, and scales AI startups into enterprise-ready solutions. With deep involvement in companies like Writer and Netomi, he explores what separates proof-of-concept from production-grade success—and what enterprise CIOs can do to help startups land and expand. Topics include: Bridging the startup-enterprise gap through curated CIO ecosystems Designing AI pilots that deliver measurable ROI from day one Building internal champions to accelerate deployment Evaluating causal AI and agentic workflows in marketing and CX How WndrCo supports founders beyond capital—through storytelling, hiring, and scaling

How does a $48B tech distributor reinvent itself as a platform company? In this episode, Peter High speaks with Dham Pathervellai, Chief Technology Officer of Ingram Micro, a global distributor and technology platform connecting 2500+ vendors with 160,000 customers in 200+ countries. Dham unpacks the company’s evolution from a traditional distributor to a platform-first enterprise. Dham shares his perspective on building Ingram’s digital backbone, leading enterprise architecture, and scaling a global technology team. He also outlines how Ingram’s data mesh, intelligent data assistant, and “come as you are” integration strategy are helping to drive customer value, fuel innovation, and power AI transformation. Key insights include: The cultural shift needed for platform transformation How enterprise architecture became the “tip of the spear” Driving revenue with data-driven automation Preparing for an AI-enabled workforce

In today’s episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our Metis Strategy Summit held on May 13, 2025 moderated by Peter High. The topic was Designing an AI-First Operating Model, and the executives who joined the discussion were Talal Butt, Chief Information Officer of Generac Power Systems; Ampily Vijay, Chief Digital & Technology Officer of CBRE Investment Management; and Chris Nardecchia, Chief Digital Officer of Rockwell Automation. Each shares frontline perspectives on embedding AI at scale from energy tech and industrial automation to real estate investment and operations. Together, they explore how enterprise leaders are shifting from isolated AI pilots to fully integrated operating models that prioritize data, talent, and measurable impact. From reshaping customer experiences and product ecosystems to building architecture for sustainable scale, this conversation delivers a playbook for moving beyond experimentation and into durable transformation. Topics include: Building connected digital platforms to unify products and services Restructuring decision-making through data-driven executive dashboards Establishing AI innovation funnels and prioritization frameworks Redesigning talent strategy to make AI part of everyone’s job

Kevin Doyle, Chief Digital Officer at Ecolab, joins Peter High to unpack how the company is scaling innovation through AI, IoT, and a modern data backbone. In this episode, Kevin shares how Ecolab Digital was formed to unify commercial product innovation, internal IT, and supply chain digitization. He describes the company’s use of agentic AI and generative tools to equip 28,000 field reps with insights, how digital twins and subscriptions drive monetization, and why MAP (Modern Analytics Platform) is central to value delivery. Key topics include: Empowering field teams with generative AI and IoT-backed insights Monetizing digital offerings through connected services and usage modeling Embedding factory AI and vision tech in supply chain operations Using third-party data (e.g., weather, Yelp) to tailor solutions Fostering a pod-style innovation culture with R&D and design integration

How do leading CIOs drive innovation, resilience, and trust amid volatility? In today’s episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our Metis Strategy Summit held on May 13, 2025 moderated by Peter High. The topic was Cultivating Resilience and Trust in Uncertain Times and the executives who joined the discussion were Cindy Hoots, Chief Information Officer of AstraZeneca, Rahul Jalali, Chief Information Officer of Union Pacific, and Ather Williams III, Head of Strategy, Digital, Innovation, & Enterprise Payments at Wells Fargo. Each shares frontline perspectives on navigating disruption from economic uncertainty and shifting supply chains to generative AI and regulatory complexity. Together, they unpack how their organizations are leveraging digital platforms, data, and cross-functional leadership to respond to instability and build enduring trust with customers, regulators, and employees. Key topics include: Enterprise strategies for managing geopolitical risk and supply chain volatility AI governance, digital ethics, and human-in-the-loop practices Customer-centric IT operating models and adaptive transformation Talent, training, and leadership in a next-gen digital environment

How does a 174-year-old mutual insurance company stay ahead of the curve? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Sears Merritt, Head of Enterprise Technology and Experience at MassMutual. Sears leads a $650M tech budget and a global team of 3,000, driving innovation in cybersecurity, data, and generative AI to deliver superior experiences for employees, advisors, and policyholders. Sears shares insights on MassMutual’s modernization journey from consolidating legacy systems to rolling out secure GenAI tools like Microsoft Copilot and GitHub Copilot. He also unveils the company’s strategic investments in virtual assistants, R&D partnerships, and a groundbreaking health and wellness platform that aligns longevity with economic value for policyholders. Topics include: Modernization via simplification Virtual assistants powering productivity and service AI trust, security, and governance principles Wellness tools that align with life insurance incentives Building an R&D function to future-proof tech strategy

“Enterprise data platforms must evolve to express context to AI systems.” In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Louis Landry, Chief Technology Officer at Teradata, a $1.75B cloud analytics and AI data platform. Louis shares how Teradata is reshaping its core platform to meet the demands of the AI era through open, hybrid architectures, vector search integration, and mixed workload optimization. A 11-year veteran of the company, Louis reflects on Teradata’s evolution from centralized analytics to a hybrid, multi-cloud powerhouse, and what it means to support some of the world’s largest banks, airlines, and healthcare providers. He also offers insight into agentic AI, data-centric intelligence, and model-sharing futures.

“We don’t just deliver data—we deliver trust.” In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Gary Kotovets, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Dun & Bradstreet, a global leader in business decision-making data and analytics. Gary shares how he oversees the company’s end-to-end data strategy, from acquisition and normalization to advanced analytics and GenAI integration, serving a customer base that spans Fortune 500 giants to small businesses. Learn how Gary’s team fuels innovation through alternative data, builds trusted AI tools like ChatD&B, and partners directly with C-level clients to deliver decision-ready intelligence. Key insights from Gary: Why governance and trust are core to scalable AI How D&B integrates social media, merchant, and geospatial data into risk scoring The role of GenAI in entity resolution and customer engagement How D&B.AI Labs helps clients co-create GenAI solutions with enterprise-grade oversight

“We start with capability, not technology.” Seth Cohen, Chief Information Officer of $84B consumer goods leader Procter & Gamble, joins Peter High on Technovation to share how P&G is transforming through data-driven innovation, a robust AI factory, and end-to-end supply chain visibility.  Seth, who previously held CIO roles at PepsiCo and Reckitt Benckiser, unpacks P&G’s digital flywheel from freeing siloed data and scaling AI use cases to upskilling IT talent and building a quantum-ready future. He also explains how the Pampers Club app connects consumer insights with factory-level data, and why agentic AI could make dashboards obsolete. Key topics include: P&G’s enterprise data strategy and AI factory approach Creating supply chain transparency across 11 categories Upskilling IT and the broader workforce for digital fluency Building a reasoning model-ready AI platform with identity controls

“Marketcraft isn’t left or right—it’s a method,” says Chris Hughes, co-founder of Facebook and author of Marketcrafters. In this episode, Hughes and host Peter High explore how governments have shaped U.S. markets over the past century. They discuss economic history, policy strategy, and the role of institutions like the Federal Reserve and RFC in stabilizing the economy. Key highlights include: Why the Fed is an overlooked example of successful marketcraft How the U.S. semiconductor industry was saved through coordinated policy The structural failure of U.S. healthcare markets Distinguishing industrial policy from broader economic strategy Hughes’s call for expert-driven, stable institutions in a volatile era

“If St. Jude doesn’t do it, who will?” That mission-driven mindset fuels innovation at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Keith Perry, Chief Information Officer of St. Jude, about how he is leveraging technology to enhance the patient journey and accelerate research into pediatric catastrophic diseases. Keith shares how his nearly decade-long tenure has driven transformation through a strategic six-year, $12.9B plan, including the implementation of Epic and Workday, GPU-enabled research infrastructure, and a concierge-style patient mobile app. He also explores the global impact of St. Jude’s outreach in under-resourced countries, the evolution of data science partnerships, and the future of AI and cybersecurity in healthcare. Key topics include: Delivering patient-centered care with a customized mobile app Aligning technology strategy with long-term institutional goals Partnering with data science leaders to scale research insights Elevating information security as a shared executive priority

Transforming healthcare through digital innovation and AI.In this episode, Peter High speaks with Onyeka Nchege, EVP and Chief Digital and Information Officer at Novant Health, a $10B healthcare network with over 900 locations across the southeastern United States. Onyeka shares how his team is building a future-ready digital infrastructure to scale operations, improve patient care, and expand access through cloud migration, predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence. He also highlights Novant Health’s Institute for Innovation and AI, explains how they embed responsible AI practices, and outlines the vision for the hospital of the future including virtual care, virtual nursing, and a data-driven approach to personalized healthcare. Onyeka also speaks to the culture he’s fostering within the IT organization, his lessons from five previous CIO roles, and how the right leadership bench powers transformation. Key topics include: Creating a $30B scalable health system through cloud and EMR strategy Building AI governance through the Institute for Innovation and AI Expanding virtual care: telestroke, virtual nursing, menopause clinics Fostering IT culture, mentorship, and leadership development at scale

How should global leaders govern artificial intelligence responsibly without stifling innovation? In this episode, Russell Wald, Executive Director at Stanford HAI, joins Peter High to explore how universities, policymakers, and industry must collaborate to keep AI human-centered. Wald shares takeaways from the AI Index, explains how China is narrowing the performance gap, and outlines why academic institutions are vital to ethical AI leadership. Key highlights include: HAI’s concentric model of human-centered design The AI Index’s global benchmarking methodology Why China is narrowing the frontier AI performance gap The pivotal role of public investment in universities How ethics reviews are embedded in HAI’s research lifecycle

In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Mark Sherwood, Chief Information Officer at Wolters Kluwer, a €6B global professional services and software firm headquartered in the Netherlands. Mark joined as CIO in December 2024 and has helped accelerate the company’s transition from a traditional publishing business to a tech-centric organization. Mark discusses how his global team supports the company’s AI- and cloud-first strategy, the role of business relationship managers (BRMs) in bridging tech and business, and how a strong innovation culture helps Wolters Kluwer stay ahead in the digital age. With nearly half the company’s products leveraging AI and a robust multi-cloud foundation, the firm is redefining access to expert content in legal, tax, healthcare, and finance. Key topics include: Building a multi-cloud foundation for global resilience and innovation The evolution from a holding company to a unified operating mode Scaling AI across products while protecting intellectual property Driving cultural change through transparency, inclusion, and BRM alignment Balancing cutting-edge tech with ethical AI and data governance

In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Venkat Achanta, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology, Data & Analytics Officer at TransUnion, a $4.5B global information and insights company. Since joining after TransUnion’s acquisition of Neustar, Venkat has led a sweeping modernization of the company’s tech stack—culminating in the creation of OneTru, a platform powering data governance, analytics, and AI innovation at scale. Venkat shares how his 7,000-person global team built a single pane of glass to manage petabytes of sensitive data across 30+ countries and hundreds of products. He also discusses how TransUnion’s OneTru and TruIQ platforms are enabling internal teams and external clients to rapidly build, deploy, and govern real-time machine learning models. Key insights include: The architectural vision behind TransUnion’s unified platform strategy How OneTru boosts fraud detection by 50% while reducing false positives Why TransUnion is embedding agentic AI workflows across its ecosystem Lessons from merging 10+ tech stacks post-acquisition, including Neustar Tune in to learn how TransUnion is reshaping analytics and decision-making in a highly regulated, data-driven industry.

“Technology at American Express provides the foundation for everything we do at the company,” shares Ravi Radhakrishnan, EVP & CIO of American Express, as he outlines the company’s AI strategy, continuous modernization philosophy, and data-driven customer focus. In this episode, Ravi offers an inside look at how American Express is evolving its technology foundation to power trust, security, and world-class service. From AI governance to the Intuitive Servicing Portal, he breaks down key strategies shaping the company’s digital future. Key highlights: Continuous modernization through foundational technology reuse AI governance via a Generative AI Council and risk frameworks Data as a strategic asset for fraud detection and customer personalization Curating a diverse AI ecosystem with flexible enablement layers Future trends in AI, including agentic AI and quantum intersections

“AI is the New UI” at S&P Global. Swamy Kocherlakota, EVP and Chief Digital Solutions Officer, reveals how the 165-year-old market intelligence leader is scaling AI, reinventing digital ecosystems, and driving innovation with Kensho at the helm. In this episode: How S&P Global’s product operating model fuels innovation at scale Why Kensho serves as the AI speedboat for generative breakthroughs Expanding digital ecosystems to deliver essential intelligence anywhere Applying the Four Ps Framework for responsible, enterprise-wide AI adoption Empowering teams with low-code AI workflows via sFlow and Spark

Capital One has long been recognized as a digital-first financial services company. Now, it’s productizing its tech DNA into standalone B2B software. In this episode, Peter High speaks with Ravi Raghu, President of Capital One Software, about how internal cloud and data security capabilities led to the launch of an enterprise SaaS business—starting with offerings like Slingshot and Data Bolt. Key topics covered include: Building a software business from internal IP Data tokenization as an enabler for GenAI Slingshot and Snowflake adoption optimization Structuring cross-functional tech teams Expanding data governance into new product areas

From used-car retailer to tech-powered industry leader—CarMax is redefining automotive retail. In this episode, Peter High speaks with Shamim Mohammad, EVP and Chief Information and Technology Officer at CarMax, about the company’s bold transformation into a digital-first business. Shamim shares lessons from his 12+ years with the company, including nearly a decade as CIO and over six years as CTO. He discusses CarMax’s transition to a product operating model, its pioneering use of generative AI tools like Skye and Rhodes, and how data governance, platform agility, and agentic AI are powering customer and associate experiences. He also reflects on the company’s culture of innovation, his board service at UNFI, and the leadership values that have fueled CarMax’s continued growth. Key topics include: CarMax’s enterprise AI strategy, from GenAI to Agentic AI Building a strong digital backbone and data foundation Structuring product teams for retail, supply, and shared platforms Managing a complex partner ecosystem for sustained innovation

Generac Power Systems is no longer just a generator company — it’s becoming a full-stack energy technology platform. In this episode of Technovation, CIO Talal Butt offers a behind-the-scenes look at how he’s reshaping the $4.3B manufacturer’s technology landscape to support that evolution. Speaking directly to senior IT and digital leaders, Talal shares how he’s building a modern digital ecosystem from scratch — one that’s powered by real-time data, platform thinking, and AI-driven decisioning. From architecting Generac’s first scalable data governance program to operationalizing GenAI use cases and redefining the partner experience, this episode is a playbook for CIOs navigating transformation in legacy industries. Highlights include: Digital Ecosystem Strategy: Creating a seamless platform experience for both customers and partners across 140+ countries. AI-Enabled Operations: How Generac is moving beyond dashboards to predictive models for forecasting, cross-sell, and supply chain optimization. Operational Excellence: Leveraging ITSM and root cause analysis to scale global operations while reducing tech debt and downtime. Platform Thinking: Building product lines to serve hyperscale data centers while unifying energy generation, storage, and management.

From predicting the next flavor trend to revolutionizing procurement with AI, Guy Peri is leading a bold digital transformation at McCormick & Company. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Guy about how he’s bringing AI and data strategy to life at a 135-year-old flavor giant. Drawing from nearly three decades at Procter & Gamble, Guy shares how McCormick is building a modern digital backbone, using AI to forecast demand and ingredient pricing, and upskilling employees into citizen data scientists. Highlights include: McCormick’s digital transformation pillars How AI predicts procurement costs and retail trends The making of the Flavor Forecast The future of Agentic AI and human-machine collaboration Upskilling and shifting organizational culture through digital fluency

What does it take to digitally transform a global manufacturing giant? In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Regina Salazar, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Novelis, about how the world’s largest aluminum recycler is scaling enterprise-wide innovation through technology. Regina shares how she unified IT and digital into a single operating model, launched a global business relationship framework, and enhanced Novelis’ data architecture to support AI at scale. She also discusses the company’s ambitious smart factory in Alabama, how digital twins are reshaping operations, and Novelis’ roadmap to becoming a tech-enabled, sustainable enterprise. Highlights include: Factory of the Future: Inside Novelis’ new Alabama facility powered by digital twins, automation, and a next-gen MES platform. AI in Action: Real-world examples of predictive maintenance and cycle time optimization through AI and edge computing. Generative AI Strategy: How Novelis built a secure internal GPT on Azure while leveraging Copilot and Moveworks across the enterprise. Smart Robotics: Deploying robotic “dogs” to inspect hazardous environments and reduce risk. Vision 3×30: Novelis’ company-wide transformation focused on data literacy, governance, and technology architecture by 2030.

Caterpillar is celebrating 100 years of innovation—and it’s just getting started. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High welcomes Jamie Engstrom, CIO and SVP of IT at Caterpillar, to discuss how the industrial giant is evolving through data strategy, digital transformation, and customer-centric innovation. Jamie shares her insights on leading a global IT organization of 2,200 professionals, the company’s customer-back mindset, and how Caterpillar leverages AI, telematics, and real-time analytics to support over 4 million assets across the globe. From smart manufacturing to supply chain modernization and condition monitoring systems, Jamie explores how Caterpillar is shaping the next century of industrial excellence. Key topics include: Caterpillar’s enterprise-wide data strategy and AI integration The role of IT in supporting 1.5M+ connected machines Supply chain optimization with predictive analytics Strategic CIO-CDO collaboration and leadership development Creating a sustainable future through smart infrastructure

Hertz CIO Tim Langley-Hawthorne joins Peter High on Technovation to share how he’s modernizing a $9B global fleet operation through AI, cloud, and a product-first mindset. Since joining post-COVID, Tim has sunset Hertz’s data centers, scaled AWS infrastructure, launched a consumer+fleet product org, and embedded AI from customer chat to tire inspections. He explains why he rejected a centralized AI model, the power of grassroots innovation, and why partnerships with firms like Palantir and Amadeus are accelerating results. This episode is packed with real-world digital transformation strategies from a high-stakes, asset-heavy enterprise.   Highlights include: Product Operating Model: Merged consumer and fleet tech under dual product strategy. AI in Action: How decentralized AI is enhancing CX, fleet, and operational speed. Fleet Optimization: Partnership with Palantir to keep cars rented and moving. Post-COVID Reset: Lessons in fleet lifecycle economics and demand response. Culture Change: Infusing big tech talent with long-tenured ops veterans.

A unified customer experience helps companies deliver consistency, build trust, and reduce friction across their offerings making it easier for customers to engage, buy, and stay loyal. That’s why Aflac is investing in a unified group strategy consolidating acquired products into a seamless, integrated experience across dental, vision, disability, and more. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Shelia Anderson, EVP and CIO of Aflac, and speaks with her about the company’s strategy for transforming IT from a fragmented, acquisition-heavy operation into a centralized, data-driven engine for business value. She outlines how Aflac avoided a costly cloud migration misstep, refocused its data and AI capabilities, and aligned talent strategy with architectural goals. Her approach to innovation is pragmatic and powerful: tie everything to business priorities and know your why. Highlights include: AI at Scale: Legacy ML driving value in claims; GenAI mapped to entire insurance lifecycle Talent Shift: Reducing third-party reliance and redefining internal job architecture Unified Group Strategy: Streamlined digital experience across acquired businesses Smart Cloud Strategy: Focused migration driven by value, not hype Innovation Alignment: Hatch Lab and GenAI tied to Aflac’s top goals

What does it take to digitally transform a $5B retail giant across 13 countries? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High sits down with Wayne Sadin, Chief Information Officer of PriceSmart, the largest membership-based warehouse club chain in Central America, the Caribbean, and Colombia. With a tech leadership career spanning over 40 years, Wayne shares how he’s orchestrating a sweeping modernization of PriceSmart’s legacy systems—moving from 1980s green screens to a real-time, AI-ready infrastructure. He outlines how embedding IT within the business, redefining budgeting to drive alignment, and creating cross-functional collaboration have helped accelerate transformation in a complex, multi-market environment. Wayne also explores: The evolution from Excel silos to integrated digital retailing Enabling e-commerce, B2B, and in-club experiences simultaneously Building sustainable operations and community impact through technology Why legacy retailers must act now to stay relevant in an Amazon-era economy

How does Palantir, a $3.7 billion data analytics powerhouse, run its own IT operations? In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High sits down with Jim Siders, Chief Information Officer of Palantir, to explore his unique journey from a career in music to leading one of the most efficient IT teams in the industry. Jim discusses Palantir’s Customer Zero strategy, the company’s federated IT model, and how it has streamlined operations from 200+ IT staff to under 80 while continuing to scale. He also shares his views on AI’s role in IT, the elimination of traditional Centers of Excellence, and why breaking legacy IT structures is key to innovation. Key Takeaways: Why Palantir’s IT team is “Customer Zero” and how it shapes the company’s products The radical efficiency model that reduced IT headcount while increasing impact How AI, cloud, and automation are redefining enterprise IT strategy Lessons from Jim’s unconventional career shift from classical music to CIO

In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Ryan Snyder, Senior VP & CIO of Thermo Fisher Scientific, a $40 billion global leader in life sciences. Ryan shares how AI, automation, and data strategy are driving digital transformation—optimizing operations, accelerating clinical trials, and enhancing customer experiences. Key topics include: Thermo Fisher’s Three-Pillar AI Strategy – How AI is improving efficiency, products, and customer experience AI in Clinical Trials & Automation – Reducing drug development timelines and streamlining internal workflows Embedding IT Leaders in Business Units – A unique approach to aligning technology and business strategy Future AI Trends – Multimodal AI, reasoning models, and the next phase of AI-driven decision-making The Role of Empathy in IT Leadership – Ensuring AI enhances human collaboration, not replaces it

How is AI revolutionizing healthcare? In this episode of Technovation, Melissa Flicek, CIO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, joins host Peter High to explore how the nearly 100-year-old healthcare giant is leveraging AI and data analytics to enhance patient experiences and operational efficiency. With $15B+ in annual revenue, BCBSMN is modernizing its technology infrastructure, implementing AI-powered automation to streamline patient interactions, and consolidating data into a single-source architecture to ensure consistency across all touchpoints. Melissa shares how these innovations are improving customer service, optimizing clinical workflows, and supporting predictive healthcare modeling to help lower costs. Key topics include: How BCBSMN is using AI to accelerate patient approvals and improve decision-making The role of data governance in ensuring AI-driven healthcare is accurate and ethical How predictive analytics is helping employers proactively manage rising healthcare costs The future of AI-driven patient engagement, clinical automation, and digital healthcare experiences

Marvell Technology is at the forefront of AI-driven semiconductor innovation. In this episode, Nishit Sahay, CIO of Marvell Technology, joins Peter High to discuss the company’s rapid growth, enterprise AI strategy, and the transition of semiconductor design to the cloud. Nishit shares how Marvell is leveraging AI and data analytics to enhance decision-making, improve semiconductor product development, and accelerate business processes. He also provides insights into the challenges of integrating $10B+ acquisitions and how Marvell is pioneering cloud-based silicon design with AWS. Additionally, Nishit discusses quantum computing, data governance, and how Marvell is preparing for the next wave of technology disruption. Key topics include: AI’s role in semiconductor innovation Cloud-based silicon design & customizable compute Fast-tracking billion-dollar acquisitions Building an enterprise-wide data-driven culture The future of quantum computing

956: How can AI, data analytics, and predictive modeling revolutionize healthcare? In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High interviews Matt Kull, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Inova Health System, about how AI and data are reshaping patient care. Matt shares how AI is helping to automate administrative tasks, secure patient data, and predict hospital resource needs. He also discusses the future of edge computing and wireless technology in healthcare, ensuring hospitals operate more efficiently while delivering personalized, data-driven treatments. Topics Include: How Inova is leveraging AI & automation to tackle healthcare workforce shortages. The importance of data privacy and ethical AI implementation. How predictive analytics improves staffing, supply chain, and decision-making. The impact of edge computing and 5G on future hospital infrastructure.

How can AI revolutionize the $2B+ quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry? In this episode of Technovation, Wendy’s CIO Matt Spessard joins Peter High to reveal how the company is leveraging AI, automation, and digital transformation to enhance customer and crew experiences. With 7,000+ locations worldwide, Wendy’s is redefining fast food with FreshAi, its AI-powered drive-thru assistant, developed in partnership with Google Cloud. Matt shares how this cutting-edge technology is boosting order accuracy, improving speed, and optimizing crew workflows. Plus, he discusses how Wendy’s revamped CRM, loyalty program, and mobile-first strategy led to 40% growth in digital revenue in 2024. Key Takeaways: FreshAi: The AI-powered drive-thru system redefining QSR efficiency. 40% Digital Growth: How Wendy’s revamped CRM and mobile experience is driving revenue. AI-Driven Innovation: Wendy’s framework for testing, iterating, and rejecting 6 out of 7 ideas. The Future of AI in QSR: Edge computing, spatial computing & what’s next for digital transformation.

MetLife is one of the world’s largest financial services companies, serving over 90 million customers globally. Leading its technology and operations division is Bill Pappas, who oversees AI strategy, cybersecurity, customer experience, and digital transformation across the company. In this episode of Technovation, Bill Pappas joins host Peter High to discuss how MetLife is leveraging AI, automation, and technology to enhance customer experience, ensure security, and drive operational efficiency. He shares insights on managing a 38,000-person global team, the role of AI in financial services, and why customer-centric innovation is key to long-term success. Key Topics: AI, Automation & Innovation – How MetLife is using AI to drive operational efficiency Cybersecurity & Risk Management – Protecting a $67B enterprise from digital threats Customer-Centric Digital Transformation – Why personalized, tech-enabled service is the future of insurance Leadership & Workforce Development – How to build an agile, innovative global team

Ingram Micro is no longer just a technology distributor—it’s becoming a platform company. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High welcomes Sanjib Sahoo, President of the Global Platform Group at Ingram Micro, to discuss the company’s digital transformation journey and how it is leveraging AI, data, and platform technology to revolutionize the B2B technology ecosystem. Sanjib shares insights on the Xvantage platform, Ingram Micro’s push toward AI-powered automation, and how the company is connecting 1,500 OEMs with over 160,000 B2B partners. He also delves into agentic AI, the importance of mindset in AI adoption, and how leadership in the digital era requires balancing innovation with human collaboration. Highlights: The shift from technology distribution to platform ecosystems AI-driven automation and agentic AI in B2B operations The Xvantage platform and its impact on channel partners and vendors Leadership philosophy: Why vulnerability and adaptability matter in digital transformation How Ingram Micro is shaping the future of B2B commerce

952: Regal Rexnord CDIO Tim Dickson joins Peter High to discuss how the $6B industrial manufacturing leader is driving digital transformation. Tim shares insights on leveraging AI, cloud, and e-commerce to enhance operations and customer experience. He also discusses the company’s generative AI initiatives, including chatbots for internal and customer interactions, and how Regal Rexnord is embracing data-driven innovation. AI & Digital Strategy: How Regal Rexnord is using AI to optimize operations E-Commerce & CX: The role of digital in enhancing customer experience Generative AI & Automation: The impact of AI-driven chatbots like RRXy and RRXGPT Leadership & Growth: Tim’s approach to building a digital-first culture

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. The panelists who spoke about this topic were Rob Mills; Chief Technology, Digital Commerce, and Strategy Officer of Tractor Supply Co.; and Jennifer Hartsock, Chief Information and Digital Officer of Cargill. The conversation was moderated by Metis Strategy Partner and Central Office Lead Michael Bertha. 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 Wisler, Chief Information Officer of M&T Bank, 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 Rubenstein, Carlyle co-founder and co-chairman, 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 Walsh, Chief Global Strategy and Artificial Intelligence Officer of Levi Strauss & Co., 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 Helsel, SVP Global Operations and Chief Technology Officer of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, 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 Kummrow; Corporate Vice President, General Manager of NEX Cloud Networking Group at Intel; 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 Mathur, Chief Digital & Information Officer of ConocoPhillips, 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.