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

AI is reshaping every stage of pharmaceutical distribution, but only if the organization is built to absorb it. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Pawan Verma, Executive Vice President and Chief Data and Information Officer at Cencora, about leading technology and data strategy at one of the world’s largest healthcare companies ($320B+ in revenue, 5 million pharmaceuticals moving through its network daily). Verma joined Cencora in 2024 after serving as Global CIO at MetLife, with earlier leadership at Foot Locker, Target, and Verizon, a cross-industry arc that shapes how he thinks about patient access, workforce transformation, and what AI can and cannot replace in leadership. Key Highlights: Why “centered-out” change management outperforms both top-down mandates and bottoms-up experimentation How Cencora evaluates AI investments against a four-bucket prioritization model, including long-term sustaining value Where AI is shortening the pharmaceutical chain: virtual clinical cohorts, faster drug discovery, and real-time inventory optimization Why pharmaceutical supply chains demand a different standard of precision than conventional logistics What AI cannot replace: the ability to unlearn, reframe on new emotional data, and hold authentic human connection This episode is sponsored by Tines. This episode is presented by Tines: Freedom to build. Complete security. No compromises. Learn more at tines.io

A digital-only bank can’t afford to retrofit security. Ally Financial builds it in from the start. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Spencer Cremers, Chief Information Security Officer at Ally Financial, about designing security and resiliency into cloud infrastructure by default — and what that requires organizationally. Cremers spent 20+ years at Ally progressing through divisional CIO and engineering roles before becoming CISO, including a stretch as interim Chief Information and Data Officer. That delivery background shapes how he positions security: not as a gatekeeper handing down requirements late in the cycle, but as a design partner embedded from the start. Key Highlights: Why Ally’s cloud environment uses templatized resiliency patterns so application teams inherit security standards automatically How a three-bucket framework separates AI-in-defenses, AI-enabled external threats, and governing Ally’s own AI use What Cremers learned running a three-day, CEO-involved crisis simulation with concurrent threat vectors Why a CISO with a delivery background can dismantle the adversarial dynamic between security and engineering How Cremers managed the interim CIDO role without putting the organization into a holding pattern This episode is sponsored by Tines. Freedom to build. Complete security. No compromises. Learn more at tines.io  

What separates a great founder from a great company? For XYZ Venture Capital Founder and Managing Partner Ross Fubini, execution is only part of the equation. The company also needs to find its “wave.” In this episode of Technoventure, Fubini joins Peter High to unpack the investment philosophy behind XYZ's bets on founder networks, defense technology, and AI. Drawing on his experience as an engineer, entrepreneur, executive coach, and investor, he explores: Why XYZ built an early thesis around the Palantir talent network What Fubini saw in Anduril before other investors embraced defense technology Why exceptional execution still needs a market “wave” How AI changes software development, defensibility, and venture investing Why forward-deployed engineers are becoming increasingly important Fubini also shares how he personally uses AI to research, challenge investment theses, and sharpen his thinking.

In this episode of Technovation, Nationwide CTO Michael Carrel joins Peter High to discuss how the company is building an AI-ready workforce while modernizing technology across its insurance and financial services businesses. Carrel explains why Nationwide made everyday AI available to associates across the company and paired access with future-ready learning sprints, manager certifications, and role-specific skill development. He also shares how Nationwide is applying generative and agentic AI across underwriting, claims, software engineering, and other domains while maintaining disciplined governance, trusted data, and human judgment. This episode is presented by Tines — Freedom to build. Complete security. No compromises. Learn more at tines.io

What happens when AI moves beyond generating content and starts autonomously optimizing the physical world? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Riaz Raihan, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer of Trane Technologies, about how the company is applying AI, connected equipment, and massive volumes of IoT data to make buildings more autonomous and energy efficient. Riaz explains how BrainBox AI acts as an “autopilot” for complex HVAC systems, continuously making small adjustments to optimize energy use without sacrificing comfort. He also discusses Trane Technologies' three-pillar AI strategy, responsible data use and cybersecurity, and a future in which smart, resilient buildings coordinate energy consumption, storage, and generation autonomously.   This episode is presented by Tines — Freedom to build. Complete security. No compromises. Learn more at tines.io  

For Goodyear CIO Raman Mehta, enterprise AI cannot remain stuck in pilot mode. His mandate is to bring a startup mindset to a 128-year-old manufacturer by making speed a strategy and turning AI experimentation into measurable business impact. In this episode of Technovation, Raman joins Peter High to discuss Goodyear's push toward industrial-scale AI, Lighthouse Projects, enterprise-grade intelligence, and connected manufacturing. He explains why trusted master data is essential for AI systems that reason, how his team is using AI itself to improve data quality, and why reskilling must happen through live work rather than courses alone. Key topics include: Moving AI from pilots to measurable business outcomes Building Lighthouse Projects around cross-functional problems Creating enterprise-grade intelligence with governed data Reskilling technology teams for agentic AI Preparing connected factories for agents, robotics, and physical AI This episode is presented by Tines — Freedom to build. Complete security. No compromises. Learn more at tines.io  

Bobcat is transforming machines that were once physical “tool carriers” into software-enabled, connected products. Behind that evolution is a broader effort to modernize the digital foundation of the business. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Bobcat Chief Digital Officer Roy Greco about harmonizing global processes, building a trusted data intelligence platform, and scaling practical AI applications. They explore how Bobcat is: Building a digital foundation for faster growth Preparing trusted data for AI and analytics Applying AI to equipment service and logistics Bringing voice-enabled AI into machines Using connected equipment to improve customer uptime This episode is presented by Tines — Freedom to build. Complete security. No compromises. Learn more at tines.io This episode is also presented by Retool — Build internal software better, with AI. Learn more at retool.com

Before the market is obvious, what gives an investor the conviction to act? In this episode of Technoventure, Peter High speaks with Shardul Shah, Partner at Index Ventures, about why exceptional founders can matter more than early market signals. Shardul shares lessons from investing in companies including Datadog and Wiz and explains how he evaluates conviction, high agency, and founders who can “hold contradiction with ease.” They also explore: How AI is reshaping enterprise software and infrastructure Why companies born before 2025 need to reinvent themselves The rise of machine-to-machine cybersecurity Why enterprise AI adoption begins with culture and risk How Shardul uses relationships and AI agents to accelerate learning

Moving from reactive operations to predictive AI starts with trusted data. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Ajay Waghray, EVP and Chief Information Officer of PG&E, about the technology, data, process, and people transformation behind the company's shift toward more predictive and proactive operations. Waghray explains how PG&E combines trusted asset, weather, environmental, sensor, and smart-meter data to support continuous monitoring and AI-driven decision-making. He shares how these capabilities have helped avoid 19 million outage minutes, prevent 28 potential ignitions, and eliminate more than 5,000 emergency response hours. The conversation also explores PG&E's three-pillar AI strategy, foundation, democratization, and execution, and why cybersecurity, responsible AI, and standardized processes must advance together. Listen to the full episode to hear how PG&E is building the foundation for predictive AI at enterprise scale. This episode is presented by Tines — Freedom to build. Complete security. No compromises. Learn more at tines.io This episode is also presented by Retool — Build internal software better, with AI. Learn more at retool.com

When AI makes everyone a software builder, who governs what gets built? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Thomas Kinsella, Co-Founder and COO of Tines, about the rise of “wild code”: invisible and ungoverned agents, automations, scripts, and workflows spreading across the enterprise. Kinsella explores how CIOs can encourage AI experimentation while creating the visibility, security, and controls required at scale. Key topics include: How “wild code” is changing enterprise AI governance Why governed AI needs a productive “paved path” When deterministic automation beats AI agents Where human judgment belongs in intelligent workflows How workflows can evolve based on real-world decisions This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io This episode is also presented by Retool — Build internal software better, with AI. Learn more at retool.com

AI transformation should start with business value, not technology. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Derrick Pledger, Chief Digital and Information Officer of Maximus, about how he is reimagining work for an AI-driven enterprise. Derrick explains why Maximus defines ROI before launching AI pilots, how the company evaluates whether legacy processes can survive in an agentic world, and why every employee receives AI training. He also discusses building a failure-friendly innovation culture, bringing Silicon Valley capabilities into government environments, and using technology to improve citizen and mission outcomes. For CIOs navigating pressure to turn AI investment into measurable results, Derrick offers a clear mandate: start with the value you intend to create. This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io This episode is also presented by Retool — Build internal software better, with AI. Learn more at retool.com

Healthcare doesn’t lack data. The challenge is connecting it. In this episode of Technovation, Mouli Venkatesan, EVP and Chief Information & Technology Officer of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, joins Peter High to discuss how interoperability, AI, and shared technology foundations can help create a more connected healthcare system. Mouli explores how the Blue system balances national scale with local delivery, why longitudinal data matters to value-based care, and how BCBSA approaches AI through mindset, “heart set,” tool set, and skill set. He also explains why responsible AI begins with strong data governance and human involvement in clinical decisions. The conversation also covers AI workforce development, build-buy-partner decisions, process improvement, and leadership through influence across independent organizations. This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io This episode is also presented by Retool — Build internal software better, with AI. Learn more at retool.com

AI may be transformational, but that does not mean every great company needs to be an AI company. In this episode of Technoventure, Peter High speaks with Matt Witheiler, Head of Late-Stage Growth at Wellington Management, about how one of the world's largest asset managers evaluates companies approaching the public markets. Matt explains why valuation risk becomes critical at the late stage, what separates durable businesses from short-term trades, and how Wellington thinks about AI across technology, healthcare, fintech, and consumer markets. He also shares why today's AI cycle feels different from the dot-com era, how companies can prepare for the rhythms of the public market, and why the growth of late-stage private investing has created a dramatically larger opportunity set. Listen for a long-term investor's perspective on AI, growth, and building enduring public companies.

Enterprise AI is moving beyond experimentation toward a harder question: where does it actually create measurable business value? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Nikhil Narvekar, CIO and SVP of Global Business Services at Graphic Packaging Holding Company, about building an AI strategy around tangible outcomes. Narvekar explains how Graphic Packaging is applying AI to supply chain and logistics, reconsidering the need for a single ERP after 23 acquisitions and counting, and democratizing AI through fusion teams and employee training. Why Graphic Packaging took a cautious approach to enterprise AI How AI is helping optimize supply chain and logistics decisions Why a common data layer could change the ERP consolidation equation How fusion teams bring business and IT together around AI outcomes Why human domain knowledge remains essential as AI matures This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io This episode is also presented by Retool — Build internal software better, with AI. Learn more at retool.com

Better AI starts with better data, and for Vulcan Materials CIO Krzysztof Soltan that means simplifying first. In this episode of Technovation, Krzysztof Soltan joins Peter High to discuss how Vulcan Materials is modernizing its technology foundation across more than 400 aggregate operations. He explains why reducing system complexity, strengthening master data governance, and investing in talent are foundational to the company's AI ambitions. The conversation also explores Vulcan's multi-year digital transformation, its approach to buying versus building AI capabilities, and its focus on a small number of high-value AI opportunities. Looking ahead, Soltan shares his perspective on agentic AI, human-agent collaboration, autonomous mobility, and AI at the edge. Listen to learn how a data-first foundation can position an enterprise to scale AI with greater focus and business value. This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io This episode is also presented by Retool — Build internal software better, with AI. Learn more at retool.com

What happens when AI gives healthcare workers more time to do the work only humans can do? Nathan Frank, Chief Digital and Technology Officer of Aetna, joins Peter High to discuss how Aetna is scaling AI across healthcare while keeping people at the center. Frank shares how AI-enabled workflows are giving care-management nurses 90 minutes back per day, reducing the administrative burden of navigating clinical notes and multiple systems. He also explains how Aetna is building on years of investment in enterprise data and clinical data infrastructure, applying responsible AI governance, and bringing employees directly into the product-development process. The conversation explores what it takes to move AI from experimentation to meaningful improvements for members, providers, and colleagues, and why Frank believes AI and humans together can create a better healthcare experience. This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io This episode is also presented by Retool — Build internal software better, with AI. Learn more at retool.com

AI may make professional services faster, but Grant Thornton Advisors CIO Mike Kempe believes the bigger opportunity is to rethink what clients are actually buying. In this episode of Technovation, Kempe joins Peter High to discuss how Grant Thornton is using AI to reimagine professional services from the ground up. He explains why simply automating individual steps leaves much of AI's potential untapped, how the firm keeps human judgment at the center of AI-enabled work, and why trust and governance remain essential as adoption scales. Kempe also explores a larger shift in the industry: away from traditional time-and-materials engagements and toward a model built around outcomes, insight, confidence, and results. The conversation also covers Grant Thornton's AI investments, its GTAP audit platform, experimentation with AI agents, M&A integration, and the evolving role of the CIO. This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io This episode is also presented by Retool — Build internal software better, with AI. Learn more at retool.com

What separates an exceptional executive from an outlier founder? For Sequoia Capital partner Bogomil Balkansky, learning the difference required recalibrating his own definition of talent. In this episode of Technoventure, Peter High speaks with Balkansky about how Sequoia evaluates founders when there is little data to rely on, why intuition matters in early-stage investing, and what his experiences at VMware and Bebop taught him about building enduring companies. They also explore the evolution of Wiz, AI's impact on cybersecurity, and why the companies that define a technology era may not be the ones that first blaze the trail. You'll hear: What makes a founder an “outlier” Why great employees do not always become great founders How Balkansky approaches high-stakes, one-way-door decisions Why startups should earn the right to become platforms How AI could create a new generation of cybersecurity champions Listen to the full conversation for an investor-operator perspective on founders, markets, risk, and building through disruption.

The smartest AI model may no longer be the biggest constraint on enterprise AI. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Retool Co-Founder and CEO David Hsu about why the next frontier is the “harness” around the model: the context, tools, governance, and human approvals that allow AI to do meaningful work inside an enterprise. David explains why knowledge workers are still too often acting as the API for AI, how enterprises can democratize software development without sacrificing security, and why model flexibility matters as costs and capabilities change rapidly. The conversation also explores the future of SaaS, the growing cybersecurity implications of AI-generated code, and how David's background in philosophy shapes his thinking about intelligence itself. This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io

The next evolution of enterprise networks is not more automation, it is autonomy. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Verizon CTO Yago Tenorio about how Verizon is building toward Level 4 network autonomy, where AI agents operate as “digital colleagues” under human supervision. Yago explains how autonomous systems could reduce incident resolution from hours to seconds, identify customer experience gaps traditional network monitoring cannot see, and operate safely through observability, traceability, reversibility, and accountability. They also discuss Verizon's rollout of Claude Code to 33,000 technology employees, the changing skills required in an AI-first workforce, why data and domain expertise matter more than simply deploying the largest language model, and how AI could reshape the future of connectivity. This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io

What drives someone to spend decades pursuing artificial general intelligence, not for wealth, but for scientific discovery? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with bestselling author and financial historian Sebastian Mallaby about his new book, The Infinity Machine, which chronicles the remarkable journey of DeepMind co-founder Demis Hassabis and the global race to build artificial general intelligence (AGI). Drawing on more than 30 hours of interviews with Hassabis and conversations with over 100 colleagues, competitors, and friends, Mallaby explores the leadership philosophy, scientific ambition, and organizational decisions that shaped one of the world’s most influential AI companies. Listeners will also hear an in-depth discussion of Google’s acquisition of DeepMind, the evolution of AI from AlphaGo to Gemini, the competitive dynamics among OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, and Google, and what the pursuit of superintelligence means for business leaders navigating the next era of technological transformation. Key topics include: Why Demis Hassabis devoted his career to AGI The founding story behind DeepMind Google’s AI strategy and the Innovator’s Dilemma Leadership lessons from building world-class research organizations The opportunities of increasingly capable AI systems Listen to discover why the future of AI may depend as much on leadership and organizational design as on technological breakthroughs. This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io

Technology transformation isn’t about AI, it’s about building the foundations that make AI possible. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High sits down with Michael Wisler, Senior Executive Vice President of Technology and Operations at M&T Bank, to explore how the bank spent nearly a decade rebuilding its engineering culture, reducing technical debt, modernizing its data foundation, and transforming technology into a strategic business capability. Wisler explains why changing organizational beliefs came before changing technology, how M&T dramatically improved engineering productivity and resiliency, why technology and operations now belong together, and how those investments positioned the bank to scale generative AI responsibly. Key discussion topics include: Building a technology-first culture Reducing technical debt and improving resiliency Developing enterprise engineering talent Creating technology hubs in Buffalo and Wilmington Preparing data foundations for AI Scaling generative AI responsibly Integrating technology and operations Cybersecurity and quantum readiness Whether you’re leading digital transformation, modernizing enterprise technology, or developing an AI strategy, this conversation offers practical lessons on why long-term competitive advantage begins with strong engineering foundations. This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io

The companies that define an era often appear irrational before they appear inevitable. In this episode of Technoventure, Peter High speaks with FPV Ventures Co-Founder & Managing Partner Wesley Chan about building products at Google, founding Google Ventures, investing against consensus, and recognizing founders with 100-year visions. Wesley explains how first-principles thinking helped him identify companies such as Canva and why the most important investment question may be, “What if it goes right?” They also explore: Why Google prioritized speed and relevance over keeping users on its site How Google Ventures aligned corporate capital with founder interests What Wesley saw in Canva after 111 investors said no Why specialized data can create more durable AI businesses How Bill Campbell taught leaders to protect their time and energy Why incentives frequently matter more than policies or intentions Listen for an operator-investor's perspective on product excellence, AI investing, organizational design, and building companies capable of outliving their founders.

Artificial intelligence isn’t the transformation, it’s the catalyst. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Francesco Tinto, Chief Information & Global Business Services Officer at Kimberly-Clark, about why enterprise AI success depends on far more than technology. Francesco explains how Kimberly-Clark’s Powering Care strategy combines data, AI, operating model transformation, and process redesign to drive sustainable growth across one of the world’s most recognized consumer products companies. Together they explore how IT and Global Business Services are converging, why AI requires rethinking enterprise workflows, the importance of building trusted data foundations, and how leaders can prepare their organizations for an AI-first future. Key topics include: Kimberly-Clark’s Powering Care transformation strategy Why AI must serve business strategy, not the other way around Building enterprise data foundations for scalable AI Predictive maintenance, demand forecasting, and supply chain optimization Training the workforce for an AI-enabled operating model If you’re leading technology, digital transformation, or enterprise operations, this conversation offers practical insights into scaling AI while keeping people, process, and business value at the center. This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io

How can AI help farmers produce more with fewer resources? That’s the challenge driving digital transformation at AGCO. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Jena Holtberg-Benge, Chief Digital & Information Officer at AGCO, about how AI, precision agriculture, connected equipment, and data are reshaping modern farming. Drawing on her unique background leading both business operations and technology, Jena explains why successful AI initiatives begin with customer problems, not technology. She discusses AGCO’s precision agriculture strategy, AI-powered dealer experiences, cybersecurity for connected machinery, data governance, and the leadership skills required to scale AI across the enterprise. In this episode: How AGCO uses AI to reduce costs and improve yields for farmers Why business-first technology leadership drives better outcomes Building AI agents that improve dealer and customer experiences Managing data across connected agricultural equipment Developing AI literacy and a culture of continuous learning This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io

Technology creates competitive advantage when it helps the business move faster, remove friction, and solve customer problems more effectively. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Bhaskar Ramachandran, Vice President and Global CIO of PPG, about transforming IT from a support function into a strategic business capability. Bhaskar explains how PPG's cloud-only strategy accelerates acquisitions, strengthens security, and creates a foundation for AI. He also shares how FormulationAI is helping scientists develop coatings faster and optimize existing products. Key insights include: Why PPG closed eight global data centers How AI drives both efficiency and revenue What leaders must do to sustain transformation How technology preserves and scales expert knowledge Why customer ecosystems represent the next competitive frontier This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io

In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Alex Holt, Field CTO at ElevenLabs, about what separates successful enterprise AI initiatives from those that never move beyond the proof of concept. Alex explains how ElevenLabs combines cutting-edge AI research, enterprise-grade products, and forward-deployed engineering to help organizations deploy voice AI at scale. He also discusses why AI success depends on tying every implementation to measurable business outcomes, how voice agents are transforming customer engagement, and why enterprises must rethink implementation if they expect real ROI. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why AI projects should begin with business KPIs—not technology How forward-deployed engineering accelerates enterprise adoption What makes enterprise voice AI production-ready How ElevenLabs balances innovation with safety and governance Why the best AI organizations measure outcomes, not experiments This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Modern Email Delivery for developer & product teams. Learn more at elevenlabs.io

For more than four decades, Annie Lamont, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Oak HC/FT, has invested through every major technology wave, from the early days of personal computing and biotech to cloud software, fintech, and today’s AI revolution. In this episode of Technoventure, Annie joins Peter High to discuss what separates enduring investors from those who fade with changing markets. She reflects on lessons learned from working alongside pioneering entrepreneurs, explains why continual reinvention is essential for long-term success, and shares how AI is reshaping healthcare, financial services, enterprise software, and venture investing. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, investor, or technology leader, this conversation offers practical insights on recognizing transformational trends, backing exceptional founders, and leading through periods of unprecedented technological change.

Zoom became synonymous with video meetings, but its next chapter is about delivering business outcomes through AI. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Gary Sorrentino, Global CIO of Zoom, about the company’s evolution from a video conferencing platform to an enterprise AI platform designed to move organizations “from conversation to completion.” Drawing on nearly five decades in technology leadership, Gary explains why CIOs should prioritize integrated AI platforms over disconnected point solutions, how better data drives better AI outcomes, and why the future of work is about enabling effective collaboration wherever work happens. He also shares his perspective on AI agents, deepfake detection, usage-based AI, and the leadership skills technology executives will need as human and digital workforces increasingly operate together. This episode is presented by Mailtrap — Modern Email Delivery for developer & product teams. Learn more at mailtrap.io

What if the key to breakthrough innovation isn’t more freedom—but better constraints? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with bestselling author David Epstein about the surprising ideas behind his newest book, Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better. Drawing on examples from Apple, Pixar, Bell Labs, General Magic, Bach, Dr. Seuss, and scientific research, David explains why carefully designed constraints often produce more creativity, better decisions, and stronger leadership than unlimited choice. Listeners will also learn: Why our brains default to the “path of least resistance” How constraints fuel innovation across business, science, and the arts What General Magic teaches today’s AI leaders Why hypothesis-driven thinking produces better outcomes How leaders can create boundaries that encourage creativity without stifling it This episode is presented by Mailtrap — Modern Email Delivery for developer & product teams. Learn more at mailtrap.io

AI is transforming travel, but according to Priceline CTO Sejal Amin, technology alone isn’t enough. The real competitive advantage comes from redesigning how organizations work. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Sejal about leading technology strategy at one of the world’s largest online travel platforms. They explore how Priceline built Penny, its fully agentic AI travel assistant, why preference data is becoming more valuable than behavioral data alone, and how product operating models are accelerating innovation across engineering teams. You’ll also hear why Sejal believes developer productivity and engineering performance are fundamentally different, how AI is reshaping software development, and why the future of agentic AI depends as much on customer trust as technical capability. Key topics include: Building Priceline’s AI-powered travel assistant, Penny Moving from functional silos to product ownership Using preference data to create personalized customer experiences Improving developer experience through AI and platform engineering Why organizational architecture determines AI success Whether you’re leading AI initiatives, modernizing engineering organizations, or building customer-centric digital platforms, this conversation offers practical insights for technology executives navigating rapid change. This episode is presented by Mailtrap — Modern Email Delivery for developer & product teams. Learn more at mailtrap.io

What gives one enterprise an AI advantage over another? According to Atlassian Chief Product & AI Officer Tamar Yehoshua, it’s not simply access to the latest models, it’s the depth of enterprise context. In this episode of Technovation, Tamar joins Peter High to discuss how Atlassian is leveraging decades of workflow history through its Teamwork Graph to power AI across Jira, Confluence, and Rovo. She explains why enterprise context is becoming the defining ingredient for AI success, how software must now be designed for both humans and AI agents, and why leadership judgment becomes even more valuable as AI accelerates software development. Tamar also shares Atlassian’s approach to AI Builder Weeks, measuring AI productivity, building open agent ecosystems, and helping customers realize measurable business value from AI investments. This episode is presented by Mailtrap — Modern Email Delivery for developer & product teams. Learn more at mailtrap.io

Artificial intelligence may be transforming how companies are built, but Avi Eyal believes the fundamentals of identifying exceptional founders haven’t changed. In this episode of Technoventure, Peter High sits down with Avi Eyal, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Entrée Capital, to discuss what separates enduring companies from the rest. Drawing on years of experience investing in early-stage technology companies, Avi shares how his firm’s investment philosophy continues to prioritize people, timing, technology, and market opportunity—even as AI reshapes startups, enterprise software, and the future of work. They also explore how venture firms evaluate founders, why smaller AI-enabled teams are becoming the norm, the promise of vertical AI, how enterprise technology is evolving, and why Avi believes quantum computing could arrive sooner than many expect. Whether you’re a founder, technology executive, investor, or innovation leader, this conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on navigating one of the biggest technology shifts in decades. In this episode: Why exceptional founders remain the biggest differentiator Entrée Capital’s Four Ts investment framework How AI is changing startups and enterprise software The future of agentic workforces Why quantum computing may be closer than many expect

Professional services is undergoing its biggest transformation in decades, and AI is only part of the story. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Jim Peko, CEO of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC, about how the firm is redefining the professional services model through private equity, platform consolidation, strategic acquisitions, and a $1 billion technology investment. Jim explains why incremental change is no longer enough, why data will become the true competitive differentiator, and how firms can balance innovation with the trust that clients expect. You’ll also hear Jim’s perspective on AI governance, agentic AI, the future of talent, evolving pricing models, and why professional services firms must rethink their operating model to remain competitive in an era of rapid technological change. This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com/technovation

Most companies don’t have a technology problem. They have a complexity problem. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Gus Shahin, EVP of Business Technology and Operations at NetApp, about consolidating IT, operations, global security, and enterprise process under a single leader. Shahin joined NetApp in 2024 after 24-plus years at Flex, where he served as CIO and led global supply chain. He argues that transformation stalls on change management, not technology, and that the real goal of enterprise AI is not a handful of pilots but an AI-first culture. Key Highlights: Why consolidating four functions under one leader beats siloed CIO, CDO, and CTO roles How NetApp launched 29 AI projects and deliberately killed 11 to 12 mid-year Why the shift to inferencing makes storage performance the new bottleneck How “fail fast” became a transformation lever, not a slogan Where buy-versus-build is shifting, and the hidden cost of building your own This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com/technovation

What happens when a technology provider can see patterns across 244 million account holders and thousands of financial institutions? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Keith Fulton, Chief Data Officer at Jack Henry, about how data science and AI are transforming community banking. Keith explains how Jack Henry is leveraging industry-scale data to help banks reduce fraud, predict customer churn, identify hidden revenue opportunities, and prepare for an agentic AI future. He also shares how the company is democratizing innovation through citizen development, AI adoption programs, and enterprise-grade governance for employee-built applications. Key Highlights: Building the data foundation required for agentic AI Using consortium-scale data to uncover insights individual banks cannot see Predicting customer churn and identifying hidden commercial customers Applying AI to fraud prevention and customer protection Scaling innovation through AI adoption and citizen development This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com/technovation

As AI agents gain access to enterprise systems, identity security is becoming the control layer for responsible AI adoption. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Sree Kancharla, CIO of SailPoint, about how identity governance is evolving from managing human access to securing machine identities, AI agents, and autonomous workflows. Sree discusses SailPoint’s role as “Customer Zero,” the growing challenge of shadow AI, the importance of governance that enables innovation, and how organizations can balance productivity gains with responsible risk management. He also shares his perspective on persona-based AI experiences, human-led agents, and the workforce implications of AI for the next generation of technology professionals. Key topics include: Why AI agents require a new approach to identity security How SailPoint manages shadow AI across the enterprise The role of Customer Zero in driving product innovation Moving from human-in-the-loop to human-led agents Preparing future technology talent in an AI-driven world This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com/technovation

Cybersecurity leadership isn’t ultimately about technology, it’s about judgment, influence, and the ability to lead through uncertainty. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Stephen Ward, cybersecurity executive, investor, and former security leader at several large enterprises. Stephen reflects on his unconventional journey from government service to corporate cybersecurity leadership and ultimately technology investing. Along the way, he shares lessons on building security organizations, navigating risk, developing executive influence, and preparing for a future increasingly shaped by AI. Key discussion topics include: The transition from cybersecurity operator to executive leader Building trust while transforming security organizations Lessons learned from leading large-scale security programs Why leadership skills matter as much as technical expertise The evolving relationship between AI and cybersecurity What separates enduring technology companies from the rest

How does a 177-year-old industrial company maintain startup speed while preparing for technologies that may not mature for another decade? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Vishwanath Hegadekatte, Director of Innovation at Freudenberg Technology Innovation (FTI), about building an internal innovation engine designed to identify, test, and scale emerging technologies across a global manufacturing enterprise. Vishwanath explains how Freudenberg combines strategic foresight, AI-driven research, external partnerships, and startup-style experimentation to help its business units prepare for opportunities years before they become mainstream. The conversation explores humanoid robotics, agentic AI, advanced materials, and the organizational structures required to turn innovation into measurable business impact. This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com/technovation

Most digital transformation stories begin with customer-facing technology. Chipotle’s began by redesigning operations. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Curt Garner, President, Chief Strategy & Technology Officer at Chipotle Mexican Grill. Curt shares how Chipotle evolved from accepting fax orders in 2015 to operating a $5 billion digital commerce engine today. He explains why solving operational challenges before customer adoption proved critical to scaling digital growth and how cloud architecture, dedicated digital kitchens, rewards, personalization, and AI-enabled supply chain capabilities continue to drive innovation across the business. Key topics discussed include: Building a digital commerce platform capable of operating at web scale Scaling from 20% to 85% digital ordering during COVID Designing dedicated digital kitchens to eliminate fulfillment friction Using rewards and personalization to deepen customer engagement Applying AI to forecasting, inventory management, and supply chain operations Balancing technology innovation with human hospitality This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com/technovation

Southwest Airlines has spent the last several years modernizing one of the most complex operational environments in the world. In this episode of Technovation, Lauren Woods, EVP and CIO of Southwest Airlines, shares how the company transformed a period of operational disruption into a catalyst for long-term technology modernization and resilience. Lauren discusses Southwest’s investments in modern data platforms, predictive analytics, cloud infrastructure, AI-enabled operations, cybersecurity, and customer experience transformation. She also explains the technology behind major commercial changes, including assigned seating, new fare structures, and evolving digital experiences. Key topics include: Building operational resilience through proactive analytics Creating the data foundation required for AI at scale Leveraging machine learning across airline operations Modernizing legacy systems while maintaining reliability Leading large-scale organizational and cultural transformation This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com/technovation

How do you apply AI to one of the world’s most perishable supply chains? In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Sankar Chinnathambi, CIO of Driscoll’s, the world’s largest berry company. With operations spanning more than 30 growing regions and products sold in approximately 60 countries, Driscoll’s faces a unique challenge: moving billions of berries from harvest to consumers while preserving freshness and quality. Sankar discusses how Driscoll’s is using AI, predictive analytics, and digital platforms to improve grower collaboration, supply forecasting, pricing optimization, and supply chain visibility. He also shares the company’s broader modernization strategy, including ERP transformation, BerryGPT, and technology initiatives designed to accelerate innovation while supporting growth, sustainability, and resilience. Key discussion topics include: Building an AI-powered digital agronomist Modernizing forecasting in a supply-constrained business Creating a global digital backbone with Oracle Fusion Using real-time monitoring to preserve product quality Accelerating agricultural innovation through technology This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com

Artificial intelligence is changing how knowledge work gets done, and AI agents may be the next major leap. In this episode of Technoventure, Peter High speaks with Arpan Shah, General Partner at Spark Capital, about how AI is reshaping research, investing, software development, and enterprise productivity. Arpan shares how he uses AI agents to accelerate diligence, synthesize information, and expand his own capacity as an investor, while also exploring the future of AI infrastructure, model competition, security, and stablecoins. Key topics include: How AI agents are transforming knowledge work Why AI demand may outpace compute supply for years The evolution of token economics and enterprise AI adoption Security challenges created by increasingly capable AI systems How stablecoins could reshape global financial infrastructure

Artificial intelligence may be the most transformative technology in decades, but only if it moves beyond automation. Recorded live at Vanguard’s unlimITed Technology Conference, Peter High sits down with three Vanguard leaders: Joe Davis, Global Chief Economist; Nitin Tandon, Global Chief Information Officer; and Joanna Rotenberg, Managing Director of Personal Wealth. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping economic growth, financial services, workforce development, and technology strategy. The discussion examines why Vanguard believes AI’s greatest potential lies in augmentation and entirely new products and services, not simply cost reduction. The leaders also share how years of cloud modernization, data transformation, product operating models, and enterprise-wide AI enablement have positioned Vanguard to accelerate innovation while maintaining trust. Key topics include AI productivity, economic resilience, digital advice, modernization, and responsible AI adoption. This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com  

Healthcare accounts for nearly one-fifth of the U.S. economy, making it one of the most consequential sectors for AI-driven transformation. In this special Technovation summit panel moderated by Mike Bertha, Partner at Metis Strategy, Michael Pfeffer, Chief Information & Digital Officer at Stanford Health Care and Stanford School of Medicine, and Chad Wasserman, CIO of HCA Healthcare, explore how healthcare organizations are moving beyond digitization and toward clinical-grade AI. The discussion examines how AI is improving clinical decision-making, accelerating disease detection, enabling personalized medicine, and reshaping healthcare operations. The panelists also discuss responsible AI governance, the importance of connecting technologists to patient outcomes, and what it will take for AI to ultimately bend healthcare’s cost curve. Key topics include: Moving healthcare from digitized to truly digital Clinical-grade AI and personalized medicine Responsible AI governance and Stanford’s FURM framework Human-centered technology leadership Scaling innovation through operational excellence The future of healthcare delivery and AI-enabled care This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com  

AI is changing more than software, it's redesigning how enterprises operate. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Amir Kazmi, Chief Technology and Growth Officer at Ralliant, about how precision technology companies are embedding AI into operational workflows, industrial systems, and critical infrastructure. Amir explains how the Ralliant Business System (RBS) is evolving into an AI-native operating model designed to accelerate decision-making, reduce cycle times, and improve operational resilience at global scale. Key discussion topics include: Embedding AI into enterprise workflows and decision systems The role of precision sensing in electrification and grid reliability How Ralliant supports critical infrastructure across 90+ countries Balancing agility and governance in the AI era Why autonomous workflows may redefine enterprise operations

Enterprise AI is entering a new phase, one defined less by experimentation and more by measurable business value. In this summit panel episode of Technovation, Steven Norton speaks with Richard Jardim of CIBC, Sears Merritt of MassMutual, and Shekar Pannala of The Hartford about what it really takes to scale AI responsibly inside large, highly regulated enterprises. The discussion explores how leading organizations are rethinking software development, governance, operating models, and financial discipline as AI capabilities rapidly evolve. Key topics include: Moving from AI pilots to measurable P&L impact Reducing feature lead times through AI-enabled development Modernizing legacy systems with GenAI Building governance-by-design operating models Managing the shift to consumption-based AI economics

What makes a founder truly exceptional? In this episode of Technoventure, Peter High speaks with Paige Craig, Founder and Managing Partner of Outlander VC, about the founder characteristics that separate resilient entrepreneurs from persuasive storytellers. Drawing from his experience as a Marine sergeant, intelligence operator, entrepreneur, and early investor in companies like Lyft, Paige shares how leadership under chaos shaped his investment philosophy. The conversation explores founder psychology, risk management, physical AI, robotics, deep tech, and why software alone may no longer be enough to create defensible businesses in the AI era. Key topics include: Why founder character matters more than ideas How military leadership shaped Paige's investing philosophy What investors misunderstand about risk Why physical AI and robotics are the next frontier How AI is changing venture capital and startup creation

Steve Jobs' greatest leadership lessons did not come during Apple's rise, they came during exile. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with award-winning journalist and author Geoffrey Cain about Steve Jobs in Exile, his new book examining the overlooked NeXT Computer years that transformed Jobs from a volatile founder into one of the most influential business leaders in history. Cain explores how failure, resilience, discipline, and leadership maturity shaped Jobs during a period widely misunderstood as a commercial detour. Key discussion points include: Why NeXT's failures became foundational to Apple's future success The leadership lessons Jobs learned through adversity How NeXTSTEP evolved into the backbone of modern Apple software Why visionary thinking alone is not enough to build enduring companies The role of trust, dissent, and elite talent in high-performing organizations

AI is quickly evolving from a productivity tool into a growth engine, and the organizations that can operationalize enterprise intelligence at scale will define the next era of competition. In this summit panel episode of Technovation, Peter High and Andrew Krusell speak with Steve Bronson, CIO of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, and John Gigerich, SVP & CIO of Keurig Dr Pepper, about how leading enterprises are transforming data, AI, and machine learning into measurable revenue growth. Key topics include: Using AI-driven sales enablement to improve retail execution Building trusted enterprise data foundations for scalable AI Leveraging predictive intelligence to optimize ordering and inventory Aligning business and technology teams around growth outcomes Navigating acquisitions, organizational change, and AI governance at scale

AI productivity gains alone are no longer enough. The organizations creating real enterprise value are redesigning their operating models around data, decision advantage, and differentiated capability. In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our most recent Metis Strategy Summit where Peter High moderated a conversation with Alexandra Guenther, SVP & CIO at Leidos, and Kelly Fletcher, CIO of the U.S. Department of State, about how enterprise leaders are rethinking AI strategy, cybersecurity, and organizational transformation during an era of continuous disruption. Key discussion points include: Why AI value must extend beyond productivity metrics How the State Department securely enables AI experimentation at scale The role of enterprise data foundations in successful AI adoption Using AI to improve cybersecurity visibility and decision advantage Leading organizations through the psychology of transformation