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

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

As AI reshapes enterprise operating models, the profile of the modern technology leader is changing just as quickly. In this special Technovation Summit May 2026 panel, Metis Strategy's Steven Norton sits down with executive search leaders Tarun Inuganti of Korn Ferry, Ryan Bulkoski of Heidrick & Struggles, and Mike Doonan of SPMB Executive Search to discuss how AI is redefining executive hiring, leadership expectations, and boardroom dynamics. The conversation explores why nonlinear career paths are becoming more valuable, how organizations are approaching Chief AI Officer roles, and why storytelling, influence, and change leadership are now essential executive capabilities. Key topics include: Why cross-industry experience is becoming a competitive advantage The rise of AI-fluent boards and executive teams How Chief AI Officer roles are evolving Why leadership influence now matters more than technical expertise alone What recruiters look for in next-generation CIOs and technology leaders

What separates founders who successfully scale companies from those who struggle to evolve beyond the startup phase? In this episode of Technoventure, Peter High speaks with Enrique Salem, Partner at Bain Capital Ventures and former CEO of Symantec, about leadership, cybersecurity, enterprise software, and the evolving role of AI in both business growth and cyber threats. Enrique shares lessons from building and leading organizations at global scale, advising founders, and investing in next-generation technology platforms. Key topics include: Building mission-driven organizations that scale Why trust and accountability accelerate execution How AI is reshaping cybersecurity threats and defenses Reducing customer friction in enterprise software adoption What great founders understand about self-awareness and leadership

As telecom infrastructure becomes increasingly software-defined, technology leaders must rethink everything from engineering talent to AI operations and customer experience. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Jake Perlman, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology and Information Officer at Charter Communications, about how one of the nation's largest connectivity providers is transforming its network into a software-driven platform. Jake shares how Charter is integrating AI, telemetry, predictive analytics, and edge infrastructure to improve operations at scale while enabling faster innovation across the business. Key highlights include: Why modern telecom networks increasingly resemble software platforms How AI is improving technician workflows and predictive operations Charter's approach to agile organizational design and engineering culture The strategic role of edge computing and distributed infrastructure Why continuous learning has become essential for technology leadership

AI isn't just a capability, it's an operating model shift. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Ramana Thumu, CTO of Expedia Group, about how one of the world's largest travel platforms is embedding AI into the core of how it operates. From AI squads integrated into business units to enterprise-wide AI literacy, Ramana shares how Expedia is aligning culture, processes, and technology to scale AI impact. They also explore how Expedia is reinventing engineering through AI agents, building a data foundation to power personalization, and reimagining the traveler experience through agentic AI. Key highlights include: Embedding AI into business workflows through AI squads Driving 3–5x productivity gains with AI-native engineering Building trusted data assets to scale AI innovation Creating agentic experiences across the travel journey Managing rapid AI evolution with flexible platform architecture

Retail is no longer about transactions, it's about designing experiences that create joy. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Prat Vemana, Chief Information and Product Officer at Target, about how one of the world's largest retailers is redefining customer experience across digital and physical channels. Prat shares how Target is embedding design into every layer of the organization, leveraging AI to power conversational commerce, and building a unified, multi-channel journey that blends convenience with inspiration. Key highlights include: Why Target views itself as “in the business of joy” How UX is evolving into an enterprise-wide capability The shift from search and browse to conversational discovery Building AI-ready data through semantic and contextual layers Deploying agentic AI to accelerate decision-making at scale

What does it take to turn a portfolio of legacy retail brands into a scalable technology platform? In this episode of Technovation, Kumar “Kartik” Kartikeya, SVP and Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Catalyst Brands, shares how he is building a shared operating model across data, AI, and customer experience to unlock enterprise value at scale. Leading technology for a $9B multi-brand retail ecosystem, Kartikeya explains how selective centralization enables faster innovation while preserving brand identity. Key insights include: How shared data and AI capabilities drive cross-brand scale Why “one plus one must equal three” in platform strategy The role of Consumer 360 in personalization and growth How AI is improving both employee productivity and customer experience Why CSAT is the most important KPI

Most enterprises struggle to see beyond their immediate priorities. Toyota built a system to solve that. In this episode of Technoventure, Ro Gupta, Managing Director of Woven Capital, explains how Toyota uses a “speedboat” venture strategy to identify and act on emerging technologies before they become obvious. Drawing on his experience as both a founder and investor, Ro shares how corporate venture capital can unlock not just financial returns, but strategic foresight. Key topics include: The “speedboat” model for enterprise innovation Inside-out vs. outside-in investment strategy How Toyota partners with startups at global scale The future of mobility across AI, energy, and space Lessons from operating at both startup and enterprise levels

AI disruption is no longer a future scenario, it's already reshaping the workforce. In this episode of Technovation, Andrew Yang, Founder & CEO of Noble Mobile, author of Hey Yang, Where’s My Thousand Bucks? shares why job displacement is accelerating faster than leaders and policymakers can respond. A former presidential candidate and founder of the Forward Party, Yang has been warning about automation's impact for years. Now, he explains why those predictions are becoming reality, and what must change. Key highlights include: Why AI is already eliminating white-collar jobs The case for taxing AI instead of human labor How universal basic income could stabilize the economy Why policymakers continue to lag behind innovation Lessons from launching Noble Mobile to challenge incumbents

AI is becoming the missing layer that transforms agriculture from a physical practice into a data-driven system. In this episode of Technovation, Feroz Sheikh, Chief Information and Digital Officer of Syngenta, shares how AI, data, and digital platforms are reshaping how farmers make decisions and how innovation scales across global agriculture. Key highlights include: How AI completes the evolution of agriculture's “jigsaw puzzle” The role of interdisciplinary teams in driving innovation Real-world AI applications across R&D, supply chain, and farming Democratizing advanced science for farmers worldwide Using data at scale to predict and prevent crop disease

What does it take to modernize a 120-year-old real estate powerhouse without losing its entrepreneurial edge? In this episode of Technovation, Kamini Rangappan Lane, President and CEO of Coldwell Banker Realty, shares how she is transforming one of the largest residential real estate networks in the U.S. by standardizing the back end while preserving the human, local nature of the business. She discusses how AI and automation are reshaping agent workflows, enabling faster deal processing, and unlocking productivity across a network of 45,000 entrepreneurs. Key highlights include: Transitioning from 50 operating companies to a unified platform model Applying AI to reduce listing creation time from hours to minutes Balancing efficiency with personalization in a highly local business Driving technology adoption through customer obsession Redefining leadership through clarity, transparency, and authenticity

AI transformation doesn't fail because of technology, it fails because of culture. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Trevor Schulze, CIO, and Eva Majercsik, Chief People Officer, of Genesys, about how they are jointly leading a human-centric AI transformation across a 6,000-person global organization. Together, they unpack why AI must be treated as a cultural shift and how organizations can drive adoption at scale. Key insights include: Why AI literacy is the foundation of enterprise adoption How CIOs and CPOs must co-own transformation The shift from automation to augmentation in the agentic era How experimentation unlocks innovation across the workforce Why change management is now a core leadership capability

Most career advice gets one thing wrong: it always tells you to follow your passion. In this episode of Technoventure, Bill Gurley, recent Author of Runnin' Down a Dream, General Partner at Benchmark and investor in companies like Uber and Zillow shares a more actionable framework: follow your fascination. Drawing from decades in venture capital and insights from his new book, Gurley explains how curiosity, not convention, drives long-term success. Key insights include: Why fascination is a stronger signal than passion How over-structured career paths lead to disengagement The role of peer networks in accelerating growth Why non-linear careers produce better outcomes How AI is reshaping opportunity and speculation cycles

What if claims processing could be 10x faster without sacrificing accuracy? In this episode of Technovation, Pravina Ladva, Group Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Swiss Re, shares how one of the world's leading reinsurers is using AI to transform claims processing, unlock insights, and redefine how work gets done across the enterprise. Key highlights include: How AI is reducing claims processing time from ~40 days to 4–5 days Why data ingestion is the biggest unlock for AI in insurance The importance of building “AI-ready” data foundations How Swiss Re achieved ~60% enterprise AI adoption Why AI transformation is more about people and process than technology

Apple's greatest successes were built on failure. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with David Pogue, an Emmy-winning journalist, former New York Times technology columnist, CBS News correspondent and author of Apple: The First 50 Years, about how Apple transformed early product missteps into category-defining innovation. Drawing on 150 interviews and decades of coverage, Pogue unpacks the hidden lessons behind Apple's most famous failures—and how they shaped the company's future. Key insights include: Why the Apple III and Lisa failed—and what they enabled How constraints in the early Mac informed later breakthroughs The role of leadership in reframing failure as progress Apple's near-collapse and improbable turnaround What today's executives can learn from Apple's innovation model

The modern workplace wasn't designed for today's leaders, and it's starting to break under the pressure. In this episode of Technovation, board director, author and former CIO Lisa Davis joins Peter High to examine why the workplace system, built decades ago, no longer supports the realities of modern careers. Drawing from her leadership experience across government, academia, and the private sector, Davis outlines what must change, and what leaders must do now. Key insights include: Why the current workplace model is structurally outdated How power dynamics shape leadership advancement The hidden cost of talent loss and system misalignment Why AI leadership lacks critical representation What executives must do to redesign work for the future

China is competing on control. In this episode, Ram Charan explains the “90% Model,” a strategy designed to dominate global manufacturing through scale, pricing power, and long-term positioning. Drawing on decades advising CEOs and global leaders, Charan breaks down how this model is reshaping industries—and what it means for business leaders navigating a fragmented, multi-polar world. Key insights include: Why China is willing to lose money to gain global dominance How “asset-light” strategies weakened Western manufacturing What CEOs must do to redesign supply chains for resilience Why AI should be treated as a tool—not a strategy How leadership must evolve in an era of unprecedented scale and speed

What does it really take to scale a company 10X in just a few years? Jon McNeill argues it's not genius, it's a system. In this episode of Technoventure, Jon McNeill, former President of Tesla and CEO of DVx Ventures, breaks down “The Algorithm,” a five-step framework that powered Tesla's rise from $2B to $20B in revenue. He shares how questioning assumptions, eliminating friction, and accelerating execution can unlock exponential growth. Key insights include: Why hypergrowth is a repeatable operating system—not a one-time event How Tesla reduced complexity to increase speed and conversion The role of first-principles thinking in breakthrough innovation Why cycle time is the ultimate performance metric How leaders can build cultures that embrace feedback and urgency

Why do most AI initiatives fail to deliver real value? Because they automate broken processes instead of fixing them. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Shobhit Varshney, Global Head of Artificial Intelligence at Citi, about how one of the world's largest banks is rethinking AI from the ground up. With experience spanning Citi and IBM, Shobhit shares how a value-first, platform-driven approach is enabling AI at scale, while maintaining strong governance and control. Key highlights include: Why re-engineering workflows is essential before applying AI How Citi prioritizes high-value use cases with clear ROI accountability The role of centralized AI platforms in scaling capabilities Embedding responsible AI across the enterprise Building an AI-first culture through training and champions

What happens when IT stops delivering projects—and starts delivering outcomes? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Alex Gutman, CTO of Gilbane, about how a 150-year-old construction leader is transforming its IT operating model around value streams. Gutman shares how aligning technology to client-defined value is driving agility, accountability, and measurable business impact. Key highlights include: Transitioning from siloed projects to outcome-driven value streams Building faster learning loops through cross-functional alignment Treating data as a trusted asset to enable scalable AI Applying AI to accelerate RFP responses and field execution Designing architecture for flexibility, speed, and long-term differentiation

What does it take to scale technology across one of the world's largest marketing organizations? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Craig Cuyar, Global CIO of Omnicom, about leading technology transformation across a $25B global enterprise. Craig shares how Omnicom is evolving from a holding company to a more centralized operating model, particularly in the wake of its acquisition of Interpublic Group. Key topics include: Managing post-acquisition integration at global scale Leveraging first-party data and proprietary platforms Using AI’s predictive models to agentic workflows, to transform marketing Balancing centralization, outsourcing, and business-aligned IT leadership

Why do so many successful companies eventually lose their way? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Eric Ries, entrepreneur, founder of the Long-Term Stock Exchange, and author of The Lean Startup and his new book Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great. Eric argues that corporate corruption rarely begins with bad actors. Instead, it emerges from organizational design—governance structures, incentives, and metrics that gradually push companies away from their original mission. Key highlights from the episode: Corporate corruption is often a design problem, not a character problem Short-term pressure often acts as an “invisible force” inside organizations Organizations behave like “superorganisms,” developing their own intelligence and moral character Metrics can distort behavior when companies mistake the measurement for the goal