The Digital Transformation Journey

In episode 5 of MIT Professional Education’s Women in Leadership podcast, Women in STEM: Support & Inclusion, Prof. Anna Frebel shares her insights into her leadership and mentorship journey. She emphasizes the significance of collaborative initiatives and stresses that women in the workplace need visibility opportunities and support from their counterparts.

In the fourth episode of Women in Leadership, Public Speaking and Body Language: Convey your Message Effectively ,Anna Frebel, Professor of Physics and Head of the Astrophysics Division at MIT, discusses the importance of preparing a polished presentation and creating a story that your audience will remember. Listen for insights on maintaining composure and leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

Welcome to episode three of MIT’s Professional Education series in Data Leadership with Dr. Abel Sanchez and Prof. John R. Williams. Dr. Abel Sanchez, Executive Director of the Geospatial Data Center at MIT, and Prof. John R. Williams, Director of the Geospatial Data Center at MIT, open this episode on data leadership by stressing the importance of smaller teams, trusting the people you hire, and how a “5-year plan” needs to be fully adaptable to the ever-changing environment. Join us as we explore how the vision from 20 years ago has shifted and how it is crucial to choose a framework that suits the state of your company today.

Welcome to episode two of MIT Professional Education’s Data Leadership with Dr. Abel Sanchez and Prof. John R. Williams. In this episode, we explore solutions to problems obstructing the digitization of different processes and organizations. A huge factor that slows the digitizing progress in a company is bureaucracy, where policies either create a bottleneck or a pathway for technological revitalization or revolution. Dr. Sanchez finishes with insights into the history of open-source software such as GitHub, where coders, software developers, and engineers create innovative ways of producing software faster and more efficiently that take enterprises years to develop and release.

The complete digitization of an organization is inevitable in today’s rapidly evolving technological world. As seemingly daily technological advances are made, there can be resistance to the willingness to adopt these valuable tools into an organization. Sometimes slow change is inherent and is deeply rooted in the mentality of “what’s worked” versus “what’s possible.” Leaders at the C-suite level have a tremendous task: Creating a vision for the future while aligning these emerging tools with company culture and values. Dr. Abel Sanchez, Executive Director of the Geospatial Data Center at MIT, and Prof. John R. Williams, Director of the Geospatial Data Center at MIT, open this two-part series on data leadership as it pertains to the slow change of adapting new technologies to organizations due to decision making by C-suite executives. Explore the innovation and genius of generative AI tools like GitHub and ChatGPT 3. Also, examine why certain technologies, such as cloud technology, have yet to receive better recognition or marketing. Join us as we explore the emerging technological frontier as an intersection between data, emerging technologies, and how C-suite-level decision-makers adapt in the ever-evolving information age.

We want to welcome you to MIT Professional Education’s podcast series, Data Leadership. In this podcast series, renowned MIT Faculty members Dr. Abel Sanchez, Executive Director of the Geospatial Data Center, and Prof. John R. Williams, Director of the Geospatial Data Center, delve into the convergence of C-suite executives and emerging technologies. They explore how organizational leaders, from the top-down (not necessarily the down-up), must strategize to embrace new technology for digital transformation. It’s necessary to harness data generated by these technologies to address the dynamic demands of the market. Dr. Abel Sanchez and Prof. John R. Williams provide a roadmap of how to navigate the complexities of the ever-evolving technological landscape. Click here for more information on MIT’s Professional Education course, Data Leadership: https://professionalprogramsmit.com/en/online-program-data-leadership-dat-eng.html?utm_campaign=mpe-dat-eng&utm_source=sp-organic&utm_medium=social&utm_content=program

Almost three quarters of mothers work in the United States. However, mothers who work must navigate unique challenges in this balancing act. Gain understanding of the nuances, obstacles, and victories of working mothers. In this episode we are joined by Kristala L. Jones Prather, mother of two, Professor of Chemical Engineering, and Department Executive Officer at MIT. Kristala shares her experiences, both professional and personal, of working as an MIT Professor while raising children. She gives her insight onto the nuanced inequalities, expectations, and sacrifices that working mothers face. Listen for insights on becoming a fully realized agent of change for the greater good.

Despite notable progress toward achieving gender equality, women are still underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Although some positive changes have occurred in recent times, there is still a significant need to dispel the fallacy that the gender gap in STEM is a result of innate ability, rather than societal influences and situations. In this episode of Women in Leadership, we spoke with Kerri Cahoy, Associate Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Chair of MIT’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee. She shared her first-hand experience as a female researcher in STEM, a traditionally male-dominated field, and the factors that can contribute to empowering women in leadership in these fields.

Join us in conversations with a selection of the MIT faculty members who instruct the MIT Professional Education course, “Women in Leadership: Becoming an Agent of Change.” Each instructor has a different background, both professionally and personally, which shapes their view of allyship. Professor Kara Blackburn is a Senior Lecturer of Managerial Communication at the MIT Sloan School of Management, and she discusses how men can support their female colleagues along with Edward Schiappa, Professor of Humanities and Co-chair of the Gender Equity Committee of the School of Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences at MIT. Later, Doctor David Niño, Senior Lecturer in the Daniel J. Riccio Graduate Engineering Leadership Program at MIT, describes how male professors can foster the success of young women with great potential. Listen for insights on becoming a fully realized agent of change for the greater good.

Welcome to the "Women in Leadership" podcast series from MIT Professional Education, a space dedicated to inspiring and supporting women in leadership roles. In this podcast series, we'll be speaking with numerous experts who will share their insights and advice on how to navigate common challenges faced by women in leadership, as well as how to foster the development of aspiring professionals. Join us, as we explore the world of women and leadership in this exciting and necessary conversation. Click here for more information on the MIT Professional Education “Women in Leadership: Becoming an Agent of Change” course: https://professionalprogramsmit.com/en/online-program-women-in-leadership-wil-eng.html

2022 was a landmark year for rocket launching. Over 180 rockets were launched into space last year—that’s roughly one rocket every other day. How did we get this far, and why are we launching so many rockets into space? MIT space technology experts Prof. Alessandro Golkar and Prof. Olivier de Weck elaborate on rocket launches, industries taking advantage of the new space economy, and Italian salami. The conversation is certainly as entertaining as it sounds! Listen to the podcast episode to learn about innovative solutions to a more sustainable rocket launch future.

What is Earth observation? Further, how can your business benefit from its data? In this episode, MIT Professional Education’s Prof. Alessandro Golkar and Prof. Olivier de Weck discuss the history of Earth observation and how it benefits us at home. They discuss Google Maps, the Landsat Program, and the Copernicus Programme and provide insight into specific companies that benefit from Earth observation’s technology. Find out how you, too, can take advantage of Earth observation data to implement it in your business. Explore yet another valuable advantage of the New Space Economy. Find more information about this New Space sector here: https://bit.ly/3kWkcWB

We have come an exponentially long way since the first satellite, Sputnik 1, launched into orbit in 1957. Today, there are thousands more. In this episode, MIT Professional Education’s Prof. Olivier de Weck and Prof. Alessandro Golkar discuss the history of human exploration in space and the first satellites that orbited planet Earth. The conversation between the two experts is an intriguing discussion that leaves us wanting to learn more about the future of space exploration. Most importantly, it gives us insight into the New Space Economy—the booming space industry today. Find more information about this New Space sector here: https://professionalprogramsmit.com/en/online-program-new-space-economy-nse-eng.html

The New Space Economy is not just the future anymore. It is already here. Welcome to the MIT Professional Education new podcast miniseries. In this remarkable series, you will explore conversations amongst the space industry’s leading professionals detailing how to navigate new opportunities in the New Space Economy. From the latest technology to business insight, you will learn the role of commercial space in interplanetary exploration. You will quickly recognize that what everyone has been saying is true—eventually, everyone needs some space. Find more information about this New Space sector here: https://professionalprogramsmit.com/en/online-program-new-space-economy-nse-eng.html

In this episode of ‘Conversations on Strategic Sustainability,’ Dr. Jeremy Gregory speaks about impressive processes with National Energy Technology Laboratories’ Senior Environmental Engineer, Timothy Skone. Skone and Gregory discuss Skone’s vast experience conducting Life Cycle Assessments for National Energy Technology Laboratories and for the Department of Energy. The two discuss the scope, compliance with policies, strategies for sustainability, and interpretation of results of LCAs. Tune in for an exciting discussion about Life Cycle Assessments now.

In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Gregory interviews Dr. Bill Flanagan, who shares his riveting insight into the challenges faced as a Life Cycle Assessment Consultant, as well as how he quantifies environmental impacts to ensure companies meet their sustainability needs. Dr. Gregory and Dr. Flanagan cover topics related to transforming waste into functional products, delivering assessment results, and the mind-blowing outcomes of completing life cycle assessments.

In this episode of ‘Conversations on Strategic Sustainability,’ Dr. Jeremy Gregory is joined by Canadian-born Dr. Andre Yvon-Bessette, who works at Dow Chemical. Dr. Bessette specializes in conducting LCA for various product lines-particularly in the polyurethane business-and helping to ensure that new sustainability initiatives are commercially viable. In this podcast, we learn about the finer details involved in such endeavors, such as adhering to certain evolving methodologies, the dynamics of working with clients and suppliers, and dealing with confidentiality of data.

Do you know how to conduct a life cycle assessment? Also referred to as LCA, life cycle assessment denotes a methodology that helps to quantify the environmental pressures related to products, processes, and services, and helps organizations maximize their sustainability while streamlining manufacturing processes. EarthShift Global is an international consulting firm that supports large-scale organizations and startups alike in leveraging LCAs to enhance the efficiency and minimize the waste of their products. In this episode, MIT Professional Education´s Professor Jeremy Gregory interviews Lise Laurin, CEO, and Founder of EarthShift Global to speak about the challenges involved in such an ambitious operation.

Welcome to MIT Professional Education´s podcast series, ´Conversations on Strategic Sustainability.’ In this series, we explore the process of completing a life cycle assessment, a method that assists businesses in making strategic sustainability decisions among a broad range of factors that may otherwise go unrecognized. The series covers topics such as consulting, engaging with stakeholders, manufacturing, cost reduction, and data driven approaches to assessing environmental impacts for the maintenance of a reputable sustainable organization.

In this episode, Interview with Oliver Bonnet from BlaBlaCar, MIT Professional Education’s Dr. Bruce Cameron interviews the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) about the development and global growth of this two-sided platform, which connects carsharing drivers with passengers to promote sustainability-oriented ridesharing.

Led by MIT Professional Education faculty David Nino-Senior Lecturer of the Bernard M. Gordon-MIT Engineering Leadership Program-this podcast, ´Optimizing Leadership to Drive Innovation,´ guides us through the nuances of leadership, and how leadership inter-relates with innovation. Do you ever wonder what makes leaders stand out as exceptional? Do you ever consider how leaders inspire teams, organizations, and consumers to follow their direction? Have you ever wondered how tech leaders guide the complex technological evolutions of their organizations? Have you ever wondered how you could do the same...? These are the questions and topics that will be explored in this podcast, among others. Our goal is to educate and inspire those aspiring to lead, to adopt and integrate qualities of the top industry movers and influencers so that they can go on to accomplish similar goals.

In this episode, Interview with Morgan Blake from Etsy, MIT Professional Education’s Dr. Bruce Cameron converses with the Vice President of Payments. Etsy is a digital platform that has grown internationally for artisans to make and for customers to purchase unique goods. Discover how Etsy keeps human connection at the heart of its successful commerce.

In this episode, MIT’s Dr. Luis Perez-Breva explains common misconceptions about innovation and delves into debunking buzzwords. MIT Professional Education’s instructor, Luis Perez-Breva, holds a PhD, is an innovator, entrepreneur, educator, and author of Innovating: A Doer’s Manifesto. He is exploring the concept of innovation through a new lens, shattering misconceptions, debunking buzzwords, and inspiring listeners to take practical action on their ideas.

Welcome to the latest episode series, Digital Platforms, from MIT Professional Education’s podcast, “The Digital Transformation Journey”. This series focuses on Digital Platforms and Two-Sided Markets, with guest speakers from successful two-sided organizations. The guests are interviewed by MIT´s Dr. Bruce Cameron, whose research focuses on system architecture and product platform management. We hope you enjoy and learn some new insights into these modern enterprises!

In this podcast, we are speaking with Clara Piloto, Director of Global and Digital Plus Programs at MIT Professional Education, and passionate advocate of female participation in both STEM and our transforming professional landscape. Clara was born in Cuba and raised in the United States. Eventually she became involved with MIT to manage their digital education platform, and take it to new heights. In the podcast, Clara speaks about her childhood aspirations, her inspirations, and her views on the current situation for women in STEM. She encourages allowing girls to ‘tinker’ and be curious about science and technology, so that their potential can fully materialize.

Suzanne Greene is the Global Procurement Sustainability and Advocacy Leader for Dow Chemical. Her work focuses on sustainability and helping companies to improve the relationship between their supply chains and carbon emissions. In this episode, we speak with Suzanne about the origins of her curiosity, her inspirations, the details of her work, the most enjoyable aspects of working in the industry, and the current state of female representation in STEM. From an early interest in astronomy to initial career work in wetland restoration and ventures in the corporate sustainability world, Suzanne’s unique story and experience paint an inspiring portrait of what is possible when we put our minds to what we want to accomplish. The podcast ends on an inspiring note, encouraging those interested in STEM that now is one of the best times to get involved, with demand at unprecedented levels.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Siddiqi about her career, her motivations, and the challenges of working as a woman in STEM. She will also give some tips for young women looking to break into this field. Dr. Siddiqi is a seasoned research science and MIT alumni who specializes in systems modeling and analysis for large scale-engineered systems. Her work has informed public policy and achieved prestigious awards. She is a true exemplar of what it means to be an accomplished individual in the scientific community.

At MIT Professional Education we are committed to closing the existing gap between female and male representation within STEM fields. Therefore, we will be shedding light on the reasons for this disparity, promoting greater female participation in STEM, and celebrating the work of accomplished women in this industry with our #MindTheGap campaign. The views and opinions expressed by the guests and interviewees of this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of the host or MIT Professional Education, nor of their respective organizations. The views expressed by hosts and guests are solely their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of their ideas or any entity they may represent. The information and opinions expressed by the host and guest of this podcast do not reflect those of MIT Professional Education.

In this Episode of ‘Persuasive Communication,’ Professor Edward Schiappa speaks with Valentina Oldrati about the myths and facts of female leadership. They talk about workplace sexism, double standards, and the future of leadership moving towards a more balanced and androgynous model.

In this Episode of ‘Persuasive Communication,’ Professor Edward Schiappa shares four of the most difficult persuasion scenarios that you are likely to encounter on the road to persuasive excellence. Listeners will be properly equipped with strategies and toolkits for overcoming an array of obstacles, such as trying to win over a crowd of opponents, technical difficulties during public speeches, and even persuading people to act against their own core beliefs. At the end of the day, Professor Schiappa reminds us, nobody is perfect. It’s all about preparation and "Improving your batting average.”

In this episode of ‘Persuasive Communication,’ Professor Edward Schiappa Shares his top 10 tips for maximizing our communication and influence during calls over zoom and other similar platforms. With advice about camera details, setting, lighting, and audio, as well as utilizing body language, respecting our audience, and simulating eye effective contact. This is sure to be a value packed episode you will not want to miss.

In this week's episode of ‘The Sustainable Mindset', MIT Alumni and Dr. Afreen Siddiqi is speaking with Economist Jaime Diaz, Executive Vice President of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration, and whose work involves financing strategic projects that facilitate development goals and sustainable growth in developing countries. The two discuss how to realistically contribute to the UN’s 17 Sustainability Goals and reduce inequality. “Different sectors have to contribute at the same time,” Diaz notes, “...if that doesn’t happen, it will be difficult to advance”. They also cover different frameworks for assessment, how to effectively use sustainability indicators to influence the public atmosphere, adapting to contingencies of climate change, and more. Furthermore, Siddiqi and Diaz discuss the UN Inclusive Wealth Index, which considers nontraditional aspects into quantitative measurements, such as capital assets, including natural capital, human capital, and produced capital. Diaz exemplifies the Inclusive Wealth Index by explaining the vast amount of natural capital in Latin America, versus the GPD of specific countries. Press play to discover more about the captivating and surprising intersections of sustainable infrastructure and economic advocacy. The views and opinions expressed by the guests and interviewees of this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of the host or MIT Professional Education, nor of their respective organizations. The views expressed by hosts and guests are solely their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of their ideas or any entity they may represent. The information and opinions expressed by the host and guest of this podcast do not reflect those of MIT Professional Education.

In this week's episode of ‘The Sustainable Mindset: Connecting Water Systems and Built Infrastructure,’ MIT Alumni and Dr. Afreen Siddiqi speaks with Matthew McCartney, Researcher leader and Hydrologist at the International Water Management Institute. The two go on to cover how natural systems and manufactured systems influence each other, a mounting emphasis on evidence-based decision making, complex uncertainties in the fields resulting from climate change, key issues of risk to consider moving forward, and the work that still needs to be done to facilitate the integration of natural and built infrastructure systems. Join us in this episode as we dive deep into the topic. The views and opinions expressed by the guests and interviewees of this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of the host or MIT Professional Education, nor of their respective organizations. The views expressed by hosts and guests are solely their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of their ideas or any entity they may represent. The information and opinions expressed by the host and guest of this podcast do not reflect those of MIT Professional Education.

In this episode, MIT alumni and Research Scientist Dr. Afreen Siddiqi of MIT Professional Education hosts a conversation with Claudia Ringler of the Institute of International Food Policy Research to help us better understand the connections between water, energy, food, and land. “Energy matters every time you are trying to get enough water to produce food,” explains Ringler. She also touches on another factor that is closely tied to the previous four; our environment. “Ecosystem health is essential for food security, food production, and obviously for all life on Earth”. Driven by a deep dedication to the field, Dr. Siddiqi inquires with all the right questions and supporting points to aid in uncovering synergies that exist among these interlinkages, as well as solutions to their less beneficial aspects. Tune into the conversation to learn more about these linkages and how they play out in the real world in today’s episode, from MIT Professional Education. The views and opinions expressed by the guests and interviewees of this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of the host or MIT Professional Education, nor of their respective organizations. The views expressed by hosts and guests are solely their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of their ideas or any entity they may represent. The information and opinions expressed by the host and guest of this podcast do not reflect those of MIT Professional Education.

In the midst of climate change and new emerging technologies, could there be a better time for the US government to pass the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act? 1.2 trillion dollars will be spent over the next 8 years to fund new infrastructure projects in three critical areas: transportation, energy, and information. Dig into the details of this recent bill and the promising effects it may bring for the country’s future by listening to today’s episode from MIT Professional Education new series, “The Sustainable Mindset”.

On today’s episode of the Ideas to Action series, we'll be taking a look at the importance of designing and redesigning solutions to solve problems, as well as the process of developing your venture. You’ll also understand the need to develop solutions with all stakeholders in mind, including society, and evaluate how people will be affected—both positively and negatively. And you’ll also hear about some of the success stories from the MITdesignX program. This is The Venture Pitch.

On today’s episode of the Ideas to Action series, we'll be taking a look at the role humans play in designing solutions, even when technologies like AI solve problems for us on a daily basis. Discover how asking, listening, and human cooperation all come together to help frame problems and design and deliver impactful solutions. This is The Human Perspective.

On today’s episode of the Ideas to Action series, we'll be taking a look at the development of modern, impactful solutions and the role that design and human perspective play in solving complex problems. This is Framing Problems and Designing Solutions.

As modern problems continue to increase in complexity, identifying critical needs lies at the core of finding human solutions. This series will take a comprehensive look at solving complex problems: how they emerge, how to frame them, the human perspective that aids in designing solutions, and the development of an effective action plan to deploy them. Welcome to Ideas to Action.

Although climate change is a global challenge that affects the entire human race, some geographic areas are more impacted than others. Learn more from Professor John E. Fernández as he offers insights into global sustainability by following MIT Professional Education's new series, “The Sustainable Mindset,” on your favorite podcast platform.

Less is more. In terms of new and emerging sustainable materials, the first step is dematerialization. By improving the efficiency of material, we reach the goal of achieving the same performance with less environmental impact. Find out more about Prof. John E. Fernández’ insights on the sustainable materials innovation by following MIT Professional Education new series “The Sustainable Mindset” on your favorite podcast platform.

Have you ever thought about the link between urbanization and climate change? Learn more about MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative Director John Fernández’s research on resource and material management within sustainable cities in today's episode.

Welcome to our series, “The Sustainable Mindset,” part of MIT’s Digital Transformation Journey. Throughout the series, we’ll be exploring the latest insights and applications of sustainability across multiple industries and the impact of this field in both our professional and personal lives. Without further ado, this is “The Sustainable Mindset.”

Social interest around blockchain is increasing exponentially. Today, practically anyone can invest in cryptocurrency through an app. We are witnessing the development, expansion, and veneration of a technology with infinite applications, many of which have yet to be discovered. In this interview, Abel Sanchez, executive director of the Geospatial Data Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), PhD, and professor of the online program Blockchain: Disruptive Technology —also offered in Spanish—shares his point of view on cryptocurrency regulation, the value of the ecosystem, and the benefits of actively taking part in this journey.

In this podcast, Bhaskar Pant, Executive Director of MIT Professional Education, delves into the dimensions of culture, explores the connection between language and culture, explains the five stages of cultural awareness, and tells us how diversity, if handled correctly, can foster innovation and improve an organization’s performance.

Remote work has been part of our daily lives for months now and it is here to stay for the foreseeable future. Join Dr. Bruce Cameron on how this nature of work will impact potential platform opportunities within the manufacturing world.

What causes loyalty within industry platforms? In this episode, Dr. Bruce Cameron explores the intense market share feud between Uber and Lyft, what drives customers to choose between riding with one service or the other, and how industry platforms are cultivating brand loyalty in today’s world.

Join Prof. Olivier de Weck, Dr. Bruce Cameron, and Dr. Timothy Simpson as they discuss the winners and losers of the COVID-19 global pandemic. They consider the pandemic’s impact on the manufacturing industry, as well as the implications for product development, manufacturing, and product platforms. Finally, they introduce MIT Professional Education’s newest online program, Designing Product Families: From Strategy to Implementation.

They say that human knowledge doubles every 12 months, and it’s expected that it will soon double every 12 hours! This information overload presents a challenge: We have exponential growth when it comes to knowledge and technology, yet we have linear growth when it comes to business. Discover this disparity with Dr. Abel Sanchez in today’s episode of the Digital Transformation Journey: Automation and the new normal.

Actualmente, el conocimiento humano se duplica cada 12 meses y se espera que pronto se duplique en aproximadamente 12 horas. Esta sobredosis de información presenta un reto: actualmente tenemos un crecimiento exponencial respecto al conocimiento y la tecnología, pero en los negocios el crecimiento continúa siendo lineal. Descubre esta desigualdad con el Dr. Abel Sanchez en el episodio de hoy: Automatización y la nueva normalidad.

Prof. John R. Williams, Director of the MIT Geospatial Data Center, explores how planning in the traditional sense is near impossible given the current environment and the influence of technologies in our daily lives.