The Progress Report

By supporting nonprofits that provide sustainable access to technology-enabled education, IT companies can drive innovation and create a brighter future for all. Organizations like Czechitas leverage education to empower women in tech, fostering innovation within companies. Today, Czechitas stands as the largest IT community in Czechia, committed to enhancing digital skills and advancing women in technology nationwide. In this episode, experts discuss how large enterprises can collaborate with nonprofits to bridge the technology gap for underrepresented communities. Featured expertsSenta Čermáková, Governing Board Member and Director of International Operations, CzechitasMonoswita Saha, Director, Social Impact, Kyndryl

There is a strong relationship between the business' bottom line and workplace culture. Companies that prioritize their company culture can see a substantial 33% increase in revenue, highlighting the undeniable link between a strong workplace culture and financial success.1Human Resources (HR) plays a vital role in making a business' most important asset – its people – feel valued and supported, enabling them to deliver their best work. This is imperative for any enterprise undergoing major change. By creating a culture inclusive of well-being, companies can foster a more people-first environment while delivering on strategic business outcomes.In this episode, our experts dive into why prioritizing people creates a more positive and supportive workplace culture and ultimately drives success for the business.Source: Organizational Culture: What Leaders Need to KnowFeatured ExpertsMatt Elliott, Chief People Officer, Bank of IrelandMaryjo Charbonnier, Chief Human Resources Officer, Kyndryl

How can commercial lenders build and maintain trust with their clients in the face of an uncertain global economic outlook? For financial services CEOs, it starts with refining work processes, managing risk, and maximizing the value of data generated by business and IT ecosystems. In this episode, we delve into the journey of one leading CEO who has mastered the art of creating relentless customer experience excellence and shareholder value through trust-building.Featured expertsRick Bare, CEO and President, Automated Financial Systems Inc. (AFS)Dr. Elena Huff, Director, Consult Partner, KyndrylTom Yezzi, Customer Partner, Kyndryl

Social impact programs not only contribute to societal and environmental well-being but also provide tangible business benefits, making them a vital component of corporate strategies. What does it truly mean to be a purpose-driven company in the tech industry? And how can companies harness technology innovations and strategic partnerships to address global, social challenges while driving business value?In this episode, our experts explore how technology is transforming corporate ESG programs, highlighting how it creates a synergy between social impact and business growth, all while keeping people at the core of their mission.Featured expertsFred (Wen Jie) Tan, Head of Social Impact, Hewlett Packard EnterpriseFaith Taylor, Global Citizenship and Sustainability Officer, Kyndryl

At least 30% of generative AI projects will be abandoned after proof of concept (PoC) by the end of 2025, according to a Gartner press release.¹ This underscores a major challenge in harnessing the full potential of generative AI initiatives relative to the investment and confidence most leaders see in the technology. How can organizations effectively scale generative AI PoCs and achieve the expected impact?In this episode, our experts discuss the future of generative AI in the telecom sector, the role of AI agents in network operations, and the critical need for ethical AI practices. Tune in to discover the criteria and frameworks used to identify generative AI PoCs worth investing in and how to take these concepts from initial ideas to production-level implementation. Gartner Predicts 30% of Generative AI Projects Will Be Abandoned After Proof of Concept By End of 2025, Gartner, July 29, 2024. Featured expertsEugenia Ramirez, Director of New Trends and Emerging Technologies, TelefónicaPriya Mehra, Equity Partner and Director, Altman SolonIman Bendarkawi, Associate Director of Corporate Strategy & Development, KyndrylThis episode references a Kyndryl and Altman Solon survey that focuses on the challenges customers face with generative AI PoCs. The report will be available on Perspectives on Progress in January 2025. Stay tuned for more details. 

Although large enterprises allocate significant resources to cybersecurity, many haven't considered how they can tap into the unique perspectives of individuals in underserved communities. How can enterprises partner with community-based organizations to expand the pool of diverse and skilled cyber talent while creating a safer digital global community? Non-profits like Girl Security empower girls and young women from underrepresented communities with the skills, experiences, networks and support needed to become safer digital citizens and pursue fulfilling cybersecurity careers.In this episode, our experts discuss their initiatives to promote a more accessible and inclusive cybersecurity community, highlighting the importance of mentorship, diverse talent, and corporate partnerships. Featured expertsLauren Buitta, Founder and CEO, Girl SecurityAmulya Panakam, Program Assistant of Membership and Professional Development, Girl SecurityPam Hacker, Vice President of Social Impact, Kyndryl

Ethical data governance practices are essential to driving business growth and positive social change. However, issues like misrepresented data or dark data can negatively impact underrepresented groups and contribute to environmental harm. How can companies effectively manage data complexities and uphold responsible practices to ensure a sustainable and equitable future?In this episode, experts uncover the challenges of inclusive research, the evolving regulatory environment, and the future of data management. They highlight the importance of ethical governance and leveraging data for good, while also exploring the role of AI in identifying and addressing these issues.Featured ExpertsCaroline Frankum, Global Chief Executive Officer, Profiles Division, KantarValeria Piaggio, Global Head, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, KantarDr. Elena Huff, Director, Consult Partner, Kyndryl

Cybersecurity professionals are burning out faster than frontline healthcare professionals¹, signaling a mental health issue in the tech industry. With the constant threat of cyberattacks, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and their teams must be on-call 24/7. To address this, cybersecurity professionals need strong mental resilience, well-tested plans, and effective stress management strategies. Organizations like Cybermindz.org are raising awareness about cybersecurity mental health and providing resources to help professionals recognize burnout signs. Join our experts as they explore potential solutions to improve mental health support for cybersecurity teams, including the potential role of innovative technologies like AI-powered simulations.1. https://cybermindz.org/ Featured ExpertsPeter Coroneos, Founder, Cybermindz.org Oliver Pettit, Senior Manager, Cyber Monitoring and Defence, AGLE-Yang Tang, Vice President, Security, Resiliency & Network, Kyndryl 

As the speed of enterprise change accelerates, CEOs are increasingly focusing on continuous transformation to remain relevant, competitive and profitable.  But large-scale transformations are hard to sustain. Regardless of how compelling the business imperative and exponential the technical drivers, successful outcomes depend on people. How do we help our teams identify and overcome the barriers to change? How do we identify and empower the change makers in our teams? In this inaugural episode of Season 4 of The Progress Report, our guests explore how to navigate the complexities of enterprise transformation and lead an organization towards a purpose-driven future. Tune in as experts discuss what it takes to be a “change maker,” including the art of balancing quick wins with long term goals, fostering a culture of adaptability, and the critical role of communication in driving successful change.Featured ExpertsIsmail Amla, Global Practice Leader, Kyndryl ConsultVictoria Pelletier, Kyndryl Consult and Founder and CEO, Unstoppable You LLC

There is a changing technology landscape and government is having to undergo a shift to become as effective as possible. There are unique challenges and opportunities of the public sector in adapting and innovating with new technology: legacy systems, regulation, data foundations, and workforce skilling.​Listen as our experts share how they are driving progress for their organizations – guiding their organizations to be more agile, customer-centric, and collaborative – while putting both their employees and their citizen stakeholders first. Featured ExpertsTom Kambouras, Chief Information Officer, NYC Employee Retirement System​Valerie Adamo,  Chief Technology Officer, Ontario Pension Board​ 

There's a tremendous appetite for digitization within the shipping, logistics and commercial maritime industries. For example, organizations want to use AI to improve real-time shipment tracking and supply chain visibility. But implementation can be challenging. In this episode, our experts talk specifics about digitization, data, innovation, and generative AI in the shipping industry and commercial maritime. They cover challenges, success stories and opportunities for growth.Featured ExpertsRalf Belusa, Managing Director, Hapag Lloyd​Nick Chubb, Founder, Thetius​

You're ready for transformation, but your network may not be. In today's ever-evolving digital landscape, banks need a holistic approach to network transformation that opens avenues for growth, innovation, and improved customer experiences. Itaú Unibanco, the largest banking institution in Brazil, in discussion with Nokia, shares how they enhance convenience, security, and overall satisfaction for their valued customers.​Listen as our experts share insight into how enterprises should think about network transformation to drive improved application performance, economics and security.​Featured ExpertsAugusto Nellessen, Partner and IT Superintendent, Itaú​Marcelo Entreconti, LATAM Head of Enterprise, Nokia​

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has adopted rules requiring publicly-traded companies to disclose material cybersecurity incidents they experience and to disclose on an annual basis material information regarding their cybersecurity risk management, strategy, and governance. This requires reporting cyber material incidents within four business days mandating companies be prepared with a robust cyber resilience strategy. ​In this episode, our experts will explore the impact these regulations have on cyber risk management strategies, governance, and processes. Listen as they share insight into how to prepare and what we're learning from recent breaches.Featured ExpertsGreg Spicer, Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer, Ostrich Cyber-Risk​John Feezell, Global Security Consultant, Risk Advisory Services, Kyndryl​

There is no doubt of the opportunity modernizing technology and infrastructure can create for efficiency and growth, particularly in the world of banking. In this episode, our experts discuss the complex challenges of undertaking mainframe modernization and the risks involved, as well as the risk of not modernizing and what can happen if you don't. How do you keep the business running during the transformation and work within the limitations of legacy apps that are not yet modernized? The ever-increasing data sovereignty and compliance concerns add another layer of complexity. And, with upcoming regulations on data and AI governance, like DORA and the AI Act, should banks be thinking about their own modernization journey?Featured ExpertsRonan Hughes, Core Banking Principal Architect, Bank of Ireland​Chris Davis, Managing Director of Ireland and Senior Partner for Bank of Ireland, Kyndryl​

As generative AI integrates into how business gets done, this discussion looks at how to ensure AI is being leveraged in responsible and ethical ways. Listen as our experts explore the challenges and opportunities of responsible AI, including the role of data and the challenges of ensuring diversity, trust, and quality and how to create frameworks for a cohesive strategy for generative AI across stakeholder groups.The conversation will dive into insight for how organization should think about implementation of responsible AI practices and ethical principles and policies, including broader stakeholder representation.Featured expertsRachel Higham, CIO, WPP​Elizabeth Adams, CEO, EMA Advisory Services

It is estimated that 15-20% of people worldwide are neurodivergent1. By leveraging a strengths-based approach to learning – focusing on what an individual can do best – leaders can embrace the power of their talent.​Diverse teams boost creativity and innovation, create greater opportunities for professional growth, and make better decisions over time.1Companies that believe diversity strengthens their culture and create a flexible, agile and supportive work environment have become more successful at recruiting the right talent, particularly in tough-to-fill skills categories. And company output – including the bottom line – has profited from the lower attrition rates and higher productivity of a diverse workforce. ​Listen in as our experts discuss how to show up authentically as a leader, best practices for harnessing the unique strengths of neurodiverse talent, and why the best teams are the most diverse.  Featured expertsSarah Maston, Director of Partner Development and Strategy, Microsoft​Karima Bryant, Chief Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Officer, Kyndryl​1 Source: “Neurodiversity at work: a biopsychosocial model and the impact on working adults.” NIH, 2020

Partnerships between large corporations and startups can be advantageous for every company involved. These partnerships can uncover the latest technologies, deliver the best outcomes for customers and transform and modernize business. And the benefits to startups is the opportunity to learn from large, established organizations. But what is the impact for the global community? ​While large corporations have a duty to corporate responsibility, startups may not think about their global impact in the earlier series of the business. But what if a partnership with a large corporation included encouragement and guidance and required a commitment to think about their global footprint? What if a startup had to consider the circular economy and be purposeful in a meaningful dimension that has impact?​Listen as our experts explore the importance of being purpose driven and making a positive contribution to our economies and our communities.​​Featured expertsTaïg Khris, CEO & Founder, Onoff telecommWarrick Cramer, Global Director Innovation Strategy, Kyndryl

Over the next several years, the data landscape will undergo significant changes. As AI becomes more prevalent, businesses will become more reliant on applied analytics and machine learning.  ​These advancements bring up questions about strategies for maintaining ethical, trusted data, free from bias. And the application of this data to further the goals of purpose-driven organizations. ​Listen as CDOs explore the critical role of data strategies in today's rapidly evolving business landscape, discussing topics from fueling innovation and transforming the business with data insights to preparing for and utilizing generative AI. This conversation will also touch on the importance of diversity, especially when it comes to data analysis and better decision-making.Featured expertsClaire Thompson, Group Chief Data & Analytics Officer, Legal & GeneralGary Burnette,  Data & Analytics, Kyndryl

Progress demands transformation. But in a digital-first world, with the velocity of change increasing every day, how do you know you're making the right kind of progress? How can you think big while juggling rising IT complexity, costs, and vulnerability?Welcome to The Progress Report, a podcast brought to you by Kyndryl, your partner for continuous innovation. Join us as we sit down with thought leaders, technologists, and creative problem solvers. We'll explore provocative ideas about to how to modernize IT for efficiency and growth, create differentiated experiences, secure a resilient business, and ensure you're always ready for change.Keep your finger on the pulse—listen to The Progress Report.

Most business leaders agree that quantum computing will have a profound impact on industry as we know it, yet few are actively preparing.Quantum computers offer compute power that is orders of magnitude greater than classical computers. The technology will enable economic and commercial advantages across a broad range of business use cases—from designing personalized medicines and treatments to creating secure, eavesdropping-free communication channels.Quantum computers can be used to enable real business results, today, and companies that adopt quantum will gain significant advantages over those that do not. But where do you start?Listen as our experts explore the question and remove the mystery of quantum. 

This discussion isadeep dive into the pressing need for innovation within thebankingindustry. Our experts explore the intricacies of cultivating a culture of innovation within banks, a sector often characterized by a traditional and risk-averse mindset.​Our guests discuss the pivotal role of leadership in setting the right tone for creative thinking, empowering employees at all levels, and fostering an environment that rewards risk-taking and learning. Guests  spotlightsuccessful banks that have embraced innovation and the tangible benefits that have ensued. ​Tune in if you're part of the banking sector or simply interested in how innovation can revolutionize traditional industries.​

New Kyndryl research suggests mid-level financial services, banking, and insurance employees worldwide may have sharply different opinions than their bosses do about the power of hybrid work arrangements. Employees say hybrid work arrangements drive more productivity, better collaboration, and can enhance corporate culture. Listen as experts weigh in on the debate.

”Innovation means doing something new that improves a product, process or service.”* For businesses, that can reflect the way a company brings constant value to their customers business or life. The drive to innovate leads to the creation of Intellectual Property, which can be ideas, software, processes and methods, tooling or anything else that provides a competitive edge.Listen as our experts share how intellectual property is created and how to drive a research innovation strategy in enterprise tech.

For most companies today, competitive differentiation depends on enabling a culture of continuous modernization and digital transformation. The technology projects that support these crucial business initiatives require the cooperation of multiple, best-in-class technology partners to succeed.But often, the key technology players are also market competitors. How do you foster deep collaboration between partners and your internal IT teams while minimizing the inclination for individuals to hold back the best ideas to ”safeguard” IP? And how can you encourage a true collegial spirit of co-creation among blended teams to optimize business outcomes – especially in highly regulated industries?Listen in as experts from Lloyds Banking Group, Microsoft and Kyndryl discuss the value of co-creation and best practices for turning competitors into exceptional collaborators.

More than 90% of respondents to Kyndryl's 2023 State of IT Risk study say their organizations had IT systems or data compromised in the past two years. And 88% of the respondents feel their organization is well prepared to manage and recover from such events. Is the confidence justified, particularly given the growing diversity and frequency of IT risks?Listen as our experts discuss the risks that C-Suite executives face in preparing their organizations for the unplanned. Hear their point of view.

Recent IDC findings show only 1 in 4 organizations are ready to adequately prevent and respond to a disruptive event. Whether that's a natural disaster destroying servers and infrastructure, a mouse chewing through the wires or a ransomware attack, companies need to be able to anticipate, protect, withstand and recover quickly. No matter the industry, every company needs a comprehensive, strong cyber resiliency strategy. But where does one start? How do businesses remove the siloes that exist between departments and align its leaders?Listen as experts discuss the history of cyber resilience and share their insight on how companies can best plan for the next ‘cybergeddon.' 

With a large population of unbanked and underbanked citizens, late but rapid smartphone adoption, and a boom of start-up fintech companies, Latin America can be a tough market for traditional banks. But Brazil's biggest bank has managed to remain the country's most valued brand with a strategic approach to digital transformation that puts people first and 70% of its workloads in the cloud.Listen in as Fábio Napoli, Itaú Unibanco's Director of Information Technology and Chief Technology Officer, shares the bank's digital journey, lessons lessons learned, and his personal advice for Latin American peers in other regulated industries.

The global distributed cloud market size in terms of revenue was reasonably estimated at $4.4 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to rise to $11.2 billion by 2027, presenting a CAGR of 20.6% according to Markets and Markets research. While it's still a fraction of the public cloud market size, distributed cloud is increasingly growing in popularity. Even though the hype is relatively new, distributed cloud is actually an operational trend from the past, reemerging as new technologies reinvigorate a previously dormant model. It's a re-imagined, better, more flexible version of the distributed systems from 50+ years ago. Distributed cloud has an impact on nearly every industry, fueling innovative use cases and creating a newly empowered edge primed to deliver transformative business value through new revenue streams or business models.What is all the hype around distributed cloud? How can distributed cloud and edge computing benefit your industry? 

Companies can get caught in a loop of fast fixes and just-in-time problem-solving. The approach can help keep the lights on, but when leaders need to solve their most complex business challenges, it falls short. Advocates for a human-centered design espouse an intentional and structured approach to problem-solving that puts people squarely at the center of decision-making. McKinsey has found that companies investing in experience design have been shown to increase their revenue and shareholder returns at twice the rate of competitors — and board rooms are listening. Designers' unique approach gets to the heart of the problem and brings people together to realize imaginative and practical solutions. But what does it really mean to design with humans in mind? And how can you make human-centered design part of an organization's problem-solving DNA? Listen in as our experts discuss the value of human-first, integrated approach to customer experience and how the profession of design can have impact on business outcomes. 

In business, progress demands continuous transformation. The velocity of innovation is increasing, and nearly everything in today's environment is digital first. How do you know if you're making the right kind of progress to overcome increasing IT complexity, costs and vulnerability?Welcome to The Progress Report, a podcast brought to you by Kyndryl, your partner for continuous innovation. Join our Chief Design Officer, Sarah B. Nelson, and Global Leader of Kyndryl Vital, Tom Rourke, as they sit down with innovators, thought leaders, problem solvers, technologists, and business leaders to explore how you can keep your finger on the pulse of progress. Listen in for provocative and unique perspectives on how to modernize for efficiency and growth, innovate for differentiated experiences, secure for resilient business -- and more! Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. 

Since its launch in 2019, markets worldwide have adopted 5G, with 5G connections predicted to exceed one billion by the end of this year. From healthcare to retail to manufacturing, telecoms are actively deploying 5G across industries. With Industry 4.0. the size and complexity of these IoT networks create vulnerabilities that require extra layers of security. To mitigate risk and enable the successful implementation security and resiliency on the edge is getting more and more criticalListen in as our experts discuss how network and security are connecting people and devices and making “Connect from Anywhere” a reality. Our experts will explore through the lens of several industries and discuss resiliency in IT and network deployments. Hear from our experts Chris Novak, Managing Director Cybersecurity Consulting, Verizon; Jennifer Varner, Managing Director US Cybersecurity Sales at Verizon; and Kris Lovejoy, Global Practice Leader, Security & Resiliency, Kyndryl.

Sustainability trends are impacting every aspect of our lives – including the way organizations operate. Organizations need to be bold and define clear green IT and waste reduction strategies to stay competitive. ​Listen in as our experts explore the changing trends and the potential implications for organizations across industries. We'll discuss the UN goals and their impact, examine what's driving the trends in green IT and waste reduction, and how leaders are responding. Hear from our guests Global Christian Thisgaard, VP BTP Partner Ecosystem, SAP; Jim Sullivan, Head of Product Management, SAP Sustainability, SAP​; and Madhuri Chawla, Global Head of SAP Strategic Partnership & Ecosystem, Kyndryl​.​

These days every company is a tech company. With technology making the world smaller, it opens the possibility to reach communities and spaces that have been underserved. Access to microfinancing drives female empowerment, promotes gender equity and boosts local economies. ​Compartamos Banco has been operating in Mexico for more than 32 years and has helped more than 13 million people to gain access to vital financial services. With more than 2.5 million customers throughout Mexico – 89 percent of them women – Compartamos Banco is enabling people to capitalize on their ingenuity and hard work and realize their dreams. In this episode our experts discuss what goes into creating a digital experience and enabling flexible business capabilities that support this new journey. Hear from our guests Kenya Muedano, Director of IT Build-The-Bank, Gentera and Katia Diep, Senior Partner Financial Services & Telco, Kyndryl.

Our world has seen massive change in the past few years, and businesses have been forced to rethink their priorities to become digital-first, or risk being left behind. As leaders prioritize, they must consider both their dependency on technology to move the business forward and the company culture required to create productive change.  Culture is often ambiguous, but it can be a powerful enabler of business transformation. In this episode, our experts explore the role culture plays in business transformation and discuss how companies move forward with the fast-paced technological change required to be successful. Brad Pawlak, Sr. Partner Development Manager, Advisory GSI, Microsoft and Dave Gendron, National Microsoft Alliance Lead, Kyndryl in discussion. 

Retail has seen a lot of growth over the past five years, with retailers looking to use Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence to improve performance, simplify the customer journey, and increase innovation. But should we always trust the algorithms and are they even required? Is AI really the next level of retail optimization, or simply another solution still searching for the problem it's meant to fix? What is the difference between explainable machine learning over artificial intelligence within retail? Our experts explore the impact of blind faith in processes without any real understanding of how the business operates and consider why –despite their apparent sophistication –Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence are not the solution to every problem on their own. Listen as they explore how to think about questioning those building the models to make it easy to both sense check how they work, and to make sure they are built at the right level for what's needed.

Despite tremendous strides in representation of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), a significant gender gap still persists in higher education and the workforce. Although there is a global shortage of skills in most of the technological fields driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution, women still only account for 28% of engineering graduates and 40% of graduates in computer science and informatics. In cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, just one in five professionals is a woman.In this episode, experts recently inducted into Kyndryl's Distinguished Technical Program discuss gender representation, equality, and equity in the tech industry. Hear their personal perspectives about what makes an impact and where the tech and business worlds still have room to grow.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a call for action. As part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, the SDGs outline change to create peace and prosperity for people and the planet now and into the future. With UN Member States making the commitment to SDGs, what role do businesses and start-ups play in attaining these goals? Why is it important to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) into innovation for start-ups? This discussion focuses on the importance of being purpose driven and planning for the long-term impacts businesses have on our collective future. Our experts will explore why siloes are the antithesis for innovation and why empathy is imperative for founders.

Digital transformation projects initiated this year will take twice as long and cost two times more than expected, according to Gartner. After more than a decade of investment, many companies are still struggling to make digital deliver at scale. What are the most common pitfalls leaders face in their pursuit of digital-first experiences? What role should IT modernization play given the pace of technology change? And where and when does the digital business journey end?Join our experts as they discuss the state of digital business now and explore how you can take a more holistic approach to continuous innovation in a digital-first world.

The world is increasingly unpredictable –and every global health crisis, extreme weather event, and geopolitical conflict exposes your business to increased risk. Listen in as our experts explore the changing risk landscape and the potential implications for organizations across industries. Find out how leaders are responding, and what's driving the growing trend towards a zero-trust response. We'll discuss the pros and cons of zero trust and share how to overcome common challenges with a practical approach to enterprise adoption. 

How do you know if you are making the right kind of progress towards your digital business goals? Are you focused on the right problems? Achieving the right results? Welcome to The Progress Report, a podcast brought to you by Kyndryl, a leader in helping companies align technology to business outcomes. Join our Chief Transformation Officer, Nel Akoth, as she sits down with innovators, thought leaders, problem solvers, technologists, and business leaders to explore how you can keep your finger on the pulse of progress. Listen in for provocative and unique perspectives on how to optimize increasingly complex IT estates, navigate a changing global threat landscape, reskill employees to enable more empowered teams, turn ESG aspirations into action -- and more!Click to subscribe.