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The Transformation Ground Control podcast covers a number of topics important to digital and business transformation. This episode covers the following topics and interviews: How to Get Your ERP Modernization In Tune, Q&A (Darian Chwialkowski, Third Stage Consulting) Allegations of Anti-Trust Behavior From SAP (Ralph Torres, VP of Operations at Eastman Music Company & Sanket Akerkar, Chief Revenue Officer at Acumatica) The HUGE Project Management Mistake You Might Be Making We also cover a number of other relevant topics related to digital and business transformation throughout the show. To start your business transformation journey with Acumatica and get a unique 15% off discount code, click here: https://refer.acumatica.com/ERICKIMBERLING
In this episode of Next in Media, Mike Shields sits down with Michael Komasinski, CEO of Criteo, to unpack how one of ad tech's best-known companies has reinvented itself for a privacy-first world. Once synonymous with retargeting, Criteo has successfully evolved into a powerhouse in retail media, supporting more than 230 retailers and $160 billion in GMV.Michael shares how the company's early investments in addressability technology and diversification under Megan Clarkin laid the foundation for long-term resilience. He also discusses the industry's next big shifts from the end of “easy money” in retail media to the rise of agentic workflows, AI-powered ad optimization, and Criteo's surprising new partnership with Google. Key Highlights:
Technovation with Peter High (CIO, CTO, CDO, CXO Interviews)
1017: As Senior Vice President for Enterprise Business & Digital Transformation and Chief Information Officer at Lockheed Martin, Maria Demaree is leading one of the world's largest aerospace and defense companies through a sweeping digital and cultural transformation. In this episode of Technovation with Peter High, Maria shares how Lockheed Martin's 1LMX program is uniting more than 122,000 employees worldwide under a mission-driven approach to digital enablement, process modernization, and cultural cohesion. She explains how her dual background in business leadership and IT shapes her strategy, the power of connecting global factories through data, and the role of AI and quantum computing in accelerating delivery for national security customers.
In this special compilation episode of Innovation and the Digital Enterprise, Patrick Emmons highlights key insights on digital transformation from top tech leaders. Featuring perspectives from Andrei Girenkov, Christopher Paquette, Ann Yeung, Sandee Kastrul, Deepak Kaimal, Jeff Miller, Christina Garcia, Tanya Hannah, Dan Kirsche, Dom Scandinaro, Subramanian Kunchithapatham, and Gene Kim. The episode delves into leading transformative tech teams, balancing disruption and protection, the role of AI, the need to stay nimble, and the foundational significance of human connection and communication in achieving successful digital transformation.(00:00) Welcome to Innovation and the Digital Enterprise(02:17) Andrei Girenkov Understanding the Scope of Digital Transformation(03:17) Christopher Paquette on Balancing Protection and Disruption(04:00) Ann Yeung on The Role of Corporate Functions(04:52) Sandee Kastrul on Diversity and Innovation(05:22) Deepak Kaimal Leveraging Gen AI for Business Solutions(07:01) Jeff Miller on Navigating Technological Change(07:21) Christina Garcia on Empowering Teams(07:59) Tanya Hannah on Keeping Nimble(08:28) Dan Kirsche on Org Structure and Accountability(09:17) Dom Scandinaro on Growth, and Agility(10:10) Subramanian Kunchithapatham on the Challenges of Digitization(10:53) Gene Kim on Connecting People Through Norms, Rituals, and ProcessesAndrei Girenkov is Chief Technology Officer at CSC Service Works. Christopher Paquette is Chief Transformation Officer at Personify Health. Ann Yeung is VP of Engineering at GEICO. Sandee Kastrul is President and co-founder of i.c.stars. Deepak Kaimal is Chief Technology Officer at COMPLY. Jeff Miller is Chief Product Officer at Coates Group. Christina Garcia is SVP of Engineering at Echo Global Logistics. Tanya Hannah is Chief Information Officer at OneTen. Dan Kirsche is Chief Technology Officer at Chamberlain Group. Dom Scandinaro is Chief Technology Officer at Cameo. Subramanian Kunchithapatham is Vice President - BI Solutions at Morgan Stanley. Gene Kim is an author, researcher, and founder of Tripwire, Inc.If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Innovation and the Digital Enterprise in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.Podcast episode production by Dante32.
The Transformation Ground Control podcast covers a number of topics important to digital and business transformation. This episode covers the following topics and interviews: How Rolling Stone is Suing Google Over AI Overviews, Q&A (Darian Chwialkowski, Third Stage Consulting) Why Do Digital Transformations Fail? What Do Smart Business Leaders Know About AI Success? We also cover a number of other relevant topics related to digital and business transformation throughout the show.
Retail is experiencing seismic shifts, and businesses that don't adapt risk becoming irrelevant overnight. In this compelling episode of Talk Commerce, recorded live from Shop Talk Fall in Chicago, host Isaac Morey sits down with Pano Anthos, founding member of XRC Ventures, to explore how agentic AI is reshaping consumer behavior and business operations. Their conversation reveals why traditional e-commerce strategies won't survive the next wave of technological disruption.About Pano AnthosPano serves as a founding member of XRC Ventures, an investment firm operating at the intersection of consumer behavior and technology. His expertise spans venture capital, retail innovation, and emerging technology trends that impact how businesses connect with customers. Pano's investment philosophy centers on understanding consumer adoption patterns to predict corporate technology trends. He's particularly focused on agentic AI applications across supply chain management, customer support, and e-commerce optimization. His insights come from years of observing how consumers embrace new technologies before enterprises catch up. Throughout his career, Pano has maintained that studying consumer behavior provides the clearest roadmap for understanding where business technology is headed next.Episode SummaryPano explains why XRC Ventures focuses on consumer behavior as a predictor of technological advancement. "Consumers are responsible for two trillion in spend and a massive portion of our GDP," he explains. "They tend to be relatively much faster early adopters of technology than corporations." This philosophy drives their investment strategy and provides unique insights into market direction.When discussing agentic AI, Pano breaks down the concept into four essential components: autonomous planning, adaptive reasoning, tool integration, and goal orientation. "AI to figure out the rules. You have to really lay out the rules first," he emphasizes. "That's the misconception of autonomous AI is that it will make decisions within boundaries. But you have to set those boundaries or you get nothing."The conversation takes a practical turn as Pano shares examples of agentic AI in action. He describes an investment opportunity involving supply chain automation where AI intercepts and processes manufacturer communications. "There's a very set of manual tasks today," he explains. "This team out of Israel has figured out how to automate using an LLM to basically take all those messages they're going back and forth and make decisions based on the rules that have been set by the organization."For small e-commerce businesses, Pano delivers stark advice about the changing landscape. "Your website is toast," he warns. "Unless you are a fashion-oriented product where discovery is important and inspiration is important and it's truly discretionary, the chat engines are going to take over." He demonstrates this point using Perplexity Shopping, showing how consumers can research, compare, and purchase products without ever visiting a brand's website.The discussion reveals how AI-powered shopping platforms threaten traditional cross-selling strategies. "You are, you know, for that transaction, yes. To build some brand awareness, maybe. Cross-sell, absolutely not," Pano states. This fundamental shift forces businesses to reconsider their entire customer acquisition and retention strategies.Pano's advice for content teams reflects the urgency of this transition: "Start using the engines and asking all the questions that any consumer and they give you all the questions that consumers can ask and go figure out whether you're in the top three or top one or top two." He stresses the importance of understanding where brands rank in AI responses and working backward to improve visibility in source content.The conversation concludes with predictions about Google's future. "The judges in the trial that just came out last week or two weeks ago, it's pretty obvious that the judge knows that what we all know is Google search in the traditional SEO, SEM world, it's over," Pano observes. He compares Google's potential fate to previous tech giants, noting how quickly market leaders can become irrelevant when disrupted by superior technology.Key Takeaways• Consumer adoption drives innovation: Consumers spend two trillion dollars annually and adopt technology faster than corporations, making them the ultimate predictor of future trends• Process documentation is crucial: Successful AI implementation requires clearly defined rules and boundaries before automation can begin• Reddit has become the new SEO: Chat engines prioritize Reddit content over traditional website reviews, fundamentally changing how brands build credibility• Website traffic will decline dramatically: Hard goods businesses face inevitable traffic drops as consumers turn to AI-powered shopping experiences• Transparency is the new currency: AI engines expose product quality issues that brands previously could hide through marketing• Google's dominance faces serious threats: Traditional search is being replaced by conversational AI interfaces that provide instant, comprehensive answersFinal ThoughtsThe retail revolution isn't coming—it's already here, reshaping how consumers discover, evaluate, and purchase products. Pano Anthos delivers a clear message: businesses must abandon traditional web-centric strategies and embrace AI-powered commerce platforms or risk obsolescence. The winners won't be those with the prettiest websites but those who understand how to position themselves effectively within AI-driven discovery systems. As we navigate this transformation, one question remains: will your business become an agent of change or merely another victim of technological disruption?Connect with XRC Ventures:https://xrcventures.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/xrcventureshttps://www.instagram.com/xrcventuresFollow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerceBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.socialApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1nTwitter: @talkingcommerceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerceWebsite: https://talk-commerce.com/
Peggy and Kate O'Neill, author, founder, and chief tech humanist, KO Insights, talk about the unlearning problem and why AI and humans share the same dangerous flaw. She says one of the issues we are facing is everything feels like it is moving so fast—and the acceleration is causing the chaos. They also discuss: · How we can better align human knowledge and machine intelligence. · How and why to take a human-in-the-loop approach. · Two pieces of advice for next steps to take. https://www.koinsights.com
Peggy Smedley and Alex Adamopoulos, chairman and CEO, Emergn, talk about the Global Intelligent Delusion survey and what it has revelated about today's businesses. Roughly 75% of business leaders expect to drive revenue from AI (artificial intelligence) initiatives in the next 12 months, yet 60% acknowledge AI expectations are growing faster than their ability to meet them. He says leaders expect AI to drive growth, but most aren't equipped to deliver at scale, saying the gap isn't even technology, it is capability. They also discuss: · If the return is being overhyped and why AI projects fail. · Why good product management is the bridge that closes this gap between expectation and capability—or ambition and execution. · Why learning and upskilling remain critical to sustaining long-term progress and profit. https://www.emergn.com
Peggy wraps up the month, giving her final thoughts about agentic AI (artificial intelligence). She pulls back the curtain on what's really happening behind the scenes in today's digital transformation—and offers her candid perspective on what comes next. She also discusses: · The critical risks businesses must address in the days ahead. · The four steps to take today to prepare for a better tomorrow. · Why the time to act is now—and how companies can cut through the hype to focus on what really matters. https://peggysmedleyshow.com
In this insightful episode of The Future of ERP, Ryan Throop from IBM joins hosts Richard Howells and Oyku Ilgar to explore the critical role of cybersecurity in the cloud ERP landscape. As businesses move from traditional on-premise solutions to cloud-centric environments, cybersecurity challenges grow more complex. Ryan shares how AI-driven threat detection and shared security models empower organizations to protect sensitive data while boosting operational efficiency. Listener takeaways include the importance of security awareness training, the evolving role of AI in security operations, and the growing emphasis on integrating ERP systems into broader identity governance frameworks. With compelling insights on managing insider threats, third-party risks, and emerging technologies, this episode is a must-hear for any business leader or IT professional focused on digital transformation success. Stay secure, stay innovative, and join the conversation!
Rajeev Hans and Naresh Ram discuss the opportunities found at intersection of digital transformation and AI in manufacturing. Rajeev is CTO at AAXIS, a company at the forefront of helping manufacturers accelerate digital transformation. Naresh is Chief AI Officer; both are experts in modern eCommerce platforms, AI, and enterprise software. Listen as these thought-leaders explore leveraging data and AI to drive smarter, more connected manufacturing systems. Host, Kevin Craine Do you want to be a guest? https://DigitalTransformationPodast.net/guest Do you want to be a sponsor? https://DigitalTransformationPodcast.net/sponsor
In this episode of AWS Executive Insights, Tanuja Randery, VP and Managing Director of EMEA for AWS interviews Darren O'Kelly, CEO of Untold Studios, a next-generation creative powerhouse that has earned BAFTA and Grammy nominations for its groundbreaking work across advertising, music, and film. The conversation explores O'Kelly's journey from traditional VFX production to co-founding an entirely cloud-based creative studio that launched in just six weeks, challenging industry conventions with projects ranging from Super Bowl commercials to Netflix's "The Crown." O'Kelly shares his leadership philosophy of combining "two-thirds experience and one-third naivety," discussing how this approach has enabled Untold Studios to build a culture of excellence that attracts global talent, including major artists like Adele, Billie Eilish, and Oasis. The discussion also delves into the impact of AI and emerging technologies on the creative industry, O'Kelly's commitment to mentorship and diversity, and his vision for the future of storytelling.
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with Felix Virto, Director of Operations at Blue Streak, and Stephen Rose, CEO of Render Networks, to explore how funding realities, digital transformation, and AI are reshaping large-scale fiber builds. Felix shares his 29-year journey from climbing poles in southwest Virginia to leading complex deployments—and why Blue Streak's recent acquisition by a global parent sharpened its focus on customer outcomes, transparency, and choosing the right partners. Stephen traces a path from construction drafting through Nokia/Bell Labs and IBM to Render, explaining how cloud, data, and AI-driven workflows are changing “pre-live” delivery. Together, they unpack the industry's scale problem—billions in construction spend, countless handoffs—and make the case for field-first tools, real-time visibility, and stronger collaboration across operators, designers, and builders. Their playbook for operators: sponsor change from the top, start with a focused use case, co-innovate with partners, and make the field the hero so quality data flows up and better decisions flow down.
REPLAY (Original Air Date March 10, 2025) Today we are joined by Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos. Dr. Kostopoulos is a globally recognized strategist that brings clarity and context as to what is on the horizon. Her unique expertise at the intersection of emerging technology, security and macro-trends has been sought by the United Nations, U.S. Special Operations, the European Commission, NATO, multi-nationals, tech companies, design agencies, academia, such as MIT and Oxford Saïd Business School, and foreign governments. She helps her clients understand new technologies, emerging value chains, and contextualizes the convergences of our time. She founded the boutique consultancy Abundance Studio and has experience working in the US, Europe, Middle East and East Asia. [March 10, 2025] 00:00 - Intro 00:19 - Intro Links - Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/ - Managed Voice Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/vishing-service/ - Managed Email Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/se-phishing-service/ - Adversarial Simulations - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/social-engineering-penetration-test/ - Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb - CLUTCH - http://www.pro-rock.com/ - innocentlivesfoundation.org - http://www.innocentlivesfoundation.org/ 02:10 - Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos Intro 03:30 - From Counter Terrorism to Conflict Landscapes 05:35 - The Imagination Dilemma 09:13 - Technological Tit for Tat 11:38 - Four Facets of Imagination 12:18 - Facet 1) Identity 13:36 - Facet 2) Convergence 15:38 - Facet 3) Humanity 16:48 - Facet 4) Dreams 18:18 - Turning Crisis Into Strategy 22:39 - Being Human 26:04 - Future-Proofing Organizations 29:51 - Real Value Proposition 31:26 - Webinar Series - Website: imaginationdilemma.com - YouTube: @ImaginationDilemma 32:12 - Find Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos online - Website: abundance.studio - LinkedIn: in/lydiak - Instagram: @HiLydiak 32:46 - Book Recommendations - The 100-Year Life - Andrew Scott & Lynda Gratton - Imagination Dilemma - Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos 37:02 - Mentors - Parents - Women Suffragists 38:15 - Guest Wrap Up & Outro - www.social-engineer.com - www.innocentlivesfoundation.org
Digital Stratosphere: Digital Transformation, ERP, HCM, and CRM Implementation Best Practices
Send us a textIn this episode of Business Growth Talks, host Mark Hayward sits down with Roberto Martinez, CEO of Braven Agency and California's Google Digital Coach, who brings a wealth of experience in digital marketing and AI. Together, they delve into the transformative power of AI in business, exploring how small businesses can compete on a global scale by implementing innovative strategies often employed by industry giants like Google and Amazon. Roberto sheds light on his journey from government service to becoming a driving force in digital entrepreneurship, offering listeners valuable insights into overcoming industry challenges.Roberto discusses the critical role AI plays in reshaping marketing strategies and underscores the importance of brand humanization in an increasingly automated world. By sharing practical tips and real-world examples, Roberto provides listeners with actionable advice on how to harness technology to foster business growth. This informative episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs at all stages, as Roberto's expertise reveals how embracing AI can revolutionize operations, drive success, and cultivate meaningful connections with customers.Key Takeaways:Embrace AI as a Tool: AI should be viewed as a powerful tool rather than a competitor, enabling businesses to optimize efficiency and reach.Operational Efficiency: Success in growth and scalability comes from robust operational processes that support business expansion without the entrepreneur at the center.Humanizing Brands: Despite technological advances, building authentic human connections remains vital for enduring customer relationships.Strategic Partnerships: Collaborative efforts with organizations can significantly expand growth opportunities and lead to disproportionate success.Continuous Adaptation: Staying ahead in business requires adopting new technologies and methods to remain competitive in changing markets.Resources:Braven AgencyConnect with Roberto Martinez via email: robertravenagency.comExplore AI tools like Google Gemini and ChatGPT for business growth.Tune into the full episode to gain a deeper understanding of how AI and technology can be pivotal in reshaping your business for future success. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on Business Growth TalksSupport the showIf you want to watch the full video of this episode go to:https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalksDo you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to:www.podcastintroduction.comFind more details about the podcast and my coaching business on:www.businessgrowthtalks.comFind me onLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw...Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts
Sherif Elmansy, Banking Products Director, ITS
In a special Future of Everything podcast episode recorded live before a studio audience in New York, host Russ Altman talks to three authorities on the innovation economy. His guests – Fei-Fei Li, professor of computer science and co-director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI); Susan Athey, professor and authority on the economics of technology; and Neale Mahoney, Trione Director of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research – bring their distinct-but-complementary perspectives to a discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping our economy.Athey emphasizes that both AI broadly and AI-based coding tools specifically are general-purpose technologies, like electricity or the personal computer, whose impact may be felt quickly in certain sectors but much more slowly in aggregate. She tells how solving one bottleneck to implementation often reveals others – whether in digitization, adoption costs, or the need to restructure work and organizations. Mahoney draws on economic history to say we are in a “veil of ignorance” moment with regard to societal impacts. We cannot know whose jobs will be disrupted, he says, but we can invest in safety nets now to ease the transition. Li cautions against assuming AI will replace people. Instead, she speaks of AI as a “horizontal technology” that could supercharge human creativity – but only if it is properly rooted in science, not science fiction.Collectively, the panel calls on policymakers, educators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to steer AI toward what they call “human-centered goals” – protecting workers, growing opportunities, and supercharging education and medicine – to deliver broad and shared prosperity. It's the future of the innovation economy on this episode of Stanford Engineering's The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Fei-Fei LiStanford Profile: Susan AtheyStanford Profile: Neale MahoneyConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces live guests Fei-Fei Li, Susan Athey, and Neale Mahoney, professors from Stanford University.(00:02:37) Lessons from Past TechnologyComparing AI with past technologies and the bottlenecks to their adoption.(00:06:29) Jobs & Safety NetsThe uncertainty of AI's labor impact and investing in social protections.(00:08:29) Augmentation vs. ReplacementUsing AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, human work and creativity.(00:11:41) Human-Centered AI & PolicyShaping AI through universities, government, and global collaboration.(00:15:58) Education RevolutionThe potential for AI to revolutionize education by focusing on human capital.(00:18:58) Balancing Regulation & InnovationBalancing pragmatic, evidence-based AI policy with entrepreneurship.(00:22:22) Competition & Market PowerThe risks of monopolies and the role of open models in fair pricing.(00:25:22) America's Economic FunkHow social media and innovation are shaping America's declining optimism.(00:27:05) Future in a MinuteThe panel shares what gives them hope and what they'd study today.(00:30:49) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week, Camilla Bullock, CEO of the Emerging Payments Association Asia (EPAA), joins Danny for a wide-ranging, no-BS conversation that cuts through the noise.The Emerging Payments Association Asia (EPAA) is the peak industry body representing and supporting the APAC payments ecosystem.Danny and Camilla get into:Why true leadership isn't about being a “thought leader” (and why Camilla refuses the label).The hidden superpower that drives change: spotting the right people and sparking the right discussions.Quantum-safe cryptography—why it's not just a “future problem” and why starting now could be the smartest move you'll ever make.The storytelling gap in cybersecurity—and how to make resilience resonate across an industry that usually drowns in jargon.Why recognising excellence through initiatives like the Money Awards creates real momentum.And much more...!If you care about the future of payments, fintech, or just want to know how the right idea at the right time can reshape an industry - this is your episode.It's 45 minutes packed with sharp insights, no fluff, and lessons you can actually use.Are you getting every episode of Digital Transformation & Leadership in your favourite podcast player? You can find us Apple Podcasts and Spotify to subscribe.
Gayatri Kalyanaraman is in conversation with Sunil David, Digital Technology Consultant |Ex-Regional Director(IOT)- AT&T we discuss What does it take to evolve from installing multiplexers in the 90s to becoming one of India's most respected IoT evangelists and startup mentors? In this episode, Sunil David shares his three-decade journey across telecom, IoT, and digital transformation. Early Career FoundationsSunil began his professional journey in 1994, right after completing his Electronics and Communication Engineering. Unlike many peers who shifted to unrelated fields, he was one of the “lucky few,” as he puts it, to continue working in his chosen discipline for decades.First role – Multiplexers & Railway Networks His very first assignment was with a small company where he installed multiplexers across India's railway network. These devices connected mainframe computers to remote terminals, ensuring reliable communication across long distances. This hands-on experience with infrastructure and connectivity became the bedrock for his later work in telecom.CMS Computers – Networking Era He then moved to CMS Computers, focusing on LAN and WAN networking solutions. This gave him exposure to enterprise IT and network integration, skills that were highly relevant when India's telecom sector was on the cusp of privatization.Telstra Wecom (1996) – Entering Telecom's Liberalization Phase A pivotal career move came in 1996 when Sunil joined Telstra Wecom, a joint venture between Telstra Australia and VSNL (later Tata Communications). This was just two years after India opened its telecom sector to private players—a historic shift.AT&T and Passion for IoTAfter short but formative experiences in networking, VSAT installations, and enterprise software, 2000 marked a turning point when Sunil joined AT&T. What began as a role in sales grew into a 14-year career where he rose to become Regional Head for South India, handling enterprise connectivity services.Focused on telecom and enterprise connectivity, including mobile, landline, and data services for large enterprises.Built strong CXO-level relationships, gaining insight into how enterprises viewed technology not just as infrastructure, but as enablers of business growth.Developed a strategic mindset: learning how to sell not just technology, but business outcomes—a skill that would become vital in his IoT work. After a short return to Telstra, Sunil came back to AT&T in 2017—this time with a completely different mandate: to lead AT&T's IoT business in India and ASEAN.This was when IoT adoption globally was still nascent, and in India it was just taking shape. Sunil recalls that he had been personally fascinated by IoT since 2011–2012, when the idea of “things being connected to the internet”—from cars to machines—caught his imagination.Technology Evangelism & MentorshipSpeaking engagements became not just a platform to promote AT&T's services, but also a way to educate enterprises and build credibility in the ecosystem.At AT&T, Sunil saw how business and technology intersect—sparking his next chapter as a technology evangelist with a focus on strategy, startups, and purpose-driven innovation.His first keynote was on 9th August 2017.From there, he went on to speak at 400+ industry forums, covering IoT, AI, metaverse, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. He transitioned from corporate leader to solopreneur and mentor, working with startups in AI, IoT, sustainability, and climate change.His contributions to CII, NASSCOM, and initiatives like Women Wizards Rule Tech, where he has mentored thousands of women in digital skills.How he manages his time, creates content for 32,000+ LinkedIn followers, and leverages tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to boost productivity.Practical advice for professionals: continuous learning, attending industry forums, building a legacy, and balancing financial, physical, and spiritual well-being.At this time Sunil David, works on immersing himself in a specific set of fields to be a thought leader, and fully dedicate himself to mentorship, sustainability, and giving back. Quotable Moments from Sunil David“Imagine the value you can unlock when billions of assets—from machines in a factory to vehicles on the road—start generating data. The opportunities to monetize and transform industries are humongous.”“We are clearly seeing the move from being reactive to predictive. Thanks to AI and IoT, enterprises can act proactively before something causes damage—whether it's a machine on a shop floor or even human health.”“Optimizing energy usage is not just good for the environment—it makes business sense. Lower energy bills mean direct savings, while reducing carbon emissions benefits the planet.”“Learning never stops. We are in a lifelong journey of learning and unlearning. The day you stop learning is the day you stop growing.”“It's not just about financial success. You have to ask yourself—what legacy am I leaving behind? Will people remember the impact I created?”“My forte is B2B, especially AI and IoT for manufacturing and sustainability. Staying focused allows me to truly add value to startups, rather than spreading myself thin.”About Sunil DavidSunil David is an Independent Digital Technology Consultant with over 30 years of experience in the IT and Telecom Industry . He's spent almost 20 years with AT&T India. In his last stint with AT&T held from March 2017 until April 2022 , he was the Regional Director – IOT( India and ASEAN ). He's had extensive experience in Business Strategy , Sales , Business Development and Alliance & Partnership building during my AT&T stints .Sunil is associated as a Gold Mentor with T-Hub ( Telangana Hub) based in Hyderabad one of India's largest startup incubators supporting some of India's most innovative technology startups specifically focused on areas around Smart Manufacturing and ESG.Sunil is a much sought after speaker in several industry forum on topics related to IOT, AI, 5G, Digital Transformation , Industry 4.0 and 5.0 , Gen AI, Metaverse, Future of Technology , Future of Work , Digital Marketing , Cyber security , Quantum Computing, ESG etc. He has also authored a number of articles for various technology websites, B2B Tech and telecom related publications and a few prominent media houses like Fortune India, Indian Express, Moneycontrol, ET Edge , Communications Today, Voice and Data, etc.Sunil is actively engaged with Industry bodies like CII, NASSCOM , IET, IACC etc working on a number of National initiatives around Digital Transformation advocacy and awareness for Enterprises especially SMEs, Digital Skilling for Women, Startup-Corporate connect , ESG awareness etc.Sunil is an alumnus of Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Pune ( Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration with specialization in Marketing )Sunil can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunil-david-8165971/
Ashok Chennuru, Chief Data & Digital Transformation Officer at Elevance Health, discusses proactive care and strategies to enhance the customer experience. He highlights the importance of human-centered healthcare, personalizing experiences through AI, and offers advice for emerging leaders navigating the future of health transformation.
This week, we're using NotebookLM, Google's AI-powered research tool, to share insights from Alice Ponti's on-the-ground experience at Shoptalk Spring in March. This conversation is a comprehensive, insight-rich overview of the conference, organized around ten core themes transforming retail. From the rise of Agentic AI and multimodal search, to the fast-evolving world of retail media, this episode captures the pulse of where commerce is headed, and what brands need to do next. We're excited to share this POV on key trends spotted last spring, as Alice prepares to take the stage at Groceryshop next week, where she'll moderate a conversation on Embracing Agility and Innovation featuring Emily Xu, Chief Digital & Information Officer, Republic National Distributing Company, Alastair Dorward, CEO, Dropps and Harshad Agashe, VP Data Products, Albertsons. Visit Groceryshop.com to learn more. .
Learn how to balance AI innovation with risk management in this episode of AWS Executive Insights, featuring Adam Marré, CISO at Arctic Wolf. Drawing from his unique background spanning everything from the US Army, to video game design at Disney Interactive, to FBI cybercrime investigations, Marré shares his perspective on building next-generation security operations and navigating AI security controls in today's threat landscape. He offers advice for translating security risk into business language, managing third-party risk, and implementing AI-powered security operations without replacing human judgment. Marré also discusses the value of building more diverse security teams through programs like Tech-Moms. This conversation is essential listening for security leaders navigating the intersection of AI innovation, talent development, and enterprise risk management.
What does it really mean to future-proof financial data? That's the question at the heart of my conversation with George Rosenberger, General Manager of NYFIX at Broadridge. George has spent his career moving through every corner of the capital markets, from trading desks to broker-dealers, and now into the software side where he oversees order routing, post-trade matching, and the adoption of new AI tools. His perspective is uniquely positioned between the history of financial markets and their rapidly accelerating future. This discussion takes inspiration from Broadridge's fifth annual Digital Transformation and Next Gen Technology study, which collected insights from more than five hundred technology and operations leaders across financial services. The survey highlights both the progress and the pressure points facing the industry. Forty-one percent of leaders still cite data security as a major hurdle, and while cloud, AI, and cybersecurity dominate the technology stack, a third of firms still lack security built into their core systems. George explains why this gap persists, how legacy platforms complicate modernization, and what steps firms can take to extract value from old infrastructure while preparing for what's next. We also explore the irony that many organizations overestimate their digital maturity. Generative AI adoption has surged from forty to seventy-two percent in a year, but governance, compliance, and data quality concerns remain. George stresses the importance of measuring outcomes, not just intentions, and shares how Broadridge is approaching AI responsibly through initiatives like its Algo Copilot, which helps traders make sharper decisions. If you're curious about how financial services can strengthen cybersecurity, reduce technical debt, and rethink data strategy as a true engine of innovation, this episode offers both a candid reality check and a roadmap. The speed of change is staggering, but with the right strategy, leaders can build resilience and stay ahead in a digital-first world.
The Transformation Ground Control podcast covers several topics important to digital and business transformation. This episode covers the following topics and interviews: Where is the ERP Market Headed? It's Time to Completely Re-Think ERP Systems (Eyal Katz & Evgenya Kontorovich, Priority Software) Microservices & Alternatives to ERP, Jan Baan We also cover a number of other relevant topics related to digital and business transformation throughout the show.
A company spends $10M over two years on a critical software product, but after firing one vendor and hiring a second, they still have nothing to show for it. This case study details the 5-step action plan used to rescue a failing project, restore internal credibility, and get product delivery back on track. From revamping the product roadmap and redefining vendor contracts to empowering a true product owner, this episode is a masterclass in turning around a high-stakes technology transformation. Discover how to shift from analysis paralysis to momentum and learn why strategy is meaningless without an execution engine you can trust. We also uncover how the team found a surprise opportunity to build new AI products by leveraging decades of institutional data they already had. In this episode: How to create a living technology and product roadmap that aligns both business stakeholders and frontline users. The critical shift from project management (Gantt charts and deliverables) to product management (business outcomes and priorities). Actionable strategies for vendor governance, including tying payment milestones to the delivery of working software. Using incremental delivery and weekly demos to catch misunderstandings early and de-risk the development process. How to move from "analysis paralysis" to action by designing small experiments to test new AI product ideas. Unlock the full potential of your product team with Integral's player coaches, experts in lean, human-centered design. Visit integral.io/convergence for a free Product Success Lab workshop to gain clarity and confidence in tackling any product design or engineering challenge. Subscribe to the Convergence podcast wherever you get podcasts including video episodes to get updated on the other crucial conversations that we'll post on YouTube at youtube.com/@convergencefmpodcast Learn something? Give us a 5 star review and like the podcast on YouTube. It's how we grow. Follow the Pod Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convergence-podcast/ X: https://twitter.com/podconvergence Instagram: @podconvergence
Digital Stratosphere: Digital Transformation, ERP, HCM, and CRM Implementation Best Practices
Peggy Smedley and Michelle Pellegrin, IBM's VP and Global Managing Director for Microsoft, talk about smarter hybrid cloud operations and giving customers a unified approach to managing cloud infrastructure. She says bringing into IBM really strengthens the joint work IBM is already doing with Microsoft. They also discuss: · How they are giving customers a unified approach to managing cloud infrastructure. · What Microsoft and HashiCorp launched at HashiConf. · A client story that shows how the partnership is delivering value. https://www.ibm.com/microsoft HashiCorp + IBM: https://www.ibm.com/products/hashicorp HashiCorp at IBM THINK blog: https://www.hashicorp.com/en/blog/how-ibm-and-hashicorp-are-simplifying-ai-ready-hybrid-cloud-operations
Peggy Smedley and Amy Waninger, inclusive leadership expert and author of Moving from Panic to Purpose, talk about how different sectors respond to change, where they get stuck, and some tips for what it really takes to lead through unrelenting change. She shares an example of a big work change she went through. They also discuss: · The process and steps to address a big change. · How to make this happen in a project-driven environment. · How AI (artificial intelligence) factors into this conversation https://www.leadatanylevel.com
Peggy digs into how agentic AI (artificial intelligence) is poised to revolutionize the supply chain, citing big predictions, use cases, and new opportunities. She warns against getting swept up in the excitement and instead encourages focusing on practical value and measurable ROI (return on investment). She also discusses: · The key drivers behind the rise of agentic AI in supply chains. · A core challenge the supply chain must address. · One clear step supply chain leaders should take today. https://peggysmedleyshow.com/
In our September 2025 Community Chat, and with youth members of the Caribbean tech community, Data Scientist and Researcher, Julie Koon Koon of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Co-CEO of Orbtronics and Rifbid, Keeghan Patrick, of Saint Lucia, the panel discusses: * whether the use of AI for digital transformation and innovation is evident in the Caribbean region; * women's empowerment in ICTs; and * the changing job market due to AI and the implications for new and imminent graduates. The episode, show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during the episode can be found on the ICT Pulse Podcast Page (www.ict-pulse.com/category/podcast/) Enjoyed the episode? Do rate the show and leave us a review! Also, connect with us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ICTPulse/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ictpulse/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/ICTPulse LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/3745954/admin/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/qnUtj Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez ---------------
How does a 200-year-old porcelain icon stay relevant in the digital age? Alex Baker interviews, Vista Alegre's Chief Digital Officer, Carla Graça, shares how the brand is blending rich heritage with bold digital transformation by: - Building a strong digital presence and expanding globally - Driving innovation in factories and design while preserving craftsmanship - Using technology to empower people, not replace them - Creating seamless omnichannel customer experiences online and in-store From heritage storytelling to AI-driven tools, Vista Alegre proves that tradition and innovation can thrive together. Join the conversation with our global retail community at www.globalretailleaders.com
Craig Jeffery talks with Steven Peterson of Chick-fil-A about their journey from RPA to APIs to agent-based AI. They discuss use cases in bank connectivity, forecasting, and document summarization, as well as the progression from bots to orchestration. How does a lean treasury team innovate at scale? Listen in to hear how curiosity and strategy are driving real transformation.
Digital Stratosphere: Digital Transformation, ERP, HCM, and CRM Implementation Best Practices
How have domestic Islamic financial institutions performed, and what is a realistic assessment of asset quality, funding and liquidity conditions in the banking market? How is digital transformation advancing the development of new Islamic banking and Takaful products in Oman, and can technology be better applied to improving user experience? How can Islamic financial products incorporate important sustainability characteristics and recognise climate risk?Moderator:Aisha Al Kharusi, Deputy Executive Chair, Modern College of Business and SciencePanelists:Ahmed Ibrahim Lamei, Senior Manager, ITS Dr Eskandar Shah, CEO, ISRA International Consulting Firas Al Lawati, Deputy CTO for Digital Transformation, Central Bank of Oman Mohammed Al Hashmi, Chief Compliance Officer, Bank Nizwa Rafiza Ghazali, CEO, KAF Digital Bank
How can data and AI generate measurable value, and what lessons can you apply to your own organization right now? Many leaders are investing in analytics, machine learning, and digital transformation but still struggle to connect their projects back to business outcomes. In this episode, Mitch Kwiatkowski, Executive Vice President of Data at Techstra Solutions, who has led initiatives delivering over $250 million in value, offers a roadmap for entrepreneurs and business leaders facing the same challenge. He answered three key questions on the Pittsburgh Technology Council's TechVibe Radio Show so you can: Learn how Mitch first saw technology's power to transform entire industries and why that perspective still guides his work today. Understand the coming workforce shifts driven by AI and what leaders can do now to reskill, upskill, and redeploy talent. Hear a simple, practical way to ensure every data or AI initiative ties back to measurable business results. Discover how you can align your own data and AI efforts with real business impact, straight from one of the field's most experienced leaders. If you're not not so time-crunched, listen to Mitch's entire interview here. This is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.
In this episode of Innovation and Digital Enterprise, Patrick and Shelli interview Adan Pope, Senior Vice President of Engineering, Applications, and AI at The Aspen Group. Adan shares insights from his career in engineering and technology leadership, from his roles in public safety, telecommunications, and healthcare. He also discusses his books, “Respect the Weeds” and “Intentional Tensions”, which reflect on principled leadership and effective digital transformation strategies. He emphasizes the importance of humility, continuous learning, and building teams that thrive on productive tension. Adan unpacks the ways he drives innovation, and how engineering teams can balance velocity with stability, while maintaining high standards of quality.(00:00) Welcome Adan Pope(02:21) Early Career and Influences(04:37) Leadership and Innovation(07:35) Writing 'Respect the Weeds'(11:30) Intentional Tensions in Leadership(19:42) Building Effective Teams(21:46) Navigating Human Dynamics in Teams(22:22) The Importance of Positive Tension(22:56) Lessons from Bell Labs(24:47) Balancing Sales and Engineering Goals(29:00) Fostering Ownership and Pride in Work(33:18) The Power of Visual CommunicationAdan Pope is a technology executive, professor, and published author and speaker, currently the Senior Vice President of Engineering Applications and AI at The Aspen Group. He also is an Adjunct Professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology teaching in the graduate Information Technology Management Department. He is the cofounder of Taraxa Labs LLC, providing workshops, consultancy practical tools, and guidebooks to help leaders navigate digital transformation. Previously he has held roles at Intrado Life & Safety, InnerWorkings, Ciena, ShopperTrak, Ericsson, Telcordia Technologies, and Bell Labs. He earned a BSEET at DeVry University and a MCS and MBA from North Central College.If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Innovation and the Digital Enterprise in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.Podcast episode production by Dante32.
Ali Allage explores the future of mental health technology. Ali is a tech entrepreneur and cofounder of HoloMD, a firm that builds secure AI tools for mental health providers. He is passionate about responsible health technology innovation that improves continuity of care, supports clinicians, and ultimately drives better outcomes for patients. Host, Kevin Craine Do you want to be a guest? https://DigitalTransformationPodast.net/guest Do you want to be a sponsor? https://DigitalTransformationPodcast.net/sponsor
In this episode of Executive IT, host Evan Kiely sits down with Alan Taylor, COO of Maxio, to explore how IT and security shape business reliability, compliance, and growth. Alan shares his perspective as a seasoned operator in private-equity backed SaaS companies, covering:Why IT and security are non-negotiable investments for scaling businessesHow Maxio structures compliance around SOC 2, ISO 27001, and PCI auditsThe role of IT in go-to-market, customer trust, and competitive differentiationLessons from M&A integrations—where IT diligence can make or break successPractical advice for IT and security leaders on building cross-functional governanceWhether you're a technology leader, operator, or business executive, this conversation offers actionable insights on making IT and security a business driver — not an afterthought.
The Transformation Ground Control podcast covers a number of topics important to digital and business transformation. This episode covers the following topics and interviews: Tech Hiring Landscape, Q&A (Darian Chwialkowski, Third Stage Consulting) Everything You Need to Know About Managing Careers in Technology & Consulting (Jonathan Whipple, CEO & Co-Founder of Lander Talent) 5 Lessons I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Consulting Career We also cover a number of other relevant topics related to digital and business transformation throughout the show.
In this episode of Conversations with CommerceNext, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Jenna Flateman Posner, Founder & CEO of Chief Digital Agency, for a candid and insightful conversation on the changing dynamics of retail technology and digital transformation.Jenna shares her remarkable career journey, starting on the technology side, building go-to-market partnerships in loyalty, payments, and localization before making the leap into retail operations as VP of Digital and then Chief Digital Officer at Snipes. She reflects on scaling Snipes' digital business from $7 million to $100 million, navigating the pandemic, civil unrest, and the accelerated shift to digital commerce.From there, Jenna moved to Solo Brands, where she drove digital strategy across a portfolio of outdoor lifestyle companies and activated memorable campaigns, including the award-winning “smokeless” collaboration with Snoop Dogg. These experiences ultimately inspired her to found Chief Digital Agency, a consultancy designed to bridge the persistent gap between technology vendors and retail operators.Jenna describes her role as a translator and conduit between retailers and technology providers—helping vendors refine products, craft go-to-market strategies, and close deals, while assisting retailers with tech selection, vendor management, and implementation oversight. By bringing transparency and empathy to both sides, she helps organizations avoid costly missteps and unlock true partnership value.The conversation dives deep into some of retail's most pressing challenges: why cultural and organizational silos slow down tech adoption, the need for retailers to embrace faster decision-making, and the importance of vendors building trust instead of chasing cold-call volume. Jenna also shares her vision for the future of digital commerce, where AI acts as a unifying operating system and data pipelines—not websites—become the core infrastructure for brand success.With practical advice for vendors, retailers, and technologists alike, this episode offers a roadmap for building stronger relationships, embracing risk, and preparing for a future shaped by AI-driven agents and new consumer expectations.Tune in to hear why Jenna believes digital leaders must become “data people” first—and how Chief Digital Agency is shaping the future of retail partnerships. About UsJennifer MarloHead of Content, CommerceNextJennifer Marlo drives industry-leading programming at CommerceNext, drawing on experience from Ascendant Network and iMedia Connection, where she spearheaded content strategies to inspire retail, brand and agency marketing leaders. Guided by the belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” Jennifer uses in-person and digital platforms to educate and foster industry collaboration. Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax. Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok. Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.
Digital Stratosphere: Digital Transformation, ERP, HCM, and CRM Implementation Best Practices
Peggy digs into how agentic AI (artificial intelligence) is poised to redefine transportation, sharing examples, growth projections, and new opportunities. She urges not to get caught up in the hype but rather focus on the way technology can provide real value and ROI (return on investment). She also discusses: · Some key use cases in the transportation industry. · A paradox that we must consider. · Five steps transportation leaders can take today. Peggy Smedley Show
Dan Miklovic, founder, Lean Manufacturing Research and leader, Third Eye Advisory, talk about tariffs and how tariffs impact the ability to invest in automation, AI (artificial intelligence), and the workforce. He says tariffs have their place and it is a very fine balance to walk. They also discuss: · When tariffs are in fact effective. · The challenges that exist with tariffs. · Examples of tariffs on specific products that can help reach goals. https://thirdeyeadvisory.com (9/16/25 - 937) What You Might Have Missed: Preparing for the factory of the future The true impact of chatgpt on manufacturing IoT, Internet of Things, Peggy Smedley, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, digital transformation, cybersecurity, blockchain, 5G cloud, sustainability, future of work, podcast, Dan Miklovic, Lean Manufacturing Research, Third Eye Advisory,
Deepfakes are videos, picture or audio clips made with artificial intelligence to look real.Although sometimes used for fun, they can also be used to defame or discredit people. Anyone from politicians to celebrities to normal members of the public can become the subject of deepfake imagery. So how can we protect our image from being used maliciously?In Denmark, the government is proposing a new law which would give people copyright-like protection over their face, voice, and appearance. In this edition of the Inquiry, Tanya Beckett explores how the new law would work and asks how do we strike a balance between Big Tech and AI innovation and the need to protect our identity?Contributors:Gitte Løvgren Larsen, Lawyer and partner, Sirius Advocator, DenmarkDr Alina Trapova, lecturer (Assistant Prof), Intellectual property law, University College LondonIgnacio Cofone, Professor of Law and Regulation of AI, University of OxfordMikkel Flyverbom, Professor of Communication and Digital Transformations, Copenhagen Business SchoolPresenter: Tanya Beckett Producer: Emma Forde Researcher: Matt Toulson Technical Producer: Richard Hannaford Production Coordinator: Tammy Snow Editor: Louise Clarke (Photo: Digital Human Head, Credit: imaginima/Getty Images)
This week the Remarkable Retail podcast delivers a dynamic mix of breaking retail news and an in-depth interview with a top retail innovators, Lauren Steinberg, Loblaw Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Loblaw, Canada's biggest retailer.Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc kick off a wide-ranging news segment, analyzing how tariffs, inflation, and global economic uncertainty are reshaping retail. They explore the upcoming Federal Reserve decision, the rise in food and apparel costs, energy pressures tied to AI-driven data centers, and how these forces are squeezing consumers' discretionary spending. The hosts also discuss RH's Paris flagship opening as a bold case study in reinvention, contrasting the brand formerly known as Restoration Hardware's bold ambition with the incremental strategies that have failed legacy brands. Finally, they highlight Sam's Club's new digital-first presentation layer—showing how even complex retailers can aim higher, move faster, and deliver remarkable customer experiences.Guest Lauren Steinberg--who recently assumed the expanded role of Chief Digital Officer at Loblaw after a decade leading digital, loyalty, and retail media--offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Loblaw is serving nearly every Canadian through its grocery, pharmacy, financial services, and apparel businesses, anchored by iconic brands like President's Choice, and Joe Fresh.Laurnen explains how Loblaw's digital strategy is centered on convenience, affordability, and relevance, with AI playing a critical role in personalization, supply chain efficiency, and the evolution toward agentic AI. Lauren also details the company's fast-growing retail media network, designed to connect brands with customers in ways that are accountable, measurable, and integrated across both digital and physical retail. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.
Dive into the "AI multiverse" with AWS Executives in Residence Jake Burns and Tom Soderstrom as they explore why some organizations are seeing massive productivity gains with agentic AI while others struggle to see value. Drawing from their extensive enterprise experience, they reveal how treating AI agents like human team members - with clear specifications, iterative feedback, and proper context - can unlock unprecedented productivity gains that far exceed the reported 30% improvements. Burns and Soderstrom share practical insights on creating a culture of experimentation, emphasizing why traditional ROI metrics may hinder innovation and why "return on attention" could be a better early indicator of success. From leveraging multi-agent systems to democratizing AI adoption through "centers of engagement," this episode offers essential guidance for leaders seeking to position their organizations on the right side of AI transformation. Don't miss these actionable strategies for winning in the age of agentic AI!