Podcasts about tech strategy

“Don't stop being that person who steps off the ledge.”  In this episode, Michael Dargie connects with Claire Milligan, founder of Aimably, whose career has evolved from a designer obsessed with user experience to an entrepreneur helping businesses navigate private equity transformations—without losing their soul (or their engineers). This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Claire shares her journey from building products inside a small startup to leading business lines within private equity–owned companies. When rising AWS cloud costs became immovable obstacles, Claire and her colleague Mark founded Aimably to solve one very expensive problem: making cloud hosting costs understandable—and manageable. She breaks down how cost and engineering decisions in tech are often misaligned, how the traditional gross margin model fails modern SaaS, and why firing developers to improve numbers is not the solution. There's also time for farting Santas, sourdough alternatives, and Claire's favourite ski patrol memories in Lake Tahoe. This conversation dives deep into systems thinking, entrepreneurial grit, and why people—and their quirky personalities—are what drive the best businesses forward. It's candid, funny, and packed with aha moments about building better companies and better lives. Quotable quotes “We do margins wrong in software.” —Claire Milligan “People are just the beginning and the end of the conversation.” —Claire Milligan “Don't stop being that person who steps off the ledge.” —Claire Milligan “We get stuck in decisions that have cascading consequences.” —Claire Milligan “You had me at farting Santa.” —Michael Dargie Episode highlights Aimably's Mission | Helping businesses navigate private equity with cloud cost clarity Cloud Reality Check | Why AWS bills forced Claire into entrepreneurship From Logo Design to UX | Claire's design roots lead her into tech Obsessed with Cars | User experience goes beyond screens Grandpa's Farting Santa | Corporate leadership meets absurd desk décor Needlepoint Sass | Claire's unexpected creative outlet Software ≠ Car Manufacturing | Why tech doesn't track costs like physical goods Redefining Margins | Putting engineering up top changes the math Broccoli, Reimagined | Life (and vegetables) after the 80s On Chairlifts and Wisdom | Claire's ski patrol reflections Baking Through Burnout | Croissants, millionaires shortbread, and pandemic therapy Leisure Isn't Just for the Rich | Why Great British Bake Off matters Around the World in Two Weeks | A father-daughter adventure Rebel Advice | When you step off the ledge, stay authentic Links from episode Aimably Website (https://www.aimably.com) Claire Milligan on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairemilligan) BrandJitsu Book (https://brandjitsu.com) Hosted by: Michael Dargie THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM | LINKEDIN.COM Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com

In this episode of Restoration Pros Unplugged, Clinton James sits down with Nikole Mackenzie, Founder and CEO of Momentum Accounting, to break down how restoration businesses can turn financial mess into momentum.Nikole shares how her team helps owners gain control of cash flow, clean up chaotic books, and implement systems that scale—all through a modern, outsourced accounting model built specifically for restoration companies.You'll learn:Why restoration companies are uniquely suited for outsourced CFO and controller supportThe difference between bookkeepers, controllers, and CFOs—and when to bring each inHow a structured 3-step process can fix leaks in profit and cash flowThe top tech tools for automation, reporting, payroll, AR/AP, and project costingHow to make your financials a growth engine, not an afterthoughtWhether you're trying to scale or just want peace of mind around your numbers, this episode is packed with actionable insights.Want to get your finances out of the rearview mirror and into high gear?Visit https://restoration.momentumaccounting.com/ to learn how Nikole and her team can help your restoration business gain clarity, control, and confidence with modern accounting systems built to scaleIf you're interested in learning how Water Restoration Marketing can help you overcome the challenges discussed in this episode and get more water jobs, book a free strategy session with our team today!https://www.waterrestorationmarketing.net/schedule

Everyone loves a good tech strategy session—but how do we make sure those plans don't just sit on a shelf? We're diving into the realities of making strategy happen. Join us for the second installment of Tech Strategy in Action, a series where we dive into exactly that.   Today we will be discussing how CLIA has implemented their newly imagined website based on an enormous amount of user research, led by our guest Jill Straniero, SVP of Digital Solutions and Managing Director of Global Technology. We will discuss how deep user interviews and audience analysis revealed the need to shift from a department-focused approach to an audience-focused digital strategy. The findings helped streamline twelve websites into two distinct ones. The conversation highlights how user research is not just for usability—it's a strategic tool for long-term organizational alignment and smarter tech investments  Hosted by Norma Castrejon, Vice President, Information Technology at the American Osteopathic Association and Rhoni Rakos, Lead Consultant, Digital Strategy at Ellipsis Partners.  Make sure to follow TPAC on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asae-tpac/ 

This week, we're featuring a panel discussion from the 2025 Hill and Valley Forum with Josh Wolfe (Lux Capital), Senator Jack Reed (RI), and Qasar Younis, Founder and CEO, Applied Intuition They address talent attraction and retention, China's espionage and surveillance state, immigration policies, dual-use technologies, and the challenges and strategies in defense innovation and data security in AI and autonomous vehicles. —

Have a great point of view to add? Send us a text with your thoughts!In this episode of The Tech Marketing Podcast, Jon is joined by Seb Tyack as they prepare to exhibit at the first ever PartnerTech X event. Seb, MD of Channel Solutions at Twogether, shares his expertise on how partner experience, ROI measurement, and AI are shaping the future of channel technology. Jon and Seb explore the idea that partner tech isn't just about capability—it's about usability, intentionality, and service. If you're preparing for PartnerTech X or rethinking your ecosystem strategy, this conversation will leave you with actionable insights and a renewed appreciation for simplicity and data-led decisions. 

A frustrated CEO, a legacy system no one liked, and a looming contract deadline — this episode unpacks the story of how one team broke out of vendor-driven inertia and took back control of their tech strategy. What started as confusion and friction turned into clarity and confidence, all through the power of intentional facilitation and a tightly structured two-day workshop. You'll hear how a group of cross-functional stakeholders aligned on priorities, identified risky assumptions, and rapidly shaped a new path forward — including a validated RFP and scoring rubric — in just 16 hours. This episode is packed with practical tips for anyone facing a big, high-stakes decision with too many options and too little time. Inside the episode... A CEO's challenge with legacy tech and vendor pressure How a two-day workshop turned chaos into clarity The role of facilitation in accelerating strategic alignment Stack ranking, 2x2 matrices, and other prioritization techniques Why solo work before group discussion makes a huge difference Designing better user stories from the ground up Using ChatGPT to draft faster, better RFPs and rubrics How to spot and de-risk your most dangerous assumptions Tactical facilitation tips for running your own workshop The impact of intentional structure, breaks, and focus Mentioned in this episode ChatGPT RFP (Request for Proposal) templates and scoring rubrics Integral's Plus/Delta/Learn framework Facilitation techniques like 2x2 matrices, stack ranking, dot voting Data integration planning 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

Most practices think buying the latest technology will automatically boost revenue — but Dr. Sage Hider says it's not about what you buy, it's how you use it. 

CTO Series: The Anti-Scaling Paradox: Why and When a CTO Should Refuse to Grow His Team with Markus Hjort In this BONUS episode, we dive into a fascinating conversation with Markus Hjort, Co-founder and CTO of Bitmagic. With over 20 years of software development expertise, Markus shares invaluable insights on tech leadership, team scaling, and how AI is transforming the landscape of software development. From pivotal career moments to practical advice on aligning tech strategy with business objectives, this episode offers wisdom for technology leaders and developers alike. Defining Moments in Tech Leadership "As a leader, for me, it is important that we have a positive attitude." Markus reflects on two pivotal experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy. Early in his career, he received feedback about his positive approach to challenging tasks, which reinforced his belief in maintaining an optimistic outlook when facing difficulties. This approach has allowed him to inspire team members during tough situations. The second defining moment relates to estimation skills. After participating in a rescue mission for a delayed project, Markus learned the importance of making realistic ballpark estimates rather than succumbing to unrealistic deadlines. His initial two-year estimate for a project was met with resistance from a client who wanted it done in two months, but the project ultimately took four years to complete - twice his original estimate. Leads by example with a positive attitude toward challenges Values the skill of making quick but realistic ballpark estimates Recommends "Programming Pearls" for developers to improve estimation skills Emphasizes that product developers should create different options to reach goals In this segment, Markus refers to the book Programming Pearls. Aligning Tech Strategy with Business Objectives "Nothing should come for me as a surprise." When it comes to ensuring tech strategy supports business goals, Markus emphasizes the importance of continuous communication with key stakeholders. Through regular informal discussions, he stays aware of emerging ideas and maintains strong relationships with decision-makers. This approach helps him anticipate future feature requirements and translate technical strategy into business objectives. The foundation of this alignment is built on trust and transparency. Maintains constant discussions with critical stakeholders Develops awareness of emerging ideas through informal conversations Identifies and builds relationships with decision-makers Translates technical considerations into business language Fostering Collaboration Between Tech and Business Units "In the end we create the shared understanding and the habit of working together which creates better alignment and trust." While structured meetings are important, Markus believes that true collaboration happens when people work together across departmental boundaries. In previous roles, he implemented small, cross-functional teams that included business representatives during feature development. At Bitmagic, they conduct regular gameplay test sessions that anyone in the company can join, fostering unpredictable connections and conversations. These informal interactions are especially valuable in a remote-only company. Creates small teams with business representation for feature development Implements regular demo sessions open to everyone in the company Encourages cross-departmental work to build shared understanding Emphasizes the importance of informal discussions in remote environments Scaling Engineering Teams Strategically "You have to be careful when to scale, and when not to scale." Markus advocates for a measured approach to team growth during scaling phases. He believes in small teams of talented individuals and prefers to grow at a deliberate pace rather than rushing to add new members. Sometimes, he's even paused hiring to focus on meeting milestones with existing resources. When rapid scaling is necessary, Markus recommends considering contractors to reduce risk and gain specialized expertise quickly, particularly in fields like gaming that require deep specialization. Believes in small teams of talented individuals Grows team size at a deliberate pace Sometimes pauses hiring to focus on delivery with existing team Strategically uses both employees and contractors based on circumstances Navigating Financial Challenges in Startups "From the tech view it was clear this was not a good idea, but from the business perspective, it was the right decision to make." One of the toughest challenges Markus faced involved making difficult decisions during financial constraints. In a previous startup, when resources were tight, he had to split his team between the main product and a "side project" that had been sold to generate revenue. Though technically suboptimal, this business-driven decision was necessary for survival. This experience highlights the complex balancing act CTOs often face between technical ideals and business realities. The Impact of AI on Software Development "It has changed my way of thinking of my work as a programmer." Having worked on AI-powered game development for over two years, Markus has witnessed the rapid evolution of AI technologies. This experience has influenced his approach to team expansion, as he considers how AI might augment human capabilities. Personally, he now uses code assistants regularly and wouldn't return to traditional programming methods. AI has transformed his workflow as a programmer and expanded his capabilities, particularly as a full-stack engineer. Measuring Engineering Success Beyond Metrics "In early startup stages, one of the critical metrics is 'the working software.'" Rather than relying heavily on rigid metrics, Markus focuses on practical indicators of success for engineering teams. In early-stage startups, he prioritizes the frequency of releasing working software to end users. Additionally, he monitors team energy and morale, looking for signals in commit messages and code review comments that might indicate the team's well-being. As teams grow, he sees value in using tools to help track these emotional indicators systematically. Focuses on frequency of releasing working software Monitors team energy and morale as key indicators Looks for signals in commit messages and code reviews Considers team well-being as important as technical output Recommended Reading "Press 'pause' when you feel you are in a crisis situation." Markus credits "Rapid Development" by Steve McConnell as a significant influence on his approach to software development, particularly before Agile methodologies became mainstream. One lasting lesson from the book is avoiding the anti-pattern of "abandoning all planning under pressure." Instead, Markus recommends pausing when facing a crisis to reassess and plan effectively, rather than rushing into reactive solutions. About Markus Hjort Markus Hjort is the Co-founder and CTO of Bitmagic, with over 20 years of software development expertise. Starting with Commodore 64 game programming, his career spans gaming, fintech, and more. As a programmer, consultant, agile coach, and leader, Markus has successfully guided numerous tech startups from concept to launch. You can link with Markus Hjort on LinkedIn and listen to Markus Hjort's podcast in Finnish, and follow his work with the future of AI in gaming at Bitmagic.ai.

We all love to talk strategy - especially tech strategy! But what happens when it's time to move from planning to execution within our associations? Join us for Tech Strategy in Action, a three-part series where we dive into exactly that.  In Part 1, we'll explore how RAPS developed and implemented an outstanding data strategy, led by our guest Wendy Sahli, Director of Technology at RAPS. After a quick discussion on the fundamentals of data strategy and its role in a strong technology ecosystem, we'll take a deep dive into RAPS journey – from where they started when Wendy joined, how their data strategy evolved, where they are today, and what exciting things are on the horizon. Wendy holds a masterclass in developing a data strategy and executing it to propel technology forward! Hosted by Norma Castrejon, Strategic Consultant at DelCor Technology Solutions and Rhoni Rakos, Lead Consultant, Digital Strategy at Ellipsis Partners.  Make sure to follow TPAC on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asae-tpac/ 

The conversation around AI in talent acquisition often focuses on incremental improvements and point solutions – better job descriptions, faster candidate matching, or automated interview scheduling. But this limited view dramatically underestimates the fundamental transformation that's already underway. While many are still debating whether AI is overhyped, there is growing evidence that it is actually significantly underhyped, with implications far beyond what most TA leaders are preparing for. So, how can TA move beyond tactical AI implementations to develop the strategic capabilities that will soon be essential? My guest this week is Jonathan Kestenbaum, Managing Director of Tech Strategy at AMS and a long-time trusted authority in work tech innovation. Jonathan cuts through the noise to explain why current industry discussions around AI are missing the bigger picture – a future where talent acquisition transforms into strategic orchestration and the way organizations attract and deploy talent is fundamentally reshaped . In the interview, we discuss:  The unprecedented speed of change compared to previous tech cycles  The current AI use cases that hint at a much more significant transformation ahead Why recruitment processes need a complete redesign, not just automation  The split between humans and machines and the impact on jobs Skills based firing Moving from talent acquisition to talent orchestration  What do TA Leaders need to do right now What does the TA Tech stack of the future look like Follow this podcast in Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

In this episode of the Azure podcast, Sujit and the team, including Cale, Russell, and Cynthia, are joined by special guest Matteo Pagani, a Cloud Solutions Architect in the Tech Strategy team at Microsoft. Matteo provides insights into the agentic world of Co-pilot, explaining how agents can enhance business processes and improve efficiency. Tune in to learn about the practical applications of these technologies and how they can be integrated into existing workflows.   Media file: https://azpodcast.blob.core.windows.net/episodes/Episode515.mp3 YouTube: https://youtu.be/qMJ88BLbTVo Resources:   Overview of Microsoft 365 Copilot extensibility: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/ Building declarative agents with Visual Studio Code, Copilot Studio and Agent Builder: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/overview-declarative-agent Building custom engine agents with Visual Studio Code and Copilot Studio: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/overview-custom-engine-agent My blog with some fun experiments with multi-agents scenarios: https://www.developerscantina.com/   Other updates: Announcing GA for Azure Container Apps Serverless GPUs | Microsoft Community Hub   https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/introducing-deep-reasoning-agent-flows-copilot-studio-charles-lamanna-n1zxc/   Let's try GitHub Copilot Agent mode in VS Code to build a FULL app!

The conversation around AI in talent acquisition often focuses on incremental improvements and point solutions – better job descriptions, faster candidate matching, or automated interview scheduling. But this limited view dramatically underestimates the fundamental transformation that's already underway. While many are still debating whether AI is overhyped, there is growing evidence that it is actually significantly underhyped, with implications far beyond what most TA leaders are preparing for. So, how can TA move beyond tactical AI implementations to develop the strategic capabilities that will soon be essential? My guest this week is Jonathan Kestenbaum, Managing Director of Tech Strategy at AMS and a long-time trusted authority in work tech innovation. Jonathan cuts through the noise to explain why current industry discussions around AI are missing the bigger picture – a future where talent acquisition transforms into strategic orchestration and the way organizations attract and deploy talent is fundamentally reshaped . In the interview, we discuss:  The unprecedented speed of change compared to previous tech cycles  The current AI use cases that hint at a much more significant transformation ahead Why recruitment processes need a complete redesign, not just automation  The split between humans and machines and the impact on jobs Skills based firing Moving from talent acquisition to talent orchestration  What do TA Leaders need to do right now What does the TA Tech stack of the future look like Follow this podcast in Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

The conversation around AI in talent acquisition often focuses on incremental improvements and point solutions – better job descriptions, faster candidate matching, or automated interview scheduling. But this limited view dramatically underestimates the fundamental transformation that's already underway. While many are still debating whether AI is overhyped, there is growing evidence that it is actually significantly underhyped, with implications far beyond what most TA leaders are preparing for. So, how can TA move beyond tactical AI implementations to develop the strategic capabilities that will soon be essential? My guest this week is Jonathan Kestenbaum, Managing Director of Tech Strategy at AMS and a long-time trusted authority in work tech innovation. Jonathan cuts through the noise to explain why current industry discussions around AI are missing the bigger picture – a future where talent acquisition transforms into strategic orchestration and the way organizations attract and deploy talent is fundamentally reshaped . In the interview, we discuss:  The unprecedented speed of change compared to previous tech cycles  The current AI use cases that hint at a much more significant transformation ahead Why recruitment processes need a complete redesign, not just automation  The split between humans and machines and the impact on jobs Skills based firing Moving from talent acquisition to talent orchestration  What do TA Leaders need to do right now What does the TA Tech stack of the future look like Follow this podcast in Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

Technology is evolving faster than ever—are you keeping up? In this episode of Business Ninjas, we sit down with Mihae Ahn, Vice President of Marketing at ProServeIT, to explore how businesses can harness cloud solutions, cybersecurity, AI, and digital transformation to stay ahead in today's fast-changing world.ProServeIT is a trusted IT consulting firm dedicated to helping businesses optimize their infrastructure, navigate security challenges, and embrace emerging technologies. Mihae shares valuable insights on the growing role of AI and automation in business operations, the increasing importance of cybersecurity, and how cloud solutions are revolutionizing IT strategies. Whether you're a startup looking for IT guidance or an enterprise aiming for digital transformation, this conversation is packed with expert advice to help you make smarter technology decisions.Learn how your business can stay competitive and future-proof its operations in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Welcome to the 72nd episode of Ecommerce Toolbox: Expert Perspectives eTail series! This time, host Kailin Noivo sits down with Anna Westerholm, Chief Experience Officer at Artifact Uprising, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving landscape of ecommerce, her decade-long journey at Artifact Uprising, how they've scaled personalized product experiences, optimized supply chain operations and maintained resilience in uncertain times, customer experience, and operational agility. Anna discusses actionable insights on leveraging real-time data for decision-making and ensuring customer loyalty remains the cornerstone of growth.

What are the latest trends in the semiconductor industry, and what does it mean for your technology plans? Senior Analyst Alvin Nguyen discusses the latest semiconductor advancements and market dynamics in this episode of What It Means.

Substack Week: Engineering Strategy, Bridging Technical Excellence with Business Success With Aleix Morgadas In this Substack Week episode, we explore the critical intersection of engineering strategy and business success with Aleix Morgadas, an engineering strategy consultant focusing on sociotechnical aspects of high-stake business challenges. Aleix shares insights from his experience helping organizations align their technical capabilities with business objectives, while offering practical approaches to developing and implementing effective engineering strategies. The Genesis of Engineering Strategy Personal experience sparked Aleix's journey into engineering strategy when he joined a large company and found himself grappling with strategic decision-making in engineering. He identified a crucial gap: while strategy was well-established in product and business domains, engineering organizations often lacked strategic frameworks for participating in key decisions. This realization led him to start writing about his struggles and insights, helping others navigate similar challenges through his newsletter. "I found that engineering was missing a way to be part of the decision making process, and we needed to be clear on the problems and challenges that engineering organizations face." Breaking Down the Four-Step Process Drawing inspiration from Richard Rumelt's work on strategy, Aleix presents a comprehensive framework for developing engineering strategy. The process emphasizes the importance of understanding organizational context and identifying shared challenges before taking action. "Solve the shared pains - that's why we need to uncover those pains in the first place." The framework consists of four key steps: Context Understanding: Begin by defining your business context, as strategy must align with your specific environment and circumstances Problem Identification: Focus on understanding current organizational pains and creating alignment around which problems to solve Direction Setting: Break down larger goals into manageable increments while ensuring actions don't compete with each other Strategy Execution: Create space for teams to work on strategic initiatives while maintaining autonomy The Power of Bottom-Up Strategy Aleix challenges the traditional top-down approach to strategy development, advocating for a more inclusive process that brings together perspectives from all levels of the organization. This approach recognizes that teams and top-level management often have different visions that need to be reconciled for effective strategy implementation. "Strategy does not need to be designed top-down. Teams and top-level management have different visions, and we need to be able to bring those together." Implementation and Execution Success in engineering strategy requires more than just planning - it demands thoughtful execution and ongoing adaptation. Aleix emphasizes the importance of learning through action and starting with minimal effort initiatives to gain momentum. "By doing you learn, and doing is critical for strategy. Start with the least effort action you have in mind." Recommended Resources For Further Study The book: Good Strategy/Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt The blog post: North Star Framework Template & Activity Library The Jobs to be done Framework TEMPLATE: The engineering strategy template by Aleix VIDEO: Aleix's Engineering Strategy Journey Talk [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

With John Wolpert, an esteemed speaker, writer and thinker in technology and business innovation. As a CEO, product executive, and advisor, he's been at the vanguard of technological breakthroughs from the early days of the Web to the rise of artificial intelligence. John is known for founding Flywheel, a pioneer in the ride-hailing industry. His work at IBM made him a key figure in the evolution of open source software, blockchain, and AI. He's co-founded global R&D consortia and industry standards bodies, and his thought leadership on Open Innovation has been showcased in the Harvard Business Review. John has led countless new venture workshops and spoken before the European Union and the Australian Parliament in his mission to help organizations work together to solve hard problems.

CTO Series: Mastering the CTPO Role, Katrina Clokie's Guide to Tech and Product Leadership   In this BONUS episode, we sit down with Katrina Clokie, a seasoned leader in strategy, change management, and building inclusive teams. Katrina shares pivotal moments in her career, offers practical leadership insights, and discusses her role as Chief Technology and Product Officer (CTPO), where she's balancing innovation with business objectives. Whether you're an aspiring tech leader or looking to sharpen your leadership toolkit, Katrina's wisdom will inspire you to embrace growth, resilience, and collaboration. Defining Moments in Leadership “Look for roles you can't fully do yet—it's the best way to grow.”   Katrina reflects on a transformative moment early in her career when a mentor from the shipping industry encouraged her to seek out challenging roles that would push her growth. This advice set her on the path to engineering management and C-level leadership. She shares how fostering curiosity and pursuing conversations about topics she didn't yet fully understand has kept her continually learning.   “Ask yourself: where do I feel stretched? That's often where the best growth opportunities lie.” The Role of CTPO: Combining Technology and Product Strategy “We needed both a unified vision and an efficient structure to remain competitive.”   Katrina discusses why her company created the CTPO role and how it reflects the size and growth stage of the organization. With no prior head of product, Katrina leaned into her experience while recognizing the importance of partnering with skilled product managers. She emphasizes the importance of having clear accountabilities and embracing growth within the role.   “The key is knowing when to lead and when to lean on your team's expertise.” Aligning Tech Strategy with Business Objectives “Trade-offs are inevitable—make them strategically, not reactively.”   At Fergus, Katrina implemented clear guardrails, such as avoiding a complete rewrite of their decade-old monolith, focusing instead on retiring components that hindered stability and developer experience. She shares how they allocate 60% of engineering capacity to strategic initiatives and 40% to ongoing business needs, ensuring tech and business priorities stay aligned.   “Guardrails help teams make decisions that align with the big picture without constant oversight.” Fostering Cross-Functional Collaboration “Healthy conflict is necessary—escalation usually signals a breakdown in structure.”   Katrina describes how she structured cross-functional teams with clear goals and metrics to foster collaboration and ensure diverse perspectives are represented. She highlights the importance of empathy and role-modeling constructive conflict resolution at senior levels.   “A well-designed structure turns potential conflict into productive problem-solving.” Roadmapping with Flexibility and Focus “Roadmaps should guide—not handcuff—teams to long-term commitments.”   Katrina's approach to roadmapping balances transparency and adaptability. By reserving only 60% of capacity for roadmap initiatives and keeping annual plans intentionally light, her teams can pivot when necessary without overcommitting. Frequent, smaller releases (up to 160 changes per month) help deliver value continuously.   “Leave room in your roadmap to handle surprises without derailing progress.” Scaling Teams During Rapid Growth “Avoid constant recruiting—it can burn out your leaders and upset team dynamics.”   Drawing from her experience at Xero, Katrina advises against an “always-on” recruitment strategy, which can overwhelm hiring managers and disrupt team cohesion. Instead, she recommends batch hiring and partnering with finance and talent teams to manage hiring budgets in stages.   “Hiring in waves allows teams to stabilize and thrive, rather than constantly adjusting.” Overcoming the Challenges of Growth and Constraints “Shifting from hyper-growth to steady growth meant saying ‘no' more often and being precise.”   Katrina shares how transitioning from an environment of rapid scaling to a more constrained SaaS company required a shift in her approach to decision-making. She focused on making the business context clear to her team, fostering trust and transparency in her decision-making process.   “When people understand the ‘why' behind constraints, they're more likely to trust the process.” Recommended Reads for Tech Leaders Katrina shares the books that have shaped her leadership journey: Resilient Management by Lara Hogan The Manager's Path by Camille Fournier The Engineering Executive's Primer by Will Larson   “Great leadership isn't innate—it's learned through mentorship, reflection, and resources.” Scaling Your Influence as a Leader From her experience at global companies to her current role, Katrina's insights on transparency, collaboration, and strategic trade-offs provide a blueprint for navigating the complexities of tech leadership.   “Leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about empowering your team and staying open to learning.”   About Katrina Clokie   Katrina Clokie is a respected leader in strategy, change management, and building inclusive teams. A keynote speaker at international conferences, she is passionate about leadership and communication. Her book, A Practical Guide to Testing in DevOps, has reached over 7,000 readers. In 2018, she was a finalist for New Zealand's Inspiring Individual of the Year Award.   You can link with Katrina Clokie on LinkedIn.

CTO Series: Navigating Growth, A Playbook for Scaling Engineering Teams With Toni Ala-Piirto   In this BONUS episode, we dive into the journey of Toni Ala-Piirto, a seasoned software leader with 15 years of experience designing and implementing distributed systems. Toni opens up about pivotal lessons from his leadership career, balancing tech strategy with business goals, and the nuances of scaling engineering teams during rapid growth. Whether you're a CTO, a team lead, or a tech enthusiast, this conversation is packed with practical insights.   The Evolution of a Leader: A Journey, Not a Single Moment   “Leadership isn't built in a single defining moment but shaped by many experiences.”   Toni recounts a key challenge early in his career involving a major performance issue for a customer. This experience taught him the importance of viewing systems holistically rather than focusing solely on individual contributions. His “boring” leadership style—marked by forward-thinking and crisis prevention—emphasizes preparation and identifying risks without over-engineering solutions.   Aligning Tech and Business: The Power of Collaboration   “Technology vision and business strategy should speak the same language.”   Toni highlights the importance of close collaboration with product managers, sales, and finance to ensure tech strategy aligns with broader business goals. Regular cross-department discussions foster trust and ensure that the product roadmap is both innovative and achievable.   Key Practice: Build relationships with key stakeholders through daily touchpoints to create alignment.   The Roadmap to Success: Vision vs. Execution   “Short-term details drive long-term visions.”   Toni explains their approach to roadmapping, with detailed 6-month plans that address “how” to achieve goals and a broader vision for the longer term. This allows the team to stay agile while keeping future innovations in view.   Pro Tip: Avoid spending excessive time on estimations; use past experience to guide epic-level planning.   “The first six months are about execution—the rest is about imagining what's possible.”   Scaling Teams During Rapid Growth   “The true challenge of scaling is transferring knowledge while preserving team culture.”   Toni reflects on the growth journey from a small team to a larger organization. As the team grew, onboarding and knowledge transfer became crucial. His solution? Pair testing and collaborative learning to help developers understand the product deeply, not just the code.   Tactical Tips: Implement a “test buddy” system for collaborative testing and learning. Encourage developers to test the product to build domain knowledge and foster cross-functional understanding.   “Your people need to understand the product—not just the code—to scale effectively.”   Maintaining Culture Amid Growth   “Growth changes culture—how you hire and lead defines the next chapter.”   Toni shares how adding new team members can shift team dynamics. The key to sustaining a positive culture is hiring individuals who take ownership and serve as role models. Leaders should seek out those who aim to improve the team, not just perform their tasks.   “The best hires don't just do their job—they make the whole team better.”   Cross-Functional Insights and Learning the CTO Role   “CTOs operate at the intersection of tech and business—a shift from pure development.”   Toni admits that stepping into the CTO role required him to expand his understanding of business operations, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration. He emphasizes that this broadened perspective is essential for impactful decision-making.   “The biggest shift for me was seeing the business as a whole—not just the tech stack.”   Key Influences: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team   “Understanding team dynamics is as crucial as technical expertise.”   Toni cites Patrick Lencioni's The Five Dysfunctions of a Team as a pivotal read. The book shaped his approach to fostering accountability and ensuring team commitment. Toni underscores that accountability isn't about blame—it's about ownership and follow-through.   Scaling with a Talent Strategy in Mind   “Growth requires not just more people but the right investments.”   Toni discusses integrating talent strategy into roadmaps by aligning with business goals, including company size and revenue targets. Strategic hiring and investment in growth ensure that the team remains equipped to deliver on future plans.   About Toni Ala-Piirto   Toni Ala-Piirto is a seasoned software professional with 15 years of experience leading architecture and design for projects of all sizes. He excels in creating practical, fit-for-purpose distributed systems and is known for his hands-on approach and commitment to continuous improvement. Toni consistently delivers solutions that meet specific project needs while aligning with broader business objectives. You can link with Toni Ala-Piirto on LinkedIn.a

As members of the Biden administration wrap up their duties ahead of next month's transition, the Office of Management and Budget's IT office is touting the “innovative” technological progress it's made over the past four years in the face of “unprecedented challenges.” In an impact report shared exclusively with FedScoop, OMB's Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer highlighted several of its tech-focused accomplishments throughout President Joe Biden's time in office, pointing specifically to work in artificial intelligence, open data, cybersecurity and quantum, all in service of further modernizing the federal government. Lawmakers in the House and Senate introduced a bipartisan bill Wednesday that would create an advisory panel aimed at developing a national strategy for technologies such as virtual and augmented reality. Under the United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act, the Department of Commerce would be directed to establish such a panel that would advise the president on how to use those technologies, known collectively as immersive technologies or XR, for commerce, trade and economic competitiveness. That panel would also study XR and its impact on national security, according to a release from sponsor Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., announcing the bill. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

Why do some companies nail digital transformation while others just waste millions? In this episode you'll learn from two very different case studies: Starbucks and Lego. The founder of Starbucks, the company that pioneered mobile ordering, is now saying they went too far with tech. Meanwhile, LEGO transformed from a wooden toy maker into a digital powerhouse without losing its magic. Why did one succeed and the other fail? Listen to this episode to find out. You'll learn: Why having great tech stats doesn't mean you're winning (just ask Starbucks) How LEGO got digital right by being boring first  The real reason most transformations fail (spoiler: it's not about the technology) Why "going digital" without a soul is like getting plastic surgery to fix your personality  This episode is a must listen for corporate leaders planning their digital strategy, founders building tech companies, and investors who want to spot the next LEGO, not the next digital disaster.   Timestamps  00:00 Introduction 01:30 The Digital Transformation Dilemma 03:08 Starbucks: A Case Study in Digital Overreach 05:56 Lego: Embracing Digital to Enhance Core Values 09:47 Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Digital Transformation 15:46 Practical Steps for Successful Digital Transformation   For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/230-starbucks-vs-lego-a-tale-of-two-digital-transformations   Sources used to make this episode: MIT: Transforming the LEGO Group for the Digital Economy McKinsey: Common pitfalls in transformations: A conversation with Jon Garcia GeekWire: As Starbucks slumps, Howard Schultz says coffee giant should 'reinvent' mobile ordering   For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora   FREE GUIDE: The Pragmatist's Guide To Innovation (in business & in life) by Sophia Matveeva, supported by researchers from The University of Chicago   Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here. Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.  

Listen to learn: How smart innovators test ideas before burning $50,000+ on development. The common tech traps that trip up even experienced leaders. Practical ways to avoid expensive development mistakes. Real stories from innovators who saved thousands by pivoting early.   Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:11 Avoiding Expensive Mistakes 02:53 Lesson 1: The Build Everything Now Trap 06:11 Lesson 2: Marketing Before Testing  09:02 Lesson 3: Expensive Website Pitfall 11:53 Lesson 4: Wrong Assumptions Cost   For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/229-the-50-000-dollar-mistakes-these-founders-almost-made-and-how-they-avoided-them   For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora   FREE GUIDE: The Pragmatist's Guide To Innovation (in business & in life) by Sophia Matveeva, supported by researchers from The University of Chicago   Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here. Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.

Originally uploaded October 31st, re-edited November 14th. Chris Holman welcomes back Andria Romkema, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, The Right Place, Grand Rapids, MI. Welcome back Andria, congratulations on the Crains GR 40 under 40 designation, ... remind the Michigan business community about The Right Place? The Right Place played a big role last month in GR's Tech Week, how did that event go? Lost in all the activities but crucial to your region is the "10-year update on Tech Strategy" tell us more? In a few weeks The Right Place has "The Place Matters Summit" can you tell us about that? Always popular is December's Western Michigan Economic Forecast Breakfast what details can you share about this year's event? Some more details about November 13th: Placemaking means many things to different people – but we can all agree that positive, proactive and strategic placemaking is essential for our communities to prosper. Our Place Matters Summit will gather community leaders spanning the local government, business, non-profit and association spaces to discuss, learn about and be inspired by ways to actively cultivate their communities and neighborhoods as vibrant places. Featured Keynote: "Redefining Community: People, Places, Purpose" - Allyson Brunette Our social institutions are deteriorating due to digital-induced isolation, poor urban design, and weakened human connections, which impact both community and mental health. To reverse this trend, we need to focus on revitalizing public spaces, redefining 21st-century service, and fostering genuine offline connections. We CAN restore our social fabric and civic engagement! Lightning Talks: "Vibrancy Through Activation: Ways to Make Your Public Spaces Come Alive!" Gregg Hampshire, Executive Director of Creston Neighborhood Association Megan Lavell, Executive Director of Thornapple Arts Council Haley Stichman, Director of Ada Township DDA Panel Discussion: Growth, Development, and Community Character: You Can Have it All! Dan Leonard, Redevelopment Services Director at Michigan Economic Development Corporation Emily Petz, Community Housing Expert at W.E. Upjohn Institute Ryan Schmidt, Partner at Indigo Design + Development Andy Wenzel, Vice President/Senior Development Integration Leader at Fishbeck. Some details about December 5, 2024, 7:30AM–10:00AM Location JW Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids 235 Louis Street NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 The Economic Outlook will provide critical perspective for what may lie ahead for the Greater Grand Rapids region, the State of Michigan, and the nation, so you can prepare yourself and your business for success. Speakers Randy Thelen, President & CEO, The Right Place, Inc. Michael Horrigan, President, W.E. Upjohn Institute Jeffrey Korzenik, Chief Economist, Fifth Third Bank Susan N. Houseman, Senior Economist, W.E. Upjohn Institute Registration Fees Early Bird Registration: $99 Ends November 8, 2024 General Admission: $149 Table Purchase: $899 10 seats per table » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

In this episode of the Ecommerce Toolbox: Expert Perspectives podcast, host Kailin Noivo interviews Chris Meystrik, CTO of Jewelry Television (JTV). Chris draws insights from his extensive career, from early work at WebMD and Oracle to leading JTV's tech-driven ecommerce strategy. He discusses the challenges of integrating live TV broadcasts with ecommerce, emphasizing real-time data flows that support a unique customer experience. Chris also delves into JTV's recent re-platforming efforts and the decision-making process behind taking that step. How do we decide as technology experts when is the right time to re-platform? Tune in to find out the answer to this question and more, as Chris and Kailin investigate the intersection of technology, live TV, and ecommerce, and how JTV leverages these to drive innovation.

SummaryIn this episode of the In/organic Podcast, host Christian Hassold and guest Keith Anderson delve into the evolving landscape of data measurement, focusing on WPP's potential divestment of Kantar. They discuss the implications of this move, the importance of independent measurement in advertising, and the future of Kantar in the market. The conversation also touches on the challenges agencies face in adapting to a rapidly changing media environment and the need for collaboration and innovation within the industry.TakeawaysWPP is exploring the sale of its stake in Kantar to streamlines its business and bring more cash onto their balance sheetKantar is known for its consumer panel businesses and global footprint, WPP currently owns 40%, Bain Capital owns 60%.Independent measurement is crucial for advertisers but the capabilities on a standalone basis are becoming commodifiedThe agency business is facing significant challenges, global agencies must elevate their offerings to remain competitive in a world where clients are seeking to consolidate spend with a single global partnerChapters00:00 Introduction05:23 Understanding WPP and Kantar's Relationship09:22 WPP's Strategic Reasons for Acquiring Kantar12:46 Independent Measurement in Performance Marketing16:47 Bain's Potential Divestment of Kantar20:45 Analyzing WPP's Tech Strategy & CTO vs CPO23:54 Kantar's Potential Acquirers28:12 Agency Evolution and Collaboration in a Changing Market35:04 ConclusionConnect with Christian & In/organic PodcastChristian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/In/organic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inorganic-podcastIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featuredConnect with E19 guest, Keith Anderson on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/keithanderson101/Episode ReferencesWPP FGS Divestment Announcement: https://www.wpp.com/en/news/2024/08/wpp-to-sell-its-majority-stake-in-fgs-globalReuters divestment press: https://www.reuters.com/business/wpp-is-considering-sale-stake-bains-kantar-source-2024-01-10/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fundamental Supersize Business Strategy #59: Tech Strategy! Drop in here every day for a dose of different business building perspective: https://facebook.com/supersizebusiness #supersizeyourbusiness #foundationalsupersizebusinessstrategy #techstrategy

What's SHE Up To Now Day 2448? Progress, Communication Growth, SOAP Process And Tech Strategy! Drop in to get the real scoop--the good, the bad, the ugly, the truth (well my truth anyway). https://facebook.com/beme2thrive #communicationgrowth #foundationalsupersizebusinessstrategy #techstrategy #soapframework

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Scratch Event DJs, Ownit AI, and Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute:Sam's Club All-Digital Store: Sam's Club is launching its first checkout-free store in Dallas, powered by the Scan & Go app, with expanded e-commerce integration and futuristic food services like pizza-making robots. Whole Foods Opts Out of Amazon's Just Walk Out Tech: Whole Foods will not implement Amazon's Just Walk Out technology in its new Daily Shop stores, citing the need for layout flexibility. McDonald's Chicken Big Mac Debut: McDonald's is bringing the Chicken Big Mac to U.S. menus starting October 10. This limited-time offering is part of the chain's ongoing expansion of its chicken menu, underscoring chicken's growing importance alongside beef.Stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there!

Video In today's video, part of a multi-part series, Miguel Augustin, the COO at Trustshoring, talks about Fractional advisors and what these seasoned professionals bring. In this first episode, we’ll talk about the Fractional CTO. We'll define who they are, the roles and responsibilities of a Fractional Chief Technology Officer, and how you can maximize […]

Join me as I sit down with Marina O'Rourke, a visionary leader in the franchise tech industry with vast experience in digital transformation and product management. In this episode, Marina shares her journey to becoming a CIO, the challenges and opportunities of leading large-scale digital initiatives, and her vision for the future of technology. We'll explore how she balances strategy and execution, aligns product development with customer needs, and her advice for aspiring leaders and brands. Don't miss this insightful conversation on leadership, innovation, and the future of SaaS! Learn more about Tsource here.

CTO Series: From Team Lead to CEO, Leadership Challenges and Growth with Alex Schladebeck In this BONUS episode, we hear from Alex Schladebeck, CEO and Quality Advocate at BREDEX GmbH. Alex shares her journey from testing and consultancy to becoming a CEO, offering valuable insights into agile leadership, the importance of communication, and the evolving landscape of technology and quality in software development. The Power of Communication in Leadership "Communication isn't just part of the work; it is the work." Alex reflects on her career, emphasizing that her approach to leadership isn't defined by a single moment but by recurring patterns where communication played a crucial role. She shares how continuous conversation is vital for navigating changes and resolving conflicts, underscoring the importance of keeping communication channels open to manage the evolving demands of the tech industry. "Effective leadership hinges on continuous conversations. Make communication the core of your leadership practice." Aligning Tech Strategy with Business Goals "We need to balance the excitement of new technology with what the customer truly needs." Alex discusses the importance of aligning tech strategies with broader business objectives while maintaining agility. She shares her experience with implementing OKRs (Objective-Key Results) to bridge the gap between engineering teams and business leaders. By using short cycles for experimentation and decision-making, her team remains flexible and responsive to change without becoming reactive. "Use OKRs and short cycles to keep your tech strategy aligned with business goals, ensuring adaptability without sacrificing focus." Fostering Collaboration Between Tech and Business Units "Stepping outside your own perspective is key to understanding what's critical for both the business and the customer." Collaboration between tech and business units is essential, and Alex highlights strategies that have helped her foster this collaboration. By encouraging teams to consider different perspectives, especially when making decisions that affect customers, Alex ensures that her team remains aligned with the business's critical needs. "Take different perspectives into account during decision-making to ensure alignment between tech and business objectives." The Role of Experimentation in Roadmapping "Little experiments can lead to big innovations if we collaborate with customers early on." Alex shares her approach to roadmapping by incorporating small experiments to explore new ideas. These experiments often involve pilot projects with customers, allowing her team to test and iterate on new technologies before full-scale implementation. This method helps maintain a balance between stability in ongoing projects and innovation. "Incorporate small experiments into your roadmap to innovate while maintaining stability in ongoing projects." Overcoming Challenges in Leadership Transition "Stepping up from a team lead to CEO is about learning to take responsibility and adapt." One of the biggest challenges Alex faced was transitioning from a team lead to a CEO. With the guidance of her co-CEO and mentor, she learned to navigate this complex role without a clear guidebook, focusing on transparency, reflection, and adaptability as key leadership traits. "Reflect on your decisions and be transparent with your team to navigate the challenges of leadership transitions." Building Empathy Between Leaders and Teams "Leaders are people too, and sharing our decision-making processes helps build trust." Alex stresses the importance of creating empathy between leaders and their teams by being transparent about decision-making processes. She believes that while transparency doesn't eliminate conflict or disappointment, it fosters a better understanding of the context behind decisions, helping teams to navigate challenges together. "Build empathy by sharing your decision-making process, but be prepared for conflict—it's part of leadership." Embracing AI and Its Future Impact Alex shares her perspective on the rise of AI and its potential to transform software and product development. While she recognizes the opportunities AI presents, she emphasizes the need to remain focused on human-centric development, ensuring that technology serves to enhance, rather than replace, the human element in quality and product development. "As AI evolves, keep your focus on human-centric development to ensure technology enhances, rather than replaces, human contributions." Measuring Success with Meaningful KPIs "Numbers are useful, but context is crucial." Alex discusses her cautious approach to KPIs, emphasizing that while metrics like the DORA metrics are valuable, they must be interpreted within the right context. She shares an example of how a clear KPI—reducing escalation meetings—helped turn around a troubled project by focusing on the underlying issues rather than just the numbers. "Use KPIs to guide your decisions, but always consider the context behind the numbers to drive meaningful change." Staying Updated and Informed "I delegate much of the learning to my team, but I remain curious and engaged." To stay current with industry trends and best practices, Alex relies on a flat organizational structure where team leads are empowered to stay updated. She also participates in conference watch parties, engages in Slack groups, and pairs with colleagues to learn new technologies firsthand, fostering a culture of continuous learning. "Empower your team to stay informed, but stay curious and engaged in the learning process." Influential Reads for Leadership "We work with humans in socio-technical systems, and it's important to understand both the technical and human aspects." Alex shares some of the books that have influenced her leadership approach, including "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk," "Radical Candor," and "Never Split the Difference." These books have helped her navigate the complex, human-centric aspects of leadership in technical environments. "Combine technical know-how with human understanding—books like 'Radical Candor' offer valuable insights for leaders." [IMAGE HERE] Are you having trouble helping the team work well with their Product Owner? We've put together a course to help you work on the collaboration team-product owner. You can find it at bit.ly/coachyourpo. 18 modules, 8+ hours of modules with tools and techniques that you can use to help teams and PO's collaborate.   About Alex Schladebeck Alex Schladebeck is the CEO and Quality Advocate at BREDEX GmbH. She is an agile leader with a passion for quality and human-centric development. With a rich background in testing, product ownership, and consultancy, Alex now focuses on strategy, team coaching, and customer communication. A frequent speaker at Agile events, she was named the Most Influential Agile Testing Professional Person in 2018. Outside of work, she enjoys sports, music, and exploring new cultures. To learn more about Alex Schladebeck and follow her work, visit BREDEX GmbH and Schladebeck.de.  You can link with Alex Schladebeck on LinkedIn.

In this episode of The A100 Podcast, recorded live at ASAE's Annual Conference, O&U's Meghan Henning sits down with Lou Centrella, CAE, Senior Director of Technology Services at ISSA - The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association. Lou shares valuable insights on how ISSA is enhancing its technology strategy to better serve its members and support the entire organization. Key Highlights: Building Strong Cross-Departmental Partnerships: Lou discusses the importance of IT being a collaborative partner with all departments. He emphasizes that the technology team's role isn't just about providing tools but about understanding the needs of each department and integrating technology into their processes to achieve shared goals. Creating a Roadmap for Success: Lou shares his approach to putting together a detailed technology roadmap, ensuring that the association's tech investments align with strategic priorities. From selecting the right tools to planning for long-term upgrades, Lou explains how ISSA's roadmap ensures they stay ahead of tech trends and serve their members effectively. Modernizing the Tech Stack: Lou details how ISSA has modernized its tech stack, focusing on integrating systems and leveraging the cloud. He highlights the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to more modern platforms, ensuring that both member-facing tools and internal processes run smoothly. Prioritizing Cybersecurity: In a digital-first world, cybersecurity is critical. Lou outlines ISSA's approach to protecting its data and systems, from implementing secure cloud-based solutions to educating staff on cybersecurity best practices. He explains how they are working to stay proactive against threats while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Join us as we explore the essential role of technology in modern associations. Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode. Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies. Tune in for more episodes packed with expert advice and strategies to help your association thrive!

Being the chief technology officer for a venue is a tough job -- but what happens when you're not just the CTO for one venue but for a whole long list of places? Joining us today on the podcast is Katee LaPoff, chief technology officer for the Oak View Group, also known as OVG, the live experience venue development, management, and premium hospitality company. Listen in as we get Katee's perspective on technology developments and deployments from the lens of her new position -- only on the Stadium Tech Report podcast!

The intelligence community has laid out new priorities for the cloud, AI, cybersecurity and more in a new "Information Technology Roadmap" released in late May. The IC's Chief Information Officer, Adele Merritt, joined the show to explain the goals of the new strategy. "This roadmap really provides a unified vision for where the IC needs to go over the next five years," Merritt told me. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The intelligence community has laid out new priorities for the cloud, AI, cybersecurity and more in a new "Information Technology Roadmap" released in late May. The IC's Chief Information Officer, Adele Merritt, joined the show to explain the goals of the new strategy. "This roadmap really provides a unified vision for where the IC needs to go over the next five years," Merritt told me.

Today CJ is joined by Thomas Ream, the CFO of Workato, an intelligent automation platform that is heavily involved in AI. Thomas opens up about what it was like working in AI in the early days of the 90s. They discuss AI as a component of workflow and what it means to train AI models. He talks about the differences between working in hardware and software, the growing trend of hardware and software combinations, and the vast potential of quantum computing. Having worked for a social network prior to the existence of Facebook and other tech companies doing interesting things too soon, Thomas explains the importance of timing in tech and challenges the assumption that there is a first mover's advantage in this field. He shares wisdom from his experience as a CFO, what makes a great one, why he doesn't necessarily hire based on experience, and the importance of quick decision-making as well as his “lead, follow, or get out of the way” framework. If you're looking for an ERP head to NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/metrics and get a customized KPI checklist.—SPONSORS:Leapfin is accounting automation software that automatically prepares and posts reliable journal entries. High-growth businesses like Reddit, Canva, and Seat Geek choose Leapfin to eliminate manual tasks, accelerate month-end close, and enable accounting leaders to provide faster insights to help their companies grow. To automatically standardize your revenue data with measurable business impact, check out leapfin.com today. Mercury is the fintech ambitious companies use for banking and all their financial workflows. With a powerful bank account at the center of their operations, companies can make better financial decisions and ensure that every dollar spent aligns with company priorities. That's why over 100K startups choose Mercury to confidently run all their financial operations with the precision, control, and focus they need to operate at their best. Learn more at mercury.com.Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust®; Members FDIC.NetSuite provides financial software for all your business needs. More than 37,000 thousand companies have already upgraded to NetSuite, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you're looking for an ERP platform ✅ NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/metrics and get a customized KPI checklist. Maxio is the only billing and financial operations platform that was purpose built for B2B SaaS. They're helping SaaS finance teams automate billing and revenue recognition, manage collections and payments, and put together investor grade reporting packages.

How can emerging technologies and critical thinking shape the future of business? Join us on Digitally Curious as we sit down with Arvind Ravishunkar, General Manager of Think Tank and Tech Strategy at Wipro.Arvind offers an inside look at the groundbreaking projects at Wipro's innovation lab, Lab45, and discusses how the lab is pioneering new business models and sustainable practices. Discover how their Think Tank's new podcast, Unpacked, aims to make complex technical topics accessible, and why understanding technology at a fundamental level is crucial for modern business leaders.Imagine a workplace where debate and critical thinking are not only encouraged but essential. Arvind explains the transformative power of monthly debates within their think tank, designed to challenge team members to see all sides of an issue, backed by data and evidence.These debates sharpen minds and foster adaptability, preparing the team to navigate an unpredictable business landscape. He shares how knowledge-sharing sessions and a culture open to change are vital for fostering innovation and staying ahead.The future of AI is here, and it's reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace. Arvind delves into the implications of AI integration, from Apple's latest partnerships to the broader trends in AI adoption. He underscores the importance of data quality and strategy in successful AI projects and shares his journey towards cultivating digital curiosity in his team.Explore the far-reaching impacts of AI on job markets, the evolving role of educational institutions, and the necessity for responsible AI practices. Tune in for an episode rich with insights into the evolving landscape of technology and business leadership.More on ArvidArvind on LinkedInLab45 Think TankUnpacked podcastThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. Pre-order the book that showcases these episodes at digitallycurious.ai/pre-orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches herePre-order Andrew's upcoming book - Digitally Curious

A Deep Dive into HR Tech Strategy Welcome to this episode of "Let's Humanize The Workplace," where we'll explore the digital transformation reshaping organizations' approaches to human resources. During this episode, Vivian Acquah will spotlight an impactful resource in this transformation: Marlene de Koning's "HR Tech Strategy." This book emerges as a strategic compass for businesses keen on leveraging technology to enhance the employee experience and secure business success in today's rapidly evolving workplace landscape. "HR Tech Strategy" taps into various critical aspects of modern work dynamics, ranging from refining employee skills for the future, navigating the complexities of hybrid work models, bolstering employee well-being, ensuring fairness and equity, to harnessing the power of people analytics and exploring the developing opportunities within the metaverse. With an abundance of real-world examples, actionable tips, and ethical frameworks, the book serves as an indispensable guide for HR professionals looking to integrate technology thoughtfully and effectively in their practices. A central theme of de Koning's work is the indispensable role of technology in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) alongside fostering wellness in the workplace. These elements are not just moral imperatives but are increasingly recognized as critical drivers of positive work culture, employee engagement, performance, and compliance. In essence, DEI and wellness are becoming the cornerstones of successful, resilient organizations. Sidenote: Marlene interviewed Vivian Acquah about using virtual reality (VR) to cultivate an inclusive work culture. Read the book to learn more valuable tips on using tech in HR. Host Vivian Acquah CDE® Vivian Acquah CDE® is impacting the world of workplace wellness and DEI. As a Certified Diversity Executive, Vivian is devoted to making the topics of workplace wellness and DEI more accessible for everyone.  With a name that literally translates to 'water,' Vivian has become an extinguisher of fires related to DEI, providing tangible strategies for embracing inclusive changes for clients such as Heineken, LinkedIn, Google, Indeed, Deloitte, TIBCO, Cargill, Swift, Acrolinx, KLM, and Zalando. Guest Marlene de Koning Marlene is a director at PwC and leads a team of HR tech and data specialists who help clients drive workforce transformation, create data-driven strategies, and implement innovative technologies. She is also the author of HR Tech Strategy: Revolutionizing Employee Experience through HR-Tech Synergy. #HR #HRTech #Diversity #Inclusion #LeadershipSubscribe to Let's Humanize The Workplace on Soundwise

We're talking about Google's layoffs and how it affects Flutter and Dart, then AMD is working to push AMF code into FFMPEG, and it's time for Open Source to grow up. RHEL has an AI offering, NVidia is suggesting Open Source kernel drivers, and Zed is coming to Linux. Then there's Pi Connect pulling a Sherlock, KDE working on color management, and a bit of a history lesson on where we came from. For tips, we have the Radion TUI radio player, || : to ignore errors in a script, the Mixxx DJ app for all those underground raves, and PanWriter for markup editing. You can catch the show notes at https://bit.ly/3UTCJ5C, and we'll see you next time! Host: Jonathan Bennett Co-Hosts: Rob Campbell, David Ruggles, and Jeff Massie Want access to the video version and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Get ready to dive deep into the world of IT transformation with Dan Branco, the ultimate Chief Technology Officer for hire. With a wealth of experience helping organizations maximize their IT investments, Dan is the go-to expert for overcoming a myriad of challenges. Is your tech team struggling to keep pace with stakeholder demands? Are legacy systems holding you back from innovation? Do you need to scale up for a major tech project? Or perhaps you're eager to embrace cloud services but unsure where to start? Cybersecurity concerns keeping you up at night? Looking to boost your digital maturity? Fear not, because Dan has the solutions you've been searching for. His expertise extends far beyond the boardroom, as he'll also share invaluable insights on excelling in multiple fields and conquering lifelong anxiety. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek into his upcoming book! Whether you're a CEO seeking to revolutionize your organization's tech strategy or simply intrigued by Dan's journey, this interview promises to inspire and inform. Don't miss out - tune in for a conversation that will change the way you approach IT transformation. Connect with Dan Branco on his website: https://branco.ca/  On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbranco/  = = = = = Thank you for supporting the show! Your 5-star rating and review makes a difference -- it's easy to leave one and it helps spread the word about the podcast! = = = = = My latest book, The Far Unlit Unknown -- is available everywhere books are sold including Audible! Get your copy and learn more about it here Are we connected yet on social?  @maryloukayser (Instagram) https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlkayser/ (LinkedIn)

In today's episode, Anthony share a few thoughts around the mindset/overall perspectives leaders in HR should have when it comes to selecting then implementing HR Tech!

This is Part II of our MASTERCLASS episode series on the A.I. Revolution and practicality for marketers!You can go listen to A.I. Revolution Part I here.A.I. experts Susan and Scot Westwater continue to break down the history, evolutions, practical applications, and technology integrations that are possible through Artificial intelligence. From generative to pragmatic to voice marketing and beyond, we explore its depths in a way that is easy to understand. We even cover the intentionalism, integrity, and real-world reality of how A.I. is already and will be infused even more with our daily lives and how we can apply it to help grow our businesses in equitable ways.They define A.I. as using natural language conversations to allow interactions between humans and computers. Major topics include: avoiding A.I. hype and overpromises; the need for education on practical A.I. applications; guiding businesses through an A.I. strategy rooted in empathy; using A.I. ethically to aid humans, not replace them; industry-specific use cases; measuring the business impact of A.I.; and their upcoming book "Voice Marketing" designed to advance the field. With the right strategic foundation and reasonable expectations, A.I. technologies like voice assistants and chatbots offer exciting potential to streamline operations, engage audiences, and drive growth. However, A.I. should enhance human creativity and empathy, not seek to automate everything. With deliberate innovation and compassion, A.I. can be used responsibly to create positive change.P.S. This is only a snippet. Watch the full episode on YouTube to get all the gems from this conversation!And speaking of A.I. check out HubSpot's State of Marketing Report, which talks heavily about A.I. for marketers!Special Gift: If you tweet #AIRevolution with the link to either podcast or YouTube episode and tag @FindTroy, @ScotWestwater, and SusanWestwater (@SJW75), we will send you the ConversationalAI. Readiness Checklist for Marketers! You can also share and tag us on LinkedIn to get it!Beyond The Episode Gems:Learn More About Scot & Susan's Business: Pragmatic.DigitalConnect with Scot Westwater and Susan Westwater on LinkedInBuy Scot & Susan's Latest Book: "Voice Marketing"Learn About My New Venture: Season Three Media | Events | Marketing | Sales | DEIBADiscover All of the Podcats on the HubSpot Podcast Network#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

Ready to join the A.I. Revolution?! And no this wasn't written by Chat GPT... but I digress..On this MASTERCLASS episode, I've brought in A.I. experts Susan and Scot Westwater to break down the history, evolutions, practical applications, and technology integrations that are possible through Artificial intelligence. From generative to pragmatic to voice marketing and beyond, we explore its depths in a way that is easy to understand. We even cover the intentionalism, integrity, and real-world reality of how A.I. is already and will be infused even more with our daily lives and how we can apply it to help grow our businesses in equitable ways.A.I. experts Susan and Scott Westwater provided an in-depth look at the current state of A.I. in marketing. They define A.I. as using natural language conversations to allow interactions between humans and computers. Major topics include: avoiding A.I. hype and overpromises; the need for education on practical A.I. applications; guiding businesses through an A.I. strategy rooted in empathy; using A.I. ethically to aid humans, not replace them; industry-specific use cases; measuring the business impact of A.I.; and their upcoming book "Voice Marketing" designed to advance the field. With the right strategic foundation and reasonable expectations, A.I. technologies like voice assistants and chatbots offer exciting potential to streamline operations, engage audiences, and drive growth. However, A.I. should enhance human creativity and empathy, not seek to automate everything. With deliberate innovation and compassion, A.I. can be used responsibly to create positive change.P.S. This is only a snippet. Watch the full episode on YouTube to get all the gems from this conversation!And speaking of A.I. check out HubSpot's State of Marketing Report, which talks heavily about A.I. for marketers!Special Gift: If you tweet #AIRevolution with the link to either podcast or YouTube episode and tag @FindTroy, @ScotWestwater, and SusanWestwater (@SJW75), we will send you the ConversationalAI. Readiness Checklist for Marketers! You can also share and tag us on LinkedIn to get it!Beyond The Episode Gems:Learn More About Scot & Susan's Business: Pragmatic.DigitalConnect with Scot Westwater and Susan Westwater on LinkedInBuy Scot & Susan's Latest Book: "Voice Marketing"Learn About My New Venture: Season Three Media | Events | Marketing | Sales | DEIBADiscover All of the Podcats on the HubSpot Podcast Network#####Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: • Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy• Get Strategy Solutions & Services: FindTroy.com•  Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: StrategizeUpBook.com•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

What does having a tech strategy actually do for an organization? In today's episode, Greg and Johna highlight how a good tech strategy benefits a company: creates a foundation of first principles, reduces bias in vendor decisions, better allocates human resources, kills bad ideas, sunsets projects, and makes meetings a little more enjoyable and harmonious.... Read more »

What does having a tech strategy actually do for an organization? In today's episode, Greg and Johna highlight how a good tech strategy benefits a company: creates a foundation of first principles, reduces bias in vendor decisions, better allocates human resources, kills bad ideas, sunsets projects, and makes meetings a little more enjoyable and harmonious.... Read more »

Exactly who should be on your technology strategy team? From inside your organization, who should represent the areas that come into play: Business, development, operations, etc? And what about outsiders–what kind of external consultant do you want for your strategy team? Do you even need one? Johna and Greg cover it all in today's episode.... Read more »

Exactly who should be on your technology strategy team? From inside your organization, who should represent the areas that come into play: Business, development, operations, etc? And what about outsiders–what kind of external consultant do you want for your strategy team? Do you even need one? Johna and Greg cover it all in today's episode.... Read more »

It's rare for strategists, executives, and technologists to all get on the same page in order to create, execute, and adjust an organization's tech strategy, much less do it well. But it is possible. Johna and Greg discuss their experiences of seeing through some consultants' smoke and mirrors, honestly evaluating an organization's capability to implement... Read more »

It's rare for strategists, executives, and technologists to all get on the same page in order to create, execute, and adjust an organization's tech strategy, much less do it well. But it is possible. Johna and Greg discuss their experiences of seeing through some consultants' smoke and mirrors, honestly evaluating an organization's capability to implement... Read more »