Podcasts about technovation

Better AI starts with better data, and for Vulcan Materials CIO Krzysztof Soltan that means simplifying first. In this episode of Technovation, Krzysztof Soltan joins Peter High to discuss how Vulcan Materials is modernizing its technology foundation across more than 400 aggregate operations. He explains why reducing system complexity, strengthening master data governance, and investing in talent are foundational to the company's AI ambitions. The conversation also explores Vulcan's multi-year digital transformation, its approach to buying versus building AI capabilities, and its focus on a small number of high-value AI opportunities. Looking ahead, Soltan shares his perspective on agentic AI, human-agent collaboration, autonomous mobility, and AI at the edge. Listen to learn how a data-first foundation can position an enterprise to scale AI with greater focus and business value. This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io This episode is also presented by Retool — Build internal software better, with AI. Learn more at retool.com

AI may make professional services faster, but Grant Thornton Advisors CIO Mike Kempe believes the bigger opportunity is to rethink what clients are actually buying. In this episode of Technovation, Kempe joins Peter High to discuss how Grant Thornton is using AI to reimagine professional services from the ground up. He explains why simply automating individual steps leaves much of AI's potential untapped, how the firm keeps human judgment at the center of AI-enabled work, and why trust and governance remain essential as adoption scales. Kempe also explores a larger shift in the industry: away from traditional time-and-materials engagements and toward a model built around outcomes, insight, confidence, and results. The conversation also covers Grant Thornton's AI investments, its GTAP audit platform, experimentation with AI agents, M&A integration, and the evolving role of the CIO. This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io This episode is also presented by Retool — Build internal software better, with AI. Learn more at retool.com

The smartest AI model may no longer be the biggest constraint on enterprise AI. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Retool Co-Founder and CEO David Hsu about why the next frontier is the “harness” around the model: the context, tools, governance, and human approvals that allow AI to do meaningful work inside an enterprise. David explains why knowledge workers are still too often acting as the API for AI, how enterprises can democratize software development without sacrificing security, and why model flexibility matters as costs and capabilities change rapidly. The conversation also explores the future of SaaS, the growing cybersecurity implications of AI-generated code, and how David's background in philosophy shapes his thinking about intelligence itself. This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io

The next evolution of enterprise networks is not more automation, it is autonomy. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Verizon CTO Yago Tenorio about how Verizon is building toward Level 4 network autonomy, where AI agents operate as “digital colleagues” under human supervision. Yago explains how autonomous systems could reduce incident resolution from hours to seconds, identify customer experience gaps traditional network monitoring cannot see, and operate safely through observability, traceability, reversibility, and accountability. They also discuss Verizon's rollout of Claude Code to 33,000 technology employees, the changing skills required in an AI-first workforce, why data and domain expertise matter more than simply deploying the largest language model, and how AI could reshape the future of connectivity. This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io

What drives someone to spend decades pursuing artificial general intelligence, not for wealth, but for scientific discovery? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with bestselling author and financial historian Sebastian Mallaby about his new book, The Infinity Machine, which chronicles the remarkable journey of DeepMind co-founder Demis Hassabis and the global race to build artificial general intelligence (AGI). Drawing on more than 30 hours of interviews with Hassabis and conversations with over 100 colleagues, competitors, and friends, Mallaby explores the leadership philosophy, scientific ambition, and organizational decisions that shaped one of the world’s most influential AI companies. Listeners will also hear an in-depth discussion of Google’s acquisition of DeepMind, the evolution of AI from AlphaGo to Gemini, the competitive dynamics among OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, and Google, and what the pursuit of superintelligence means for business leaders navigating the next era of technological transformation. Key topics include: Why Demis Hassabis devoted his career to AGI The founding story behind DeepMind Google’s AI strategy and the Innovator’s Dilemma Leadership lessons from building world-class research organizations The opportunities of increasingly capable AI systems Listen to discover why the future of AI may depend as much on leadership and organizational design as on technological breakthroughs. This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io

Technology transformation isn’t about AI, it’s about building the foundations that make AI possible. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High sits down with Michael Wisler, Senior Executive Vice President of Technology and Operations at M&T Bank, to explore how the bank spent nearly a decade rebuilding its engineering culture, reducing technical debt, modernizing its data foundation, and transforming technology into a strategic business capability. Wisler explains why changing organizational beliefs came before changing technology, how M&T dramatically improved engineering productivity and resiliency, why technology and operations now belong together, and how those investments positioned the bank to scale generative AI responsibly. Key discussion topics include: Building a technology-first culture Reducing technical debt and improving resiliency Developing enterprise engineering talent Creating technology hubs in Buffalo and Wilmington Preparing data foundations for AI Scaling generative AI responsibly Integrating technology and operations Cybersecurity and quantum readiness Whether you’re leading digital transformation, modernizing enterprise technology, or developing an AI strategy, this conversation offers practical lessons on why long-term competitive advantage begins with strong engineering foundations. This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io

Artificial intelligence isn’t the transformation, it’s the catalyst. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Francesco Tinto, Chief Information & Global Business Services Officer at Kimberly-Clark, about why enterprise AI success depends on far more than technology. Francesco explains how Kimberly-Clark’s Powering Care strategy combines data, AI, operating model transformation, and process redesign to drive sustainable growth across one of the world’s most recognized consumer products companies. Together they explore how IT and Global Business Services are converging, why AI requires rethinking enterprise workflows, the importance of building trusted data foundations, and how leaders can prepare their organizations for an AI-first future. Key topics include: Kimberly-Clark’s Powering Care transformation strategy Why AI must serve business strategy, not the other way around Building enterprise data foundations for scalable AI Predictive maintenance, demand forecasting, and supply chain optimization Training the workforce for an AI-enabled operating model If you’re leading technology, digital transformation, or enterprise operations, this conversation offers practical insights into scaling AI while keeping people, process, and business value at the center. This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io

How can AI help farmers produce more with fewer resources? That’s the challenge driving digital transformation at AGCO. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Jena Holtberg-Benge, Chief Digital & Information Officer at AGCO, about how AI, precision agriculture, connected equipment, and data are reshaping modern farming. Drawing on her unique background leading both business operations and technology, Jena explains why successful AI initiatives begin with customer problems, not technology. She discusses AGCO’s precision agriculture strategy, AI-powered dealer experiences, cybersecurity for connected machinery, data governance, and the leadership skills required to scale AI across the enterprise. In this episode: How AGCO uses AI to reduce costs and improve yields for farmers Why business-first technology leadership drives better outcomes Building AI agents that improve dealer and customer experiences Managing data across connected agricultural equipment Developing AI literacy and a culture of continuous learning This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io

Technology creates competitive advantage when it helps the business move faster, remove friction, and solve customer problems more effectively. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Bhaskar Ramachandran, Vice President and Global CIO of PPG, about transforming IT from a support function into a strategic business capability. Bhaskar explains how PPG's cloud-only strategy accelerates acquisitions, strengthens security, and creates a foundation for AI. He also shares how FormulationAI is helping scientists develop coatings faster and optimize existing products. Key insights include: Why PPG closed eight global data centers How AI drives both efficiency and revenue What leaders must do to sustain transformation How technology preserves and scales expert knowledge Why customer ecosystems represent the next competitive frontier This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Bringing technology to life. Learn more at elevenlabs.io

In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Alex Holt, Field CTO at ElevenLabs, about what separates successful enterprise AI initiatives from those that never move beyond the proof of concept. Alex explains how ElevenLabs combines cutting-edge AI research, enterprise-grade products, and forward-deployed engineering to help organizations deploy voice AI at scale. He also discusses why AI success depends on tying every implementation to measurable business outcomes, how voice agents are transforming customer engagement, and why enterprises must rethink implementation if they expect real ROI. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why AI projects should begin with business KPIs—not technology How forward-deployed engineering accelerates enterprise adoption What makes enterprise voice AI production-ready How ElevenLabs balances innovation with safety and governance Why the best AI organizations measure outcomes, not experiments This episode is presented by ElevenLabs — Modern Email Delivery for developer & product teams. Learn more at elevenlabs.io

Zoom became synonymous with video meetings, but its next chapter is about delivering business outcomes through AI. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Gary Sorrentino, Global CIO of Zoom, about the company’s evolution from a video conferencing platform to an enterprise AI platform designed to move organizations “from conversation to completion.” Drawing on nearly five decades in technology leadership, Gary explains why CIOs should prioritize integrated AI platforms over disconnected point solutions, how better data drives better AI outcomes, and why the future of work is about enabling effective collaboration wherever work happens. He also shares his perspective on AI agents, deepfake detection, usage-based AI, and the leadership skills technology executives will need as human and digital workforces increasingly operate together. This episode is presented by Mailtrap — Modern Email Delivery for developer & product teams. Learn more at mailtrap.io

What if the key to breakthrough innovation isn’t more freedom—but better constraints? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with bestselling author David Epstein about the surprising ideas behind his newest book, Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better. Drawing on examples from Apple, Pixar, Bell Labs, General Magic, Bach, Dr. Seuss, and scientific research, David explains why carefully designed constraints often produce more creativity, better decisions, and stronger leadership than unlimited choice. Listeners will also learn: Why our brains default to the “path of least resistance” How constraints fuel innovation across business, science, and the arts What General Magic teaches today’s AI leaders Why hypothesis-driven thinking produces better outcomes How leaders can create boundaries that encourage creativity without stifling it This episode is presented by Mailtrap — Modern Email Delivery for developer & product teams. Learn more at mailtrap.io

AI is transforming travel, but according to Priceline CTO Sejal Amin, technology alone isn’t enough. The real competitive advantage comes from redesigning how organizations work. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Sejal about leading technology strategy at one of the world’s largest online travel platforms. They explore how Priceline built Penny, its fully agentic AI travel assistant, why preference data is becoming more valuable than behavioral data alone, and how product operating models are accelerating innovation across engineering teams. You’ll also hear why Sejal believes developer productivity and engineering performance are fundamentally different, how AI is reshaping software development, and why the future of agentic AI depends as much on customer trust as technical capability. Key topics include: Building Priceline’s AI-powered travel assistant, Penny Moving from functional silos to product ownership Using preference data to create personalized customer experiences Improving developer experience through AI and platform engineering Why organizational architecture determines AI success Whether you’re leading AI initiatives, modernizing engineering organizations, or building customer-centric digital platforms, this conversation offers practical insights for technology executives navigating rapid change. This episode is presented by Mailtrap — Modern Email Delivery for developer & product teams. Learn more at mailtrap.io

What gives one enterprise an AI advantage over another? According to Atlassian Chief Product & AI Officer Tamar Yehoshua, it’s not simply access to the latest models, it’s the depth of enterprise context. In this episode of Technovation, Tamar joins Peter High to discuss how Atlassian is leveraging decades of workflow history through its Teamwork Graph to power AI across Jira, Confluence, and Rovo. She explains why enterprise context is becoming the defining ingredient for AI success, how software must now be designed for both humans and AI agents, and why leadership judgment becomes even more valuable as AI accelerates software development. Tamar also shares Atlassian’s approach to AI Builder Weeks, measuring AI productivity, building open agent ecosystems, and helping customers realize measurable business value from AI investments. This episode is presented by Mailtrap — Modern Email Delivery for developer & product teams. Learn more at mailtrap.io

Professional services is undergoing its biggest transformation in decades, and AI is only part of the story. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Jim Peko, CEO of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC, about how the firm is redefining the professional services model through private equity, platform consolidation, strategic acquisitions, and a $1 billion technology investment. Jim explains why incremental change is no longer enough, why data will become the true competitive differentiator, and how firms can balance innovation with the trust that clients expect. You’ll also hear Jim’s perspective on AI governance, agentic AI, the future of talent, evolving pricing models, and why professional services firms must rethink their operating model to remain competitive in an era of rapid technological change. This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com/technovation

In this powerful episode of SEE Change, we welcomed back the Founder and CEO of Technovation, Tara Chklovski, for a conversation about the staggering reality facing today's youth with the rapid acceleration of AI and how our education system is not structured in a way to keep up with the rate of change. AI is fundamentally rewriting the future of work and Tara and the team at Technovation are on a mission to fill the gap by preparing the next generation to lead, innovate, and solve real-world community issues through technology. For over 10 years, Technovation has been in the technology and AI space, long before it came into the mainstream. In their model, learners use AI and technology to create solutions to real world problems they care about, guided by lessons that teach them resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability, as well as coding, AI, and entrepreneurship skills. Under her leadership, Technovation has grown into a global movement, empowering over 450,000 total participants across 120+ countries!  Tune in to hear about their incredible work and the future that they are building!This is one episode that you do not want to miss!!!About Tara Chklovski: Tara Chklovski is the visionary founder and CEO of Technovation  which is now the world's largest AI & tech-accelerator for girls, and also the world's largest women-in-tech community (300,000+). A former aerospace engineer, she transitioned from her PhD studies to dedicate her career to bridging the gender gap in STEM fields.About R. Seelaus & Co., Inc.R. Seelaus & Co., Inc. was founded in 1984 by Richard Seelaus, originally as a municipal bond broker-dealer. The firm has since become a certified women's business enterprise ("WBE") and has grown into a full-service financial firm that is mission driven in its commitment to creating more opportunities for women in the financial services. R. Seelaus & Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries offer investment advisory, asset management, capital markets, brokerage, fixed income and equity trading, institutional sales, leveraged finance and insurance services. The R. Seelaus & Co., LLC subsidiary is a broker dealer registered with the SEC and member of FINRA, and the subsidiary Seelaus Asset Management, LLC, is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor ("RIA"). With various fixed income trading desks and more than seventy professionals, both entities serve individuals, families, public and private companies, non-profit organizations, and institutional investors. The firm has offices in NJ, CT, New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, South Carolina, and Massachusetts.For more information about R. Seelaus & Co., and its subsidiaries visit www.rseelaus.com

Most companies don’t have a technology problem. They have a complexity problem. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Gus Shahin, EVP of Business Technology and Operations at NetApp, about consolidating IT, operations, global security, and enterprise process under a single leader. Shahin joined NetApp in 2024 after 24-plus years at Flex, where he served as CIO and led global supply chain. He argues that transformation stalls on change management, not technology, and that the real goal of enterprise AI is not a handful of pilots but an AI-first culture. Key Highlights: Why consolidating four functions under one leader beats siloed CIO, CDO, and CTO roles How NetApp launched 29 AI projects and deliberately killed 11 to 12 mid-year Why the shift to inferencing makes storage performance the new bottleneck How “fail fast” became a transformation lever, not a slogan Where buy-versus-build is shifting, and the hidden cost of building your own This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com/technovation

What happens when a technology provider can see patterns across 244 million account holders and thousands of financial institutions? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Keith Fulton, Chief Data Officer at Jack Henry, about how data science and AI are transforming community banking. Keith explains how Jack Henry is leveraging industry-scale data to help banks reduce fraud, predict customer churn, identify hidden revenue opportunities, and prepare for an agentic AI future. He also shares how the company is democratizing innovation through citizen development, AI adoption programs, and enterprise-grade governance for employee-built applications. Key Highlights: Building the data foundation required for agentic AI Using consortium-scale data to uncover insights individual banks cannot see Predicting customer churn and identifying hidden commercial customers Applying AI to fraud prevention and customer protection Scaling innovation through AI adoption and citizen development This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com/technovation

As AI agents gain access to enterprise systems, identity security is becoming the control layer for responsible AI adoption. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Sree Kancharla, CIO of SailPoint, about how identity governance is evolving from managing human access to securing machine identities, AI agents, and autonomous workflows. Sree discusses SailPoint’s role as “Customer Zero,” the growing challenge of shadow AI, the importance of governance that enables innovation, and how organizations can balance productivity gains with responsible risk management. He also shares his perspective on persona-based AI experiences, human-led agents, and the workforce implications of AI for the next generation of technology professionals. Key topics include: Why AI agents require a new approach to identity security How SailPoint manages shadow AI across the enterprise The role of Customer Zero in driving product innovation Moving from human-in-the-loop to human-led agents Preparing future technology talent in an AI-driven world This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com/technovation

Cybersecurity leadership isn’t ultimately about technology, it’s about judgment, influence, and the ability to lead through uncertainty. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Stephen Ward, cybersecurity executive, investor, and former security leader at several large enterprises. Stephen reflects on his unconventional journey from government service to corporate cybersecurity leadership and ultimately technology investing. Along the way, he shares lessons on building security organizations, navigating risk, developing executive influence, and preparing for a future increasingly shaped by AI. Key discussion topics include: The transition from cybersecurity operator to executive leader Building trust while transforming security organizations Lessons learned from leading large-scale security programs Why leadership skills matter as much as technical expertise The evolving relationship between AI and cybersecurity What separates enduring technology companies from the rest

How does a 177-year-old industrial company maintain startup speed while preparing for technologies that may not mature for another decade? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Vishwanath Hegadekatte, Director of Innovation at Freudenberg Technology Innovation (FTI), about building an internal innovation engine designed to identify, test, and scale emerging technologies across a global manufacturing enterprise. Vishwanath explains how Freudenberg combines strategic foresight, AI-driven research, external partnerships, and startup-style experimentation to help its business units prepare for opportunities years before they become mainstream. The conversation explores humanoid robotics, agentic AI, advanced materials, and the organizational structures required to turn innovation into measurable business impact. This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com/technovation

Most digital transformation stories begin with customer-facing technology. Chipotle’s began by redesigning operations. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Curt Garner, President, Chief Strategy & Technology Officer at Chipotle Mexican Grill. Curt shares how Chipotle evolved from accepting fax orders in 2015 to operating a $5 billion digital commerce engine today. He explains why solving operational challenges before customer adoption proved critical to scaling digital growth and how cloud architecture, dedicated digital kitchens, rewards, personalization, and AI-enabled supply chain capabilities continue to drive innovation across the business. Key topics discussed include: Building a digital commerce platform capable of operating at web scale Scaling from 20% to 85% digital ordering during COVID Designing dedicated digital kitchens to eliminate fulfillment friction Using rewards and personalization to deepen customer engagement Applying AI to forecasting, inventory management, and supply chain operations Balancing technology innovation with human hospitality This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com/technovation

Southwest Airlines has spent the last several years modernizing one of the most complex operational environments in the world. In this episode of Technovation, Lauren Woods, EVP and CIO of Southwest Airlines, shares how the company transformed a period of operational disruption into a catalyst for long-term technology modernization and resilience. Lauren discusses Southwest’s investments in modern data platforms, predictive analytics, cloud infrastructure, AI-enabled operations, cybersecurity, and customer experience transformation. She also explains the technology behind major commercial changes, including assigned seating, new fare structures, and evolving digital experiences. Key topics include: Building operational resilience through proactive analytics Creating the data foundation required for AI at scale Leveraging machine learning across airline operations Modernizing legacy systems while maintaining reliability Leading large-scale organizational and cultural transformation This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com/technovation

How do you apply AI to one of the world’s most perishable supply chains? In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Sankar Chinnathambi, CIO of Driscoll’s, the world’s largest berry company. With operations spanning more than 30 growing regions and products sold in approximately 60 countries, Driscoll’s faces a unique challenge: moving billions of berries from harvest to consumers while preserving freshness and quality. Sankar discusses how Driscoll’s is using AI, predictive analytics, and digital platforms to improve grower collaboration, supply forecasting, pricing optimization, and supply chain visibility. He also shares the company’s broader modernization strategy, including ERP transformation, BerryGPT, and technology initiatives designed to accelerate innovation while supporting growth, sustainability, and resilience. Key discussion topics include: Building an AI-powered digital agronomist Modernizing forecasting in a supply-constrained business Creating a global digital backbone with Oracle Fusion Using real-time monitoring to preserve product quality Accelerating agricultural innovation through technology This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com

Healthcare accounts for nearly one-fifth of the U.S. economy, making it one of the most consequential sectors for AI-driven transformation. In this special Technovation summit panel moderated by Mike Bertha, Partner at Metis Strategy, Michael Pfeffer, Chief Information & Digital Officer at Stanford Health Care and Stanford School of Medicine, and Chad Wasserman, CIO of HCA Healthcare, explore how healthcare organizations are moving beyond digitization and toward clinical-grade AI. The discussion examines how AI is improving clinical decision-making, accelerating disease detection, enabling personalized medicine, and reshaping healthcare operations. The panelists also discuss responsible AI governance, the importance of connecting technologists to patient outcomes, and what it will take for AI to ultimately bend healthcare’s cost curve. Key topics include: Moving healthcare from digitized to truly digital Clinical-grade AI and personalized medicine Responsible AI governance and Stanford’s FURM framework Human-centered technology leadership Scaling innovation through operational excellence The future of healthcare delivery and AI-enabled care This episode is presented by Celonis — Give AI the context it needs. Learn more at celonis.com  

AI is changing more than software, it's redesigning how enterprises operate. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Amir Kazmi, Chief Technology and Growth Officer at Ralliant, about how precision technology companies are embedding AI into operational workflows, industrial systems, and critical infrastructure. Amir explains how the Ralliant Business System (RBS) is evolving into an AI-native operating model designed to accelerate decision-making, reduce cycle times, and improve operational resilience at global scale. Key discussion topics include: Embedding AI into enterprise workflows and decision systems The role of precision sensing in electrification and grid reliability How Ralliant supports critical infrastructure across 90+ countries Balancing agility and governance in the AI era Why autonomous workflows may redefine enterprise operations

Enterprise AI is entering a new phase, one defined less by experimentation and more by measurable business value. In this summit panel episode of Technovation, Steven Norton speaks with Richard Jardim of CIBC, Sears Merritt of MassMutual, and Shekar Pannala of The Hartford about what it really takes to scale AI responsibly inside large, highly regulated enterprises. The discussion explores how leading organizations are rethinking software development, governance, operating models, and financial discipline as AI capabilities rapidly evolve. Key topics include: Moving from AI pilots to measurable P&L impact Reducing feature lead times through AI-enabled development Modernizing legacy systems with GenAI Building governance-by-design operating models Managing the shift to consumption-based AI economics

En esta oportunidad, recibimos en nuestra #LoncheraInformativa a parte de las chicas que forman parte de Technovation Girls 2026 y nos contaron que a lo largo de todo este proceso han creado algunos proyectos para apoyar a su comunidad de distintas maneras. Una de ellas, ha sido "IrisLand", una aplicación potenciada con Inteligencia Artificial cuyo objetivo es el de generar contenido educativo basado en el estilo de aprendizaje predominante del usuario.

Steve Jobs' greatest leadership lessons did not come during Apple's rise, they came during exile. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with award-winning journalist and author Geoffrey Cain about Steve Jobs in Exile, his new book examining the overlooked NeXT Computer years that transformed Jobs from a volatile founder into one of the most influential business leaders in history. Cain explores how failure, resilience, discipline, and leadership maturity shaped Jobs during a period widely misunderstood as a commercial detour. Key discussion points include: Why NeXT's failures became foundational to Apple's future success The leadership lessons Jobs learned through adversity How NeXTSTEP evolved into the backbone of modern Apple software Why visionary thinking alone is not enough to build enduring companies The role of trust, dissent, and elite talent in high-performing organizations

AI is quickly evolving from a productivity tool into a growth engine, and the organizations that can operationalize enterprise intelligence at scale will define the next era of competition. In this summit panel episode of Technovation, Peter High and Andrew Krusell speak with Steve Bronson, CIO of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, and John Gigerich, SVP & CIO of Keurig Dr Pepper, about how leading enterprises are transforming data, AI, and machine learning into measurable revenue growth. Key topics include: Using AI-driven sales enablement to improve retail execution Building trusted enterprise data foundations for scalable AI Leveraging predictive intelligence to optimize ordering and inventory Aligning business and technology teams around growth outcomes Navigating acquisitions, organizational change, and AI governance at scale

AI productivity gains alone are no longer enough. The organizations creating real enterprise value are redesigning their operating models around data, decision advantage, and differentiated capability. In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our most recent Metis Strategy Summit where Peter High moderated a conversation with Alexandra Guenther, SVP & CIO at Leidos, and Kelly Fletcher, CIO of the U.S. Department of State, about how enterprise leaders are rethinking AI strategy, cybersecurity, and organizational transformation during an era of continuous disruption. Key discussion points include: Why AI value must extend beyond productivity metrics How the State Department securely enables AI experimentation at scale The role of enterprise data foundations in successful AI adoption Using AI to improve cybersecurity visibility and decision advantage Leading organizations through the psychology of transformation

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

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

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

What if the biggest barrier to success in tech isn't access, but mindset? In this episode of Future of Work, Dr. Salvatrice Cummo talks with Tara Chklovski, founder and CEO of Technovation, about what it truly takes to thrive in an AI-driven world. Tara unpacks why resilience and adaptability are just as vital as technical skills, how simulation-based learning can reshape education, and why women are most at risk of being left behind. Together, they explore how community colleges, mentorship, and real-world problem-solving can unlock opportunity for all. The future of work isn't just about tech, it's about who's empowered to shape it. You'll learn:  Why AI literacy starts with confidence, not code, and how to build both. How educators can move beyond "toy problems" and toward real-world innovation. What emotional and cognitive resilience look like in a rapidly evolving workforce. How women are being left behind in fast-growing tech sectors, and how to fix it. Why simulation learning may be the most powerful classroom tool we're not using.  About the Guest: Tara Chklovski is the founder and CEO of Technovation, a global nonprofit dedicated to empowering girls and underserved communities through technology education. With a background in physics and aerospace engineering, she transitioned from academia to social entrepreneurship to address the gender and racial disparities in STEM fields. Tara has helped over 130,000 students across 100+ countries build confidence, tech skills, and purpose. Her work has been recognized by Forbes, the UN, and the White House, and she continues to lead global conversations on how education and innovation intersect to shape a more inclusive future of work.  Engage with us: LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com Visit: PCC EWD website More from Tara Chklovski & Technovation Websites: https://www.technovation.org/ LinkedIn: @tarachk Partner with us! Contact our host, Salvatrice Cummo, directly: scummo@pasadena.edu Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking  Find the transcript of this episode here Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts; we'd love to hear from you!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you feeling stuck in your current role but not quite ready to hand in your resignation? Do you find yourself wondering whether the career you've built truly reflects what matters most to you? Are you curious about what it really looks like to build a career around your values, and how one woman did exactly that on a global scale?In this episode, I sit down with Tara Chklovski, founder of Technovation, to explore what it really looks like to build a career driven by purpose and impact. We cover how social norms shape the careers women feel able to pursue, why confidence is a skill that can be cultivated, and how aligning your work with your values can create a ripple effect far beyond your own life. Whether you're navigating a transition or simply craving more alignment, this episode will inspire you.Tara Chklovski, founder and CEO of Technovation, is reshaping opportunities for young women in technology. Inspired by her experiences growing up in India and working as an aerospace engineer, she developed a widely-adopted education model that combines mentorship, hands-on learning, and entrepreneurship to prepare girls to thrive in tech. Named by Techcrunch as “teaching the next generation of AI innovators,” she has built Technovation into a movement reaching 400,000+ people across 160+ countries. Her research shows that AI education for girls could unlock a $200 billion opportunity for the world economy. Through Technovation and The AI Forward Alliance (TAIFA), she's preparing 25 million young women to lead in AI innovation and tackle global challenges.What You'll Learn:Build a Career With Purpose: How Tara's journey from aerospace engineering to global nonprofit leadership shows what it truly looks like to build a career around impact and values.Challenging Social Norms: How deeply ingrained social norms shape the career choices of girls and women worldwide - and how we can begin to challenge them.Confidence as a Skill: Why confidence isn't something you're born with, and how to cultivate it through real-world experience and problem solving."Build a career around your values, and the impact you create will reach far beyond what you can imagine."Invest in Yourself and Your Career:Community — Join our Network for mid-career women redesigning what's next in their careersCoaching — Join the Career Navigator Coaching Programme: My high-touch, 1-to-1 experience to help you build a career aligned with your life. Book a Career Clarity Call to discussConnect with Tara ChklovskiAnyone interested in being a mentor, please check out technovation.org to learn more.Send us Fan MailConnect with me!Website: careerchangemakers.comEmail: podcast@careerchangemakers.comLinkedIn:  Janine EsbrandInstagram: @careerchangemakerspodcastCareer Change Makers on Apple Podcasts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enterprise leaders are investing heavily in AI, but many struggle to generate measurable business value. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Kellie Romack of ServiceNow about how the company is scaling AI across its operations to produce real, quantifiable results. ServiceNow has already generated $355 million in AI-driven value internally, with automation resolving many service requests instantly and improving operational efficiency across the enterprise. Key topics include: How ServiceNow runs its own platform internally as Customer Zero Examples of AI resolving 90% of some IT service requests on first touch Why AI governance and oversight are essential at enterprise scale How automation transforms the workforce rather than replacing it Lessons for CIOs seeking real ROI from AI investments

Healthcare systems have traditionally been designed around individual encounters, not the patient journey. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Rajan Mohan, Chief Marketing and Digital Experience Officer at Ascension Health, about how digital platforms, marketing strategy, and AI are reshaping how healthcare organizations engage patients. Drawing from leadership roles at Marriott International and Qatar Airways, Rajan explains how consumer-grade experience design can transform healthcare delivery. Key highlights include: Why healthcare must shift from encounters to coordinated patient journeys How marketing and digital teams can align around shared growth outcomes The role of AI in expanding healthcare capacity How personalization removes barriers to accessing care Why pricing transparency matters more than faster appointments