Catalyst

This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Michael Mahar, SVP & Head of Commercial Technology, Loyalty & Digital Products at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. Michael’s career started answering calls as a Support Technician at Wyndham and now, over 20 years later, he’s helping the company transform their global infrastructure and leverage AI and cloud technologies to enhance the customer experience. In this episode Michael shares how Wyndham is using new technologies to improve the personal experience of their clients and why keeping an optimistic approach to advancements in AI is beneficial to your business. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks:Michael MaherLearn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, guest host Jod Kaftan is joined by Jim Kalbach, Chief Evangelist at MURAL, speaker, and author of Mapping Experiences and The Jobs To Be Done Playbook. Jod and Jim Kalbach discuss the evolving landscape of design, particularly in the context of AI. They explore the double diamond framework, the Jobs To Be Done methodology, and the importance of understanding customer needs through real-world research. Jim emphasizes the need for designers to embed customer insights into organizational workflows and the ethical responsibilities that come with design in the age of AI. Jim also shares how his experience as a Jazz Bassist informs his work in design - notably his ability to embrace the unknown. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Jim KalbachJobs to be Done Toolkit Erica Flowers - Trade Your Double Diamonds for Steel Leo Frishberg - Presumptive Design Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Tresa Gowland, Manufacturing and High Tech Industry Leader at Launch by NTT DATA. Tresa began her career on the factory floor and has since moved into a strategic role, helping organizations transform and modernize their manufacturing processes. Tammy and Tresa explore what it really takes to modernize manufacturing. They highlight the critical role of empathy, compassion, and active listening when introducing new technologies and tackling long-standing challenges. Tresa also shares why treating innovation like a factory can drive adoption and deliver meaningful, lasting value.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Tresa Gowland From Sci-Fi to Shop Floor: Turning Bold Ideas into Reality Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode from the archives, Tammy is joined by Sarina Malik, a graduate from Columbia University, to discuss the role of AI in shaping the future workforce. They discuss the challenges faced by Gen Z in entering the job market, the importance of AI literacy, and the ethical implications of using AI in education. Serena also shares about her experience leveraging technology to create positive change in the world.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Project PearlsFuture Faces Foundation Manila  Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by AI Empowerment Solutions Leader at NTT DATA Christen Bell. Christen’s work focuses on how intelligent systems affect humans in the workplace and, more recently, human’s fears of AI. Christen shares her fascinating findings with Tammy on how AI adoption differs between industries and regions and what makes people more or less trusting of AI. Christen and Tammy also talk about how leaders can quell the perceived threat of AI in their workplaces - no surprise, it's by being human first! Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Christen Bell Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, guest host Jod Kaftan sits down with designer and expert in human-centered AI, Shelley Evenson. Shelley shares her insights on how designers and teams can achieve human-AI flow and how to spot the warning signs that a team is drifting into the realm of AI slop. Jod and Shelley also discuss the need for change management in AI transformations and talk about who in an organization should own an AI transformation? Is it HR? Is it IT? According to Shelley it’s a team endeavour that should start at the very top, with the CEO.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Shelley Evenson Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, Tammy speaks with Nate Berent-Spillson, the SVP of Engineering at Launch by NTT DATA. Nate is the type of guy who is always using technology in new and inventive ways. This week Nate and Tammy discuss the evolution of AI tools and Nate introduces the power of command line interfaces. Nate shares how using AI in innovative new ways can reduce cognitive load and reimagine user interfaces to enhance productivity and efficiency in the workplace. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Nate Berent- Spillson Markdown Guide Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, Tammy speaks with Graeme Cuthbertson, Director of IT Operations and End-User Systems at Neurocrine Biosciences. They explore Graeme’s career across industries, including banking and biotech, and what those experiences have taught him about building empathy into technology. Graeme also highlights the importance of meeting customers where they are, the role of family support in personal and professional growth, and how human connection and thoughtful technology can elevate both employee and customer experiences.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Graeme Cuthbertson Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Mark Curtis, the co-founder of Fjord and a pioneer in the design, strategy and thought leadership space. Tammy and Mark discuss his extensive career and delve into the evolution of design over the past 3 decades. They also look to the future and explore how AI is transforming design and why it still can’t beat the human brain in some applications. Mark also talks about this new venture Full Moon, a project focused on the intersection of humans, technology, and business, and the resurgence of service design in response to the complexities of modern challenges.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Mark Curtis Full Moon Moving Beyond “AI is just a Tool”: Shifts in AI Communication in 2026 - Medium Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, Tammy Soares speaks with Prashant Hinge, Chief Information and Transformation Officer at MSIG USA. Prashant has been working in the insurance industry for 20 years and is an expert at building teams to create solutions that improve the user experience. Prashant discusses the importance of unlearning siloed ways of working in order to unlock collaborative and cross-functional creativity, a skill that’s especially important in the insurance industry. He also explains why in the current world of AI, we all need to become triathletes - meaning we now need to understand the business, need to know basic AI tools and need to develop core skills. He also talks about the opportunities that AI is unlocking for the insurance industry and how change management and ensuring you have good processes, data and people is key in ensuring success at scale. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Prashant Hinge State of AI in Business in 2025 Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, guest host Jod Kaftan sits down with automotive industry expert Clemens Conrad to discuss the evolution of mobility and the future of automotive design. Jod and Clemens discuss how car interiors are becoming more personalized and how OEMs are adapting to hyper-personalize the automotive experience. They also explore how cultural differences in transportation inform automotive design and break down some recent stats about which companies are leading the way in automotive design and innovation - some of the results might surprise you! Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Clemens Conrad Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, Tammy chats with Jimit Arora, the CEO of Everest Group. Jimit is a leader who deeply understands the challenges that organizations face and how they can move forward with confidence. Jimit and Tammy discuss the importance of a growth mindset and how companies can meaningfully adopt AI. According to Jimit the key to meaningful adoption is for companies to be aware of PTSD - process debt, tech debt, skills debt and data debt. Jimit also shares what he thinks will be the biggest trends to affect global services in the next year.  Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Jimit Arora LinkedInEverest Group Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vandana Ramani on how UPS is leveraging AI to help SMEs This week on Catalyst Tammy sits down with Vandana Ramani, the Vice President of Global Strategy at UPS. Vandana loves to solve difficult, complex problems. From making sure a live iguana gets delivered to where it needs to be, to thinking about how UPS can leverage AI to improve their customer experience, Vandana is always working at the intersection of business strategy and technology. Tammy and Vandana discuss the integration of AI in small and medium sized businesses and how it can be transformative for data connectivity and developing shared outcomes. Vandana also shares networking tips she’s developed from years spent rebuilding her networks from the ground up across the world. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Vandana Ramani LinkedInLearn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst Tammy chats with Parisa Zander, a seasoned professional in the tech industry who recently retired after a successful career spanning nearly three decades at companies like Meta, Samsung and Microsoft. Parisa discusses the challenges of being a woman in tech, the importance of finding one's voice, and the values that guide her leadership style, including honesty, empathy, and the need for fun in the workplace. She also emphasizes that to truly understand your customer you need to go to them and set time aside for real-world testing. How else will you see how people across the country are actually engaging with your product? Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Parisa Zander - LinkedIn Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode from the archives Tammy sits down with Keena Patel-Moran, the Healthcare and Lifesciences Industry Lead at Launch by NTT DATA. Keena and Tammy discuss ways to improve the industry and give patients the support they need and deserve. They discuss why doctors should look beyond just symptoms and make a case that improving healthcare processes is not only better for patients and care-takers but is also good for business. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Keena Patel-MoranLearn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.