Disruptive Innovators: Champions of Digital Business - CIO & IT Leader Interviews, Digital Transformation, Digital Innovation

David Wright is joined by Oliver Galicki, Vice President, Clinical Applications of Memorial Hermann Health System, to discuss how healthcare IT leaders navigate financial pressure, prioritization and enterprise-scale decision-making. Oliver draws on his experience leading clinical applications through a major Epic implementation while balancing innovation, risk and operational reality across a large health system.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.05:30 The IT partnership model drives better adoption and ROI.14:58 Resourcefulness at community hospitals shapes transformational IT leaders.19:46 IT leaders must hold teams accountable and eliminate silos.22:52 Project failures teach critical lessons about planning and resources.28:28 Collaboration transcends competition in healthcare IT communities.36:22 Enterprise imaging consolidation is healthcare's critical next frontier.40:20 IT stewardship requires pragmatic prioritization amid financial constraints.43:52 Healthcare IT must escape perpetual piloting to scale rapidly.49:16 Leaders should not lose operational connection as scale increases.Resources Mentioned:Oliver Galickihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ogalicki/Memorial Hermann Health System | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/memorialhermann/Memorial Hermann Health System | Websitehttp://www.memorialhermann.org/CHIME (College of Healthcare Information Management Executives) | Websitehttps://chimecentral.org/aboutThanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech

AI is advancing faster than our ability to govern it.David Wright speaks with Technology Executive Ingo Paas, Author of “A Billion Times Smarter,” about the systemic impact of AI, the risks of convenience-driven adoption and why governance must evolve as quickly as the technology itself.They explore AI’s transformational opportunities, existential risks and Ingo’s proposed five-layer governance framework — from global alignment to individual empowerment — including the concept of a personal AI twin designed to protect autonomy in an AI-saturated world.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.04:20 AI systems will not independently design governance models — humans must initiate and define them.08:14 The core thesis: impact is the only measure that matters, not whether AI becomes conscious.12:10AI convenience accelerates adoption while users accept tools without understanding implications.15:15 AI can enhance human capability, but only if users remain critical and engaged.17:05 AI will not invent governance frameworks on its own — intentional human design is required.19:20 Transformational opportunities often evolve into systemic and existential risks.22:05 Introduction of the five-layer governance framework, beginning with global alignment.24:10 AI must be governed by AI through an operational oversight layer.27:20 The AI twin concept: a personal AI guardian connected to governance infrastructure.34:15 The global governance gap is far larger than most leaders acknowledge.38:05 Closing the knowledge gap begins with individuals actively engaging and questioning AI’s impact.Resources Mentioned:Ingo Paashttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ingo-paas-aa655a9/“A Billion Times Smarter” by Ingo Paashttps://www.amazon.com/-/es/dp/B0GL1SVYK4/“Digital Composable Enterprises” by Ingo Paashttps://www.amazon.com/-/es/dp/B0CD5QZV7K/“Empowering Human Autonomy” by Ingo Paashttps://www.amazon.com/-/es/Ingo-Paas-ebook/dp/B0F5QW7PVW/European AI Acthttps://artificialintelligenceact.eu/Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech

Maria Sexton, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of UT Medical, joins David Wright to explore leadership, AI adoption and the evolving role of IT in healthcare. Maria shares her journey from help desk to CIO. She talks about the importance of simplifying both life and leadership and examines why technology is easy, but people leadership is hard. She also unveils why AI holds a unique promise in healthcare and how to avoid “AI for AI’s sake.” Arguing that IT must be fully embedded in the business rather than operating on the sidelines.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.03:00 UT Medical operates with dual missions: patient care and academic training.04:00 “It’s not IT and the business. It’s only the business.”07:00 Early career lessons in leadership and recognizing strengths shape long-term growth.12:00 Simplification and removing clutter create clarity in leadership.16:00 Vulnerability and learning from leadership mistakes build trust.18:00 Technology is easy; leading people is the hard part.36:00 AI holds enormous promise in healthcare because minutes matter in patient outcomes.37:00 IT must reclaim its strategic role and prevent decentralized shadow IT.50:00 AI initiatives must have clear use cases and measurable outcomes.Resources Mentioned:Maria Sextonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasexton/UT Medical | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ut-medical/UT Medical | Websitehttps://www.utmedicalcenter.org“Dare to Lead" by Brené Brownhttps://www.amazon.com/Dare-Lead-Brave-Conversations-Hearts/dp/1785042149Historical Works by Alison Weirhttps://alisonweir.org.uk/books/Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech

David Wright is joined by Maruf Haider, Interim Chief Medical Information  Officer for Digital and Virtual Health of Carilion Clinic, to discuss what it takes to lead digital health inside complex healthcare systems. Maruf shares how his background as a practicing physician shapes his leadership approach, why technology alone cannot fix systemic issues, and how trust, clarity, and adaptability determine whether digital initiatives succeed at scale.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.02:20 Leadership is where healthcare, technology, and people intersect.​07:45 Hardest problems are often systemic, not purely clinical decisions.​10:12 Clinical practice keeps innovation and leadership grounded in reality.​11:09 Clarity on the problem builds trust and alignment.​12:48 Authenticity and speaking up early strengthen leadership effectiveness.​20:56 Transitions clarify identity, focus, and future direction.​24:55 Parenting insights reframe behavior as communication in leadership.​31:44 Vision centers on low-friction change and psychological safety.​36:12 AI’s real differentiator will be trusted systems, not algorithms.Resources Mentioned:Maruf Haiderhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/xmarufhaiderx/Carilion Clinic | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/carilion-clinic/Carilion Clinic | Websitehttps://www.carilionclinic.org“Good Inside” by Dr. Becky Kennedyhttps://www.amazon.com/Good-Inside-Guide-Becoming-Parent/dp/B09PGMSBBN/“The Creativity Code” by Marcus du Sautoyhttps://www.amazon.com/Creativity-Code-Art-Innovation-Age/dp/0674988132 Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

This week, David Wright is joined by Jason Oliver, Chief Technology Officer of Western University. They explore what it really takes to lead digital transformation in higher education, with a focus on people, culture, trust and authenticity. Jason shares lessons from his global career, his move from the UK to Canada and why effective change management matters more than any single technology decision.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.03:00 Listening more and speaking less becomes a critical leadership skill as organizations scale.05:41 Technology leaders must read the room and pivot in real time to build alignment and consensus.07:02 Jason shares his unconventional career path into technology leadership and higher education.10:50 Taking risks and saying yes to opportunities shapes long-term leadership growth.13:27 Digital investments must align with business and institutional outcomes rather than IT priorities.15:40 Change management sits at the core of successful digital transformation efforts.17:49 CIOs must act as business leaders first, with technology as their portfolio.20:49 Trust is built through transparency, authenticity and open dialogue, especially when things go off track.30:53 Empowering teams with digital skills and governance creates stronger collaboration and shared ownership.Resources Mentioned:Jason Oliverhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-oliver-5682172/Western University | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/school/westernuniversity/Western University | Websitehttps://www.uwo.caChange Fluency by JQ Wallerhttps://www.changefluency.comCIO Association of Canadahttps://www.ciocan.caThanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech

This week, David Wright is joined by Ryan Olsen, Chief Administrative Officer of Hoag Health System, to discuss what it takes to lead large healthcare organizations through complexity, constraint and change. Ryan shares lessons from turnaround leadership, physician alignment and organizational politics, and explains why trust, incentives and discipline matter more than technology alone. The episode also explores the realistic role of AI in healthcare, the pressures facing health systems today and the personal leadership lessons Ryan learned the hard way.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.04:16 Trust is foundational to driving effective organizational change.07:00 Listening more than talking dramatically improves negotiations and relationships.10:32 Strong physician partnerships underpin successful growth and operations.12:04 Using the Stockdale Paradox to lead through brutal turnaround realities.14:44 Difficult conversations, done compassionately, unlock meaningful organizational change.17:48 Humility and self-awareness are essential antidotes to executive ego.25:56 Hoag’s disciplined OKRs drive quality, growth and accountability.33:36 AI will support, not replace, high-skill clinicians and surgeons.36:24 Prioritizing mental and physical health makes you a better leader.Resources Mentioned:Ryan Olsenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankolsen/Hoag Health System | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hoaghealthsystem/Hoag Health System | Websitehttp://www.hoag.org“Good to Great” by Jim Collinshttps://www.jimcollins.com/article_topics/articles/good-to-great.html“The Hardest Job in the World” by John Dickersonhttps://www.amazon.com/Hardest-Job-World-American-Presidency/dp/1984854518Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

David Wright is joined by Siva Balu, Chief Information and Digital Officer of Quartz Health Solutions, for a conversation on authentic leadership, lessons learned from costly missteps and reimagining the healthcare technology landscape. Together, they explore pivotal career insights — from recognizing when technology distracts from real business challenges to the importance of grounding strategy in customer needs rather than pursuing innovation for its own sake.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.03:22 Prioritize curiosity and humility as foundational leadership qualities.11:08 Relationships, authenticity and honest partnerships form the core of success.14:05 Chasing technology without solving real problems consumes resources and energy.21:12 Healthcare leaders must own experience standards across every detail.31:09 Design internal systems to empower employees through mobile-first and flexible work approaches.32:58 Customer experience differs from user experience and must resonate emotionally.40:45 Future healthcare will be consumer-driven, requiring transparency, choice and comparative data.44:20 Say yes to more opportunities to experience different paths and growth directions.Resources Mentioned:Siva Baluhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sivabalus/Quartz Health Solutionshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/quartz-health-solutions/“Man's Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Franklhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0807014273”Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity” by Dr. Peter Attiahttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0593236599Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

Lawrence Hamilton, Executive Vice President of Performance of The Permanente Medical Group, Inc., joins the show to discuss how healthcare systems can improve outcomes without losing the human element of care. He shares how Kaiser Permanente’s integrated model delivers longer life expectancy, lower mortality and high patient satisfaction at lower cost. He also explains why digitizing broken systems creates risk, how incentives shape outcomes and where technology helps or hurts clinicians. The conversation explores health equity as a core performance metric, the challenge of scaling personal care and why meaningful leadership requires taking on work where failure is possible.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.04:36 Purposeful work should feed both the heart and the mind.​09:00 Patient stories are critical for reconnecting teams to impact.​13:00 High-reliability systems must still enable personal, intimate care.​19:00 A clear vocation in healthcare can emerge from lived experience.​24:32 Career choices are strongest when aligned with family priorities.​31:20 Walking away from misaligned roles is a real leadership agency.​33:56 Leaders grow most by tackling problems where failure is possible.​41:04 Reducing mortality and closing equity gaps defines future success.​43:12 Technology and new models can improve affordability without tradeoffs.​54:16 Fragmented innovation must be integrated to lift population health.Resources Mentioned:Lawrence Hamiltonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-hamilton-986b246a/The Permanente Medical Group, Inc. | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-permanente-medical-group-inc./The Permanente Medical Group Inc. | Websitehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-permanente-medical-group-inc./Moral Ambition: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference by Rutger Bregmanhttps://www.amazon.com/-/es/Rutger-Bregman-ebook/dp/B0DK6MVPP8Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech

David Wright is joined once more by Breno Gentil, Strategic Advisor of C.I.KNOW. In his second appearance on the podcast, Breno — a former CIO for Heineken and British American Tobacco — discusses his recent month-long journey racing across the Atlantic Ocean in the Clipper Race. He shares profound insights on leadership resilience, the psychological challenges of high-stakes environments and how the lessons learned at sea parallel the complexities of digital transformation. Breno offers a unique perspective on the future of the CIO role, arguing that as technology becomes the DNA of an organization, leadership must shift toward human change orchestration.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.04:12 Key leadership learnings in resilience from sailing adventures.09:19 The Bay of Biscay presented the toughest sailing conditions.11:51 Team won the first leg, arriving first in Spain.15:13 Tropical rains became the only showering opportunity on the boat.18:27 Sail damage led to self-doubt, requiring renewed confidence.21:54 Many things in sailing remain outside of one’s control.25:09 People, not technology, make the difference in transformation.27:50 The CIO role is evolving into a change orchestrator role.30:03 Technology roles may disappear as companies become digital.Resources Mentioned:Breno Gentilhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bg-digital/C.I.KNOW | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ciknow/C.I.KNOW | Websitehttps://www.ciknow.com/Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech

David Wright is joined by Frank Sweeney, Chief Information Officer and Assistant Director of Support Services of the Arizona Department of Child Safety, to discuss Frank’s journey from a history major to a technology leader, and the crucial role of innovation in public service. They discuss Frank’s mission to protect children and empower frontline workers through technology, the importance of culture over strategy in innovation, and the power of staying curious and patient in one's career.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.03:21 The most important thing is to stay curious and not close your mind to technology.07:18 An internship with Arthur Anderson after college started the drift toward technology.11:47 Failure is not bad; it's something you go through to get to something better.15:32 Avoid hubris, verify and reverify, and get your team involved in decisions.19:31 As a leader, spend time mentoring and helping each person grow.22:02 Culture will always beat strategy, especially with a mixed-generation workforce.26:50 Joy is a choice you determine for yourself every day, unlike conditional happiness.31:11 Increasing frontline worker time with families directly correlates to better outcomes.35:09 AI development code is often reusable, unlike old programming languages.Resources Mentioned:Frank Sweeneyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-sweeney-iot/Arizona Department of Child Safety | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/arizona-department-of-child-safety/Arizona Department of Child Safety | Websitehttps://dcs.az.gov/Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech

This week, David Wright is joined by Ahmed Abuelenein, Senior Manager of IT Technical Product Management, Healthcare Digital Innovation at a major academic health system. Ahmed discusses his journey from biomedical engineering to leading digital innovation in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of horizontal skill development, continuous improvement informed by the data and securing data access for researchers while protecting patient information.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.04:04 Growing horizontally across skill sets builds a stronger career foundation.12:13 Cultural immersion reveals universal connections across all people.15:24 Continuous improvement informed by data thrives in a culture of trust.21:17 Multiple perspectives are essential for understanding complex problems effectively.26:10 Researchers need policy-governed, secure access to appropriately scoped clinical data.28:08 AI tools can unlock research potential with proper safeguards.29:36 Data security and the right access are the biggest AI challenges.Resources Mentioned:Ahmed Abueleneinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-fathi-abuelenein-8124243a/“What Is History?” by Edward Hallett Carrhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/039470391X *Views are Ahmed’s own and do not represent any employer or affiliate. No confidential or patient information is discussed.Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

This week, David Wright welcomes Manfred Boudreaux-Dehmer, Chief Information Officer and Single Point of Authority for Cybersecurity at NATO, to discuss the Alliance’s digital transformation, the rising sophistication of cyber threats and the role of people, processes and technology in securing global defense systems. They explore the growing challenges of nation-state adversaries, multi-domain military operations, and the accelerating impact of AI on both offense and defense. Manfred also reflects on leadership lessons learned across his global career and why effective cybersecurity hinges on human behavior as much as technical capability.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.04:02 Cybersecurity is about people, processes and technology together.07:37 Pivoting to leadership due to a lack of interaction in programming.11:16 NATO’s focus is on providing security for one billion people, not generating profit.15:29 Excel spreadsheets can’t replace conversations with actual people.20:33 Start with the problem before choosing AI solutions.24:12 Communicate effectively — don’t overwhelm people with information.28:59 Cyberspace became NATO’s fifth military domain in 2016.33:52 Adversary emulation is penetration testing on steroids.37:37 Find mentors and observe their unique skills carefully.Resources Mentioned:Manfred Boudreaux-Dehmerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/manfred-boudreaux-dehmer/NATO | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/nato/NATO | Websitehttps://www.nato.int/enThanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

In this episode, David Wright is joined by Richard Zane, Chief Medical and Innovation Officer of UCHealth, to explore how healthcare systems can embrace innovation by focusing on people, processes and pragmatic problem-solving. Richard shares lessons from his journey — from emergency medicine to leading one of the most advanced innovation centers in healthcare — highlighting the importance of clarity, communication and execution in driving sustainable change.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.04:12 A career path shaped by diverse leadership experiences.08:48 How to use frontline insights and phased deployments for innovation.11:17 Change is emotional; pick early-adopter champions smartly.16:22 Failure teaches more than success; embrace learning opportunities.22:17 Strong teams matter more than impressive technology alone.24:20 Solutions must scale beyond one health system’s environment.30:34 Real-time benefits and authorization greatly reduce patient friction.35:27 Financial and regulatory pressures are major obstacles for AI.38:26 A generational perspective is needed for real healthcare transformation.Resources Mentioned:Richard Zanehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-zane-md-9b87b5a/UCHealth | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/uchealth/UCHealth | Websitehttp://www.uchealth.org“The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingwayhttps://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Sun-Also-Rises/Ernest-Hemingway/9781982199524Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

In this episode, hear an inspiring conversation with Raman Kaur, Vice President, Education Technology at Elsevier, as she shares valuable insights in her journey from the clinical world to leading technology-driven innovation in education and healthcare. Listeners will discover practical lessons on curiosity, action, the power of change, accountability, and the future of learning shaped by artificial intelligence.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.04:07 Operate with curiosity to stay relevant and innovative.07:34 Action has more value than waiting for perfection.11:16 Use setbacks as catalysts for personal growth.15:34 Many enterprise employees feel disengaged from organizational purpose.22:10 Technology should amplify, but not replace, human capabilities.28:24 Tailor learning solutions to individual strengths and needs.32:04 Responsible integration of emerging technology requires ethical caution.35:41 Overcome fear by speaking up and taking risks.37:32 Trust your instincts early and take courageous action.Resources Mentioned:Raman Kaurhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kaurramandeep/Elsevier | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/elsevier/Elsevier | Websitehttps://www.elsevier.com/“The Infinite Game” by Simon Sinekhttps://simonsinek.com/books/the-infinite-game/Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

Walt Carter, President of THG Advisors, discusses effective leadership and business transformation with David Wright, as well as the systems required to address disruptive challenges. Walt shares his journey across technology, marketing and consulting, emphasizing why systematized leadership and empowered teams are essential to real sustainable change. The conversation covers lessons from Walt’s new book “Stop Driving Behind Idiots,” real-world strategies for fostering cultures of trust, and how leadership must adapt to an increasingly complex digital landscape.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.04:56 Cross-industry experience sparks innovation in stagnant sectors.09:04 Employee disengagement drives high transformation failure rates.13:48 Leadership systems must consider real culture and behavior.18:24 Disempowering frontline leaders paralyzes organizational innovation.23:00 Emotional intelligence is now essential for digital leaders.27:56 Lasting change requires grassroots stakeholder engagement and trust.32:04 Humility and “not knowing” strengthen connected leadership.36:52 Political sponsorship is crucial for driving effective change.41:40 Mature teams require connection, collaboration and vision alignment.Resources Mentioned:Walt Carterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/waltergcarter/THG Advisors | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/thgadvisors/THG Advisors | Websitehttps://www.thgadvisor.com“Stop Driving Behind Idiots" by Walt Carterhttps://books.google.com.ph/books/about/Stop_Driving_Behind_Idiots.html?id=sZ5N0QEACAAJ&redir_esc=y Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

Greg Townsend, Senior Vice President, Chief Data Officer and Analytics Officer of AltaMed Health Services, sits down with David Wright to share how data and analytics can drive meaningful organizational change. From governance and scalability to risk modeling and AI adoption, Greg explains how his team aligns strategy and operations to deliver consistent value.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.03:42 Regular value demonstration aligns with strategic missions effectively.08:48 Performance improvement work led to a data analytics career path.15:12 Curiosity and communication drive professional success consistently.20:45 Servant leadership approach develops highly dedicated employees.25:37 Wisdom means understanding both knowledge and limitations clearly.30:18 Vision provides care access to underserved patient populations.33:24 Data governance enables scalability across complex organizations.35:49 AI ambient listening improves provider documentation dramatically.38:15 Healthcare financing uncertainty creates major strategic challenges.Resources Mentioned:Greg Townsendhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-townsend-4aa8466/AltaMed Health Services | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/altamed-health-services/AltaMed Health Services | Websitehttp://www.altamed.orgThanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

David Wright speaks with Karl Mosgofian, Advisor at RampCIO. Karl reflects on his career journey, the expanding scope of the CIO role, and the realities of leading in an era shaped by AI expectations. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, stakeholder alignment and prioritization as essential skills for technology leaders.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.04:45 Empathy is underrated in leadership success.08:50 SaaS shifted IT into a facilitator role.11:42 CIOs face the gap between AI hype and reality.15:48 Transformation fails without full business buy-in.21:48 Cultures of fear keep organizations reactive and not strategic.26:40 Leadership requires prioritization over debating importance.32:02 AI ROI expectations often lack measurable results.36:36 Strong CIO networks provide invaluable peer support.Resources Mentioned:Karl Mosgofianhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-mosgofian-4594a2/RampCIO | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ramp-cio/RampCIO | Websitehttp://www.rampcio.com Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

In this episode, David Wright sits down with Ken Knapton, Chief Information Officer of Win Brands (Costa Vida / FatCats), to explore the evolution from individual contributor to strategic team leader in enterprise IT environments. They delve into overcoming organizational resistance to change, particularly when implementing shared services across multi-location businesses. Ken reveals how personal growth and humility transformed his leadership approach, while David and Ken examine the challenges CIOs face when stakeholders misunderstand collaborative IT initiatives and unfairly assign security ownership solely to technology leaders.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.08:57 Early career transitions create the foundation for future success.10:21 Type A personalities must evolve beyond an individual achievement focus.13:04 Preconceived solutions limit openness to better architectural approaches.15:51 Personal challenges become catalysts for significant leadership growth.23:34 Multi-location enterprises need experienced IT leadership beyond directors.24:39 Shared services require understanding differences, not enforcing sameness.34:36 CEO expectations often misalign with collaborative IT initiative requirements.34:11 IT leaders face an unfair ownership burden for enterprise security.Resources Mentioned:Ken Knaptonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kenknapton/Costa Vida | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/costa-vida/Costa Vida | Websitehttps://www.costavida.com/FatCats | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/fatcats/FatCats | Websitehttps://www.fatcatsfun.com/Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

Holly Hon, Senior Vice President of Operations at Entertainment Partners, joins David Wright to explore how strategic execution, data-driven leadership and cross-functional collaboration shape long-term success. Holly shares lessons from transforming services into scalable product organizations, building AI readiness through data governance and advocating for enterprise-wide change — all with a mindset rooted in continuous learning and purposeful leadership.Key Takeaways:(04:22) Good ideas don’t succeed without execution and sustained effort.(12:09) A flawed cost allocation model nearly led to the sunsetting of a profitable product.(13:33) Holly spent three years convincing leadership to fix the model — and succeeded.(15:24) Treating “no” as “not yet” when pursuing critical change.(19:52) At Rackspace, Holly pitched HIPAA-compliant cloud hosting ahead of its time.(24:58) Leadership isn’t earned by tenure. It’s a privilege that requires intention and purpose.(30:23) Strengthening data governance is foundational to enabling responsible AI.(38:42) Adopting a practice mindset helps leaders overcome impostor syndrome and grow sustainably.Resources Mentioned:Holly Honhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyhon/Entertainment Partners | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/entertainment-partners/Entertainment Partners | Websitehttps://www.ep.com/ Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

Host David Wright talks to Breno Gentil, Strategic Advisor of C.I.KNOW, whose previous roles include Global CTO of British American Tobacco and Senior Director of Digital and Technology at Heineken. Breno shares lessons from his global career leading transformation across consumer goods and explains why simplifying tech is core to IT leadership today. From AI hype to sailing analogies, this conversation dives into the people-centered realities behind digital progress.Key Takeaways:(06:12) People, not technology, are the core challenge in digital transformations.(09:23) Understanding customer pain points often unlocks the most valuable innovations.(16:10) Stoicism helps leaders focus energy on what they can control.(20:31) Sailing teaches adaptability and presence — vital traits for digital leaders.(23:55) Don’t get too attached to tech products that aren’t scalable.(27:04) The gap between business and tech leaders still fuels transformation failure.(30:45) Complex tech terminology alienates users and blocks adoption and alignment.(33:20) Communication skills matter more than technical skills in IT leadership today.(35:24) Tech leaders face constant reinvention unlike other corporate functions today.(40:19) Self-awareness and emotional intelligence boost leadership effectiveness and team impact.Resources Mentioned:Breno Gentilhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bg-digital/C.I.KNOW | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ciknow/C.I. Know | Websitehttps://www.ciknow.com/Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

Ramesh Razdan, Global CIO/CTO of Bain & Company, joins David Wright to share how a foundation of humility, gratitude and servant leadership has shaped his journey from rural Kashmir to leading global technology transformation. They discuss managing change at scale, fostering collaboration across geographies and functions and how emerging technologies like AI can unlock personalized solutions in areas like healthcare.Key Takeaways:(03:10) Leaders must prioritize their physical and mental well-being.(08:55) Career progression requires readiness, not just achievement.(09:45) Growth is shaped by how we respond to challenges.(14:18) Collaboration between business and tech is essential for impact.(16:13) Adapting to rapid change is a critical leadership skill.(20:28) Innovation opens new possibilities for long-standing problems.(24:13) A growth mindset enables resilience in complexity.(27:22) Leadership today depends on communication, not control.(32:04) Sustainable success begins with self-care and perspective.Resources Mentioned:Ramesh Razdanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rameshrazdan/Bain & Company | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bain-and-company/Bain & Company | Websitehttp://www.bain.com“Search Inside Yourself” by Chade-Meng Tanhttps://www.amazon.com/Search-Inside-Yourself-Unexpected-Achieving/dp/0062116932Warren Buffett and Bill Gates on Time Managementhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxKB-1G2v1wThanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

A technologist who embraces business leadership, prioritizes humility over ego and learns to truly let go can drive lasting transformation.Brad Sexton, Chief Information Officer of Terrible's, joins David Wright to talk about leadership, innovation and the realities of driving digital transformation in a diverse, fast-paced organization. Brad shares lessons learned from a career spanning government, hospitality and retail, offering practical insights on team empowerment and the importance of actionable data. The discussion covers how Terrible's deliberately different approach fuels growth, the challenges of integrating legacy systems and the value of learning from every member of the organization.Key Takeaways:(03:30) Listen to everyone and let good ideas lead.(13:42) Empathy and humility strengthen leadership effectiveness.(20:05) Leaders must learn to delegate and release control.(27:16) Broadening perspectives helps drive better decision-making.(29:59) Communication between technical and business teams is essential.(33:16) Timeless leadership principles remain highly relevant.(38:30) Leading innovation requires adaptability across business areas.(45:17) Data must be actionable to be useful.(53:04) Patience is a critical part of long-term success.Resources Mentioned:Brad Sextonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bradsexton1/Terrible's | Linkhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/terribles/Terrible’s | Websitehttp://www.terribles.comColin Powell’s 13 Rules of Leadershiphttps://www.score.org/greaterphoenix/resource/blog-post/a-salute-colin-powells-13-rules-leadershipThanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

This week, David Wright is joined by Dr. Aalpen Patel, Chief Clinical and Innovation Officer of MedQuest Associates. Dr. Patel shares insights on innovation in healthcare, particularly in radiology, and discusses his journey from engineering to medicine. Dr. Patel emphasizes the importance of innovation in addressing healthcare challenges.Key Takeaways:(04:06) Removing the word "impossible" from your mindset and focusing on finding solutions rather than obstacles.(05:53) Overcoming challenges and adapting to new environments can shape resilience and work ethic.(08:31) Engineering principles can play a significant role in driving medical innovation.(10:08) AI and mathematical modeling can be used to improve diagnostics and risk stratification in healthcare.(13:41) Personalized medicine can increase positivity rates and potentially benefit healthcare margins.(25:01) Workforce shortages in radiology require innovative solutions such as remote workflows and AI augmentation.(27:06) AI can help reduce burnout by augmenting radiologists' work rather than increasing their workload.(31:49) The future of healthcare will likely involve AI at the center of innovation, improving efficiency and outcomes.Resources Mentioned:Dr. Aalpen Patel https://www.linkedin.com/in/aalpenpatel/MedQuest Associates | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/medquest-associates/MedQuest Associates | Websitehttps://www.mqimaging.comBecker's Healthcarehttps://www.asccommunications.com/Mediumhttps://medium.com/EE Timeshttps://www.eetimes.com/SquawkBoxhttps://www.cnbc.com/squawk-box-us/?msockid=014c12082de5636d164800ce2c5e6294Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

Sandra Powell-Elliott, Chief Innovation and Commercialization Officer at Hackensack Meridian Health, joins David Wright to discuss the intersection of innovation, AI, and commercialization in healthcare. With a background spanning administration, business strategy, and technology adoption, she shares insights on how health systems can embrace automation, foster an innovation-driven culture, and transform care delivery.Key Takeaways:(03:33) Diving into a problem makes finding solutions easier.(06:32) Connecting over key problems can help break down silos.(10:32) Importance of distinctions between managing and leading.(13:14) Cutting costs alone won’t drive success — growth and innovation are key.(16:42) AI should be leveraged as an assistive tool, not just a buzzword.(20:09) Learning to say “no” is a crucial skill in leadership and innovation.(27:55) Driving transformation by pulling together research and innovation.(30:42) Creating an innovative culture starts with engaging all employees as problem solvers.(36:44) Nurses’ workarounds often reveal scalable innovations that can improve efficiency.(39:03) Healthcare’s future lies in personalized, in-home diagnostics and treatment.(40:55) Business models must evolve for health systems to sustain preventive care. Resources Mentioned:Sandra Powell-Elliotthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-powell-elliott-999a609/Hackensack Meridian Health | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hackensackmeridianhealth/Hackensack Meridian Health | Websitehttps://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/“The Heat Will Kill You First” by Jeff Goodellhttps://www.amazon.com/Heat-Will-Kill-You-First/dp/0316497576“Freedom” by Sebastian Jungerhttps://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Sebastian-Junger/dp/1982153415Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

This week, David Wright is joined by Farnaz Ronaghi, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at NovoEd, to discuss how AI transforms employee learning, the shift in enterprise SaaS and the key leadership lessons she has learned while scaling a company. They explore the role of curiosity in leadership, the challenges of growing a team and how enterprises are rethinking their approach to learning and development.Key Takeaways:(03:16) Prototyping ideas is easier than ever with AI.(05:17) Finding the right career path takes exploration, persistence and support from mentors and colleagues.(10:18) Every conversation, even difficult ones, can become a learning opportunity.(14:55) Leadership is about creating space for others to own their decisions.(17:03) Agility means knowing when to slow down and when to move fast.(21:42) Traditional SaaS isn’t enough — enterprise tools must integrate seamlessly.(27:43) AI will change employee learning by embedding training into workflows.(34:02) Failure is the best way to grow — learn fast and move forward.Resources Mentioned:Farnaz Ronaghi -https://www.linkedin.com/in/farnazr/NovoEd | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/novoed/NovoEd | Website -https://novoed.com“Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most” -https://www.amazon.com/Difficult-Conversations-Discuss-What-Matters/dp/0143118447“Continuous Discovery Habits” -https://www.amazon.com/Continuous-Discovery-Habits-Discover-Products/dp/1736633309“Joy of Agility”https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Agility-Problems-Succeed-Sooner/dp/1637742770Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

This week, David Wright is joined by Claudionor Coelho Jr., Chief AI Officer at Zscaler, the company running the largest cybersecurity cloud in the world. Together, they discuss the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, the accelerating pace of technological change and how organizations can prepare for an AI-driven future.Key Takeaways:(05:54) Lessons learned from early career failures and how collaboration drives success.(08:36) The rapid acceleration of AI development, from LLMs to generative AI.(15:40) Zscaler processes over half a trillion transactions daily.(21:56) The importance of data lineage in AI systems.(25:51) The need for organizations to treat data organization seriously.(30:40) Addressing the cybersecurity talent shortage with AI automation.(32:25) How generative AI is used by both defenders and attackers in cybersecurity.(36:55) “Life is fluid, and you should enjoy the journey.”Resources Mentioned:Claudionor Coelho Jr. -https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudionor-coelho-jr-b156b01/Zscaler LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/zscaler/Zscaler | Website -https://www.zscaler.comThanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

Pavan Pidugu, Chief Technology Officer of FMCSA at the US Department of Transportation, shares insights from his transformative career, which spans retail leadership and federal government innovation. As CTO, he leads initiatives that enhance safety and efficiency in the transportation industry, driving cultural and technological change.Key Takeaways:(02:31) The importance of fostering a startup culture within government roles.(09:41) How learning from failure and adaptability shapes strong leadership.(15:11) Balancing empathy and tough decision-making as a leader.(19:53) Lessons from implementing cultural and technological transformation at FMCSA.(26:25) Technology is straightforward, but people and processes determine the success of transformations.(36:33) Using identity verification to combat fraud in the trucking industry.(41:04) Leveraging AI and data governance to promote safety and compliance.(45:32) The future of transportation with edge computing and autonomous systems.Resources Mentioned:Pavan Pidugu -https://www.linkedin.com/in/pidugupavan/US Department of Transportation LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/usdot/US Department of Transportation | Website -https://www.transportation.gov/careers“The Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autobiography_of_a_YogiSwami Vivekananda -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swami_VivekanandaThanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

Cheryl Johnson, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Betterworks, joins David Wright to share her career journey and leadership lessons. Cheryl discusses embracing challenges, staying grounded and creating human-centered work cultures. She also shares pivotal career moments, including overcoming burnout, navigating startups and driving innovation with AI.Key Takeaways:(03:53) The value of showing up authentically as a leader.(09:40) Leaning into fear creates growth opportunities.(16:32) You don’t have to be ready, just courageous.(23:36) Recovery from burnout requires prioritizing health and mindfulness.(30:42) Humility is key to leadership; no one is a “perfect leader.”(37:15) Building consumer-level ease of use in enterprise tech is essential.(44:47) AI must enhance human work without replacing accountability.(50:08) AI tools can level expectations and unlock innovation.(52:27) Trusting yourself is key to overcoming imposter syndrome.Resources Mentioned:Cheryl Johnson -https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylporro/Betterworks LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterworks/Betterworks | Website - https://www.betterworks.com/“The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz -https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Thing-About-Things-Building/dp/0062273205Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

Ryan Hale, Chief Information Officer at Lithko Contracting, joins David Wright to discuss scaling a business while navigating digital transformation. Lithko, the nation’s second-largest concrete contractor, manages over 500 projects in 22 locations. Ryan reflects on his decade of leadership, sharing lessons on problem-solving, data-driven decision-making and embracing innovation.Key Takeaways:(02:26) Lithko’s projects span warehouses, hospitals and high-rises, fostering local connections in every town.(05:29) “Every day you have to earn it” underscores Ryan’s drive and accountability.(11:04) Leadership involves hiring smart people and embracing humility to solve challenges collaboratively.(17:34) Continuous improvement requires reflecting on failures to refine processes.(29:20) The aging workforce in construction presents a challenge in capturing undocumented expertise.(32:53) Data-driven insights empower newer workers to perform at experienced levels.(40:04) Technologies like drones and augmented reality are transforming construction workflows.(43:17) Scaling requires balancing entrepreneurial spirit with effective governance.(43:51) Leaders must slow down to celebrate achievements while planning for future challenges.(46:01) Saying “yes” to one priority often means saying “no” to another, requiring careful trade-offs.Resources Mentioned:Ryan Hale -https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-hale-8491aa8/Lithko Contracting -https://www.linkedin.com/company/lithko-contracting/Lithko Contracting website -https://www.lithko.com/McKinsey Report on Technology Adoption in Industries -https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/the-top-trends-in-techThanks for listening to the Disruptive Innovators podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

In this episode, David Wright is joined by Daniel Burrus, a renowned futurist, author, and Founder and CEO of Burrus Research, Inc. a global research and consulting firm based in Wisconsin. Burrus shares his insights on anticipatory thinking, hard and soft trends, and how businesses can leverage these concepts to remain relevant and future-ready.Key Takeaways:(07:45) Thinking big, then aiming for an even bigger goal.(08:55) The power of failing fast to learn faster.(12:14) Failure fosters growth through resilience and adaptability.(21:27) Defining hard trends as future facts that drive certainty.(23:41) Distinguishing between hard and soft trends in planning.(25:11) Viewing disruption as a choice, not an inevitability.(30:53) Using future facts to confidently innovate and make bold moves.(36:16) Taking an hour a week to unplug from the present and focus on the future.Resources Mentioned:Daniel Burrus -https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielburrus/Burrus Research, Inc. | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/burrus-research-inc-/Burrus Research, Inc. | Website -https://www.burrus.com/2025 Technology Hard Trends Report -https://www.burrus.com/technology-driven-trends-2/AI Strategy Report -https://www.aistrategyreport.com/ai-report-daniel-burrusFlash Foresight: How to See the Invisible and Do the Impossible by Daniel Burrus -https://www.burrus.com/store/flash-foresight-book/The Anticipatory Organization by Daniel Burrus -https://www.burrus.com/store/the-anticipatory-organization-book/Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

Paul Smith, Chief Information Officer of Amnesty International, shares his journey from a working-class background to becoming a leader in digital innovation at one of the world’s largest human rights organizations. With insights into resourcefulness, cybersecurity and global tech solutions, Paul offers a look into managing technology with purpose and resilience.Key Takeaways:(06:06) The importance of leveraging networks for shared knowledge and support.(08:23) Recognizing the value of humility and continuous learning in leadership.(10:38) Managing time effectively is a critical factor in tech project success.(14:03) Closing the digital divide for inclusivity across diverse regions.(18:36) Cybersecurity challenges posed by nation-state actors.(22:54) Leveraging AI to manage large-scale knowledge for human rights protection.(26:57) CIOs evolving as ecosystem leaders, orchestrating connections between people, technology, and services.(27:44) Adopting a forward-thinking mindset toward digital disruption and opportunity.(31:53) Advice to younger self: Step out of comfort zones, engage in networking, and share knowledge.Resources Mentioned:Paul Smith -https://www.linkedin.com/in/pdsmithmba/Amnesty International -https://www.linkedin.com/company/amnesty-international/Amnesty International website -https://www.amnesty.org/“Clearly Agile” by Giles Lindsay -https://clearlyagile.agiledeltaconsulting.com/Thanks for listening to the “Disruptive Innovators” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

Ingo Paas, CIO and CDO of Green Cargo, shares insights into leading digital transformation within the rail cargo industry. Green Cargo was the winner of the 2023 IDC Future Enterprise Best in Future of Digital Infrastructure EMEA Award. Ingo has been at the forefront of leveraging AI to innovate and transform traditional industries, showcasing how digital infrastructure can support scalable and sustainable solutions.Key Takeaways:(04:10) Don’t underestimate transformational changes in technology, especially AI.(09:32) Ingo’s experience of raising his son with a rare genetic condition taught him to find purpose in difficult challenges and drive change.(16:19) Finding a purpose larger than oneself leads to more fulfilling and meaningful achievements.(20:44) Building a cloud-based platform using OpenAI and graph technology.(22:49) Modernizing core infrastructure and moving it to the cloud.(25:14) Autonomy, trust and accountability are key leadership principles at Green Cargo.(27:05) Strategy needs to be flexible to adapt to rapid changes in technology.(31:47) Many leaders underestimate the disruptive potential of technological change.Resources Mentioned:Ingo Paas -https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingo-paas-aa655a9/Green Cargo | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-cargo/Green Cargo website -http://www.greencargo.com/”Digital Composable Enterprises” by Ingo Paas -https://www.amazon.com/DIGITAL-COMPOSABLE-ENTERPRISES-Evolutionary-Organizations/dp/B0C1HRT9XGThanks for listening to the Disruptive Innovators podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

This week, David Wright is joined by Mike Todasco, Visiting Fellow at the James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence at San Diego State University. Mike shares his journey from accountant to leading innovation at PayPal and now, in his current work with AI at San Diego State University. They explore the power of AI tools in driving business effectiveness, the importance of great leadership, and maintaining work-life balance in today's fast-paced environment.Key Takeaways:(03:25) AI tools like ChatGPT can significantly improve productivity.(04:43) Innovation often involves failures; not everything will be a success.(12:47) A great boss is more valuable than a great job.(15:58) Seek bosses who put your growth ahead of the company’s interests.(17:52) Treat employees like adults by offering flexibility and autonomy.(20:40) Work-life balance is critical; family time is non-negotiable.(25:55) Shift your perspective; problems can often become opportunities.(28:41) Reframing rejection can turn it into a positive motivator.(35:47) AI's potential is just starting to be realized in everyday workflows.(40:33) Combining AI models can lead to remarkable, time-saving outcomes.Resources Mentioned:Mike Todasco -https://www.linkedin.com/in/todasco/San Diego State University | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/school/san-diego-state-university/San Diego State University Website -http://www.sdsu.edu/The Singularity is Nearer -https://www.amazon.com/Singularity-Nearer-Ray-Kurzweil-ebook/dp/B08Y6FYJVYThe Anxious Generation -https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/dp/0593655036Thanks for listening to the Disruptive Innovators podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

David Wright is joined by Scott Murray, Chief Operating Officer at Collective Health, to discuss the future of healthcare. Scott shares insights from his diverse career, spanning roles at Safeway, eBay, and now Collective Health. He emphasizes the importance of leadership, innovation, and customer-centricity in transforming healthcare.Key Takeaways:(03:05) Confronting brutal facts and not letting fear dictate your actions leads to better decision-making.(05:31) Scott's career focuses on uniting people, processes, technology and culture to drive business performance and innovation.(08:43) Collective Health simplifies healthcare by advocating for patients and reducing conflicts with insurance companies.(10:14) Collective Health's focus on transparency and advocacy is improving the healthcare experience.(13:07) Scott learned resilience and the value of teamwork from a career failure and leading eBay's turnaround.(18:17) Lifelong learning and humility are essential for leadership success.(25:10) Collective Health customizes benefit plans based on employer needs, focusing resources on areas with the highest value for employees.(26:54) Collective Health navigates competition with healthcare networks while relying on them, creating a "frenemy" dynamic that requires refining their value proposition.(30:29) Scott predicts future trends in healthcare, including cost reduction and industry consolidation.Resources Mentioned:Scott Murray -https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmurray0617/Collective Health | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivehealth/Collective Health | Website -http://collectivehealth.com/“Good to Great” by Jim Collins -https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76865.Good_to_GreatThanks for listening to the Disruptive Innovators podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

This week, David Wright is joined by Gaurav Banga, the CEO and founder of Balbix, a company leveraging AI to enhance cybersecurity risk management. Gaurav shares his journey from PhD to serial entrepreneur, offering insights into the intersection of cybersecurity and AI, and the lessons learned from building successful companies.Key Takeaways:(03:06) Focus on solving problems, and view cybersecurity as a data science or AI challenge.(07:02) Gaurav’s journey began with a PhD and a smartphone startup in Silicon Valley.(10:50) Startup success relies on embracing speed and choosing the right people.(13:56) COVID-19 prompted a quick shift to a software model, turning a crisis into long-term success.(19:13) Balbix leverages AI to automate cybersecurity, boosting productivity and addressing skill shortages.(23:40) Balbix faces challenges in AI execution and convincing late adopters.(28:14) Cybersecurity is now an AI-driven battle, with automation a key to managing threats.(32:51) Prioritize listening and observation for firsthand insights early in your career.Resources Mentioned:Gaurav Banga -https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaurav-banga-0a527b/Balbix | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/balbix/Balbix | Website -https://www.balbix.com/Thanks for listening to the Disruptive Innovators podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

In this episode, David Wright is joined by Dr. Douglas Bruce, Professor of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and SVP, Chief Clinical Integration Officer at MetroHealth System. They explore the intersection of healthcare and technology, focusing on behavior change and the role of digital tools in patient care. Dr. Bruce shares insights from his extensive experience in public health, digital transformation and working with marginalized groups, emphasizing the importance of addressing root causes rather than just symptoms in healthcare.Key Takeaways:(04:27) Technology should be an asset, not a liability, in healthcare.(07:43) Medicine often mistakenly assumes behavior change is purely rational.(09:11) Behavior change is about relationships, not just information.(14:30) Address the root cause, not just symptoms, for effective behavior change.(20:30) Proactive screening and outreach are essential for managing depression in diabetic patients.(25:54) Technology can help triage and prioritize mental health care, ensuring that no one is left behind.(34:03) Protecting uninterrupted time for healthcare providers improves efficiency and care quality.(38:13) Focus on doing good and taking risks to foster innovation in healthcare.Resources Mentioned:Dr. Douglas Bruce -https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdouglasbruce/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/school/case-western-reserve-university-school-of-medicine/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine | Website -http://case.edu/medicineMetroHealth | Website -www.metrohealth.orgMetroHealth | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/metrohealthcle/Thanks for listening to the Disruptive Innovators podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

This week, David Wright is joined by Claudia Infante, Chief Data Officer at Margaritaville, to discuss her journey from Director of Revenue Strategy to leading Margaritaville’s data-driven initiatives. They explore how Claudia has played a pivotal role in scaling the brand, the importance of understanding customer experiences, and the lessons learned from failures.Key Takeaways:(02:25) Walking in customers’ shoes to understand their experience.(05:12) Overcoming biases by recognizing that you are not your customer.(10:45) Empowering your team by removing obstacles and trusting their expertise.(15:20) The myth of being self-made and the importance of support systems.(18:50) Learning from failures by being flexible and turning setbacks into opportunities.(22:14) Embracing Margaritaville’s philosophy: Breathe in, breathe out, move on.(28:30) Accepting that you can’t be everything to everyone, and that’s okay.(33:45) Margaritaville as a state of mind rather than just a brand.Resources Mentioned:Claudia Infante -https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiainfante/Margaritaville | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/margaritaville/Margaritaville | Website -https://www.margaritaville.com/Thanks for listening to the Disruptive Innovators podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

Understanding the cost dynamics and technological advancements in diagnostic imaging is crucial for both patients and providers. This week, David Wright is joined by Dr. John Simon, Founder and CEO of SimonMed Imaging, to discuss the innovations in radiology, the affordability of imaging services and the impact of AI on diagnostic care.Key Takeaways:(02:25) Dr. John Simon's role and the scope of SimonMed Imaging. (03:00) The importance of being an informed patient and asking questions. (05:44) Technological advancements in CAT scans over the past 20 years. (11:21) SimonMed Imaging’s AI projects aimed at improving diagnostic care. (12:33) The high costs of imaging and its impact on patient care. (16:08) AI’s role in prioritizing scans and improving diagnostic speed. (18:55) Functional MRI’s potential in assessing treatment efficacy. (28:00) The future of radiology with objective, quantified results.Resources Mentioned:Dr. John Simon -https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-simon-8ab8b194/SimonMed Imaging | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/simonmed-imaging/SimonMed | Website -https://www.simonmed.com/Thanks for listening to the Disruptive Innovators podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

Innovation isn't just about the next big idea; it's about fostering a culture that brings those ideas to life. This week, David Wright is joined by Prith Banerjee, CTO at Ansys, to delve into the intricacies of driving innovation in large organizations. They explore the importance of leveraging external disruptive innovations and balancing academic research with practical applications. Prith shares insights on understanding customer pain points, creating markets for disruptive innovations, and strategies for scaling innovation from startups to large companies. Discover how large companies can adopt open innovation and the significance of Horizon 1, 2, and 3 innovations.Key Takeaways:(02:00) Prith Banerjee’s journey from academia to leading R&D in large companies.(03:05) The importance of open innovation and partnering to drive disruptive innovation.(05:46) Lessons learned from transitioning innovations from academia to industry.(08:53) Starting with a customer problem to drive innovation.(10:00) Identifying and solving customer problems as the key to successful innovation.(14:24) The value of partnerships and collaboration in scaling startups.(20:00) Overcoming funding challenges and learning from failures.(24:57) Prith Banerjee’s book, Innovation Factory, on fostering disruptive innovation in large companies.(35:47) How Ansys helps customers in various industries through modeling and simulation.(40:25) Democratizing simulation to make it accessible for all users.Resources Mentioned:Prith Banerjee -https://www.linkedin.com/in/prith-banerjeeAnsys | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/ansys-inc/Ansys | Website -https://www.ansys.com/Innovation Factory -https://www.amazon.com/Innovation-Factory-Prith-Banerjee-PH/dp/B0B7LZPDZW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1660332773&sr=8-1Thanks for listening to the Disruptive Innovators podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

Imagine transforming your business with technology that not only boosts productivity but also empowers your team and drives success. This week, Jason James, CIO of Aptos Retail, joins David Wright to discuss the strategic role of technology in retail and the significance of leadership and mentorship in driving business success. They dive into how technology empowers businesses, the importance of proactive communication during failures and the role of culture in successful digital transformations.Key Takeaways:(03:52) People remember how you helped their career, not just the digital transformations. (07:04) Handling failures proactively defines your leadership style. (13:15) Effective communication is critical during project failures. (15:55) Successful digital transformations are cultural transformations. (19:38) Invest in your health, education and personal growth. (27:08) Luck and preparation play roles in career success.(28:03) Technology is used for empowering business, not as a cost center. Resources Mentioned:Jason James -https://www.linkedin.com/in/itlinchpin/Aptos Retail | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/aptos-retail/Aptos | Website -https://www.aptos.com/Thanks for listening to the Disruptive Innovators podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

In this episode, David Wright is joined by Jonathan Chan, Head of Global IT and Security at Episource, who shares insights on leveraging technology to drive business goals and enhance efficiency in healthcare. Jonathan reveals how transforming IT from a cost center into a revenue driver can revolutionize healthcare.Key Takeaways:(03:36) IT is a business enabler.(05:11) Converting IT conversations to revenue-driven goals.(07:57) AI as assisted intelligence, not artificial intelligence.(14:00) Loving what you do leads to better performance.(16:29) The importance of being a change agent.(19:14) Efficiency in medical coding reduces costs.(25:01) Strategic thinking in healthcare technology investments.(31:12) The importance of team collaboration for better decisions.(31:27) Building trust through transparent data practices.(31:34) Driving industry change with innovative strategies.Resources Mentioned:Jonathan Chan -https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-chan-1852066/Episource | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/episource/Episource | Website -https://www.episource.com/Thanks for listening to the Disruptive Innovators podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

This week, David Wright is joined by Brian Rowe, Vice President of Information Technology at Rehrig Pacific Company. Brian shares details of his unique journey and insights into the pivotal role of human-centric solutions in driving innovation and efficiency.Key Takeaways:(04:00) Every problem is ultimately a human problem.(06:03) The realization that coding didn’t bring personal fulfillment.(12:09) Balancing innovation with data security and understanding the broader business impact is crucial for effective leadership in technology-driven organizations.(18:30) Embracing one's unique thinking process can reveal strengths that help solve problems differently and more effectively than the norm.(24:59) Embracing digitalization and automation will significantly transform many roles within the organization over the next five years.(27:30) Automation has transformed frontline jobs from physical tasks to more data-driven roles, improving working conditions while maintaining the workforce.(33:00) Organizations need to identify and hire digital problem solvers who are adaptable and can think beyond traditional, static solutions.(38:43) Thoughtful leadership and long-term investment in people and technology are essential, even if they temporarily affect financial performance.Resources Mentioned:Brian Rowe -https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowebd/Rehrig Pacific Company | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/rehrig-pacific-company/Rehrig Pacific Company | Website -https://www.rehrigpacific.com/Dell -https://www.dell.com/en-phBroadcom -https://www.broadcom.com/CliftonStrengths Assessment -https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspxThanks for listening to the Disruptive Innovators podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

This week, David Wright is joined by Dr. Soma Venkat, SVP & Chief Information Technology Officer of Cooper Standard, to discuss the transformative power of higher ideals in leadership, the importance of adaptability and the future of digital innovation in the automotive industry.Key Takeaways:(03:42) A mantra for career growth: having higher ideals and goals, focusing on service rather than power or money.(07:53) Soma’s journey from India to becoming a global CIO.(12:54) The value of lifelong learning and a student mindset.(17:15) Soma talks about overcoming challenges using the analogy of a river.(23:00) Soma shares a pivotal experience with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and the importance of ethics.(29:38) Cooper Standard’s digital transformation journey, including cloud and ERP consolidation.(32:59) Soma explains "adopt now, optimize later" and AI's role in streamlining operations.(39:59) Insights into the future of manufacturing, digital twins and blockchain in supply chains.Resources Mentioned:Dr. Soma Venkat -https://www.linkedin.com/in/somavenkat/Cooper Standard -https://www.linkedin.com/company/cooper-standard-automotive/Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely -https://www.amazon.com/Predictably-Irrational-Revised-Expanded-Decisions/dp/0061353248Thanks for listening to the Disruptive Innovators podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

This week, David Wright talks with David Sylvan, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer of University Hospitals, about healthcare innovation and digital health. David Sylvan shares insights from his varied career, his role in leading strategy and innovation, and the future of healthcare.Key Takeaways:(02:16) David Sylvan introduces his roles at University Hospitals and talks about the system's size and partnerships.(03:28) The importance of listening more and talking less for good leadership.(04:56) David Sylvan’s career journey from South Africa to healthcare innovation.(10:14) The challenges of selling into healthcare and integrating new technologies.(17:21) The value of diverse backgrounds in innovation teams and dealing with uncertainty.(18:15) David Sylvan’s current book, “Why Not Better and Cheaper?” and its relevance to healthcare.(20:31) Key projects at University Hospitals, including reducing real estate and using AI to improve patient and provider experiences.(25:51) How digital scribes can improve doctor-patient interactions by cutting down on paperwork.(28:02) Major challenges in healthcare, like financial sustainability, legislative risks and workforce burnout.(30:54) David Sylvan’s vision for the future of healthcare, focusing on digital access and home-based care.Resources Mentioned:David Sylvan -https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsylvan/University Hospitals -https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-hospitals/Why Not Better and Cheaper? by Robert and James Rabitzer -https://www.amazon.com/Why-Not-Better-Cheaper-Healthcare/dp/0197603106Thanks for listening to the Disruptive Innovators podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button and never miss another insightful conversation. And be sure to leave a review to help get the word out about the Champions of Digital Business.#DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness