Technovation with Peter High (CIO, CTO, CDO, CXO Interviews)

From Tesla to Tekion: How Jay Vijayan Is Transforming the Automotive Experience In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Jay Vijayan, Founder & CEO of Tekion and former CIO of Tesla, about revolutionizing the dealer-to-consumer automotive experience through a cloud-first, AI-powered SaaS platform. Jay shares how his time at Oracle, VMware, and Tesla inspired the vision for Tekion, now valued at over $4 billion and serving major OEMs and dealer groups across the U.S. Jay explains Tekion’s three-cloud architecture—Retail Cloud, Enterprise Cloud, and Partner Cloud—and how it’s streamlining operations, enabling e-commerce, and connecting a vast automotive ecosystem. He also unpacks Tekion’s innovative use of AI agents to enhance after-sales service, deliver transparency, and empower both dealers and consumers. Key topics include: How Tekion modernizes the fragmented automotive retail experience The impact of AI co-pilots on vehicle service and customer trust Lessons from Tesla and Elon Musk that shape Tekion’s product philosophy Jay’s advice for CIOs aspiring to become CEOs

How are executives creating value from AI investment? In this Technovation episode, we feature a panel from our most recent Metis Strategy Summit where Metis Strategy’s Chris Davis moderates a panel on how companies can unlock real value from their investment in AI with AMD CIO Hasmukh Ranjan, Palantir CIO Jim Siders, and Ingram Micro CTO Dham Pathervellai. The panel shares bold strategies for AI adoption, including AMD’s “Four A’s” maturity model, Palantir’s mandate to scale lean with high impact, and Ingram Micro’s marketplace revolution powered by GenAI. With an emphasis on data ownership, productivity KPIs, and shifting product development mindsets, this conversation offers a playbook for turning AI talk into measurable impact. Key themes include: AMD’s assist-to-autonomous AI framework and data-centric strategy Palantir’s edge IT model and shift to generalist engineering teams Ingram Micro’s GenAI integration and “Come as you are” partner model Rethinking productivity, talent models, and data governance for AI scale

At Mars, digital services must feel shared and personal at the same time. In this episode, Peter High speaks with Marina Bellini, President of Global Services and Digital Technologies at Mars. With over 150,000 associates across 70+ markets, Mars spans industries from pet care and veterinary services to food and confectionery. Marina oversees shared services, enterprise technology, and Mars’ digital transformation. She discusses her first six months in the role, how Mars blends scale with customization across business units, and the company’s accelerating use of product operating models, data platforms, and GenAI. Marina also shares how Mars’ family-owned, fifth-generation culture drives long-term thinking and responsible innovation. Key topics include: Mars’ digital and AI platform strategy (MAX) Product model adoption and agile scaling Tailoring global services for local business needs Culture, principles, and shared services as enterprise glue GenAI use cases across pet health and marketing

How are digital leaders driving real business impact with GenAI and agents? In this Technovation episode, we feature a panel from our most recent Metis Strategy Summit where Metis Strategy’s Steven Norton speaks with three top executives who are driving innovation through generative AI and agents: Motti Finkelstein, CIO of Intel; Shri Santhanam, EVP & Chief AI Officer at Experian; and Jaime Montemayor, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at General Mills. Together, they explore what it takes to move from pilots to production at scale, how to build trust in AI agents, and the organizational shifts required to maximize GenAI’s potential. With insights spanning financial services, semiconductors, and consumer packaged goods, this conversation dives into strategic frameworks, technical foundations, and real-world use cases. Key topics include: Experian’s EVA: A financial agent handling personal credit data at scale Intel’s 2,500+ AI use cases tracked through finance-validated buckets MillsChat at General Mills: Securing and scaling enterprise AI tools AI training compressing certification time from 12 months to weeks Future of AI agents as full digital coworkers across B2B and B2C

“The genie is out of the bottle” In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Adam Brotman and Andy Sack, co-CEOs of Forum3 and co-authors of AI First: The Playbook for a Future-Proof Business and Brand. Adam is a former co-CEO of J.Crew and Starbucks Chief Digital Officer, while Andy is a longtime entrepreneur, VC, and former advisor to Satya Nadella at Microsoft. Together, they’re helping executives and brands navigate the unprecedented opportunities and risks of generative AI. They discuss lessons from their book, including their conversations with thought leaders like Sam Altman and Bill Gates, the imperative of becoming an AI-first company, and why future-proofing requires both agility and principled leadership. Adam and Andy also share practical advice on building an “AI council,” experimenting at all levels, and keeping pace with a technology that’s reshaping work, society, and competition. Key insights from this episode: Why AGI could arrive within 3 – 5 years and what it means for your business How to build an AI-first culture, starting with leadership Lessons from Moderna’s AI adoption playbook The importance of balancing innovation, security, and ethics How generative AI can act as a “co-founder” and personal productivity multiplier

994: Leading Through Change Requires Culture, Clarity, and Courage. In this episode of Technovation, Metis Strategy’s Andrew Krusell moderates a powerful panel with three accomplished CIOs: Richard Donaldson (CIO of Duke Energy), Neal Sample (CIO of Walgreens Boots Alliance), and Darlene Taylor (CIO of Superior Industries). Together, they share candid lessons and actionable strategies for leading large-scale transformation amid disruption. From building cultural permission for failure and branding your own leadership style to balancing customer needs with operational rigor and navigating AI-driven growth, these executives illustrate how technology leaders can drive meaningful, sustainable change in complex environments. Key topics include: Building cultural agility at legacy, risk-averse organizations Branding transformation through authentic leadership Balancing internal and external forces driving AI adoption Managing through market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty Avoiding pitfalls and cultivating resilience through networks and listening

Customer-first IT and innovation at scale. On this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Mike Trkay, Chief Information Officer at FICO, a $2B analytics software company. Mike leads not only internal IT but also the operations of FICO’s customer-facing SaaS and PaaS platforms making him a unique, customer-facing CIO. Mike shares insights from his 12-year tenure, during which FICO’s stock has risen 3,600%, and explains how his team drives customer trust, operational excellence, and innovation. Topics include his customer-centric approach to IT, leveraging AIOps and AI to scale operations, and the emergence of focused language models to reduce complexity and deliver business impact. Key topics include: Evolving the CIO role to include customer-facing operations Driving revenue retention through world-class SaaS delivery Scaling with innovation and a culture of experimentation Applying AI, AIOps, and focused language models at FICO

“Healthcare, first of all, unlike other industries, has to be held to a higher standard in terms of responsibility.” In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Sandeep Dadlani, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital & Technology Officer of UnitedHealth Group, the Fortune 3 healthcare leader. Sandeep explains how his team’s technology and digital strategies are tightly aligned to UnitedHealth Group’s mission: helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone. He shares how AI, cloud, and data-driven innovations improve care delivery, enhance provider and patient experiences, and reduce administrative burden while driving transformation at scale. Key topics include: Aligning digital-first strategies to UHG’s mission and patient outcomes Using AI to free clinicians and advocates to focus on care, not paperwork Empowering patients with seamless, portable, digital healthcare experiences Partnering responsibly with startups to accelerate mission-aligned innovation Embedding responsible AI governance to uphold trust and fairness

In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Rajeev Dham, Partner at Sapphire Ventures, about how venture capital investment in enterprise technology is evolving in the age of AI. Rajeev discusses why he prioritizes first-principles, highly technical founders over playbook-driven approaches, and how enterprise buyers are distinguishing between authentic and superficial AI innovation. Rajeev shares his view on why SaaS remains a powerful model in the AI era, how agentic AI is starting to reshape enterprise use cases, and the profound implications AI has on software development, go-to- market strategies, and business models. He also explains how CIOs can identify the most promising emerging technologies and the cultural change required to adopt them effectively. Topics include: Why agility and creativity define great founders in the AI era How agentic AI differs from traditional automation and where it’s gaining traction The evolving role of SaaS in an AI-native world How AI is transforming software development and the developer experience Advice for CIOs evaluating emerging AI-enabled solutions

In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from the Metis Strategy Summit moderated by Ozlem Ulusoy, exploring how senior technology executives are preparing their talent for an AI-driven future. Joining the conversation are Kristie Grinnell, CIO of TD SYNNEX; Madhu Ramamurthy, CIO of Zurich North America; and Sesh Tirumala, CIO of Western Digital. Together, they share how they create safe spaces for experimentation, assess and reskill their workforce, and strike the balance between innovation and governance. The panelists discuss approaches to building transparent and explainable AI models, retaining subject matter expertise, and aligning people, process, and technology to unlock business value while managing risk. Topics include: Creating “playgrounds” for safe AI experimentation Building transparent, incremental AI in regulated industries Assessing and reskilling talent across IT architecture, data, and operations Balancing insourcing, outsourcing, and SME development Fostering a mindset of curiosity, business literacy, and innovation

How do you modernize a 160-year-old company feeding 500 million people? Jennifer Hartsock, Chief Information and Digital Officer of Cargill, joins Peter High to unpack one of the most ambitious IT transformations in food and agriculture. Cargill, the largest privately held company in the U.S., is streamlining tech operations, insourcing talent, and deploying AI to drive global impact. In this episode, Jen shares how she restructured Cargill’s tech teams to better align with business goals, reduced outsourcing from 80% to 60%, and embedded AI across R&D, sales, and operations. She also discusses her board service at Ingersoll Rand and reflects on ethical tech leadership at scale. Key topics include: Cargill’s 2030 digital strategy and purpose-driven IT Scaling AI for precision agriculture and customer insights Building global tech hubs in Atlanta and Bangalore Navigating ethical AI and autonomous agent adoption

In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from the Metis Strategy Summit moderated by Metis Strategy’s Co-Head of Executive Networks, Media, and Research Steven Norton, exploring how senior technology executives are aligning AI to their business strategy. Joining the conversation are Ryan Snyder, CIO of Thermo Fisher Scientific; Ramkumar Rayapureddy, CIO of Viatris; and Allen Fazio, CIO of Houlihan Lokey. Together, they share how their organizations are evolving from isolated AI pilots to holistic strategies grounded in business value, robust governance, and relentless data modernization. The panelists discuss the practical realities of establishing clear measurement frameworks, navigating the tension between centralized control and decentralized innovation, and leading cultural change as AI adoption accelerates across regulated and fast-moving industries. Topics include: Building measurement frameworks to align AI with core business objectives Defining guardrails and governance models for safe, scalable AI innovation Approaches to data consolidation and ownership in the age of AI Enabling decentralized creativity without losing strategic oversight Upskilling technology and business teams to meet new demands

Kelly Services is transforming the way enterprises approach staffing through AI-powered innovation, scalable tech, and smart acquisitions. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Sean Perry, Chief Information Officer of Kelly Services, a $4.3B staffing and professional services company. Sean shares how he’s driving modernization across IT, integrating recent acquisitions like Motion Recruitment, and developing innovative AI tools to deliver enterprise-wide value. From launching a custom AI assistant (GRACE) to implementing a modern tech stack across legacy systems, Sean reveals how Kelly is reshaping its digital future while improving candidate and client experiences. He also draws lessons from his time at Amazon and Robert Half to rethink internal products with a customer-first mindset. Key themes include: Scalable AI deployment through internal platform GRACE Integrating acquired tech stacks post-M&A Applying Amazon-style product thinking to IT Future-ready strategies for AI in staffing tech

In today’s episode of Technovation, we feature a fireside chat from our Metis Strategy Summit, held on May 13, 2025, and moderated by Peter High. The guest is Justin Wexler, General Partner at WndrCo, a venture capital firm focused on scaling AI and enterprise innovation. In this candid conversation, Justin offers a behind-the-scenes look at how WndrCo identifies, mentors, and scales AI startups into enterprise-ready solutions. With deep involvement in companies like Writer and Netomi, he explores what separates proof-of-concept from production-grade success—and what enterprise CIOs can do to help startups land and expand. Topics include: Bridging the startup-enterprise gap through curated CIO ecosystems Designing AI pilots that deliver measurable ROI from day one Building internal champions to accelerate deployment Evaluating causal AI and agentic workflows in marketing and CX How WndrCo supports founders beyond capital—through storytelling, hiring, and scaling

How does a $48B tech distributor reinvent itself as a platform company? In this episode, Peter High speaks with Dham Pathervellai, Chief Technology Officer of Ingram Micro, a global distributor and technology platform connecting 2500+ vendors with 160,000 customers in 200+ countries. Dham unpacks the company’s evolution from a traditional distributor to a platform-first enterprise. Dham shares his perspective on building Ingram’s digital backbone, leading enterprise architecture, and scaling a global technology team. He also outlines how Ingram’s data mesh, intelligent data assistant, and “come as you are” integration strategy are helping to drive customer value, fuel innovation, and power AI transformation. Key insights include: The cultural shift needed for platform transformation How enterprise architecture became the “tip of the spear” Driving revenue with data-driven automation Preparing for an AI-enabled workforce

In today’s episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our Metis Strategy Summit held on May 13, 2025 moderated by Peter High. The topic was Designing an AI-First Operating Model, and the executives who joined the discussion were Talal Butt, Chief Information Officer of Generac Power Systems; Ampily Vijay, Chief Digital & Technology Officer of CBRE Investment Management; and Chris Nardecchia, Chief Digital Officer of Rockwell Automation. Each shares frontline perspectives on embedding AI at scale from energy tech and industrial automation to real estate investment and operations. Together, they explore how enterprise leaders are shifting from isolated AI pilots to fully integrated operating models that prioritize data, talent, and measurable impact. From reshaping customer experiences and product ecosystems to building architecture for sustainable scale, this conversation delivers a playbook for moving beyond experimentation and into durable transformation. Topics include: Building connected digital platforms to unify products and services Restructuring decision-making through data-driven executive dashboards Establishing AI innovation funnels and prioritization frameworks Redesigning talent strategy to make AI part of everyone’s job

Kevin Doyle, Chief Digital Officer at Ecolab, joins Peter High to unpack how the company is scaling innovation through AI, IoT, and a modern data backbone. In this episode, Kevin shares how Ecolab Digital was formed to unify commercial product innovation, internal IT, and supply chain digitization. He describes the company’s use of agentic AI and generative tools to equip 28,000 field reps with insights, how digital twins and subscriptions drive monetization, and why MAP (Modern Analytics Platform) is central to value delivery. Key topics include: Empowering field teams with generative AI and IoT-backed insights Monetizing digital offerings through connected services and usage modeling Embedding factory AI and vision tech in supply chain operations Using third-party data (e.g., weather, Yelp) to tailor solutions Fostering a pod-style innovation culture with R&D and design integration

How do leading CIOs drive innovation, resilience, and trust amid volatility? In today’s episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our Metis Strategy Summit held on May 13, 2025 moderated by Peter High. The topic was Cultivating Resilience and Trust in Uncertain Times and the executives who joined the discussion were Cindy Hoots, Chief Information Officer of AstraZeneca, Rahul Jalali, Chief Information Officer of Union Pacific, and Ather Williams III, Head of Strategy, Digital, Innovation, & Enterprise Payments at Wells Fargo. Each shares frontline perspectives on navigating disruption from economic uncertainty and shifting supply chains to generative AI and regulatory complexity. Together, they unpack how their organizations are leveraging digital platforms, data, and cross-functional leadership to respond to instability and build enduring trust with customers, regulators, and employees. Key topics include: Enterprise strategies for managing geopolitical risk and supply chain volatility AI governance, digital ethics, and human-in-the-loop practices Customer-centric IT operating models and adaptive transformation Talent, training, and leadership in a next-gen digital environment

How does a 174-year-old mutual insurance company stay ahead of the curve? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Sears Merritt, Head of Enterprise Technology and Experience at MassMutual. Sears leads a $650M tech budget and a global team of 3,000, driving innovation in cybersecurity, data, and generative AI to deliver superior experiences for employees, advisors, and policyholders. Sears shares insights on MassMutual’s modernization journey from consolidating legacy systems to rolling out secure GenAI tools like Microsoft Copilot and GitHub Copilot. He also unveils the company’s strategic investments in virtual assistants, R&D partnerships, and a groundbreaking health and wellness platform that aligns longevity with economic value for policyholders. Topics include: Modernization via simplification Virtual assistants powering productivity and service AI trust, security, and governance principles Wellness tools that align with life insurance incentives Building an R&D function to future-proof tech strategy

“Enterprise data platforms must evolve to express context to AI systems.” In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Louis Landry, Chief Technology Officer at Teradata, a $1.75B cloud analytics and AI data platform. Louis shares how Teradata is reshaping its core platform to meet the demands of the AI era through open, hybrid architectures, vector search integration, and mixed workload optimization. A 11-year veteran of the company, Louis reflects on Teradata’s evolution from centralized analytics to a hybrid, multi-cloud powerhouse, and what it means to support some of the world’s largest banks, airlines, and healthcare providers. He also offers insight into agentic AI, data-centric intelligence, and model-sharing futures.

“We don’t just deliver data—we deliver trust.” In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Gary Kotovets, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Dun & Bradstreet, a global leader in business decision-making data and analytics. Gary shares how he oversees the company’s end-to-end data strategy, from acquisition and normalization to advanced analytics and GenAI integration, serving a customer base that spans Fortune 500 giants to small businesses. Learn how Gary’s team fuels innovation through alternative data, builds trusted AI tools like ChatD&B, and partners directly with C-level clients to deliver decision-ready intelligence. Key insights from Gary: Why governance and trust are core to scalable AI How D&B integrates social media, merchant, and geospatial data into risk scoring The role of GenAI in entity resolution and customer engagement How D&B.AI Labs helps clients co-create GenAI solutions with enterprise-grade oversight

“We start with capability, not technology.” Seth Cohen, Chief Information Officer of $84B consumer goods leader Procter & Gamble, joins Peter High on Technovation to share how P&G is transforming through data-driven innovation, a robust AI factory, and end-to-end supply chain visibility. Seth, who previously held CIO roles at PepsiCo and Reckitt Benckiser, unpacks P&G’s digital flywheel from freeing siloed data and scaling AI use cases to upskilling IT talent and building a quantum-ready future. He also explains how the Pampers Club app connects consumer insights with factory-level data, and why agentic AI could make dashboards obsolete. Key topics include: P&G’s enterprise data strategy and AI factory approach Creating supply chain transparency across 11 categories Upskilling IT and the broader workforce for digital fluency Building a reasoning model-ready AI platform with identity controls

“Marketcraft isn’t left or right—it’s a method,” says Chris Hughes, co-founder of Facebook and author of Marketcrafters. In this episode, Hughes and host Peter High explore how governments have shaped U.S. markets over the past century. They discuss economic history, policy strategy, and the role of institutions like the Federal Reserve and RFC in stabilizing the economy. Key highlights include: Why the Fed is an overlooked example of successful marketcraft How the U.S. semiconductor industry was saved through coordinated policy The structural failure of U.S. healthcare markets Distinguishing industrial policy from broader economic strategy Hughes’s call for expert-driven, stable institutions in a volatile era

“If St. Jude doesn’t do it, who will?” That mission-driven mindset fuels innovation at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Keith Perry, Chief Information Officer of St. Jude, about how he is leveraging technology to enhance the patient journey and accelerate research into pediatric catastrophic diseases. Keith shares how his nearly decade-long tenure has driven transformation through a strategic six-year, $12.9B plan, including the implementation of Epic and Workday, GPU-enabled research infrastructure, and a concierge-style patient mobile app. He also explores the global impact of St. Jude’s outreach in under-resourced countries, the evolution of data science partnerships, and the future of AI and cybersecurity in healthcare. Key topics include: Delivering patient-centered care with a customized mobile app Aligning technology strategy with long-term institutional goals Partnering with data science leaders to scale research insights Elevating information security as a shared executive priority

Transforming healthcare through digital innovation and AI.In this episode, Peter High speaks with Onyeka Nchege, EVP and Chief Digital and Information Officer at Novant Health, a $10B healthcare network with over 900 locations across the southeastern United States. Onyeka shares how his team is building a future-ready digital infrastructure to scale operations, improve patient care, and expand access through cloud migration, predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence. He also highlights Novant Health’s Institute for Innovation and AI, explains how they embed responsible AI practices, and outlines the vision for the hospital of the future including virtual care, virtual nursing, and a data-driven approach to personalized healthcare. Onyeka also speaks to the culture he’s fostering within the IT organization, his lessons from five previous CIO roles, and how the right leadership bench powers transformation. Key topics include: Creating a $30B scalable health system through cloud and EMR strategy Building AI governance through the Institute for Innovation and AI Expanding virtual care: telestroke, virtual nursing, menopause clinics Fostering IT culture, mentorship, and leadership development at scale

How should global leaders govern artificial intelligence responsibly without stifling innovation? In this episode, Russell Wald, Executive Director at Stanford HAI, joins Peter High to explore how universities, policymakers, and industry must collaborate to keep AI human-centered. Wald shares takeaways from the AI Index, explains how China is narrowing the performance gap, and outlines why academic institutions are vital to ethical AI leadership. Key highlights include: HAI’s concentric model of human-centered design The AI Index’s global benchmarking methodology Why China is narrowing the frontier AI performance gap The pivotal role of public investment in universities How ethics reviews are embedded in HAI’s research lifecycle

In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Mark Sherwood, Chief Information Officer at Wolters Kluwer, a €6B global professional services and software firm headquartered in the Netherlands. Mark joined as CIO in December 2024 and has helped accelerate the company’s transition from a traditional publishing business to a tech-centric organization. Mark discusses how his global team supports the company’s AI- and cloud-first strategy, the role of business relationship managers (BRMs) in bridging tech and business, and how a strong innovation culture helps Wolters Kluwer stay ahead in the digital age. With nearly half the company’s products leveraging AI and a robust multi-cloud foundation, the firm is redefining access to expert content in legal, tax, healthcare, and finance. Key topics include: Building a multi-cloud foundation for global resilience and innovation The evolution from a holding company to a unified operating mode Scaling AI across products while protecting intellectual property Driving cultural change through transparency, inclusion, and BRM alignment Balancing cutting-edge tech with ethical AI and data governance

In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Venkat Achanta, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology, Data & Analytics Officer at TransUnion, a $4.5B global information and insights company. Since joining after TransUnion’s acquisition of Neustar, Venkat has led a sweeping modernization of the company’s tech stack—culminating in the creation of OneTru, a platform powering data governance, analytics, and AI innovation at scale. Venkat shares how his 7,000-person global team built a single pane of glass to manage petabytes of sensitive data across 30+ countries and hundreds of products. He also discusses how TransUnion’s OneTru and TruIQ platforms are enabling internal teams and external clients to rapidly build, deploy, and govern real-time machine learning models. Key insights include: The architectural vision behind TransUnion’s unified platform strategy How OneTru boosts fraud detection by 50% while reducing false positives Why TransUnion is embedding agentic AI workflows across its ecosystem Lessons from merging 10+ tech stacks post-acquisition, including Neustar Tune in to learn how TransUnion is reshaping analytics and decision-making in a highly regulated, data-driven industry.

“Technology at American Express provides the foundation for everything we do at the company,” shares Ravi Radhakrishnan, EVP & CIO of American Express, as he outlines the company’s AI strategy, continuous modernization philosophy, and data-driven customer focus. In this episode, Ravi offers an inside look at how American Express is evolving its technology foundation to power trust, security, and world-class service. From AI governance to the Intuitive Servicing Portal, he breaks down key strategies shaping the company’s digital future. Key highlights: Continuous modernization through foundational technology reuse AI governance via a Generative AI Council and risk frameworks Data as a strategic asset for fraud detection and customer personalization Curating a diverse AI ecosystem with flexible enablement layers Future trends in AI, including agentic AI and quantum intersections

“AI is the New UI” at S&P Global. Swamy Kocherlakota, EVP and Chief Digital Solutions Officer, reveals how the 165-year-old market intelligence leader is scaling AI, reinventing digital ecosystems, and driving innovation with Kensho at the helm. In this episode: How S&P Global’s product operating model fuels innovation at scale Why Kensho serves as the AI speedboat for generative breakthroughs Expanding digital ecosystems to deliver essential intelligence anywhere Applying the Four Ps Framework for responsible, enterprise-wide AI adoption Empowering teams with low-code AI workflows via sFlow and Spark

Capital One has long been recognized as a digital-first financial services company. Now, it’s productizing its tech DNA into standalone B2B software. In this episode, Peter High speaks with Ravi Raghu, President of Capital One Software, about how internal cloud and data security capabilities led to the launch of an enterprise SaaS business—starting with offerings like Slingshot and Data Bolt. Key topics covered include: Building a software business from internal IP Data tokenization as an enabler for GenAI Slingshot and Snowflake adoption optimization Structuring cross-functional tech teams Expanding data governance into new product areas

From used-car retailer to tech-powered industry leader—CarMax is redefining automotive retail. In this episode, Peter High speaks with Shamim Mohammad, EVP and Chief Information and Technology Officer at CarMax, about the company’s bold transformation into a digital-first business. Shamim shares lessons from his 12+ years with the company, including nearly a decade as CIO and over six years as CTO. He discusses CarMax’s transition to a product operating model, its pioneering use of generative AI tools like Skye and Rhodes, and how data governance, platform agility, and agentic AI are powering customer and associate experiences. He also reflects on the company’s culture of innovation, his board service at UNFI, and the leadership values that have fueled CarMax’s continued growth. Key topics include: CarMax’s enterprise AI strategy, from GenAI to Agentic AI Building a strong digital backbone and data foundation Structuring product teams for retail, supply, and shared platforms Managing a complex partner ecosystem for sustained innovation

Generac Power Systems is no longer just a generator company — it’s becoming a full-stack energy technology platform. In this episode of Technovation, CIO Talal Butt offers a behind-the-scenes look at how he’s reshaping the $4.3B manufacturer’s technology landscape to support that evolution. Speaking directly to senior IT and digital leaders, Talal shares how he’s building a modern digital ecosystem from scratch — one that’s powered by real-time data, platform thinking, and AI-driven decisioning. From architecting Generac’s first scalable data governance program to operationalizing GenAI use cases and redefining the partner experience, this episode is a playbook for CIOs navigating transformation in legacy industries. Highlights include: Digital Ecosystem Strategy: Creating a seamless platform experience for both customers and partners across 140+ countries. AI-Enabled Operations: How Generac is moving beyond dashboards to predictive models for forecasting, cross-sell, and supply chain optimization. Operational Excellence: Leveraging ITSM and root cause analysis to scale global operations while reducing tech debt and downtime. Platform Thinking: Building product lines to serve hyperscale data centers while unifying energy generation, storage, and management.

From predicting the next flavor trend to revolutionizing procurement with AI, Guy Peri is leading a bold digital transformation at McCormick & Company. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Guy about how he’s bringing AI and data strategy to life at a 135-year-old flavor giant. Drawing from nearly three decades at Procter & Gamble, Guy shares how McCormick is building a modern digital backbone, using AI to forecast demand and ingredient pricing, and upskilling employees into citizen data scientists. Highlights include: McCormick’s digital transformation pillars How AI predicts procurement costs and retail trends The making of the Flavor Forecast The future of Agentic AI and human-machine collaboration Upskilling and shifting organizational culture through digital fluency

What does it take to digitally transform a global manufacturing giant? In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Regina Salazar, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Novelis, about how the world’s largest aluminum recycler is scaling enterprise-wide innovation through technology. Regina shares how she unified IT and digital into a single operating model, launched a global business relationship framework, and enhanced Novelis’ data architecture to support AI at scale. She also discusses the company’s ambitious smart factory in Alabama, how digital twins are reshaping operations, and Novelis’ roadmap to becoming a tech-enabled, sustainable enterprise. Highlights include: Factory of the Future: Inside Novelis’ new Alabama facility powered by digital twins, automation, and a next-gen MES platform. AI in Action: Real-world examples of predictive maintenance and cycle time optimization through AI and edge computing. Generative AI Strategy: How Novelis built a secure internal GPT on Azure while leveraging Copilot and Moveworks across the enterprise. Smart Robotics: Deploying robotic “dogs” to inspect hazardous environments and reduce risk. Vision 3×30: Novelis’ company-wide transformation focused on data literacy, governance, and technology architecture by 2030.

Caterpillar is celebrating 100 years of innovation—and it’s just getting started. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High welcomes Jamie Engstrom, CIO and SVP of IT at Caterpillar, to discuss how the industrial giant is evolving through data strategy, digital transformation, and customer-centric innovation. Jamie shares her insights on leading a global IT organization of 2,200 professionals, the company’s customer-back mindset, and how Caterpillar leverages AI, telematics, and real-time analytics to support over 4 million assets across the globe. From smart manufacturing to supply chain modernization and condition monitoring systems, Jamie explores how Caterpillar is shaping the next century of industrial excellence. Key topics include: Caterpillar’s enterprise-wide data strategy and AI integration The role of IT in supporting 1.5M+ connected machines Supply chain optimization with predictive analytics Strategic CIO-CDO collaboration and leadership development Creating a sustainable future through smart infrastructure

Hertz CIO Tim Langley-Hawthorne joins Peter High on Technovation to share how he’s modernizing a $9B global fleet operation through AI, cloud, and a product-first mindset. Since joining post-COVID, Tim has sunset Hertz’s data centers, scaled AWS infrastructure, launched a consumer+fleet product org, and embedded AI from customer chat to tire inspections. He explains why he rejected a centralized AI model, the power of grassroots innovation, and why partnerships with firms like Palantir and Amadeus are accelerating results. This episode is packed with real-world digital transformation strategies from a high-stakes, asset-heavy enterprise.   Highlights include: Product Operating Model: Merged consumer and fleet tech under dual product strategy. AI in Action: How decentralized AI is enhancing CX, fleet, and operational speed. Fleet Optimization: Partnership with Palantir to keep cars rented and moving. Post-COVID Reset: Lessons in fleet lifecycle economics and demand response. Culture Change: Infusing big tech talent with long-tenured ops veterans.

A unified customer experience helps companies deliver consistency, build trust, and reduce friction across their offerings making it easier for customers to engage, buy, and stay loyal. That’s why Aflac is investing in a unified group strategy consolidating acquired products into a seamless, integrated experience across dental, vision, disability, and more. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Shelia Anderson, EVP and CIO of Aflac, and speaks with her about the company’s strategy for transforming IT from a fragmented, acquisition-heavy operation into a centralized, data-driven engine for business value. She outlines how Aflac avoided a costly cloud migration misstep, refocused its data and AI capabilities, and aligned talent strategy with architectural goals. Her approach to innovation is pragmatic and powerful: tie everything to business priorities and know your why. Highlights include: AI at Scale: Legacy ML driving value in claims; GenAI mapped to entire insurance lifecycle Talent Shift: Reducing third-party reliance and redefining internal job architecture Unified Group Strategy: Streamlined digital experience across acquired businesses Smart Cloud Strategy: Focused migration driven by value, not hype Innovation Alignment: Hatch Lab and GenAI tied to Aflac’s top goals

What does it take to digitally transform a $5B retail giant across 13 countries? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High sits down with Wayne Sadin, Chief Information Officer of PriceSmart, the largest membership-based warehouse club chain in Central America, the Caribbean, and Colombia. With a tech leadership career spanning over 40 years, Wayne shares how he’s orchestrating a sweeping modernization of PriceSmart’s legacy systems—moving from 1980s green screens to a real-time, AI-ready infrastructure. He outlines how embedding IT within the business, redefining budgeting to drive alignment, and creating cross-functional collaboration have helped accelerate transformation in a complex, multi-market environment. Wayne also explores: The evolution from Excel silos to integrated digital retailing Enabling e-commerce, B2B, and in-club experiences simultaneously Building sustainable operations and community impact through technology Why legacy retailers must act now to stay relevant in an Amazon-era economy

How does Palantir, a $3.7 billion data analytics powerhouse, run its own IT operations? In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High sits down with Jim Siders, Chief Information Officer of Palantir, to explore his unique journey from a career in music to leading one of the most efficient IT teams in the industry. Jim discusses Palantir’s Customer Zero strategy, the company’s federated IT model, and how it has streamlined operations from 200+ IT staff to under 80 while continuing to scale. He also shares his views on AI’s role in IT, the elimination of traditional Centers of Excellence, and why breaking legacy IT structures is key to innovation. Key Takeaways: Why Palantir’s IT team is “Customer Zero” and how it shapes the company’s products The radical efficiency model that reduced IT headcount while increasing impact How AI, cloud, and automation are redefining enterprise IT strategy Lessons from Jim’s unconventional career shift from classical music to CIO

In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Ryan Snyder, Senior VP & CIO of Thermo Fisher Scientific, a $40 billion global leader in life sciences. Ryan shares how AI, automation, and data strategy are driving digital transformation—optimizing operations, accelerating clinical trials, and enhancing customer experiences. Key topics include: Thermo Fisher’s Three-Pillar AI Strategy – How AI is improving efficiency, products, and customer experience AI in Clinical Trials & Automation – Reducing drug development timelines and streamlining internal workflows Embedding IT Leaders in Business Units – A unique approach to aligning technology and business strategy Future AI Trends – Multimodal AI, reasoning models, and the next phase of AI-driven decision-making The Role of Empathy in IT Leadership – Ensuring AI enhances human collaboration, not replaces it

How is AI revolutionizing healthcare? In this episode of Technovation, Melissa Flicek, CIO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, joins host Peter High to explore how the nearly 100-year-old healthcare giant is leveraging AI and data analytics to enhance patient experiences and operational efficiency. With $15B+ in annual revenue, BCBSMN is modernizing its technology infrastructure, implementing AI-powered automation to streamline patient interactions, and consolidating data into a single-source architecture to ensure consistency across all touchpoints. Melissa shares how these innovations are improving customer service, optimizing clinical workflows, and supporting predictive healthcare modeling to help lower costs. Key topics include: How BCBSMN is using AI to accelerate patient approvals and improve decision-making The role of data governance in ensuring AI-driven healthcare is accurate and ethical How predictive analytics is helping employers proactively manage rising healthcare costs The future of AI-driven patient engagement, clinical automation, and digital healthcare experiences

Marvell Technology is at the forefront of AI-driven semiconductor innovation. In this episode, Nishit Sahay, CIO of Marvell Technology, joins Peter High to discuss the company’s rapid growth, enterprise AI strategy, and the transition of semiconductor design to the cloud. Nishit shares how Marvell is leveraging AI and data analytics to enhance decision-making, improve semiconductor product development, and accelerate business processes. He also provides insights into the challenges of integrating $10B+ acquisitions and how Marvell is pioneering cloud-based silicon design with AWS. Additionally, Nishit discusses quantum computing, data governance, and how Marvell is preparing for the next wave of technology disruption. Key topics include: AI’s role in semiconductor innovation Cloud-based silicon design & customizable compute Fast-tracking billion-dollar acquisitions Building an enterprise-wide data-driven culture The future of quantum computing

956: How can AI, data analytics, and predictive modeling revolutionize healthcare? In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High interviews Matt Kull, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Inova Health System, about how AI and data are reshaping patient care. Matt shares how AI is helping to automate administrative tasks, secure patient data, and predict hospital resource needs. He also discusses the future of edge computing and wireless technology in healthcare, ensuring hospitals operate more efficiently while delivering personalized, data-driven treatments. Topics Include: How Inova is leveraging AI & automation to tackle healthcare workforce shortages. The importance of data privacy and ethical AI implementation. How predictive analytics improves staffing, supply chain, and decision-making. The impact of edge computing and 5G on future hospital infrastructure.

How can AI revolutionize the $2B+ quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry? In this episode of Technovation, Wendy’s CIO Matt Spessard joins Peter High to reveal how the company is leveraging AI, automation, and digital transformation to enhance customer and crew experiences. With 7,000+ locations worldwide, Wendy’s is redefining fast food with FreshAi, its AI-powered drive-thru assistant, developed in partnership with Google Cloud. Matt shares how this cutting-edge technology is boosting order accuracy, improving speed, and optimizing crew workflows. Plus, he discusses how Wendy’s revamped CRM, loyalty program, and mobile-first strategy led to 40% growth in digital revenue in 2024. Key Takeaways: FreshAi: The AI-powered drive-thru system redefining QSR efficiency. 40% Digital Growth: How Wendy’s revamped CRM and mobile experience is driving revenue. AI-Driven Innovation: Wendy’s framework for testing, iterating, and rejecting 6 out of 7 ideas. The Future of AI in QSR: Edge computing, spatial computing & what’s next for digital transformation.

MetLife is one of the world’s largest financial services companies, serving over 90 million customers globally. Leading its technology and operations division is Bill Pappas, who oversees AI strategy, cybersecurity, customer experience, and digital transformation across the company. In this episode of Technovation, Bill Pappas joins host Peter High to discuss how MetLife is leveraging AI, automation, and technology to enhance customer experience, ensure security, and drive operational efficiency. He shares insights on managing a 38,000-person global team, the role of AI in financial services, and why customer-centric innovation is key to long-term success. Key Topics: AI, Automation & Innovation – How MetLife is using AI to drive operational efficiency Cybersecurity & Risk Management – Protecting a $67B enterprise from digital threats Customer-Centric Digital Transformation – Why personalized, tech-enabled service is the future of insurance Leadership & Workforce Development – How to build an agile, innovative global team

Ingram Micro is no longer just a technology distributor—it’s becoming a platform company. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High welcomes Sanjib Sahoo, President of the Global Platform Group at Ingram Micro, to discuss the company’s digital transformation journey and how it is leveraging AI, data, and platform technology to revolutionize the B2B technology ecosystem. Sanjib shares insights on the Xvantage platform, Ingram Micro’s push toward AI-powered automation, and how the company is connecting 1,500 OEMs with over 160,000 B2B partners. He also delves into agentic AI, the importance of mindset in AI adoption, and how leadership in the digital era requires balancing innovation with human collaboration. Highlights: The shift from technology distribution to platform ecosystems AI-driven automation and agentic AI in B2B operations The Xvantage platform and its impact on channel partners and vendors Leadership philosophy: Why vulnerability and adaptability matter in digital transformation How Ingram Micro is shaping the future of B2B commerce

952: Regal Rexnord CDIO Tim Dickson joins Peter High to discuss how the $6B industrial manufacturing leader is driving digital transformation. Tim shares insights on leveraging AI, cloud, and e-commerce to enhance operations and customer experience. He also discusses the company’s generative AI initiatives, including chatbots for internal and customer interactions, and how Regal Rexnord is embracing data-driven innovation. AI & Digital Strategy: How Regal Rexnord is using AI to optimize operations E-Commerce & CX: The role of digital in enhancing customer experience Generative AI & Automation: The impact of AI-driven chatbots like RRXy and RRXGPT Leadership & Growth: Tim’s approach to building a digital-first culture

In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Dan Caruso, founder of Zayo Group and Caruso Ventures. Dan, a pioneer in communications infrastructure, shares his journey from leading multi-billion dollar exits with MFS and Level 3 to his current investments in quantum and space technologies. He discusses insights from his new book Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation That Shaped the Internet Age. Key Highlights: The breakup of AT&T and how it created modern telecom. How fiber optics and broadband became the foundation of the internet. The boom-bust cycle of innovation and how it applies to AI and quantum today. Why quantum computing and space tech will reshape industries from cybersecurity to finance. How ambitious professionals can ride the next tech wave.

How do you build a modern, AI-powered financial services platform while keeping your workforce agile and innovative? On this episode of Technovation, Bread Financial CTO Allegra Driscoll joins Peter High on Technovation to discuss her leadership in technology modernization, cloud migration, and fintech innovation. She shares insights into Bread Financial’s shift to a product operating model, AI-driven transformation, and mainframe-to-cloud transition—all while leading a large-scale reskilling initiative. Key Topics: AI-Driven Financial Services – Using AI and real-time analytics to enhance customer experiences. Cloud & DevSecOps – How Bread Financial is retiring mainframes and embracing public cloud for scalability. Workforce Reskilling & Agile Transformation – Investing in cloud & AI training while rethinking the way teams work. Diversity & Inclusion in Tech – Creating high-performing teams with diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches. The Future of AI in Finance – How Bread Financial balances AI automation with human decision-making.