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

914: The shift towards cloud computing has accelerated with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), and venture capital firms like Bessemer Venture Partners have taken notice. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High interviews Mary D’Onofrio, partner at Bessemer, who leads investments in cloud software and emerging technologies. Mary discusses her journey into venture capital, Bessemer’s Cloud Index, and the State of the Cloud reports, while highlighting how AI is transforming the cloud landscape. She also shares insights into the “five Cs of cloud finance” and the importance of customer feedback in shaping investment decisions.

913: In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High interviews Aaron Gwinner, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Reynolds American. Aaron discusses the company’s ambitious goal to reduce the health impact of its products by transitioning customers away from traditional cigarettes to lower-risk alternatives like vaping. He explains how technology plays a critical role in this transformation, including a significant cloud migration effort aimed at centralizing data and improving operational efficiency. Aaron also shares insights on the evolving challenges of cybersecurity and the potential of generative AI to improve employee productivity and supply chain management. Drawing on over two decades of experience at The Coca-Cola Company, Aaron reflects on how his international career has informed his approach to leadership at Reynolds American. Tune in to hear more about Reynolds American’s digital transformation, its mission to build a better tomorrow, and the key role of IT in achieving this vision.

912: The fusion of IT transformation and AI is revolutionizing how businesses leverage technology to drive growth and innovation. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Satya Jayadev, CIO of Skyworks Solutions, a global leader in high-performance analog semiconductors that power the wireless revolution. Satya shares insights into his six-year journey at Skyworks, leading a digital transformation that took IT from a back-office support role to a business driver and visionary partner. He discusses how Skyworks is leveraging AI to optimize processes and product development and how the AI Enablement Office is identifying critical use cases across the organization. Satya also explains the role of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) in improving engineering efficiency and product design speed. Lastly, he provides a forward-looking view on how AI and 5G are shaping the future of business and consumer experiences.

911: In financial services, automation and AI are transforming risk management, streamlining compliance, and enhancing customer experiences for greater efficiency. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Jason Strle, Chief Information Officer of Discover Financial Services. Jason discusses Discover’s unique position as one of the first FinTech companies, emphasizing its direct-to-consumer model and its role as one of the four major credit card networks. He highlights how Discover’s customer-first approach drives innovation across the company, earning high levels of customer loyalty. As CIO, Jason provides insights into the breadth of his responsibilities, covering everything from core banking platforms to cloud infrastructure and information security. He also delves into how Discover is embracing AI and automation to innovate risk management, making traditionally complex processes more efficient and competitive. Jason shares his thoughts on how Generative AI is transforming customer service and risk management, while also addressing the challenges it presents. The conversation also explores Discover’s partnerships with FinTech startups and how the company stays on the cutting edge of financial technology.

910: Biopharma companies have adapted their business and technology strategies to address the decreased demand for COVID-19 vaccines, shifting towards a more predictable, seasonal market. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Brad Miller, Chief Information Officer of Moderna. Brad shares how Moderna is harnessing cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and cloud computing to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry. As Moderna transitions from a COVID-19 vaccine-focused company to a diversified portfolio that includes oncology and rare disease treatments, Brad explains how digital transformation is powering advancements in R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization. He also highlights Moderna’s internal learning academies, which ensure the workforce stays on the leading edge of digital and AI innovations. With a rich background that includes leadership roles at Capital One, Mastercard, and Amazon, Brad brings valuable insights into technology leadership in biotech. Tune in to discover how Moderna is shaping the future of medicine through technology.

909: According to MIT’s Center for Information Systems Research (CISR) Senior Research Scientist and Chairman Peter Weill, “real-time business” refers to an organization’s ability to make decisions, respond to customer needs, and manage operations instantly using up-to-date data and technology to drive efficiency and outcomes. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High welcomes Weill to discuss his groundbreaking research on real-time business and lessons for executives seeking to transform their organizations. Weill shares how companies are leveraging cloud data, AI, and APIs to enable real-time decision-making, customer onboarding, and employee support. He highlights case studies from companies like Chase and United Airlines, showing how real-time operations have improved customer satisfaction and boosted performance. Weill also emphasizes the importance of digital-savvy leadership, noting that boards and executives with these skills are best positioned to succeed in this new paradigm. Finally, he offers insights into the future of real-time business with Generative AI, which promises to revolutionize customer interactions and internal processes.

908: In the world of customer service, artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) are unlocking new possibilities to elevate the customer experience beyond what was once thought possible. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High sits down with Harry Folloder, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Alorica, to explore how the company utilizes AI to revolutionize customer service, streamline operations, and empower both employees and customers. Harry highlights the crucial role of technology in building trust and delivering personalized, seamless customer interactions in today’s digital-first world. He also shares his inspiring personal journey, detailing how his background in law and emergency services—as a firefighter and paramedic—has uniquely prepared him to lead digital transformation at a tech-driven company. Discover the innovative AI-powered solutions propelling Alorica’s success and how Harry’s leadership is shaping the future of customer experience. Whether you’re interested in AI, digital transformation, or leadership, this episode provides valuable insights into the technologies and strategies driving innovation at Alorica.

907: Enhancing the end-user experience is key to driving productivity, security, and scalability in today’s digital landscape. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Muneer Mirza, Director of End-User Computing at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Muneer shares his journey at Amazon, starting from his role in developing the company’s website to overseeing AWS’s end-user computing services. He provides an inside look at services like Amazon WorkSpaces, AppStream, and Secure Browser, and how these products address diverse customer needs. Muneer also delves into the challenges of balancing innovation with cybersecurity and cost management, a common struggle for tech and digital leaders. He shares AWS’s customer-centric approach to problem-solving and provides insights into the role of generative AI in cloud computing. This conversation is packed with practical advice for leaders navigating the complex world of cloud economics, cybersecurity, and technological innovation.

906: The combination of predictive AI and generative AI allows companies to not only anticipate customer behavior, but also deliver a more personalized experience. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Shankar Arumugavelu, Executive Vice President and President of Verizon Global Services. Shankar shares his journey from Chief Information Officer to his new expanded role, overseeing not only IT and data but also supply chain, real estate, and shared services. The conversation delves into Verizon’s innovative use of AI, including generative AI’s role in customer service, predictive AI for churn management, and the company’s commitment to scaling these technologies across all functions. Shankar discusses the challenges and opportunities involved in industrializing AI at Verizon and offers insights into the future of technology, particularly the convergence of AI, edge computing, and 5G. Tune in to learn how Verizon is leveraging cutting-edge technologies to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

905: With Generative AI becoming prevalent across industries, proper data management is also becoming more important than ever. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Graeme Thompson, the Chief Information Officer at Informatica, a leader in AI-powered cloud data management. With over eight years at the helm of Informatica’s IT, information security, and data functions, Graeme has overseen the company’s digital transformation from a traditional software licensing model to a cloud-first, consumption-driven business. Graeme shares how Informatica empowers its clients to leverage data as a critical asset, driving business outcomes through trusted AI and automation solutions. He discusses the company’s AI initiatives, its hybrid and multi-cloud strategy, and real-world use cases that demonstrate the power of AI in automating processes and improving decision-making. Additionally, Graeme reflects on how peer collaboration within the IT community helps address common challenges, and he explores the future of AI in enterprise automation and beyond.

904: As technical surveillance, AI, and advanced technologies become increasingly ubiquitous, the CIA, as a human intelligence organization, must be equipped to address these challenges. Through public and private collaborations, the agency is integrating critical technologies essential for national security. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High welcomes Nand Mulchandani, the first-ever Chief Technology Officer at the CIA. Nand discusses his role working closely with Director William Burns to oversee the CIA’s technological advancements. Drawing on his Silicon Valley experience, Nand shares how the agency fosters innovation, builds relationships with tech companies, and adapts to the evolving challenges of great power competition, particularly with China. He explores the transformative role of AI, data analytics, and other technologies in national security while emphasizing the need for cultural change within the agency to tackle future threats. Tune in to hear insights from a leader at the forefront of both national security and cutting-edge technology.

903: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has had a transformative impact on the financial services industry by enhancing decision-making, personalizing customer experiences, and driving innovation. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Shri Santhanam, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Software Platforms and Artificial Intelligence at Experian. Shri delves into Experian’s evolution from a credit bureau to a platform company, emphasizing the critical role of Artificial Intelligence in driving this transformation. He discusses the development of the Ascend Technology Platform, AI’s impact on financial inclusion, and the importance of AI governance. Shri also shares his passion for credit education and how generative AI is helping consumers better understand and improve their financial health. Tune in to gain insights into the future of data-centric AI and Experian’s innovative use of technology to create business and consumer impact.

902: AI is reshaping legal services by streamlining tasks and driving innovation, yet it also challenges firms to navigate complex ethical and security issues. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Mike Lucas, Chief Information Officer at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. They discuss the integration of Artificial Intelligence in legal services and how Mike is driving Digital Transformation at one of the world’s leading law firms. Mike shares insights on the firm’s innovative initiatives, including the development of AI tools like the Neuron platform and pilots with ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. He also delves into the challenges of change management and the ethical considerations of adopting AI in a traditional industry like law.

901: As AI and analytics evolve, one constant remains: clean, well-organized data is at the heart of these technologies. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Ajit Jagtap, Chief Information Officer at MODE Global. They discuss the rapid digital transformation in the logistics industry, driven by the pandemic, and how MODE Global is leveraging technology to enhance its services. Ajit shares insights on the importance of a robust data strategy to support AI and machine learning initiatives, the role of IT in integrating MODE’s family of brands, and the future of AI in logistics. The conversation also touches on Ajit’s approach to leadership and the significance of a people-centric culture within the IT organization.

900: Recognized as one of the most influential CIOs, Rob Carter of FedEx has had an extraordinary career, driving the company’s digital transformation while reshaping the technology landscape and redefining the CIO role. In this milestone 900th episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Rob to reflect on his remarkable journey and explore the evolving role of technology executives in enterprise leadership. They discuss FedEx’s digital transformation, including the transition from proprietary systems to cloud-based, virtualized environments. Carter shares insights from his early career, the impact of key mentors, and how FedEx leverages data through initiatives like FedEx Dataworks. The conversation underscores the critical role of leadership and technology in modernizing one of the world’s largest logistics companies.  

899: Digital transformation goes beyond technology, requiring robust enterprise change management and the implementation of secure, responsible guardrails to drive sustainable innovation. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Dolores Mears, Chief Information Officer at Hensel Phelps. They discuss the company’s comprehensive modernization journey, focusing on digitization, data strategy, and the integration of advanced technologies like AI. Dolores shares her approach to leading enterprise change management, fostering innovation through the AI Council, and evaluating investments in emerging technologies. They also explore how augmented reality is transforming the construction industry. Join us for an insightful conversation on the future of technology in complex project management.

898: Target’s decade-long experience with Artificial Intelligence (AI) has primed the company to fully leverage the transformative potential of Generative AI. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Brett Craig, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Target. They discuss the pivotal role of Generative AI in transforming retail and how technology has evolved to become a defining element in enhancing customer and employee experiences. Brett shares his journey from various roles within Target, including merchandising and finance, to his current role as CIO, where he leads the company’s technology strategy. The episode also delves into Target’s culture of innovation, highlighting initiatives like demo days, hackathons, and 50 Days of Learning that empower technologists to drive progress. Tune in to learn how Brett and his team are shaping the future of retail technology at Target.

897: Successfully adopting AI within an organization hinges on aligning people and processes first, rather than relying solely on the technology. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Leo Bodden, Group Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer at New York-Presbyterian. Leo discusses the transformative journey of the hospital system through strategic digital initiatives, the integration of AI in healthcare, and the balance between centralized and decentralized IT management. With nearly three decades at the organization, Leo offers valuable insights into the evolution of healthcare technology and shares his thoughts on the future trends that will shape the industry.

896: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare and enhancing the patient experience by making it more efficient, predictive, and consumer-friendly. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Rajeev Ronanki, Chief Executive Officer of Lyric, a leading AI-based platform focused on enhancing payment accuracy in healthcare. Rajeev discusses the challenges in modern healthcare and the AI solutions his team is building. He shares his journey from Deloitte to Elevance Health and finally to Lyric, highlighting his passion for healthcare innovation. They explore how AI is automating administrative processes, improving payment accuracy, and providing personalized consumer experiences. Rajeev also shares his vision for the future of Lyric and the broader healthcare industry, emphasizing the importance of consumer-friendly solutions and the potential of AI to simplify healthcare transactions.  

895: As the AI landscape continues to expand, cybersecurity remains a top priority for technology executives, creating abundant opportunities for venture capital firms to invest in the cyber space. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Andrei Brasoveanu, Partner at Accel. They discuss the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, highlighting the increasing complexities introduced by cloud computing and AI. Andrei shares Accel’s investment strategies, focusing on developer tools, data security, and Web3 technologies. The conversation also delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in cybersecurity and Andrei’s journey from Romania to becoming a key figure in Accel’s global investment efforts.

894: General Electric (GE) historically has been a powerhouse in the technology world as a bootcamp for some of the most prestigious tech leaders of today. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews David Burns, Chief Information Officer at GE Aerospace. They discuss the company’s recent separation from General Electric and its transformation into an independent entity. David shares insights into the challenges of decentralizing IT services, the role of AI and augmented reality in enhancing operations, and the importance of a lean and cloud transformation journey. He also reflects on his extensive career at GE, the lessons learned from crises, and the value of continuous learning and talent development.

893: As the future of work continues to evolve, executives must keep pace with not only technological advancements but also talent strategies, learning to leverage both internal and external talent to succeed as a global enterprise. In this episode, Peter High interviews John Winsor, Executive in Residence at Harvard Business School’s Laboratory for Innovation Science and founder and CEO of Open Assembly, about his latest book, ‘Open Talent,’ and the strategies he has developed for leveraging global talent pools, including freelancers, internal talent clouds, and open innovation contests. John shares his journey from founding an open talent company in the ’90s to leading innovation at Havas and exploring the future of work with AI and digital transformation. He offers insights into the challenges large organizations face in adopting new business models and emphasizes the importance of culture in a networked organization. Finally, John looks ahead at how AI and technology, more broadly, can play a role in the framework of ‘open talent.’

892: Ascending to the CEO role from a technology background showcases the critical impact of tech expertise in guiding business transformation and growth. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Mike Clifton, Co-Chief Executive Officer at Alorica, about his career journey and how his experience as a technology executive has shaped his perspective as a co-CEO. Mike discusses Alorica’s strategic approach to enhancing customer experiences through AI and digital transformation, and provides insights into the company’s unique Co-CEO model. He also explains his strategy for investing in startups to curate an ecosystem of partners, keeping the company at the forefront of innovative technologies like noise cancellation and voice translation.

891: Proper cybersecurity practices within a company involve a shared responsibility across the entire enterprise, not just the IT organization, requiring a unified approach that encompasses people, processes, and technology. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Sesh Tirumala, Chief Information Officer of Western Digital, to discuss the company’s focus on cybersecurity, employee experience, and engineering excellence. Sesh details his experience handling a major cyber incident at Western Digital and the framework he applied to identify vulnerabilities and establish guardrails to mitigate future cyber incidents. He also talks about his approach to improving operational and engineering excellence at the company and explains the importance of culture in IT. Furthermore, he reflects on his journey across various scaled and fast-growing technology companies and shares the future trends in technology that excite him, such as generative AI and digital twins in manufacturing.

890: During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Postal Service (USPS) had to rapidly set up infrastructure to ship subsidized test kits, scaling their operations within three weeks. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Pritha Mehra, Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President of USPS, about this incredible story and the resulting digital transformation. With 34 years at USPS, including more than three and a half as CIO, Pritha discusses the immense technological infrastructure she oversees, including 32,000 network locations and over 930 applications. She highlights USPS’s modernization efforts to stay competitive, their significant role during the pandemic, and initiatives to enhance employee experience and efficiency. Pritha also delves into the implementation of digital twins for tracking packages, the importance of data, AI, and machine learning, and fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation within her team.

889: Venture capital has driven technological advancement from hardware companies like Cisco to software giants like Google. But what does the future hold? In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High talks with Saul Klein, co-founder and managing partner of Phoenix Court, about his insights on a more balanced future for tech VC. They discuss Saul’s innovative approach, which includes managing four distinct funds—LocalGlobe, Latitude, Solr, and Basecamp—to strategically support potential unicorns. With experience as a partner at Index Ventures and a non-executive director at the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Saul shares insights on the European and Israeli tech ecosystems, the historical and social context of innovation, and the need to demystify venture capital. Additionally, he analyzes the impact of Brexit on innovation, regulation, and trade agreements, and delves into the social impact initiatives of Phoenix Court and his perspectives on the future of tech investment.

888: The rapid pace of technological change, particularly with the advent of AI tools, has drastically decreased the average half-life of skills to less than five years, necessitating a focus on continuous learning at every level. In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our May 2024 Metis Strategy Digital Symposium, where Liberty Mutual Global CIO Monica Caldas and WestRock CIDO Amir Kazmi speak with Metis Strategy Partner and East Coast Lead Alex Kraus about future-oriented storytelling, talent upskilling, and innovation processes. Discover how Liberty Mutual leverages its ecosystem of partners to develop the ‘Skills to Fuel our Future’ strategy, maturing employee skills in data, software, and AI, and how Amir at WestRock emphasizes purpose-driven innovation and a growth mindset. Both executives also share their thoughts on executive storytelling, cultural nuances in approaching different personas, and the importance of metrics for evaluating performance and progress.

887: Peter Zeihan, renowned geopolitical strategist and founder of Zeihan on Geopolitics, wrote in his most recent book, “the seeds of deglobalization were sown decades ago.” Since then, the world has seen both demographic and economic shifts that further validate his analysis. In this episode, Peter High interviews Peter Zeihan about his deep insights on topics intersecting demography, economics, energy, politics, technology, and security. The conversation delves into Zeihan’s perspectives on Stalin’s influence on the global order, the early indicators of deglobalization, and the demographic challenges leading to economic declines. Zeihan provides an in-depth look at the geopolitical futures of major powers like China, Russia, and the United States. He explains the mechanisms driving historic trends, the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, and what might be expected on the world stage in the coming years. Pivoting more locally, Zeihan discusses his predictions for the 2024 US Presidential elections, what each candidate’s win might mean for America’s role on the world stage, and what needs to happen for the US to keep pace with the shifting trends toward deglobalization. Finally, Zeihan gives his thoughts on which other countries might come out on top in the coming years once the dust settles.

886: In high-stakes negotiations, whether for ransom, cyber extortion, or business dealings, emotional self-regulation, empathy, and trust-building, alongside practical stress management techniques, are critical to achieving a successful outcome. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Scott Walker, a former Scotland Yard detective-turned-crisis and risk management consultant about his experience in crisis management and the skills he wishes to pass along to help others in similar situations. With 16 years of experience in serious crime investigation and military intelligence, Scott shares his journey into crisis management, his techniques for negotiation, and the importance of emotional intelligence and resilience. He offers practical advice on how to regulate emotions, build trust through empathy, and manage high-pressure situations, illustrating these with stories from his career. Scott also delves into the parallels between kidnap negotiations and cyber extortion, emphasizing the critical role of time and trust in successful outcomes. His recently published book, ‘Order Out of Chaos,’ further explores these themes to help readers thrive in adversity and become world-class communicators. For more information about Scott’s career and his speaking sessions, you can connect with him on LinkedIn.

885: Organizations navigate a landscape marked by frequent AI interface releases, expanding interaction channels, and heightened expectations for quick, seamless, personalized experiences. Emphasizing responsible customer data use, they strive to balance AI with human touch to enhance both customer and employee engagement. In this episode of Technovation, a panel from our May 2024 Metis Strategy Digital Symposium features Bala Subramanian, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer at UPS, and Marty Brodbeck, Chief Technology Officer at Priceline, in conversation with Metis Strategy Co-Head of Research, Media, and Executive Networks Steven Norton about customer experience in the age of AI. Bala discusses UPS’s tech-driven improvements in customer and employee experiences and operational efficiency, while Marty outlines Priceline’s use of AI tools for enhanced customer care and efficiency. They delve into evolving customer expectations, generative AI applications, and the balance of tech with human touch. Both emphasize leveraging data and innovation for efficiency, effectiveness, and new business models, stressing the importance of robust data infrastructure and foreseeing AI’s potential to boost operational productivity and drive future development.

884: Although AI won’t fundamentally change the notion of leadership, it challenges business leaders to adopt it to enhance their workforce, fostering innovation and competitive value. In this episode, Peter interviews David De Cremer, Dean of the D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University and a Professor in Management and Technology. David, with an esteemed career in AI and management studies across global institutions like Cambridge University and the National University of Singapore, discusses his journey into artificial intelligence and its significant impact on business leadership. He delves into his latest book, “The AI-Savvy Leader: Nine Ways to Take Back Control and Make AI Work,” and the core leadership skills necessary to harness AI effectively. As a dean, David offers his perspective on AI in education, emphasizing how “outputs have become the inputs” and AI’s role in making better decisions post-graduation. The conversation also covers cultural nuances in AI adoption across different continents, the balance between human intelligence and AI, and the role of purpose-driven AI integration in modern businesses. Tune in for profound insights into how AI can augment human capabilities rather than replace them, and the critical leadership qualities needed in the AI era.

883: Innovation can be transformative for companies in terms of internal productivity and efficiency, but there is often even greater potential in advancing that innovation to productize it for external use. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Prasanna Gopalakrishnan, Group Chief Technology Officer at Sky Group, about her perspective on the innovation cycle within the company, from value-driven use cases to potential monetization and productization strategies. Prasanna discusses her role, managing technology across multiple markets, and leading an innovation engineering team focused on future-state technology. She highlights the use of AI and data analytics to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency and considers the potential impact of quantum computing on Sky’s industry. Prasanna also explores the opportunities and challenges of generative AI, particularly in creating personalized sports highlights and addressing IP concerns. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of hyper-personalization in customer engagement and shares insights into Sky’s strategies for monetizing technological developments. Prasanna also reflects on her global career journey and experiences serving on the board of Tesco Bank, drawing lessons from her extensive background in financial services.

882: The IT organizations within universities operate similarly to those in the corporate sector, but the role of the technology leader often differs in terms of both authority and responsibility. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High interviews Tom Murphy, the Senior Vice President of Information Technology and University Chief Information Officer at the University of Pennsylvania about the innovation he is driving, the obstacles universities are facing, and more. With over a decade of experience at Penn and multiple tenures as a CIO in the private sector, Tom shares his insights on managing the challenges of a highly decentralized IT function, starting with the successful centralization of the email system, and reflects on the lessons learned in serving a diverse set of constituents. Tom also discusses the significant impact generative AI has had on education and why he believes the future lies in embracing this technology and integrating it into the curriculum with appropriate tools to detect plagiarism and enhance the education process. Drawing from his extensive experience as a technology executive in the corporate world, he reflects on the unique challenges faced when transitioning into higher education, the higher levels of collaboration among peer CIOs at other universities, and the influences these experiences have had on his perspective of a career in IT.

881: Fame is often perceived as a pathway to wealth, popularity, and happiness, but its reality is more nuanced than commonly thought. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High hosts Harvard Professor and author Cass Sunstein to discuss his latest book, ‘How to Become Famous: Lost Einsteins, Forgotten Superstars, and How the Beatles Came to Be.’ Throughout their conversation, Cass explores his method of selecting long-term projects and the creative journey of developing ideas with modest claims to originality into compelling books. He shares insights from his research, including stories of the Beatles’ rise to fame, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé as contemporary examples of fame’s mechanisms, and the lessons from unrecognized talent. Cass also reflects on The Music Lab Experiment, his tenure at the University of Chicago, and his broader career.

880: Few industries are as knowledge-centric as pharma and healthcare, where groundbreaking innovations can positively impact lives and potentially eradicate diseases. In this episode of Technovation, we feature a discussion from our May 2024 Metis Strategy Digital Symposium, where AstraZeneca CDO/CIO Cindy Hoots, Bristol Myers Squibb CDTO Greg Meyers, and Eli Lilly CIDO Diogo Rau explore the profound impact of artificial intelligence on talent management, research and development, and operational efficiencies within the pharma industry. These executives delve into the innovative applications of AI, from improving clinical trials and document generation to enhancing internal workflows and customer service. Discover how these AI pioneers are laying the foundation for a future where AI and human ingenuity drive unprecedented advancements in medicine and patient care.

879: AI can serve as a great enabler of customer experiences and breakthrough innovations, but a lack of preparation and organizational readiness often limits how quickly companies can adopt and leverage AI tools. In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our May 2024 Metis Strategy Digital Symposium where Praveen Jonnala, CIO of CommScope, and Tim Dickson, CDIO of Regal Rexnord, speak with Metis Strategy Partner and Central Office Lead Mike Bertha about how organizations can prepare to leverage AI effectively. The panel explores strategies like the 80/20 principle of organizational readiness at CommScope, the creation and implementation of AI playbooks, and the importance of data quality. Learn about practical approaches to upskilling internal teams, leveraging external partners, and focusing on business-driven AI initiatives.

878: Centuries-old industries like the legal profession and home-building are typically slower to adopt the latest advancements in technology, but even these industries today are taking advantage of the benefits provided by new artificial intelligence tools. In this episode of Technovation, we feature a panel from our most recent Metis Strategy Digital Symposium where Greg Moore, Chief Information Officer at KB Home, and Michael Lucas, Chief Information Officer at Wilson Sonsini discuss the topic of driving digital innovation ahead of disruption with Metis Strategy Partner and West Coast Lead Chris Davis. Greg shares insights into how KB Home uses technology to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations, while Michael explains Wilson Sonsini’s use of AI-driven legal tools to improve service delivery. Both leaders highlight the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning and adapting to new technologies.

877: Kellogg’s has become a household name in cereals and snack foods. When the company spun off its snack food business as Kellanova in 2023, extensive IT efforts were made to preserve the company’s culture and brand identity. In this episode of Technovation, Lesley Salmon, SVP and Chief Digital and Information Officer of Kellanova, joins Peter High to share insights from her 11-year tenure, detail the challenges and innovations involved in the spin-off of Kellanova from Kellogg’s, and provide a deeper look at the strategic priorities of the new company. She emphasizes the importance of a unified IT team, leveraging cloud strategy for seamless transitions, the creation of dual IT functions, and the integration of AI and machine learning to drive business value. Lesley also discusses fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation, balancing risk with compliance, and maintaining strong global collaboration despite geographical boundaries. She also talks about the unique talent development program YODA that drives this culture of curiosity and how it embraces new ways of working in a global setting. Finally, Lesley looks ahead at the future trends in digital twins and reflects on the keys to her career success.

876: Despite extensive regulations and public health efforts, 1 billion people still smoke today, prompting companies like Philip Morris International (PMI) to develop better alternatives to continued smoking. In this episode of Technovation, Michael Voegele, the Chief Digital and Information Officer of PMI, joins Peter High to discuss the company’s ambitious journey towards creating a smoke-free future and the innovative role of AI and data in this endeavor. Michael talks about PMI’s transformation from a traditional tobacco company to a leader in smoke-free products, driven by significant technological and digital innovations. He shares insights into the role of technology in evolving business models, the importance of data governance in leveraging AI tools, and the people-first approach to fostering a fast-learning organizational culture. Michael also reflects on lessons from his previous experience as Group CIO of Adidas, offers advice on career growth in tech leadership, and looks ahead at trends in AR, VR, and generative AI.

875: Buying a car is often a significant decision for many households, and a process filled with friction only adds to the stress of the customer experience. In this episode of Technovation, Jim Lyski, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at CarMax, joins Peter High to discuss the innovations he is driving to enhance customer experience, address information imbalances in the used car industry, and revolutionize the vehicle purchase process. Jim explores the history of CarMax, his role in shaping the company’s direction, and the collaborative culture he fosters within his team. He explains how the company improves customer experiences through its transparent no-haggle pricing model, personalized vehicle recommendations, and virtual showrooms. Jim also emphasizes the importance of responsible AI, detailing the development of an AI Center of Excellence and the necessity of providing accurate data. Finally, Jim discusses the positive impact of a good associate experience on customer satisfaction, looks ahead at future trends in generative AI, and reflects on the keys to his career success.

874: In the realm of payments, integrating an AI assistant can significantly streamline operations and ease the burden on support teams handling common customer inquiries. In this installment of Technovation, Shannon Johnston, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Global Payments, explores the company’s focus on enhancing internal capabilities and automating processes. Specifically, she delves into the utilization of chatbots for customer service and co-pilots for development teams. Shannon highlights the benefits of these technologies in boosting performance and improving both customer and employee experiences. Additionally, she outlines the implementation of GenAI tools within her organization, stressing the importance of security and privacy. Looking ahead, Shannon discusses the ongoing evolution and refinement of these initiatives while reflecting on the key factors driving her career success.  

873: As demographics shift and alter people’s news and media consumption habits, companies such as the Washington Post are implementing significant changes in how they engage with their readers, adopting new technologies internally to stay abreast of new trends. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High is joined in conversation by Vineet Khosla, CTO of The Washington Post, and they explore the transformative changes in technology and innovation at this iconic news organization. Vineet shares insights into his role, the integration of AI throughout the company, and the omnichannel approach to delivering news. Vineet also discusses how his team leverages data, analytics, and AI to enhance the reader experience and adapt to the changing media landscape. He also details his journey from roles at Uber and Apple to leading The Post’s tech team, his views on the future of news, and the exciting potential of quantum computing.  

872: Deploying AI or any new technology across an enterprise can quickly become time-consuming and expensive if not approached with a plan in mind. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High interviews Deepika Rayala, the Chief Digital and Information Officer at Cornerstone OnDemand, and speaks with her about her ‘frugal IT’ approach and how she thinks about AI deployment at the company. Deepika shares insights into her role, focusing on IT operations, data, corporate security, and the implementation of Generative AI. She highlights key initiatives like the North Star program, which integrated multiple acquisitions through advanced IT infrastructure, and the AI innovation her team has deployed to enhance productivity across the company. Additionally, she covers the digital academy that she has helped develop to upskill and train employees on skills for the future. Deepika also touches on the future of hybrid work, the impact of generative AI and quantum computing, and her personal leadership philosophy characterized by authenticity, empathy, situational leadership, and resilience.  

871: In the age of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity has become of utmost importance to protect private information and customer data. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High speaks with Gafnit Amiga, leader of the security research group at Outshift by Cisco, where they delve into the evolving landscape of cloud and artificial intelligence security. Gafnit, having a substantial background in application and cloud security, shares her journey from Lightspin to Cisco, highlighting her team’s focus on identifying and mitigating potential security vulnerabilities in cloud services, Kubernetes, software supply chains, and AI. She shares insights on the unique challenges AI presents to security, the importance of observability, and the continuous game of staying ahead of threats. Gafnit also discusses the diversity and approach of her research team in tackling security challenges, reflecting on the transition from a startup to being part of Cisco, and offers advice to CIOs and CISOs on safeguarding against emerging security threats.

870: Innovation is key to becoming a nimble enterprise, and an important way to foster a culture of innovation is to ensure employees have the ability and the forum to share their ideas. In this episode of Technovation, Brett Lansing, Chief Information Officer of AccentCare, shares his insight into how technology, particularly innovations like generative AI, plays a crucial role in enhancing patient services and alleviating the administrative burden on clinicians, and the process behind driving that innovation at the company. He discusses the importance of aligning technology with business strategy, challenging the status quo, and fostering a culture of innovation and employee satisfaction. Brett dives into the Quarterly Ideas Forum he has developed to amplify voices across AccentCare and ensure the company isn’t resting on its laurels. Brett also highlights the significance of cybersecurity in healthcare and shares his experiences and benefits of working in a private equity-owned company. Finally, Brett concludes with the keys to his success and recounts the career development philosophies passed down to him, offering valuable guidance for increasing marketability and succeeding in leadership roles.

869: The new digital tools available to logistics providers have allowed these companies to reimagine what the network of the future looks like. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High interviews Bala Subramanian, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer at UPS, about how they are using these new tools to become a ‘logistics orchestrator’. They discuss UPS’s role in global logistics and its digital transformation efforts aimed at enhancing customer and employee experiences, and improving organizational agility. Bala shares insights into his background, including his stint as Chief Digital Officer at AT&T, and delves into UPS’s initiatives like creating a digital twin of the network, expanding the use of RFID for package tracking, and developing UPS’s DeliveryDefense to protect against fraud. Additionally, Bala and Peter cover the importance of digital and data fluency, the concept of logistics as a service, and the vision for a network of the future that mimics an IP network’s flexibility. Bala also reflects on the cultural and leadership aspects key to successful digital transformation and other lessons he has learned across his career. Also available on YouTube:  

868: As data becomes increasingly valuable, technology executives have the important task of ensuring the company’s data infrastructure allows for efficiency and scalability. In this episode of Technovation, James Rhodes, President of Morningstar Data Research and Enterprise Solutions and the company’s Chief Technology Officer, joins Peter High in a discussion about modernizing the company’s enterprise architecture and enhancing the client experience with improved personalization. James elaborates on the three hats he wears in his current role at the company and the approach he is taking to modernize legacy systems for scalability and efficiency. He shares insights on driving customer personalization at scale, leveraging AI for better financial advice, and establishing a Responsible AI Council to ensure the company retains its transparency and client trust. James also describes the evolution of their AI-driven digital assistant ‘Mo’ and how it will augment, but not replace, the financial advisor. Finally, James shares the technology trends on his radar including digital avatars for enhancing customer engagement and the advancement of cybersecurity measures, and the keys to success that he’s learned across his career.

867: In a global organization, an enterprise architecture that links technology to its everyday users enables IT to better identify and deliver value-added opportunities. In this episode of Technovation, host Peter High interviews Jonathan Webster, the senior managing director and chief operating officer of CPP Investments. Jon discusses his career journey, his experience at Boston Consulting Group and Lloyds Banking Group, and the transition from the CIO role into the COO role. Jon talks about the strategic importance of technology and data in driving investment strategies, the shift towards a product-based technology delivery model, the implementation of a modular architecture, and the potential of generative AI to revolutionize workflows. Jon emphasizes the significance of being software-defined for security, integrating user-centric design, and the necessity of fostering a culture of curiosity, dissatisfaction with the status quo, and thorough understanding within his team. Finally, Jon reflects on the kets to his career success and looks ahead at the trends in generative AI and other technologies.

866: The role of IT within companies is constantly evolving, driven forward by tech sector companies as they propel it into the future. In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Intel’s CIO, Motti Finkelstein, about the future of IT and his strategies for preparing the IT organization within Intel to lead this industry-wide evolution. Having transitioned into his role roughly six months ago from serving as the company’s Digital Transformation Officer, Motti elaborates on the various organizations within the broader Intel Corporation and outlines his current focal points, including cloud computing, data center innovations, the Internet of Things, and PC solutions. He shares insights into Intel’s distinctive position as both a product designer and manufacturer and delves into the complexities of his role as a tech-sector CIO. With the recent release of Intel’s IT Annual Report titled ‘The Next Evolution of IT,’ Motti highlights key points from the report, such as the significant role artificial intelligence plays in improving the company’s operational efficiency and the emphasis placed on enhancing the customer experience. The conversation also encompasses Intel’s strides in integrating sustainability into its product design and how sustainability is emerging as a critical focus for IT leaders across sectors. Finally, Motti reflects on his career journey, his motivations for joining Intel at a pivotal moment in its history, and the noteworthy trend of integrating security into software products. Read the 2023-2024 Intel IT Annual Report: www.intel.com/ITAnnualReport  

865: CEOs of major companies serve as both the public face of the organization and pivotal leaders responsible for shaping its strategy and upholding internal values through their actions. In this episode of Technovation, Jim Kavanaugh, co-founder and CEO of World Wide Technology, joins Peter High in a conversation regarding his 34-year leadership tenure at the company and the career path that culminated in his current position. Jim shares his early career journey, playing professional soccer and representing the United States in the 1984 Summer Olympics, and what led him to pivot into technology and co-found WWT in 1990. He reflects on the transition from athlete to entrepreneur, the influence of his upbringing, and the foundational values that have guided his leadership and WWT’s culture. Jim also gives his assessment of the evolution of technology since starting WWT, the strategic pivots the company has made to stay ahead in the industry, and the importance of culture, teamwork, and continuous learning in driving success. Given the rise and current significance of generative AI as a transformative technology, Jim talks about the role this technology plays at the company and how WWT’s Advanced Technology Center explores future tech advancements. Finally, he recounts the lessons he has learned from his remarkable career and offers valuable advice for individuals seeking to level up their leadership within their organizations.