Best CIO Talk Network Podcasts (2024)

1
Prudential: Navigating 150 Years of Change with Data & Innovation 22:58

12d ago22:58

22:58

Guest: Kjersten Margaret, Chief Data Officer, Prudential Financial Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/kjersten-moody/ More on this Episode: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/prudential-navigating-150-years-of-change-with-data-innovation/ More on Digital Transformation: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/digital-transformation/ Mo…

1
HS088: Combating Analysis Paralysis 34:02

5d ago34:02

34:02

Analysis paralysis is a huge problem in IT – we “study” and “evaluate” and “keep on our radar” but then all too often have a choice and a need to act thrust upon us, and need to switch modes fast. How do we try to get more mileage out of the studying to get leverage... Read more »By Packet Pushers

1
HS087: Alkira’s Multi-Cloud NaaS Bridges Networking and Security (Sponsored) 35:21

15h ago35:21

35:21

Startup Alkira has built a Network as a Service (NaaS) offering that extends from on prem to public cloud and multi-cloud. Today’s sponsored episode of Heavy Strategy digs in to Alkira’s capabilities in multi-cloud networking, security, automation, and cost transparency. Guest Manan Shah, SVP of Product at Alkira, explains how Alkira simplifies net…

1
HS086: [Next] Highlights: Drone to Titan, and More! 32:49

17d ago32:49

32:49

In this episode, John and Johna share the findings from the recent [Next] conference that most inspired them: How to project-manage an 18-year effort to put a drone on Titan, why AI algorithms need to consider the factor of time, how to train robots, and why effective storytelling is an essential tool in a technology... Read more »…

1
HS085: The Perfect and the Good (Enough) 31:46

29d ago31:46

31:46

Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good… it’s a challenge that architects and strategists often face. They may design a “perfect” architecture or strategy, only to see it overwhelmed by the realities of implementation. John Burke and Johna Johnson discuss the questions to ask to ensure that devotion to the perfect doesn’t... Read more »…

1
Goodlife Fitness’ Journey of Innovation, Flexibility, and Cutting-Edge Technology 35:06

26d ago35:06

35:06

Picture a thriving company, GoodLife Fitness, grappling with outdated support systems that couldn’t keep up with rising customer expectations. They faced long response times, frustrated clients, and a support team bogged down by inefficient processes. Realizing the urgent need for change, GoodLife Fitness partnered with Freshworks and utilized Fres…

1
HS084: Straight Talk from Cisco’s CIO (Sponsored) 40:01

29d ago40:01

40:01

Cisco CIO Fletcher Previn visits Heavy Strategy to talk about how to create a technology culture, what it’s like being “customer zero”, and other challenges and tribulations of running IT from inside one of the world’s largest tech companies. Episode Guest: Fletcher Previn, SVP & Chief Information Officer, Cisco Fletcher Previn has over two decades…

1
Redefining Leadership Culture and Organizational Structure in the GenAI Era 36:27

1M ago36:27

36:27

The rapid rise of generative AI is compelling organizations to adapt their working methods, decision-making, and collaboration. Leaders face challenges such as redefining workforce roles, ensuring ethical AI practices, and managing cross-functional teams that understand AI's business and technological aspects. Yet, these challenges also offer signi…

1
HS083: Why Protocols Fail: Russ White’s Perspective on Effective Architecture 42:19

1M ago42:19

42:19

Network veteran Russ White joins the Heavy Strategy team for a rousing discussion on why protocols fail, how much complexity is too much, why “premature optimization is the root of all evil” (Donald Knuth) and why architects should always remember to think about state. Episode Guest: Russ White, Senior Architect, Akamai Technologies For the last...…

1
HS082: Citizen Coders: Boon Or Bane? 36:06

2M ago36:06

36:06

The low-code/no-code movement means business users who aren’t programmers can create software. This capability might make these citizen coders more efficient and productive, but could also pose risks due to a lack of formal training in software development and security. Is citizen coding a boon or bane to business? Johna Johnson and John Burke disc…

1
HS081: What’s Your Strategic Plan for AI Infrastructure? 26:41

2M ago26:41

26:41

AI seems to be changing everything, including your IT infrastructure. Do you have a strategic plan for your AI infrastructure? Today we discuss the merits and challenges of cloud computing, on-premises solutions, hybrid models, and edge computing along with the importance of low latency for real-time AI applications and the potential of edge comput…

1
HS080: Top Mistakes In Developing and Executing Technology Strategies 38:07

3M ago38:07

38:07

To borrow a phrase first used in a military context, no tech strategy survives its first contact with real users. Today’s Heavy Strategy explores common mistakes executives make when developing and executing a technology plan. They include poor communication, making assumptions, not understanding a system’s architecture or dependencies, and more. C…

1
HS079: Big Rock, Best-in-Breed, or Ecosystem: What’s the Best Vendor Procurement Strategy? 22:49

3M ago22:49

22:49

When choosing vendors, what strategy should you employ: big rock, best-in-breed, or ecosystem? The big rock approach consolidates vendor relationships around a few strategic partners. Best-in-breed focuses on selecting top solutions from various vendors. The ecosystem model combines elements of both. Today’s conversation explores all three models a…

1
HS078: Is It Time To Dump Microsoft? 30:07

3M ago30:07

30:07

Should enterprises ditch Microsoft because of security concerns? Microsoft’s numerous vulnerabilities and questionable responses make it a significant risk for continued use. At the same time, Microsoft’s strong integration and utility in enterprise environments make it attractive for continued use. Johna Till Johnson and John Burke debate. They al…

1
Marrying Legacy Systems to Modern Marvels 44:50

3M ago44:50

44:50

Legacy systems are like old trees – deeply rooted reliable, but not always adaptable to rapidly changing environments. With the advent of cloud computing, IoT, and other emerging technologies, there’s pressure on businesses to innovate. But this innovation can’t come at the cost of discarding these reliable legacy systems. How can companies smoothl…

1
HS077: Should IT Lead or Follow? 30:20

4M ago30:20

30:20

The evolving role of IT in business is the topic of lively discussion between co-hosts Johna Johnson and John Burke. Johna argues that IT should align with business goals, acting as an executive assistant, while John believes IT should take a proactive leadership role, driving innovation and framing business problems. They explore the challenges IT…

1
HS076: Greg’s Finale 38:21

4M ago38:21

38:21

This is Greg’s last Heavy Strategy episode before he heads off to retirement. He gives us his final pieces of career and life advice, opinions on private equity, and a Cookie Monster quote. We also briefly introduce John Burke, the new Heavy Strategy co-host. Farewell, Greg. Thank you for all the great debates. Episode Transcript... Read more »…

1
Extracting Strategic Value from GenAI 25:46

4M ago25:46

25:46

Identifying the value areas of generative AI is only the first step. Senior business, AI, data analytics, and IT leaders must unlock GenAI’s full potential in hyper-personalized customer experiences, predictive analytics, and scalable content generation. This requires adaptable business models, optimized revenue streams, and effective risk manageme…

1
HS075: How to Ask Questions 33:49

4M ago33:49

33:49

Asking questions is a critical skill whether you’re an outside consultant or on an internal IT team. In today’s episode, Greg and Johna review what kind of questions to ask and how to ask them. They discuss the ‘Five Whys,’ identifying points of invariance, discovering unknown unknowns, and watching out for landmines. They also cover... Read more »…

1
HS074: Geek Speak to Biz Talk 32:28

5M ago32:28

32:28

To be an effective technologist in a corporation, your efforts need to be aligned with the business strategy of your organization. In today’s episode, Johna and Greg show you how to do this, even if your organization has no written business strategy. They explain how to “read the tea leaves” to tell if your organization... Read more »…

1
HS073: Failure and Resilience 45:20

5M ago45:20

45:20

Firing the wrong person, mistakenly rebooting core switches in a massive network, not passing the CCIE exam– today we talk all about failure. For this conversation, we’re joined by fellow Packet Pushers Kyler Middleton and Ned Bellavance, hosts of the Day Two Cloud podcast. We swap stories, discuss response and prevention, and talk about accountabi…

1
HS072: Making Distributed Work Successful 36:01

5M ago36:01

36:01

Don’t call it remote work. Today Johna and Greg dive into distributed work– the future where there is no office vs. remote, there are just asynchronistic workers and their computer screens. Leaders have to move beyond “management by walking around” or “onboarding by shadowing.” They need to carefully select their ecosystem of tools (and tools... Re…

1
Stitching Seamless Digital Journeys in a Minefield of Threats 31:54

6M ago31:54

31:54

The surge in digital transformation initiatives has brought forth many cybersecurity challenges. Businesses are under pressure to offer seamless digital experiences, which often means integrating multiple platforms and technologies. Yet, each integration point is a potential vulnerability. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, how can businesse…

1
Harnessing the Power of Ecosystems in the Digital Age 30:04

6M ago30:04

30:04

The days of businesses operating in silos are numbered. With the rise of digital platforms and technologies, companies are part of broader ecosystems involving partners, customers, and competitors. How can CXOs navigate and leverage these ecosystems to drive growth, innovation, and customer value while managing associated risks? Guest: Leo Bodden, …

1
Sustainability: The New Profit? 42:43

6M ago42:43

42:43

As the global discourse shifts towards sustainability, businesses are pressured to align their strategies with environmental and social responsibilities. In a world where consumers prioritize ethical practices, how can companies transform their models to ensure sustainability isn't just an afterthought but a core driver of both profit and long-term…

1
HS071: The Real Numbers Behind the Return To Office Myths 39:51

6M ago39:51

39:51

Why are some executives still insisting on Return to Office policies? Does it improve culture and productivity like they swear? Or is it more about the devaluing of a massive asset on their books: Commercial real estate. If the value of commercial real estate drops, companies have less to leverage for loans and– perhaps more... Read more »…

1
HS070: Living on the Edge: The Present Future of Edge Architecture 30:28

6M ago30:28

30:28

Right now we’re in the first generation of edge architecture. We won’t even really know how to define it until we’re past it. Greg and Johna discuss the operational milieu in which the edge is forming: Vast numbers of IoT devices, increased remote computing capabilities, questions around cloud operational costs and efficiency, and vendors jostling.…

1
From Inclusion to AI in Business: A Conversation with Americas EY Private leader Lee Henderson 34:18

6M ago34:18

34:18

Embracing cultural differences can help you succeed internationally, and you can also turn obstacles into opportunities to allow experiences to shape your path. But how can you do it? This episode explores the career journey of Lee Henderson, Americas EY Private Leader who has championed diversity and inclusion throughout his career. Lee shares les…

1
Agile Mindsets: Beyond IT to Boardroom Strategies 50:02

7M ago50:02

50:02

Agile methodologies, which once found their roots in software development, now influence boardroom decisions and corporate strategies. The challenge lies in truly understanding and implementing agility at all organizational levels. How can businesses extend the principles of agile thinking from their IT departments to their strategic planning sessi…

1
Day Two Cloud: The Duality of Enterprise AI 55:14

7M ago55:14

55:14

Welcome to a crossover episode with the Day Two Cloud podcast! AI has been around forever; AI is emergent. AI is just data analytics; AI hallucinates. AI doesn’t have many business use cases; AI is already being used by your employees. Today, Greg and Johna from the Heavy Strategy podcast join Day Two Cloud to... Read more »…

1
HS069: Regulating AI 29:05

7M ago29:05

29:05

In today’s episode Greg and Johna spar over how, when, and why to regulate AI. Does early regulation lead to bad regulation? Does late regulation lead to a situation beyond democratic control? Comparing nascent regulation efforts in the EU, UK, and US, they analyze socio-legal principles like privacy and distributed liability. Most importantly, Joh…

1
Navigating the Human Asset: Beyond Technology & Strategy 40:26

7M ago40:26

40:26

The advent of AI, machine learning, and automation has fundamentally changed workplace dynamics. The challenge for modern organizations is ensuring their human workforce complements these technological advancements rather than competes with them. How can businesses harmonize their approach to maximize technical and human potential, especially when …

1
Balancing Act: Dollarama's Digital Leap in the World of Budget Retail 28:52

7M ago28:52

28:52

Dollarama's journey into digital transformation showcases a balancing act of integrating advanced technologies in a traditionally cost-conscious business model. As the retail giant ventured into this new territory, it faced the challenge of enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency, all while staying true to its ethos of simplicity a…

1
HS068: What’s the Point of Having a Tech Strategy? 34:59

8M ago34:59

34:59

What does having a tech strategy actually do for an organization? In today’s episode, Greg and Johna highlight how a good tech strategy benefits a company: creates a foundation of first principles, reduces bias in vendor decisions, better allocates human resources, kills bad ideas, sunsets projects, and makes meetings a little more enjoyable and ha…

1
HS067: The Right People to Have on Your Tech Strategy Team 37:10

8M ago37:10

37:10

Exactly who should be on your technology strategy team? From inside your organization, who should represent the areas that come into play: Business, development, operations, etc? And what about outsiders–what kind of external consultant do you want for your strategy team? Do you even need one? Johna and Greg cover it all in today’s episode.... Read…

1
HS066: The Holy Grail: A Functioning Tech Strategy 25:54

8M ago25:54

25:54

It’s rare for strategists, executives, and technologists to all get on the same page in order to create, execute, and adjust an organization’s tech strategy, much less do it well. But it is possible. Johna and Greg discuss their experiences of seeing through some consultants’ smoke and mirrors, honestly evaluating an organization’s capability to im…

1
HS065: Calculating the Value of Telco AIOps (Sponsored) 26:47

9M ago26:47

26:47

AI and automation are hot topics in telco, but not all projects are created equal in terms of the bottom-line value. We dive into how to calculate total value, and discuss why the area of assurance looks set to generate the most value. We provide key questions to ask when considering what AIOps to add... Read more »…

1
HS064: Mastering the Art of Strategy and Architecture with Pocket Change 40:28

9M ago40:28

40:28

Welcome, trailblazers and visionaries! Today, I’m thrilled to unpack a treasure trove of wisdom that zooms into the exhilarating realm of strategy architecture and the craft of sculpting strategy roadmaps on a shoestring budget. The Thrill of Resourcefulness In this episode, my esteemed co-host Johna and I dove headfirst into a challenge that plagu…

1
Leadership in the Digital Era: Visionaries or Executors? 34:01

9M ago34:01

34:01

In the digital age, leadership demands a unique blend of visionary thinking and hands-on execution. Organizations face the complex task of integrating disruptive technologies while ensuring their core vision remains intact. In this delicate balance, how can leaders envision the future while ensuring the practicalities of current digital transformat…

1
HS063: What’s On Our Minds 27:24

9M ago27:24

27:24

Hosts Greg Ferro and Johna Till Johnson reflect on the technological advancements of 2023 and discuss the trends for 2024. In this wide-ranging conversation, they chat about the rise of AI, tech consolidation, and the impact of automation on infrastructure. They also explore the geopolitical impact on supply chains, the move away from Chinese manuf…

1
Learn How NASA Materials Expert Sara Rengifo Transformed Rejection Into Success 42:32

10M ago42:32

42:32

We all need inspiration to pursue our dreams no matter the obstacles. And this conversation will surely give you the pep talk you need to keep going. Monica’s guest this week is Sara Rengifo, a materials engineer at NASA who has come a long way from her hometown of Colombia. Sara Rengifo is making significant contributions at NASA, where she is inv…

1
HS062: Questions On Being Service-Oriented 29:58

10M ago29:58

29:58

Johna and Greg discuss service-oriented networking and the challenges of defining and delivering network services. They explore the negative impact of siloed organizational structures on service delivery and the importance of continuous adaptation in infrastructure management. They debate the perception of services by users, using metaphors like si…

1
S5.E7 - Aman Raheja - CISO, IT Risk & IT VMO at Humana 42:25

10M ago42:25

42:25

In this week’s episode of CISO’s Secret, Cyber Security Evangelist Grant Asplund hosts Aman Raheja - CISO, IT Risk & IT VMO at Humana Since 1961, Humana has been committed to helping people live healthy and happy. Their approach is simple—offer personalized care from people who care. Humana do this by listening to their members and creating solutio…

1
S5.E6 - Thomas Dager - CISO at Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Company 43:50

10M ago43:50

43:50

In this week’s episode of CISO’s Secret, Cyber Security Evangelist Grant Asplund hosts Thomas Dager - CISO at Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Company ADM is one of the world’s largest nutrition companies - committed to people, communities and the planet, and offering sustainable, innovative solutions to meet the world’s most fundamental needs for food…

1
HS061: What is IT Training or Education 31:45

11M ago31:45

31:45

The difference between training and education is signficant and technology industry often conflates these terms. They are vastly different ways to providing learning and we dive into why we need more education and less training.By Packet Pushers

1
S5.E5 - Ido Biger - EVP, CIO at Delek US Holdings and CEO at DK Innovation 36:06

11M ago36:06

36:06

In this week’s episode of CISO’s Secret, Cyber Security Evangelist Grant Asplund hosts Ido Biger - EVP, CIO at Delek US and CEO at DK Innovation Founded in 2001, Delek US Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: DK) is a downstream energy company with assets in petroleum refining, logistics, convenience stores, asphalt, and renewables. Check Point CISO Academy CISO A…

1
Operational Brilliance in the Age of Disruption 55:05

11M ago55:05

55:05

Operational challenges have intensified due to global disruptions ranging from pandemics to economic upheavals. Today's organizations must aim for efficiency, resilience, and adaptability. In this volatile environment, what strategies can businesses implement to ensure their operations can pivot quickly and efficiently in the face of unforeseen cha…

1
S5.E4 - Jim Rutt - CISO / CIO - The Dana Foundation 52:13

11M ago52:13

52:13

In this week’s episode of CISO’s Secret, Cyber Security Evangelist Grant Asplund hosts Jim Rutt, CISO / CIO at The Dana Foundation The Dana Foundation is a private philanthropy that explores the connections between neuroscience and society's challenges and opportunities. CISO's Secrets Podcast is powered by Infinity Global Services (IGS). Visit CIS…

1
The CXO’s Role in Cultivating a Culture of Continuous Learning 46:04

11M ago46:04

46:04

In a world characterized by rapid technological advancements and shifting market dynamics, fostering a culture of continuous learning is paramount. What strategies can CXOs employ to champion lifelong learning within their organizations, ensuring adaptability and relevance in a constantly evolving market?…

1
HS060: Power Micro-Generation for Data Center 33:37

11M ago33:37

33:37

Powering data centres is big deal in current decade. Massive increases in consumption and scaling of off-prem clouds has exceeded the capacity of civilian power grids while cloud operators are reluctant to sign thirty year supply agreements so that more power plants can be built. Enter power micro-generation where too large DCs needs too small... R…

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