Behind the Growth

Janet Sherlock, Founder & CEO at Org.Works, joins Mudassar Malik on Behind the Growth to challenge how most companies approach transformation, org design, AI strategy, and why their structures are often built to fail. Drawing from her executive experience and doctoral research, Janet breaks down what she calls “the hidden architecture” that shapes performance across every level of an enterprise. 

The conversation starts with a critique of role bloat at the top, like Chief Digital Officer, Chief Innovation Officer, Chief AI Officer, and how overlapping mandates erode clarity and accountability. Janet outlines how these roles are often a symptom of structural misalignment, not a solution to it. Introducing the Org.Works philosophy, “less but better,” she explains why simplicity, not complexity, is what drives resilience and execution. 

From there, the episode moves into the three most common org design pitfalls, using real-world examples like Unilever’s model shift and omnichannel challenges in retail and banking. Janet shares the telltale signs of structural dysfunction—misaligned KPIs, constant pre-meetings, unclear decision ownership—and why fixing these isn’t just about new titles or reorgs but about rethinking how teams are built to collaborate. 

The second half of the conversation dives into AI: not tools or talent, but structure. Janet introduces her CFD model: Center of Enablement, Federated AI and Modeling, Democratized Data. She elaborates on why governance, flexibility, and accountability matter more than hype.  

Finally, she breaks down how boards are shifting from AI education to execution, and why CEOs must stop chasing ROI and start investing in long-term capabilities. 

Janet explores topics like: 
- When org design creates friction 
- Why bloated C-suite roles backfire 
- The hidden cost of transformation layers 
- How structure drives AI performance 
- What boards now ask about AI

Visit mlarteka.com/podcast to learn more about each guest and read key insights for every episode.

Hanni Doch, VP of Digital Technology, joins Mudassar Malik on Behind the Growth to explore what enterprise transformation really looks like when it's done sustainably, incrementally, and with an eye toward value—not buzzwords. With experience spanning telecom, insurance, banking, and retail, Hanni brings a grounded view into why so many digital initiatives fall short and how leaders can avoid those traps. 

He opens with a sharp critique of the “big bang” approach to transformation, arguing that long, all-encompassing projects often fail to deliver value. Instead, he lays out a case for incremental change, focusing on areas where the business will feel the impact early.  

From there, the conversation moves into cloud strategy. Hanni explains how many organizations “lift and shift” their workloads without actually realizing the benefits of cloud—and offers a clear, cost-effective example of how to do it right, leveraging GPU-intensive workloads and cloud-native services. 

On AI, Hanni discusses how his team used generative tools to accelerate software development and testing—while maintaining a strong role for human creativity and quality. He also shares lessons from leading high-scale teams, including his approach to hiring engineers from open-source communities and developer forums rather than traditional channels. 

Throughout the conversation, Hanni emphasizes the importance of aligning people, processes, and tooling around meaningful outcomes. Whether he's talking about data governance, automation, or AI adoption, his focus remains on what drives results—and what slows them down—in large, complex environments. 

Hanni shares his take on: 

- Why “big bang” rollouts collapse 
- Cloud migrations that don’t deliver 
- AI’s role in accelerating development 
- When data lakes become swamps 
- Rethinking how great developers are hired

Visit mlarteka.com/podcast to learn more about each guest and read key insights for every episode.

Charu Pujari, Vice President of Engineering and Data Science at Loblaw Digital, joins Imran Mian on Behind the Growth to break down what it really takes to architect enterprise systems that move fast, scale reliably, and stay relentlessly focused on the customer.

Opening the conversation with insights into his early shift from data science into engineering, Charu shares hard-won lessons on engineering for scale. Having learned the hard way that scale cannot be an afterthought, Charu emphasizes why performance and reliability can’t be added later, and how designing for agility up front enables real-time experimentation across digital platforms. He unpacks how his team replatformed critical systems to support modularity, faster decision-making, and direct user feedback loops.

Throughout the conversation, Charu emphasizes the operational choices behind building high-performing teams: trust first, reduce blockers, and align everyone around solving real problems. He discusses how personalization in retail is no longer a feature—it’s a foundation—and why merchandising, pricing, and promotion must now adapt dynamically to individual customer needs.

Drawing from his time at Loblaw leading his team through a full platform re-architecture, he explains why agility, not perfection, is the priority—and how customer feedback, not internal consensus, drives meaningful product decisions, enabling faster iteration and greater composability across digital experiences. From introducing new features in 72 hours to balancing autonomy with alignment across teams, Charu shares what it looks like to operationalize customer-centricity at scale.

The episode also dives into turns to the intersection of media, loyalty, and personalization in retail. From zero-time search to AI-native interfaces, Charu offers a candid, technical, and practical view into how enterprise platforms—and the teams behind them—can move with purpose to meet customers where they are—with the right product, at the right time, at the right value. 

He explores topics like: 
- Engineering platforms for real-time scale 
- Re-platforming to unlock team agility 
- Personalization as retail infrastructure 
- Building autonomy into high-performing teams 
- Rethinking media as part of CX 

Visit mlarteka.com/podcast to learn more about each guest and read key insights for every episode.

Akua Mensah, Senior Director of Process Engineering & Business Enablement at CIBC, joins host Mudassar Malik on this episode to explore the real drivers of transformation—and why soft skills aren’t just a “nice to have,” but a strategic necessity. Drawing from her work leading process design, service improvement, and enterprise change across banking and consulting, Akua brings a grounded perspective on how large organizations actually move forward.

The conversation begins with how Akua’s team centres the customer’s “why” in service design, data, and Lean Six Sigma programs across the bank. She shares how transformation work must balance operational logic with human insight—and how resilience, adaptability, and diplomacy serve as the glue that holds major initiatives together. 

From there, Akua shares why communication is still the top failure point in large-scale projects—impacting timelines, budgets, and trust. She explains how leaders can set the tone through clarity, active listening, and confidence built through competence. The discussion also dives into conflict resolution, creative problem solving, and the importance of coaching that goes beyond instruction to true development.

The episode closes with Akua outlining the human success factors she sees as non-negotiable for the post-AGI enterprise: communication, coaching, problem-solving, meta-learning, and confidence built on real competence. For leaders navigating change, it’s a clear call to invest in what really drives outcomes—your people.

Akua explores topics like:
- Why poor communication still breaks projects 
- Handling conflict in high-stakes teams 
- Leading with customer-first design thinking 
- Coaching beyond performance reviews 
- Building confidence through competence 

Akua's website: www.akuamensah.com

Visit mlarteka.com/podcast to learn more about each guest and read key insights for every episode.

Sid Kumar, Head of Global GTM Strategy & Planning at Databricks, joins host Mudassar Malik on Behind the Growth to unpack what it really takes to design and run a connected go-to-market engine—one that aligns across marketing, sales, customer success, and operations, from first touch to renewal. 

Sid shares hard-earned lessons from leading GTM functions at CA Technologies, Amazon, HubSpot, and now Databricks. He walks through what it means to think of go-to-market as a closed-loop system instead of a linear process, and why shared language, unified metrics, and functional accountability across the full customer lifecycle are non-negotiables at scale. Along the way, he explains how concepts like HubSpot’s “flywheel” and Amazon’s input-output discipline shaped how he approaches alignment, planning, and operating rhythm. 

The conversation also tackles the balance between centralization and regional autonomy—particularly in planning and compensation design—and how Sid works to ensure standardization never disconnects from field realities. He talks about the role of regional GTM COOs and the importance of feedback loops from country-level teams back into global processes. 

Finally, Sid dives deep into how AI is reshaping GTM workflows—from prospecting and rep productivity to strategic operations and RevOps. He shares clear use cases, practical advice, and a firm reminder to start with the workflows, not the tech. For enterprise leaders looking to modernize how their organizations go to market, this is a conversation worth pausing for. 

Sid dives into topics like: 
- AI’s role in RevOps strategy
- Connecting funnel stages into one system 
- Centralizing planning without losing nuance 
- Time-and-motion studies for workflow clarity 
- How shared language drives accountability 

Visit mlarteka.com/podcast to learn more about each guest and read key insights for every episode.

Hamza Qamar, Senior Director of Product, Innovation & Design at mobileLIVE, joins Mudassar Malik on Behind the Growth to break down what it really takes to lead product innovation inside enterprise environments—and why technical talent alone doesn’t cut it.  

Starting with a story from his early days as a software engineer, Hamza explains how a single round of informal user conversations reshaped not only a feature, but his entire approach to product leadership. 

Throughout the conversation, Hamza lays out a practical framework for managing uncertainty across the product lifecycle—balancing experimentation, iteration, and scale by asking two deceptively simple questions: How certain are we that this adds value for users? And how urgently does the business need results? He explains how this model has helped him make sharper decisions while still giving room for exploration. 

The conversation moves into how AI is influencing the product function, with Hamza highlighting the shift from spreadsheet-heavy reporting to conversational analytics that accelerate understanding and action. He shares how he’s using these tools with teams today—not just to extract insights, but to turn data into collaborative decision-making moments. 

Finally, Hamza reflects on the leadership behaviours that drive consistent performance in product teams. From shared ownership to inclusive problem-solving, he emphasizes the need for environments where creativity and accountability can coexist. For product and technology leaders navigating scale, pace, and complexity, this episode offers a grounded, execution-first lens on innovation that delivers.

Hamza shares his perspective on:
- Scaling without sacrificing user insight 
- Being cautious of misleading data 
- Testing trends instead of chasing them 
- Measuring true product innovation impact 
- Lessons from telecom product misfires 

Visit mlarteka.com/podcast to learn more about each guest and read key insights for every episode.

Justin Bundick, Managing Director of AI and Data Transformation at Southwest Airlines, joins host Imran Mian to explore the real-world complexities of scaling AI in one of the world’s most operationally intense industries. With a focus on turning experimentation into enterprise impact, Justin outlines what most organizations overlook when moving beyond pilots—highlighting the critical role of infrastructure, data readiness, governance, and change management.

He shares the story behind the Leading Indicators Alert Tool (LIAT), a predictive system that uses hundreds of real-time and historical data points to forecast operational disruptions 24 hours in advance. Built on Southwest’s integrated data foundation and cloud-native platforms, Liat exemplifies how AI can shift from insights to action—if embedded correctly into workflows and decision-making.

Throughout the episode, Justin stresses the importance of human-centred design and empathy-driven AI development. He explains how his team begins by deeply immersing themselves in business processes to ensure AI solutions are not only technically sound but also usable and trusted by the people they serve. The conversation also explores Southwest’s partnerships with AWS and Anthropic, and how these collaborations enable rapid development and responsible scaling of both traditional and generative AI.

For technology and business leaders aiming to move AI out of the lab and into production—without losing momentum or mission—this episode offers a tactical, no-fluff perspective from the frontlines of enterprise transformation. 

Justin shares his perspective on:

- Operationalising AI in complex environments 
- Forecasting disruption through predictive modelling 
- Embedding AI into business workflows 
- Breaking down barriers to AI scale
- Driving AI outcomes with cloud strategy 

Visit mlarteka.com/podcast to learn more about each guest and read key insights for every episode.

Vipul Lalka, Vice President of Canadian Personal Banking Digital Transformation and Strategy at TD, joins Behind the Growth to discuss how technology is reshaping banking. He breaks down the challenges and opportunities in driving digital adoption, from modernizing legacy systems to meeting evolving customer expectations.

He shares insights on TD’s approach to digital strategy—balancing innovation with security, enhancing customer experiences, and staying ahead in a competitive landscape. Vipul also highlights the role of AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making in shaping the bank’s future. 

Imran and Vipul dive into the human side of transformation, exploring how culture, leadership, and collaboration drive change. From redefining customer journeys to navigating regulatory frameworks, this episode unpacks the key elements of digital banking success. Whether you're in financial services or leading digital change in another industry, Vipul’s expertise offers valuable takeaways. 

Vipul shared his perspective on:   
- Aligning technology with business
- Engaging digital banking customers
- Differentiating in the technology space
- The value in nurturing your network
- Navigating career transitions and progression

Visit mlarteka.com/podcast to learn more about each guest and read key insights for every episode.

In this episode of Behind the Growth, Imran Mian speaks with Shalu Bains, Chief Information and Analytics Officer at Trillium Health Partners, about the vital role of technology and analytics in modern healthcare. Shalu shares how her non-clinical background enables her to drive impactful change through data-driven solutions, emphasizing the importance of understanding client needs and supporting them through technological transitions. She highlights the effectiveness of co-designing solutions and maintaining open communication during large-scale transformations. 

Shalu discusses how Trillium Health Partners leverages data to understand community health needs, enhance capacity planning, and address health equity gaps. She offers practical examples of how data-driven insights inform decision-making and improve patient care. 

Finally, Shalu provides valuable advice for aspiring leaders in digital health and analytics. She emphasizes the importance of gaining a deep understanding of the healthcare system, cultivating a strong professional network, and seeking guidance from mentors. Shalu encourages listeners to embrace change and innovation to make a meaningful impact in this dynamic field. 

Shalu shares insights on:

– Co-designing solutions with frontline staff 
– Understanding community health needs 
– Addressing health equity gaps 
– The dependence on data in healthcare 
– Cultivating a strong professional network 

Visit mlarteka.com/podcast to learn more about each guest and read key insights for every episode.

In this episode of Behind the Growth, host Imran Mian speaks with Saby Waraich, CIO and CISO at Clackamas Community College, about transformative leadership and the evolving role of technology in education. Saby shares his unique leadership framework, CARES (Communicate, Adapt, Relationships, Empathy, Stay Calm), which emphasizes compassion and adaptability in navigating organizational change. He delves into the pitfalls of fear-based management and explains how trust and empowerment drive meaningful transformation. 

The conversation also explores the intersection of technology and leadership. Saby highlights the accelerating impact of AI and cybersecurity on the education sector, stressing the need for organizations to adapt quickly to technological advancements. He shares real-world examples of leveraging generative AI to streamline operations and discusses the importance of public-private partnerships in preparing students for future workforce demands. 

Through personal stories, Saby illustrates how leaders can inspire teams, overcome challenges, and foster resilience in high-pressure environments. 

 Saby shares his insights on:
- Preventing transformation failures 
- Public-private collaborations 
- Setting clear expectations 
- Building stronger team relationships
- Accelerating decision-making 

Visit mlarteka.com/podcast to learn more about each guest and read key insights for every episode.