Behind the Podium

 The "Behind the Podium" podcast, hosted by Jasper Appleton and produced by Fusion Learning Partners, dives deep with speakers beyond their stage appearances. In this episode, Jasper interviews Dr. Jonathan Reikenthal, an accomplished CIO, educator, and author, who shares insights into his professional passions, including technology’s social impact, educating through books, and exploring future city concepts. Dr. Reikenthal discusses his motivations and commitment to projects with positive social effects, particularly with youth, highlighting his activity book for kids to foster urban engagement. He also addresses the pressing challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution—where technology, climate change, and demographic shifts are shaping humanity’s future.

In this episode of Behind the Podium, host Jasper Appleton interviews Dr. Alan Shark, Executive Director of the Public Technology Institute (PTI) and speaker at the upcoming GOVIT Leadership Summit & Symposium. Dr. Shark shares insights on leading PTI for 20 years and highlights the benefits of PTI’s collaboration with Fusion Learning Partners. The conversation touches on Dr. Shark's journey from reluctant public speaker to author of 12 books and podcast host, his fascination with technology, and his commitment to ethical AI and cybersecurity in government. He also discusses personal ethics, like verifying AI-generated information, and shares insights into enterprise AI ethics, emphasizing the need for careful oversight to prevent biases.

Dr. Shark also recounts his unconventional career path, beginning as a college dropout labeled "not college material," followed by military service in Vietnam. Returning from service, he found success in education, eventually leading PTI and influencing public technology policy. Jasper applauds Dr. Shark’s accessible approach to teaching and leadership, appreciating his unique blend of deep knowledge and approachability.

In this episode of Behind the Podium, host Jasper Appleton interviews Rachel Lockett, the 2020 Twin Cities Center Enterprise CIO of the Year and keynote speaker for the 2024 GOVIT Leadership Summit and Symposium. Rachel discusses her 27-year career in technology leadership, highlighting her passion for public speaking, which she attributes to her background in theater. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing people in technology, especially in the age of AI, and shares insights on her writing process for her book The Technology Doesn't Matter. Rachel also touches on how her experiences during the pandemic and a particularly impactful keynote speech motivated her to finish the book. She expresses her excitement for upcoming speaking engagements and the 2024 GOVIT Summit.

The podcast “Behind the Podium” features host Jasper Appleton interviewing Christopher Hine, Director of Customer Engineering at Google, discussing his journey in IT and advocating for the public sector. They delve into topics like Christopher’s experience in writing a movie, the impact of generative AI on education, and the importance of institutionalizing innovation in the government sector.

Key Insights

• Christopher Hine’s background includes a diverse set of experiences, from IT to movie writing, showcasing the importance of creativity and problem-solving in his career.
• The discussion on generative AI highlights its potential to revolutionize education by providing personalized learning experiences and enhancing student outcomes.
• The focus on institutionalizing innovation in the public sector underscores the need for government organizations to adapt to new technologies and improve service delivery.
• Christopher emphasizes the significance of human-centered design in leveraging AI tools effectively to address complex societal challenges.
• The podcast promotes upcoming government IT symposiums and encourages listeners to explore innovative solutions for improving public services.
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How has Christopher Hine’s diverse background influenced his approach to problem-solving in IT and advocating for the public sector?
• Christopher Hine’s experiences in IT and movie writing have shaped his perspective on creativity, communication, and innovation, allowing him to tackle challenges in the public sector effectively.

The podcast episode features a conversation between host Jasper Alvinson and CEO and co-founder of Clockwork, Nancy Lyons. Nancy discusses her journey into public speaking and consulting, her approach to retaining audience engagement, the challenges of creating a harmonious work environment during COVID, the importance of vulnerability and acceptance in the workplace, and her vision for a future work environment based on mutual trust and understanding.

Key Insights

• Nancy’s background in theater has influenced her approach to public speaking and making business lessons engaging.
• She emphasizes the importance of connecting with the audience, being relatable, and representing diversity in leadership roles.
• Nancy believes that fear, judgment, and hierarchy are barriers to creating a healthy work culture.
• She advocates for a workplace that values emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and shared goals.
• Nancy promotes her book “Work Like a Boss” as a resource for challenging traditional work norms and empowering individuals to confront their fears and treat others well.

Welcome to Behind the Podium, a podcast series by Fusion Learning Partners, where you get exclusive insights from top speakers before or after they hit the stage. Join your host, Jasper Appleton, as we explore what drives these individuals and uncover fresh perspectives on crucial topics. In this episode, we welcome Dr. Verna Price, a human potential expert, who shares her journey from the Bahamas to Minneapolis, emphasizing community, collective culture, and the power of connection. Dr. Price discusses her work in promoting racial dialogue and empowering women and people of color in IT, underscoring the importance of cultural representation and collective growth.

Behind the Podium is a podcast by Fusion Learning Partners, hosted by Jasper Appleton. The show offers listeners a chance to hear from speakers beyond the podium, providing insights into their lives and expertise. In this episode, chess grandmaster Maurice Ashley discusses his career, the influence of New York's chess scene, the evolution of chess with technology, and its growing popularity in esports. He also touches on life lessons from chess, the importance of innovation, and the value of learning from losses.

 In this episode of Behind the Podium, host Jasper Appleton interviews Thomas Fisher, director of the Minnesota Design Center and an expert in urban design. They discuss the impact of pandemics on urban design, the importance of equitable access to digital infrastructure, and the principles of design thinking for creating a better world. Fisher emphasizes the need for inclusivity and equity in urban planning, the reimagining of physical spaces in a post-pandemic world, and the potential of the sharing economy to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency.

 In this episode of Behind the Podium, host Jasper Appleton interviews Karen Rewalt, a product manager at IBM specializing in government health and human services. Karen discusses her role in enhancing products for social programs that support citizens in need, particularly during the challenges brought on by COVID-19. She shares her career journey, which began with aspirations to become a pediatrician and evolved through various technical and business roles, ultimately leading to her passion for product management. The conversation highlights how COVID-19 has prompted government agencies to prioritize digital transformation, particularly through cloud computing, to rapidly deliver critical social services. Karen emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs, applying design thinking, and collaborating across teams to build solutions that truly help people. 

In this episode, Jasper talks with Dr. Jonathan Reichental, a top CIO and keynote speaker at the upcoming 2025 GovIT Leadership Summit.

Dr. Reichental, an expert in IT and smart cities, discusses his diverse work, including his consulting business, adjunct teaching roles, and authorship. He highlights his dedication to projects with positive social impact and shares insights on his recent books, particularly those aimed at children, like “Exploring Cities” and “Bedtime Rhymes.” Dr. Reichental emphasizes the importance of engaging young minds in understanding and appreciating their cities through fun and educational content.

He also addresses the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which merges digital, physical, and biological worlds. He discusses the role of AI, climate change, and how city leaders can prepare for these transformations. His company, Human Future, focuses on using technology for social good and sustainable practices.