BetterTech

In this episode of Better Tech, we sit down with Scott Andersen, Solution Architect at Verizon Enterprise Solutions and former CTO and Managing Partner at Microsoft. Scott brings a wealth of experience from his dynamic career in technology leadership and innovation.Drawing from his background in both education and enterprise tech, Scott shares how AI is transforming classrooms and empowering teachers, providing personalized learning experiences for students. He also delves into the broader implications of AI in business and society, exploring the potential of true AI to think and respond in ways humans can’t.

In this episode of Better Tech, host Jocelyn Houle chats with Jamie Spradlin, Vice Chancellor & CISO at Maricopa Community Colleges, about his unorthodox journey from military intelligence to cybersecurity leadership. They explore the unique security challenges in higher education, the impact of AI on cyber threats, and why communication is key in security leadership. Jamie also shares insights on proactive vs. reactive security strategies and how organizations can stay ahead of cyber risks. He emphasizes the importance of understanding motivation in leadership and how cybersecurity teams can build trust across an organization. From navigating rapid technological shifts to creating strong security cultures, Jamie provides valuable lessons for security leaders at any stage of their career.

In this episode of the Better Tech podcast, host Jocelyn Byrne Houle speaks with Russ Felker,

CTO at Trinity Logistics, about the growing cyber threats in logistics and supply chain security.

Russ breaks down how fraud is evolving, highlighting strategic fraud, social engineering, and

identity theft that threaten businesses worldwide. He discusses AI’s role in both attacking and

defending digital assets and provides insights into modern cybercrime trends, including

industry-specific phishing and AI-powered impersonation.

In this episode of the Better Tech podcast, Colin McCarthy chats with Andy Goodfellow, SVP and CTO of Zoro, to explore his career journey and the transformative role of technology in the distribution industry. Andy shares how his technical leadership and customer-centric approach have redefined Zoro’s operations, transforming it into a technology-driven powerhouse. The discussion delves into building empowered teams, leveraging AI and data for innovation, and maintaining a balance between operational efficiency and future readiness. Andy also highlights the importance of clean data as the foundation for AI applications and reflects on how people-centric leadership fosters team growth and success.

In this episode of the Better Tech podcast, host Jocelyn Houle engages in a conversation with Angela Mesa, Global Director at Cisco, about fostering leadership and embracing innovation in a dynamic technology landscape. Angela shares her journey at Cisco, discussing how her adaptability and curiosity have shaped her approach to leadership and data-driven decision-making. The discussion highlights Cisco’s focus on AI and decision intelligence, emphasizing advancements in predictive analytics and supply chain optimization. Angela emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of trust, structuring teams for innovation, and celebrating failure as a step toward success. She concludes by reflecting on her personal experiences and the critical role of mentorship and collaboration in driving growth.

In this podcast episode, Tim B. Morthorst, Director of AI and Automation at EY, joins host Shahzad Cheema to explore the evolution of generative AI beyond content creation into strategic business functions. Tim delves into its applications in decision-making, product development, and automation while addressing the challenges organizations face in scaling AI initiatives. He emphasizes the importance of understanding business problems before diving into technology and shares insights on regional differences in AI adoption and the emergence of AI-driven business models. \

In this episode of the Better Tech podcast, host Jocelyn Houle speaks with Michael Taylor, CTO and EVP of Worldwide Tech, about the intersection of innovation and leadership in technology. They delve into the company’s culture of innovation, the role of leadership in fostering creativity, and the importance of learning from mistakes. Mike shares insights on the evolving landscape of AI, emphasizing the need for speed in adopting AI technologies and establishing a center of excellence. The discussion highlights the practical application of innovation strategies in real-world scenarios, particularly in customer service and coding, and the cultural shifts required to embrace AI. Michael also underscores the value of diverse perspectives and community engagement in driving technology initiatives.

In this episode of the Better Tech podcast, host Colin McCarthy speaks with Shardul Vikram, CTO and Head of Data and AI at SAP, about how AI is reshaping customer experience. They explore SAP's innovative AI tools like SAP Jewel and the SAP CXAI Toolkit, which integrate generative AI solutions into workflows. Shardul shares insights on ethical AI practices, safeguarding data privacy, and how AI-driven solutions enhance customer interactions and streamline operations. The conversation emphasizes the transformative potential of generative AI and its role in driving digital transformation across industries.

In this episode of the Better Tech podcast, host Jocelyn Houle talks with Dr. Seth Dobrin, founder and CEO of Qantm AI, about the risks of AI creating a one-sided view of the world. Dr. Dobrin explains how most AI systems are built with limited perspectives and data, often missing representation from many cultures and regions.They discuss ways to make AI more inclusive, like using diverse data and smaller, focused AI models. Dr. Dobrin also shares ideas on how governments, companies, and developers can work together to create fair and responsible AI systems that benefit everyone.

In this podcast episode, Jocelyn Houle interviews Nishtha Jain, Head of Innovation and Digital Technology at Takeda to discuss AI’s transformative role in the biopharma industry. They explore how AI streamlines drug discovery, improves clinical trials, and enhances patient outcomes. The conversation covers challenges like data quality, strategic AI adoption, and navigating regulatory landscapes. Jain also highlights ethical considerations, including data security and human oversight, and initiatives promoting health equity in clinical trials. The episode concludes with key insights for innovators, focusing on impactful solutions, collaboration, and regulatory compliance.