In our "Making Sense of AI in 2025" webinar, our host Gert Jan van Halem and experts discussed three key trends shaping the future of AI: Agentic AI, AI-Augmented Development, and Compliance & Sovereignty. Each session provided valuable insights into how AI is evolving, its impact on industries, and the challenges and opportunities it presents.

Did you miss the webinar? Listen to the podcast version to access the key takeaways from each session and learn how to build an AI strategy that makes sense using the TechRadar by Devoteam.

In this episode of the CIO Confessions podcast, host Gert Jan van Halem sits down with Rasmus Rasmussen, Demant's VP (Enterprise Platforms, Infrastructure & Security), a global leader in hearing healthcare. This episode explores the unique challenges and opportunities of leading IT within a company dedicated to empowering millions through the richness of sound. Discover how Rasmus deals with the complexities of a global organisation spanning hearing care retail, hearing aid manufacturing, and diagnostic products.

Learn about Demant's divisionalised IT structure, designed to align closely with diverse business needs, and the strategic approach to managing global IT platforms and infrastructure... Gain valuable insights into balancing innovation with the sensitive nature of healthcare and the critical importance of data security, particularly in light of past cybersecurity incidents... This episode also delves into Demant's unique, research-driven culture, the challenges of attracting IT talent in a niche market, and their global strategy for building a cohesive team across diverse geographical locations.

• The importance of aligning IT strategy closely with diverse business units in a complex organisation.
• The critical and often underestimated role of IT security, especially in sensitive sectors like healthcare.
• The ongoing balancing act between leveraging cloud technologies and maintaining on-premises infrastructure, driven by factors like cost and specific workload requirements.
• The significance of people, both the end-users and the IT team, in driving success, even within a deeply technical company.
• The unique challenges and innovative solutions required for attracting and retaining IT talent in niche markets and across global locations.

In this episode of the CIO Confessions podcast, host Gert Jan van Halem sits down with Thijs Baars, Last Mile Solution's Chief Technology Officer. Thijs is passionate about the transformative power of IT, data, and AI/ML, seeing them as critical drivers for organisations to thrive in this new era. At Last Mile Solutions, he is committed to leveraging technology as a competitive edge, driving strategic growth and innovation.

In this new episode, Thijs discusses the challenges of scaling their platform to handle increasing transaction volumes while balancing stability and innovation. He explains the decision to move towards cloud infrastructure, driven by the need to optimise team efficiency and leverage cloud-based tooling. The conversation also explores emerging challenges like QR code fraud and the importance of thinking "two steps ahead" when managing fast-growing technology companies. Thijs offers insights into balancing immediate needs with long-term strategic planning within the e-mobility industry.

5 lessons you will learn from this episode:

• E-mobility is a rapidly growing and socially relevant industry.
• Scaling technology requires strategic shifts.
• Balancing innovation and stability is crucial.
• The cloud is a game-changer for operational efficiency.
• Fraud and security are emerging challenges in e-mobility.

In this episode of the CIO Confessions podcast, host Gert Jan van Halem sits down with Adam Banks, former CIO/CTO of Visa and AP Moller Maersk. Adam has great experience leading IT in large global companies and startups and serving on the board of eight diverse businesses.

Adam shares his unique perspective on digital transformation, emphasising that it's about generating new revenue streams by leveraging customer intimacy and building new capabilities rather than simply improving existing IT systems.

• Digital transformation is about generating new revenue, not just improving IT.
• CIOs need to understand the business deeply and communicate the value of technology in business terms.
• Developing strong EQ and people skills is mandatory to lead effectively.
• Balance management and leadership styles are crucial.
• Embrace enterprise architecture as a strategic tool.

This episode features Martynas Sarapinas, Chief Transformation Officer at Girteka, Europe’s largest transportation company. Martynas discusses his unique career journey, transitioning from a finance and fintech background to leading logistics industry transformation. He highlights the distinctive challenges and opportunities presented by logistics' commodity nature, emphasising the need for cost efficiency and exceptional customer experiences.

The conversation explores:

● The evolution of the CIO role into a more strategic, business-focused position.

● The importance of stakeholder management and building trust with business leaders.

● Girteka's approach to scaling operations and leveraging technology for process optimisation.

● How the company utilises AI and machine learning to tackle industry challenges like empty mileage.

● The impact of AI on the logistics sector and its potential for future disruption.

Join us as we learn from Martynas' insights on driving transformation, embracing innovation, and navigating the complexities of the ever-evolving logistics landscape.

This episode of "CIO Confessions" features an interview with Benne Holwerda, the CIO of the Rivas Zorggroep, a Dutch healthcare organisation. Benne discusses his role in navigating the challenges of integrating technology into a human-centric industry, emphasising the importance of process redesign and user-centric design over simply introducing new technologies. He highlights the specific challenges of working in healthcare, where patient data privacy and doctor-led innovation present unique hurdles. Benne also explores the potential of AI in healthcare, outlining both the opportunities and the ethical considerations surrounding its application.

In this pilot episode of "CIO Confessions" Natalie Bachour, Devoteam's CIO, discusses the challenges and opportunities she faces as a leader in the tech world, particularly in light of the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI). In this discussion with CIO Confessions's host, Gert Jan van Halem, she highlights the importance of balancing day-to-day operations with long-term strategic planning in a dynamic environment. Nathalie also shares her perspective on how AI will impact the workplace, particularly the service desk, and the need for responsible social change to address the potential job displacement. Devoteam's CIO emphasises investing in people, finding talent, and empowering teams to succeed.