Prashant Natarajan is a seasoned AI specialist, currently serving as the Vice President at H2O.ai and author of the book “Demystifying AI for the Enterprise.”

With a diverse background in chemical engineering, linguistics, and cognitive psychology, Prashant brings a unique perspective to the world of AI and its implications for businesses and society. He is passionate about making AI accessible and understandable for everyone.

Join Philip Howard as he talks with AI expert Prashant Natarajan about the practical applications of AI for businesses of all sizes. This episode goes beyond the hype to explore how IT leaders, especially in mid-market companies, can leverage AI to enhance productivity, improve decision-making, and create new opportunities. Learn how to identify valuable use cases, navigate the evolving AI landscape, and understand the impact of AI on the future of work.

Nick Bialaszewski is an experienced IT leader with a passion for building high-performing teams. Currently, he serves as an operating partner at Orchid Black, a consultancy firm, and VP of Engineering at Restore for Retail, a retail tech software company.

Nick’s background as a software engineer and his expertise in lean methodologies inform his leadership approach, which emphasizes collaboration, quality, and team well-being.

In this episode of Dissecting Popular IT Nerds, Doug Camin sits down with Nick Bialaszewski, an Operating Partner at Orchid Black and VP of Engineering at Restore for Retail, to explore the nuances of leadership in the IT space. Nick shares his personal journey, highlighting early mistakes and pivotal moments that shaped his leadership philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of leading with empathy, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing team well-being over technical prowess alone. This episode offers valuable insights for IT executives and decision-makers seeking to build high-performing teams and navigate the ever-changing landscape of technology.

Ivanise Gomes is a seasoned IT executive with over 20 years of experience driving business results through creative technology solutions. Having worked with major corporations like General Motors and Eaton, she excels at building strategic partnerships and empowering teams.

Currently, Ivanise serves as Senior IT Business Relationship Manager at Rinnai America Corporation, spearheading their digital transformation journey.

Known for her analytical skills and passion for data-driven decision-making, Ivanise is a strong advocate for inclusion and diversity in the IT field.

Get ready for an insightful conversation with IT leader Ivanise Gomes! Phil Howard and Ivanise discuss her journey from early programming days to becoming a strategic partner in the C-suite. Learn how to bridge the gap between IT and business leadership, ask the right questions to drive results, and go beyond traditional benchmarking methods to find the best solutions for your company. Ivanise shares valuable advice for IT professionals looking to elevate their careers and make a real impact on their organizations.

Eric Doherty, former Visionary President and Major Stockholder at PERSOWN,INC. is a recognized thought leader in healthcare AI. With 30 years of leadership experience in the industry, he is at the forefront of leveraging artificial intelligence to transform patient outcomes. Eric advises organizations on their digital transformation strategies, emphasizing responsible AI development and implementation

Generative AI is rapidly evolving, holding immense promise for revolutionizing industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and beyond. But with great power comes great responsibility.

In this episode, Philip Howard welcomes Eric Doherty to explore both the exciting possibilities and potential pitfalls of generative AI.

How can generative AI be used to improve efficiency, prevent mistakes, and drive positive outcomes for organizations? What are the critical concerns surrounding data privacy, access control, and the potential for misuse? Join Philip and Eric as they explore these crucial questions and delve into the practical applications of this rapidly evolving technology.

Grant Ecker is an accomplished technology leader who currently serves as VP and Chief Architect at a Fortune 500 company. He is the Founder and Chairman of the Board at the Chief Architect Forum, a community he created to connect IT executives for sharing insights and innovations. With over 20 years of experience leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives, Grant is passionate about mentoring the next generation of IT leaders. He holds a BS in Computer Science and an MBA from top-ranked institutions. An avid traveler and reader, Grant enjoys spending time with his wife when he is not working.

In this enlightening discussion, we explore the evolving landscape of technology leadership with Grant Ecker. Drawing from his experience across industries, Grant offers thoughtful perspective on democratizing decision-making to empower domain experts. He provides practical insights on leveraging peer connections to evaluate innovations like AI while maintaining rigorous governance standards. Grant stresses the importance of soft skills like humility, relationship building, and knowledge sharing for emerging IT leaders. Looking ahead, he shares his vision for how technologies like AI could shape the role of the IT architect. Tune in for forward-thinking leadership lessons as Grant reflects on his own diverse journey as a technology executive so far.

The journey is the important part. How many people have I helped along the way?

Download file | Play in new window | Duration: 00:48:08 | Recorded on March 26, 2024

Subscribe: Amazon | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Listen Notes | OwlTail | RSS | Spotify | Stitcher | TuneIn

Exploring the Role of Chief Architect [00:00:20]

Delving into No Code and Low Code Development [00:02:58]

Evolution and Adoption of No Code Solutions [00:04:14]

Metaphorical Silos and Conveyors in Technology [00:06:04]

Loneliness at the Top in IT Leadership [00:11:32]

Understanding IT Governance in Organizations [00:13:42]

Balancing Waterfall and Agile Methodologies [00:17:36]

Exploring AI Innovations in IT Leadership [00:18:47]

Real-life Hiring Experiences at Large Tech Companies [00:20:40]

Navigating Vendor Engagements and Effective Sales Strategies [00:24:36]

Building a Community of Chief Architects and Networking Strategies [00:36:49]

Overcoming Fear and Stepping Out of Comfort Zones [00:43:45]

Nathan Lauderdale is an accomplished IT leader with over 15 years of experience transforming dysfunctional IT environments. He currently serves as the Director of Information Technology at Atwoods Ranch & Home. Nathan specializes in aligning IT strategy with business goals to drive revenue, cut costs, and improve efficiency. He has led IT turnarounds at companies in manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries. Nathan takes a methodical, analytical approach to assessing IT challenges and developing high-impact technology roadmaps. He excels at communicating technology’s value, building trusted partnerships across the business, and delivering robust, cost-effective IT solutions.

What does it take to turn around a dysfunctional IT department? How can technology leaders drive real change in complex environments? In this podcast, we tackle these questions and more in an insightful discussion with IT transformation expert Nathan Lauderdale. Drawing on over 15 years of experience, Nathan shares his perspectives on diagnosing IT challenges, gaining executive trust, and aligning systems with business goals. Expect insights into where IT has been, the obstacles leaders face today, and advice for strategically positioning IT moving forward as we cover legacy debt, budget optimization, and forging partnerships. No matter where you are in your IT leadership journey, you will take away valuable lessons on assessing dysfunctional systems, communicating IT’s value, and maturing environments from the inside out.

John Nara is the Director of Information Technology at Greyhound Lines Inc. He first joined Greyhound as a developer, creating key dispatch and logistics systems. Over time, John moved into IT leadership roles, overseeing teams and major technology initiatives at the company. His passion for motivating staff and building culture has shaped his servant leadership approach. Outside of Greyhound, John has IT experience from organizations including GameStop, Nokia, and UPS. He credits his time in the Navy for exposing him to technology and logistics.

In this insightful discussion, we delve into the evolution of bus technology and the expanding role of the IT leader at Greyhound Lines Inc. Our guest John brings a unique perspective, drawing from his 25+ years of experience at the iconic company to discuss building and modernizing critical dispatch and logistics systems. John offers practical tips for motivating teams, building culture, and developing staff – areas he sees as vital for effective IT leadership. Looking ahead, he provides thoughtful forecasts on emerging technologies like AI and how to ready IT teams at a legacy organization for what’s next. Tune in for practical, forward-thinking insights from John’s diverse IT leadership journey so far at Greyhound.

Aaron Katske is the Vice President of Information Technology at Velo3D, a leader in metal additive manufacturing. With over 15 years of experience, Aaron oversees IT strategy, security, infrastructure, and applications. He has led high-performing teams in various industries including software and manufacturing and is passionate about the revolutionary possibilities of 3D printing and transforming the future of manufacturing. Outside of work, he enjoys scuba diving adventures and exploring the underwater world.

What does it take to transform manufacturing with 3D printing? How is the landscape evolving? In this podcast, we explore these questions and more in an engaging discussion with additive manufacturing leader Aaron Katske. Drawing on over 15 years of experience, Aaron provides perspectives on aligning IT with business goals, assembling top talent, and gaining stakeholder buy-in during rapid growth. Expect a view on the past and future of manufacturing as we cover topics like leveraging technology for strategic impact, hiring the right people for challenges, and visualizing the role you want. No matter where you are in your IT leadership journey, you will gain valuable lessons on maturing organizations and influencing executives from Aaron’s insights. Tune in for a compelling look at how to drive innovation and build high-performing teams.

Steve Cicco is a passionate IT leader with over 20 years of experience driving technology strategy and execution. His dedication to understanding business objectives and commitment to learning new skills have enabled him to sustain engagement across diverse roles and responsibilities over his lengthy tenure in the industry. An avid lifelong learner and puzzle-solver, Steve finds fulfillment in leveraging his extensive tool belt of knowledge to streamline processes and make jobs easier for colleagues through technology innovation and automation.

In this engaging conversation with IT Director at Transitions Optical Steve Cicco, we explore the evolution of his technology career and keys to sustaining passion over the long run. Steve offers insightful perspective, drawing from over 20 years of experience across manufacturing, sales, marketing and business intelligence roles. He discusses pragmatic approaches like maintaining a learning mindset, understanding business objectives, and building systems for supportability. Steve also provides thoughtful forecasts on trends like automation and conveys the expanding role of IT professionals as business partners. Tune in for practical, forward-thinking insights from Steve’s diverse IT journey so far.

Kenny Mullican is an experienced IT leader and CIO at Paragon Films, guiding the company’s technology strategy for over a decade. With a diverse background spanning global experience in the Middle East, coding, startups and enterprise roles, Kenny brings a blend of technical prowess, business acumen and people skills. He believes in mentoring others and maintaining humility when positions change. Kenny is a lifelong learner who turns challenges into growth opportunities.

What skills does it take to effectively lead an IT organization through constant change? How can CIOs guide their teams through ups and downs? We explore these questions and more with IT executive Kenny Mullican. Drawing on over two decades of diverse IT experience, Kenny shares perspectives on maintaining humility and confidence as a leader, overcoming adversity, and focusing on continuous growth. Expect a view on where he’s been, the challenges he faced, and advice for aspiring leaders as we cover enduring setbacks, expanding skills, and shifting mindsets.