In this razor-sharp episode, Phil sits down with John Hagel III, a seasoned technology leader with over 40 years in Silicon Valley, to explore the deep-rooted changes shaping the tech industry. Reflecting on his decades of experience, from founding Deloitte's Center for the Edge to senior roles at Atari and McKinsey, Hagel offers a unique lens on the rapid evolution of technology. They discuss the pivotal role of AI in today's landscape, comparing the current wave of innovation to the early days of the internet, while emphasizing the interconnected nature of emerging technologies like quantum computing.

Hagel also challenges the traditional motivations behind technological adoption, contrasting fear-driven urgency with the potential of opportunity-driven transformation. He examines why most decision-makers are hesitant about AI, even as it promises exponential change. Throughout the conversation, Hagel critiques the slow pace of enterprise innovation, highlighting the burden of legacy systems and technical debt. He advocates for a shift from "scalable efficiency" models to "scalable learning," suggesting that the future lies in nurturing adaptability and growth rather than focusing solely on cost-cutting.

In this episode, Phil Fersht interviews Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant, to examine the shifting dynamics of the tech services industry.  They explore whether the recent industry slowdown is a fleeting downturn or indicative of deeper structural changes, while also unpacking the ripple effects of rising capital costs and geopolitical turbulence.  Ravi talks about how companies are recalibrating their focus toward more sustainable, value-driven technology investments, moving away from discretionary spending.

Drawing on a study with Oxford Economics, Ravi challenges the common narrative of AI as a mere cost-cutting tool, positioning it instead as a catalyst for amplifying human potential, bridging productivity gaps, and driving economic growth. He draws parallels to past tech revolutions like offshoring and cloud adoption but argues that AI holds a deeper promise - one that could not only streamline operations but also dismantle technical debt and revolutionize software development processes.

From the Horse's Mouth: Intrepid Conversations with Phil Fersht isn't just another tech podcast - it's a reality check on the world of technological disruptions; examining the role of responsible innovation in building a more sustainable and enlightened future.

With Phil’s unapologetic style, our listeners will be treated to deep, no-nonsense analysis and diverse perspectives that are essential for those looking to understand the future implications of current and emerging technologies.

Each episode will feature candid, thought-provoking conversations, promising invaluable insights and a refreshingly honest perspective on the complex interplay between technology, business, and ideological systems.

Don't miss the three-part premiere of Season One: Generation AI - Applied Intelligence & the Future of Work.

It hits the airwaves on Friday, September 27th at 11:00 am EDT and features:

⭐️ Laura Gassner Otting, Wall St Journal best-selling author of 'Wonderhell', a regular contributor to Good Morning America, the TODAY Show, and Oprah Daily.

⭐️ John Hagel, Futurist, Best Selling Author of 'Journey Beyond Fear.'

⭐️ Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant and services tech visionary.