Infoversity: Exploring the intersection of information, technology and society

AI is changing not only how companies use technology, but also the skills technology leaders need to succeed. In this episode of Infoversity, Heineken USA CIO and Senior Vice President of Digital & Technology Frank Iannella joins us to discuss how Heineken is putting AI to work across its business, the challenges of responsible AI adoption, and why leadership, curiosity and the ability to solve business problems are becoming even more important in a rapidly changing technology landscape.

Syracuse University alumnus Sagar Mohan joins Infoversity to discuss his journey from the iSchool to leading engineering teams at Amazon Robotics. He shares how Amazon uses robotics, AI and real-time data at massive scale, along with lessons from entrepreneurship, technical leadership and building high-performing engineering teams.  Plus, Mohan offers advice for students and technology professionals navigating an AI-driven future—including why problem-solving, human judgment and continuous learning matter more than ever.

How do beliefs form—and why do they change? Associate professor Josh Introne explores “belief landscapes,” using AI and data to map how populations think, shift, and polarize. From misinformation to cultural bias in AI, this episode dives into the forces shaping collective intelligence and how we can build more resilient information systems.

In this episode, Taylor Murphy shares her journey from fintech to pharmaceutical innovation, now helping drive an AI-powered transformation at a global scale. She breaks down what it really takes to turn big AI ambitions into operational reality—highlighting the importance of mindset shifts, communication, and organizational design. From agile product thinking to ethical AI governance, Taylor offers a candid look at how companies can move faster, stay human-centered, and empower teams during periods of rapid change—while building careers that adapt and thrive alongside emerging technology.

Dean Jeff Hemsley sits down with Lisa Lindsay '93, founder of Fruity Bubbles Café, to explore her journey from corporate technology leadership to building a thriving, community-centered business. Lisa shares how project management, data-driven decision-making, and cultural inspiration shaped her brand—and what it really takes to turn an idea into a sustainable entrepreneurial venture.

Syracuse University’s first Senior Vice President for Digital Transformation and Chief Digital Officer, Jeff Rubin, joins host Jeff Hemsley to discuss the university’s digital strategy. From AI-powered teaching and learning to data integration and next-generation connectivity, Rubin shares how Syracuse is reimagining the campus experience—and what it takes to lead digital transformation in higher education.

Austin Tousaw, Senior Manager of Global Data Security Operations at McDonald’s and a 2016 Syracuse iSchool graduate, joins Infoversity to share his career journey across cybersecurity, privacy, and data governance. From Fidelity and Deloitte to Meta and McDonald’s, Tousaw discusses how networking, adaptability, and lifelong learning shape success in a fast-changing tech landscape. The conversation also explores AI security, emerging roles in data protection, and what today’s students should know as they prepare for careers in information and technology.

In this first-ever crossover episode of InfoVersity and Libraries Lead, Beth Patin, Associate Professor and Program Director of Syracuse University’s Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program, sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Hemsley, Dean of the School of Information Studies, to explore the future of library education in an era defined by artificial intelligence, misinformation, and social change. 

The conversation examines how Syracuse’s MLIS program is evolving to prepare librarians and information professionals as ethical leaders, community builders, and information first responders. Beth shares her vision for community-responsive librarianship, emphasizing cultural humility, disaster readiness, and socio-emotional skills alongside technical expertise. Jeff reflects on AI literacy, information ethics, and how emerging technologies can amplify—not replace—human-centered information work.

Together, they discuss how libraries serve as anchors during moments of crisis, why engaged community matters more than ever, and how librarians help steward collective memory in times of uncertainty. The episode also highlights innovative library initiatives, from AI education to creative technology spaces and entrepreneurship.

Whether you’re a prospective MLIS student, librarian, educator, or information professional, this episode offers a compelling look at how libraries—and the people who lead them—are shaping a more informed, equitable, and connected future.

In this Infoversity episode, Aaron Revell, Information Security Officer and IT Operations Director at Cynosure, reflects on his path from Syracuse iSchool student to cybersecurity leader. He shares lessons on balancing growth with risk, fostering a security-aware workplace, mentoring teams, and why curiosity and a growth mindset fuel lasting success in tech.

In this Infoversity episode, IT leader and educator Jim Enright shares insights from his doctoral research on women in cybersecurity. He explores how community, mentorship, and curiosity fuel success in cyber programs, offers lessons from Syracuse’s Doctor of Professional Studies, and reveals how educators can inspire students to discover their path.