Discover how to turn decades of data into a competitive edge, build lasting customer relationships beyond the first click, and apply AI in ways that truly drive impact. Joining us is Vineet Mahajan, CTO of US News & World Report, who shares how he’s led the 90-year-old brand through a sweeping digital transformation. From rearchitecting infrastructure to deploying semantic search, generative AI, and agentic tools, Vineet explains how his team is reimagining what a legacy institution can become—and what every tech leader can take from that journey.

Key Moments:

• 00:00 Meet Vineet Mahajan, CTO of US News & World Report
• 04:45 How to Unlock the True Value of Your Data
• 09:55 Why First-Party Data Is Key to Building Customer Relationships
• 14:32 What Is Semantic Search and How Can Generative AI Improve UX?
• 18:39 How to Overcome Data Cleaning and Structuring Challenges
• 21:18 How to Evaluate Emerging Tech Trends (Like Agentic AI)
• 25:43 How to Lead Change: Data Governance and Digital Transformation
• 32:38 What’s Next for US News & World Report and the Future of AI-Driven Strategy

-- 

Brightspot is the leading content management platform built for modern teams. Your content lifecycle - from ideation to archival - moves faster, handling any volume, variety, or velocity with ease. 

Unlike legacy platforms that demand heavy dev work and struggle with scale, Brightspot is user-friendly, endlessly customizable, and enterprise-ready. Think dynamic, modern experiences, shipped in minutes—not months. 

Trusted by some of the world’s leading tech organizations, Brightspot reduces total cost of ownership, boosts productivity, and gives you the governance, security, and performance your teams need. 

Visit brightspot.com/ITVisionaries to learn more.

---

This episode was produced by the team at Mission.org and brought to you by Brightspot.

IT leaders in regulated industries know the pain of navigating outdated, slow procurement systems – especially when critical missions depend on modern tools. 

In this episode, Bryana Tucci, Lead of the AWS Marketplace for the US Intelligence Community, shares how government agencies are overcoming legacy procurement bottlenecks to access cutting-edge software, AI tools, and cloud services faster and more securely.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Why traditional government procurement can take up to two years – and how that’s changing.
• How air-gapped environments complicate innovation and what’s being done about it.
• How generative AI is reshaping national security workflows.
• What kinds of tech companies are best positioned to succeed in the public sector.

This episode is a must-listen for IT leaders interested in procurement innovation, cloud adoption in secure environments, and where AI fits into the future of public sector IT. Enjoy!

Key Moments

• 00:00 Meet Bryana Tucci, AWS
• 06:58 The Pain Point: Procurement Then vs. Now
• 11:31 Unique Challenges in Public Sector Tech
• 15:55 The Long Road to Selling in Government
• 19:23 Vetting and Onboarding Sellers (how to meet federal standards)
• 23:49 Government + AI: A Game-Changer
• 30:34 Cost Efficiency, Saving Time, and the Future of Procurement
• 41:46 What’s Next for AWS Marketplace

-- 

Brightspot is the leading content management platform built for modern teams. Your content lifecycle - from ideation to archival - moves faster, handling any volume, variety, or velocity with ease. 

Unlike legacy platforms that demand heavy dev work and struggle with scale, Brightspot is user-friendly, endlessly customizable, and enterprise-ready. Think dynamic, modern experiences, shipped in minutes—not months. 

Trusted by some of the world’s leading tech organizations, Brightspot reduces total cost of ownership, boosts productivity, and gives you the governance, security, and performance your teams need. 

Visit brightspot.com/ITVisionaries to learn more.

---

This episode was produced by the team at Mission.org and brought to you by Brightspot.

Feeling buried under content chaos? You're not alone. Ravi Singh, President and Chief Product Officer at Brightspot, joins us to break down how IT leaders can regain control, cut through AI-generated noise, and build scalable, secure content systems. He shares the secrets behind Brightspot’s success with some of the world’s biggest brands, explains how to avoid costly AI missteps, and reveals how to keep creators at the center of your digital strategy.

Key Moments

• 0:00 Meet Ravi Singh, President and CPO of Brightspot
• 4:02 What Brightspot Does and Who They Serve
• 6:33 Tackling Content Sprawl at Scale
• 10:34 Enforcing Governance and Brand Voice with CMS + AI
• 18:13 Empowering Creators with AI, Not Replacing Them
• 22:46 Common Mistakes IT Leaders Make with AI Adoption
• 32:32 Building Trust and Security Through CMS Capabilities
• 37:47 The Pressure to Create More with Less: How to Adapt
• 40:38 Choosing the Right CMS: What IT Leaders Need to Know
• 45:54 Measuring CMS Success and Business Impact
• 50:10 Future Trends in Content Management and AI Integration

-- 

Brightspot is the leading content management platform built for modern teams. Your content lifecycle - from ideation to archival - moves faster, handling any volume, variety, or velocity with ease. 

Unlike legacy platforms that demand heavy dev work and struggle with scale, Brightspot is user-friendly, endlessly customizable, and enterprise-ready. Think dynamic, modern experiences, shipped in minutes—not months. 

Trusted by some of the world’s leading tech organizations, Brightspot reduces total cost of ownership, boosts productivity, and gives you the governance, security, and performance your teams need. 

Visit brightspot.com/ITVisionaries to learn more.

---

This episode was produced by the team at Mission.org and brought to you by Brightspot.

Meet Chris Brandt, the new host of IT Visionaries.

In this special episode, outgoing host Albert Chou passes the mic to Chris—a seasoned Technology Strategist with a passion for connecting bold ideas to real business outcomes.

Chris’s career spans startups to global enterprises, from building an EMP-shielded data center deep underground to deploying 200PB HPC environments in Fintech. His expertise includes business strategy, IT operations, security, and network architecture.

Outside of work, he enjoys life with his wife Julie, their two kids, Lily and Camden, and their dog, Hobs.

Get to know the new voice behind IT Visionaries—and what’s coming next.

-- 

Brightspot is the leading content management platform built for modern teams. Your content lifecycle - from ideation to archival - moves faster, handling any volume, variety, or velocity with ease. 

Unlike legacy platforms that demand heavy dev work and struggle with scale, Brightspot is user-friendly, endlessly customizable, and enterprise-ready. Think dynamic, modern experiences, shipped in minutes—not months. 

Trusted by some of the world’s leading tech organizations, Brightspot reduces total cost of ownership, boosts productivity, and gives you the governance, security, and performance your teams need. 

Visit brightspot.com/ITVisionaries to learn more.

---

This episode was produced by the team at Mission.org and brought to you by Brightspot.

Are data-driven decisions overrated? On this special roundtable episode, we challenge the conventional wisdom that more data always leads to better outcomes. Our guests, Kevin McEvilly, Andrew Fox, and Mike Della Porta, discuss the pitfalls of relying solely on analytics and the importance of human insight in crafting successful marketing strategies. Are you ready to rethink your approach?

Tune in to learn:

• Diversity is a significant challenge in the tech space.
• Agencies have always been technology-focused.
• The landscape of marketing is increasingly complicated.
• Investment in technology infrastructure is essential.
• Data governance is critical for effective decision-making.
• Human intuition plays a vital role alongside data.
• Organizations must adapt to rapid technological changes.
• Collaboration across departments enhances decision-making.
• The right questions lead to better insights and outcomes.

Mentions:

• Della Porta Consulting
• Unista
• Canvas Worldwide

--

Imagine a world where your data flows like electricity—unseen, yet powering everything you do. A world where high availability, low latency, and disaster recovery are not just expectations but realities. Welcome to the future, powered by Zayo's network.

In a world that never stops, Zayo is the network underneath it all, helping the most innovative and forward-thinking companies grow. Because Zayo doesn't just connect places, they connect possibilities. Zayo connects what's next for you.

Discover the power of Zayo’s network today. Visit https://go.zayo.com/network/itvisionaries
 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at 

mission.org

-- 

Brightspot is the leading content management platform built for modern teams. Your content lifecycle - from ideation to archival - moves faster, handling any volume, variety, or velocity with ease. 

Unlike legacy platforms that demand heavy dev work and struggle with scale, Brightspot is user-friendly, endlessly customizable, and enterprise-ready. Think dynamic, modern experiences, shipped in minutes—not months. 

Trusted by some of the world’s leading tech organizations, Brightspot reduces total cost of ownership, boosts productivity, and gives you the governance, security, and performance your teams need. 

Visit brightspot.com/ITVisionaries to learn more.

---

This episode was produced by the team at Mission.org and brought to you by Brightspot.

On this episode, Andy Tay, Senior Managing Director, Cloud First Lead Accenture Cloud First, Accenture, discusses the critical role of digital transformation and AI readiness for businesses. He emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong digital core, which includes infrastructure, data strategies, and responsible AI practices, and he shares insights on the common pitfalls companies face when adopting AI and highlights successful case studies, particularly in the fast food industry.

Key Insights:

• AI readiness requires a strong digital core with seven foundational elements.
• Companies must embrace responsible AI to avoid ethical pitfalls.
• The success of AI initiatives often hinges on the people involved.
• Technical debt can increase with rapid AI adoption if not managed properly.
• Successful companies balance innovation with strategic investments.
• Understanding customer preferences is key to enhancing engagement.
• Digital transformation is a continuous journey, not a one-time effort.
• Collaboration with partners can accelerate digital initiatives.
• A strong infrastructure is essential for effective AI implementation.

--

Imagine a world where your data flows like electricity—unseen, yet powering everything you do. A world where high availability, low latency, and disaster recovery are not just expectations but realities. Welcome to the future, powered by Zayo's network.

In a world that never stops, Zayo is the network underneath it all, helping the most innovative and forward-thinking companies grow. Because Zayo doesn't just connect places, they connect possibilities. Zayo connects what's next for you.

Discover the power of Zayo’s network today. Visit https://go.zayo.com/network/itvisionaries
 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org.

-- 

Brightspot is the leading content management platform built for modern teams. Your content lifecycle - from ideation to archival - moves faster, handling any volume, variety, or velocity with ease. 

Unlike legacy platforms that demand heavy dev work and struggle with scale, Brightspot is user-friendly, endlessly customizable, and enterprise-ready. Think dynamic, modern experiences, shipped in minutes—not months. 

Trusted by some of the world’s leading tech organizations, Brightspot reduces total cost of ownership, boosts productivity, and gives you the governance, security, and performance your teams need. 

Visit brightspot.com/ITVisionaries to learn more.

---

This episode was produced by the team at Mission.org and brought to you by Brightspot.

 On this episode, Janet Cinfio, Chief Information Officer of Acxiom, discusses the company's role in marketing intelligence and data management, the importance of balancing privacy with personalized marketing experiences, the need for responsible innovation in technology, and the significance of encouraging diversity in STEM careers.

Key Insights:

• Personalization in marketing is crucial for consumer engagement.
• Brands are closer to understanding consumer preferences without identification.
• How Acxiom employs machine learning for data preparation and real-time insights.
• Privacy by design is integral to Acxiom's solutions.
• Diversity in STEM is essential for innovation and growth.
• Investing in young people's interest in STEM is vital for the future.
• Collaboration between technology and business strategy is key.

–

Imagine a world where your data flows like electricity—unseen, yet powering everything you do. A world where high availability, low latency, and disaster recovery are not just expectations but realities. Welcome to the future, powered by Zayo's network.

In a world that never stops, Zayo is the network underneath it all, helping the most innovative and forward-thinking companies grow. Because Zayo doesn't just connect places, they connect possibilities. Zayo connects what's next for you.

Discover the power of Zayo’s network today. Visit https://go.zayo.com/network/itvisionaries

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org.

-- 

Brightspot is the leading content management platform built for modern teams. Your content lifecycle - from ideation to archival - moves faster, handling any volume, variety, or velocity with ease. 

Unlike legacy platforms that demand heavy dev work and struggle with scale, Brightspot is user-friendly, endlessly customizable, and enterprise-ready. Think dynamic, modern experiences, shipped in minutes—not months. 

Trusted by some of the world’s leading tech organizations, Brightspot reduces total cost of ownership, boosts productivity, and gives you the governance, security, and performance your teams need. 

Visit brightspot.com/ITVisionaries to learn more.

---

This episode was produced by the team at Mission.org and brought to you by Brightspot.

On this episode, Ahmad Bahai, CTO of Texas Instruments, discusses the importance of innovation in the semiconductor industry and the challenges of meeting the increasing demands for faster, more efficient technology. He highlights the need for disruptive innovation to keep up with the exponential growth of data and the widening gap between hardware capabilities and demand. Bahai emphasizes the role of problem-solving and risk management in the innovation process, as well as the importance of talent and multidisciplinary approaches. He also touches on the power of human intuition and the limitations of AI in replicating it.

Key Insights:

• Texas Instruments is a leading semiconductor company specializing in analog and embedded processing.
• Dr. Ahmad Bahai's role as CTO is to identify strategic and disruptive innovations for TI's product lines.
• TI addresses challenges in energy efficiency, connectivity, and intelligence in electronic systems.
• Engagement with customers and suppliers is crucial for understanding system requirements and driving innovation. The semiconductor industry is constantly pushing for innovation to meet the increasing demands for faster, more efficient technology.
• Disruptive innovation is necessary to bridge the widening gap between hardware capabilities and the exponential growth of data.
• Problem-solving and risk management are crucial in the innovation process, balancing the need for progress with calculated risks.
• Talent is essential in driving innovation, and a multidisciplinary approach can lead to new perspectives and breakthroughs.
• Human intuition plays a significant role in innovation and is difficult to replicate with AI.

--

Imagine a world where your data flows like electricity—unseen, yet powering everything you do. A world where high availability, low latency, and disaster recovery are not just expectations but realities. Welcome to the future, powered by Zayo's network.
 

In a world that never stops, Zayo is the network underneath it all, helping the most innovative and forward-thinking companies grow. Because Zayo doesn't just connect places, they connect possibilities. Zayo connects what's next for you.

Discover the power of Zayo’s network today. Visit https://go.zayo.com/network/itvisionaries

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org.

-- 

Brightspot is the leading content management platform built for modern teams. Your content lifecycle - from ideation to archival - moves faster, handling any volume, variety, or velocity with ease. 

Unlike legacy platforms that demand heavy dev work and struggle with scale, Brightspot is user-friendly, endlessly customizable, and enterprise-ready. Think dynamic, modern experiences, shipped in minutes—not months. 

Trusted by some of the world’s leading tech organizations, Brightspot reduces total cost of ownership, boosts productivity, and gives you the governance, security, and performance your teams need. 

Visit brightspot.com/ITVisionaries to learn more.

---

This episode was produced by the team at Mission.org and brought to you by Brightspot.

On this episode, Tony Lambert, CTO of TechSmith, discusses how TechSmith stays at the forefront of innovation by listening to customer needs, conducting research, and staying informed about industry trends. Plus, he explains why TechSmith has invested in content creation roles and how, in the future, video AI may be able to diagram manual skills, teach soft skills, and provide more advanced editing capabilities.

Tune in to learn:

• How the screen recording industry has evolved, with more tools entering the market and screen capture becoming more prevalent.
• How TechSmith stays at the forefront of innovation by listening to customer needs, conducting research, and staying informed about industry trends.
• Why TechSmith prioritizes the end-user experience while also considering the needs of enterprise customers and addressing security and privacy concerns.
• How the company culture at TechSmith fosters longevity and loyalty among its engineers, who appreciate the focus on work-life balance, support for experimentation, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. 
• How TechSmith uses its own products for documentation, project management, and HR training.
• Why the company has invested in content creation roles and leverages visual communication tools.
• Whether in the future, video AI may be able to diagram manual skills, teach soft skills, and provide more advanced editing capabilities

--

Imagine a world where your data flows like electricity—unseen, yet powering everything you do. A world where high availability, low latency, and disaster recovery are not just expectations but realities. Welcome to the future, powered by Zayo's network.

In a world that never stops, Zayo is the network underneath it all, helping the most innovative and forward-thinking companies grow. Because Zayo doesn't just connect places, they connect possibilities. Zayo connects what's next for you.

Discover the power of Zayo’s network today. Visit https://go.zayo.com/network/itvisionaries

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org.

-- 

Brightspot is the leading content management platform built for modern teams. Your content lifecycle - from ideation to archival - moves faster, handling any volume, variety, or velocity with ease. 

Unlike legacy platforms that demand heavy dev work and struggle with scale, Brightspot is user-friendly, endlessly customizable, and enterprise-ready. Think dynamic, modern experiences, shipped in minutes—not months. 

Trusted by some of the world’s leading tech organizations, Brightspot reduces total cost of ownership, boosts productivity, and gives you the governance, security, and performance your teams need. 

Visit brightspot.com/ITVisionaries to learn more.

---

This episode was produced by the team at Mission.org and brought to you by Brightspot.

On this episode, Leslie Beavers, the acting Chief Information Officer for the Department of Defense, discusses the role and responsibilities of the Department of Defense (DoD) in defending the nation. The DoD is responsible for coordinating all IT efforts within the department, as well as warfighting command control and communications. With a budget of $60 billion annually and over 4 million people across the globe, Ms. Beavers emphasizes the importance of interoperability and integration within the department, as well as the need for a streamlined acquisition process and organizational change strategy.

Tune in to learn:

• The Department of Defense’s responsibilities in for defending the nation and coordinating all IT efforts within the department.
• Why interoperability and integration are key challenges in aligning the various branches and agencies within the DoD.
• How the DoD aims to utilize commercial off-the-shelf solutions as much as possible, but modifications are often necessary to meet unique requirements.
• Why organizational change and education are crucial in driving technology strategy and ensuring alignment and cooperation across the department.

Imagine a world where your data flows like electricity—unseen, yet powering everything you do. A world where high availability, low latency, and disaster recovery are not just expectations but realities. Welcome to the future, powered by Zayo's network.

In a world that never stops, Zayo is the network underneath it all, helping the most innovative and forward-thinking companies grow. Because Zayo doesn't just connect places, they connect possibilities. Zayo connects what's next for you.

Discover the power of Zayo’s network today. Visit https://go.zayo.com/network/itvisionaries

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org.

-- 

Brightspot is the leading content management platform built for modern teams. Your content lifecycle - from ideation to archival - moves faster, handling any volume, variety, or velocity with ease. 

Unlike legacy platforms that demand heavy dev work and struggle with scale, Brightspot is user-friendly, endlessly customizable, and enterprise-ready. Think dynamic, modern experiences, shipped in minutes—not months. 

Trusted by some of the world’s leading tech organizations, Brightspot reduces total cost of ownership, boosts productivity, and gives you the governance, security, and performance your teams need. 

Visit brightspot.com/ITVisionaries to learn more.

---

This episode was produced by the team at Mission.org and brought to you by Brightspot.