Ever wondered what happens when we feel truly safe to create, innovate, and express ourselves authentically? In this episode, Donna Preece-Jones, Creative Leadership Facilitator and founder of the Dynamic Potential Academy, shares her journey from running award-winning, pragmatic personal development support for a university to experiencing a profound personal breakdown—and how creativity became her pathway to healing and professional transformation.

During this challenging time, unable to articulate her emotions, Donna turned to painting and discovered her most authentic work yet, as well as a deeper way to connect with herself and others. This pivotal experience inspired her mission: helping others unlock well-being and creative potential in psychologically safe environments.

Key insights from this episode include:

• Psychological safety is the foundation for effective transformation, learning, and team innovation
• Creative leadership centres around communication, workplace well-being, and team unification
• Creativity is problem solving, a skill applicable to all areas of life and work—not just for artists
• Emotional intelligence is about connection, relationships, and creating space for all voices
• Vulnerability in creativity is courage and authenticity, not weakness
• Lifelong learning provides both knowledge and well-being
• Art and creative expression can help externalise emotions when words fail

Whether you’re a leader seeking to foster innovation, exploring your own creative potential, or curious about the connection between psychological safety and creativity, this conversation offers insights that will transform your perspective on creativity and workplace culture.

Connect with Donna at www.thedpa.uk or at Linkedin

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The energy data world is racing toward a milestone that promises less friction and more progress: a vendor-neutral foundation that operators, cloud providers, and innovators can all trust. We invited Stef Jacobs, Chair of The Open Group OSDU® Forum, to unpack the plan to make that real by 2026 and what it means for seismic interpretation, AI readiness, and day-to-day workflows.

We start with purpose—why a reference platform matters—and move into concrete takeaways from The Open Group Houston Summit (November 2025): a community implementation that encodes the standard, a data model designed to support seismic interpretation workflows, and the first steps toward certification. Stef explains the “Journey to Venus,” a landing point where the community delivers a neutral, coded reference that vendors can verify against and innovators can build on without lock‑in. The theme is balance: protect the open standard while encouraging a thriving ecosystem on top.

Governance and execution anchor the story. Stef shares how OKRs align a global community to enterprise-grade outcomes, using a practical example of targeting specific workflows to drive measurable progress. We explore how operators will feel the impact in real terms—cleaner interoperability, smoother AI and machine learning pipelines, and faster path from data to decisions. We also confront the hard part: sustaining the standard, keeping the community implementation evergreen, and operating a credible certification program that boosts trust without stifling innovation.

If you are interested in interoperability, seismic-ready data models, cloud-native adoption, and AI at scale in subsurface domains, this conversation lays out the why and the how. You’ll walk away with a clear picture of what 2026 delivers, why it’s pivotal, and how to get involved through focused working groups and upcoming face‑to‑face sessions.

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AI is racing ahead, and the power bill is coming due. We sit down with Forrester Senior Analyst Abhijit Sunil to unpack how energy, climate risk, and circularity now shape every serious IT roadmap—from where to place AI workloads to how to buy, refresh, and retire hardware without blowing the grid or the budget.

We trace key signals from New York Climate Week: services firms positioning tech as a decarbonization catalyst, sustainability platforms moving beyond compliance into operational decision‑making, and climate risk analytics becoming essential for business continuity. Abhijit breaks down why fragmented regulations—CSRD changes in Europe, climate disclosures in California, and emerging rules across APAC—demand better data governance, auditability, and a clear strategy for supplier requests. We dig into the practical: mapping physical and transition risks across IT estates, modeling energy resilience and long‑term capacity, and using renewable energy deals and time‑bound incentives to stabilize costs.

The heart of the conversation is a tough trade‑off many teams face today: upgrade to more efficient systems or extend existing assets to avoid embodied carbon. We offer a simple way to decide—total carbon of ownership—balancing embodied emissions, operational efficiency, grid mix, utilization, and end‑of‑life outcomes. Expect actionable insights on liquid cooling and PUE, AI workload placement across cloud and hybrid, product carbon footprint methods, and how take‑back programs can turn waste into value. We also spotlight the human side: cross‑training architects in lifecycle assessment, giving sustainability leaders fluency in cloud and chips, and making climate risk a standard gate in architecture decisions.

If you’re steering AI adoption, optimizing data centers, or preparing for sustainability audits, you’ll leave with a sharper plan and the language to win support across finance, facilities, and procurement. 

Revisit our previous episode with Abhijit (from Season 1) here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2112772/episodes/13787229-open-comments-episode-14-unleashing-the-power-of-it-sustainability-a-dialogue-with-abhijit-sunil

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The ground under cybersecurity is always moving, but the smartest teams aren’t chasing shiny tools—they’re changing how they think. We sit down with John Linford, Forum Director of the Security Portfolio at The Open Group, to revisit zero trust, quantitative risk, and the education efforts that turn strategy into daily behavior. What’s different since we first decoded zero trust? A lot: AI is now a core variable on both sides of the fight, boards demand cyber risk in dollars, and supply chain assurance has become the backbone of resilience.

We unpack zero trust as a mindset shift that rejects quick-fix products and leans into continuous verification, least privilege, and measurable progress. John explains how organizations are adopting CRQ and The Open FAIR™ Body of Knowledge to translate likelihood and loss into language the board already understands, making security decisions comparable to finance and operations. We also talk about the rise of role-based security education, with new standards for security roles and glossaries that help every employee—from engineering to procurement—know what “secure” looks like in their day-to-day work.

From AI governance and data protection to SBOMs, secure-by-design practices, and trustworthy technology providers, we explore how open standards and reference models guide real-world implementation. You’ll hear where The Open Group is headed next: evolving the Zero Trust Reference Model, integrating security risk into enterprise risk management, and expanding the dependability framework that ties architecture and assurance together. If you care about scaling security without the hype, this conversation offers clear patterns, practical language, and concrete next steps.

Listen to the previous episode with John Linford from Season 1 here. 

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Time slips through our fingers like sand, yet mastering its flow might be the most valuable skill any professional can develop. This compelling mini-episode delves into the often misunderstood art of time management across diverse professional landscapes.

We begin by examining the unique challenges IT professionals face—constantly torn between deep, focused work and the urgent demands of reactive troubleshooting. This fundamental tension creates a productivity paradox that resonates far beyond tech circles. Whether you're a healthcare provider balancing emergency care with preventative medicine, an educator juggling instruction with planning, or a business leader navigating strategic thinking amidst endless meetings, the core challenge remains consistent: not just managing tasks, but intentionally prioritizing attention.

The heart of effective time management lies in five powerful strategies that transcend industry boundaries. Time blocking protects your most valuable focus periods. The Pareto Principle helps identify the vital 20% of tasks generating 80% of results. Prioritization matrices distinguish between merely urgent and truly important work. Energy management aligns demanding tasks with your natural rhythms. And building buffer time—that critical 15-20% flexibility—provides essential breathing room when unexpected challenges inevitably arise.

Yet perhaps most importantly, we explore the human dimension often missing from productivity discussions. True time management isn't about squeezing maximum output from every minute; it's about creating sustainable rhythms that prevent burnout while making space for rest, reflection, and growth. As we navigate our increasingly complex professional worlds, remember that managing time effectively isn't just about doing more—it's about doing what matters most, at the right pace, for the long haul. How might your approach to time change if you truly valued it as your greatest asset?

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Dr. Darren Pulsipher shares his journey from Silicon Valley Software Engineer to Chief Solution Architect for Intel's public sector and Chair of The Open Group Government Enterprise Architecture Workgroup. He discusses the Government Digital Transformation Architecture framework and explains why successful Enterprise Architecture must balance technical innovation with human-centered design.

Highlights from the Episode:

• Growing up in California with an early passion for computers that fueled his career in technology
• Moving from medical imaging software to founding a startup during the dot-com boom that eventually became part of Eclipse
• Developing the Government Digital Transformation Architecture that examines transformation holistically across people, processes, and technology
• Emphasizing multidimensional learning that includes technology skills, cultural understanding, and process methodologies
• Learning cultural awareness through firsthand experience establishing business in Japan
• Warning that generative AI is eliminating traditional junior engineering tasks, requiring new professionals to develop communication and systems thinking skills
• Explaining why technology solutions that ignore human factors or organizational culture typically fail
• Building international collaboration to develop enterprise architecture standards that incorporate diverse global perspectives
• Advocating for governance that provides guardrails while still allowing innovation to flourish
• Recommending finding mentors outside your current organization and dedicating daily time to learning

Dr. Darren Pulsipher, Chief Solution Architect for the Public Sector, Intel
Dr. Darren Pulsipher is a technology strategist, storyteller, and trusted advisor to government and enterprise leaders driving digital transformation at scale. As Chief Solution Architect for the Public Sector at Intel, he partners with organizations to align people, processes, policies, and technologies—delivering sustainable outcomes through clarity, structure, and cultural alignment. His approach emphasizes that transformation begins with people and is enabled by shared language and architectural thinking. 

Dr. Darren Pulsipher's podcast: https://embracingdigital.org/en/home/index.html

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The architectural landscape is transforming before our eyes, and staying relevant means embracing the extraordinary potential of generative AI while deepening our uniquely human capabilities. In this thought-provoking conversation, Anil Lakhan—Principal Enterprise Architect at Capgemini with over three decades of experience—shares wisdom that will resonate with architects at every career stage.

Anil takes us through his remarkable journey from hands-on software engineer to chief architect, revealing how his passion evolved from technical problem-solving to seeing the bigger picture of how architecture drives business outcomes. This perspective shift didn't happen overnight but emerged through collaborative experiences across global teams and mentoring hundreds of fellow architects.

The numbers tell a compelling story: generative AI spending is projected to surge 150% this year alone, reaching $14.2 billion globally. Perhaps more striking is that 30% of GenAI-powered applications will soon be built by business users rather than IT professionals. This democratization of technology creation fundamentally changes the architect's role—not diminishing it, but elevating it to more strategic heights.

Rather than fearing replacement, forward-thinking architects are harnessing AI to handle routine documentation and code generation while focusing on their uniquely human strengths: connecting disparate domains, leading complex change initiatives, and thinking creatively about business solutions. As Anil emphasizes, "It's not just evolution of the role, but a transformation."

For those navigating this changing landscape, Anil offers practical wisdom: never stop learning, master prompt engineering ("your results are only as good as your questions"), and recognize that your unique human perspective remains irreplaceable. Most importantly, let passion be your compass through uncertainty.

Whether you're an experienced architect or just starting your journey, this episode provides invaluable insights on maintaining relevance and finding deeper meaning in your work as technology reshapes our profession. 

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What happens when standards escape the page and become tangible, hands-on experiences? That's the question Nova Smar is answering with their groundbreaking O-PAS Standard Roadshow, as revealed in this enlightening conversation with Libanio Souza and Luciano Botto – two industry veterans with nearly 80 years of combined experience.

The roadshow represents an unprecedented global initiative to democratize access to the Open Process Automation Standard (O-PAS), part of The Open Group Open Process Automation™ Forum. Since its announcement in 2023, this ambitious program has already completed 25 of its planned 50 worldwide events, bringing practical, hands-on training to students, engineers, end-users, and even competitors across multiple continents. "It's the biggest marketing program in our half-century history," Souza explains, underscoring the significance of this outreach effort.

What particularly stands out is the inclusivity of their approach. Rather than keeping technological knowledge within industry silos, Nova Smar deliberately hosts many events at educational institutions, creating ripple effects far beyond the formal nine-hour training sessions. "The roadshow itself does not end in the roadshow event," Botto notes, describing how each stop generates additional speeches and engagement opportunities that extend the standard's reach into local communities.

Both guests highlight the critical role of collaboration in developing and promoting industry standards. They credit The Open Group for their consensus-building methodology as being instrumental to the standard's success, while noting that despite effective online collaboration, in-person meetings often prove essential for resolving complex disagreements. Their problem-solving approach – breaking down challenges and attacking them with resilience – reflects Nova Smar's technological DNA and collaborative culture.

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PETROBRAS IT leaders Leonardo Melo and Pascoal Mello share how The Open Group OSDU® Forum is transforming data management in oil exploration, creating interoperability between applications, and making workflows more efficient and cost-effective.

Key Highlights:

• Leonardo has spent 13 years in data management and governance for geosciences at PETROBRAS
• Pascoal works in exploration focusing on geoscience applications
• Collaboration means engaging with other operators and vendors to achieve interoperability using the OSDU Data Platform
• Their journey with The Open Group OSDU Forum began 3-4 years ago with proof of concepts to test interoperability potential
• Interoperability solves the challenge of moving data between different software formats efficiently
• Centralizing and standardizing data saves significant time and money by eliminating manual data transfers
• Face-to-face meetings build stronger relationships than virtual collaboration alone
• In-person events provide opportunities to meet higher-level executives and adjust strategies
• The challenge is maintaining the OSDU Data platform while balancing different stakeholder objectives

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This episode is dedicated to John Sherwood (1947-2025) who founded the SABSA Institute with David Lynas, where he was the Chief Architect of the SABSA methodology. A pioneer in his own right, John’s legacy will continue through the future efforts of the SABSA Institute. 

The path from code to comprehensive security architecture rarely follows a straight line. In this enlightening conversation, security architects Steven Bradley and Bonnie Demeyer reveal how their diverse backgrounds—Steven as an electronics engineer turned software developer, and Bonnie from sales to project management—converged to create innovative approaches to Enterprise Security.

When traditional security functions operated like "police raids" on projects, Steven and Bonnie pioneered a collaborative approach that engaged teams during design phases rather than punishing them after implementation. This fundamental shift transformed security from an obstacle to a valuable service, seamlessly integrated into development processes.

Their breakthrough came through visualization. "Human comprehensibility works very well with visual media," Steven explains, highlighting how diagram-based approaches dramatically outperform text-heavy documentation. By combining The Open Group ArchiMate® modeling language with SABSA (Sherwood Applied Business Security Architecture) methodology, they created a powerful framework that bridges technical and business perspectives.

This integration yields remarkable benefits for compliance challenges. Rather than wrestling with disconnected regulatory frameworks, their model-based approach normalizes requirements into a unified data structure, enabling organizations to identify gaps through automated queries rather than manual cross-referencing. The result? Consistent, traceable security implementations that support real business objectives.

For aspiring security architects, their advice emphasizes structured thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and confidence that persistence leads to solutions—even when the path isn't immediately clear. The most effective security professionals combine technical expertise with business acumen, communicating complex concepts clearly while demonstrating tangible value.

Want to explore these concepts further? Check out "Modeling Security with ArchiMate®" in The Open Group Library, or visit the SABSA Institute website to learn how visualization can transform your security practice.

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