They handed him paper. He built the future.

Kevin Bates, Ex0Chief Data Officer at Fannie Mae, started with binders and paperclips.

Then he led the data transformation behind one of America’s most vital financial engines—helping deliver $17B in net income and reshaping the future of housing finance.

This episode isn’t about technology.

It’s about what happens when you stay the course, embrace change, and lead through uncertainty.

🔥 From white-knuckle failures to boardroom influence

🧠 Rewiring legacy systems for AI readiness

💡 Mentoring the next generation of fearless data leaders

Listen to this masterclass in leadership, resilience, and embracing the unknown.

🎧 Kevin Bates on CEO Tech Live — powered by Hexaware

Follow Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-bates-69b3002/

----

The episode is powered by Hexaware: The IT services company creating smiles through great people and technology.

Go here to learn more: https://hexaware.com/

They said no. I built yes.

Craig Brown, Director of Banking Technology, EBRD, was told he wasn’t fit to sit a basic math exam.

Today, he’s leading global banking tech for an institution investing €13B+ annually to transform economies—and lives.

This episode isn’t about titles.

It’s about what happens when you refuse to be defined by other people’s limits.

🔥 Leading through war zones

🌍 Reimagining finance for 60+ nations

👥 Building leaders before they think they’re ready

Listen to this masterclass in leadership, resilience, and rewriting your own story.

🎧 Craig Brown on CEO Tech Live—powered by Hexaware.

Follow Craig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-alexander-brown/

Learn more about EBRD: https://www.ebrd.com/

----

The episode is powered by Hexaware: The IT services company creating smiles through great people and technology.

Go here to learn more: https://hexaware.com/

Purpose-Driven Digital Leadership

Diana Lee Caplinger, KPMG's Managing Director of Systems of Action, faced pivotal moments that would forever change her perspective on leadership.

As digital transformation reshaped organizations, she navigated the complexities of cloud adoption, team dynamics, and technology’s growing influence.

But what happens when innovation clashes with culture, and leaders must reimagine not only their tools but their entire approach to collaboration?

Diana’s journey reveals the intersection of purpose and progress—where technology is a tool, but people are the key.

Discover how leaders can anchor themselves in purpose, embrace uncertainty, and drive transformation in this compelling conversation.

The power of technology meets human connection.

The real challenge of cloud transformation.

A top for purpose-driven leadership in action.

A strategy to accelerate the human side of change.

How to create your personal mission.

-----

Follow Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianacaplinger/

-----

The episode is powered by Hexaware: The IT services company creating smiles through great people and technology.

Go here to learn more: https://hexaware.com/

Ready to lead with impact?

Kal Majmundar, Chief Technology and Transformation Officer of Patelco Credit Union, shares game-changing insights for leaders eager to solve core issues and make a difference.

Drawing from over three decades at top organizations like Visa and Mattel, Cal explains how to align innovation with financial wellness, especially for working families often underserved by traditional banks.

He reveals powerful strategies for building vendor partnerships, leading supportive teams, and staying focused on meaningful solutions.

If you're a leader wanting to drive real change and leverage technology for good, this conversation is a must-listen.

You'll also discover:

How Focus on the REAL Problems for Tech Success.

The Key to Innovating to Meet Customer Needs.

A Time that Strategic Leadership Accelerated Success.

How to Harness Purpose-Driven Leadership in Nonprofits.

How to Make Your Vendor Partnerships Fuel Growth.

A Mission-Driven Leadership Essential.

-----

Connect with Kal here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalmajmundar/

Learn more about Patelco Credit Union here: https://www.patelco.org/

-----

The episode is powered by Hexaware: The IT services company creating smiles through great people and technology.

Go here to learn more: https://hexaware.com/

Ever wonder how cybersecurity leaders protect what matters most in healthcare?

Nelly Nauman, Chief Information Security Officer at Parexel, joins Ben Fanning to share her journey from finance to biopharma and the critical role storytelling plays in safeguarding patient data.

Discover how Nelly bridges the gap between technical teams and decision-makers, empowering her team with the skills to face today's toughest cyber threats.

Her passion and insights promise to change the way you think about cybersecurity.

You'll also Discover:

How Nelly uses storytelling to make cybersecurity strategies clear to everyone.

The reason championing soft skills help technical teams thrive.

Why evolving threats in healthcare demand relentless focus.

How to embrace authenticity in your career.

Why understanding your strengths and weaknesses is key to growth.

Connect with Nelly here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelly-nauman-cissp-cisa-1035474/

Learn more about Paraexel here: https://www.parexel.com/

-----

The episode is powered by Hexaware: The IT services company creating smiles through great people and technology.

Go here to learn more: https://hexaware.com/

Chapters:

02:37 - The Importance of Storytelling in Cybersecurity

05:56 - Nelly's Journey from Finance to Biopharma

07:47 - The Impact of Cybersecurity on Healthcare

10:03 - Advice on Authenticity and Career Growth

21:23 - Building and Leading Effective Teams

22:28 - Key Takeaways

The Forward-Thinking Leader

Join Jonathan Shough, CIO of Parexel, as he unveils his groundbreaking leadership strategy designed to empower his team to think proactively and act decisively.

Discover how this transformative approach reshapes communication styles, enhances email effectiveness, and drives remarkable results.

Jonathan’s practical strategies not only elevate team dynamics but also foster a culture of innovation and responsiveness.

Get ready to explore how forward-thinking leadership can revolutionize your organization from the ground up!

Connect with Jonathan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanshough/

Learn more about Paraexel here: https://www.parexel.com/

-----

The episode is powered by Hexaware: The IT services company creating smiles through great people and technology.

Go here to learn more: https://hexaware.com/

-----

Takeaways:

Planning is essential in business; expect your plans to be disrupted when faced with challenges.

Building strong professional relationships is crucial for career success inside and outside your organization.

Take time to think strategically about your goals and how to achieve them effectively.

Don't get overwhelmed with busy work; prioritize tasks that align with long-term objectives.

Embrace opportunities for networking to expand your professional connections and insights.

Be proactive in your approach to challenges—anticipate issues and prepare your responses in advance.

-----

Chapters:

00:26 - Introduction to CEO Tech Live

03:45 - The Importance of Planning and Proactivity

05:41 - Unexpected Challenges and Learning Opportunities

14:02 - Building Relationships for Career Growth

16:52 - Leveraging Technology for Business Success

18:08 - Key Takeaways and Parting Thoughts

20:57 - Final Thoughts

The $300 Million Inspiration

Join Jouk Pleiter, the visionary CEO and Founder of Backbase, as he unpacks the remarkable journey of transforming a developer software company into a $300 million powerhouse.

With an audacious mission to reshape banking around customer engagement, Backbase is on track to double its size in just three years.

Delve into his insights on overcoming legacy systems, embracing a platform-based approach akin to tech giants, and leading with unwavering passion and ambition.

This episode is a masterclass in innovation, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of purpose in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Don't miss Jouk's powerful advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to play bigger in their own careers and busnesses.

Connect with Jouk here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joukpleiter/

Learn more about Backbase here: https://www.backbase.com/

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Backbase and the Vision for Banking

01:38 - Understanding Engagement Banking

03:02 - Tackling Technical Debt in Banking

04:38 - The Importance of Platformification

06:07 - Choosing the Complex Path of Banking

11:52 - Pivoting to Focus on Banking

18:39 - Building Success Upon Success

22:22 - Lessons and Inspiration from Business Reads

28:45 - The Power of Passion and Adventure in Leadership

27:15 - Reflecting on the Partnership with Hexaware

28:02 - Closing Thoughts and Parting Message

-----

Takeaways:

Understanding and aligning with your passion is crucial for long-term success and personal fulfillment.

The banking industry is burdened by legacy systems, requiring modernization to remain competitive and customer-centric.

Building a company requires perseverance, adaptability, and the ability to embrace change and learn from setbacks.

Technical debt in banking hinders innovation, necessitating a shift towards platform-based solutions.

Engagement banking focuses on reorienting systems around the customer, emphasizing efficiency and agility.

Entrepreneurs should experiment to find their niche and build conviction in their market approach.

Leadership involves creating a shared vision and mission that energizes and aligns the entire organization.

-----

The episode is powered by Hexaware: The IT services company creating smiles through great people and technology.

Go here to learn more: https://hexaware.com/

The Data Leader

Data drives the world and Fannie Mae's Chief Data Officer, Kevin Bates has a vital message for ALL leaders.

You see, it can make the difference between a thriving organization and one that flounders often comes down to leadership.

BUT how much focus are you giving what makes a strong leadership vision for data, and how can it transform your company’s future?

In this episode, you'll discover the essential elements that turn a vague data strategy into a powerful roadmap for success.

Discover the strategies and real-world examples that can help you harness the full potential of your data. If you’re ready to lead your company to new heights with a clear and compelling data vision, this episode is your blueprint for making it happen.

Connect with Kevin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-bates-69b3002/

Lear more about Fannie Mae:https://www.fanniemae.com/

-----

The episode is powered by Hexaware: The IT services company creating smiles through great people and technology.

Go here to learn more: https://hexaware.com/