In this special compilation episode of Innovation and the Digital Enterprise, Patrick Emmons highlights key insights on digital transformation from top tech leaders. Featuring perspectives from Andrei Girenkov, Christopher Paquette, Ann Yeung, Sandee Kastrul, Deepak Kaimal, Jeff Miller, Christina Garcia, Tanya Hannah, Dan Kirsche, Dom Scandinaro, Subramanian Kunchithapatham, and Gene Kim. The episode delves into leading transformative tech teams, balancing disruption and protection, the role of AI, the need to stay nimble, and the foundational significance of human connection and communication in achieving successful digital transformation.

• (00:00) Welcome to Innovation and the Digital Enterprise
• (02:17) Andrei Girenkov Understanding the Scope of Digital Transformation
• (03:17) Christopher Paquette on Balancing Protection and Disruption
• (04:00) Ann Yeung on The Role of Corporate Functions
• (04:52) Sandee Kastrul on Diversity and Innovation
• (05:22) Deepak Kaimal Leveraging Gen AI for Business Solutions
• (07:01) Jeff Miller on Navigating Technological Change
• (07:21) Christina Garcia on Empowering Teams
• (07:59) Tanya Hannah on Keeping Nimble
• (08:28) Dan Kirsche on Org Structure and Accountability
• (09:17) Dom Scandinaro on Growth, and Agility
• (10:10) Subramanian Kunchithapatham on the Challenges of Digitization
• (10:53) Gene Kim on Connecting People Through Norms, Rituals, and Processes

Andrei Girenkov is Chief Technology Officer at CSC Service Works. Christopher Paquette is Chief Transformation Officer at Personify Health. Ann Yeung is VP of Engineering at GEICO. Sandee Kastrul is President and co-founder of i.c.stars. Deepak Kaimal is Chief Technology Officer at COMPLY. Jeff Miller is Chief Product Officer at Coates Group. Christina Garcia is SVP of Engineering at Echo Global Logistics. Tanya Hannah is Chief Information Officer at OneTen. Dan Kirsche is Chief Technology Officer at Chamberlain Group. Dom Scandinaro is Chief Technology Officer at Cameo. Subramanian Kunchithapatham is Vice President - BI Solutions at Morgan Stanley. Gene Kim is an author, researcher, and founder of Tripwire, Inc.

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Podcast episode production by Dante32.

In this episode of Innovation and Digital Enterprise, Patrick and Shelli interview Adan Pope, Senior Vice President of Engineering, Applications, and AI at The Aspen Group. Adan shares insights from his career in engineering and technology leadership, from his roles in public safety, telecommunications, and healthcare. He also discusses his books, “Respect the Weeds” and “Intentional Tensions”, which reflect on principled leadership and effective digital transformation strategies. He emphasizes the importance of humility, continuous learning, and building teams that thrive on productive tension. Adan unpacks the ways he drives innovation, and how engineering teams can balance velocity with stability, while maintaining high standards of quality.

• (00:00) Welcome Adan Pope
• (02:21) Early Career and Influences
• (04:37) Leadership and Innovation
• (07:35) Writing 'Respect the Weeds'
• (11:30) Intentional Tensions in Leadership
• (19:42) Building Effective Teams
• (21:46) Navigating Human Dynamics in Teams
• (22:22) The Importance of Positive Tension
• (22:56) Lessons from Bell Labs
• (24:47) Balancing Sales and Engineering Goals
• (29:00) Fostering Ownership and Pride in Work
• (33:18) The Power of Visual Communication

Adan Pope is a technology executive, professor, and published author and speaker, currently the Senior Vice President of Engineering Applications and AI at The Aspen Group. He also is an Adjunct Professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology teaching in the graduate Information Technology Management Department. He is the cofounder of Taraxa Labs LLC, providing workshops, consultancy practical tools, and guidebooks to help leaders navigate digital transformation. Previously he has held roles at Intrado Life & Safety, InnerWorkings, Ciena, ShopperTrak, Ericsson, Telcordia Technologies, and Bell Labs. He earned a BSEET at DeVry University and a MCS and MBA from North Central College.

If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Innovation and the Digital Enterprise in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.

Podcast episode production by Dante32.

In this episode of Innovation and the Digital Enterprise, Patrick Emmons and Shelli Nelson welcome Sean McCormack, Chief Innovation Officer at First Student. They discuss his career that spans military intelligence, startups, global enterprises, and now tech-focused leadership in student transportation. Sean shares his unexpected entry into technology through the development of early online language learning systems in the military which later led to diverse experiences across industries.

Today, at First Student, Sean has spearheaded digital transformation initiatives to modernize student transportation. He discusses the complexities of managing a large fleet, the challenges of tech integration, and highlights the use of AI in supporting recruiting and enhancing safety.

Sean unpacks his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the need to understand the day-to-day, improve communication, and build strong, delivery-focused teams. He shares valuable lessons on driving innovation, managing change, and leading with empathy and effectiveness.

• (00:00) Introduction
• (01:46) Sean McCormack’s Career Journey
• (03:49) Impactful Experiences and Lessons Learned
• (05:58) Innovating at Harley Davidson
• (09:26) Transforming First Student with Technology
• (16:11) Implementing AI at First Student
• (22:40) Leadership and Communication Insights
• (28:43) Advice for Future Technologists and Leaders
• (32:45) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sean McCormack is the Chief Innovation Officer at First Student, the largest provider of student transportation services in North America. Previously, he’s held leadership positions at Grainger, Harley-Davidson and ManpowerGroup. He earned his BA at the University of Texas at Austin, and his Executive MBA at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Innovation and the Digital Enterprise in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.

Podcast episode production by Dante32.