Future Focused CXOs is where founders and executives share the systems, decisions, and leadership moves behind durable businesses. In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Gonzalez, CEO of Sama, a public benefit company that provides high-quality training data for AI while creating formal employment in underserved communities.

Wendy’s path runs from EY audit to tech consulting, to startup founder, and finally to CEO, a journey shaped by personal inflection points, a servant-leader mindset, and a clear belief: talent is global, opportunity is not.

She shares what it took to guide Sama from non-profit to VC-backed public benefit corporation, to steer the company through the founder’s passing and COVID lockdowns, and to close the AI maturity gap that keeps pilots from reaching production.

The Future Focused CXO is the podcast for C-level executives aiming to scale their organizations, lead through transformative challenges, and stay ahead in adopting cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence. Each episode explores actionable leadership strategies, insights on managing rapid organizational change, and real-world examples from top executives tackling the complexities of modern business operations.

In this episode, we interview Steve Cobb, Chief Information Security Officer at SecurityScorecard, known across the industry as “Cyber Santa.” With more than 30 years of experience spanning healthcare, finance, telco, and enterprise technology, Steve shares his journey from fixing infected floppy disks to becoming a CISO, along with his candid perspective on leadership, security, and AI’s role in the future of defense.

In this Future Focused CXOs episode, we speak with Alisha Crafton, Chief Growth Officer at Kasasa, whose career spans credit unions, megabanks, and fintech. Known early in her career as the “Turnaround Queen” for transforming underperforming bank branches, Alisha shares the leadership lessons she’s learned about balancing transformation, technology adoption, and culture-building.

For more updates, follow us on:

LinkedIn: / bolt-today

Facebook: / bolt.today

Twitter: / bolt_today

Visit: https://bolt.today

#ceo #cfo #podcast #companyculture #futurefocusedcxos

The Future Focused CXO is the podcast for C-level executives aiming to scale their organizations, lead through transformative challenges, and stay ahead in adopting cutting-edge technologies like Artificial intelligence. Each episode explores actionable leadership strategies, insights on managing rapid organizational change, and real-world examples from top executives tackling the complexities of modern business operations.

Key takeaways:

• How to rebuild trust and culture in teams during challenging times.
• Why staying close to customers and frontline teams is essential for lasting success.
• Practical strategies for leading visible, decisive change as a CXO.
• Modern approaches to scaling growth through partnerships and technology.
• The importance of focusing on people, humility, and long-term vision in leadership.

The Future Focused CXO is the podcast for C-level executives aiming to scale their organizations, lead through transformative challenges, and stay ahead in adopting cutting-edge technologies like Artificial intelligence. Each episode explores actionable leadership strategies, insights on managing rapid organizational change, and real-world examples from top executives tackling the complexities of modern business operations.

In this episode, we interview Kevin Miller, a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in leadership roles. Kevin shares his invaluable insights on career development, leadership, and overcoming challenges on the path to success.

Key takeaways:

• How to develop a leadership mindset and effectively lead teams

• The importance of continuous learning and adapting in your career

• Strategies for navigating challenges and setbacks in leadership

• Tips on building a successful leadership career, from early steps to senior roles

• Kevin’s personal journey and lessons learned along the way

Tune in for practical advice from a proven leader on how to grow and excel in your career.

For more updates, follow us on:LinkedIn: / bolt-today Facebook: / bolt.today Twitter: / bolt_today Visit: https://bolt.today#ceo #cfo #podcast #companyculture #futurefocusedcxos

The Future Focused CXO is the podcast for C-level executives aiming to scale their organizations, lead through transformative challenges, and stay ahead in adopting cutting-edge technologies like Artificial intelligence. Each episode explores actionable leadership strategies, insights on managing rapid organizational change, and real-world examples from top executives tackling the complexities of modern business operations. In this episode of Future Focus CXOs, we sit down with Jordan MacKinnon, VP & CFO at Sysco Canada, to discuss how leaders can navigate uncertainty, embrace AI, and drive strategic decision-making. Jordan shares insights from his career journey—spanning music, finance, and leadership—offering practical advice for today’s CXOs. Key takeaways: 1. How to lead through uncertainty and adapt to rapid industry shifts 2. The role of AI in finance and decision-making—how to embrace it, not fear it 3. Why emotional intelligence is crucial in financial leadership 4. Lessons from the pandemic that apply to AI-driven transformation 5. Career advice for aspiring CFOs: focusing on learning over titles Tune in for insights that will help your business navigate the evolving AI landscape! For more updates, follow us on:LinkedIn: / bolt-today Facebook: / bolt.today Twitter: / bolt_today Visit: https://bolt.today#ceo #cfo #podcast #companyculture #futurefocusedcxos

The Future Focused CXO is the podcast for C-level executives aiming to scale their organizations, lead through transformative challenges, and stay ahead in adopting cutting-edge technologies like Artificial intelligence. Each episode explores actionable leadership strategies, insights on managing rapid organizational change, and real-world examples from top executives tackling the complexities of modern business operations. In this episode of Future Focus CXOs, we sit down with Jordan MacKinnon, VP & CFO at Sysco Canada, to discuss how leaders can navigate uncertainty, embrace AI, and drive strategic decision-making. Jordan shares insights from his career journey—spanning music, finance, and leadership—offering practical advice for today’s CXOs. Key takeaways: 1. How to lead through uncertainty and adapt to rapid industry shifts 2. The role of AI in finance and decision-making—how to embrace it, not fear it 3. Why emotional intelligence is crucial in financial leadership 4. Lessons from the pandemic that apply to AI-driven transformation 5. Career advice for aspiring CFOs: focusing on learning over titles Tune in for insights that will help your business navigate the evolving AI landscape! For more updates, follow us on:LinkedIn: / bolt-today Facebook: / bolt.today Twitter: / bolt_today Visit: https://bolt.today#ceo #cfo #podcast #companyculture #futurefocusedcxos

The Future Focused CXO is the podcast for C-level executives aiming to scale their organizations, lead through transformative challenges, and stay ahead in adopting cutting-edge technologies like AI. Each episode explores actionable leadership strategies, insights on managing rapid organizational change, and real-world examples from top executives tackling the complexities of modern business operations.

In this episode of Future Focus CXOs, we interviewed Rob Zelinka, CIO of Jack Henry, who shares his extensive experience navigating major tech shifts across industries. Rob discusses the evolution of artificial intelligence adoption and how businesses can balance innovation with responsible governance.

Key takeaways include:

• The importance of planning, documentation, and operational rigor in tech shifts.

• How AI adoption mirrors past tech disruptions and how companies can manage risk.

• Best practices for AI governance, security, and compliance.

• The future of artificial intelligence in business-critical tasks and creative applications.

• The role of continuous learning and surrounding yourself with smart teams to drive tech innovation.

Tune in for insights that will help your business navigate the evolving AI landscape!

For more updates, follow us on:LinkedIn: / bolt-today Facebook: / bolt.today Twitter: / bolt_today Visit: https://bolt.today#ceo #cfo #podcast #companyculture #futurefocusedcxos