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Catalyst, Launch by NTT DATA’s podcast hosted by Tammy Soares, puts humans at the heart of transformation. Each week, visionary leaders and changemakers share how creativity, technology and human insight are reshaping business, culture and the future of work. From platform innovation to AI and design leadership, Catalyst isn’t just about what’s next in tech — it’s about shaping business, technology, and culture through a human lens and spotlighting the visionaries paving the way forward.
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Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.
521 Episodes
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Vandana Ramani on how UPS is leveraging AI to help SMEs This week on Catalyst Tammy sits down with Vandana Ramani, the Vice President of Global Strategy at UPS. Vandana loves to solve difficult, complex problems. From making sure a live iguana gets delivered to where it needs to be, to thinking about how UPS can leverage AI to improve their customer experience, Vandana is always working at the intersection of business strategy and technology. Tammy and Vandana discuss the integration of AI in small and medium sized businesses and how it can be transformative for data connectivity and developing shared outcomes. Vandana also shares networking tips she’s developed from years spent rebuilding her networks from the ground up across the world. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Vandana Ramani LinkedInLearn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Catalyst Tammy chats with Parisa Zander, a seasoned professional in the tech industry who recently retired after a successful career spanning nearly three decades at companies like Meta, Samsung and Microsoft. Parisa discusses the challenges of being a woman in tech, the importance of finding one's voice, and the values that guide her leadership style, including honesty, empathy, and the need for fun in the workplace. She also emphasizes that to truly understand your customer you need to go to them and set time aside for real-world testing. How else will you see how people across the country are actually engaging with your product? Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Parisa Zander - LinkedIn Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode from the archives Tammy sits down with Keena Patel-Moran, the Healthcare and Lifesciences Industry Lead at Launch by NTT DATA. Keena and Tammy discuss ways to improve the industry and give patients the support they need and deserve. They discuss why doctors should look beyond just symptoms and make a case that improving healthcare processes is not only better for patients and care-takers but is also good for business. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Keena Patel-MoranLearn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Catalyst, Tammy recaps her favourite moments from the past year. She recaps the key themes that came up time and time again across conversations with almost 50 leaders across various industries - the human side of AI, authentic leadership, designing with people not for people, reinventing work and technology as possibility. There was much discussed this year and there’s a lot more to come in the new year! Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: State of AI in Business Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Catalyst Tammy speaks with Namee Oberst, co-founder of LLMWare about her unique journey into AI. Namee spent years as a corporate attorney and is now developing small language models for legal and financial organizations. She’s solving for the pain points that she experienced for years. Namee and Tammy discuss the importance of small language models in building trust and touch on the future of legal work in an AI-driven world. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Namee Oberst LLMWareLearn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Jamie Sermon, the Vice President of Engineering, Robotics and Automation at UPS. Jamie has been at UPS for over 15 years and knows the company intimately. He also knows that you can't solve logistics problems if you're not thinking about the customer at every step. Jamie shares how his upbringing in the Bahamas and his studies in physical therapy in Cuba helped shape his people's first approach. He also shares how he creates space for experimentation and how automation can be used to create opportunities for people, not take them away. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Jamie SermonLearn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode from the archives Tammy is joined by Jessica Hartley, the Head of Design and Customer Experience for CCB Finance, Tech and Data Analytics at JPMorganChase. Jessica has over 20 years of experience helping clients leverage digital innovation and is passionate about driving employee engagement and culture. Tammy and Jessica talk about what authenticity really means at work and why it’s so much more than just how you present yourself. Jessica also shares her thoughts on how AI is transforming workplaces and how it can be used to improve both the client and employee experience.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.Links: Jessica Hartley Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode from the archives Tammy sit down with Donald Chestnut. Donald has worked at some of the world’s largest brands like Unilever, Target, Disney, General Motors and Coke and is now writing a book on why companies should move away from customer experience and towards customer centered growth. Tammy and Donald talk about his people-first approach to digital experience and Donald shares his secret to digital transformation - that the real key to transformation isn’t technology, it's people! Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.Links: Donald Chestnut Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Catalyst Tammy is joined by speaker, storyteller and cultural wayfinder Kainoa Horcajo. Through his firm Mo’olelo Group, Kainoa has found a way to transform Hawaiian wisdom into business insights and experience design. Kainoa and Tammy discuss the importance of storytelling and how finding the why and the how is the most important thing a business can do. Kainoa also shares how he finds the balance between tradition and innovation and how to weave culture into the very fiber of your business. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.Links: Kainoa Horcajo Mo’olelo GroupSimon Sinek Organic intelligence: A conversation with Rika NakazawaLearn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Catalyst Tammy is joined by longtime friend and recent addition to the Launch by NTT DATA team to lead, Murphy Freelen. Murphy has a proven track record of bringing together multi-disciplinary teams to deliver breakthrough innovative solutions. Murphy reflects on her personal journey working in the music and media industries and how those creative skills transfer to tech and product development. Tammy and Murphy also discuss the role of leadership and listening in fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and how technology, particularly AI, is reshaping the creative process. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.Links: Murphy FreelenJetZeroLearn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Catalyst Tammy is joined by Jason Warner, co-founder and CEO of Poolside. Jason has over 20 years of experience leading teams and developing innovative technologies including GitHub Co-pilot, and he’s done that all while leading with heart. In this episode, Jason emphasizes the importance of empathetic leadership and why treating people like humans, not commodities, is actually better for the business. He also explores the impact of AI on the future of work and the potential for technology to enhance human capabilities. He makes the case that giving AI to your junior employees will turn them into senior employees! Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Jason Warner poolside Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode from the archives Tammy sits down with Martina Lee Strickland. Martina is a unicorn in the healthcare industry. She’s worked in the industry for over 20 years and is now the Chief Growth Officer at Clever Care Health Plan, a healthcare company that provides culturally-sensitive Medicare options. She joins Tammy to talk about her work driving community engagement in the healthcare industry. Martina talks about the importance of authenticity in connecting with clients, particularly those in underserved communities, and shares some of the tech she’s excited about that could transform the industry and improve client access. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Martina Lee StricklandClever Care See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On this episode from the archives, Dani Snyder talks leading design teams out of their silos As someone who started out as an industrial designer and who is now the Head of Design AI, Servicing and Communications at JPMorganChase, Dani Snyder deeply understands the design process and organizational design. This week Dani joins Tammy to talk about how to empower design teams. She shares strategies to help align design teams with organizational strategic goals and encourages designers to break out of their silos and remain curious about all aspects of the design process. Links: Dani SnyderSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Noelle Russell compares AI to a baby tiger, it’s super cute when it’s small but it can quickly grow into something huge and dangerous. As the CEO and founder of the AI Leadership Institute and as an early developer on Amazon Alexa, Noelle has a deep understanding of scaling and selling AI. This week Noelle joins Tammy to discuss why she’s so passionate about teaching individuals and organizations about AI and how companies can leverage AI in the right way. It’s time to learn how to tame the tiger! Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.Links: Noelle Russell Scaling Responsible AI AI Leadership Institute Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Catalyst Tammy is joined by Sarina Malik, a recent graduate from Columbia University, to discuss the role of AI in shaping the future workforce. They discuss the challenges faced by Gen Z in entering the job market, the importance of AI literacy, and the ethical implications of using AI in education and beyond. Serena shares her experiences in UX/UI design and her passion for leveraging technology to create positive change in the world.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Project PearlsFuture Faces Foundation Manila Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
David Armano has a special knack for seeing trends before they arrive. This week David joins Tammy to cut through the AI hype and explain how AI is actually transforming how we work and how we think. David compares AI to the technological transformations in the past and shows how it differs, namely that it impacts almost all levels of the enterprise. David also talks about how different generations are being impacted by AI and why Gen X is especially suited to AI. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: David by Design David by Design - The Obsolete TruthLearn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Andy Wardlaw is a talent advisor who has placed a number of visionaries across sectors and across the world. He’s also seen how talent acquisition and placement has changed as technologies have come and gone. This week Tammy and Andy discuss how to spot creative tech talent and how to recognize if they will be successful in their new transformational roles. They also discuss how leaders can lean in and leverage AI to bridge the gap between creativity and technology. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALearn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Kim Curley lives by the phrase “we are humans that go to work, we are not workers that go home to human.” Kim is the Global OCM Leader at NTT DATA and is dedicated to finding human-first AI solutions. This week Kim joins Tammy to discuss change management and AI. Kim shares tips on how she gets people to move past the fear of change and the winning question she asks when people are hesitant to adopt AI solutions - “how’s that working out for you?”Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Kim Curley Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. DweckLearn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Rika Nakazawa is a firm believer in the magic of the universe. That magic, according to Rika, comes from something she calls organic intelligence. This week on Catalyst, Tammy sits down with Rika, the Chief Commercial Innovation Officer at NTT, to discuss the future of innovation, sustainability and space technology. Rika explains how this concept of organic intelligence can help shift the way people think about resource management, energy efficiency and Artificial Intelligence. She also shares some of the research she’s doing in the world of space and satellite technology - could data centers in space be the next big thing!? Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Rika Nakazawa Ray Wang - AI Exponentials McKinsey - Annual Technology Trends Report Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by the singular Sindhu Srivastava. Sindhu grew up in a small town in India then went on to study at the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology and Wharton and is now the CEO of three companies - We Crush Events, Meaningful Data and We Crush AI. In this conversation Sindhu gets vulnerable with Tammy about her first experience with an executive coach and how it forced her to confront the things that were holding her back from being a better leader. She also speaks about her company Girls who CEO which seeks to empower young girls and gives them the tools they need to become confident CEOs later in life. Sindhu also talks about why she’s so excited about LLMs and how they can be used to harness human complexities instead of reducing them. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Sindhu SrivastavaMan’s Search for Meaning How to Be an Antiracist Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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