CEO Tech Live

We live in a world overflowing with dashboards, KPIs, and reports.But here’s the hard truth: the numbers don’t always tell you the full story.Rich Brown, Business Transformation Director at LV=, shared a lesson every leader needs to hear:👉 Early in his career, all the stats said a project was on track.👉 But his gut told him something wasn’t right.👉 He ignored it — and later wished he had.That moment changed his leadership forever.Now, he always digs deeper when that nagging doubt shows up.Because while data is essential, instinct is the missing signal.As leaders, especially CIOs, the pressure to be “data-driven” is immense.But true transformation comes when you:-Trust your gut AND the spreadsheets-Ask the uncomfortable questions-Lean into intuition as a strategic assetYour people, your culture, and your instincts will often surface the truth before the metrics do.Because at the end of the day — it’s not just about technology or process. It’s about people.💡 How often do you trust your gut as a leader, even when the numbers say otherwise?Follow Rich on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ribrown/---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/

From help desk to CIO. That’s the remarkable journey of Mike Ryan, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Wintrust Financial Corporation.In this episode, Mike reveals how he transformed his career from marketing to IT leadership, ultimately rising to the C-suite after nearly three decades at Wintrust. Along the way, he embraced risks, learned through failure, and carried forward the leadership wisdom and advice of a true mentorswho believed in him.You’ll discover:-The pivotal moment that launched Mike’s mission to lead from the top.-How a single career mistake reshaped his leadership approach.-Why creating a culture that supports failure leads to stronger teams.-What it really takes to move from the ground floor to the executive level.If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible when you bet on yourself — and your people — this conversation will inspire you to see your own path from where you are now to where you want to be.Follow Mike on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-ryan-6bb3262/---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/

"With AI, you’re either shaping the future—or getting shaped by it."That’s the mindset driving Vijay Sankaran, Chief Digital & Information Officer at Johnson Controls, where he leads 2,500+ technologists building the smartest buildings on Earth.In this episode of CEO Tech Live, powered by Hexaware, Vijay shares how he’s:⚡ Turning ERP nightmares into agile, value-driven transformation⚡ Using AI, data, and software to cut building emissions by 10–15% per sit⚡ Leading an AI revolution that’s making buildings think for themselves—before you even walk in the doorYou’ll also hear his leadership playbook for:-Breaking down silos across IT, HR, Finance, and Operations-Moving from multi-year tech rollouts to micro-increments-Preparing your team to thrive in an AI-driven futureIf you’re a CIO, CDO, or digital transformation leader, this conversation is your blueprint for harnessing AI to drive growth, efficiency, and sustainability.🎙 CEO Tech Live — where business and tech leaders share battle-tested strategies for thriving in disruption.---Follow Vijay on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-sankaran-762a9/---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/

This Is What Integrity Looks Like.Ian Andrews, CIO of Liverpool Victoria, made a decision to protect a critical system. It went sideways. He could’ve passed the blame.Instead, he said: “That would be me.”He took the hit—and still took full accountability. No excuses. No deflection.In this powerful episode, Ian shares:-The painful moment that redefined his leadership.-How imposter syndrome shaped his path to the C-suite..-Why introverts can own the room—and the boardroom..-How real leaders bring both vulnerability and vision.And how kite surfing, preaching, and even nightclub bouncing helped him become the leader he is today/👉 For tech leaders carrying big responsibilities, this isn’t just an interview—it’s a reminder of what leadership should look like.🎧 Ian Andrews on CEO Tech Live — powered by HexawareFollow Ian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianaandrews/----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/

Failure Forged Resilience...Paul Sheffield didn’t just survive that career-defining moment—he turned it into the foundation of his leadership philosophy.Today, he leads technology transformation for some of the most iconic brands on the planet—McDonald’s, Nike, Barclays—and credits one early error for shaping how he builds resilience, empathy, and execution at scale.In this conversation, he shares:-Why the biggest blunders teach lessons no classroom ever can-How to inspire teams across cultures and continents-The mindset that transforms setbacks into strategic advantageIf you’ve ever questioned whether you could bounce back from a big mistake, this episode will show you what’s possible.Follow Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-sheffield-014a611/-----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/

🚀 What happens when you’re asked to lead something you’ve never done before?Anjani Nandan didn’t plan to end up in cybersecurity—or in the U.S. at all.He started out selling watches in India.He actively avoided computer labs.He thought networking felt “too transactional.”Fast forward: Today, he’s the VP of Cybersecurity and IT Infrastructure at Worldpac, a Carlyle portfolio company, and the architect of a security function built from the ground up.🎧 On this episode of CEO Tech Live, Anjani shares the powerful lessons behind his transformation into an accidental CISO:✅ Why taking big, uncomfortable risks can define your career✅ How to advocate for yourself—even when it feels like bragging✅ The secret to building relationships that stand the test of time✅ Why “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is the most dangerous mindset✅ How caring for your health fuels clarity and bold decision-makingIf you’ve ever questioned your readiness to step up, this conversation will inspire you to bet on yourself—and never look back.🎙️ Listen now to learn how uncertainty can become your greatest advantage.Follow Anjani on LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjaninandan/----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 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 leadersListen to this masterclass in leadership, resilience, and embracing the unknown.🎧 Kevin Bates on CEO Tech Live — powered by HexawareFollow 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 readyListen 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 LeadershipDiana 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 Cybersecurity05:56 - Nelly's Journey from Finance to Biopharma07:47 - The Impact of Cybersecurity on Healthcare10:03 - Advice on Authenticity and Career Growth21:23 - Building and Leading Effective Teams22:28 - Key Takeaways

The Forward-Thinking LeaderJoin 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 Live03:45 - The Importance of Planning and Proactivity05:41 - Unexpected Challenges and Learning Opportunities14:02 - Building Relationships for Career Growth16:52 - Leveraging Technology for Business Success18:08 - Key Takeaways and Parting Thoughts20:57 - Final Thoughts

The $300 Million InspirationJoin 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 Banking01:38 - Understanding Engagement Banking03:02 - Tackling Technical Debt in Banking04:38 - The Importance of Platformification06:07 - Choosing the Complex Path of Banking11:52 - Pivoting to Focus on Banking18:39 - Building Success Upon Success22:22 - Lessons and Inspiration from Business Reads28:45 - The Power of Passion and Adventure in Leadership27:15 - Reflecting on the Partnership with Hexaware28:02 - 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 LeaderData 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/

The Leadership SparkLúcia Soares, Carlyle Group Partner and CIO of Head of Tech Transformation, reveals the "spark" that drives her leadership and that keeps her at the forefront of technology.This source of inspiration and success has guided her and her team through seismic shifts, from the rise of the internet and e-commerce to the digital revolution and the advent of generative AI.Lucia shares how every leader can use their own spark to motivate, navigate, and thrive in an ever-evolving technology landscape. Definitely a must-listen for leaders in any dynamic industry!What You’ll Also Discover.What Motivates her Career.How her First Job Still Influences her Leadership Today.The Principle of “House Plant” Leadership.Trailblazers to the Top: C-Suite Advice for Underrepresented GroupsLúcia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-soares/The Carlyle Group: https://www.carlyle.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/

GET THE BEST FROM YOUR TEAM Amit Saxena, GM and VP of Automation Engine at ServiceNow, shares a powerful strategy to consistently get top performance from his teams.Leadership greatness isn't measured on results you get from a one-time sprint. It comes from consistent excellence every time in all interactions.That's where Amit's important message comes in for this very interview!----ServiceNow Inc is the provider of enterprise cloud solutions. They have 22,668 employees. Prior to ServiceNow he served a senior leader at Oracle, Automation Anywhere, MuleSoft, and Celigo,He has an MBA from the University of California, Irvine, and a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Savitribai Phule Pune University, Amit on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitsaxenaprofile/ServiceNow: https://www.servicenow.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/ 

Does culture trump talent when it comes to building high-performing teams? In the latest episode of our CEO Tech Live podcast series, renowned speaker and best-selling author Ben Fanning speaks with Vijay Sankaran, Johnson Controls' Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. Vijay’s proven leadership skills reveal what truly makes teams excel.  You'll Discover:       The importance of a collaborative, transparent culture over academic creds How self-awareness shapes effective leadership and team dynamics Real-life stories of resilience and humor in navigating challenging times Delve into the secrets of enabling transformation with care and culture at the core. Don't miss these invaluable lessons! -----Vijay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-sankaran-762a9/ Johnson Controls: https://www.johnsoncontrols.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/

Ever Led a Transformation?Abdul Razack, EVP and Global Head of Product and Engineering at Aon Plc, shares three key he's used to drive transformation at global the titans like Google and SAP.These are truly time-tested principles that you leverage to accelerate innovation, performance, and success within your organization. Aon Plc is the global provider of professional services in over 120 countries with a team of 50,000 employees.Prior to Aon he served a Vice President at Google, Chief Product Officer at SAP, and other leadership roles at Infosys at Commerce One, Sybase, and KPMG. ----Follow Abdul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arazack/Learn Moore about Aon: https://www.aon.com/en/----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/

Prepare Like the World's Best LeadersKris Rao, Chief Information and Digital Officer at HNI, shares his approach to mastering the mindset of success.Don't waste precious resources reinventing the wheel; instead, learn from this elite leader to save your time, money, and effort.Use Kris' blueprint to lay the foundation for success and boost performance for you, your team, and your organization.Ready to seize your place among the world's best leaders? The journey starts now with this powerful message!----Kris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raokris/Kris' company: https://investors.hnicorp.com/home/default.aspx----HNI is a global provider of workplace furnishings and residential building products...7,300 employees!.Kris previously service in senior leadership roles at Ricoh, Wipro Digital, Motorola, Oracle, and Hospira.He holds a Master of Science (MS) in Software and Data Engineering from Mississippi State University and a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from Bangalore University. He has also completed an executive leadership program at Cornell University.----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/

Do you have an executive mentor?Andy Haywood is Chief Modernisation Officer at Yorkshire Water….the water utility organization providing water to millions.He shares his secret behind mentoring 40 leaders to CIO. If you'd like to leave a positive legacy and make a "dent in the Universe" then this episode is for you!You'll also discover:Three key mentoring leaders to the C-Suite.How to accelerate your own career.What's he's learned about success from working in multiple industries.----Andy holds a Diploma of Education in Executive Coaching from AoEC - The Academy of Executive Coaching, an MBA with a focus on Strategic Management from The Open University.Previously, he was Chief Information Officer at the same company and a Non-Executive Director at Furness Building SocietyHaywood's career spans over two decades with board experience across Retail, Financial Services, and Utilities sectors. He most recently served as Chief Modernisation Officer at Yorkshire Water, leading modernization efforts..He also served as Group Chief Operating Officer at N Brown Group and Group CIO at Co-op with other leadership positions at Boots UK, Halifax Bank of Scotland, ASDA, and Walmart.https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-haywood-7b4b454/https://www.yorkshirewater.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/