Transformers Podcast

Season 2 of Transformers tackled the big challenges—and big opportunities—facing today’s leaders. From naming the elephants in the room to embracing AI agents as part of the workforce, this recap distills the most powerful insights from CXOs, tech leaders and innovators. If you’re navigating a transformation, big or small, this survival guide is for you. Chapters  00:00 – Season 2: Let’s recap 00:53 – AI is a partner, not a replacement 03:26 – Empower your front lines 05:22 – The human side of leadership 07:13 – Facing the elephants in the room 09:15 – Data + People + Governance = Real AI Impact 11:55 – The future of work: Humans + AI agents 16:29 – What does transformation mean? 19:44 – Wrapping up the season 2 recap   The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. 

In this episode, Shibani Ahuja joins Ann Funai to cut through the AI hype, unpack the future of enterprise transformation, and outline what really matters to CIOs. They dive into the human side of AI, why Adaptability Quotient (AQ) should be the new leadership metric, and how agentic AI will reshape the digital workforce.  Discover practical strategies for CIOs building an adaptable tech stack, balancing innovation with governance, and driving real ROI with AI. Whether you're leading digital transformation or shaping enterprise AI strategy, this episode delivers the clarity and candor today's leaders need. Tune in for bold insights, actionable frameworks and a fresh perspective on what it really takes to lead in the age of intelligent enterprise. Chapters  00:00 – Meet Shibani Ahuja, Salesforce’s SVP of Enterprise IT Strategy and CIO persona expert 03:55 – Transformation is not just technical: Navigating change in the CIO’s landscape  05:55 – Implementing AI: Necessary changes and how to avoid AI panic traps  09:22 – Patterns across CIOs: Data challenges, ROI and when to use different types of AI 13:30 – Autonomous Agentic AI: The third wave of AI 14:30 – “Trust cannot be bolted on”: Balancing innovation and the governance of AI 17:37 – Using AI for human enhancements and the future of AI impacts on the workforce  21:30 – The new C-Suite role: Chief AI Officer 23:50 – Pivotal career moments: Shibani’s POV on embracing experimental transformation  26:41 – Adaptability Quotient (AQ) is the edge CIOs need for success with AI 27:57 – Shibani’s unfiltered leadership guide for taking risks and building authentic teams   The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. 

In this episode of Transformers, Ann Funai sits down with Mark Polyak, Chief Product & Technology Officer at MINT.ai, to explore how multimodal AI and intelligent automation are reshaping the future of work, marketing and human innovation. Drawing from his background in counterterrorism and real-time data systems, Mark shares how data integrity, transparency and human oversight are essential to successful AI implementation. The conversation explores the shift to prescriptive analytics, the rise of agentic AI and how multimodal systems are driving workflow automation, a creative production boom, and business ROI. Chapters  00:00 – From conflict zones to campaigns: Using data to get closer to truth 04:52 – Why data integrity matters: Guardrails, transparency and trust in AI systems  06:35 – Beyond descriptive: Unlocking prescriptive analytics for smarter business decisions 12:34 – Adapt or stagnate: The rise of multimodal AI and intelligent automation  15:33 – AI and the workforce: How technology is reshaping labor trends  21:20 – 3 ways AI is changing marketing: Automation, creativity and ROI 25:00 – Most AI solutions are failing: The role of trusted partners in driving real results 28:55 – The ‘glue’ role: Why business translators are essential to success with AI 31:44 – Responsible innovation in action: Building multiagentic AI with guardrails 36:20 – Spotting AI hype: How to tell real value from empty promises  39:55 – Team of Teams: Leadership lessons from high-security environments  The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. 

Tax is a business game changer. Yes, really.  What happens when tax meets cutting-edge technology like AI? Transformation. In this episode of Transformers, host Ann Funai is joined by Martin Fiore, EY Americas Vice Chair – Tax, and Kanthi Morrissey, IBM’s Chief Tax Officer, to explore how AI, automation and strategic partnerships are revolutionizing tax and reshaping business operations.  Whether you're a CIO, CFO, tech strategist or business leader, this conversation will reshape how you think about tax, data and the future of enterprise transformation. Chapters  00:00 — Tax touches everything; it needs a tech transformation, too. 05:58 — Transformation optimism: The balance of human talent and AI augmentation 10:17 — Data, process, then AI: Getting full value from transformation takes time 13:48 — Getting from proof-of-concept to commercially viable solutions 16:48 — Prioritize partnerships: Use your ecosystem for future success 18:58 — EQ, IQ, AQ and the broad skillsets that leaders want from the future workforce 25:29 — Learn every day and go where your purpose resides.   The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. 

Ann Funai welcomes Miha Kralj, CTO of IBM Consulting’s Microsoft practice, to explore how AI is reshaping enterprise technology. From digital workers and agentic AI to shifting talent pipelines and evolving software roles, this episode dives into the future of work and the skills needed to thrive.  Miha shares insights from his experience at IBM, Microsoft, AWS and Accenture, highlighting how progressive companies are deploying AI agents to handle tasks like testing, documentation and code fixes—while traditional enterprises struggle to keep pace. They also discuss the rise of low-code/no-code tools, the changing definition of software engineering, and the growing need for resilient systems and cross-functional talent. Whether you're a business leader, technologist or strategist, this episode offers a candid look at what’s next in enterprise transformation. 00:00 – Meet Miha Kralj, CTO of the Microsoft practice for IBM Consulting 04:25 – Strategic and system integration partners 05:34 – “Faster”: The business f-word impacting every innovation, organization and skilled workforce baseline 11:40 – AI tools and adoption: Exploring start-up expectations and enterprise reluctance 13:39 – Transforming mindsets around system architecture resiliency 15:57 – Smarter business trends around AI  18:44 – Today’s critical skills in software engineering and product development 21:55 – IT academia, entry-level skills and the rise of the Universalist employee 30:55 – Over-hyped speed and over-estimated technologies   The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity.   

Cyber threats aren’t a matter of “if”—they’re a matter of “when.” In this episode of Transformers, Ann Funai sits down with Mike Gowen, Chief Revenue Officer at Celerity, to explore how sales, cybersecurity and AI are converging—and what executives must do to stay ahead. With over 25 years in tech sales, Mike shares how executive conversations have shifted from product education to strategic enablement. He breaks down the shift toward operational resilience, the urgency of quantum readiness, and the real risks of poor AI implementation.  Mike’s leadership insights—shaped by his experience in team sports—offer a fresh take on adaptability, teamwork and transformation. Whether you're a CRO, CIO or business leader, this episode delivers actionable strategies and relatable stories to help you navigate tech-driven change. Chapters 00:00 – Rapid fire kick-off: Meet Mike Gowen 01:20 – The evolution of sales, technology, cyber and the C-Suite roles that drive the business 03:30 – Protection to recovery: Preparing customers for inevitable cyber threats 09:05 – Evaluating technology from table stakes to Quantum 11:15 – Intersecting IT and operations to deliver value 14:20 – AI: Real ways to use it for value, real missteps you must avoid 18:44 – Common myths around cyber and AI 20:18 – Partnerships, privacy and a multidiscipline approach to cyber 26:55 – Developing high-performing teams with a coach’s mindset    The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. 

In this powerful episode of Transformers, Ann Funai sits down with Dr. Michelle Barry, PhD, CEO and co-founder of CTI LifeHealth to explore how her team is revolutionizing healthcare for underserved communities across the globe. From rural Africa to rural Alabama, Michelle shares how CTI’s modular digital health ecosystem bridges the gap between lifestyle and clinical care starting with the patient, not the institution. With a background in sociocultural and medical anthropology, Michelle brings a unique lens to innovation and transformation, emphasizing cultural responsiveness, data sovereignty and the importance of listening loudly. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about health equity, AI tech for good and the future of global wellness. Chapters 00:00 — Cold open question 00:57 — Meet Michelle Barry and CTI Life Health, a digital health ecosystem 01:52 — Built in Africa, by Africa, for Africa: A patient-first view of digital healthcare 03:38 — Listening loudly: Designing responsive tech for a cultural fit 07:04 — Building trust and individual agency in the face of resistance to AI  10:00 — Empowering patients with data ownership and sovereignty 12:28 — Designing for the edges: Scaling healthcare with empathy for all 16:03 — Bridging institutional and community health at a solutions level 25:48 — Body hacking and improving whole-person wellness 28:45 — Bridging gaps to the basics: Indigenous wisdom, community connectivity and leapfrogging legacy systems for best-in-class tech in emerging countries 31:25 — Partnerships Over Competition: Building Ecosystems 34:33 — Healing through creativity The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity.

In this special episode of Transformers, we flip the script on host Ann Funai, CIO and VP of Business Platform Transformation at IBM, as she becomes the guest of her own show. Interviewed by show producer Amanda Downie, Ann shares what keeps her up at night—and what gets her out of bed in the morning. Through a candid, funny and deeply human conversation, Ann reflects on leadership, transformation, psychological safety and the power of assuming positive intent. From “speeding tickets” in innovation to rogue curls and pineapple pizza, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the mindset of a modern enterprise leader. Chapters 00:00 – What keeps Ann up at night, and what motivates her every day? 03:18 – Prioritization, psychological safety and learning from work-place speeding tickets 08:05 – Future leaders listen up: What is the CIO role really like? And what advice would Ann give her younger self? 12:20 – Authenticity can stay; buzzwords and rogue curls need to go  17:43 – Data storytelling, cognitive bias and drawing out unexpected insights 24:12 – Honest conversations and hysterical analogies: Go-to advice for bringing calm to the chaos 28:24 – Time for rapid fire questions! 35:14 – Final reflections  The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity.

In this episode of Transformers, Ann Funai sits down with Barbra Sainsurin, GCMO of Anthropologie Group, to explore the fast-paced world of B2C marketing—from real-time insights and AI tools to building cross-functional trust and cultural relevance. From her days at Under Armour to leading transformation at Anthropologie, Barbra shares how she combines data, curiosity and heart to drive purposeful change. With warmth, vulnerability and an unapologetically customer-obsessed mindset, Barbra reveals what it takes to lead with impact and thrive in modern retail. Chapters 00:00 – Barbra Sainsurin on her leadership style 02:25 – B2C vs B2B: 3 key marketing transformation differences 08:35 – Why cross-functional insights drive marketing success 12:30 – Translating marketing for stakeholders 15:20 – Ditch the jargon: Embrace curiosity in communication  19:47 – What it means to be a tech-savvy marketer: The evolution of data-driven marketing 27:04 – Buy vs. Build: Scaling omnichannel experiences 30:22 – 3 keys to building high-impact marketing teams The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity.

What happens when a tech leader trades private equity and pro sports for public service? In this episode of Transformers, Frank Sweeney, CIO of the Arizona Department of Child Safety, shares how his unconventional career path led him to one of the most purpose-driven roles in government. Frank discusses how his team is using AI not to replace humans—but to empower them. From reducing administrative burden for field workers to improving outcomes for families and children, Frank explains how ethical, human-centered AI is transforming child welfare in Arizona. Whether you're a CIO, CTO, or tech strategist, this episode offers a powerful look at how emerging technologies can serve people—not just processes. 00:01 An unconventional path towards a purpose-driven career  05:54 The “big three” responsibilities of a (public sector) CIO  08:52 AI as a tool—not a solution—to support purpose-driven work 12:05 Balancing innovative solutions with risk management and compliance  15:25 AI can't replace our instincts: Why you still need humans in the loop 18:54 Maintaining data privacy and security when in the field 21:41 How technology can help caregivers reduce stress and avoid burnout 24:10 Leading a purpose-driven life The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. 

What does it really take to transform a legacy institution into a digital-first, human-centered enterprise? Drawing from decades of experience, Amala Duggirala, Head of Digital Data and Technology at USAA, breaks down the four dimensions of transformation—technology, product, business value and culture—and shares how to scale innovation without losing sight of compliance, quality or people. 0:01 – Get to know Amala Duggirala 2:12 – The four types of transformation 7:34 – Move like a startup, scale like an E(nterprise) 12:35 – Want to win with AI? Get your foundations right. 16:25 – How USAA delivers on the full spectrum of financial needs 19:06 – Transformation lessons from around the world 22:30 – Turning point of a transformation: Words vs. actions The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. 

How is private equity–backed FalconStor reinventing itself in the age of AI? Ann sits down with CEO Todd Brooks and CTO Ron Morita to explore the company’s evolution beyond legacy hardware, its embrace of artificial intelligence, and how it’s driving growth through cutting-edge technology and human ingenuity. 0:01 – The hybrid cloud world 1:53 – How FalconStor transformed to survive 4:42 – The CTO role: Partnerships, products and roadmaps to success 8:57 – CEOs and CTOs working together 11:13 – A handbook for partnerships 16:45 – Bridging hardware, software and the hybrid cloud worlds 21:45 – Infusing AI for sales and customer support 29:46 – What drives you and your decision-making? The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. 

In this riveting Season 2 opener, host Ann Funai dives deep into a comprehensive discussion with David Tan, CTO of CrushBank. They traverse the evolution of tech roles and Tan's strategic approach to AI model selection. The conversation also encompasses the crucial importance of comprehending the data fueling AI and shifting perspectives on AI capabilities beyond the hype. Drawing from shared experiences in IT, they share and demonstrate practical techniques for effectively communicating complex tech to non-technical audiences. 0:01 – Get to know David Tan and his role as CTO at CrushBank 1:31 – Approach to internal and external transformation 2:20 – How to choose the right AI model 5:06 – The case for small models 7:31 – Customized vs open source models 8:49 – Common pitfalls in AI transformation 10:11 – Transforming mindsets and understanding AI impact 13:46 – Shared backgrounds and the evolution of CIO and CTO roles 20:00 – Effectively communicating complex tech to non-tech audiences 23:28 – The magic is in the data, not AI  The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. 

Join Ann as she reflects on the first season of Transformers by highlighting six recurring lessons from CIOs and CTOs on business and tech transformations.  00:01 – Intro 00:16 – Transformation is inevitable  01:42 – Key transformation drivers: Culture, mindset, trust 03:07 – Trust means transparency and communication 4:29 – The AI hype is real, but so is its potential 6:59 – Learn to embrace the process 8:16 – Consider the human element throughout transformation 9:13 – Get to know the CIO The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. 

Navigating transformation traps with Nonie Sethi, Partner, BCG. Why do so many transformations fail, and how can we change it? With all the technology and data at our fingertips, most business transformations still feel like death by a thousand tiny cuts. Too many fail to flourish, even when the main culprits are entirely within the enterprise’s ability to navigate. In this episode, Ann talks with Nonie Sethi, Partner at BCG, who has made an art of using technology and data to help teams drive successful business transformations even in the most tenuous of circumstances. 1:00—Meet Nonie Sethi 3:00—Nonie's career transformation from Microsoft to BCG 5:05—Three steps to business transformation 7:08—How do you capture value creation? 8:19—What are the business transformation trends? 13:19—Three reasons business transformations fail 15:30—“Communication coupled with data is crucial to success” 20:45—What can management consulting firms do better? 23:35—How do you bring AI into business transformations? 27:50—Failing fast to win faster The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. 

Three keys to business transformation with Benni Blau, CPIO, SAP. Transforming your workforce takes more than big speeches and fancy slide decks. Successful transformations come from the right alignment of people, technology and process. Dr. Benni Blau, Chief Process & Information Officer of SAP, talks about how he approaches process and IT strategy, the critical elements of transformation, and why partnerships matter now more than ever. 0:47 - Meet Benni Blau 1:57 - Cloud transformation and the evolution of the CIO 3:35 - The rate and pace of transformation 5:23 - Putting people and processes at the forefront of transformation 9:00 - New demands on CIOs and the power of partnerships 11:57 - The value management mindset 14:47 - People, AI and the Jevons paradox 16:57 - Dealing with application sprawl 21:35 - Non-digital downtime The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. 

Healthy tech with Sarah Hatchett, Cleveland Clinic. The stakes are uniquely high for CIOs in healthcare. From inherent risks and information blockers to the demand for new technology and world class patient care, the stakes for a CIO can, quite literally, be life or death. Sarah Hatchett, SVP & CIO at the Cleveland Clinic, unpacks what it takes to balance patient care, data privacy, automation and AI trends, and the demand for technology advancements in healthcare. 2:15 - Personal brands and authenticity in the workplace 5:40 - Unique challenges for CIOs in healthcare 7:22 - Balancing patient care, tech advancements and risk 11:18 - Information blockers: A tradeoff between risk and service 13:58 - The power of an openly shared mission 17:35 - AI trends in healthcare 23:07 - Skills to bet on now and for the future 28:31 - Lessons from failures The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. 

Your tech strategy as a force multiplier. Realizing the full potential of your organization demands healthy tech habits. Eric Wood - software engineer, former Under Armour guru, current CTO of Cordance, and hardcore weightlifter - talks with Ann about transformation strategies, customizing solutions with AI and achieving goals thanks to an athlete's mindset.0:38 - Professional arcs and the community you build 2:39 - Bringing the athlete mindset to work 5:12 - Progressive overload: What athletes know about successful transformations 9:07 - Transformations at large-scale companies vs private equity owned companies 15:36 - AI, data and the solutions clients actually need 24:17 - AI customizations: when to say yes and when to say no 26:26 - Water cooler lessons and bringing your whole self to work The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. 

The Transformation Venn Diagram: Strategy, Implement, Operate. When it comes to transformation, Shakespeare’s rule of three rings true. There are three parts of a transformer’s Venn diagram that seem consistent across technologies and industries: Strategy, implement, operate.  In this episode of Transformers, two guests from Deloitte Consulting - Jag Bandla and Ayo Odusote – discuss how this synergy of strategy, technology and skills helps enterprise clients achieve business transformation goals. Hear their thoughts on the latest trends – from what’s new to what’s constant – and what it all means at a human level.   The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. 

Partners, priorities and the art of the possible. A CIO is the new client zero in the technology transformation for their company. They play a part in everything from procurement and development to sales and customer service, blending business and technology expertise. Juan Perez, CIO at Salesforce, talks about this new reality, the future of work with AI agents, AI governance and risk management, and how alignment with trusted partners is crucial for making AI successful. The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity.