The New Automation Mindset: AI + Automation + Integration

In this episode, Markus welcomes Dominik Wittenbeck, Group CTO of SNP Group, to explore the company’s multi-decade journey from an SAP consulting service to a global automation software provider. Dominik shares insights into the challenges and inflection points that shaped SNP’s evolution, highlighting how they tackled SAP’s complexity, embraced automation, and empowered both internal teams and external partners with flexible, modular tools.Listeners will learn how SNP scaled its platform by focusing on repeatable patterns, reducing project risk, and enabling non-technical users through intuitive design. Dominik also reflects on how generative AI is influencing the next chapter of transformation by accelerating onboarding, reducing manual tasks, and surfacing new opportunities across the enterprise landscape.Whether you're leading a digital transformation, modernizing legacy systems, or exploring GenAI’s enterprise use cases, this conversation offers actionable guidance and hard-won lessons from a leader who's lived the journey.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start02:50 How SNP Group accelerates time to value07:15 Moving from consultation to transformation16:00 Automation is inevitable18:05 What GenAI unlocks for all enterprises21:40 The importance of human guidance25:45 Why democratizing tool sets should be your highest priority29:45 Reflections from Dominik's career33:10 Don't boil the ocean when automating38:20 Thinking about automation differently41:10 Final thoughtsEpisode Key TakeawaysCulture determines automation success: Without a culture that embraces experimentation and failure, even the best tools will stall. Leaders must encourage learning, iteration, and low-friction change.Let the field drive platform evolution: SNP’s most successful tools were shaped not by top-down requirements but by consultants building on real-world problems. Innovation thrives where freedom and feedback loops exist.Process ownership must be distributed: A single team or department can’t scale automation alone. SNP’s evolution proves that shared ownership enables faster problem-solving and continuous refinement.Top Quotes“In a dream of mine that hasn't come true yet, you're sitting there in a workshop with a customer, they tell you requirements verbally, you note them down, you take the transcript of basically what you have, and it automatically reflects in the software. With agentic behavior and function calling, this is actually quite possible, and it can bring the learning curve down quite a lot.”“You will become the best engineer in automation if you are a subject matter expert. And what we’ve seen is that when we give our consultants the tools and the freedom to experiment, they come up with practical solutions we in R&D would’ve never imagined. That’s why democratizing toolsets should be your highest priority.”“From a culture perspective, you need to build a company where failing and learning is an integrated part of the process, it’s not a flaw. If your thinking is always ‘when will this be delivered’ or ‘when will it be done,’ you miss the chance to find new opportunity. The best improvements come from failures you’ve actually made.”

In this episode, Markus sits down with Michael Lebron, Head of Digital Applications and Shared Services at Canon, to discuss how Canon is integrating Generative AI into its operations through a cross-functional committee focused on intelligent automation. Drawing from his experience leading enterprise architecture and innovation initiatives, Michael shares how the committee evolved from addressing AI-related risks to enabling productivity, creativity, and scale across departments. From upskilling employees and securing executive buy-in to deploying AI agents for process automation, this episode provides a practical blueprint for enterprise leaders looking to operationalize AI in a secure, scalable, and value-driven way.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start02:40 Canon's Gen AI Committee06:25 Moving past a fear mindset11:55 A spotlight on technologists14:45 AI Integrated22:20 The massive unlock with unstructured data28:45 Analyzing the ROI of AI implementation32:10 How these tools are democratizing knowledge across organizations39:35 Is fear holding us back?43:25 Michael's adviceEpisode Key TakeawaysExecutive alignment is non-negotiable: Success with GenAI starts at the top. Canon’s committee model shows that broad adoption and cultural change only happen when executive leadership actively champions the vision.Democratization drives enterprise scale: GenAI lowers the barrier to technical innovation, enabling non-technical staff to ideate, experiment, and contribute. This shift is redefining what it means to be “digital ready” in the enterprise.Education eliminates fear: Resistance to AI often stems from a lack of understanding. Canon's emphasis on hands-on training, internal advocacy, and use-case transparency helps mitigate fear and build enterprise readiness.Top Quotes"When we started the AI committee, it wasn’t just to control risks, it was to unlock productivity and creativity while protecting the company. We built policies not to suppress, but to encourage innovation safely. That balance of governance and enablement has been critical to our success.""Generative AI is removing barriers to innovation. You no longer need to be a seasoned developer to build real applications or automate business tasks. It’s democratizing expertise, allowing people with curiosity, not just technical skill, to drive transformation.""This isn’t just about deploying tools. It’s a shift in DNA, in how we work and think. From executive strategy down to individual workflows, every function at Canon is now evaluating how AI can enhance efficiency and customer experience. It’s a complete cultural evolution."

In this episode, Markus sits down with John Miller, VP of Consumer and Retail Solutions at AT&T, to explore how one of the world’s largest telecom companies is using AI agents and LLMs to enhance service delivery and modernize operations. John explains how his team deployed the very first GPT-style interface implemented across AT&T and how it is empowering employees throughout the organization.He also shares AT&T’s strategy for evolving from traditional workflow logic to asynchronous, agent-driven interactions that better mirror customer behavior. From managing petabytes of unstructured data to wrapping legacy mainframes with AI interfaces, John provides actionable insights for any enterprise looking to embrace generative AI.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start03:00 A broad overview of how AT&T is leveraging AI06:15 The best solution for scale 09:30 Reshaping workflows to better serve customers15:20 How to design your org's AI agents20:55 Different models for different tasks22:50 Empathizing with your customers 29:35 Tackling legacy systems one step at a time35:55 The data problem44:15 Advice for others beginning their journeyEpisode Key TakeawaysLegacy systems don’t have to be a blocker: AT&T is proving that even decades-old mainframes can be modernized by “wrapping” them with AI agents. This approach enables gradual transformation without disrupting end users or retraining staff.Perfect data isn’t a prerequisite: Instead of waiting to clean every dataset, AT&T uses AI to surface and correct data quality issues in real-time. This lets them move fast while improving data fidelity through use.Empathy matters in AI adoption: User trust and satisfaction rise when AI interactions mimic natural human communication. AT&T saw measurable improvements by designing agents that pause, clarify, and respond with warmth.AI success is iterative, not linear: AT&T's most effective agents didn’t launch fully formed. They evolved through constant prompt tuning, testing, and feedback. Treat agents like teammates who learn and improve over time.Top Quotes“For companies trying to wait until they have perfect data, you’ll never have perfect data. So it’s better to just start. Even with imperfect data, you can begin to see meaningful trends and value, especially when your AI tools are designed to adapt and refine based on real-time feedback.”“We’re wrapping legacy systems like a python [by] slowly squeezing out functionality until they’re obsolete. This approach lets us modernize without disruption, giving employees a seamless experience while we replace backend systems incrementally. Over time, those old systems just quietly phase out.”“AI lets you break the traditional workflow logic. Now we meet customers wherever they are in their journey, instead of forcing them through a rigid sequence. It’s a shift from thinking about linear steps to enabling outcomes through flexible, asynchronous interactions.”

In this episode, Markus sits down with Manish Sood, CEO, Founder, and Chairman of Reltio, to explore how enterprises can modernize their architecture through data unification, intelligent automation, and AI readiness. Drawing on Manish’s experience building cloud-native platforms and enabling data-driven transformation, they unpack the evolution of Master Data Management (MDM) and the critical need for an API-first, process-oriented approach. From breaking down data silos and improving data quality to leveraging AI agents and automating business workflows with tools like Reltio and Workato, this episode offers a strategic lens for leaders looking to future-proof their operations in an increasingly AI-powered landscape.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start03:14 Founding vision and evolution of Reltio09:36 API-first approach and data unification14:13 The role of AI in modern business processes19:13 Driving business transformation through integration22:43 Future of applications and data strategy28:08 How GenAI is affecting data quality33:10 Envisioning the AI-driven center of excellenceEpisode Key TakeawaysUnify data to unlock its full value: Siloed systems hold back AI progress. An API-first approach and the use of entity graphs help organizations bring together data from multiple sources. When data is unified and accessible, it becomes far more valuable for business and AI applications.Let AI do the heavy lifting on data quality: Most tools highlight data issues but don’t fix them. AI can go further by cleaning, disambiguating, and enriching data from unstructured sources. This keeps data accurate, reliable, and ready for action.Think in processes, not schemas: Rigid data models limit agility. A process-oriented mindset helps integrate workflows across departments, increasing flexibility and speed. Tools like Reltio and Workato can help streamline these integrations.Prepare for an AI-first application future: Applications are moving toward prompt-based and AI-driven interactions. Businesses should start getting their data ready and automating key processes. Those who do will be better positioned to compete in an AI-powered world.Top Quotes"That is the benefit of hindsight. Having been through the experience, having looked at the previous generation of technologies and capabilities. When I started Reltio in 2011, the core thesis that informed the foundation was the fact that companies, enterprises in particular, will continue to see an explosion in applications and therefore data silos.”“I've never heard a business owner say they want to move slower. Everybody wants to move faster. Every business process, if they were able to do something in 30 days, they want to now do it in seven days. If they were able to do it in seven days, they want to do it in seven minutes. If they were able to do the same thing in seven minutes, they want to go down to seconds or milliseconds. And that's the natural progression that we will continue to see, where every business process needs to execute in a shorter timeframe, faster, without human intervention. And this is where agentic comes in.”“Just by inserting AI in the middle of that business process, nobody is going to say that now, instead of a hundred, a thousand milliseconds is okay. In fact, the insertion of AI, the whole purpose of AI being inserted in the middle, is to make it faster. So when you think about that, the data that informs those decisions has to be available as the, always on, always accessible, fastest-moving piece of the entire puzzle so that you can get to that leverage, you can get to that business outcome in a shorter timeframe.”“Applications will not exist in the manner we know of them today. We have to think about data differently where we have to not only think of it as a strategic asset, core data that runs your business being available at every given point in time for any business process, any decision that needs to be made, or any analytical process that needs to be informed with it. And this bridge or divide between analytical and operational will disappear because it's the same information that needs to be used in both places.”“The tools today measure the quality of data, but they don't fix it. The remediation of that data also has to happen in parallel, and that remediation can be done by agentic capabilities. And especially now, doing some of the research that a human would do before, go out research certain detail, bring that back, validate certain pieces of information. All of those things can be automated through agentic capabilities. And that's how we are looking at the continuum, the entire lifecycle of data. All the way from sourcing to consumption, so that we can address all the lifecycle gaps in the middle and enhance the quality or the trust in the data, and then make it available for consumption across the enterprise.”

In this episode, Markus sits down with Michael Heric, Senior Partner at Bain & Company and leader of Bain’s global automation capabilities, to explore how enterprise automation has evolved from traditional RPA to the era of Generative AI and intelligent agents. With 25 years of industry insight, Michael shares a compelling roadmap for leveraging automation at scale, drawing from real-world client experiences and internal Bain initiatives. From the early challenges of BPR to the promises and pitfalls of AI adoption today, this episode offers a grounded, strategic perspective for enterprise leaders navigating digital transformation. Timestamps00:00 Episode Start02:45 History of workplace automation06:00 Finding the right tool at the right time13:35 Change management at scale16:15 Who ends up implementing these new toolsets?18:20 Challenges and success stories from real organizations21:45 Getting ROI by learning from the past24:10 Some underrated use cases for LLMs26:50 Putting trust in GenAI toolsets29:20 Are organizations ready from a data perspective?32:45 Adapting at the same rate the world is changing40:05 Leveraging AI to create better products 44:20 Conclusion and final thoughtsEpisode Key TakeawaysThe opportunity still exists in the back office: Despite clear value potential, finance, HR, and legal remain under-automated due to data, trust, and auditability concerns. These areas are poised for transformation with the right approach.Success depends on sticking with it: Many organizations fail not because their data or ideas were worse, but because they gave up too early. The companies winning with AI are the ones that iterate and persevere.Apply innovation where you have gaps: Don’t waste generative AI on processes that already work with existing automation. Focus on "white space" opportunities—areas where older tools failed or never reached.Use the right tool for the job: Traditional automation (like RPA) still delivers value in structured, rule-based tasks, while AI agents excel in dynamic, ambiguous environments like customer service and sales.Top Quote"Doing business process redesign, even doing some of these large ERP implementations…the world is moving so fast, these business processes are changing. By the time you’re done with the redesign, the world’s already moved past it. So you're constantly multiple steps behind. And I think now we're finally getting to a spot where technology can be flexible enough to adapt at the same rate the world is changing."

In this episode, Markus Zirn, Michael Smith, and Earl Newsome discuss their collaborative work on the TechPACT, a collective initiative focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech industry. The TechPACT aims to bridge the digital divide and elevate underrepresented voices in technology. Michael and Earl share how the “plus one” mindset helps members take small, daily actions to promote inclusion, and they offer practical ways tech leaders can commit to equitable hiring and mentorship. They also address the rising backlash against DEI initiatives, offering strategies to navigate resistance while continuing to drive meaningful change. Lastly, they discuss responsible AI adoption, the power of allyship, and building a more inclusive future in tech.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start04:50 Founding the TechPACT08:20 The TechPACT's vision and mission11:55 What levers are required for change17:00 Importance of Inclusion18:45 The TechPACT's impact30:30 DEI in 2025: Addressing backlash and navigating forward37:00 AI and its impact on diversity46:00 Call to action for IT executivesEpisode Key TakeawaysSupport the mission of TechPACT: Join the movement to close the digital divide by getting involved with TechPACT. Visit techpact.org, take the pledge, and share it with your network. You can also volunteer your time, skills, or resources to help drive representation and access in tech.Incorporate “Plus One” into your routine: Build inclusivity into your daily habits by adding one intentional action that broadens your perspective. That could mean reading a book from a different cultural lens, connecting with someone outside your usual circle, or expanding your candidate pool during hiring. Small, consistent steps can lead to lasting change.Standardize diverse hiring practices: Make it a norm to interview a diverse slate of candidates before making any hiring decisions. This not only supports equity and inclusion, it also helps you access a broader, stronger talent pool by widening the lens on what great looks like.Tackle AI bias and prepare for the future: Audit your AI tools for bias and make sure they’re built with fairness in mind. Invest in training your team for emerging roles like “AI artists” and “prompt engineers.” Encourage collaboration between humans and AI to spark exponential innovation, not just automation.Top Quote“ To really serve your consumers, you have to have a deep, deep level of empathy. And the great, especially the innovative companies, they anticipate needs sometimes before the consumer themselves anticipates those needs, and the way you do that is by bringing diverse perspectives to the table. And those diverse perspectives can come from all types of diversity, right? Sometimes it can be the things you see on the surface, like gender or race, but it can also be industry knowledge. But bringing those diverse perspectives to the table is where it starts.” - Michael Smith“ Diversity is being invited to the dance, right? Inclusion is being asked to dance, right? Equity is having access to the dance floor. That's all equity is giving you access to get on the dance floor. There's a ramp there for you, if you need that. But belonging is wanting to dance if no one's looking at you. And so if we can really unlock the power of belonging in our organizations and we can then earn that discretionary effort of all our employees. If people feel as though they don't belong, and we've all had that feeling, we've been in places where we feel we don't belong. You're not gonna earn any extra effort from me. You're not gonna earn the power of my diverse background. But if I feel as though if I belong and I'm dancing as if no one's looking at me, then you're gonna earn my discretionary effort, which is gonna lead to amazing, extraordinary outcomes.” - Earl Newsome

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Ramak Robinson explore the power of digital transformation through the evolution of APIs. Ramak shares how H&M built a robust integration framework with over 600 APIs and 500 events, driving the organization toward a more modern, agile IT landscape. They dive into the strategic shift toward composable and event-driven architectures, the lessons learned in fostering business-IT collaboration, and the role of modularity in streamlining operations. Ramak also offers insights into the future of IT, from AI-driven orchestration to business process automation, and how organizations can stay ahead in an ever-changing digital world.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start02:50 Ramak's journey at H&M05:55 Impact of APIs on integration and enterprise architecture12:15 Role of orchestration in composable architecture17:50 Levels of orchestration20:00 Business and IT collaboration: A cultural shift24:05 Navigating digital transformation and lessons learned30:20 Do your APIs provide business value?32:30 Choosing where and when to go composable38:15 The future of AI and orchestrationEpisode Key TakeawaysKeep control in decentralized environments: Shifting from a centralized to a decentralized model doesn’t mean losing governance. Establish clear guidelines and oversight to keep teams aligned on best practices like API first design. This ensures consistency, quality, and seamless integration across your ecosystem.Define your data models early: A strong data governance framework is key to building valuable APIs. Know how core data entities such as products, customers, and orders are structured. This clarity improves API design, boosts reusability, and simplifies integration across systems.Be strategic about composability: Don’t try to apply composability everywhere at once. Start where it makes the biggest impact in high change, high reuse areas. A focused approach helps prove value quickly, making it easier to scale success across the organization.Automate governance for seamless compliance: Instead of relying on documentation alone, build compliance into your development pipelines. Automated checks for naming conventions, data models, and best practices help teams stay on track without slowing them down.Top Quote“ I really think orchestration automation is the future if we want to have faster time to market and we want to deliver the outcome that we are set for. So also looking at the type of platforms to support us also is very super crucial. And what I'm excited about is that composability and modularity is now kind of part of our tech strategy, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how we can bring that to life.”  

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Junior Brandt explore the evolving role of enterprise architecture in today’s business landscape. Junior shares how architects are adapting to new challenges, including the shift from monolithic ERP systems to composable architecture. They discuss the impact of COVID-19, the growing need for automation tools like Workato, and how AI is reshaping the enterprise architect’s mindset. Junior also addresses the challenges faced by traditional architects and how embracing new technologies can create opportunities for more agile, integrated IT landscapes.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start03:20 The enterprise architect's mindset08:15 Key trends shaping enterprise architecture12:45 COVID-19's impact on enterprise architecture18:50 Composable architecture & the evolving tech landscape27:55 Building a unified integration platform32:30 RPA's impact on enterprise architecture38:00 Breaking down concerns in adopting composable architecture46:00 GenAI in enterprise architectureEpisode Key TakeawaysEmbrace composability for more flexibility: Break down big, rigid systems and try composable architecture where it can really make a difference. Focus on high-change, high-reuse areas to quickly prove the impact, and then expand from there.Integrate AI for quick wins: Start adding AI into workflows where it can make an immediate impact, like customer interactions. These small wins will build organizational confidence in AI and pave the way for broader AI integration.Make integration easier with unified platforms: Adpot unified integration platforms to reduce the complexity of connecting modern and legacy systems. This streamlines your architecture and ensures faster, more efficient system integration.Balance agility with good governance: Set up clear guidelines that let you innovate quickly, but maintain security and control. Focus on developing policies for low-code environments to keep systems secure and compliant without stifling progress.Top Quote“ I would argue in today's day and age, which company could really say that speed isn't a challenge? The ability to adapt and that agility is just fundamental for participating in an active economy today.”

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Lutz Beck explore how GenAI and data management are transforming the truck industry and boosting operational efficiency. Lutz shares his experiences from Mitsubishi Fuso to Daimler Truck, highlighting the integration of GenAI and connected technologies. They discuss the growing role of AI agents in automating business processes, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing customer service. Lutz also offers practical insights on managing legacy systems, leveraging data for innovation, and preparing for a future driven by AI and automation.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start03:20 Understanding the truck Industry06:35 Modernizing legacy systems11:00 Integrating with legacy systems18:45 The power of quality data21:15  Leveraging AI for operational efficiency27:25 Impact of AI agents36:50 Building strong data foundations with AI agentsEpisode Key TakeawaysFocus on solid data management: Get your data practices in shape with strong governance, quality checks, and clear protocols for sharing. Make sure to educate your team on data security to keep sensitive info safe.Use AI agents to boost efficiency: Bring in AI agents to handle routine IT and customer service tasks. Set up a system where agents work together smoothly. Think AI-powered helpdesks that can manage simple questions, letting human agents focus on more complicated issues.Update legacy systems with care: Take a close look at your old IT systems and explore how to upgrade or replace them with more modern, scalable solutions. Don’t just automate outdated processes, think about ways to simplify and enhance them.Align IT with Business Goals: Build a strong partnership between your IT and business teams. Make sure your IT projects are aligned with what the business needs, helping streamline operations and add value for customers like using AI in HR to speed up recruitment and data entry, giving employees more time for strategic work.Top Quote“ Data is, for me, the key asset of a company and the data gives you the power to be intelligent as a company. You just need to learn to use it.”

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Arul Arogyanathan explore the transformative power of strategic IT leadership. Arul shares how he navigated pandemic-driven disruptions since stepping into his role in 2021, driving key initiatives like modernizing systems, fostering business-IT collaboration, and implementing composable architecture and automation. They dive into the creative ways Village Roadshow embraced automation, composable architecture, and a "do more with less" mindset to not only survive but thrive. Arul also offers practical advice on staying agile, driving innovation, and building a tech foundation ready for the future.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start02:40 Who is Village Roadshow?06:10 Arul's journey at Village Roadshow11:30 Strategic IT transformation at Village Roadshow20:50 Simplifying and standardizing technology28:10 Rethinking IT transformation: Beyond ERP37:30 Implementing composable architecture41:45 Reflecting on Arul's journey: Lessons learnedEpisode Key TakeawaysPrioritize integration, not just upgrades: Don’t just upgrade systems in silos. Focus on building a cohesive ecosystem where everything works seamlessly together. This reduces complexity, improves efficiency, and ensures your tech stack is aligned with business goals.Build for agility with composable architecture: Create modular systems that are easy to scale, integrate, or swap out as needed. This flexible approach keeps your organization adaptable and minimizes disruptions during changes or upgrades.Put your people first: Whether it’s your customers or employees, focusing on their experience is key. Map out the customer journey, identify what matters most, and implement solutions that go above and beyond. A people-first approach boosts loyalty, efficiency, and growth.Work smarter with automation: Automation is a game-changer for getting more done with fewer resources. By rolling out low-code/no-code platforms and making automation accessible to everyone, teams can focus on meaningful, high-impact work while reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks.Top Quote“ As a leader, we need to think strategically and focus on the ecosystem rather than the system. That's the key element.”

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Ilan Twig explore the intersection of organizational resilience, technology adoption, and innovation. They explore Navan’s journey and how they navigated significant challenges like COVID-19 while maintaining a user-centric approach. Ilan also highlights the transformative role of GenAI and shares insights on how organizations can harness these technologies to drive operational improvements and manage change effectively. Ilan wraps up by offering practical strategies for IT leaders to embrace new technologies, remain resilient in the face of adversity, and lead successful transformations.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start03:15 Evolution of Navan and COVID's Impact14:40 Building resilience in adversity25:00 Adapting to GenAI and Navan's use cases34:55 Implementing AI in business processes43:55 Advice for IT leaders embracing AIEpisode Key TakeawaysAdapt and innovate in adversity: Stay flexible and quickly adjust to changes. Keep an eye on shifting user needs and be ready to pivot your strategy when necessary—like doubling down on products that are most relevant during times of crisis, such as COVID-19.Leverage technology despite its limitations: Don’t be discouraged by the limitations of new technologies. Embrace them by understanding their challenges and experimenting. Continuously refine how you use these technologies and find creative solutions to overcome their flaws, turning potential setbacks into opportunities for innovation.Maintain a user-centric focus: Keep the user front and center in everything you do. Build systems and tools that make their lives easier and solve problems in a way that’s seamless and hassle-free.Promote transparent communication and company culture: Be open and transparent, especially in tough times. Keep the lines of communication flowing with your team, whether through regular check-ins or all-hands meetings, so everyone feels aligned and supported.Top Quote“ Technologies, just like everything in life, they have the good things that they bring and they have limitations. You need to apply the right tool to the right problem.”

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Steve Brodrick explore the power of data democratization and its role in driving transformation. Steve shares his journey from CFO to CTO and now CEO of Horizon Five, where he is dedicated to making data accessible and empowering teams to thrive. They discuss the importance of integrating IT and business, the challenges of scaling data-driven insights, and the potential of emerging technologies like generative AI. Steve offers practical strategies for fostering collaboration, building a data-driven culture, and driving innovation across organizations.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start02:55 Steve's career journey and passion for data07:40 Importance of The New Automation Mindset12:00 Exploring data-driven challenges in RPA17:05 Bridging business and IT with integration20:00 Maturity in data across organizations24:45 Overcoming resistance to process democratization34:00 Impact of GenAI on data democratization38:00 Advice for aspiring IT and business leadersEpisode Key TakeawaysBring teams together: Break down silos by creating cross-functional teams that include IT, finance, marketing, HR, and more. Collaboration like this helps combine different perspectives, leading to smarter decisions and more innovative solutions.Empower everyone with the right tools: Equip your team with easy-to-use tools like Workato. These self-service platforms make it easier for non-technical users to work with data, automate tasks, and find valuable insights, boosting both productivity and confidence.Make learning part of your culture: Encourage curiosity and experimentation with new tools and technologies. Highlight wins, offer training, and celebrate a culture of continuous learning to spark innovation and creative problem-solving.Focus on clean, connected data: Great decisions start with great data. Invest in systems that ensure your data is clean, well-integrated, and accessible. This sets the stage for advanced tools like GenAI to deliver accurate, actionable insights.Top Quotes“Data professionals are not just in IT, they're certainly there, but also, others across every function. Data really knows no function. It sits in your marketing organization, your HR organization, it sits everywhere. So, you have to develop a strategy when you're transforming, where you have an integrated way to welcome everybody to the data dance.”“You have to make a bet that if you empower people and democratize these tools, there will be great outcomes.”

In this episode, Marcus Zirn and Vladimir Lukic dive into BCG's latest report, Where’s the Value in AI?, highlighting why only a small percentage of companies are scaling AI effectively. They explore strategies for successful AI adoption, such as focusing on core workflows, optimizing operating models, and choosing fewer but deeper use cases. Vlad also discusses the challenges of data quality, the importance of embedding AI into business processes, and the evolving role of IT and product managers in AI-driven transformations. He wraps up by sharing practical insights and success stories from real-world AI implementations.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start4:10 Overview of BCG's AI Report10:10 The role of AI agents18:10 Why good data matters for AI26:35 Integrating AI into business processes30:20 Building the right IT and business team for AI36:37 How AI is shaping traditional IT transformation39:47 Rethinking AI adoptionEpisode Key TakeawaysFocus on core workflows: Identify and prioritize the workflows that directly impact your competitive advantage. AI leaders are targeting mission-critical processes to maximize efficiency and impact.Rethink the operating model: Implementing AI requires more than just adopting new technology—it demands a full overhaul of your operating model. This includes realigning employee incentives, adjusting meeting structures, and embedding AI deeply into your business operations for long-term success.Quality data is crucial: AI can only be as effective as the data it’s trained on. Take the time to clean up and review your data sources. Bad data will lead to bad insights, so ensuring your data is accurate and complete is key to success.Build the right teams: AI integration needs both business insight and technical know-how. Build cross-functional teams with business owners, IT, and data scientists—ideally led by a strong product manager or agile coach—to ensure your AI projects are a success.Top Quote“I'm seeing Gen AI over the last two years, just being this trigger or a catalyst to put a lot of these perennial and constant topics visibly on the table.”BCG Report: Where’s the Value in AI?

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Sam Sena explore the intersection of IT identity archetypes, technology adoption, and organizational change management. They dive into Sam’s research on classifying employees into IT archetypes to improve system adoption, team dynamics, and address fears during tech transformations. Sam emphasizes the role of cultural identity, the human element, and leveraging influencers to drive successful IT projects. Sam wraps up by sharing real-world examples and practical strategies to align new technologies with organizational culture and effectively manage change.Download the IT Identity (ITID) and Information Systems (IS) Adoption Summary of Findings here: https://bit.ly/ITIDSoFTimestamps00:00 Episode Start03:56 Sam's career journey06:08 Sam's research in a nutshell13:05 Applying IT Identity Archetypes to Workato18:46 Overcoming challenges and resistance to change28:01Transforming IT and business collaboration37:39 Real-world success storiesEpisode Key TakeawaysIdentify key influencers early: Engage technophiles or experts within your organization to act as ambassadors for new technology. Their enthusiasm and influence can help drive broader adoption and acceptance.Use behavioral data to drive adoption: Run simple surveys to assess your team’s readiness for change. Use this data to create more targeted enablement efforts that directly address specific readiness levels and concerns.Customize messaging and training: Leverage IT Identity Archetypes to personalize communication and training for different employee groups, ensuring your enablement strategies align with their unique motivations and needs.Build a collaborative IT-business culture: Foster open communication and teamwork between IT and business teams, encouraging joint problem-solving to drive successful technology adoption and seamless collaboration.Top Quote“Organizations can experience an increase in [tech] adoption by as much as 20 to 25 percent by making some small changes to their transformation programs.”“The goal again is to get alignment. Once you do it once, once you do it twice, you're never going to go back because now you're really finding a way to cater the message, the value to the needs of the individuals. It becomes like a flywheel.”

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Tal Seraf explore the evolution of IT, emphasizing the shift from project-based to product-focused approaches for improved efficiency and customer satisfaction. Drawing on Tal’s extensive experience at tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, Meta, and now Atlassian, he shares how his diverse career has shaped his leadership style. They delve into the critical role of customer-centricity, the power of data and GenAI to streamline operations and Atlassian’s ERP transformation with Workato. Tal also offers valuable insights for aspiring IT leaders looking to drive innovation and make a meaningful impact in their organizations.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start02:30 Tal's journey and experience05:45 Transitioning from project-minded to product-minded10:45 Leveraging Atlassian products with GenAI13:35 Atlassian's finance transformation with Workato16:30 Balancing buy vs. build in IT22:20 Tal's insights on the New Automation Mindset27:30 Centralized vs. Federated IT Organization31:20 Advice for aspiring IT leadersEpisode Key TakeawaysEmbrace data literacy: Build expertise in data science fundamentals to understand data representation, interpret charts, and derive actionable insights. Leverage these skills to prioritize initiatives, enhance products, and foster data-driven decision-making within your organization.Harness AI for automation: Incorporate AI-driven analytics and automation tools into your IT workflows to optimize operations and eliminate manual, repetitive tasks. This approach can significantly boost productivity, leading to faster and more accurate results.Adopt a strategic IT framework: Transition from a project-centric to a product-oriented IT organization by embracing a long-term perspective. Gain a deep understanding of business challenges, prioritize innovations that deliver real value, and invest in areas that offer significant competitive advantage. Focus IT resources on strategic business priorities.Implement a flexible IT structure: Embrace both centralized and federated IT models tailored to your business requirements. Create specialized solutions for different departments while ensuring seamless integration and a cohesive customer experience. This adaptability enhances operational efficiency and responsiveness in your IT operations.Top Quote“I think there are great opportunities for everyone at this point, not just a younger me or my children, but all of us to think about how to become more data literate and how to use AI and some of the LLM capabilities today to solve problems that we all have had in a faster, more efficient manner.”

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Rajeev Khanna discuss how to navigate the common IT challenges faced by large organizations. Rajeev shares his extensive experience across various industries, including his leadership roles at Aon, Expedia, Asurion, and UBS. They examine the complexities of systems, the need for efficiency, cost management, and overcoming organizational friction. Rajeev highlights the critical role of change management, collaboration with business leaders, and effective communication in driving successful technology adoption. Additionally, they explore the transformative potential of generative AI in IT processes, emphasizing the importance of early experimentation and secure deployment.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start02:45 Common IT Challenges12:20 The role of the modern CIO18:55 Strategies for IT and business fusion22:40 Navigating change management30:00 Key roles for success35:40 How GenAI will impact business growth and tech adoptionEpisode Key TakeawaysGet to know the business goals: Take the time to really understand the different functions and their priorities. This deeper insight helps you ensure that your tech solutions hit the mark and genuinely support what the business needs.Make change management a priority: Focus on creating a solid change management plan to help everyone get on board with new technologies. Keep communication clear and invite users to get involved early, so they can see the benefits firsthand and share their feedback.Empower your tech champions: Find those enthusiastic individuals in different departments who love technology. These champions can help spread the word about new tools, share their experiences, and encourage others to join in on the excitement of adopting new solutions.Find the best use cases for new tech: Collaborate closely with business units to discover where new technologies can make a real difference. By working together, you can identify impactful use cases and ensure that your tech investments truly benefit the organization.Top Quote“Technology leaders are not technology leaders. They’re business leaders first who happen to do technology. It's a subtle but important mind shift to say I'm here to serve the business.”

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Ravi Malick discuss the evolving landscape of IT leadership and the transformative power of AI. Ravi shares his journey from the energy sector to leading IT at Box, highlighting the importance of integrating business strategy with IT leadership. They explore the challenges of SaaS application sprawl and emphasize the critical need for a well-architected enterprise and data environment. Ravi also offers practical insights on managing technology investments and adopting a portfolio approach to application management.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start02:29 Ravi's career journey and transition to Box06:20 Evolution of the CIO role14:10 Impacts of SaaS application sprawl19:35 Strategies for managing application sprawl29:45 Embracing composable architecture36:15 Balancing custom development and packaged solutions41:00 Impacts of AI on business applicationsEpisode Key TakeawaysStart with enterprise and data architecture: Bringing on an enterprise architect and a data architect early in your organization’s journey can really simplify things and help you scale effectively. Laying down these foundational pieces early on will make future integrations smoother and keep your organization agile as you grow.Simplify your application portfolio: Take the time to review all your current applications and see what they do, how much they cost, and who owns them. Identifying overlapping functions can help you prioritize which applications to consolidate or retire, saving you on administrative costs and streamlining your operations.Embrace composable architecture for flexibility: Combine your core applications with smaller, adaptable solutions using a composable approach. This will help you quickly respond to changing business needs while ensuring that essential functions are backed by reliable, long-term applications, enabling innovation and a competitive edge.Leverage GenAI to enhance processes: Use AI and generative AI to boost your business processes, whether it’s marketing campaigns, customer service, or internal workflows. Focus on building a flexible and secure system that can integrate AI capabilities throughout your organization, ensuring that your AI investments create real, measurable benefits.Top Quote“Teams that are aligned, businesses that are aligned and are in sync execute so much better and are so much more successful. I don't think it should be any different for technology.”

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Yanni Charalambous explore the modern approach to factory automation through software-defined factories. Yanni shares insights on leveraging cloud technology, integrating digital twins for improved efficiency, and establishing their low-carbon ventures business unit. He highlights the challenges of cloud adoption, the significance of innovative technologies like carbon capture, and the vital role of strategic partnerships in driving innovation and modernization.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start03:50 Yanni's work at Oxy07:20 Innovative technologies and investments09:55 Exploring software-defined plants and digital twins16:30 Optimizing with a scale mindset22:10 Cloud adoption journey at Oxy28:20 Leveraging advanced technologies for future IT Innovations32:25 Advice for successful cloud adoption40:00 Economic impact of software-defined plant models44:45 Future roadmap at OxyEpisode Key TakeawaysForge visionary partnerships: Collaborate with vendors and partners who align with and support your innovative vision. This alignment can streamline the adoption of new technologies and processes.Pinpoint a transformational cloud project: Identify a high-impact project that can justify your move to the cloud. This project should enhance capabilities and agility, helping to build a solid business case for cloud adoption and drive organizational change.Prioritize skill transformation: Focus on transforming your team’s skills to align with new technologies. Investing in their growth and development ensures faster, more efficient project execution and enhances their marketability.Top Quote“ Just the fact that you move to the cloud doesn't mean much to them unless you engage them from a data perspective. And show them how data now will unlock opportunities that otherwise are not there or they're extremely difficult to make happen.”“I would advise anyone who hasn't yet embraced or engaged in this type of transformation to spend a lot of time engaging the people and making sure they understand the value proposition—what’s in it for them—in executing this. Along with finding that transformational project that inside the company that will really drive value and be visible as a value delivery.”

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Arthur Hu discuss Lenovo’s transformation from a hardware giant to an IT services leader, driven by AI and hybrid cloud technologies. Arthur shares insights on managing global supply chains during COVID-19, balancing centralized and federated IT governance, and the crucial role of cultural integration. He also emphasizes the importance of a customer-first approach and adopting a process-driven mindset to foster innovation.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start04:00 Balancing IT leadership and customer perspective04:55 Lenovo powers Lenovo: Internal innovations09:05 Exploring IT process innovations and AI opportunities14:30 How removing barriers can empower your teams20:50 Supply chain resilience during COVID-1926:35 Centralized vs. decentralized vs. federated IT governance31:20 Cultural integration in global IT operations37:25 Lessons from providing IT servicesEpisode Key TakeawaysEmbrace Customer-Centric IT: It’s crucial for IT organizations to operate with the same level of accountability and service quality as if they could lose their internal “customers”—the business units—to external competition. This mindset will sharpen focus on meeting SLAs and enhancing end-user satisfaction.Leverage External Insights: Recognize that learning from external customers and other companies can provide invaluable insights. Embrace external benchmarks and customer feedback to continually improve and innovate within your IT operations. Foster collaborative, cross-functional teams: Break down silos and encourage collaboration across roles. By focusing on the customer journey and integrating diverse expertise, you’ll drive better outcomes and a more cohesive team environment.Cultivate and evolve your company culture: Invest regularly in nurturing your organizational culture. Establish clear norms and create opportunities for team bonding to enhance coordination and reduce friction, especially in diverse, global teams.Top Quote“The most powerful insight that we now apply, and I try to bring to my work and also with customers, is how do we take things that are automated perhaps very deeply, but not very broadly? And how do we use the process mindset to get out of those and actually think how do we have a better whole? An analogy that we use is everyone is trying to build some kind of a highway. But unless you have that integrative either journey or experience that you're targeting, then you end up with this mishmash, the off-ramps might not be connected, things don't actually work together very well. And so it's important to have an overall plan and as well as being able and willing to maintain that.”

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Enver Cetin explore the game-changing potential of GenAI and digital twins in transforming business processes. They discuss how these technologies are reshaping customer interactions, automating decision-making, and redefining job roles. Enver shares real-world insights from Ciklum's Workato automation projects, emphasizing the importance of clear process mapping and embracing innovation to stay competitive. Throughout the conversation, Enver highlights how these advancements are revolutionizing both customer and employee experiences.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start02:20 Workato automation projects at Ciklum05:35 GenAI client use cases12:15 Challenges in business process management20:40 Introducing Workato Agentic and its impact on process management29:50 Future of AI agents in business processes33:50 Overcoming client resistance to LLM integration39:40 GenAI's impact in reshaping business systems44:35 What's next in AI and automation?Episode Key TakeawaysBuild a solid process foundation: Start with clear and well-structured business processes. Involve all relevant teams in mapping out these processes and address inefficiencies early. This groundwork will make it easier to use automation and AI effectively.Implement integration and automation tools: Leverage platforms like Workato to connect different systems and automate key tasks. Focus on improving data synchronization and streamlining activities such as HR onboarding or customer support to boost efficiency and accuracy.Utilize GenAI for better customer interactions: Implement GenAI to enhance customer service and automate complex decision-making. Tools like AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants can improve customer interactions and help you gain valuable insights from your data.Adopt Digital Twin Technologies: Consider using digital twins and agentic AI models to manage and optimize your processes. These technologies simulate decision-making and adapt in real time, creating more personalized, efficient, and responsive systems.Top Quote“No matter how advanced your tools, your technologies are, the effectiveness of any project hinges on a clear, well-structured process foundation. So one of the biggest lessons is that understanding the fine details of business processes allows us to automate and optimize them effectively.”