#500 - From breaking robots to healing humans: Babak Abbaschian on asking questions and innovating with AI
Fail Faster
In this episode of Fail Faster, Babak Abbaschian, Senior Director of Data Strategy and Analytics at Churchill Down shares how to deliver AI projects that actually succeed. Babak turned 150 year old Churchill Downs into an AI powerhouse through these techniques. And he is using his expertise to make people's lives better by using AI in a way that humanizes people instead of technology for the sake of technology. He emphasizes the importance of failing fast, asking the right questions, and sharing wins early and often. Babak discusses how to prioritize projects by targeting quick wins that...
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#499 - AI, ethics, and smarter experimentation
Fail Faster
, Associate Vice President and BIM Director at AECOM, rejoins us on Fail Faster after his riveting previous episode. Michael reflects on lessons learned from his journey as an early adopter of 3D technology and dives into how leaders can balance innovation, fiscal responsibility, and ethics in an era defined by digital transformation, AI, and big data. From managing generational gaps in tech adoption to setting measurable KPIs for smarter experimentation, Michael offers actionable insights for navigating today’s fast-evolving landscape. This episode is packed with compelling stories,...
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#498 - From B2C to B2B: How consumer insights is the key to innovation
Fail Faster
, Head of Innovation at DOT Foods joins us on this episode of Fail Faster. Jeff shares his journey of reshaping business practices and driving impactful projects by making sure to avoid "Project X." He discusses how DOT Foods efficiently handles 4 billion pounds of food annually and highlights initiatives like fleet monitoring and warehouse safety enhancements. Jeff explores the value of starting with human insights, embracing discomfort to challenge norms, and refining ideas through experimentation. Sharing a standout success story involving heat-reflective trailer coatings, Jeff illustrates...
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#497 - From coast to coast: Tech evolution, regional insights, and the future of AI
Fail Faster
In this episode of Fail Faster we talk to Todd James. As Chief Data & Technology Officer at 84.51°, Todd oversees all technology functions and enterprise capabilities, including product and design, engineering, data science, and consumer research. He drives digital transformation, enhancing 84.51°’s robust data, science, and technology assets to support sustained growth. Within Kroger, Todd is accountable for setting and advancing the enterprise data and AI agenda to maximize the impact of Kroger’s data and analytics. With 15 years at Fidelity Investments, he has led global data and...
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#496 - Building the future: Scaling generative AI and reimagining IT as digital products
Fail Faster
In this episode of Fail Faster, we speak with Chris Francosky, Chief Information Officer at Spirent Communications. Chris is responsible for overseeing the global vision, strategy, and planning of IT security and AI initiatives. With over 25 years of experience in technology leadership, he previously served as CIO at KORE Wireless, where he led global teams in enterprise digital transformation and managed mobile core networks. Chris also brings a strong background in organizational change management, IT-business alignment, technology innovation frameworks, cybersecurity, and cloud-native...
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#495 - The success shortcut: No shortcuts allowed
Fail Faster
Pratik Patel is the Director of Category Management at Mastercard, bringing over 20 years of experience in procurement. He has traveled to 18 countries, conducted negotiations globally, and managed both direct and indirect spend. Currently, he leads category management for labor and technology sourcing in North America. Pratik follows a servant leadership style, always prioritizing the success of his team. He is guided by four key principles: we are the sum of our life experiences, create opportunities where none exist, diversity breeds diversity, and focus on eliminating waste. His leadership...
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#494 - Show, don’t tell - Winning support in corporate giants
Fail Faster
In this episode, we sit down with Sky Kelley, a leader in corporate innovation and former co-GM of digital product development at Nike, to discuss the challenges and successes of driving major projects within Fortune 100 companies. Sky shares her path from her early days in coding to managing projects that left executives impressed and eager to invest in new ideas. She talks about the importance of “show, don’t tell” when pitching big concepts, recounting a story where she captivated Nike’s top leaders with a live demo that vividly demonstrated her vision. Sky also offers practical...
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#493 - Modernize, innovate, excel: Transforming IT services for tomorrow
Fail Faster
In this episode of Fail Faster, we talk to Miloš Topić, VP for IT and Chief Digital Officer at Grand Valley State University. Miloš has 20+ years of experience in tech, innovation, and leadership. He specializes in digital strategy, security, and project management, holding degrees in computer science, information systems, an MBA, and a Ph.D. in Business Administration.
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#492 - Embracing creativity and technology: Candis Curd's journey at Unum
Fail Faster
In this episode of Fail Faster podcast, we welcome Candis Curd, Director of Digital Transformation at Unum. Candis shares her inspiring journey from her vibrant childhood in Houston to her impactful role in digital transformation. She discusses the significant influence of her parents on her creative and technical interests, her early exposure to computer programming, and her passion for music. Candis delves into her professional growth, the importance of servant leadership, and her innovative work at Unum. Tune in to hear valuable insights from Candis on leveraging technology for social good,...
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#491 - Navigating leadership and innovation in insurance: A conversation with Laurel Jordan
Fail Faster
In this episode of Fail Faster, we sit down with Laurel Jordan, Insurance TPA Officer and Solutions at Sutherland. Laurel shares her remarkable journey from a strict upbringing and a diverse professional background to becoming a leader in the insurance industry. She discusses the power of technology in insurance, the importance of employee experience, and her advocacy for women in leadership roles. Join us as Laurel reveals valuable lessons from her career, insights on digital transformation, and the future of insuretech.
info_outlineMy guest Rob Swymer is the Country Manager, UK and Ireland at Splunk which is the world’s first Data
To Everything Platform. Splunk helps over 18,000 customers world-wide unlock the value of their data,
giving them the insights to drive operational performance and business results, creating massive
value for their business. In this episode, Rob touches upon a lot of powerful concepts that he is executing with his teams to drive growth and a culture of high trust. Managing high pressure demands can become a breeze with the right mindset to be of service and come from a place of giving instead of getting.