#505 - Navigating the future: Innovations in ServiceNow and Generative AI
Fail Faster
In this Fail Faster episode, we catch up with , Director of Corporate Solutions (ServiceNow and Atlassian) at Avalara once again. We discuss his team’s remarkable growth and also explore the impactful role of generative AI and Now Assist in revolutionizing ITSM. Derek shares insights on the importance of data quality for AI success and his vision for enhancing employee experiences in 2025. Tune in to discover future trends, challenges in adapting new technologies, and Derek's personal and professional resolutions for the year ahead.
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#504 - Modernizing legacy systems: AI, data strategy, and driving change
Fail Faster
In this episode of the Fail Faster Podcast, , a seasoned solution architect at Chubb with over 25 years in the technology sector, shares his fascinating journey from dismantling radios in his childhood to tackling large-scale modernization projects in financial services. Gurdeep discusses the complexities of legacy system transformation, navigating organizational resistance, and the power of aligning business and technology for impactful change. He also shares his insights on leveraging AI responsibly, building strong data foundations, and fostering collaboration across all levels of an...
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#503 - Digital transformation in HR with Dana St. Pierre
Fail Faster
In this episode of Fail Faster, we welcome , Director of Digital Talent Engine at Constellation Brands. With over 15 years of HR and recruitment experience across nuclear engineering, cannabis, and beverage alcohol industries, Dana brings an innovative approach to HR. She is passionate about diversity and inclusion, and in her current role, she leads digital talent recruitment and HR programming to drive transformation at Constellation Brands. Dana holds a B.A. in Organizational Leadership and a Master’s in Human Resource Management from Chapman University, as well as a Masters in Ayurvedic...
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#502 - Rebuilding trust through design
Fail Faster
In a world where institutional trust is at an all-time low, how can organizations rebuild confidence through innovation? Ryann Foelker, a trailblazing design leader at American Family Insurance, shares how her strategic vision not only saved millions but also restored trust. Discover the power of narrative-driven design and why great designers can be found in places you wouldn't expect. —----------------------------- Episode highlights: Breaking down institutional trust: Ryann explores how organizations can approach rebuilding trust with customers and employees alike, even when they’re not...
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#501 - Transforming retail : Innovation, insights, and scaling success at Walmart
Fail Faster
In this episode of Fail Faster, , Senior Director, Product, Analytics, and Operations, Merchandizing platforms at Walmart, shares his remarkable journey from building first-generation smartphones to revolutionizing retail at one of the world’s largest companies. Phani dives into his innovative approach to scaling Walmart’s product assortment by flipping traditional methods, accelerating growth by 6x, and leveraging cutting-edge technology. He unpacks the importance of customer-centric solutions, adapting to global markets, and fostering collaboration through advisory boards. With stories...
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#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...
info_outlineIn a world where institutional trust is at an all-time low, how can organizations rebuild confidence through innovation? Ryann Foelker, a trailblazing design leader at American Family Insurance, shares how her strategic vision not only saved millions but also restored trust. Discover the power of narrative-driven design and why great designers can be found in places you wouldn't expect.
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Episode highlights:
Breaking down institutional trust: Ryann explores how organizations can approach rebuilding trust with customers and employees alike, even when they’re not directly at fault.
The strategic transformation: Hear how Ryann led a groundbreaking initiative that consolidated claims processes, delivered tens of millions in savings, and positioned her company as a leader in efficiency and innovation.
Claims adjusters as designers: Ryann found a team of amazing designers in a way she didn't expect but made perfect sense. After all, balancing empathy and business goals is the business of insurance.
The power of storytelling in design: Learn why crafting a compelling narrative is the key to engaging stakeholders and gaining buy-in for big ideas.
Failures that teach: Ryann opens up about a pivotal career lesson—why defining your role clearly matters—and how she turned a professional misstep into a stepping stone for success.
Looking ahead to 2025: Explore Ryann’s vision for using digital innovation to rebuild trust in institutions and her beta-tested trust and value metrics designed to guide strategic decisions.
Whether you’re a leader, a designer, or simply curious about transforming old-school industries, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories. Don’t miss the chance to connect with Ryann and learn from her journey!
Ryann Foelker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryann-foelker-5827494/
Emerson Taymor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/etaymor/
"Who Can You Trust?: How Technology Brought Us Together and Why It Might Drive Us Apart" by Rachel Botsman: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Can-You-Trust-Technology/dp/1541773675
InfoBeans: https://infobeans.com