Stellar Work #30 Tom Soderstrom Tech Transformation Learnings from NASA JPL and AWS
In this episode, Tom Soderstrom shares insights from his extensive experience in technology transformation at NASA and AWS. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the mission, making informed decisions, and fostering a culture of experimentation. Tom discusses the critical role of AI and data in driving business success and highlights the need for collaboration between IT and business units. He concludes with practical advice for leaders navigating organizational change, stressing the importance of speed and adaptability.
Tom Soderstrom
Since June 2023, Tom Soderstrom serves as an Enterprise Strategist helping and coaching executive customers with their transformation and innovation strategies and actions. From 2020-2023, he created and built the worldwide Chief Technologist team for AWS Public Sector, responsible for identifying emerging technology trends, helping solve complex technical problems at scale, and advising public sector executive CTOs and AWS leaders. Soderstrom served as the IT Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) from 2006-2020, where he helped define, support, and implement innovative Space missions, emerging IT trends, and mentor the next generation of IT and Space explorers. Prior to JPL, he led teams working on large scale IT technologies, best practices, tools development, and change efforts in small startups, large commercial companies, international venues, and the US Government.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsoderstrom/
AWS: https://aws.amazon.com/executive-insights/enterprise-strategists/tom-soderstrom/
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tom Soderstrom
02:06 Tom's Journey from NASA to AWS
03:50 Lessons from NASA: Focus on the Mission
06:52 Amazon's Leadership Principles and Decision-Making
11:06 Transformations Across Industries
12:22 Approaching Client Transformations
14:24 Experimentation in Transformation
17:47 Return on Attention vs. Return on Investment
21:16 Bridging the Gap Between IT and Business
26:46 Bridging IT and Business
32:20 Trends in AI and Technology
40:35 Navigating Business Challenges
48:00 Advice for Leaders and Managers
52:02 Introduction to Consultancy and AI Insights