On the 36th episode of Enterprise Software Innovators, hosts Evan Reiser (Abnormal Security) and Saam Motamedi (Greylock Partners) talk with Rob Carter, EVP & CIO of FedEx. FedEx is a multinational courier delivery services company with over $90 billion in annual revenue and is the fifth largest employer in the US, with more than 500,000 workers globally. With billions of packages delivered every year, using the world’s largest cargo fleet, FedEx uses sophisticated technology to provide a unique delivery service to customers across the globe. In this conversation, Rob shares fascinating insights into how FedEx uses AI, the future of automation in the transportation and logistics industry, and lessons on building a culture of innovation from his 23-year tenure.

Quick hits from Rob:

On what the potential of AI means to Fedex: “We're at a fascinating point in the journey of AI where it's not just a buzzword but a tangible tool that's reshaping how we think about movement, connectivity, and the global economy. At FedEx, we're harnessing this potential to redefine the delivery experience.”

On the importance of understanding data: “The information about the package is as important as the package itself. This was a visionary statement by Fred Smith that has guided us for decades, and it's never been more relevant than now, in the age of AI and big data, where information is indeed power.”

On the importance of culture for innovation: “Building a culture of innovation isn't just about introducing new technologies; it's about creating an environment where questioning the status quo, exploring new possibilities, and taking calculated risks are part of everyone's job description. That's the culture we cultivate at FedEx."

Recent Book Recommendation: How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

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Enterprise Software Innovators is a show where top tech executives share how they innovate at scale. Each episode covers unique insights and stories that will help you succeed as a technology leader. Find more great lessons from tech leaders and enterprise software experts at https://www.enterprisesoftware.blog/

Enterprise Software Innovators is produced by Luke Reiser and Josh Meer.