CEO.com | Dispatches from the frontiers of leadership Zebra Technologies CEO Bill Burns
May 21, 2024
35:05
In the latest episode of the CEO.com show, we had the honor of interviewing Bill Burns, the CEO of Zebra Technologies. Our discussion covered a wide range of intriguing topics, with a focus on Bill's insights into how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing Zebra's business both internally and externally. Bill shared how AI is being incorporated into customer-facing marketing, product development, and internal operations, leading to more efficient and effective processes.
Bill also provided a thorough overview of Zebra Technologies, detailing how the company supports the on-demand economy by ensuring that every asset and worker is visible, connected, and optimally utilized. He highlighted Zebra's diverse product offerings, which range from barcode readers and RFID tags to hospital wristbands and robotics.
We also delved into the current macroeconomic landscape, discussing the challenges of high interest rates, ongoing conflicts, and transitioning from a goods-based to a service-based economy. Bill's extensive experience, which includes over 30 years in telecommunications and technology and an MBA from Temple University, provided valuable context for his perspectives.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:20 - Bill Burns' Background and Zebra Technologies Overview
00:03:31 - Future of the On-Demand Economy
00:05:21 - Customer Experience at Zebra
00:07:20 - Bill Burns' Daily Priorities and Time Management
00:08:31 - Typical Day and Habits
00:10:02 - Reading Recommendations and Keeping Up with Current Events
00:11:28 - Importance of Global Awareness for CEOs
00:12:22 - Role of AI in Zebra Technologies
00:18:30 - Internal Use of AI for Efficiency
00:20:08 - Work from Home and Hybrid Work Policies
00:22:07 - Defining and Building Culture at Zebra
00:23:32 - Zebra's Purpose Statement
00:25:41 - Leadership Philosophy
00:27:54 - Admiration for Entrepreneurs
00:29:32 - Current Macroeconomic Environment
00:32:27 - Reflecting on Opportunities and Mentorship
00:34:07 - Conclusion and Farewell
Bill also provided a thorough overview of Zebra Technologies, detailing how the company supports the on-demand economy by ensuring that every asset and worker is visible, connected, and optimally utilized. He highlighted Zebra's diverse product offerings, which range from barcode readers and RFID tags to hospital wristbands and robotics.
We also delved into the current macroeconomic landscape, discussing the challenges of high interest rates, ongoing conflicts, and transitioning from a goods-based to a service-based economy. Bill's extensive experience, which includes over 30 years in telecommunications and technology and an MBA from Temple University, provided valuable context for his perspectives.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:20 - Bill Burns' Background and Zebra Technologies Overview
00:03:31 - Future of the On-Demand Economy
00:05:21 - Customer Experience at Zebra
00:07:20 - Bill Burns' Daily Priorities and Time Management
00:08:31 - Typical Day and Habits
00:10:02 - Reading Recommendations and Keeping Up with Current Events
00:11:28 - Importance of Global Awareness for CEOs
00:12:22 - Role of AI in Zebra Technologies
00:18:30 - Internal Use of AI for Efficiency
00:20:08 - Work from Home and Hybrid Work Policies
00:22:07 - Defining and Building Culture at Zebra
00:23:32 - Zebra's Purpose Statement
00:25:41 - Leadership Philosophy
00:27:54 - Admiration for Entrepreneurs
00:29:32 - Current Macroeconomic Environment
00:32:27 - Reflecting on Opportunities and Mentorship
00:34:07 - Conclusion and Farewell