Technovation with Peter High (CIO, CTO, CDO, CXO Interviews)

Kathleen Peters, Chief Innovation Officer at Experian, oversees product strategy and innovation in identity verification and fraud detection. In this discussion, she explores Experian's shift from being a data company to a tech innovator. Topics include scaling generative and agentic AI, the new Experian Assistant leveraging natural-language modeling, and cutting-edge behavioral analytics to fight fraud. Kathleen also delves into the complexities of agentic commerce risks and the exciting potential of quantum computing in their Innovation Labs.

Maria Demaree, Lockheed Martin's Senior Vice President and CIO, drives a major digital and cultural transformation within the aerospace giant. She discusses the OneLMX initiative, which unifies 122,000 employees under a mission-focused digital strategy. Maria delves into the integration of AI and quantum computing to enhance national security operations and shares insights on balancing legacy systems with innovation. She emphasizes the importance of empathy and urgency in digital transformation, highlighting the cultural shift towards a common employee experience.

Joe Inzerillo, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Salesforce, shares insights from his extensive background, including his role as former CTO of Disney Streaming Services. He discusses the transformative potential of agentic AI in reshaping work dynamics and enhancing customer engagement. Joe elaborates on the 'Customer Zero' approach for internal learning, advocates for empathy as a key trait in AI leadership, and emphasizes redesigning roles around AI strengths. His perspective offers a forward-looking view on navigating technology in the enterprise landscape.

Dr. Kelly Fletcher, Chief Information Officer of the U.S. Department of State, leads secure technology initiatives for 100,000 users across the globe. She discusses the vital role of operational excellence and cybersecurity, especially in response to recent hacks. AI tools like StateChat and DocuChat are transforming diplomatic workflows by reducing manual tasks. Kelly also highlights the importance of low-earth orbit satellite communications for connectivity and shares her insights on fostering experimentation and collaboration across agencies.

In this conversation, Marina Levinson, an experienced former CIO and now a venture investor with Benamu Global Ventures, shares her fascinating journey across tech and investment realms. She discusses the importance of building bridges between enterprise executives and startups and emphasizes CIOs' role in innovation. Marina highlights BGV's focus on vertical AI investments and shares valuable lessons learned from companies like AiDASH. Additionally, she offers insights on product-market fit, board leadership advice, and even her passion for winemaking.

Nancy Avila, the Chief Information Officer of Analog Devices, lends her expertise in driving IT and AI strategy within the semiconductor industry. She shares her compelling three-pillar strategy for IT transformation, focusing on operational excellence, process optimization, and innovation. Nancy discusses the shift from traditional machine learning to agentic AI, which enhances engineering productivity and manufacturing anomaly detection. With insights on transparent decision-making and the future of quantum computing and humanoid robotics, her vision for technology is both forward-thinking and inspiring.

1013: Wyndham’s Scott Strickland on AI, loyalty, and how digital innovation is reshaping hospitality. In this episode of Technovation, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Chief Commercial Officer and longtime CIO Scott Strickland joins Peter High to share how Wyndham is redefining hospitality with digital innovation, from its owner-first philosophy and the new Wyndham Gateway loyalty initiative to the creation of a guest engagement platform that powers mobile check-in, digital tipping, and personalized upsells; Strickland also discusses Wyndham’s $350M technology modernization journey, how it prepared the company for AI adoption, the role of data and personalization in shaping future guest experiences, the impact of user-generated content and micro-influencers, and practical leadership lessons for CIOs aiming to expand into broader commercial roles, proving that in hospitality, where there’s a Wyndham, there’s a way.

1012: Sokwoo Rhee, EVP of Innovation at LG Electronics and Head of LG NOVA, reveals how LG is rethinking corporate innovation through ecosystem-led venture building. In this episode we explore LG NOVA’s venture into healthcare, energy optimization, and AI innovation, including Primefocus Health and PADO, plus how public-private partnerships (like with West Virginia) power new business creation. Learn why LG is focused on vertical AI use cases, how they identify 5-10 year opportunities, and what it takes to build cross-sector teams for impact.

In an engaging conversation with Jennifer Charters, Lincoln Financial's Executive Vice President and CIO, the discussion dives into the company's AI strategy and IT transformation. Jennifer shares insights on creating a 401(k)-style budgeting model for IT that maximizes ROI. She highlights the importance of a model-agnostic AI architecture for agility and outlines use cases in cybersecurity and customer experience. Emphasizing the human side of tech, she advocates for partnership with HR to future-proof skills as AI evolves.

Aaref Hilaly, a Partner at Bain Capital Ventures with a focus on AI-native startups, shares insights into the future of agentic AI. He discusses how AI is revolutionizing venture investment and redefining work productivity. Hilaly highlights the potential for automation in legal and healthcare sectors and the importance of a unique entrepreneurial mindset. He also introduces emerging trends like vibe coding, making tech accessible, and emphasizes the growing role of personal AI assistants in enhancing creativity and efficiency.