Tech Disruptors

Steve Hammond, EVP at Salesforce Marketing Cloud, discusses the future of marketing technology and the impact of AI on customer engagement. He highlights the innovation of autonomous, context-aware agents that personalize marketing in real-time. The conversation delves into the integration of data across sales and service, the importance of personalized experiences, and how businesses can thrive during economic cycles by leveraging trust-centric customer data. Hammond also addresses the evolving expectations of consumers in the AI era and the necessity for adaptation.

Jeff McElfresh, the Chief Operating Officer of AT&T, shares insights on the company's aggressive strategy to dominate the US fiber market. He highlights plans to boost fiber availability to over 60 million locations by 2030, amidst a slowing wireless business. McElfresh discusses the competitive landscape of fiber and the importance of spectrum in enhancing network capabilities. He also touches on AT&T's adaptive strategies, including partnerships in satellite technology to improve broadband services and sustain customer satisfaction.

Jan Gilg, SAP's Chief Revenue Officer for the Americas, shares insights on the evolution of cloud computing and AI integration in enterprise operations. He discusses the benefits of using a suite of applications versus best-of-breed systems, emphasizing the need for harmonized data. The conversation covers challenges faced by mid-sized and large enterprises in cloud transitions, showcasing success stories from companies like Accenture. Gilg also highlights the role of orchestration in enhancing business efficiency through automation, particularly in supply chain management.

Lene Oddershede, Chief Scientific Officer for Planetary Science & Technology at the Novo Nordisk Foundation, dives into the transformative power of quantum computing. She reveals how advancements in this field could revolutionize healthcare and biotechnology, addressing challenges like achieving fault tolerance in qubits. The conversation also touches on the competitive global landscape in quantum tech, potential breakthroughs in drug discovery, and the pivotal role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of this emerging technology.

Mark Mader, the President and CEO of Smartsheet, shares insights on AI’s transformative impact on work management. He discusses the shift from traditional seat-based pricing to more flexible models, emphasizing the need for companies to adapt. Mader highlights the importance of M&A and differentiating specialized AI solutions to avoid commoditization. The conversation also delves into the advantages of becoming privately owned, allowing for strategic long-term investments. Finally, they explore how AI is revolutionizing productivity and decision-making across industries.

In this engaging discussion, Trish Damkroger, Senior VP of High Performance Computing & AI at HP Enterprise, shares her extensive experience from Intel and Lawrence Livermore National Labs. She highlights HPE’s pioneering role in AI infrastructure, focusing on innovative technologies like fanless liquid cooling. Trish delves into the convergence of HPC and AI, the concept of sovereign AI and its relevance to national security, and the advantages of Slingshot technology for data centers. Her insights reveal how HPE is set to revolutionize the future of AI computing.

Dave Baszucki, CEO and co-founder of Roblox, shares insights on the transformative potential of immersive 3D experiences in communication and entertainment. He discusses the rise of user-generated content and the evolving virtual economy, highlighting the role of stablecoins like Robux. Baszucki explores AI’s critical impact on gaming safety and engagement, along with the infrastructure supporting these innovations. The conversation delves into the future of the metaverse and the opportunities it presents for creators.

Ram Velaga, Senior Vice President at Broadcom, leads discussions on the future of AI networking. He highlights the battle between copper and optical technologies, emphasizing the need for open standards. Velaga explores Broadcom's Tomahawk 6 and Ultra innovations, focusing on their potential to redefine network infrastructure. He also sheds light on the advantages of Ethernet over proprietary systems like NVLink, advocating for vendor neutrality. The conversation reveals how simplicity, bandwidth, and new deployment strategies will shape the next generation of AI networks.

Peter McKay, CEO of Snyk, shares insights on the precarious state of software security in the face of rising threats and rapid innovation. He discusses how generative AI tools are amplifying vulnerabilities and the critical role of DevSecOps in mitigating risks. McKay highlights the importance of integrating security throughout the software development lifecycle and how AI can automate these processes. He also delves into recent mergers in the cybersecurity landscape and Snyk’s growth strategy, including acquisitions to enhance talent and product offerings.

In this insightful discussion, Hayden Brown, CEO and President of Upwork since 2011, explores the transformative landscape of freelance work. She dives into Upwork's strategy to tap into the growing freelance economy, highlighting the launch of their AI agent, UMA, which simplifies hiring processes. The conversation also touches on the expansive $660 billion freelance market and how AI innovations are reshaping talent acquisition. Brown highlights the company's focus on enterprise customers and its unique position against traditional staffing agencies and emerging platforms.