

Catalyst
Launch by NTT DATA
Catalyst, Launch by NTT DATA’s podcast hosted by Tammy Soares, puts humans at the heart of transformation. Each week, visionary leaders and changemakers share how creativity, technology and human insight are reshaping business, culture and the future of work. From platform innovation to AI and design leadership, Catalyst isn’t just about what’s next in tech — it’s about shaping business, technology, and culture through a human lens and spotlighting the visionaries paving the way forward.Learn more about Launch by NTT DATAPlease note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 27, 2026 • 38min
The future of automotive experiences: With Clemens Conrad
This week on Catalyst, guest host Jod Kaftan sits down with automotive industry expert Clemens Conrad to discuss the evolution of mobility and the future of automotive design. Jod and Clemens discuss how car interiors are becoming more personalized and how OEMs are adapting to hyper-personalize the automotive experience. They also explore how cultural differences in transportation inform automotive design and break down some recent stats about which companies are leading the way in automotive design and innovation - some of the results might surprise you! Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Clemens Conrad Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 20, 2026 • 36min
Reinventing processes for meaningful adoption: With Jimit Arora
This week on Catalyst, Tammy chats with Jimit Arora, the CEO of Everest Group. Jimit is a leader who deeply understands the challenges that organizations face and how they can move forward with confidence. Jimit and Tammy discuss the importance of a growth mindset and how companies can meaningfully adopt AI. According to Jimit the key to meaningful adoption is for companies to be aware of PTSD - process debt, tech debt, skills debt and data debt. Jimit also shares what he thinks will be the biggest trends to affect global services in the next year. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Jimit Arora LinkedInEverest Group Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 13, 2026 • 34min
Using tech to develop shared outcomes: With UPS’ Vandana Ramani
Vandana Ramani on how UPS is leveraging AI to help SMEs This week on Catalyst Tammy sits down with Vandana Ramani, the Vice President of Global Strategy at UPS. Vandana loves to solve difficult, complex problems. From making sure a live iguana gets delivered to where it needs to be, to thinking about how UPS can leverage AI to improve their customer experience, Vandana is always working at the intersection of business strategy and technology. Tammy and Vandana discuss the integration of AI in small and medium sized businesses and how it can be transformative for data connectivity and developing shared outcomes. Vandana also shares networking tips she’s developed from years spent rebuilding her networks from the ground up across the world. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Vandana Ramani LinkedInLearn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 6, 2026 • 38min
Defying labels and learning to lead: With Parisa Zander
This week on Catalyst Tammy chats with Parisa Zander, a seasoned professional in the tech industry who recently retired after a successful career spanning nearly three decades at companies like Meta, Samsung and Microsoft. Parisa discusses the challenges of being a woman in tech, the importance of finding one's voice, and the values that guide her leadership style, including honesty, empathy, and the need for fun in the workplace. She also emphasizes that to truly understand your customer you need to go to them and set time aside for real-world testing. How else will you see how people across the country are actually engaging with your product? Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Parisa Zander - LinkedIn Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 30, 2025 • 33min
From the archives: Reinventing the healthcare experience with Keena Patel-Moran
In this episode from the archives Tammy sits down with Keena Patel-Moran, the Healthcare and Lifesciences Industry Lead at Launch by NTT DATA. Keena and Tammy discuss ways to improve the industry and give patients the support they need and deserve. They discuss why doctors should look beyond just symptoms and make a case that improving healthcare processes is not only better for patients and care-takers but is also good for business. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Keena Patel-MoranLearn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 23, 2025 • 11min
Five themes that defined 2025: With Tammy Soares
This week on Catalyst, Tammy recaps her favourite moments from the past year. She recaps the key themes that came up time and time again across conversations with almost 50 leaders across various industries - the human side of AI, authentic leadership, designing with people not for people, reinventing work and technology as possibility. There was much discussed this year and there’s a lot more to come in the new year! Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: State of AI in Business Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 16, 2025 • 40min
Building trust in AI with small language models: With Namee Oberst
This week on Catalyst Tammy speaks with Namee Oberst, co-founder of LLMWare about her unique journey into AI. Namee spent years as a corporate attorney and is now developing small language models for legal and financial organizations. She’s solving for the pain points that she experienced for years. Namee and Tammy discuss the importance of small language models in building trust and touch on the future of legal work in an AI-driven world. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Namee Oberst LLMWareLearn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

8 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 36min
How to automate without leaving people behind: With Jamie Sermon
Jamie Sermon, Vice President of Engineering, Robotics and Automation at UPS, brings nearly 15 years of expertise in logistics and people-first innovation. He shares how growing up in the Bahamas and studying physical therapy in Cuba shaped his leadership approach. Jamie emphasizes the importance of involving employees in the automation process to alleviate fears and create new job opportunities. He advocates for a culture of experimentation and reskilling, highlighting the exciting potential of AI and technology in transforming work.

Dec 2, 2025 • 42min
From the archives: Leaders breaking the mold with Jessica Hartley
In this episode from the archives Tammy is joined by Jessica Hartley, the Head of Design and Customer Experience for CCB Finance, Tech and Data Analytics at JPMorganChase. Jessica has over 20 years of experience helping clients leverage digital innovation and is passionate about driving employee engagement and culture. Tammy and Jessica talk about what authenticity really means at work and why it’s so much more than just how you present yourself. Jessica also shares her thoughts on how AI is transforming workplaces and how it can be used to improve both the client and employee experience.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.Links: Jessica Hartley Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 25, 2025 • 41min
From the archives: Customer centered growth with Donald Chestnut
In this episode from the archives Tammy sit down with Donald Chestnut. Donald has worked at some of the world’s largest brands like Unilever, Target, Disney, General Motors and Coke and is now writing a book on why companies should move away from customer experience and towards customer centered growth. Tammy and Donald talk about his people-first approach to digital experience and Donald shares his secret to digital transformation - that the real key to transformation isn’t technology, it's people! Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.Links: Donald Chestnut Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


