The New Automation Mindset: AI + Automation + Integration

Ramak Robinson, Head of Integration at H&M, leads the charge in digital transformation through APIs and event-driven architectures. He shares insights on how H&M scaled from 17 to over 600 APIs, emphasizing the role of orchestration in enhancing agility. The conversation highlights the cultural shift in fostering collaboration between IT and business teams. Ramak also explores the future of IT, discussing the impact of generative AI on business processes and the importance of combining human oversight with innovative technology for effective integration.

Junior Brandt, Chief Architect and CEO of Co Valere, shares his insights on the dynamic landscape of enterprise architecture. He discusses the shift from monolithic ERP systems to composable architectures, emphasizing agility and adaptability. The impact of COVID-19 and the rise of automation tools like Workato are explored, along with how AI is reshaping the architect's mindset. Junior also highlights the importance of effective integration to streamline processes and overcome challenges faced by traditional architects.

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Lutz Beck explore how GenAI and data management are transforming the truck industry and boosting operational efficiency. Lutz shares his experiences from Mitsubishi Fuso to Daimler Truck, highlighting the integration of GenAI and connected technologies. They discuss the growing role of AI agents in automating business processes, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing customer service. Lutz also offers practical insights on managing legacy systems, leveraging data for innovation, and preparing for a future driven by AI and automation.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start03:20 Understanding the truck Industry06:35 Modernizing legacy systems11:00 Integrating with legacy systems18:45 The power of quality data21:15  Leveraging AI for operational efficiency27:25 Impact of AI agents36:50 Building strong data foundations with AI agentsEpisode Key TakeawaysFocus on solid data management: Get your data practices in shape with strong governance, quality checks, and clear protocols for sharing. Make sure to educate your team on data security to keep sensitive info safe.Use AI agents to boost efficiency: Bring in AI agents to handle routine IT and customer service tasks. Set up a system where agents work together smoothly. Think AI-powered helpdesks that can manage simple questions, letting human agents focus on more complicated issues.Update legacy systems with care: Take a close look at your old IT systems and explore how to upgrade or replace them with more modern, scalable solutions. Don’t just automate outdated processes, think about ways to simplify and enhance them.Align IT with Business Goals: Build a strong partnership between your IT and business teams. Make sure your IT projects are aligned with what the business needs, helping streamline operations and add value for customers like using AI in HR to speed up recruitment and data entry, giving employees more time for strategic work.Top Quote“ Data is, for me, the key asset of a company and the data gives you the power to be intelligent as a company. You just need to learn to use it.”

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Arul Arogyanathan explore the transformative power of strategic IT leadership. Arul shares how he navigated pandemic-driven disruptions since stepping into his role in 2021, driving key initiatives like modernizing systems, fostering business-IT collaboration, and implementing composable architecture and automation. They dive into the creative ways Village Roadshow embraced automation, composable architecture, and a "do more with less" mindset to not only survive but thrive. Arul also offers practical advice on staying agile, driving innovation, and building a tech foundation ready for the future.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start02:40 Who is Village Roadshow?06:10 Arul's journey at Village Roadshow11:30 Strategic IT transformation at Village Roadshow20:50 Simplifying and standardizing technology28:10 Rethinking IT transformation: Beyond ERP37:30 Implementing composable architecture41:45 Reflecting on Arul's journey: Lessons learnedEpisode Key TakeawaysPrioritize integration, not just upgrades: Don’t just upgrade systems in silos. Focus on building a cohesive ecosystem where everything works seamlessly together. This reduces complexity, improves efficiency, and ensures your tech stack is aligned with business goals.Build for agility with composable architecture: Create modular systems that are easy to scale, integrate, or swap out as needed. This flexible approach keeps your organization adaptable and minimizes disruptions during changes or upgrades.Put your people first: Whether it’s your customers or employees, focusing on their experience is key. Map out the customer journey, identify what matters most, and implement solutions that go above and beyond. A people-first approach boosts loyalty, efficiency, and growth.Work smarter with automation: Automation is a game-changer for getting more done with fewer resources. By rolling out low-code/no-code platforms and making automation accessible to everyone, teams can focus on meaningful, high-impact work while reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks.Top Quote“ As a leader, we need to think strategically and focus on the ecosystem rather than the system. That's the key element.”

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Ilan Twig explore the intersection of organizational resilience, technology adoption, and innovation. They explore Navan’s journey and how they navigated significant challenges like COVID-19 while maintaining a user-centric approach. Ilan also highlights the transformative role of GenAI and shares insights on how organizations can harness these technologies to drive operational improvements and manage change effectively. Ilan wraps up by offering practical strategies for IT leaders to embrace new technologies, remain resilient in the face of adversity, and lead successful transformations.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start03:15 Evolution of Navan and COVID's Impact14:40 Building resilience in adversity25:00 Adapting to GenAI and Navan's use cases34:55 Implementing AI in business processes43:55 Advice for IT leaders embracing AIEpisode Key TakeawaysAdapt and innovate in adversity: Stay flexible and quickly adjust to changes. Keep an eye on shifting user needs and be ready to pivot your strategy when necessary—like doubling down on products that are most relevant during times of crisis, such as COVID-19.Leverage technology despite its limitations: Don’t be discouraged by the limitations of new technologies. Embrace them by understanding their challenges and experimenting. Continuously refine how you use these technologies and find creative solutions to overcome their flaws, turning potential setbacks into opportunities for innovation.Maintain a user-centric focus: Keep the user front and center in everything you do. Build systems and tools that make their lives easier and solve problems in a way that’s seamless and hassle-free.Promote transparent communication and company culture: Be open and transparent, especially in tough times. Keep the lines of communication flowing with your team, whether through regular check-ins or all-hands meetings, so everyone feels aligned and supported.Top Quote“ Technologies, just like everything in life, they have the good things that they bring and they have limitations. You need to apply the right tool to the right problem.”

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Steve Brodrick explore the power of data democratization and its role in driving transformation. Steve shares his journey from CFO to CTO and now CEO of Horizon Five, where he is dedicated to making data accessible and empowering teams to thrive. They discuss the importance of integrating IT and business, the challenges of scaling data-driven insights, and the potential of emerging technologies like generative AI. Steve offers practical strategies for fostering collaboration, building a data-driven culture, and driving innovation across organizations.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start02:55 Steve's career journey and passion for data07:40 Importance of The New Automation Mindset12:00 Exploring data-driven challenges in RPA17:05 Bridging business and IT with integration20:00 Maturity in data across organizations24:45 Overcoming resistance to process democratization34:00 Impact of GenAI on data democratization38:00 Advice for aspiring IT and business leadersEpisode Key TakeawaysBring teams together: Break down silos by creating cross-functional teams that include IT, finance, marketing, HR, and more. Collaboration like this helps combine different perspectives, leading to smarter decisions and more innovative solutions.Empower everyone with the right tools: Equip your team with easy-to-use tools like Workato. These self-service platforms make it easier for non-technical users to work with data, automate tasks, and find valuable insights, boosting both productivity and confidence.Make learning part of your culture: Encourage curiosity and experimentation with new tools and technologies. Highlight wins, offer training, and celebrate a culture of continuous learning to spark innovation and creative problem-solving.Focus on clean, connected data: Great decisions start with great data. Invest in systems that ensure your data is clean, well-integrated, and accessible. This sets the stage for advanced tools like GenAI to deliver accurate, actionable insights.Top Quotes“Data professionals are not just in IT, they're certainly there, but also, others across every function. Data really knows no function. It sits in your marketing organization, your HR organization, it sits everywhere. So, you have to develop a strategy when you're transforming, where you have an integrated way to welcome everybody to the data dance.”“You have to make a bet that if you empower people and democratize these tools, there will be great outcomes.”

Vladimir Lukic, a Managing Director at the Boston Consulting Group with 18 years of expertise in AI adoption, discusses the findings of BCG's latest AI report. He reveals that only 4-5% of companies successfully scale AI, emphasizing the need to focus on core workflows and ensure data quality. Lukic highlights the importance of fully embedding AI into business processes and rethinking operating models. He shares real-world success stories, illustrating how proactive strategies can drive effective AI implementation.

Sam Sena, a Global Head of Business Systems at BigID and executive PhD researcher at Sorbonne University, shares his expertise on IT identity archetypes and system adoption. He discusses how classifying employees can ease technology transformation fears. The conversation highlights the importance of cultural identity and engaging key influencers, like 'technophiles', to drive acceptance. Sena also emphasizes real-world strategies to customize messaging and training for better alignment between new tech and organizational culture, ensuring a smoother change process.

Tal Seraf, SVP at Atlassian, shares insights from his impressive tenure at tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon. He discusses the vital shift from project-based to product-focused IT strategies for better customer satisfaction. Tal emphasizes leveraging AI and data-driven decision-making to improve operational efficiency. He also highlights Atlassian's transformational initiatives in finance and the need for aspiring IT leaders to embrace data literacy and innovation. Practical advice flows throughout, empowering future leaders to make impactful changes.

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Rajeev Khanna discuss how to navigate the common IT challenges faced by large organizations. Rajeev shares his extensive experience across various industries, including his leadership roles at Aon, Expedia, Asurion, and UBS. They examine the complexities of systems, the need for efficiency, cost management, and overcoming organizational friction. Rajeev highlights the critical role of change management, collaboration with business leaders, and effective communication in driving successful technology adoption. Additionally, they explore the transformative potential of generative AI in IT processes, emphasizing the importance of early experimentation and secure deployment.Timestamps00:00 Episode Start02:45 Common IT Challenges12:20 The role of the modern CIO18:55 Strategies for IT and business fusion22:40 Navigating change management30:00 Key roles for success35:40 How GenAI will impact business growth and tech adoptionEpisode Key TakeawaysGet to know the business goals: Take the time to really understand the different functions and their priorities. This deeper insight helps you ensure that your tech solutions hit the mark and genuinely support what the business needs.Make change management a priority: Focus on creating a solid change management plan to help everyone get on board with new technologies. Keep communication clear and invite users to get involved early, so they can see the benefits firsthand and share their feedback.Empower your tech champions: Find those enthusiastic individuals in different departments who love technology. These champions can help spread the word about new tools, share their experiences, and encourage others to join in on the excitement of adopting new solutions.Find the best use cases for new tech: Collaborate closely with business units to discover where new technologies can make a real difference. By working together, you can identify impactful use cases and ensure that your tech investments truly benefit the organization.Top Quote“Technology leaders are not technology leaders. They’re business leaders first who happen to do technology. It's a subtle but important mind shift to say I'm here to serve the business.”