Innovation and the Digital Enterprise

The first day on the job sets the tone, which is why Dom Scandinaro, SVP of Engineering & Data at fan connection app Cameo, encourages new hires to deploy code to production on their very first day. As an experienced software engineer and technology leader, Dom fosters day-one collaborations when bringing on a new team member. Even during growth periods with competing priorities.In this episode, Dom discusses his journey in software engineering and his own spirit of curiosity, which was inspired by his entrepreneurial father. He talks about his work with Black Girls Code, whose mission is “to provide Black girls access to engaging computer programming education that sparks their interest in technology, unlocks their potential and leads to more equitable communities.” He shares how Black Girls Code encourages curiosity in those new to coding and stresses the value of embracing unfamiliar challenges. Dom also provides insight into hiring talent, examining processes during growth periods, and how individual contributors can develop into managers.(02:27) – Finding software engineering(04:46) – Black Girls Code(08:47) – First day on the job(11:57) – Leading and decision-making in growth periods(17:44) – An entrepreneurial father(20:10) – Embracing new things(23:30) – Growing into leadershipDom Scandinaro is the Senior Vice President of Engineering & Data at Cameo. An experienced software engineer and technology leader, Dom has held roles at Mac & Mia, Luxury Garage Sale, DialogTech, and HelloWorld. Dom earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science at Wheeling University. He is a member of the core Chicago team for Black Girls Code.If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Innovation and the Digital Enterprise in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

For retail businesses, being able to provide real-time, precise inventory is key to exceeding customer expectations. Ronald Blahnik, Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President of Strategy, Innovation, Customer Experience, and Retail Analytics of Hibbett Sports, knows that providing customers with what they want, when they want it, has been essential to Hibbett’s growth over the last six years.In this episode, Ronald Blahnik provides insight into Hibbett’s expansive network of relationships with customers, associates, and vendors (who are also direct-to-consumer). He shares the strategies that led to expanding business during the COVID-19 pandemic, including avoiding major supply chain issues, managing team communication, and maintaining agility. Navigating transformation during a period that demanded change, Ronald Blahnik sheds light on his approach to problem-solving, operating within a larger ecosystem, and his expectations for AI-driven innovation.(03:06) – Hibbett Sports(06:00) – Delivering the last mile(09:43) – Getting on the same page daily(13:05) – Ten Keys of Customer Service(15:44) – Understanding your customer(18:58) – On the ground and in the store(23:48) – The value of AIRonald Blahnik is the Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President of Strategy, Innovation, Customer Experience, and Retail Analytics at Hibbett Sports. An experienced technology executive, he has held roles at The Home Depot, Hudson's Bay Company, and Lowe's Companies. Ron is a highly decorated Senior Warrant Officer, having served over twenty years in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve before his retirement as Chief Warrant Officer in 2004.If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Innovation and the Digital Enterprise in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

Second City is an iconic Chicago institution training comedic geniuses across generations, but developing the talents of a VP of Technology is one of its more under-the-radar accomplishments. Arne Saupe, Vice President of Technology at Farmer’s Fridge, learned more than acting and improvisation when exploring this new arena. He discovered lessons in management, failure, team building, empathy, and communication that bolstered his years of experience as a technologist and growth-stage leader. In this episode, Arne dives into finding complementary team members, ensuring diversity in thought, and balancing the vision with guardrails. He provides clear advice for approaching feedback and determining growth opportunities, including quarterly check-ins to identify what you want to think about the least and recognizing those as areas you likely must improve. (02:11) – Farmer’s Fridge and Trunk Club(05:23) – CEO and CFO partnership(09:15) – Investing your time in what you’re good at(11:59) – Motivating the team(14:32) – Lessons from improv and acting at Second City(21:07) – Management training(25:01) – Failure and mistakesTechnology leader and team builder Arne Saupe is the Vice President of Technology at Farmer’s Fridge. Previously, he served as the Director of Engineering at Trunk Club and led teams at several innovative companies during significant periods of growth. Arne earned a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in computer science.If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Innovation and the Digital Enterprise in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

Imagine you are a founder developing a physical product with incredible potential, but the space and resources to advance your product are out of reach and cost-prohibitive. Haven Allen witnessed this hurdle to introducing life-changing HardTech into the world and co-founded a solution: mHUB, a hyper-resourced innovation center in Chicago.In this episode, learn from CEO Haven Allen the impact of mHUB on physical technology innovation and the current landscape for manufacturing in the US. Shining the spotlight on mHUB members and research and development culture in Chicago, Haven discusses balancing a focus on your business and customers with improving your product for ultimate success.(02:45) – mHUB(08:30) – Re-industrialization(10:34) – Relocating and opportunity zones(11:45) – CHIPS and Science Act(15:19) – Hyperlocal to global(19:33) – Renewed interest in hardware technology(23:08) – Contract manufacturers(26:10) – Spotlight on mHUB success storiesHaven Allen is Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of mHUB, managing partner of Product Impact Fund, and an entrepreneur and technology strategist focused on creating economic opportunity through HardTech and manufacturing entrepreneurship. Haven earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois Chicago and a master's degree in public policy from the University of Michigan. He is currently earning his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Innovation and the Digital Enterprise in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

With a growing family, Tony Newcome took a major risk in returning to his software engineering roots after years in leadership—pay cut and all. Ultimately, the risk was rewarded. During his two decades of experience in the industry, Tony has held significant roles during critical growth moments at ExactTarget and Salesforce, and he currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer at ActiveCampaign.  In this episode, Tony reflects on his journey to earning his degree and the mentorship he received from his father. He shares his approach to “integrating” your life and his mindset when people leave an organization. In looking ahead, Tony offers his perspective on utilizing AI as a tool, the challenge of deep fakes, and the trend emerging in conflict resolution skills.(02:30) – ActiveCampaign(09:47) – Balance vs. integration(12:55) – Imposter syndrome(15:59) – Motivation (17:20) – Collaboration and building trust(21:30) – Knowing when a leadership role fits(28:40) – Deep fakes of the future(31:53) – Developing skills around conflictTony Newcome is a growth-oriented, product-focused technologist serving as Chief Technology Officer at ActiveCampaign. With a background in software engineering, he has served as Senior Vice President, Engineering at Salesforce and significantly scaled the global platforms of ExactTarget. Tony earned a bachelor’s degree in computer technology from Purdue University.If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Innovation and the Digital Enterprise in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

A distaste for the repetitive is a powerful motivation. Something Kevin Pogany discovered as a teenager writing code for his father’s pharmacy to automate their processes. An early experience that catalyzed a nearly thirty-year career across nine industries pushing for data-driven innovation. Most recently, he has found himself as a Chief Technology Officer within the aerial imagery industry encouraging transformation in this critical juncture of machine learning, robotics, and proprietary data assets. In this episode, Kevin provides insight into balancing innovative, aspirational thought with structured, realistic innovation. He shares how value is almost always situated with change and how to position an organization to provide value within and across industries with data. Kevin discusses his professional journey and how vision and experience create immeasurable potential. (01:31) – Introducing the aerial imagery industry(10:39) – Innovative thought and structured innovation(12:14) – Kevin’s journey(16:23) – Examining motivation(22:42) – Discovering the worth of data(24:27) – Data flywheel effect(27:37) – Moving from assumptions to facts(30:51) – Crafting a data-driven approach(37:46) – Putting a moat around your content(43:30) – Recognizing patternsKevin Pogany is an experienced technology executive, currently serving in his ninth industry as the CTO of Commercial Group & Data Platform in a leading aerial imagery company. Kevin has emerged as a thought leader in the realm of technology and product development who specializes in leveraging unique or proprietary data assets. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Innovation and the Digital Enterprise in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

“You don’t get a chance to be new twice.” Technology and business executive Andrei Girenkov embraces moments of great potential and offers essential advice for achieving success in 2023. Recent Senior Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer at Greystar, Andrei discusses speaking the CEO’s language, enterprise change management, and his journey to law school and beyond.In this episode, Andrei encourages digital transformation with a business-before-technology mindset. He shares how a deep knowledge of the particular business and industry while staying on top of new technologies, can empower others to embrace growth when proposing transformation. Andrei discusses training AI and who currently operates with the advantage of a tailwind.(01:42) – Early career in software development(04:53) – Interest in law(09:47) – Effective transitions(12:56) – Training AI(17:03) – The impact on fully integrated platforms(20:45) – Advice for the remainder of 2023Andrei Girenkov is a technology and business executive who most recently served as Senior Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer at Greystar. An expert in digital transformation technology, Andrei earned a JD from Fordham University School of Law and a master’s degree in software engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, where he continues to lecture and mentor students.If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Innovation and the Digital Enterprise in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

Today we're sharing another insightful presentation from our most recent Innovative Executives League Summit, where Deepika Duggirala, SVP of Global Technology Platforms at TransUnion, spoke about how focusing on your people and the developer experience leads to improved business performance.At TransUnion, Deepika leads the technology strategy and execution of cloud-based platform transformation. With over two decades of leadership experience, she has led teams that build high-performing software across a variety of companies, ranging from startups to large global enterprises. Prior to joining TransUnion, Deepika led product development as the CTO and VP of Engineering at Yello. She also served as SVP of Engineering at SPINS and held various technology leadership roles at SAP, Nielsen, and Motorola.Deepika holds a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Rutgers University and a Bachelor's in Electronic Engineering from Nagpur University in India. She serves on the Regional Advisory Board of Comp-U-Dopt, an organization that designs programs to eliminate limited computer access, increase technical literacy, and support the future of youth in communities across Chicago and northern Illinois. She is also a passionate advocate for women in technology and the importance of balance in our work and personal lives.(02:34) - Recruiting, developing, and retaining high-performing talent(03:29) - Background on TransUnion & Global Technology Platforms(06:45) - Engaging development talent in the current environment(09:06) - Software development is a creative process(10:36) - Increased retention and productivity(11:33) - Listening to the engineering community(13:06) - DevX: TransUnion’s onboarding program(14:59) - How to continuously listen, engage & support(17:09) - Upskilling, investing in training, and future-proofing (18:26) - The results for TransUnionIf you're unfamiliar with the Innovative Executives Leagues, it's an invite-only community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and intrapreneurs with a growth mindset and a passion for innovation. It was founded to increase the network of innovation in the Chicagoland area and also on a national scale. If you're interested in becoming a member, send us a message at LinkedIn or visit our website at www.dragonspears.com/innovative-executives-league.If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Innovation and the Digital Enterprise in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

Tasked with accelerating digital transformation at Allstate, Christopher Paquette recognizes the digital potential embedded everywhere. Reflecting on his first year as Chief Digital Transformation Officer at Allstate, Christopher shares essential lessons in collaboration, creating value for the customer, and transformation strategy. In this episode, Christopher discusses focus areas of connectivity, automation, decisioning, and pattern recognition. He gives examples of analysis indicators and the various speeds of digital transformation. Christopher dives into the idea of influence when your discipline is not siloed and discusses his passion for community building through music and music education.(01:42) – Introducing Christopher Paquette(03:21) – Digital transformation(07:04) – Decisioning(09:11) – Relationship building and collaboration(13:34) – Influence (18:10) – Outcomes and determining the “why”(21:51) – Indicators: starts, containment, and satisfaction(24:40) – Beginning a role in Q2(26:01) – Dedication to music and The People’s Music SchoolChristopher Paquette is the Chief Digital Transformation Officer at Allstate. Previously, Christopher served as a Partner at McKinsey & Company for twelve years. His over two-decade career has orbited strategy, digital, and analytics. Christopher earned an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Innovation and the Digital Enterprise in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

Today we're sharing an insightful presentation from one of our Innovative Executives League Summit speakers, Jack King. At the November summit, Jack spoke to the audience about creating an effective innovation culture and leveraging disruptive technologies through VR and AR.Jack currently serves as the CIO for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, AAOS. He provides vision and leadership to help develop and manage both the application, data, and service portfolios to enable AAOS to be the trusted leader in advancing muscular skeletal health. Prior to AAOS, Jack served as the Chief Technology Officer of Broward Health and the Chief Technology Officer for the state of Illinois.(01:25) - Background of AAOS(02:54) - Supply and demand mismatch in innovative thought(04:09) - Innovation within an established industry(05:22) - Introverts vs extroverts(06:22) - Walks in the woods: earning trust(07:57) - Making it safe to ask questions(08:55) - Move from hierarchy to accountability(10:22) - Alignment & autonomy(11:49) - Flywheel of innovation(12:47) - AAOS Digital Front Door mobile appIf you're unfamiliar with the Innovative Executives Leagues, it's an invite-only community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and intrapreneurs with a growth mindset and a passion for innovation. It was founded to increase the network of innovation in the Chicagoland area and also on a national scale. If you're interested in becoming a member, send us a message at LinkedIn or visit our website at www.dragonspears.com/innovative-executives-league.If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Innovation and the Digital Enterprise in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.Podcast episode production by Dante32.