Innovation and the Digital Enterprise

Adaptability is an essential skill for anyone navigating their career in a company experiencing growth. Chief Information Officer James Gray curates his teams with this priority due to REEF’s exponential growth in recent years, especially as the neighborhood-focused company saw the desire for the proximity of goods and services increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.In this episode, James Gray shares insight into the importance of articulating your needs as an employee, addressing company-employee value mismatch, and managing vertical and horizontal growth. James discusses REEF innovations, like “ghost kitchens,” and the opportunities for those interested in working with the mobile, modular, and smart company. (1:31) – What is REEF?(3:22) – Ghost kitchens(6:20) – Growing REEF(11:26) – An entrepreneurial company(15:40) – Acceleration from the COVID-19 pandemic(17:12) – Curating a team in a growth company(20:40) – Addressing company-employee mismatch(25:25) – The biggest surprise of the past year(26:48) – Mitigating inflation and product capabilityJames Gray is the Chief Information Officer of REEF. His expertise in data, product management, artificial intelligence, IT operations, software engineering, and sales has led to high-level roles at Microsoft, Aspen Technology, and Chevron. He hosts the podcast Career Strategy Coach. James earned an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California Berkeley, a master's degree in information and data science from the School of Information at UC Berkeley, and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Union College.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.

Only an exceptional innovator would look at a burgeoning career in operations and pause to examine their reputation and evaluate their goals. With the help of an executive coach, Deborah Spence-Cummings did just that and now serves as the Director of AI/ML Operations at Apple. Deborah shares how she used an engineering mindset developed at MIT and Northwestern to drive her career progression through positions in operations, planning, project management, sales, and now, artificial intelligence and machine learning. In this conversation with Pat and Shelli, Deborah also discusses her contributions to the innovative processes at Apple and NAVTEQ and how she navigated her career when opportunities did not automatically appear. (1:27) – Machine learning and AI(8:09) – Studying material science(11:38) – Journey to NAVTEQ(18:14) – Taking on different roles(21:45) – Working with an executive coach(26:51) – The engineering of sales(28:33) – Approach to leadership(30:27) – Advocates in your networkDeborah Spence-Cummings is the Director of AI/ML Operations at Apple. She has previously held executive and senior roles at HERE Technologies and NAVTEQ across operations, planning, program management, and sales. Deborah earned a bachelor's and master's degree in materials science and engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA at the Kellogg Graduate 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.

With a decorated thirty-year career in the U.S. Army behind him, General James Mukoyama’s retirement is one of passionate advocacy and aid for veterans. In the organizations he leads, Military Outreach USA and Enabled Enterprises, as well as other faith-based acts of service, General Mukoyama believes in leading by example and with care while maintaining balance in your life. In this episode, General Mukoyama highlights two critical efforts of Military Outreach USA: reducing veteran suicide rates and equipping veterans exiting homelessness with much-needed supplies. He outlines how the organization approaches its work and provides a crucial explanation of "moral injury." General Mukoyama shares advice on leadership across industries, including four essential pillars of fitness and the importance of communicating expectations.(01:46) – Military Outreach USA(18:14) – Growing up Japanese-American in Chicago(25:38) – Journey to Major General(28:00) – Surviving Agent Orange(33:03) – Methods in leadership(39:10) – Testifying before Congress(43:14) – Caring for your subordinates(44:44) – Maintaining a healthy balance(48:29) – “Coming Home” Veterans Retreats(50:03) – Get involvedMajor General James H. Mukoyama, Jr. is the President and Executive Director of Military Outreach USA, Partner and Director at Enabled Enterprises, and served in the U.S. Army from 1964-1995. In 1989, he became the first Asian-American in the history of the United States to command an army. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a master’s degree in the teaching of social studies at the University of Illinois.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 a career sparked from the desire to play a video game that’s out of your budget. Marc Saltzman began his career as a journalist and technologist with a promise of publishing a review. With twenty-five years in the industry, Marc shares insight into automation and electrification alongside the questions these current innovations prompt in consumers and businesses alike.In this episode, Marc highlights several moments for the industry: the misdirection of Blackberry and Motorola, Queen Elizabeth’s pioneering use of technology, and the current advances toward autonomous and electric vehicles. He provides insight into the integral role of human touch in the ever-evolving supply chain and how this growth may impact employment. (1:17) – “Geek speak to street speak”(4:52) – The fall of Blackberry and Motorola(8:16) – Queen Elizabeth’s embrace of technology(13:51) – EVs(21:11) – Automation(29:39) – Humans in the supply chain(37:57) – Becoming a technologistMarc Saltzman is a technology evangelist, journalist, television, radio, and podcast host, producer, and author with twenty-five years of industry experience. Marc is a contributor to more than twenty prominent publications, including USA Today/Gannett, AARP, MSN, and more. He has authored over a dozen books and has appeared as a technology expert and commentator on television stations around the world. Marc hosts Tech Impact on Bloomberg Television and Tech It Out via Radio America.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 fresh spotlight is on clinical research on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. Katherine Vandebelt, Global Vice President of Innovation at Oracle, shares how she is innovating clinical research participation through inclusive, accessible, and human-centered practices.In this episode, Katherine highlights the challenges of recruitment and retention of clinical research participants. She reflects on the stress that arrives alongside health conditions, diagnoses, and deciding a treatment path. Katherine shares her people-oriented approach to innovation and acknowledges our aversion to change. (1:22) – Global VP of Innovation at Oracle(3:30) – Getting to know patients(5:28) – The impact of Bill C-22(8:50) – Reflecting the actual population(11:57) – Health advocates and connection(15:04) – Communication and knowledge-building(20:36) – Deciding focus areas of innovation(24:32) – Thinking about “when”(29:34) – Addressing changeKatherine Vandebelt is the Global Vice President of Innovation at Oracle. Katherine's niche is in pharmaceutical clinical development and transforming organizations to meet aggressive financial and operational goals. She is also the host of The Latest Dose podcast. Katherine earned a bachelor’s degree in pharmacology and physiology at the University of Toronto.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.

Serving the United States does not have to be in uniform. Mike Seper, University Program Director of the National Security Innovation Network at Washington University in St. Louis, discusses how the problem-solving network NSIN embraces university-based innovators and entrepreneurs from all areas of study to bring their expertise into the service of our country. In this episode, Mike reflects on the importance of an inclusive and diverse innovation process while providing a glimpse into programs available to students and university members. He highlights select focus areas—energy needs, artificial intelligence, and drone technology—and exciting partnerships with HBCUs focusing on geospatial technologies. Mike shares how NSIN and student contributions can lead to future employment and foster a generation of problem solvers. (3:53) – National Security Innovation Network(6:23) – Defense Innovation Unit(8:07) – Current focus areas(11:23) – Soldier readiness with the Missouri Army National Guard(14:11) – Understanding the importance of the mission(18:15) – Emerge Accelerator and engaging university research(21:28) – Diversity and inclusion in the innovation process(24:41) – Students serving their country(26:20) – Innovation Entrepreneurship Center at Washington University in St. Louis(27:29) – How to get started(32:46) – ParticipationMike Seper is an entrepreneur and the University Program Director of the National Security Innovation Network at Washington University in St. Louis. He is a contributor for Entrepreneur Media and former site director of National Science Foundation I-Corps and lead instructor at Washington University. Mike earned a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurial studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and an MBA at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.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.

Extended reality has Jack King animated about innovation and the future of technology. As Chief Information Officer at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Jack sees the countless ways that augmented and virtual realities can accelerate learning and opportunities for the 39,000 members of AAOS.In this episode, Jack discusses motivation, connection, and encouraging employees to be participants in driving change. He speaks on company culture and his approach to communication, including daily huddles. While sharing his excitement over continuing technological innovations, such as haptic feedback, Jack reflects on lessons from his cross-industry career. (2:42) - CIO at AAOS(4:24) - The most important lesson from the C-suite(7:27) - Staying motivated(9:36) - Launching a mobile application(11:07) - Member-driven organizations(13:00) - Daily huddles(14:29) - "Take me out to the ball game" culture(15:38) - Enhanced communication strategy(19:30) - Extended realityJack King is Chief Information Officer at American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Previously in his cross-industry career, Jack served as CTO of Broward Health and Northwest Community Healthcare, in addition to numerous IS and IT leadership positions. He held the position of Principal at Impact Advisors and served as the Chief Technology Officer and Acting Secretary of Innovation & Technology for the State of Illinois. Jack earned a BS in Business, Organizational Management from Trinity Christian College and an MBA from Olivet Nazarene 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.

In addition to hosting Innovation and the Digital Enterprise, Pat is also the founder of the Innovative Executives League, a group that connects visionary Chicago leaders. Earlier this year, the group held its first in-person Innovative Executives League Summit with an amazing slate of leaders sharing experiences and perspectives on innovation and leadership. Today’s episode pulls together highlights from three of the day’s presentations. First up, Gale Wilkinson, Founder and Managing Partner of VITALIZE Venture Capital, shares insights on today's trends in angel investing and venture capital. Next, Steve Rubinow, Director of the Institute for Professional Development at DePaul University’s Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media, speaks to the increasing criticality of continuous learning. Finally, Ateet Adhikari, Chief Operating Officer of ShopRunner, talks about how teams innovate without losing focus.We hope you enjoy these highlights. Be sure to check out the next Summit coming up on November 3rd at the OLC Education & Conference Center in Rosemont IL. You won’t want to miss it, so get your tickets early!If you want to learn more about the Innovative Executives League, the events we host, or any of these innovative leaders, check out our LinkedIn page or visit our website for more information! (01:25) - Angel Investing & Venture Capital Overview with Gale Wilkinson, Founder and Managing Partner of VITALIZE Venture Capital(17:05) - Pre-K to Gray: the Increasing Criticality of Continuous Learning with Steve Rubinow, Director of the Institute for Professional Development at DePaul University’s Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media(25:34) - Disruption Without Distraction: How to Innovate Without Losing Focus with Ateet Adhikari, Chief Operating Officer of ShopRunnerIf 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 on Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.Podcast episode production by Dante32.

Seeking professional advice to advance your career? Patrick Dineen, Chief Information Officer at Nielsen, has the answer: solve bigger problems. As a leader in strategic planning and transformational thinking within several major companies over his career, Patrick is perfectly positioned to witness the incredible value of team members who seek out challenges and take advantage of big opportunities to contribute.In this episode, Patrick reflects on outside-in thinking and a growth mindset in the workplace. He shares insight into the value of building relationships and trust across companies. Patrick discusses his leadership style: influence over authority, a willingness to take the blame, and intentionality in seeking out ways to assist colleagues. Patrick illuminates the complex relationship of being present and planning for the future, and he expounds on the value of operating on a very familiar unit of time: one week. (1:30) – CIO at Nielsen(5:30) – Building relationships across an organization(9:00) – Obsoleting your own role(13:50) – The tyranny of growth(15:15) – Solve bigger problems(19:22) – Thinking weekly(23:40) – Influence, not authority(28:03) – Taking the blame(33:09) – Avoiding “watermelon status”(33:57) – Change managementPatrick Dineen is the Chief Information Officer at Nielsen. Previously, he served in leadership positions at CSG Systems, Harte Hanks, USADATA, Claritas, and Equifax. Patrick earned an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering at Columbia 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.

Not many people are willing to call up their competitors and dive into discussions on bettering the industry at large—choosing to see their competitors as partners. Sara Rossio, Chief Product Officer at G2, is curious about the ways transparency can build trust internally and how to embrace transparency and collaboration with customers, vendors, and across an industry.In this episode, Sara talks about how she approaches product management at G2, including utilizing artificial intelligence and people to moderate and validate reviews and personalizing data to meet a customer’s needs. She discusses her leadership style of providing frequent, direct, and actionable feedback, as well as the importance of supplying context. Sara illuminates the key to her success in product management and how companies can remain competitive: stay curious.(1:05) – Chief Product Officer at G2(4:04) – Transparency(8:19) – Inviting criticism(11:49) – Working with competitors(13:24) – Nokia(16:12) – The customer of tomorrow(17:21) – Biggest challenge: talent(22:27) – Frequent, direct, actionable feedback(25:33) – Tough conversations and a culture of kindness(27:59) – Staying curiousSara Rossio is the Chief Product Officer at G2, a digital marketplace for business software and services that boasts 1.7 million validated product reviews. Sara has worked in project management at PowerReviews, Gogo, Here (a Nokia company), NAVTEQ, and Eaton. She earned a BSBA in Marketing and International Business at Fisher College of Business at the Ohio State 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.