Unlearn

Leadership in digital ecosystems requires a commitment to safety, trust, and ethical practices. Our guest today, Dave Byrne, founder of Trust Raise and a member of the Irish Digital Board, shares his journey from major tech giants to establishing a company dedicated to improving the integrity of digital platforms.Dave Byrne has had an illustrious career, holding significant positions at Google, TikTok, and Spotify, where he spearheaded initiatives in brand safety and platform integrity. Now, as the founder of Trust Raise, he focuses on helping smaller companies navigate the complex landscape of digital safety. His work is driven by a deep commitment to creating ethical digital ecosystems that prioritize user needs and improve industry standards. Host Barry O'Reilly invites Dave to discuss his career journey, the challenges of maintaining digital safety in a rapidly evolving industry, and the inspiration behind founding Trust raise. Dave shares valuable insights into the importance of adaptability, the evolving role of AI in digital safety, and how smaller companies can leverage his expertise to build safer digital platforms.Key Takeaways:Resilience Through Failure: Early career setbacks can teach invaluable lessons about humility, perseverance, and the importance of continuous effort.Navigating Global Teams: Success in a fast-paced, global environment requires strong relationships, effective collaboration, and the ability to work across different time zones and cultures.Overcoming 'Golden Handcuffs': Comfort and security in large tech companies can sometimes hinder innovation. Pushing oneself out of the comfort zone is crucial for personal and professional growth.AI’s Potential in the Workplace: AI has the potential to enhance productivity and creativity. Those who leverage AI effectively will be at the forefront of industry innovation.Additional Insights:Personal Reflections on Failure: Dave shared how an early career setback taught him invaluable lessons about resilience, humility, and the importance of continuous effort. This experience has profoundly influenced his work ethic and approach to leadership.AI's Potential to Revolutionize Work: Dave is optimistic about AI’s potential to enhance productivity and creativity. He believes that those who learn to leverage AI effectively will be at the forefront of the industry, taking on more dynamic roles and contributing to a more innovative tech landscape.The Importance of Ethical Tech Development: Throughout his career, Dave has been a strong advocate for ethical practices in tech. He stressed the need for companies, big and small, to prioritize user safety and trust, especially as technology continues to evolve rapidly.Episode Highlights00:00 - Download my free innovation map00:39 - Introduction to Dave Byrne03:00 - Dave’s unexpected start in his career and the impact of failure.“This career in Google, TikTok, Spotify was not at all planned whatsoever... I actually ended up in Google because I lost a student union election in Trinity College."07:35 - The rise of brand safety concerns and the 'Apocalypse.'"The Adpocalypse... Brand safety became something that YouTube started caring about, Meta started caring about."11:18  - Eroding Brand Perception“ we're eroding brand perception of our customers. Again, scary things for any business to be facing, never mind the scale of the brands you're going to be working with within Google at the time.."25:12 - The complexities of the tech ecosystem." I think when people think of the digital ecosystem, they think of the Googles, they think of the metas, they think of the TikToks of the world. And yes, they take up a huge amount of people's time and engagement but there are thousands of companies that make up this ecosystem, like just the ad ecosystem itself."44:38 - The impact of AI on job roles and democratizing work opportunities." AI and the tools that we're seeing are democratizing like these skills and like the ability for these folks to actually participate in, in areas where they couldn't have before."Follow Our GuestLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davebyrned/Website: https://www.trust-raise.com/_________________________________Download my free innovation map I use to help companies like Google and Nike figure out the gap between their current state and desired state.Download Now:https://bit.ly/46uZ7q0FOLLOW THE HOST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreillyPersonal site: https://barryoreilly.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/barryoreillyauthor/Twitter: https://x.com/barryoreillyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/barryoreilly/Email: hello@barryoreilly.com

Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field that requires continuous learning, adaptability, and a deep understanding of both the technological landscape and human behavior. Today’s guest, Dave Mahon, a seasoned cybersecurity expert with extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, shares his journey from the FBI to leading global cybersecurity efforts in the corporate world.Dave Mahon served as a Senior Advisor for Deloitte, where he was instrumental in developing and executing strategies to safeguard information, technologies, and data. Prior to Deloitte, he was the Global Chief Security Officer for CenturyLink, now Lumen Technologies, and also served as a Special Agent for the FBI, focusing on federal crimes involving cyber threats, terrorism, and more. In this episode, Dave discusses the critical thinking skills he developed over his 20-year career in the FBI and how he applied them in the private sector to tackle emerging cybersecurity challenges.Host Barry O'Reilly invites Dave to explore his career journey, the lessons he learned, and the importance of mentorship, team building, and strategic thinking in cybersecurity. The conversation delves into the nuances of transitioning from public service to corporate leadership, the evolving nature of cyber threats, and how businesses can better prepare for future challenges.Key Takeaways:The Importance of Adaptability in Cybersecurity: As technology and business models evolve, so do the tactics of adversaries. Cybersecurity professionals must continuously adapt to stay ahead.Holistic Approach to Cybersecurity: Successful cybersecurity strategies involve not just technical defenses but also understanding the motivations and methods of adversaries.Mentorship and Leadership: Effective leadership in cybersecurity requires understanding the diverse skills and motivations of team members, providing the right guidance, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.Corporate Culture and Cybersecurity: Transitioning from the public to the private sector requires understanding corporate dynamics, including ROI and business objectives, to effectively integrate security measures.Additional Insights:FBI Experience: Dave’s early career in the FBI instilled in him a deep understanding of critical thinking, investigation, and a life of purpose, which he has carried throughout his professional journey.Adapting to Corporate Culture: Moving from a black-and-white, rules-based environment in the FBI to the nuanced world of corporate security presented unique challenges, particularly in understanding business motivations and the need for clear ROI in security investments.The Future of Cybersecurity: As organizations move to cloud-based infrastructures and remote work environments, the strategies of cyber adversaries will continue to evolve, requiring constant vigilance and innovation from cybersecurity professionals.Episode Highlights00:00 - Introduction to the episode.00:02:47 - Dave's early life and influences"There's a couple of key parts of everybody's life... because it starts to set the foundation for how you think about your life going forward and how you're going to make the decisions."00:03:58 - Joining the FBI and early career challenges"And all the standard corporations were there that you could imagine... and ultimately get hired by the FBI."00:07:38 - Undercover work and relocation challenges"So I literally went undercover for four years... and next thing I know, I was doing computer forensic work."00:12:35 - Challenges of early cyber investigations"A couple of things you start to realize around cyber that was so very different... there was a lot of learning."00:22:15 - Developing leadership skills and understanding team dynamics"You have to understand people... and what motivated them at what stage they were in their career."00:39:00 - Evolving cybersecurity threats and the importance of staying ahead"Bad guys don't go away, they innovate... we need to be moving in cyber to stay ahead."Follow Our GuestLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mahon-0751074/Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deloitte/_________________________________Download my free innovation map I use to help companies like Google and Nike figure out the gap between their current state and desired state.Download Now:https://bit.ly/46uZ7q0FOLLOW THE HOST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreillyPersonal site: https://barryoreilly.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/barryoreillyauthor/Twitter: https://x.com/barryoreillyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/barryoreilly/Email: hello@barryoreilly.com

Rob Smedley, founder and CEO of the Smedley Group, transitioned from a Formula One engineer to an entrepreneur dedicated to innovating motorsports. He shares how embracing discomfort and fostering a culture of innovation have been crucial in his career. Smedley discusses the groundbreaking Global Karting League, aimed at making motorsports accessible to a broader audience. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork in success and reflects on his journey, from overcoming challenges in engineering to his current entrepreneurial ventures.

Leadership is about embracing sustainable practices, fostering continuous improvement, and aligning personal values with professional goals. Today's guest, Annastiina Hintsa, CEO of Hintsa Performance, shares her insights on achieving peak performance in both business and sports.Annastiina Hintsa is the CEO of Hintsa Performance, a world-leading evidence-based coaching company that helps top athletes and business professionals achieve sustainable success. Driven by science and guided by people, their methods have been tested in some of the most challenging business and sporting environments. Annastiina's journey began with her father, Dr. Hintsa, whose pioneering work with athletes like Haile Gebrselassie laid the foundation for their holistic performance model. Annastiina has expanded this legacy, working with over 50% of Formula One drivers and Fortune 500 CEOs, ensuring they reach and maintain high performance.Host Barry O'Reilly invites Annastiina to discuss her journey and the impact of Hintsa Performance. From her early involvement in the company to her leadership role today, Annastiina shares valuable lessons on balancing professional and personal well-being. The conversation covers the holistic nature of high performance, integrating physical activity, nutrition, mental energy, and more. Annastiina emphasizes the importance of defining personal success and maintaining perspective through life's challenges.Key Takeaways:Holistic Performance: Sustainable high performance involves a balance of physical activity, nutrition, sleep, mental energy, general health, and biomechanics.Defining Success: Personal success should be clearly defined, considering who you are and what you want beyond professional achievements.Maintaining Balance: Regularly scheduling recovery and downtime, both on a macro (yearly vacations) and micro (daily detachment rituals) level, is crucial for long-term success.Perspective and Resilience: Building resilience through multiple identity pillars helps maintain performance and happiness despite setbacks.Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Embracing a mindset of continuous improvement and being open to unlearning outdated practices is key to sustained growth.Additional Insights:Personal Influences on Leadership: Annastiina’s father, Dr. Hintsa, played a pivotal role in shaping her understanding of high performance and well-being.Handling Setbacks: Viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth and maintaining a broad perspective helps in overcoming challenges.Technology and High Performance: The rapid advancement of technology necessitates leaders to stay mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared for continuous adaptation.Episode Highlights00:00 - Introduction to the episode02:56 - Annastiina on her early career and her father's influence"I worked with my dad early days. I was employee number three in the very, very early days..."03:25 - The turning point of joining the family business"when my father got sick. So he was, uh, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015, passed away 16 months after. And it was a turning point for for me personally"07:26 - Defining and achieving sustainable high performance"Our mission is to help people live better lives and as a consequence, perform better..."27:29 - Importance of balance and avoiding the middle gear"We get stuck in the middle gear. We get stuck in this kind of like execution mode where we're constantly just, you know, yeah, we're not we're not at our peak. We're also not recovering and resting. We're at this middle gear checking our emails, you know, responding, uh, executing. But when the time comes, when we would actually need to get to that high gear, get to the peak performance"31:40 - Technology's impact on high performance and the need for human readiness"how do we make sure that we as humans are ready for that shift?"36:03 - Practical tips for achieving better performance"start with the critical questions and you start with that. Do you know who you haven't really think of? Who are you as a person, not just you at work or your job title. How do you actually define success? What is it that you really want? What are the different points of success for you? And then the final question is around sort of control, which is as much as it is about, you know, what are the things that we can control and we can influence."Follow Our GuestLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annastiina-hintsa/Website: https://www.hintsa.comFOLLOW THE HOST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreillyPersonal site: https://barryoreilly.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/barryoreillyauthor/Twitter: https://x.com/barryoreillyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/barryoreilly/Email: hello@barryoreilly.com

Leadership is about embracing the process of unlearning outdated practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and aligning your team with visionary goals. Today's guest, with his esteemed 29-year tenure at one of the largest asset managers in the world, Vanguard, shares how he successfully navigated this journey.John T. Marcante is a renowned technology and business executive with expertise in digital transformation, business strategy, financial planning, and cybersecurity. He is the US CIO in Residence at Deloitte, providing strategic guidance to clients and leadership.Previously, John was the Global CIO at Vanguard, where he led digital transformation and drove growth to $9 trillion. He modernized Vanguard's technology and promoted an inclusive workplace. He also developed Vanguard’s global advice platform, making financial planning accessible to millions.John has contributed to the WSJ CIO Journal and Harvard Business Review. His awards include Business Insider Top 50 CIOs and ORBIE CIO of the Year. He holds degrees from The Pennsylvania State University and Saint Joseph’s University.Host Barry O'Reilly invites John to share his journey at Vanguard and beyond in leadership, culture transformation, and gratitude. Inspired by his father's legacy in technology, John discusses how he aligned tech with business goals at Vanguard. Barry highlights John’s approach to direct client engagement and open feedback. They also explore John’s commitment to servant leadership, maintaining company values, and his future goals of mentoring new leaders and giving back to the community. This episode offers personal insights into what drives effective leadership with gratitude.Key Takeaways:Leadership and Transformation: Transformations should align technology initiatives with business goals, led by C-suite executives.Servant Leadership: Building a culture of servant leadership is crucial for successful transformations.Client Engagement: Direct client feedback, really listening and a take-action approach are essential for quick and effective improvements.Maintaining Values: Sticking to core values and supporting clients and employees ensures long-term success and engagement.Future Aspirations: Coaching future leaders, staying engaged in technology, and giving back to the community are key aspects of making a positive impact.Additional Insights:Personal Influences on Leadership: John’s father played a crucial role in sparking his interest in technology and instilling values of gratitude and support.Handling Client and Employee Relations: Prioritizing core values and employee well-being, even when making tough decisions like firing abusive high-net-worth clients, ensures long-term success.Learning from Mistakes and Building Trust: Creating an environment of trust and open communication allows employees to voice opinions and make mistakes, fostering innovation and continuous improvement.Episode Highlights:00.00 - Introduction to the episode02:58- John's reflections on recent thoughts and his father's influence on his career"I think the last thing that popped in my head since we just went through Father's Day, as I was kind of reflecting on my own father…"05:29- Cultural transformation and leadership at Vanguard"So I think I go back to a point you just made, which is, if this transformation is a technology transformation, if it's a technology initiative, then it's already lost, right? Because nothing's a technology initiative. Everything is, a business, a client transformation and that alignment..."05:53- Leadership and servant leadership in transformation"I always felt like that the transformation was a C-suite and CEO-led transformation. You know, technology, lean, agile. They'll roll out across the company, not just in technology, but across the company really took that level of focus and alignment."15:00-Engaging and aligning with clients"if you want to drive engagement and give a group of people an outcome that's meaningful to clients and give them access to clients, and you said, yes, it's a wonderful when they when they could do something, they see the impact."15:21- Feedback on improving processes and client satisfaction"And if you have a nimble, very, very nimble foundation that allows you to very quickly take that feedback and turn it."18:38- Dealing with high-stakes decisions and maintaining company values"Not every business is good business. Stick to your mission and purpose, and always have your clients' and employees' backs."20:47 Discussing the importance of mission alignment in leadership"It's also you feel connected to the mission of the organization. Like what I do every day has to be connected. But the mission, I have to sleep well at night knowing that the company has my back, but more importantly, that I'm actually doing good for society."21:45- Personal anecdotes on handling client interactions and maintaining values"this is one of the things I think that, uh, again, it shines about the company. Like sticking to the values, leaning into your principles, I know, and making tough decisions around that.."23:52- Building Trust Through Commitment to Solutions"And even if you don't know the answer that you know you're committed to getting the answer, I think you then build trust in the organization."25.45- Servant leadership and employee engagement"If your intention isn't good and you make a mistake, well, then we'll deal with that later, right? But if you're doing work for a client and your intention is good that you have nothing to worry about, even if it goes south..."32:34- Embracing Grace as a Core Mission in Leadership"I think as a father, that's our mission as a leader. That's our mission. Like, be gracious, you know, be gracious even when someone doesn't hit the record button"35:09- Transitioning into a new chapter and future plans"I want to be part of, uh, coaching and developing the next generation of leaders that I want to be part of that team, whatever team that is. Count me in, because that was the best part of my job. Second technology. I mean, like, come on, like, I mean technology, AI, generative AI."FOLLOW OUR GUEST:◦ Profile- https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-t-marcante/◦ Deloitte- https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en.html◦ Website- https://marcantejohn.wixsite.com/technologyleadershipFOLLOW THE HOST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreillyPersonal site: https://barryoreilly.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/barryoreillyauthor/Twitter: https://x.com/barryoreillyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/barryoreilly/Email: hello@barryoreilly.com

AI is transforming the world, and William is working on how IP is impacted in an AI world… William Carbone is an AI expert, former IBMer, and now a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in aerospace, quantum computing, and AI.At IBM, William’s main focus was to identify opportunities, driving business & technology strategies and roadmap for the industries worldwide. He led the Business Development for IBM's Global Automotive, Aerospace & Defense industries. Currently, William is the CEO and co-founder of Evalify, a flagship venture under Nobody Studios, and the CEO and co-founder of The Adjacent Possible. He also serves as the Program Director for the Master in AI at the Rome Business School (RBS) and advises the European Commission as a senior consultant. From creating an innovation studio to developing cutting-edge tools for intellectual property assessment, His work spans Quantum, Spacetech, AI, and various domains.In this episode hosted by Barry O’Reilly, William discusses his journey, including his transition from corporate life and the transformative experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial path. He delves into the practical aspects of innovation and intellectual property, offering advice on navigating these complex areas. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to improve their approach to entrepreneurship and understand the value of mental health in the process.Key Takeaways from the episode include:Entrepreneurial Journey: The transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship involves significant rewiring of the brain and requires navigating uncharted territories with curiosity and resilience.Parallels with Music: William's self-taught journey as a pianist highlights the importance of playfulness and self-expression, which he parallels with the creative process in entrepreneurship.Innovation and IP Assessment: William discusses the development of a tool that evaluates the patentability and intellectual property risks of startup ideas, providing investors with quick and affordable insights.Unlearning Traditional Methods: The necessity of unlearning conventional approaches to intellectual property and embracing new technologies and methodologies to stay competitive.Mental Health for Founders: The critical importance of mental health for entrepreneurs, with William sharing his experience of attending a silent meditation retreat to find clarity and balance.Future of Intellectual Property: The potential of AI and advanced tools to democratize access to intellectual property insights, helping entrepreneurs and investors make better-informed decisions.Additional Insights:Leadership and Innovation: This episode emphasizes the role of leadership in fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within startups.Role of AI in IP: The discussion involves the advancements in AI that have made tools like E-Verify possible, highlighting the transformative potential of these technologies in the intellectual property space.Practical Applications: This episode provides insights about real-world examples of how the IP assessment tool has helped investors make quicker and more informed decisions, reducing the risk and enhancing the potential for successful investments.Episode Highlights:(00:00) Introduction to the episode (01:25) Importance of rewiring the brain and transformative journey of entrepreneurship  [01:43] “There is no one making things for you… You have to take the tools on the way and find the way.”(02:23) William shares parallels between learning music and his entrepreneurial journey[3:53] “Music has always been there for me in the journey, even in difficult times or more challenging situations.”(05:14) Barry discusses the importance of following curiosity in entrepreneurship[7:39] “There was a lot of untapped potential in that space, like in billions of dollars that have been spent on patents that have been just never commercialized…”(08:35) Introduction of E-Verify and its capabilities in de-risking investments(11:43) The evolution of AI and its impact on intellectual property assessment[13:22] “But the biggest unlearning there was how to make the industry, to unlearn how they approach LLP. That was the biggest challenge, right.”(13:23) The challenges and benefits of helping the VC industry unlearn traditional approaches to IP [14:27] “I would say the biggest challenge for us and for the investors is to understand that the IP can be a valued friend and partner…”(15:17) Barry shares his experiences with continuous delivery and automation in software development[17:34] It's not that we're taking the humans out of the process, it's we're allowing them to focus on high-value tasks…”(19:10) The concept of patent viability assessment and its impact on investment decisions [21:13] “So these are all great indicators that are simply not available, or maybe no one has the intuition to look for them and find competitors for a startup.”[22:03] “Some investors will tell you.. revenue speaks louder than IP. Others say, okay, IP is so fundamental.”(24:13) William's vision for the future of IP and entrepreneurship[25:29] “There is already a populated market in the direction that you haven't seen before with your business analyst.”(26:27) The democratization of patent information and its impact on founders and investors (30:39) William's entrepreneurial journey and the importance of mental health retreats[30:48] “Actually what is not so much covered is mental health or founders - I would say that's the number one priority.”(33:29) The importance of balance and intention in life and work[34:48] “We live in the attention economy, like everything, trying to grab our attention.”(35:35) Conclusion and final thoughts from Barry and WilliamFOLLOW THE HOST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreillyPersonal site: https://barryoreilly.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/barryoreillyauthor/Twitter: https://x.com/barryoreillyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/barryoreilly/Email: hello@barryoreilly.comFOLLOW OUR GUEST:William Carbone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamcarbonePersonal Site: www.williamcarbone.com

The definition of success can change everything. Properly defined, you have an agile organization where each team member can contribute fully. Poorly defined, you have stagnant teams and users that don’t like the products. In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, host Barry O'Reilly sits down with Josh Seiden, a sought-after designer, strategy consultant, and coach. Together, they explore the importance of understanding user behavior, how that behavior can be translated into goals, and how company alignment on Outcomes and Key Results can drive business outcomes. Josh Seiden has collaborated with top-tier brands such as PayPal, Johnson & Johnson, and 3M. His expertise lies in launching and building innovative products and services, as well as fostering agile and entrepreneurial mindsets within organizations. He is the author of “Outcomes Over Output” and co-author of “Who Does What By How Much,” "Sense and Respond," and "Lean UX," all cementing his reputation as a thought leader in the field of user-centered design and business strategy.When User Experience Became DesignWe know now that understanding how users will experience a product is a critical part of designing a new product, but back in the 90’s when Josh began his career in the industry, it was a radical idea. "A friend told me, 'We’re hiring designers here,' and I laughed, 'Why are you telling me this? I’m not a designer.' But that thing you’re doing here, we call that design," Seiden recalls. This unconventional designation became an entire industry, and his unconventional path to it meant he brought a unique perspective to the field of user experience design. Barry notes that this is a story that gets told again and again on the Unlearn podcast; that the conventional wisdom on how to find or become an expert is often wrong.Don't Forget Why You’re Building What You’re Building Barry points out that companies often measure things like the speed of production, but forget to measure the consumer behavior change that would really demonstrate the value of the project. Josh explains that measurability is important over the life of a project, but keeping the focus on outcomes for actual people is the most important thing to track. This is the key premise of Outcomes over Output that answers the question: what is an outcome? Josh’s definition, “An Outcome is a measurable change in user behavior that creates value.” If you need to identify the outcome you should be measuring for your company, answer three questions: Who?, Does What?, and By How Much?The Evolution of OKRs in Large OrganizationsDesign thinking works at the team level very easily, and as the industry developed the question became how to do it at scale? Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) have emerged as a tool for helping  large organizations work in agile ways. Josh explains how OKRs can be used to manage outcomes at scale: “The O is an objective. What's the big audacious goal? And then the KR is the result. How do you measure it? The key result. For most people who look at the system, they understand that [...] you want those Key Results to be outcomes." This way of thinking helps large enterprises maintain focus and drive impactful results by clearly defining and measuring success as it matters to the people using the product.Read full show notes at BarryO'Reilly.comResourcesJosh Seiden on the Web, LinkedIn, X, Medium

Ben Yoskovitz, founding partner at Highline Beta and author of Lean Analytics, dives into the dynamic world of venture studios. He shares his journey from early failures to building successful startups, emphasizing the importance of community and learning from mistakes. The conversation highlights Lean Startup principles and the significance of solving real user problems. Ben also discusses team management and scaling strategies, revealing how recognizing individual strengths is crucial for success in the startup landscape.

Join host Barry O'Reilly and guest Elliott Parker, CEO of High Alpha Innovation, as they discuss unlearning traditional practices to drive growth in corporations, the importance of embracing new ways of thinking, and the value of exploring alternative paths to foster innovation. Parker shares insights on challenging metrics, evolving creativity, and achieving significant objectives through randomness to spark breakthrough innovations in both personal and professional settings.

What problem are you trying to solve? Is it even the right one? In this episode of Unlearn, host Barry O’Reilly is joined by Renee Hawkins, a skilled technology and transformation practitioner. Together, they discuss problem solving, aligning business strategies with purpose, and how to pivot your organization successfully. With practical tips on networking, market research, and seeking advice, Renee offers a roadmap for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the business world.Renee Hawkins, a technology and transformational practitioner with over 25 years of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge from her time at Thoughtworks and her current role as a fractional COO. Renee's approach of asking for help, networking, and continuous learning serves as an inspiration for aspiring fractional leaders.The Influence of Thoughtworks and Roy SinghamDuring his time at Thoughtworks, Roy Singham was a visionary leader who influenced Renee’s entire approach to business. Roy led with purpose and kept social justice and inclusivity top of mind, which made Thoughtworks an incredible organization, internally and externally. When you take time to study the impact of influential leaders like Roy, you can gain insights into creating a culture that drives innovation and fosters a sense of purpose among your team.Transforming Business ModelsTo deal with the challenges and leverage the opportunities of changing a business model, you need to ensure that your team, operations, and value stream are consistent with the new goals of your business. When you divide the transformation process into achievable steps and concentrate on urgent needs, you can manage complicated changes and prepare your company for success.Building Effective Communication StrategiesCommunication is essential for keeping teams on the same page and achieving business outcomes. Renee values storytelling, honesty, and frequent updates as ways to keep everyone updated and involved. By using effective communication methods, such as weekly reports or town hall meetings, you can make sure that your team remains in sync, inspired, and oriented towards common objectives.Embracing Fractional Work and Portfolio CareersWorking fractionally and having a portfolio career can be very advantageous in the changing world of business today. Renee tells us how she went from conventional roles to providing fractional assistance to various companies. By being flexible, learning constantly, and exploring different opportunities, you can use your skills in different projects and sectors while keeping a good balance between work and life.ResourcesRenee Hawkins on LinkedIn