Culture change is a key for any digital transformation initiative. The shift from one business to another is often accompanied by a need for people in the organization to adopt new processes, ways of working, and approaches to break down silos and relate differently to customers. Although culture change is critically important to transformation, it is difficult and time-consuming to achieve. In this episode of CXOTALK, we speak with two experts on the intersection of transformation, culture, and business models.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program offers a unique model for funding technology innovation. The SBIR serves as a portal to connect small businesses, academics, and startup with partners in agencies across the government. It also provides assistance to ensure that small companies are treated fairly during their engagement with the federal government. Nagesh Rao currently serves as Chief Technologist with the US Small Business Administration’s Office of Investment & Innovation. His portfolio of work includes the SBIR/STTR program and coordination of the Fueling Small Business Innovation Interagency Policy Committee for the White House’s Lab to Market Commercialization Agenda.

The power industry is undergoing significant disruption and digital transformation. On this episode, the Chief Digital Officer of GE Power guides us through these disruptions and explains how General Electric is changing as a result.Ganesh Bell is Chief Digital Officer & GM, Commercial Software & Analytics at GE working across its largest industrial business Power & Water and GE Software. In this position he leads digital innovation and transformation – responsible for the digital solutions business and digital engagement to drive business growth.

Digital transformation and innovation are core elements of the business strategy for the American Cancer Society, a large non-profit organization. On this episode, Jay Ferro describes the role of technology in driving business changes at the Society.Jay Ferro, chief information officer for the American Cancer Society, is responsible for the people, strategy and operations of the global information technology of the organization. He is a recognized technology leader, known for creating and executing strategic visions to achieve business goals.

How do platforms, data, and the internet of things come together create innovation in the enterprise? In this episode, Quentin Clark, Chief Business Officer at SAP shares his view on technologies that can drive transformation and business model innovation.In addition to being SAP's Chief Business Officer, Quentin Clark is a member of the Global Managing Board of SAP SE. He is responsible for defining the direction for SAP and for advancing the company’s business strategy. In this role, he heads corporate strategy, corporate development, partner strategy and development, and portfolio strategy activities.

Digital disruption is driving significant change in the consulting and outsourcing industry. As a result, business model change is a part of today's consulting environment. On this show, we talk with Matt Preschern, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of HCL Technologies, a US$7 billion global information technology services company with 100,000 employees.In his role as the company’s CMO, Matt leads all marketing functions including global business and strategic marketing, sales enablement and corporate communications to drive demand, growth and value for the HCL Technologies brand.

Design has become a critical component for business and technology in the modern era. On this episode, John Maeda presents findings from his DesignInTech 2016 report.John is an American executive spearheading a new convergence across the design and technology industries. He currently advises dozens of technology startups as a partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, a world-leading venture capital firm in Silicon Valley. In addition, Maeda serves on the Board of Sonos and Wieden+Kennedy, and on the Technical Advisory Board for Google’s ATAP.

How can we use data to make better business decisions? In this episode, we address this question with Anthony Scriffignano, the Chief Data Scientist at Dun & Bradstreet.Anthony Scriffignano has over 35 years experience in information technologies, Big-4 management consulting, and international business. Sciffignano leverages deep data expertise and global relationships to position Dun & Bradstreet with strategic customers, partners, and governments. A key thought leader in D&B’s worldwide efforts to discover, curate, and synthesize business information in multiple languages, geographies, and contexts, he has also held leadership positions in D&B’s Technology and Operations organizations. Dr. Scriffignano has extensive background in linguistics and advanced computer algorithms, leveraging that background as primary inventor on multiple patents and patents pending for D&B.

Mindfulness offers substantial benefits for both business and personal reasons. Innovation, creativity, improved communication and teamwork are among the many benefits of mindfulness. In this episode, author and mindfulness teacher, Susan Piver, shares her experience with us. Susan Piver is the New York Times bestselling author of eight books, including The Hard Questions, the award-winning How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life, and The Wisdom of a Broken Heart.

Christopher Michel is a pioneer in creating digital communities. In this podcast, he explains key drivers for gaining customer engagement. Chris describes the two most important factors for gaining an audience on YouTube.Aside from being a serial entrepreneur and investor, Chris is one of the top photographers in the world. Listen to his exciting stories of travel around the world.