CXOTalk: Leadership, AI, and the Digital Economy

Welcome to CXOTalk episode 807, with Karl Weiss, Chief Technology Officer at Caterpillar, an iconic brand and a leader in construction and mining equipment with over 100,000 employees, $60 billion in revenue, and 1.4 million connected assets globally,With 35 years of experience at the company, Weiss brings a nuanced understanding of how technology shapes business outcomes.Weiss shares Caterpillar's approach to innovation, which is led by customer needs. He highlights the use of autonomous and AI technologies in mining trucks and other heavy equipment, explaining how machine learning, virtual reality, digital twins, and data analytics contribute to safer and more efficient operations. He also mentions Caterpillar's steps towards electric vehicles, sustainability, supply chain resilience, and the exploration of emerging technologies such as autonomy and connectivity.This in-depth conversation includes these issues:► Caterpillar’s customer-driven approach to innovation, leveraging autonomy, AI, and machine learning to enhance the safety and efficiency of mining trucks and heavy equipment.► The role of data analytics, digital twins, VR, and telematics in enabling predictive maintenance, remote monitoring, and virtual prototyping, aiding faster development.► Caterpillar's global strategy, focusing on regional talent recruitment, local manufacturing, and collaborations to meet diverse customer needs across different markets.Throughout the discussion, Weiss stresses the alignment of business, technology, and innovation to meet customer demands, sharing insights into managing a large technology portfolio across diverse global markets. Whether you’re a senior executive, a technology enthusiast, or someone interested in the confluence of business and tech, this episode promises a deep dive into the practical, strategic, and technical facets of leading a global enterprise in a digitally connected world.Karl Weiss is chief technology officer and a senior vice president of Caterpillar Inc., responsible for the Integrated Components and Solutions (ICS) Division. ICS designs and builds components and systems that are used across the Caterpillar portfolio and also provides technology leadership, engineering, research, validation and manufacturing services to the enterprise.Since joining Caterpillar in 1988, Weiss has had various assignments within product development at Caterpillar’s Decatur, Joliet, and Aurora facilities, primarily focused on large machine structural design. He subsequently transferred to Geneva, Switzerland, with Caterpillar Global Mining as an equipment management consultant serving mining customers and dealers in Europe and Africa. Weiss then became the large wheel loader new product introduction manager in Aurora, Illinois. He and his family then moved to Beijing, China, for four years, where Weiss served as the wheel loader product manager for the Asia Pacific region. In that role, he managed the integration of Shandong Engineering Machinery (SEM) as Caterpillar’s entry into the China wheel loader market. Weiss served as the worldwide product manager for medium wheel loaders in Aurora. In 2013, the Caterpillar board of directors named Weiss as senior vice president of Earthmoving. He was then named senior vice president of Material Handling & Underground in August 2017 and senior vice president of ICS and chief technology officer in May 2019.Michael Krigsman is an industry analyst and publisher of CXOTalk. For three decades, he has advised enterprise technology companies on market messaging and positioning strategy. He has written over 1,000 blogs on leadership and digital transformation and created almost 1,000 video interviews with the world’s top business leaders on these topics. His work has been referenced in the media over 1,000 times and in over 50 books. He has presented and moderated panels at numerous industry events around the world.

Bruno Aziza, former distinguished voice at Google, discusses practical applications of generative AI within the enterprise. Topics include: understanding generative AI, trust and data quality, financial impact and adoption, ethical considerations, identifying use cases, aligning enterprise architecture and AI strategy, and driving adoption in the enterprise.

#enterpriseai #generativeai #enterprisearchitecture How can enterprises adopt AI responsibly and effectively? In this interview, Box CEO Aaron Levie shares insider strategies on CXOTalk episode 805.Levie has a unique vantage point on enterprise AI gained from working closely with Fortune 500 customers. He sees enthusiasm to implement AI, but open questions remain around risks, architecture, and use cases.In this wide-ranging discussion, Levie offers practical advice to help leaders:► Build flexible architectures to swap AI components as tech advances► Encourage decentralized testing of use cases to find high-value applications► Form committees to develop standards and identify opportunities► Ensure data security and access controls are in place before deploying AI► Maintain human accountability and oversight of AI systems► Levie covers key issues like potential AI inaccuracies, copyright challenges, and the need for thoughtful governance. He remains optimistic about AI’s potential to boost productivity and creativity but emphasizes this transformation is still in the early stages.With insider recommendations, Levie helps leaders develop strategies to adopt AI successfully. Don’t miss this timely conversation on the real-world opportunities and obstacles impacting enterprise AI today.Read the full transcript: www.cxotalk.com/episode/practical-advice-on-enterprise-ai-from-ceo-of-boxSubscribe: www.cxotalk.com/subscribeAaron Levie is Chief Executive Officer, Cofounder and Chairman at Box, which he launched in 2005 with CFO and cofounder Dylan Smith. He is the visionary behind the Box product and platform strategy, incorporating the best of secure content collaboration with an intuitive user experience suited to the way people work today. Aaron leads the company in its mission to transform the way people and businesses work so they can achieve their greatest ambitions. He has served on the Board of Directors since April 2005.Michael Krigsman is an industry analyst and publisher of CXOTalk. For three decades, he has advised enterprise technology companies on market messaging and positioning strategy. He has written over 1,000 blogs on leadership and digital transformation and created almost 1,000 video interviews with the world’s top business leaders on these topics. His work has been referenced in the media over 1,000 times and in over 50 books. He has presented and moderated panels at numerous industry events around the world.

#enterpriseai #database #cloudcomputing Technology veteran Bob Muglia discusses the transformative impact of data management and cloud computing on today's business. As the influence of AI grows, it brings a set of complexities and opportunities that are deeply entangled with corporate culture and organizational structure. Bob provides an expert viewpoint on navigating this complex terrain, including the essential role of the cloud in driving AI and the looming era of robotics. Full transcript: www.cxotalk.com/episode/ai-foundations-data-democratization-and-cloud-computingSubscribe: www.cxotalk.com/subscribeFrom the democratization of data to the unpredictability of AI outcomes, this interview sheds light on the critical elements shaping the future of technology and business. Be sure to watch this essential dialogue for insights on leveraging the modern data stack, AI, and the cloud to achieve your organization's strategic goals.Our guest co-host is QuHarrison Terry, Chief Growth Offer for the Mark Cuban Companies.Watch CXOTalk episode 804 for a substantive discussion on the future of AI, cloud computing, and data.Bob Muglia is a data technology investor and business executive, former CEO of Snowflake and past President of Microsoft's Server and Tools Division. As a leader, Bob focuses on how innovation and ethical values can merge to shape the Data Economy's future in the era of AI. He serves as a board director for emerging companies which seek to maximize the power of data to help solve some of the world's most challenging problems. Bob is also the author of the book The Datapreneurs.QuHarrison Terry is head of growth marketing at Mark Cuban Companies, a Texas venture capital firm, where he advises and assists portfolio companies with their marketing strategies and objectives.Michael Krigsman is an industry analyst and publisher of CXOTalk. For three decades, he has advised enterprise technology companies on market messaging and positioning strategy. He has written over 1,000 blogs on leadership and digital transformation and created almost 1,000 video interviews with the world’s top business leaders on these topics. His work has been referenced in the media over 1,000 times and in over 50 books. He has presented and moderated panels at numerous industry events around the world.

#enterpriseai #generativeai #aiethics Harvard Business School professor Iavor Bojinov explains how to make enterprise AI projects successful, given their high rate of failure. Here are his key points:► Prioritize Projects: Focus on AI initiatives that align with your business goals and are feasible to implement.►Leadership and Culture: Make sure your company culture is open to AI, with leaders who grasp both the technical and commercial dimensions.►Scalable Systems: Develop an 'AI factory' to streamline and scale AI development.►Vendor Flexibility: When working with outside partners, don't lock yourself into one platform. Be ready to switch if necessary.►Trust: Ensure that AI systems are transparent, audit for bias, and establish clear lines of accountability for failures.Bojinov stresses that each stage of an AI project, from conception to ongoing management, needs expertise, adaptability, a receptive culture, and trust. With a well-thought-out strategy, companies can navigate typical challenges and harness AI's full potential.Our guest co-host for this episode is QuHarrison Terry.Read the complete transcript and see more of CXOTalk: www.cxotalk.com/episode/harvard-business-school-professor-how-to-lead-enterprise-aiSubscribe for more: www.cxotalk.com/subscribeIavor Bojinov is an Assistant Professor of Business Administration and the Richard Hodgson Fellow at Harvard Business School. He is the co-PI of the AI and Data Science Operations Lab and a faculty affiliate in the Department of Statistics at Harvard University and the Harvard Data Science Initiative. His research and writings center on data science strategy and operations, aiming to understand how companies should overcome the methodological and operational challenges presented by the novel applications of AI. His work has been published in top academic journals such as Annals of Applied Statistics, Biometrika, The Journal of the American Statistical Association, Quantitative Economics, Management Science, and Science, and has been cited in Forbes, The New York Times, The Washingon Post, and Reuters, among other outlets. Before joining Harvard Business School, Professor Bojinov worked as a data scientist leading the causal inference effort within the Applied Research Group at LinkedIn. He holds a Ph.D. and an MA in Statistics from Harvard and an MSci in Mathematics from King’s College London.QuHarrison Terry is head of growth marketing at Mark Cuban Companies, a Texas venture capital firm, where he advises and assists portfolio companies with their marketing strategies and objectives.Michael Krigsman is an industry analyst and publisher of CXOTalk. For three decades, he has advised enterprise technology companies on market messaging and positioning strategy. He has written over 1,000 blogs on leadership and digital transformation and created almost 1,000 video interviews with the world’s top business leaders on these topics. His work has been referenced in the media over 1,000 times and in over 50 books. He has presented and moderated panels at numerous industry events around the world.

#automotive #automotiveindustry #mobility #digitaltransformation In Episode #801 of CXOTalk, we host Swamy Kotagiri, CEO of Magna International, a behemoth in the automotive manufacturing sector with $40 billion in revenue and 174,000 employees. The conversation sheds light on the rapidly evolving landscape of the automotive industry.This 45-minute dialogue explores the core of technology-driven disruption in the automotive space, including:►The New Frontier of Mobility: The industry is evolving to meet shifts in consumer preferences and regulatory mandates. Electrification is emerging as more than just a compliance requirement.►Strategic Balancing in Innovation: Kotagiri discusses Magna's approach to staying relevant through technological advancements, focusing particularly on the transition from traditional to electric drive systems.►The Integral Role of Data: How Magna utilizes data for both product and process innovation. The conversation highlights the potential for new business models and efficiencies enabled by AI and machine learning.Tune in for a comprehensive look at the ongoing transformations in automotive technology, making this episode a must-watch for executives and professionals invested in the future of mobility.Read the full transcript: www.cxotalk.com/episode/disruptive-automotive-tech-ai-data-and-more-a-ceo-conversationSubscribe to our newsletter: www.cxotalk.com/subscribeSwamy Kotagiri is the Chief Executive Officer of Magna International and is Management’s sole representative on the Board. With over 30 years of industry experience, including 21 years with Magna, he brings extensive knowledge and understanding of the automotive industry, as well as the company’s culture, operations, key personnel, customers, suppliers and the complex drivers of its success. He previously served as Magna International Inc.’s President (2020) and Chief Technology Officer (2014 2019). Other Magna roles have included: President of Magna Electronics (2016 2018); President of Magna Power and Vision (2018 2020); President of Magna Powertrain Inc. (2017 2019); and various engineering leadership positions at Cosma International (2000 2013). Prior to joining Cosma International, Mr. Kotagiri was a Structural Engineer at General Motors. Mr. Kotagiri has been featured in Business Insider’s 100 People Transforming Business and was named by Automotive News as a 2021 all star in the category CEO, Global supplier. He is currently a member of the Business Council of Canada and the MIT Presidential CEO Advisory Board.Michael Krigsman is an industry analyst and publisher of CXOTalk. For three decades, he has advised enterprise technology companies on market messaging and positioning strategy. He has written over 1,000 blogs on leadership and digital transformation and created almost 1,000 video interviews with the world’s top business leaders on these topics. His work has been referenced in the media over 1,000 times and in over 50 books. He has presented and moderated panels at numerous industry events around the world.

#customerloyalty #customerexperience #zoho #shiji In the dynamic world of hospitality, creating and maintaining customer relationships and loyalty is both an art and a science. In this exclusive CXOTalk interview, Michael Krigsman sits down with Sergio Teixeira, director of global operations at the Shiji Group, a company at the forefront of redefining customer experiences in the hospitality industry.Key themes of this conversation include:► Digital Transformation in Hospitality: Teixeira explains important shifts in the industry, especially post-pandemic, and how technology has become essential to transforming the entire guest experience.► Data-Driven Decision Making: The conversation explores how Shiji leverages data and analytics tools like Zoho to anticipate customer needs, understand patterns, and enhance efficiency across various segments of the hospitality industry.► Human-Centric Approach: Despite the heavy reliance on technology, Teixeira emphasizes the vital importance of empathy, collaboration, and a human touch in both understanding customers and shaping how the company provides service.With a global presence and local touch, Shiji provides software solutions across the hospitality industry, from high-end restaurants to golf courses. Technology underlies their commitment to guests and delivering products and services.Read the full transcript: https://www.cxotalk.com/episode/how-to-build-customer-loyalty-and-retention-with-zoho-and-shiji-groupWatch this conversation to learn about digital transformation in the hospitality industry, the art of scaling, and the critical role data plays in shaping the guest experience. Whether you're in hospitality or any customer-centric industry, this conversation offers valuable lessons on forging meaningful connections and adapting to change.Sergio Teixeira is a Global CRM Manager of Shiji Group.

#digitaltransformation #artificialintelligence #customerexperience Mojgan Lefebvre, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology & Operations Officer for Travelers, a leading insurance company, explains how the company is making big changes to stay current in today's tech-driven world.The discussion covers a wide range of topics that are key to understanding how technology and culture are coming together to reshape the way insurance companies operate. Our guest co-host for this episode is QuHarrison Terry, the Chief Growth Officer for the Mark Cuban CompaniesSubscribe to stay informed: www.cxotalk.com/subscribeRead the complete transcript: https://www.cxotalk.com/episode/empowering-ai-and-customer-experiences-through-digital-transformationKey points from this episode include:► Digital transformation and customer experience: How Travelers is using new technology to improve how they connect with customers► Using AI and data: The role of artificial intelligence and data analysis in driving innovation at Travelers ► Talent and culture: The importance of managing change and supporting team members while the company is transforming► Looking ahead: A look at the long-term impact of modern technologies on the insurance business, and how Travelers is working to build trust with customers while addressing new challengesMojgan Lefebvre is Executive Vice President and Chief Technology & Operations Officer for Travelers, a company with $32 billion in revenues and the only property casualty insurer on the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Prior to Travelers, Lefebvre was CIO for Liberty Mutual’s Global Risk Solutions. She also held a variety of senior business and technology leadership roles across the financial, high-tech and biomedical industries, including strategy consulting firm Bain, technology provider EMC and medical device provider bioMérieux.An Iranian American who immigrated to the U.S. in 1985, Lefebvre has lived in six countries and speaks three languages. She earned her MBA from Harvard Business School and her undergraduate degree in computer science from the Georgia Institute of Technology.QuHarrison Terry is head of growth marketing at Mark Cuban Companies, a Texas venture capital firm, where he advises and assists portfolio companies with their marketing strategies and objectives.Michael Krigsman is an industry analyst and publisher of CXOTalk. For three decades, he has advised enterprise technology companies on market messaging and positioning strategy. He has written over 1,000 blogs on leadership and digital transformation and created almost 1,000 video interviews with the world’s top business leaders on these topics. His work has been referenced in the media over 1,000 times and in over 50 books. He has presented and moderated panels at numerous industry events around the world.

#enterpriseai Artificial intelligence promises great opportunities for the enterprise but realizing that potential requires strong leadership and a strategic approach. On episode 799 of CXOTalk, we spoke with Sunil Senan, Global Head of Data, Analytics and AI at Infosys, about the leadership lessons around enterprise AI adoption.While interest in enterprise AI is high, companies still have more questions than answers, especially around how to translate the potential of AI into practical benefits and outcomes.Join the CXOTalk community: www.cxotalk.com/subscribeRead the complete transcript: https://www.cxotalk.com/episode/leadership-lessons-for-enterprise-ai-successAmong the topics discussed are:► There is heightened enterprise interest in AI but more questions than answers on how to apply it. ► Companies want help translating AI's potential into business impact.► AI adoption differs from past "big bang" software rollouts. It requires continuous, iterative development and learning.► AI success depends on envisioning goals, preparing for organizational change, and responsible design. Ethics and compliance can't be an afterthought.► AI offers opportunities like accelerated growth, operational efficiencies, and connected ecosystems through data sharing.► Realizing AI's benefits takes thoughtful leadership, cultural change, and aligning AI to solve specific business problems vs "AI for AI's sake."Sunil Senan is Senior Vice President and Global Head of Data, Analytics, and AI at Infosys. In this role, he works closely with Infosys’ strategic clients on their data & analytics led digital transformation initiatives. He is passionate about how data & analytics is creating economic impact in the society and how enterprises and governments can engage in driving this transformation. He has written the “Data economy in Digital times” paper articulating how the new data economy presents a set of new possibilities for enterprises, governments to serve their citizens and consumers. Sunil holds a bachelor of engineering degree with a specialization in computer science and has completed his master’s in business administration (executive-MBA) from prestigious Indian Institute of Management, (IIM) Bangalore.Michael Krigsman is an industry analyst and publisher of CXOTalk. For three decades, he has advised enterprise technology companies on market messaging and positioning strategy. He has written over 1,000 blogs on leadership and digital transformation and created almost 1,000 video interviews with the world’s top business leaders on these topics. His work has been referenced in the media over 1,000 times and in over 50 books. He has presented and moderated panels at numerous industry events around the world.

#responsibleai #aiethics #publicpolicy As AI and other emerging technologies race ahead at lightning speed, establishing ethical guardrails has become urgent. In this forward-looking episode of CXOTalk, Lord Tim Clement-Jones of the UK House of Lords offers a thoughtful perspective on navigating this complex landscape.With an eye toward practical solutions, he discusses how to assess risks and shape regulations to enable innovation. He advocates bringing together diverse voices internationally to find common ground on AI safety standards. Lord Clement-Jones stresses tackling online harms thoughtfully and avoiding regulatory overreach. Throughout the wide-ranging conversation, his level-headed advice provides direction for policymakers and technologists alike. Ultimately, Lord Clement-Jones aims to balance rapid progress with collaborative, proactive efforts to ensure AI and related technologies benefit humanity.Our guest co-host for this episode is QuHarrison Terry.Subscribe: www.cxotalk.com/subscribeSee all episode details: https://www.cxotalk.com/episode/ai-public-policy-and-social-impact-a-conversation-from-the-house-of-lordsThe topics covered in this conversation include:► Opening discussion on regulating emerging technologies► Balancing AI innovation and regulation► The “black box, autonomous” nature of AI is hard to regulate► Importance of regulatory standards for AI► High-risk AI applications like facial recognition► UK Online Safety Bill aims to balance harms and expression► Regulating platforms and content risk assessments► Responsible AI and technology industry consolidation of power► AI regulation and impact on competition with China► Can the UK Online Harms Bill be used as a template for AI regulation?► How to balance risk against innovation► Applying responsible AI and ethics to autonomous weapon systems► Impact of Brexit on attracting AI companies and talent► Tackling misinformation and disinformation► Advice for policymakers - Convene and collaborate► Advice for business and technology leaders on responsible AILord Clement-Jones was made CBE for political services in 1988 and a life peer in 1998. He is Liberal Democrat House of Lords spokesperson for Science, Innovation and Technology; a member of the AI in Weapons Systems Select Committee; former Chair of [the very first] House of Lords Select Committee on AI which sat from 2017-18; Co-Chair and founder of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on AI; a founding member of OECD’s Parliamentary Group on AI and a Consultant on AI Policy and Regulation to global law firm, DLA Piper.QuHarrison Terry is head of growth marketing at Mark Cuban Companies, a Texas venture capital firm, where he advises and assists portfolio companies with their marketing strategies and objectives.