Beyond the Tech: all episodes!
Beyond the Tech Solo, Episode 2: Technology Leaders as Board Directors with Toby Eduardo Redshaw and Bryan MacDonald
In the second instalment of this three-part mini-series of Beyond the Tech (Solo Edition), Bryan welcomes back seasoned CIO Toby Redshaw for a deep dive into the intersection of leadership, strategy and technology in the boardroom. Toby, a veteran in tech leadership and a former senior executive at major global companies including Verizon, American Express, Aviva and FedEx, brings his wealth of experience to discuss how technology executives can play a pivotal role in shaping corporate strategy and navigating the future of tech disruption.
The conversation begins with the evolving expectations of boardrooms, as more CEOs and senior leaders become tech-savvy. Toby shares his perspectives on the critical importance of contextual intelligence, the challenges traditional companies face in incorporating tech leaders into the board, and the influence of emerging technologies, particularly generative AI, on business models and strategy. Bryan and Toby also explore why so many strategies fail, highlighting the need for a strategic refresh and deeper board-level discussions about technology’s role in long-term corporate success.
Listeners will gain insights into how companies can avoid being on the wrong side of the creative destruction cycle, why technology expertise is vital at the highest levels of leadership, and how future-thinking boards can embrace technological advancements to stay competitive.
This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in understanding the growing convergence of business strategy and technology leadership, particularly as we move towards a future where tech will be at the core of organisational success.that you won’t want to miss!
Beyond the Tech Solo, Episode 1: A masterclass in leadership, innovation, and tech disruption with Toby Eduardo Redshaw and Bryan MacDonald
In this inaugural episode of “Beyond the Tech - Solo edition”; an expansion of our classic Beyond the Tech podcast series, Bryan is joined by Toby Eduardo Redshaw, a true titan in the technology leadership space with a fascinating career spanning multiple continents and industries.
In this first part of a series of discussions with Toby, he begins to share his story with Bryan, including his upbringing in Mexico, his career at FedEx, along with some of his stories / insights from extensive leadership experience in tech. Their conversation explores critical themes like leadership in disruptive environments as well as innovating both below and above the radar.
From navigating the complexities of technology failures to tackling the ever-evolving landscape of AI and digital transformation, this episode serves as an insightful blend of personal anecdotes and professional wisdom. Toby also reflects on the challenges of blending philosophy and economics into a successful tech career, providing listeners with a compelling narrative of resilience and growth.
Whether you are an experienced Tech Executive, A CEO or Board member, this episode is packed with valuable insights on managing technology, risk, and innovation in an increasingly complex digital world. Tune in for a candid and thoughtful conversation as Bryan and Toby lay the foundation for what promises to be an enlightening series
Episode 13: In Conversation with Andreas Rasmussen; Entrepreneur, Tech CEO, Investor!
In this episode of Beyond the Tech, Bryan and Alex are joined by entrepreneur and venture capitalist Andreas Rasmussen. They hear the story of Andreas's journey, from co-founding Nodes, a leading digital agency in Denmark that grew into a global company under Nodes-Monster Lab, to founding Ugly Duckling Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in early-stage companies with untapped potential.
Andreas gives valuable insights into his investment philosophy, emphasising his passion for guiding startups through challenges and identifying hidden opportunities in niche markets. The discussion touches on the importance of chemistry between founders and investors, Andreas's approach to pre-seed and seed-stage investing, and how his past experiences as a CEO influence his current role in the venture capital world. The episode also highlights Andreas’s unique perspective on combining growth with enjoyment and his belief in the long-term value of investing in people as much as ideas.
Listeners will gain an insight into the cultural and leadership lessons Andreas learned during his time at Nodes and Monster Lab, particularly navigating the complexities of aligning Danish and Japanese business cultures. He also talks about the importance of advisory boards, and how working with Bryan helped shape Nodes' strategic direction, making a significant impact on the company's success.
This episode is filled with practical advice for entrepreneurs, leaders, and aspiring investors, with stories and takeaways on navigating business growth, leadership, and investment that you won’t want to miss!
Episode 12: In Conversation with Darrell Stein; How CIOs are adding value to the PE world
In this episode of Beyond the Tech, Bryan and Alex sit down with Darrell Stein, a seasoned technology executive with an extraordinary career spanning major companies like E&Y, Vodafone, Marks & Spencer, and Reckitt Benckiser. Darrell shares his career journey from his early days through to his experience as a global CIO and latterly his transition into the private equity space, where his hands-on, no-excuses approach has been instrumental in driving growth and value creation.
Darrell expands on his bold decision-making style, including his move to cut contractor reliance at Marks & Spencer and the strategic shift from Amazon’s platform to a custom-built solution. He also discusses the importance of taking big bets, staying hands-on, and the critical balance between leadership and operational focus.
Whether you’re an aspiring leader keen to understand the importance of bold decision-making, a CIO navigating the complexities of the tech world, or looking to make the transition from a large corporate environment to private equity, this episode is for you!
Episode 11: In Conversation with Gianni Leone; Global CIO at Sephora
In this episode of Beyond the Tech, Bryan and Alex are joined by Gianni Leone, the Global CIO of Sephora, to discuss his impressive career in driving significant change in global luxury, beauty and retail sectors. With over two decades of experience working with iconic brands like Ferrero, Gucci, Richemont, Walgreens (and now Sephora), Gianni shares his insights into his approach to driving large scale (tech enabled) business transformation.
Gianni opens up about what attracted him to Sephora, a brand known for its innovative and disruptive approach to the world of prestige beauty retail, and how he has been driving the company's tech agenda towards its ambitious goals. The conversation delves into the challenges and the opportunities of balancing local and global in the company, as well as the role product and technology are playing in enhancing customer experience.
The episode also explores Gianni's views on the future of retail, the impact of Gen AI, and the evolving role of tech leaders at the board level.
Whether you're interested in digital transformation, leadership, or the future of retail, this episode offers a fascinating look into a mind at the forefront of innovation.
Episode 10: In Conversation with Rob Chester (former Chief Compliance Officer for Walmart China); a masterclass in crisis management
In this episode of Beyond the Tech, Bryan and Alex welcome Rob Chester, former Chief Compliance Officer for Walmart China, Rob is a seasoned leader known for his experience in both proactive compliance leadership as well as hands-on crisis management.
Rob tells the story of his Walmart journey, including his pivotal role in China during a significant crisis. He also shares his experience navigating complex compliance issues, his approach to leadership in challenging situations, and the critical lessons he's learned along the way. Rob details how an early encounter with blockchain technology at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen border inspired him and how it influences his current work as CEO of Supply Chain Insights, an innovative certification body.
Listen now to gain insights into his leadership philosophy, the importance of cultural adaptation in global business, and the value of proactive risk management. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a business leader, this episode offers valuable takeaways for navigating and leading through change.
Episode 9: In Conversation with Jose Pedro (JP) Almeida; one of the world’s leading AI experts
In this episode Bryan and Alex are joined by Jose Pedro Almeida (JP), one of the world's top health AI experts and pioneer in digital health. This is a great extension to our earlier episode on AI, “The emergence of the Chief AI Officer” here JP shares stories from his fascinating career as a leading figure in digital health, his role as the brainchild behind Europe’s most advanced hospital big data analytics platform, (HVITAL) which won the Microsoft U.S Health Innovation Award, as well as his vision on effectively driving Data & AI transformations inside large enterprises, which is recognized by prestigious entities such as Insead.
Join us as we delve deep into the transformative power of AI in healthcare. JP kicks off with a compelling story of how an early AI project he led saved a patient's life by predicting clinical deterioration, demonstrating the potential of AI to revolutionise patient care, as well as the challenges he faced in the execution of enterprise-wide AI transformations back then. He shares a compelling story of GEN AI in action (at Tesla) and differences the groundbreaking advancements in generative AI and foundation models, versus traditional AI, by bringing up the case of Tesla's latest full self-driving cars and the tectonic improvements achieved by a complete shift to an end-to-end neuronal network architecture. JP provides valuable insights into how organisations can prepare for and embrace AI-driven change, emphasising the importance of building strong data foundations, re-skilling, and empowering the frontlines with AI copilots, all driven by a fully committed executive team and CEO. We also discuss the strategic role of the Chief AI Officer and the importance of executive alignment in driving AI adoption.
Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a healthcare professional, or a business leader, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on leveraging AI for competitive advantage and making meaningful impacts in the digital age.
Episode 8: In Conversation with Max Costa; a case study in how to hyperscale social impact
In this episode Bryan and Alex are joined by Max Costa. Max's journey is one of passion, perseverance, and profound social impact. His is a unique story that showcases how combining talent, passion, purpose and tech can change the lives of many. From the small town of Alba, Italy, Max’s story begins with his passion and subsequent career as a classical musician, before leaving for New York to pursue his studies at Columbia, joining BCG where he developed his leadership skills as well as his deeper understanding of how tech can help transform both industry as well as the lives of millions of people.
His desire to create social impact (at scale) led him to joining the United Nations World Food Programme, where he was instrumental in the success of the “Share The Meal” app – winning prestigious awards from Tim Cook at Apple as well as Google. This innovative platform has facilitated the donation of over 200 million meals, making significant strides towards combating global hunger. Today, Max leads Develhope, a startup dedicated to empowering young people with future-proof skills in software development and data engineering. His vision is to bridge the gap between untapped talent and the growing demand for skilled tech professionals, particularly in regions with high youth unemployment.
Tune in to hear Max's inspiring journey, exploring the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his career. Discover how Max's unique blend of musical discipline, academic excellence, and social commitment continues to drive positive change in the world. This episode is a testament to the power of following one's passion and the impact of technology in creating a better future.
Episode 7: In Conversation with Ian Cohen (The Accidental CIO)
In this episode, Bryan and Alex are joined by Ian Cohen, who shares his remarkable career from aspiring musician to influential tech leader. Self-titled, “the accidental CIO" Ian shares his insightful journey, highlighting his transition from the music world to technology, sharing some of his experiences in leadership roles at Lloyd's, the Financial Times, Associated Newspapers, Addison Lee and latterly Acacium. Bryan and Alex lead a deep dive discussion into his approach to building winning teams, fostering a culture of curiosity and adaptability, and how he engages key stakeholders in leading change, leveraging technology to both optimise operations while enhancing customer experience. He shares his approach to leading innovation and, in particular, AI deployment, focusing on solving real business problems with practical solutions. In addition to sharing stories about his Executive career, he also talks about some of his experiences (and observations) as both a Strategic Advisor as well as an NED.
Episode 6: In Conversation with Thomas Cook CEO, Alan French
In this episode, Bryan and Alex sit down with Alan French, the CEO of Thomas Cook, and explore his impressive career including his transition from CTO to CEO. Alan shares his insightful journey of reviving a legacy brand, revealing some of the bold moves he made as well as some of key decisions that guided Thomas Cook’s transformation into a digital-first company (all of this amidst the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic). He provides insights on how he built a winning team, navigated regulatory frameworks, built trust with stakeholders, and implemented technology-driven initiatives to optimise operations and enhance customer experiences. Alan also shares his take on the role of AI in the travel industry and the balance between technology and human touch. Don’t miss this episode for a deep dive into the journey of a tech leader reshaping a historic brand in the travel industry!
Episode 5: In Conversation with Former Walgreens Boots Alliance CIO, Anthony Roberts (Leader/Investor/Advisor and Philanthropist)
In this episode, Bryan and Alex interview Anthony Roberts, former Group CIO of Walgreens Boots Alliance; not just a business contact but a very dear friend of Bryan’s and a close collaborator for over 13 years. The conversation explores the pivotal moments in Anthony’s career, from his early days at UPS and Pepsi, through to his groundbreaking work in integrating cutting edge technologies into Walgreens. It also explores his more recent advisory roles in leading startups and enterprises, as well as the non executive career that he's following. Throughout the conversation, Anthony emphasises the importance of embedding oneself in an organisation's culture, as well as fostering trust and alignment among peers and teams towards a collective mission.
Episode 4: EQ + IQ = XQ
In this episode of Beyond the Tech, Bryan and Alex discuss The Digital Board’s EQ/IQ assessment framework. This robust tool, honed over two decades with input from leading academic institutions including Harvard and MIT alongside interviews with over seven thousand senior tech leaders, finely discerns the intricate balance of deep technical skills and the more expansive leadership qualities crucial for senior technology leadership roles. Bryan expands on the relationship between IQ (intelligence quotient) and EQ (emotional quotient), proposing an equation where EQ + IQ drives XQ (execution quotient). Bryan’s thesis is that achieving a harmonised balance between cognitive intelligence and emotional intelligence is key to driving effective execution. This balance facilitates engagement and alignment, leading to execution at scale and speed.
Episode 3: The Emergence of the Chief AI Officer
In this latest episode of Beyond the Tech, Bryan and Alex discuss the emergence of the new role of Chief AI Officer, exploring the challenges and opportunities that this role presents within organisations (and whether or not organisations actually need one). The conversation explores the potential pros and cons of appointing a Chief AI Officer, emphasising the importance of clarity, collaboration, ethical governance and the interplay between data and generative AI. They discuss the need for a strategic focus on AI, organisational readiness, and the considerations around integrating of this pivotal role into the C-suite. Listen now to see is the Chief AI Officer really is the new kid on the block, tasked with future proofing business, or if is just another role vying for attention in an ever-expanding “C-Suite.”
Episode 2: Securing Tomorrow: Micah McCrary Shares his Insights on the Evolving Role of the Modern CISO
In this episode, Bryan and Alex are joined by Micah McCrary. Micah is one of the most respected leaders in Global Security and until recently was the Global Head of Offensive Security for UBS. Within the conversation, Micah offers invaluable insights to the evolving nature of the Chief Information Security Officer role, including a deep dive into the optimal reporting structures of a CISO as well as their relationship with the Board. Micah offers valuable insights on the future of cybersecurity, geopolitical dynamics, and the role of technology that are sure to inspire both cyber security professionals and wider business leaders alike. Throughout the conversation, Micah shares some incredible stories from his career, including how he took advantage of the opportunities presented by the pandemic at UBS and the challenging experience he had conducting a strategic transformation whilst consulting for a major Asian manufacturer.
Episode 1: C = Lonely; a provocative discussion with Bryan MacDonald & Alex Alexander on leading change at the C-level!
In this episode, join us for a unique conversation as Bryan MacDonald interviews Alex Alexander, a seasoned CTO with over two decades of experience at global brands like Walmart, YOOX NET-A-PORTER and The Emirates Group. Alex shares captivating stories from his pioneering days in internet banking at Egg, emphasising the importance of boldness and seizing early opportunities. From leveraging innovation at Walmart Labs to navigating cultural landscapes in Italy at YOOX NET-A-PORTER, Alex delves into the challenges of influencing leaders, highlighting the value of aligning IT actions with business objectives. His insights on change management underline the significance of relationship-building, emotional connections and offer invaluable advice for current as well as aspiring tech leaders. Ultimately, Alex's focus remains on fostering a work environment where teams thrive, highlighting the crucial role of storytelling in influencing leadership and implementing transformative changes.