Tech Whisperers: Inside the Playbooks of the Best Digital Leaders

• CI4CI Trailblazer: Afshean Talasaz on AI, Data & the Art of Anticipation

  The lightning-fast rise of AI has come with a cost: the need to overhaul America’s power grids, pipelines, and water systems to accommodate its explosive growth. As trillions of dollars pour into this complete overhaul, there are key leaders paving the way. In a special mini-series focusing on “Critical Infrastructure for Critical Infrastructure (CI4CI),” we’re shining the light on a few of the extraordinary tech leaders who are architecting, securing, and scaling the systems that power our nation and economy. Joining us to kick off the series is Afshean Talasaz, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology & Data Officer at Colonial Pipeline Company. Afshean is a visionary and humble leader who tackles the complex and challenging problems others avoid while letting the results speak for themselves. From his perspectives on AI and tech innovation to his insights on problem-solving, communication, and vision, you are guaranteed to walk away with lessons that will help you level up your own Tech Whisperer playbook.Join us as we unpack Afshean’s playbook to learn:The importance of a tight CEO-CIO relationshipHow Afshean developed his ability to anticipate upcoming trendsHow investing in the artistic side of his brain has influenced Afshean’s leadershipHow to manage the risk that comes with high-stakes, visionary decision-makingHow to ensure that every project returns a financial value to the businessWhy digitization is vital to long-term successImportant considerations before layering AI on top of current business processesFeaturing submitted questions from:Bo Rogers, VP for Process Excellence & Strategic Projects at Colonial PipelineDavid Benham, Co-Founder and Chief Product & Technology Officer at ROAM AIJohn Dickson, CISO, Colonial PipelineBuck Wheaton, Director of IT Commercial Product Lines, ONEOK

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• The 6 Ps of Modern Leadership: Danyel Bischof-Forsyth Unplugged

  “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.”Perhaps no Tech Whisperer embodies that timeless Maya Angelou insight better than 7 Brew CIO Danyel Bischof-Forsyth. She is a master at creating cultures where people feel safe, empowered, and inspired, which means she isn’t just driving digital strategy, she is creating an environment where everyone is invested in driving it, too. Through it all, Danyel leads with authenticity, courage, grace, and kindness, no matter the situation.So grab some coffee, settle in, and get ready to be energized and inspired!Tune in for Danyel’s advice on:Entering the tech industry as a womanNavigating organizational politicsElevating teams in periods of adversityBuilding complex long-term strategies that don’t require constant adjustmentsLeading as both a manager and as a team memberFeaturing submitted questions from:Mike Goodwin, 4x Board Member, 2x CIO, West Point Grad, Army VeteranTom Reiter, IT Executive, Danyel’s Former Hallmark ColleagueDave Caldwell, International CIO, Digital LeaderStephanie Quillen, Chief People Officer, 7 BrewCassie Attlebery, Founder & Principal, Talent Outside the Lines & Former HR DirectorMike Anderson, Chief Digital & Information Officer, NetskopeTiffany Benitez, Head of Data Governance, Compass USA

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• Leading with Passion & Purpose: The PPG Playbook with CIO Bhaskar Ramachandran

  Bhaskar Ramachandran is the powerhouse CIO behind PPG’s digital transformation. A master at driving culture change, building strong IT teams, and rallying everyone around the organization’s vision, he has a long track record of delivering real business results across industries. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to sit down with Bhaskar in person at PMI Digital’s studio in Pittsburgh for a deep-dive into the many facets of his leadership playbook.In this episode, Bhaskar talks with Dan about his career journey and approach to his day-to-day role at PPG. He also unpacks a few of his leadership superpowers, including his ability to stay open and connected with his team members as much as possible while still maintaining progress toward his leadership goals.Tune in for Bhaskar’s insights on:How the digital IT strategy is formed and executed in relation to the overall company visionHis approach to driving culture change and adoptionHow to balance making time for your team with staying productive and on schedulePersonal responsibility for one’s career journeyHow to build a people-driven culture where IT is the engine fueling innovation, growth, and customer valueFeaturing submitted questions from:Martha Heller, Founder of Heller Search & The Heller ReportKim Mackenroth, VP & CIO, L3Harris TechnologiesGary Cantrell, 2x CIO & Former BossKevin Peer, IT Leader & Former Direct ReportLaura Harshberger, Global IT Director, PPGChris Cassotis, CEO, Pittsburgh International Airport, Fellow Board Director, S&T BankChris Caruso, Former CIO, PPG, Carnegie Mellon University Lecturer & Advisor

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• From the Warroom to the Boardroom: The 6-Word Story of Earl Newsome

  Tech Whisperer Earl Newsome is the pinnacle of modern, mission-driven IT leadership. Informed by a decade-long military career, Earl has fully unlocked his ability to lead through adaptation, inspiration, and ambition. Now, as the CIO of Cummins, Inc. and with 20 years of experience in corporate America under his belt, he has also become skilled at nurturing those traits in his team.In this episode, Earl is treating us to a masterclass in how to lead, adapt, and inspire, drawing from his leadership playbook of foundational principles tailored to the real-world complexities of modern IT leadership. We’re also exploring how his life’s journey has shaped him into the leader he is today, and how you can integrate some of his philosophies into your own personal and professional journeys.Tune in for Earl’s wisdom and perspective on:What he learned from the military and his 10-year stint in consultingHow he helps his team members become their best selvesHow to align an organization’s strategic level with its execution levelHow to apply “divergent thinking” to problem-solvingThe importance of doing the simple things wellThe “Plus-One Philosophy” for personal growthFeaturing submitted questions from:Dr. Janet Sherlock, Founder & CEO of Org.Works, Former CIO, Board Member, AdvisorBonnie Fetch, EVP & President for Operations, Cummins Inc.Gina Stead, Executive Director for IT, Cummins Inc.Shellye Archambeau, 6x Board Director, Former CEO, Author of Unapologetically AmbitiousChris Cardell, Personal FriendMichelle Greene, CIO of Cardinal Health, Board DirectorKimberly Saxton, CEO of The TechPACT, Advisor, IT Executive

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• Monte Ford: The Evolution from Executive to Boardroom Strategist

  In this episode, we are sitting down with a very special guest who has had a massive impact on the CIO profession–Monte Ford. Monte is a CIO Hall of Fame inductee, an advisor to many of the top CIOs and business leaders, and a board member for several large companies, such as JetBlue and Centene. For all of his accolades and accomplishments, Monte is a leader who prefers to keep a low profile, so it was a thrill to have the opportunity to sit down with him and unpack his leadership playbook. Monte is opening up about his career journey, his transition into the board room, what he has learned serving on boards, and more. Listen in to discover some of the many reasons Fortune Magazine named him one of the 50 smartest people in technology.Join us as Monte shares his insights on:The evolving influence of corporate tech leadersThe traits that separate great CIOs apartThe leadership qualities that are most important in a digital-first environmentHow he builds and maintains a strong relationship networkHow he weaves forward-thinking into his leadership approachFeaturing submitted questions from:Rob Carter, FedEx CIO (ret), Board Director, Episode 60 GuestJim Fowler, CIO, Nationwide, Episode 65 GuestKathy Kay, CIO, Principal Financial Group, Episode 64 GuestJohn Repko, 5x CIO, Board Member, AdvisorZack Hicks, CIO, Kimberly Clark, Episode 63 GuestMichelle Greene, CIO, Cardinal Health, Board DirectorSabina Ewing, CIO, Abbott

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