Tech Whisperers: Inside the Playbooks of the Best Digital Leaders

Ouellette & Associates
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  • Business
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Tech Whisperers: Inside the Playbooks of the Best Digital Leaders, is a podcast for CxOs and industry leaders looking to hear conversations that unpack the leadership philosophies, decision making thought processes and unique expressions that differentiate the best. If you’re looking to gain an edge, instill new mindsets, and move out of your comfort zone, you’ve found the right community. Welcome to Tech Whisperers!

  1. Aug 26

    Beyond the Map: Marianne Johnson on Leading When There Is No Playbook

    With AI turning the traditional leadership playbook on its head, many leaders are finding themselves stuck in cycles of pilots, experimentation, and uncertainty. Marianne Johnson, EVP & Chief Product Officer at Cox Automotive, is one of the select few who are already creating real business impact, rewriting the playbook and redefining what’s possible in the process. In this episode of Tech Whisperers, we’re shining a light on Marianne’s enterprise leadership story, which involves orchestrating one of the largest business transformations in the industry, grounded in the conviction that AI starts and ends with people. Marianne shares how Cox Automotive moved from “data first, AI enabled” to “AI first, data differentiated,” and the corporate jet conversation that helped launch its agentic AI strategy two years ago. Among other things, she also opens up about surviving an F5 tornado as a baby, the grandmother who taught her that “everything is figure-out-able,” and the young man in Kenya whose life she helped change. Connect with Marianne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannemcpeakjohnson/ Cox Automotive: https://www.coxautoinc.com/ Tune in for insights from Marianne’s enterprise leadership playbook, including: Why the leadership job is shifting from being the best explorer to being the cartographerHer philosophy of “start with crazy and work backwards”How Cox Automotive moved from “data first, AI enabled” to “AI first, data differentiated”Why every business needs a “control plane” for agentic AIHow she builds relationships “all the way down” an organizationWhy leadership is a team sportBalancing high standards with high care Featuring submitted questions from: Barry McCarthy, President & CEO, DeluxeChris Dillon, VP, Infrastructure & Operations Platforms, Cox Automotive Inc.Elaine Baker, EVP, Global Operations & Financial Protection, Global Payments Inc.Shawna Easley, Senior Director, Product Management, Cox Automotive Inc.Mitch Gersten, CIO, Cox Automotive Inc.Keith Ferrazzi, NYT Best-Selling Author, Founder of Ferrazzi Greenlight

    Beyond the Map: Marianne Johnson on Leading When There Is No Playbook

  2. Jul 29

    Helping Others Thrive: How Great Leaders Navigate Turbulence Together

    While many leaders spend their careers trying to avoid uncertainty, GE Aerospace CIO David Burns has built his by embracing it. After more than 25 years leading through transformation, disruption, and some of the biggest moments in modern business and technology, David has developed a leadership philosophy rooted in continuous learning, developing people, and helping teams thrive when the path ahead is anything but clear. In this episode of Tech Whisperers, we are shining the light on David’s journey and exploring what it takes to lead through turbulence, build high-performing teams, create a culture of continuous improvement, and use AI to accelerate both innovation and business outcomes. Connect with David: http://linkedin.com/in/david-andrew-burns GE Aerospace: https://www.geaerospace.com/ Tune in for David’s expert insights, including: How GE's leadership culture develops confident, adaptable technology leadersWhat it means to be both an exceptional operator and an innovative CIO in the age of AIHow continuous learning helps leaders separate meaningful signals from constant noiseWhy coaching, trust, and authentic relationships are essential to building high-performing teamsHow GE Aerospace is using AI to accelerate customer value and continuous improvementPractical leadership lessons for navigating uncertainty with confidence and clarity Featuring submitted questions from: Alf Cherry, CIO, Commercial Engines & Services, GE AerospaceMonica Caldas, Global CIO, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Episode 59 GuestDinakar Deshmukh, VP, Data Science & Analytics, GE AerospaceJames Ross, Chief Digital Technology Officer, Phillips 66Ehren Powell, Chief Digital Officer,Jim Fowler, Chief Technology & Product Officer, Lumen Technologies

    Helping Others Thrive: How Great Leaders Navigate Turbulence Together

  3. Jul 8

    What Would Jane Do? Leadership Lessons from a Hall of Fame CIO

    Jane Connell began her career without a college degree and no pre-determined path to executive leadership. Yet through grit, curiosity, authenticity, and an unwavering belief that leadership is ultimately about people, she has built one of the most respected careers in technology. In this episode, we are shining the light on Jane’s remarkable journey ahead of her induction into the CIO Hall of Fame. Through a diverse group of Mystery Questioners who help us answer the question “What Would Jane Do?” Jane is sharing the leadership philosophies, career-defining moments, and deeply personal lessons that shaped her four-decade legacy at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, State Street Bank, and Verizon. Connect with Jane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-connell-b2377544/ Verizon: https://www.verizon.com/ Tune in for leadership wisdom from Jane, including: How her grit and curiosity formed the foundation for her leadership journeyHow authentic leadership and vulnerability became her greatest superpowersHow to drive meaningful innovation by immersing yourself in the businessHer First 100 Days Playbook for navigating complexity and building trust inside large organizationsHow to overcome resistance and lead transformation without creating enemiesHow AI is reshaping work, and why leaders must shift from org structures to workforce structuresWhy women are falling out of technology, and why Jane believes AI can become an equalizer Featuring submitted questions from: Ahmed Khan, Associate Director, Application Development, VerizonVelamur Sudharshan, SVP, Technology, Strategy & Architecture, Global Infrastructure & Security, VerizonAvi Arora, Senior Director, Strategy & Transformation, VerizonGeeta Mahindroo VP Corporate Systems, VerizonTom Connell, Jane’s HusbandTyler Connell, Jane’s Son

    What Would Jane Do? Leadership Lessons from a Hall of Fame CIO

  4. Jun 10

    Technology Isn’t the Hero: The Hard Truth About Leadership in the AI Era

    While many leaders will put technology and innovation at the center of the story, Sal Companieh, Chief Digital & Information Officer at Cushman & Wakefield, keeps people, trust, and authentic relationships at the center instead. In this episode of Tech Whisperers, Sal sits down with host Dan Roberts for one of the most thoughtful leadership conversations we’ve ever featured. We’re unpacking Sal’s leadership playbook to learn how empathy, curiosity, trust, and human connection have become the foundation of innovation at scale inside a 53,000-person global organization. Connect with Sal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salumeh-companieh-9171531/ Cushman & Wakefield: https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/ Tune in for Sal’s expert insights, including: How Cushman & Wakefield uses its “AI Impact Barometer”How to identify patterns and build trust in a large organizationWhy it takes a strong CEO partnership to lead enterprise-wide transformationHow to create an environment where people can bring their whole self to workHow to stay grounded despite the pressures of leadership Featuring submitted questions from: Mia Mends, CEO of Cushman & Wakefield Services, Independent Director, H&R Block BoardVictoria Malkin, President, Cushman & Wakefield, Americas MarketsMiles Treaster, President, Cushman & Wakefield, Capital MarketsSimon Springett, Chief Technology Officer, Cushman & WakefieldKourosh Farboodmanesh, Co-Founder & COO of Trulo, Incoming Freshman at Duke, & Sal’s Amazing SonDiana McKenzie, Board Director, Advisor, 2x CIO, Sal’s MentorSandy Pudar, College Roommate & Long-Time Friend

    Technology Isn’t the Hero: The Hard Truth About Leadership in the AI Era

  5. May 20

    Built for Change: Rewiring a 175-Year-Old Company for the AI Era

    What does successful leadership look like in the age of AI, constant disruption, and accelerating change? In this episode, Dan Roberts sits down with Sears Merritt, CIO at MassMutual. Rather than chasing headlines, Sears has spent more than a decade building systems, teams, and cultures that consistently deliver impact, all while staying deeply grounded in purpose, accountability, and policyholder-first service. We are unpacking Sears’ leadership playbook to learn how MassMutual approaches innovation inside a 175-year-old institution, why adaptability is becoming a timeless leadership skill, and how organizations can create environments where breakthrough thinking naturally emerges. Connect with Sears: https://www.linkedin.com/in/searsmerritt/ MassMutual: https://www.massmutual.com/ Listen to learn valuable leadership insights, including: Why impact matters more than recognition or promotionHow to create long-term trust and consistency with customersThe most important leadership skills in the age of AIHow to adapt your “learning rate” in periods of rapid changeHow focusing on outcomes instead of solutions can unlock innovationThe value of a strong CEO-CIO partnership Featuring submitted questions from: Sharmila Ramar, CTO & Global Head of Enterprise Infrastructure Services, MassMutualManoj Vallam, Head of HR Consulting, Enterprise Technology, & Experience, MassMutualSara Biller, Co-Founder, FinTech Sandbox, Board MemberAzer Bestavros, Associate Provost for Computing & Data Sciences, Boston UniversityJosh Alwitt, Leadership & Organization Coach, Josh Alwitt Leadership

    Built for Change: Rewiring a 175-Year-Old Company for the AI Era

  6. Apr 29

    Coherence in the Chaos: How Leigh Ann Russell is Rewiring Leadership in the Age of AI

    Today’s guest is a technology executive who has mastered the art of honoring a strong legacy while reinventing it in an era of massive disruption. Leigh-Ann Russell is the CIO and Global Head of Engineering at BNY, which was founded 240 years ago. In this episode, Leigh-Ann is opening up her leadership playbook and sharing her perspectives on how to lead through chaos with clarity, why coherence is her defining word for today’s AI era, and how organizations can balance trust, innovation, and transformation at scale. Connect with Leigh-AnnBNY Tune in for expert advice from Leigh-Ann, including: What it takes to safeguard trillions of dollars in assetsHow to build executive alignment around AIOvercoming AI fearsCoherence as a leadership strategyThe power of servant leadershipEmbracing a beginner’s mindset Featuring submitted questions from: Shannon Hobbs, Chief People Officer, BNYAdriana Marquez, VP Upstream Performance, BPKeith Ferrazzi, NYT Best Selling Author, Founder of Ferrazzi Greenlight, Episode 86 GuestNastassja Hagan, Senior Director, COO, Engineering, BNYRowan Eleanor Donachie, University Student, Overachiever

    Coherence in the Chaos: How Leigh Ann Russell is Rewiring Leadership in the Age of AI

  7. Apr 8

    The Intangibles of Leadership – Turning the Invisible into Impact

    This episode we’re sitting down with Sanjay Shringarpure, CIO at The Freeman Company, to unpack the intangibles of leadership. These are the qualities you can’t easily measure on a dashboard but are often the key difference between leaders who talk about transformation and those who actually achieve it. Over his two decades of technology leadership experience, Sanjay has built a strong track record of leading major digital transformation projects by drawing on his ability to foster collaboration while delivering innovative solutions. From decision velocity to creating a culture of extreme transparency, he has mastered the intangibles of leadership, and in this episode, he’s sharing how you can leverage them to become a true force multiplier for your company. Connect with Sanjay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjay-shringarpure/ The Freeman Company: https://www.freeman.com/ Tune in for expert insights from Sanjay’s playbook, including: How to leverage speed and preparation to make an impact in the first 45 daysThe concept of healthy impatience and how to channel urgency without creating chaosBuilding a “roundtable” leadership team for healthy debate and growthTrust-building through integrity, sacrifice, and stacking micro wins earlyBalancing candor and compassion Knowing when to push, pause, or pivot through clarity of vision and transparencyDeveloping courage and conviction when the answers aren’t obviousBuilding a culture where leaders grow leadersInstilling the “playing hurt” mindset to show up and lead through tough moments Featuring submitted questions from: Dan Jennings, SVP of IT, The Freeman CompanyEmily Xu, CDIO, EVP, RNDCTarak Patel, CIO, SaiaPaul Fletcher, COO of AV & Event Technology, The Freeman CompanyJohn Dickson, CISO, Insight GlobalRenee Pearson, CIO, Rollins

    The Intangibles of Leadership – Turning the Invisible into Impact

  8. Mar 18

    Denise Russell Fleming: Leading with Trust at Enterprise Scale

    There is no better guest to celebrate our 100th Whisperers episode with than Denise Russell Fleming, CIO and EVP of Technology & Global Services at BD. Denise has built a remarkable career across telecom, aerospace, defense, and healthcare, leading large-scale transformation while staying laser-focused on three vital areas: purpose, people, and impact. Throughout her leadership journey, her ability to ensure clarity and deliver outcomes at scale has made her the go-to for orchestrating the most complex cross-company, high-stakes initiatives. Denise embodies everything it means to be a Tech Whisperer. In this episode, we’re unpacking her playbook, the experiences that shaped her career, and the lessons she’s learned—and that you can apply—from navigating complex transformations. Connect with Denise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deniserussellfleming/ BD: https://www.bd.com/ Tune in for wisdom from Denise’s journey, including: Balancing executive responsibilities, community engagement, and personal growthThe key to wearing multiple leadership hats simultaneouslyFinding alignment between enterprise strategy and IT investmentLeading enterprise-scale transformation in highly regulated areas Featuring submitted questions from: Ted Colbert, Former President & CEO, Boeing Defense, Space, & SecurityLarry Quinlan, 11x Board Director, Former CIO, Whisperers Guest - Episode 7Michael Bennett, Board Member, Former CIODani Brown, EVP & CIO, Whirlpool, 3x Board Director, Episode 4 Whisperers Guest Hermes Vallejo, VP of IT, Medical Segment NA, Marketing, R&D RAQA, BDRona Bunn, CIO, NACD (National Assoc of Corp Directors), Episode 32 GuestSabina Ewing, CIO, Business & Technology Services, Abbott, Episode 11 GuestTony Ezell, President of the Americas & Chief Marketing Officer, BDBharat Amin, 4x Board Member, Former CIOEarl Newsome, CIO, Cummins, Episode 71 Guest

    Denise Russell Fleming: Leading with Trust at Enterprise Scale
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Tech Whisperers: Inside the Playbooks of the Best Digital Leaders, is a podcast for CxOs and industry leaders looking to hear conversations that unpack the leadership philosophies, decision making thought processes and unique expressions that differentiate the best. If you’re looking to gain an edge, instill new mindsets, and move out of your comfort zone, you’ve found the right community. Welcome to Tech Whisperers!

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