Pod Leaders

Thornton Gregory
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Welcome to Pod Leaders, the enlightening podcast where we dive deep into the realms of technology, sales, and architecture. Join us on an exciting journey as we interview industry pioneers, thought leaders, and experts who have paved the way in their respective fields. From groundbreaking innovations in the tech world to mastering the art of salesmanship, and the intricacies of architectural design, each episode of Pod Leaders promises to be a captivating exploration of knowledge and experience. Brought to you by www.thorntongregory.com

  1. Sep 16

    The Evolution of Aviation & CX with Alexi Thornton

    In this episode of Pod Leaders, host Rachael Thornton sits down with aviation veteran and customer experience specialist Alexi Thornton for an inspiring, deep-dive conversation tracking his incredible 30+ year path through the airline and travel tech industries. Alexi reflects on his early beginnings—leaving Athens in the late 1980s for the UK, entering the travel sector during a recession, and cutting his teeth at call centres and airline ticketing desks. From managing angry passengers, handwritten tickets, and clip-on ties at British Midland at Heathrow to corporate account management at Lufthansa, Alexi shares firsthand stories from an era when travel communication was raw, manual, and high-friction. The conversation moves into the dawn of online travel, covering Alexi’s move to Opodo during the dot-com and post-9/11 era, managing major platform implementations across Europe, and his pivotal transition to travel tech innovator 15Below. Alexi details how he helped scale automated passenger communications across the Asia-Pacific region, working alongside major carriers like Qantas, Cathay Pacific, and Hawaiian Airlines. Finally, Alexi explains why traditional metrics like NPS fall short, how service design and journey mapping break down enterprise silos, and why empathy remains the most critical tool for the future of travel. Key Topics Covered:- Roots & Resilience: Escaping expectations in 1980s Greece and finding a niche in UK aviation during an economic downturn. - Frontline Airport Realities: Surviving five years on Heathrow shifts, dealing with clunky legacy reservation systems (BABS), and the human psychology of travel disruption. - The Rise of Travel Tech: Joining Opodo at inception, filing fares, launching through 9/11, and bridging the gap between developers and operational reality. - Scaling Down Under with 15Below: Expanding passenger disruption communications across APAC and partnering with airlines across Oceania and Asia. - Mastering Service Design: Walking in the customer’s shoes, mapping cross-departmental journeys, and breaking operational silos to solve passenger pain points.

    The Evolution of Aviation & CX with Alexi Thornton

  2. Aug 19

    Career Transitions & Resilience with Fritz & Nataliya introducing Vialem

    In this episode of Pod Leaders, host Rachael Thornton welcomes Fritz and Nataliya Oberhummer, co-founders of Vialem, an innovative AI-powered platform designed to help professionals discover, plan, and execute meaningful career transformations.   With modern work evolving rapidly—where Gen Z and Millennials are expected to navigate multiple major career pivots in a lifetime—the traditional single-track career model is disappearing. Nataliya shares insights from her diverse background across consulting, supply chain management, women's career coaching, and resilience psychology. Together with Fritz’s deep enterprise architecture and tech expertise, they unpack why generic job applications and cookie-cutter CV builders are failing modern job seekers.   Fritz and Nataliya walk through how Vialem solves the critical "pre-step" of career planning: reflecting on personal working styles, past achievements, and future boundaries to map out three distinct career pathways (staying on track, lateral moves, or moonshot transitions). They also demonstrate how tailored 60-day action plans, profile storytelling, and AI-driven LinkedIn optimization help individuals turn ambition into structured, actionable progress.

  3. Jul 29

    Tech Evolution: From iPhone Importer to Enterprise Architecture

    Change is no longer something to prepare for—it's something to embrace. In this episode of Pod Leaders, Rachael Thornton is joined by Fritz Oberhummer, whose career has taken him from the hospitality industry to founding an iPhone startup, leading commercial growth at Expedia, driving product transformation, and now helping shape the future of AI and enterprise architecture across the industry. Together they explore: Building a career through continuous reinventionLessons from startups, scale-ups and global enterprisesThe importance of commercial thinking alongside technologyWhat leaders need to know about AI over the next few yearsWhy adaptability may become the most valuable career skill of allWhether you're a business leader, recruiter, technologist or simply curious about where AI is taking the world of work, this episode is packed with practical insights and forward-thinking advice.

    Tech Evolution: From iPhone Importer to Enterprise Architecture

  4. Jul 1

    From Pilot Dreams to Aviation Leadership | Pod Leaders with Julia Reichel

    In this episode of Pod Leaders, Rachael Thornton sits down with Julia Reichel, a respected leader in aviation technology, to discuss a career that's been anything but conventional. From dreaming of becoming a pilot and training with British Airways, to navigating the aftermath of 9/11, overcoming career setbacks, leading commercial growth across some of aviation's most recognised technology companies, and building businesses from the ground up, Julia shares the lessons she's learned through resilience, reinvention and leadership. Together they discuss: Julia's journey from cabin crew to pilot training How 9/11 changed the course of her career Working across recruitment, Gartner, T2RL, HP, OpenJaw, Endava and Retailaer Leadership, mentorship and the power of career sponsors Women in aviation and overcoming workplace challenges Why resilience is the most valuable career skill you can develop Finding the right company culture—not just the biggest salary Building a meaningful career in aviation technology Whether you're building a career in aviation, technology or leadership, this conversation is packed with honest insights, practical advice and inspiring stories from someone who's continually reinvented herself while staying true to her passion. Subscribe to Pod Leaders for more conversations with the people shaping aviation, travel technology and leadership.

    From Pilot Dreams to Aviation Leadership | Pod Leaders with Julia Reichel

  5. May 20

    Leadership, Resilience & The Future of Work with Christopher Carter

    In this episode of Pod Leaders, Rachael Thornton is joined by technology entrepreneur, speaker, author, and CEO Christopher Carter.From starting out with a Commodore VIC-20 and Georgia Tech, to working with SAP, building global businesses, and speaking internationally about AI, Christopher shares the lessons he’s learned throughout his career in technology and leadership.The conversation dives into:Why AI should augment people, not replace themThe importance of continuous learning and curiosityLeadership, resilience, and building people-first businessesHiring, workplace culture, and the return to the officeEntrepreneurship, setbacks, and lessons from failureWhy asking better questions changes careersChristopher also shares his philosophy of becoming “bigger, better, faster, stronger humans” alongside AI — and why human connection will always matter most.A brilliant conversation packed with insight, humour, and practical advice for anyone navigating modern work, technology, and leadership.

    Leadership, Resilience & The Future of Work with Christopher Carter

  6. Apr 22

    Negotiation, Growth & Airlines: Inside Sinead Finn’s Career Story

    In this episode of Pod Leaders, host Rachael Thornton sits down with aviation expert Sinead Finn to explore a career shaped by opportunity, creativity, and bold decision-making. Sinead shares her journey from early exposure to the travel industry to spending 13 years at Ryanair, where she played a key role in expanding markets across Europe and driving commercial growth. From negotiating with airports to leading sales and marketing teams, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to scale a major airline brand. The conversation also dives into her transition from corporate leadership to founding her own consultancy, the importance of persistence in challenging projects, and the role of people and relationships in long-term success. Sinead reflects on working in high-pressure environments, adapting during industry changes, and how innovation—especially with AI—may shape the future of airline revenue. Whether you're interested in aviation, business growth, or entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience.

    Negotiation, Growth & Airlines: Inside Sinead Finn’s Career Story

  7. Apr 1

    From Aviation Dreams to Tech Leadership: Emma Robertson’s Journey

    In this episode of Podleaders by Thornton Gregory, host Rachael Thornton sits down with Emma Robertson to explore her remarkable journey through aviation and technology. From early ambitions of becoming cabin crew to leading global teams in complex tech environments, Emma shares the pivotal moments, challenges, and decisions that shaped her career. They dive into topics including resilience in the face of setbacks, stepping into leadership, navigating imposter syndrome, and the importance of sponsorship and mentorship. Emma also reflects on the evolving aviation industry, the role of technology, and why diversity of thought is critical for future innovation. Packed with honest insights and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone building a career in tech, aviation, or leadership.

    From Aviation Dreams to Tech Leadership: Emma Robertson’s Journey

  8. Mar 11

    What Great Leaders Do Differently – Insights with Dan Fischer

    In this episode of Podleaders, host Rachael Thornton sits down with Dan Fischer for a powerful conversation on what modern leadership truly demands. From navigating uncertainty to building high-performing, resilient teams, Dan shares the lessons he’s learned through real-world experience — not just theory. They dive into the importance of culture when scaling, how to lead with clarity under pressure, and why intentional leadership is more critical now than ever. Dan opens up about the mindset shifts that separate good leaders from great ones, and the practical habits that drive long-term success. Whether you're a founder, executive, aspiring leader, or simply passionate about personal growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights and honest reflections that will challenge and inspire you. If you're ready to elevate the way you lead, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 🎙️

    What Great Leaders Do Differently – Insights with Dan Fischer
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About

Welcome to Pod Leaders, the enlightening podcast where we dive deep into the realms of technology, sales, and architecture. Join us on an exciting journey as we interview industry pioneers, thought leaders, and experts who have paved the way in their respective fields. From groundbreaking innovations in the tech world to mastering the art of salesmanship, and the intricacies of architectural design, each episode of Pod Leaders promises to be a captivating exploration of knowledge and experience. Brought to you by www.thorntongregory.com

Information

  • Creator
    Thornton Gregory
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Thornton Gregory
  • Show Website
    Pod Leaders