On a Limb

Mechanical Orchard
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MANAGEMENT

This podcast series interviews interesting people around the world representing a wide range of business, technology, political, and cultural professions.  Each conversation highlights the unsung work that goes into averting disasters related to business operations, reputations, even lives.

  1. DEC 17

    2025 Wrapped: The Year We Challenged Conventional Wisdom

    Send us a text What if modernization wasn’t about the next hype cycle…but about the courage to ask questions and a reframing of the exam question altogether? In this holiday special, we're looking back on some of our favorite conversations that shaped 2025 — the ones that challenged us to rethink risk, rethink modernization, and rethink what “doing the right thing” actually looks like.  Happy Holidays! Thank you for listening!

    10 min

  2. OCT 31

    The risk of sheep mentality with David Linthicum

    Send us a text In this episode, host Irene speaks with David Linthicum, a leading figure in cloud computing and digital transformation.  They explore the risks associated with following technology trends without understanding their business value. David shares insights from his extensive experience at the top of one of the world's leading consultancies, highlighting patterns of failure in technology adoption, the pressures leaders face, and the importance of a pragmatic approach to decision-making. Thank you for listening!

    42 min

  3. AUG 18

    The evolving complexity of business risks with Alastair Levy

    Send us a text In this episode of On A Limb, host Irene speaks with Alastair Levy, a seasoned leadership advisor and executive coach, about the evolving landscape of business risks and the complex challenges leaders face today.  Alastair shares insights from his diverse career, emphasizing the importance of systems thinking, the balance between short-term and long-term objectives, and the courage required in leadership decisions. He also draws parallels between conducting orchestras and leading organizations.  The conversation highlights the need for leaders to adapt to a rapidly changing world while fostering a culture of reflection and open dialogue. Thank you for listening!

    29 min

  4. JUL 16

    The risk of hype distraction with Nikhil Suresh

    Send us a text In this episode of "On A Limb," host Irene delves into the world of AI hype with Nikhil Suresh, founder and CEO of Hermit Technology. Known for his critical stance on Silicon Valley's obsession with AI, Nikhil discusses the real cost of AI hype on business decisions. From the dangers of symbolic efforts to the widespread distraction caused by AI trends, this conversation explores how businesses can navigate the AI landscape with critical thinking and genuine attention. Tune in to discover whether AI is truly solving problems or just a buzzword masking deeper issues. Thank you for listening!

    37 min

  5. MAY 21

    Rekindling The Magic of Code with Samuel Arbesman, PhD

    Send us a text In this episode, Irene is joined by Samuel Arbesman, PhD, to discuss his new book, 'The Magic of Code'. With a Ph.D. in computational biology from Cornell University, Sam currently serves as Scientist-in-Residence at Lux Capital. He’s well known for his writings, published in Wired, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, among others, and he’s authored several popular books. Sam and Irene discuss the importance of rekindling wonder in our relationship with technology, the historical context of computing, and the responsibility that comes with the power of software. They delve deep into the importance of developing a more holistic approach to computing education that draws from history and human experience while reflecting on the risks of neglecting the humanistic elements in technology and the need for deliberate engagement with these systems.  You can get a copy of Sam's new book here. Thank you for listening!

    33 min

  6. MAR 24

    America's Great Infrastructure Challenge with Logan Allin

    Send us a text In this episode of On A Limb, host Irene Sandler chats to Logan Allin, founder and Managing Partner of global investment firm Fin Capital, about the critical state of America's financial IT systems and why he believes this is America's Great Infrastructure Challenge.  They delve into the challenges of modernizing outdated banking systems, the catastrophic risks associated with legacy technology, and the potential impact of technical debt on financial institutions.  Logan shares his views on the biggest mistakes banks make when attempting to modernize, the importance of aligned incentivization, and the critical need to move quickly. Thank you for listening!

    28 min

  7. FEB 25

    The risk of the status quo with transformation expert, Dr Leda Glyptis

    Send us a text In this episode, Irene sits down with world-renowned financial services transformation expert, Dr. Leda Glyptis. With two decades of experience driving modernization in financial institutions, Leda unpacks the risks of resisting change and the critical need for banks to adapt in an increasingly dynamic landscape. She explores the impact of regulation, the human factors that often derail transformation efforts, and the challenges of breaking free from the comfort of the status quo. This insightful conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating change in financial services. Thank you for listening!

    35 min

  8. JAN 22

    Retail modernization special with leading retail technology analyst, Paula Rosenblum

    Send us a text In this conversation, the celebrated retail analyst and ex-CTO, Paula Rosenblum, and Irene discuss the critical need for modernization in customer service systems across the global retail industry.  They emphasize the importance of extensibility in solving the challenges posed by legacy systems, as well as how IT leadership can manage organizational inhibitors that hinder change.  The discussion also highlights the significance of customer experience and effective change management strategies in navigating these obstacles.  Thank you for listening!

    22 min
See All (13)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

This podcast series interviews interesting people around the world representing a wide range of business, technology, political, and cultural professions.  Each conversation highlights the unsung work that goes into averting disasters related to business operations, reputations, even lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Mechanical Orchard
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 On a Limb
  • Show Website
    On a Limb