Transcending Tech

Transcends

Transcending Tech is a long-form podcast exploring the human side of technology. Each episode goes beyond tools, trends, and buzzwords to focus on the people, values, and lived experiences shaping the tech world today. Through thoughtful conversations with founders, operators, creatives, and change-makers, Transcending Tech examines how technology intersects with culture, identity, ethics, leadership, and society. We believe technology is only as powerful as the stories behind it — and those stories deserve time, nuance, and depth. If you’re interested in authentic discussions about innovation, humanity, and the real impact of technology on our lives, Transcending Tech offers space to slow down, listen closely, and see the bigger picture.

Episodes

  1. The Future of AI in Healthcare Is More Human Than You Think | Dr. Nwando Anyaoku

    2d ago

    The Future of AI in Healthcare Is More Human Than You Think | Dr. Nwando Anyaoku

    How is AI transforming healthcare, and what does it take to build technology that truly improves patient outcomes?  In this episode of Transcending Tech, Ashleigh Vogstad speaks with Dr. Nwando Anyaoku, physician executive, strategic advisor, and one of healthcare's most respected voices on clinical innovation and inclusion.   Together, they explore:  Growing up in Nigeria and finding purpose through adversity  Why authentic voices matter in leadership and AI development  The hidden ways healthcare systems create unequal outcomes  How AI is already transforming patient care and reducing clinician burnout  The importance of representation in data and large language models  Building technology with patients and clinicians—not just for them  The impact of AI on the next generation entering the workforce  Why reading, curiosity, and compassion remain essential human skills  Throughout the conversation, Dr. Anyaoku offers a powerful reminder that technology should never lose sight of the people it serves.  Her one-word outlook on the future of AI?  Possible.  About Dr. Nwando Anyaoku  Dr. Nwando Anyaoku is a physician executive, pediatrician, healthcare strategist, and advisor who has held leadership roles across some of the largest healthcare organizations in the United States. Her work focuses on the intersection of healthcare, technology, innovation, and patient outcomes.  About Transcending Tech   Transcending Tech explores the people behind the platforms — the leaders, builders, and pioneers shaping the future of technology.  Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and visit transcends.io to learn more.

    58 min
  2. Christine Bongard: Igniting Transformation, Reinventing Mid-Career & Building Confidence That Lasts

    Mar 11

    Christine Bongard: Igniting Transformation, Reinventing Mid-Career & Building Confidence That Lasts

    What if your purpose doesn’t arrive early — but unfolds over time? In this powerful episode of Transcending Tech, Ashley Vogstad sits down with Christine Bongard, founder of the WIT Network (now We Ignite Transformation), to talk about confidence, reinvention, leadership, and the courage to evolve. This conversation explores: ✨ A defining workplace bias moment — and what real allyship looks like  🔥 Why women must stop waiting to be recognized  💡 The science behind “power poses” and building confidence  🔁 Reinventing your career later in life  💪 The role of self-care in executive longevity  📈 How improving health span extends career span  🏊 Learning to swim in your 50s — and why trying new things matters  🌍 The evolution of the WIT Network into We Ignite Transformation 📊 75% of members reporting career progression through community 🎤 Why authenticity beats perfection — every time Christine shares how she discovered her purpose later in life, how intentionality reshaped her leadership, and why inclusion must be reflected not just in mission — but in brand. This episode is about courage, longevity, leadership presence, and igniting the next step in your career — at any stage. About Transcending Tech   Transcending Tech explores the people behind the platforms — the leaders, builders, and pioneers shaping the future of technology.  Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and visit transcends.io to learn more.

    1h 45m
  3. AI Leadership & Enterprise AI Strategy: Akanksha Bilani on Scaling AI with CPUs

    Mar 10

    AI Leadership & Enterprise AI Strategy: Akanksha Bilani on Scaling AI with CPUs

    In this episode of Transcending Tech, Ashleigh Vogstad speaks with Akanksha Bilani, enterprise AI leader at Intel, about how organizations can scale artificial intelligence strategically — without falling into infrastructure myths.  As enterprises rush toward AI adoption, many assume GPU-heavy architectures are the only path forward. Akanksha explains why CPUs continue to power most enterprise inference workloads, and how aligning AI infrastructure to business outcomes is critical for sustainable transformation.  With over two decades at Intel and experience managing a multi-billion-dollar alliance with Amazon Web Services, she shares insight into:  Enterprise AI adoption frameworks AI infrastructure planning CPU vs GPU decision-making Software optimization for AI performance Scaling AI across global organizations Executive leadership in times of disruption The conversation also explores resilience. Diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma early in her career, Akanksha reflects on how adversity shaped her leadership philosophy and long-term perspective.  This episode is designed for enterprise executives, AI strategists, CIOs, CTOs, and business leaders navigating artificial intelligence transformation.  Because AI leadership is not just about compute power.  It’s about clarity, courage, and customer obsession.  About Transcending Tech   Transcending Tech explores the people behind the platforms — the leaders, builders, and pioneers shaping the future of technology.  Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and visit transcends.io to learn more.

    1 hr
  4. Alyssa Fitzpatrick on AI Leadership, Open Source, and Enterprise Strategy

    Feb 23

    Alyssa Fitzpatrick on AI Leadership, Open Source, and Enterprise Strategy

    What does it take to lead in artificial intelligence across global enterprises? In this episode of Transcending Tech, Ashleigh Vogstad talks with Alyssa Fitzpatrick — former executive at Microsoft, Intel, McAfee, and Accenture, now leading global partnerships at Elastic — about the human decisions behind AI leadership, strategic risk-taking, and building high-trust relationships that drive enterprise innovation. From writing a university thesis on AI decades before it went mainstream to managing teams in 49 countries, Alyssa shares lessons on leadership, open source strategy, global partnerships, and preparing the next generation of tech talent. What You’ll Learn: How AI leadership works in large enterprisesStrategies for leveraging open source innovationBuilding global partnerships that lastNavigating bias and challenges in tech leadershipInsights for women leading in STEMThe intersection of AI, strategy, and human trustKey Insight: AI is a powerful tool, but people still drive transformation. Strategic thinking, trusted partnerships, and long-term vision remain the true differentiators in enterprise leadership. “Don’t ever think there are partnerships between companies… it’s partnerships between people.” — Alyssa Fitzpatrick If you’re leading AI initiatives, navigating enterprise transformation, or growing a career in technology leadership, this episode offers practical, real-world perspective from a seasoned executive. Subscribe to Transcending Tech for new episodes on AI leadership, enterprise strategy, and the future of technology. About Transcending Tech   Transcending Tech explores the people behind the platforms — the leaders, builders, and pioneers shaping the future of technology.  Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and visit transcends.io to learn more.

    56 min

About

Transcending Tech is a long-form podcast exploring the human side of technology. Each episode goes beyond tools, trends, and buzzwords to focus on the people, values, and lived experiences shaping the tech world today. Through thoughtful conversations with founders, operators, creatives, and change-makers, Transcending Tech examines how technology intersects with culture, identity, ethics, leadership, and society. We believe technology is only as powerful as the stories behind it — and those stories deserve time, nuance, and depth. If you’re interested in authentic discussions about innovation, humanity, and the real impact of technology on our lives, Transcending Tech offers space to slow down, listen closely, and see the bigger picture.