It’s not.

At least, not anymore.

On a recent episode of Tech Legacies, Jon Brickey shared a perspective that may surprise many leaders: Mastercard is fundamentally a technology company operating in the payments industry.

While its iconic logo is visible on billions of cards worldwide, Mastercard’s role extends far beyond consumer transactions. The company builds, maintains, and operates the network that connects consumers, merchants, financial institutions, governments, and businesses across a global ecosystem.

Even more interesting, traditional payment networks now account for only about 60% of Mastercard’s business.

The remaining 40% comes from services, including cybersecurity, threat intelligence, risk management, and fraud protection. Through strategic acquisitions and innovation, Mastercard has expanded its reach far beyond payments to help organizations better understand and manage risk.

It’s a powerful reminder that the companies we think we know are often evolving far faster than public perception.

What company surprised you when you learned what they actually do behind the scenes?

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Connect with Jon Brickey on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjonbrickey/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Links to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/techlegacies

-------------------------

Huge thank you to the sponsors and partners of the #TechLegacies podcast. Hit that FOLLOW button on their pages for the latest updates:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/cginfinity/ - IT Consulting Services, especially in energy and Salesforce

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunnablack/ - Executive Coach and & Heart-Centered Leadership

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ - IT recruitment and managed services

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/techcxolaunchpad/ - Program to elevate you to senior leadership and C-Suite

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketscale/ - For your studio recording needs and platform for user content

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you

In this episode, Tech Legacies Host, Fanny Dunagan sits down with Jon Brickey, SVP at Mastercard and former NSA leader, to talk about the future of cybersecurity and lessons from military leadership.

From discovering his hacking instincts as a kid on a TRS-80, to leading cyber strategy at the NSA post-9/11, to building an elite team that Fortune 500 leader calls "the best training I've ever received" — Jon's journey is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and staying ahead of digital threats.

In this episode, you'll learn:

🔐 Why cyber is now the 5th domain of warfare — and what it means for every business

🪖 The military leadership principle ("leaders eat last") that transformed Jon's management style

🤖 Why AI gives hackers a dangerous edge — and how elite defenders are fighting back

🧠 The "mood of zeal" framework that replaced fear with passion in their cybersecurity team

💼 Career advice for every stage — from hands on analyst to executive cybersecurity leader

Whether you're a tech professional, aspiring executive, or curious about the invisible war being fought online every day — this conversation will change how you think about cybersecurity and leadership.

-----------------------------

Connect with Jon Brickey on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjonbrickey/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Links to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/techlegacies

-------------------------

Huge thank you to the sponsors and partners of the #TechLegacies podcast. Hit that FOLLOW button on their pages for the latest updates:

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/cginfinity/ - IT Consulting Services, especially in energy and Salesforce

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunnablack/ - Executive Coach and & Heart-Centered Leadership

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/ - IT recruitment and managed services

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/techcxolaunchpad/ - Program to elevate you to senior leadership and C-Suite

🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketscale/ - For your studio recording needs and platform for user content

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you

In this segment of Tech Legacies, Ben Coan, Managing Director & Head of Managed Services at Odyssey Information Services, shares practical advice for both employees and employers navigating the AI era.

Ben explains why the best professionals won’t resist AI, they’ll learn how to use it to become more valuable. Instead of fearing replacement, tech professionals should embrace AI tools, improve their workflows, and help their organizations adapt.

At the same time, leaders need to recognize and retain the people who evolve with technology. After all, businesses are still built on relationships, collaboration, and human insight. Those are things AI can’t replace.

Ben also highlights an overlooked challenge many companies face today: legacy systems and undocumented processes. Without proper documentation, training, and knowledge transfer, organizations risk losing critical operational knowledge as experienced workers retire.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• Why learning AI is key to staying valuable in your career
• How leaders should support employees adapting to AI
• The hidden risk of legacy systems and undocumented processes
• Why human relationships still drive business success even in the AI era

If you're a tech professional, CIO, or business leader, this discussion offers practical insight on how to adapt, evolve, and stay relevant as AI reshapes the workplace.

👍 Subscribe for more conversations on technology leadership, careers in tech, and the human side of innovation from Tech Legacies.

-----------------------------

Connect with Odyssey Information Services on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-legacies/id1704049511

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/461kEaQZGqHoAl1nv3W4qe?si=99210e2bad89449a

Tech Legacies Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techlegacies/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tech_legacies

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/techlegacies

Work with our podcast team at PathLynks: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pathlynks-llc/

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you

In this segment of Tech Legacies, host Fanny Dunagan sits down with the team from Odyssey Information Services, Kristin Hughes (2021 SourceCon Grand Master Challenge Winner), Jon Hibbs, and Ben Coan, to pull back the curtain on how elite recruiters actually find candidates, what's broken in today's job market, and the unconventional moves that get people hired.

You'll hear:

- What "sourcing" really is and why the best recruiters work more like Sherlock Holmes than HR

- The wild story of how Kristin tracked down a software engineer who had hidden every trace of his contact info online

- The Home Depot Garden Center hack. How one product manager got into a company's internal job portal by taking a frontline job first

- Why AI-written resumes are getting candidates rejected (and the proofreading rule that saves you)

- The future of IT, AI, and why human connection is making a comeback

- Real leadership lessons from 25+ years of building tech teams

- The legacy each leader wants to leave behind

If you're job hunting, hiring, or building a career in tech, this conversation is packed with tactical advice you won't hear anywhere else.

-----------------------------

Connect with Odyssey Information Services on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-legacies/id1704049511

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/461kEaQZGqHoAl1nv3W4qe?si=99210e2bad89449a

Tech Legacies Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techlegacies/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tech_legacies

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/techlegacies

Work with our podcast team at PathLynks: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pathlynks-llc/

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you

In this segment of Tech Legacies Podcast, Kristin Hughes, Director of Recruiting, shares practical advice for candidates navigating today’s competitive job market.

Kristin explains why the old strategy of applying everywhere often leads to burnout and disappointment. Instead, candidates should focus on intentional, targeted outreach, getting clear on their “why,” researching companies they truly want to work for, and finding creative ways to stand out.

She also shares a memorable story about a product manager who struggled to get interviews for months. Rather than giving up, she took an unconventional step that ultimately helped her get noticed by the company she wanted to work for.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• Why applying to hundreds of jobs can actually hurt your chances
• How to target the right companies and roles
• Why using AI tools carefully can help in your job search
• Creative ways to stand out in a crowded hiring market

If you’re a tech professional, job seeker, or career changer, this discussion offers fresh perspective on how to approach your job search with more intention and creativity.

👍 Subscribe for more conversations on careers in technology, leadership insights, and the human side of tech from Tech Legacies.

-----------------------------

Connect with Odyssey Information Services on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-legacies/id1704049511

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/461kEaQZGqHoAl1nv3W4qe?si=99210e2bad89449a

Tech Legacies Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techlegacies/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tech_legacies

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/techlegacies

Work with our podcast team at PathLynks: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pathlynks-llc/

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you

In this segment, Odyssey founder Jon Hibbs sits down with longtime team members Ben Coan and Kristin Hughes to reveal the leadership philosophy behind one of the staffing and managed services industry's most loyal teams, and why human trust still wins in an AI-driven world.

We dig into:

• Why Odyssey eliminated sales territories (and what happened next)
• How treating every role like "your own business" drives entrepreneurial ownership
• The team-based delivery model that turned a single consultant into a full managed services engagement with a Fortune 10 retail pharmacy
• The simple Friday email habit that builds candidate trust for a decade
• Why AI can find resumes, but can't replace relationships
• The legacy documentation crisis quietly threatening 75% of enterprise companies
• Ben's blunt advice for employers: hold onto the people who got you there

Whether you're a CEO building culture, a recruiter navigating an AI-flooded market, or a professional wondering what makes a workplace worth staying at. This conversation is full of practical wisdom from leaders who've actually done it.

-----------------------------

Connect with Odyssey Information Services on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-legacies/id1704049511

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/461kEaQZGqHoAl1nv3W4qe?si=99210e2bad89449a

Tech Legacies Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techlegacies/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tech_legacies

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/techlegacies

Work with our podcast team at PathLynks: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pathlynks-llc/

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you

In this segment of Tech Legacies, Ben Coan, Managing Director & Head of Managed Services at Odyssey Information Services, explains how managed services help organizations shift their focus back to what matters most: running and growing their core business.

Ben shares how many companies struggle with fragmented IT environments where infrastructure, applications, and database teams don’t communicate effectively. Managed services create a team-based support model that fills gaps, improves collaboration, and provides experienced experts behind the scenes.

Instead of relying on a single consultant, organizations gain access to an entire bench of trusted specialists who can support operations, identify risks, and strengthen IT systems over the long term.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• Why many companies get pulled away from their core business by IT complexity
• What managed services actually mean beyond traditional IT support
• How a team-based delivery model helps close technology gaps
• Why trust and long-term relationships are essential in managed services partnerships

If you're a CIO, IT leader, or business executive, this conversation will help you rethink how IT support can evolve from a burden into a strategic advantage.

👍 Subscribe for more conversations on careers in technology, leadership insights, and the human side of tech from Tech Legacies.

______________________

Connect with Odyssey Information Services on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader?

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-legacies/id1704049511

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/461kEaQZGqHoAl1nv3W4qe?si=99210e2bad89449a

Tech Legacies Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techlegacies/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tech_legacies

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/techlegacies

Work with our podcast team at PathLynks: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pathlynks-llc/

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you

The headlines scream AI layoffs. But what's REALLY happening behind the scenes in tech hiring?

In this candid roundtable, three industry insiders pull back the curtain on the 2026 tech job market:

🔹 Kristin Hughes reveals what's actually getting hired (and why "post and pray" job hunting is dead)

🔹 Ben Coan exposes the sleeper opportunities most candidates are missing, including the legacy tech crisis that could be your goldmine

🔹 Jon Hibbs shares what's keeping CIOs awake at night and the 3 pressures shaping every hiring decision

Whether you're a job seeker drowning in rejection emails, an employer trying to build the right team, or a tech professional planning your next move. This conversation will change how you think about the AI disruption.

💡 You'll learn:

✅ Which roles are still hiring (and which are quietly dying)

✅ The unexpected "trade jobs" boom inside the AI revolution

✅ Why legacy systems = job security in disguise

✅ The video reference trick that's landing offers in this market

✅ How managed services is reshaping IT employment

-----------------------------

Connect with Odyssey Information Services on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/odyssey-information-services/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-legacies/id1704049511

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/461kEaQZGqHoAl1nv3W4qe?si=99210e2bad89449a

Tech Legacies Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techlegacies/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tech_legacies

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/techlegacies

Work with our podcast team at PathLynks: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pathlynks-llc/

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you

In this episode of Tech Legacies, host Fanny Dunagan sits down with the team from Odyssey Information Services: Jon Hibbs (CEO), Kristin Hughes (Director of Recruiting), and Ben Cohen (Managing Director of Managed Services) to unpack what's really happening in the tech job market and what it takes to build a 25-year company on trust.

What you'll learn in this episode:

1. The truth behind the AI layoffs: what's actually being cut and what's still hiring strong
2. Why "post and pray" is officially dead for both job seekers AND employers
3. The #1 thing CIOs say keeps them up at night
4. What "managed services" really means and why more companies are turning to it
5. The overlooked tech opportunity almost no one is talking about
6. 3 actionable job search tips from a recruiter who's seen it all
7. How Odyssey built a culture where top talent stays for 18–25 years (and why that's rare)

Whether you're a tech leader navigating transformation, a job seeker trying to stand out in a crowded market, or a business owner wondering how to scale your IT without losing your focus, this conversation has something for you.

-----------------------------

Connect with Odyssey Information Services on LinkedIn at / odyssey-information-services

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at / fannydunagan

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform

Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4kr4wpi

Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Mo11mN

Tech Legacies Socials: Instagram: ​​ / techlegacies

TikTok: / tech_legacies

Facebook: / techlegacies

Work with our podcast team at PathLynks: / pathlynks-llc

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you

In this episode of Tech Legacies, Jorge Cardenas, CIO of Brownsville shares his journey from being an 11-year-old immigrant who was afraid to speak… to becoming a Marine Corps instructor and confident leader.

He opens up about:

• Growing up as one of the only Mexican students in his school
• Being laughed at for his accent—and choosing silence
• Joining the Marine Corps while still struggling with confidence
• The moment he faced his fear and chose to become an instructor
• How over-preparation became his superpower

This is more than a story about language.

It’s about identity, resilience, and finding your voice.

If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong… this one will stay with you.

In this Tech Legacies conversation, Brownsville CIO Jorge Cardenas shares his vision for the future of smart cities and how technology will reshape the way people live, move, and access services.

From autonomous transportation to AI-powered city operations, the next generation of cities will be built on connectivity, data, and intelligent infrastructure.

But technology alone is not the answer.

Jorge explains why cities must modernize their foundations today, why connectivity is the backbone of future growth, and why people and imagination will still play a critical role in shaping what comes next.

In this episode you will learn:

• What smart cities could look like by 2030 and 2040

• Why connectivity and digital infrastructure are essential for growth

• How autonomous transportation and AI will reshape city services

• Why cities must modernize or risk falling behind

• How the workforce must adapt and upskill for the AI era

• Why leadership and service to the community still matter most

The future of cities is not just about technology.

It is about how people use technology to build better communities.

In this TechBytes segment, Brownsville CIO Jorge Cardenas shares his vision for the next generation of smart cities — where connectivity, automation, and artificial intelligence reshape how people move, access services, and live.

From autonomous transportation to app-based services and safer public spaces, the future city will be more connected, efficient, and accessible.

In this segment, you’ll learn about:

• How connectivity will transform everyday city services
• The rise of autonomous transportation and mobility
• Why AI will improve safety and accessibility
• How smart infrastructure improves quality of life
• The future of cities isn’t decades away — it’s already beginning.

In this Tech Legacies conversation, Brownsville CIO Jorge Cardenas shares the leadership journey that shaped his career.

Born in Mexico, Jorge moved to the United States at 11 years old and faced the challenge of learning a new language while adapting to a completely new environment. Early struggles with language and confidence shaped the resilience and discipline that would later define his leadership style.

After joining the United States Marine Corps, Jorge developed technical skills, confidence, and a deep appreciation for preparation and teamwork. Eventually, he became a Marine instructor, teaching others and sharpening the leadership lessons he carries to this day.

Today, he leads technology initiatives for the City of Brownsville, applying those same principles of preparation, respect, and strong relationships to build high-performing teams.

In this episode, Jorge shares:

• How moving to the U.S. shaped his leadership mindset

• The leadership lessons he learned in the Marine Corps

• Why preparation is the key to overcoming fear

• How strong teams are built through trust and respect

• Why leadership is about people as much as technology

This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room.

Sometimes it begins with quiet strength and relentless preparation.

In this TechBytes segment, Brownsville CIO Jorge Cardenas explains how a 100-mile municipal fiber network became the foundation for economic growth, improved internet access, and new business opportunities.

Before the project, residents had limited options, unreliable speeds, and high prices. Today, connectivity is enabling competition, lowering costs, improving reliability, and attracting major development projects.

You’ll learn:

1. Why smart cities must start with connectivity
2. How municipal fiber improves reliability and affordability
3. The economic impact of modern infrastructure
4. How connectivity supports business growth and regional development
5. Connectivity isn’t just about internet speed — it’s about opportunity.

In this Tech Legacies conversation, Brownsville CIO Jorge Cardenas explains how connectivity became the foundation for transforming an entire city.

From launching a 100-mile municipal fiber network to deploying private 5G and building an AI factory, Brownsville is creating the infrastructure needed for smarter cities, safer communities, and new economic opportunities.

Jorge shares how these investments are improving internet access, enabling businesses, supporting public safety, and opening doors for families and students across the city.

In this episode you will learn:

• Why smart cities must start with connectivity

• How fiber infrastructure changes economic opportunity

• The role of private 5G in city operations and safety

• How AI will help cities monitor infrastructure and public spaces

• Why technology investments can change the trajectory of communities

Technology alone does not transform a city.

Connectivity does.

In this episode of Tech Legacies Podcast, host Fanny Dunagan sits down with Jorge Cardenas, CIO of the City of Brownsville, Texas, to explore how connectivity, AI infrastructure, and visionary leadership are reshaping the future of cities.

When Jorge arrived in 2022, Brownsville faced aging technology, limited connectivity, and barriers to growth. Today, the city is building a digital foundation designed to power economic development, public safety, education access, and smarter government services.

This conversation goes beyond technology. It’s about opportunity, leadership, and how modern infrastructure can transform lives.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How fiber connectivity became the foundation for a smart city
2. Why private 5G is changing public safety and city operations
3. How AI-powered cameras and analytics are improving safety and services
4. The real ROI of investing in digital infrastructure
5. Why connectivity creates opportunity for families, students, and businesses
6. Leadership lessons from the U.S. Marine Corps to city government
7. How cities can modernize even with limited budgets
8. What smart cities may look like by 2030 and beyond

Jorge also shares his personal journey from immigrating to the United States and overcoming language barriers to serving in the Marine Corps and leading one of the most ambitious municipal connectivity transformations in the country.

If you care about the future of cities, technology leadership, AI infrastructure, or building opportunity through connectivity, this episode is for you.

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Connect with Jorge on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorge-cardenas-it-cio-ceo/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-legacies/id1704049511

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/461kEaQZGqHoAl1nv3W4qe

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you

In this Tech Byte from the Tech Leaders Untold podcast, Saurajit Kanungo shares why he made a deliberate shift toward showing up more consistently—especially on LinkedIn—and what changed once he did.

As an introvert, Saurajit never viewed content as a way to promote himself. Instead, he saw it as an opportunity to spark conversations, ask thoughtful questions, and create space for ideas that matter. One post, built around comparing two AI diagrams, reached more than 120,000 people, not because it was flashy, but because it invited engagement and learning.

In this clip, Saurajit explains:

1. Why authentic visibility matters more than impressions or follower counts
2. How many of today’s most impactful tech leaders are introverts whose stories go untold
3. Why sharing ideas publicly helps younger generations discover role models they can relate to
4. How platforms like LinkedIn can become spaces for learning, connection, and community… not self-promotion

For leaders who believe their work should speak for itself, this conversation offers a different perspective: being seen isn’t about ego. It’s about leadership, mentorship, and making sure the right stories don’t stay hidden.

What does it mean to stay human?

In this powerful moment from the Tech Legacies podcast, Saurajit Kanungo, President of CG Infinity, reflects on something technology still cannot replicate... human instinct and heart.

While machines continue to grow more intelligent, humans possess something deeper. Instinct. Empathy. Connection.

Saurajit explains why many workplaces today overuse the brain but underuse the heart, and how that imbalance can lead to missed opportunities in leadership, teamwork, and performance.

Drawing from insights by Ray Kurzweil, Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink, and real-world leadership experiences, he shares why the future isn’t about humans competing with machines... it’s about humans and machines working together.

In this conversation:

1. Why human instinct still outperforms data in critical decisions
2. How workplaces are overusing logic and underusing empathy
3. Why community and connection are essential in the digital age
4. How tech leaders can maintain humanity while embracing AI
5. Why the future belongs to those who combine intelligence with heart

As technology advances, the real question isn’t whether machines will get smarter.

It’s whether humans will remember what makes us human.

In this Tech Byte from the Tech Leaders Untold podcast, Saurajit Kanungo reflects on a pressure few executives talk about openly: how power, status, and success can quietly blur the line between who you are and what you do.

As a president of a 400-person tech company, Saurajit has lived the weight of leadership firsthand. Massive decisions. Real power. Constant expectations. And with that comes a risk many leaders underestimate; allowing the title to define their sense of worth.

In this clip, he shares a deeply personal mindset shift that helped him step outside his role and see himself differently. By creating what he calls an “out-of-body experience,” Saurajit learned to separate the person from the position and rediscover who he is beyond the job: a father, a husband, a son, and a friend.

He also unpacks a powerful idea from Arthur Brooks’ From Strength to Strength: the “striver’s curse.” The drive that fuels success can also make it fleeting, leaving leaders chasing the next win and feeling like anything less is failure.

Through examples from sports legends like Tiger Woods and Roger Federer, Saurajit reminds us that success is never constant… and that detaching from titles and outcomes isn’t weakness. It’s grounding. And, ultimately, it makes leaders more human, more resilient, and more effective.

In this Tech Byte from the Tech Leaders Untold podcast, Saurajit Kanungo, President of CG Infinity, shares how developing hobbies like golf, fishing, and beekeeping helped him disconnect from the constant pressure of leadership.

After years of focusing only on academics and career success, Saurajit realized that true performance requires intentional rest. Time outdoors allows him to reset mentally, gain perspective, and remember that most workplace problems are not the end of the world.

He also explains why leaders must regularly “rest the mind” and why blocking time for recovery is just as important as planning business strategy.

In this episode:

• Why hobbies are critical for leadership longevity

• How nature helps leaders reset their perspective

• Why analyzing failure too much can hurt performance

• The importance of blocking time for mental recovery

• Why creativity and decision-making require rest

For leaders facing burnout or constant pressure, sometimes the most powerful move is stepping away.

In this Tech Byte from the Tech Leaders Untold podcast, Saurajit reflects on what it’s really like to be a CIO, CTO, or CISO today. For more than 25 years, technology leaders have been on the front lines of every major shift: the internet, mobile, cloud, cybersecurity, and now AI. Each wave brought opportunity, but also more pressure, more visibility, and more responsibility.

Today, that pressure is reaching a breaking point. Tech leaders are expected to drive innovation, defend against cyber threats, evaluate endless new AI tools, and still keep the business running, all while being more visible and accountable than ever before. In many organizations, Saurajit argues, the spotlight on tech leadership is now brighter than the spotlight on the CEO.

The result? Burnout. Exhaustion. Leaders who can’t catch a break and often don’t feel safe admitting how tired they really are.

In this clip, Saurajit shares:

Why today’s AI wave feels like a tidal wave compared to past tech shifts

1. How the role of tech leaders has expanded far beyond “keeping the lights on”
2. Why CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs have become some of the most critical and most stretched roles in modern organizations
3. What happens when leaders never get the chance to pause, recover, or reset

This is an honest look at the hidden cost of leading through constant disruption, and a reminder that behind every transformation is a human being trying to stay afloat.

Since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, the pressure on leaders to understand, adopt, and evaluate AI has exploded. Every day there’s a new tool, a new model, and a new prediction about the future of jobs.

But what is actually happening inside real businesses?

In this conversation from Tech Leaders Untold, Fanny Dunagan sits down with Saurajit Kanungo, President of CG Infinity, to talk about the reality of AI three years into the generative AI boom.

While the headlines often predict massive job losses, Saurajit explains why the real story looks different.

AI is not creating a sudden revolution.

It’s accelerating a fast evolution.

Developers, testers, and consultants are not disappearing. Instead, their productivity is increasing dramatically with tools like GitHub Copilot and large language models.

The bigger shift is how leaders respond.

Some react with fear and defensiveness.

Others treat AI like a powerful headwind they can turn into opportunity.

In this episode, Saurajit shares:

• Why the fear that AI will eliminate jobs is often overstated

• How AI tools are increasing productivity by 20–50% in real teams

• Why the real transformation is evolution, not revolution

• How leaders can turn technological headwinds into tailwinds

• Why tech leaders are facing unprecedented pressure and burnout

• The mindset shift required to thrive in the AI era

The reality is that AI is changing how work gets done, but human relationships, judgment, and leadership still matter more than ever.

For leaders willing to embrace the shift, the AI wave can become an accelerator rather than a threat.

Watch the full conversation to hear how technology leaders are navigating the fear, hype, and opportunity of the AI era.

In this episode of Tech Legacies Podcast, host Fanny Dunagan sits down with Saurajit Kanungo, CEO of CG Infinity, for an honest and deeply reflective conversation about what it really means to lead in today’s fast-moving tech landscape.

From the nonstop waves of disruption such as the internet, mobile, cloud, cybersecurity, and now AI, to the exhaustion many CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs quietly carry, Saurajit shares why tech leaders have spent decades on the front lines of transformation and why this AI moment feels bigger than anything before it.

But this conversation goes far beyond technology.

Saurajit opens up about burnout, redefining success in the second half of a career, and the danger of letting job titles become identity. He explains the mindset shift that helped him separate who he is from what he does and how slowing down, developing hobbies, and reconnecting with life outside of work made him a better leader.

You’ll also hear powerful insights on:

1. Why AI is an evolution, not a revolution
2. The pressure tech leaders face being both innovators and defenders
3. How instinct and humanity still matter in an increasingly automated world
4. The hidden “striver’s curse” that keeps leaders chasing constant success
5. Why community is not a nice-to-have, but a necessity for growth and resilience

The importance of authentic visibility and sharing stories, especially for introverted leaders.

Along the way, Saurajit reflects on building a thriving tech community in Dallas-Fort Worth, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and using platforms like LinkedIn to spark meaningful conversations instead of self-promotion.

This episode is a reminder that while technology continues to evolve at lightning speed, leadership is still a human journey… one shaped by mindset, connection, and purpose.

If you’re a tech leader navigating constant change, feeling the pressure of always being “on,” or wondering how to lead without losing yourself in the process, this conversation is for you.

------------------------------

Connect with Saurajit on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurajit/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-legacies/id1704049511

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/461kEaQZGqHoAl1nv3W4qe

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you

----------------------------------------

Timestamps:

02:21 — When the Dream Job Still Feels Empty Why so many CIOs and tech leaders feel burned out after “making it.”

03:44 — AI After ChatGPT: Fear, Hype, or Reality? What leaders actually believe 3 years into the AI wave.

05:27 — AI Isn’t Replacing Teams (It’s Changing How They Work) The real productivity gains nobody headlines.

07:22 — Why Change Is Hard (Even When Tech Is Ready) The human adoption problem AI can’t solve.

10:10 — Offense vs Defense: The AI Mindset Shift How top leaders turn AI anxiety into advantage.

13:24 — The Burnout Crisis No One Talks About Why CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs are hitting a breaking point.

17:20 — Are Tech Leaders the Next CEOs? The quiet shift happening in the C-suite.

19:02 — Career Transitions Feel Like Everest Why getting to the top is easier than coming down.

25:03 — Rest Is a Strategy, Not a Reward Why elite leaders need a recovery plan, not just vacations.

49:08 — AI Can’t Replace Instinct, Heart, or Humanity Why being human is the real competitive advantage.

55:33 — Community Is Not Optional Why connection, belonging, and shared spaces matter more than ever.

In this Tech Bytes clip, executive coach and former Fortune 500 leader Shaunna Black speaks directly to middle managers — the most stretched, pressured, and overlooked leaders in today’s organizations.

Shaunna breaks down:

1. Why middle management is harder than ever
2. The mistake most new managers make
3. Why your job is no longer “doing the work”
4. How to shift from individual contributor to leader
5. What it really means to be a multiplier
6. Why heart-centered leadership drives results

Her message is simple but powerful: Stop trying to control people. Start unleashing them. If you’re a new manager… If you’re overwhelmed by your workload… If you’re trying to lead without losing yourself… This one’s for you.

It sounds simple. It isn’t.

In this powerful final episode, Fanny Dunagan sits down with Shaunna Black, author of Leading With Heart, to confront one of the most overlooked drivers of poor performance in organizations: fear-based leadership.

From semiconductor manufacturing floors running at 99% yield to Fortune 500 boardrooms layered in hierarchy and armor, Shaunna makes a compelling case:

You will never get high performance from a toxic, blame-driven, fear-filled environment.

The metrics may look good.

The processes may be precise.

But outcomes are still produced by people.

And people operating from fear will never bring their full heart, mind, and soul to the work.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

1. Why “what we tolerate becomes our culture”
2. How fear hides behind titles, hierarchy, and protection
3. The difference between operating from love vs. operating from fear
4. Why vulnerability is strength, not weakness
5. How culture affects not just performance — but families and communities
6. Why ending fear culture is a leadership choice

Shaunna challenges leaders to put the armor down. Step out from behind the desk. Drop the title. Be human.

Because love isn’t soft.

Love raises the bar.

Love builds high-performance teams.

If you lead a team — in tech, manufacturing, or anywhere — this conversation may challenge you.

The real question is simple:

Are you leading from fear… or from love?

In this Tech Bytes clip, executive coach and former Fortune 500 leader Shaunna Black shares the strategy that changed her career — building allies outside the room.

As one of the few women in leadership at Texas Instruments, Shaunna explains:

1. Why competing in the room doesn’t work
2. How to find safe, trusted teammates The Japanese concept of nemawashi
3. How to create informal alliances
4. What to do when your ideas get ignored

Instead of fighting for attention in the moment, Shaunna shows how pre-work relationships can shift power dynamics and make sure your voice is heard.

If you’ve ever felt invisible in meetings…

If you’re navigating tough leadership rooms…

This one’s for you.

But executive coach and former Fortune 500 leader Shaunna Black says leadership starts somewhere… deeper relationships.

In this Tech Legacies conversation, Shaunna explains why “the relationship is the container” and how leaders shape culture moment by moment through behavior, not slogans.

You’ll learn:

• Why leaders are “climate makers”

• How trust creates unstoppable teams

• What middle managers misunderstand about leadership

• Why removing toxic behavior matters more than talent

• How belonging drives performance, retention, and growth

When people feel safe, seen, and valued, they don’t just work harder. They care about each other.

And that changes everything.

If you want stronger culture, higher performance, and real loyalty, this conversation is for you.

In this Tech Bytes clip, executive coach and former Fortune 500 leader Shaunna Black breaks down what she’s really seeing in today’s tech landscape, and why trust inside organizations is eroding.

Shaunna shares:

Why tech feels more uncertain than ever

How companies are using “AI” as a cover story

The impact of layoffs on trust and culture

Why cutting training is a long-term mistake

What young workers will remember about this moment

She also calls out the growing gap between AI hype and actual adoption, and why leaders need to communicate with more honesty and humanity.

If you’re navigating change, layoffs, or uncertainty at work… this one hits close to home.

In this conversation, executive coach and former Fortune 500 leader Shaunna Black shares what she’s seeing inside organizations today and why trust between companies and employees is quietly breaking.

We talk about:

• Why companies say “AI” when the real issue is economic fear

• The dangerous shift away from training and developing people

• How leaders unintentionally destroy trust during uncertainty

• Why younger workers will remember how companies acted in this moment

• The difference between efficiency and humanity at work

Shaunna also explains why leadership is still about people, not technology and why connection, empathy, and courage matter more in an AI world, not less.

If work has felt colder, more transactional, or uncertain lately… this conversation will resonate.

In this episode of Tech Legacies Podcast, host Fanny Dunagan sits down with executive coach, speaker and former Fortune 500 leader, Shaunna Black to explore what it really means to lead with heart in today’s high-tech, high-pressure world.

From running global operations and semiconductor manufacturing plants to coaching executives, Shaunna shares why connection, trust, and humanity are not “soft skills” but rather the foundation of high performance.

Together, they unpack:

• Why people (not metrics) drive results
• How middle managers shape culture every day
• What great bosses, teachers, and coaches have in common
• Why trust is the secret to unstoppable teams
• How to drop the armor and lead as your authentic self
• Why love belongs in leadership conversations

Shaunna also shares insights from her new book, Leading With Heart, and why now, more than ever, we need leaders who create safety, belonging, and purpose at work.

If you’ve ever felt “too soft” to lead…

If you’ve worked under a toxic boss…

If you want to build a culture people want to be part of…

👉 This conversation is for you.

_____________________________

Connect with Shaunna on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunnablack/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/tech-legacies/id1704049511

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/461kEaQZGqHoAl1nv3W4qe?si=a74e94fa09264828

📖 Get the book: Leading With Heart by Shaunna Black

https://a.co/d/04KcB9yA

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you

-------------------------------------------

Timestamps:

01:19 Welcome: CEOs & CIOs—How to Lead with Heart in Tech

01:51 Meet Shauna Black: Heart-Centered Executive Coach + Author

02:33 Shauna’s Career Origin Story: Teacher → Mechanical Engineer → Tech Leader

03:58 Texas Instruments Leadership Journey: Global Ops, EHS, and Turnarounds

05:23 The Toughest Assignment: Turning Around TI’s Worst Wafer Fab (18-Month Deadline)

06:47 Why Heart-Centered Leadership Works in Command-and-Control Environments

07:11 Inside-Out Leadership: Family Values, Sports Teams, Teaching, and Service

08:57 Leading “Your Way”: Why Authentic Leadership Beats Copying the Hierarchy

10:49 Women in Leadership + Athletics + All-Girls Schools: Confidence and Capacity

12:36 The 2025–2026 Tech Climate: Uncertainty, Cost-Cutting, and AI Narratives

14:01 The Trust Crisis: Why Young People Will Remember This Era

16:05 Why She Wrote “Leading with Heart”: People Aren’t Replaceable Parts

18:48 Empathy Isn’t Weakness: Leadership = Results Through People

19:45 Best Boss Test: Connection, Belonging, and Feeling Seen

21:55 Chapter 1—Self-Awareness: The Power of Knowing Yourself

23:10 You’re Unique on Purpose: Identity, Gifts, and Leading from Wholeness

24:56 The Return-to-Yourself Journey: Unburying the Heart at Work

26:28 Your Superpower: Relational Leadership, Love, and Deep Connection

29:34 High Performance Through Care: Accountability Without Shame

32:29 Starting When It Doesn’t Feel Safe: Owning Your Story + Finding Courage

34:51 Nemawashi: Building Alliances Outside the Room (Influence Without Armor)

38:10 Your Energy Enters First: Self-Awareness and Emotional Spillover

41:01 The People Who Know You Best: Family + Work “Second Families”

42:03 Chapter 3—Who Are We Together?: Relationships as the Container

44:00 Culture in Action: Inclusion, Stopping Bullying, and What Leaders Allow

46:50 Middle Managers: The Toughest Job + Being the Team’s Climate Maker

49:25 From Doer to Leader: Multipliers, Removing Barriers, Unleashing Talent

52:02 Moving to the C-Suite: Vision, Strategy, and Playing at the Next Level

55:26 Trust = Safety: The Foundation of High-Trust, High-Growth Cultures

57:40 Trust Ripples: From 1:1 to Unstoppable Teams and Strong Culture

59:30 Build the Culture Now: One Person at a Time—Choose Love

1:01:14 Love vs Fear: The Simplest Leadership Decision

1:02:53 Manufacturing Myth-Busting: Semiconductor Precision as the Ultimate Team Sport

1:06:47 Love and Legacy: Healing Teams, Better Homes, Better Communities

1:11:30 Legacy Statement: Love + Authenticity + Bringing Humanity Back to Work

What if the most powerful leadership tool isn’t AI… but your heart?

In this episode of Tech Legacies Podcast, host Fanny Dunagan sits down with executive coach, speaker and former Fortune 500 leader, Shaunna Black to explore what it really means to lead with heart in today’s high-tech, high-pressure world.

From running global operations and semiconductor manufacturing plants to coaching executives, Shaunna shares why connection, trust, and humanity are not “soft skills” but rather the foundation of high performance.

Together, they unpack:

• Why people (not metrics) drive results
• How middle managers shape culture every day
• What great bosses, teachers, and coaches have in common
• Why trust is the secret to unstoppable teams
• How to drop the armor and lead as your authentic self
• Why love belongs in leadership conversations

Connect with Shaunna on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunnablack/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/tech-legacies/id1704049511

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/461kEaQZGqHoAl1nv3W4qe?si=a74e94fa09264828

📖 Get the book: Leading With Heart by Shaunna Black

https://a.co/d/04KcB9yA

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonated with you

-------------------------------------------

Timestamps:

01:19 Welcome: CEOs & CIOs—How to Lead with Heart in Tech

01:51 Meet Shauna Black: Heart-Centered Executive Coach + Author

02:33 Shauna’s Career Origin Story: Teacher → Mechanical Engineer → Tech Leader

03:58 Texas Instruments Leadership Journey: Global Ops, EHS, and Turnarounds

05:23 The Toughest Assignment: Turning Around TI’s Worst Wafer Fab (18-Month Deadline)

06:47 Why Heart-Centered Leadership Works in Command-and-Control Environments

07:11 Inside-Out Leadership: Family Values, Sports Teams, Teaching, and Service

08:57 Leading “Your Way”: Why Authentic Leadership Beats Copying the Hierarchy

10:49 Women in Leadership + Athletics + All-Girls Schools: Confidence and Capacity

12:36 The 2025–2026 Tech Climate: Uncertainty, Cost-Cutting, and AI Narratives

14:01 The Trust Crisis: Why Young People Will Remember This Era

16:05 Why She Wrote “Leading with Heart”: People Aren’t Replaceable Parts

18:48 Empathy Isn’t Weakness: Leadership = Results Through People

19:45 Best Boss Test: Connection, Belonging, and Feeling Seen

21:55 Chapter 1—Self-Awareness: The Power of Knowing Yourself

23:10 You’re Unique on Purpose: Identity, Gifts, and Leading from Wholeness

24:56 The Return-to-Yourself Journey: Unburying the Heart at Work

26:28 Your Superpower: Relational Leadership, Love, and Deep Connection

29:34 High Performance Through Care: Accountability Without Shame

32:29 Starting When It Doesn’t Feel Safe: Owning Your Story + Finding Courage

34:51 Nemawashi: Building Alliances Outside the Room (Influence Without Armor)

38:10 Your Energy Enters First: Self-Awareness and Emotional Spillover

41:01 The People Who Know You Best: Family + Work “Second Families”

42:03 Chapter 3—Who Are We Together?: Relationships as the Container

44:00 Culture in Action: Inclusion, Stopping Bullying, and What Leaders Allow

46:50 Middle Managers: The Toughest Job + Being the Team’s Climate Maker

49:25 From Doer to Leader: Multipliers, Removing Barriers, Unleashing Talent

52:02 Moving to the C-Suite: Vision, Strategy, and Playing at the Next Level

55:26 Trust = Safety: The Foundation of High-Trust, High-Growth Cultures

57:40 Trust Ripples: From 1:1 to Unstoppable Teams and Strong Culture

59:30 Build the Culture Now: One Person at a Time—Choose Love

1:01:14 Love vs Fear: The Simplest Leadership Decision

1:02:53 Manufacturing Myth-Busting: Semiconductor Precision as the Ultimate Team Sport

1:06:47 Love and Legacy: Healing Teams, Better Homes, Better Communities

1:11:30 Legacy Statement: Love + Authenticity + Bringing Humanity Back to Work

1:15:20 Closing: Subscribe + Book Release Timing + Tech CXO Excellence Program

Ashish Barve shares a deliciously memorable framework, called PIE: Performance, Image, Exposure. Learn how this trio has guided his journey from programmer to executive, and why each slice of the “PIE” matters at every level of your career.

Ashish breaks down:

Why performance alone isn’t enough

How to build a reputation that sticks

The power of exposure… and how to get it

If you’re stuck in the “what’s next?” phase of your tech career, this short episode offers real talk, relatable advice, and a simple framework you won’t forget.

Watch now and grab your slice of the PIE.

In this episode, Ashish Barve reflects on the childhood curiosity that sparked his engineering journey and how that same problem-solving mindset carried him from hands-on technical work to executive leadership.

Ashish breaks down the PIE framework (Performance, Image, Exposure) and explains why performance alone isn’t enough to reach the VP or C-suite level.

He also shares why broad, cross-functional experience matters more than early specialization, how trust and reputation are built over time, and what mentoring and sponsorship truly look like in real organizations.

This conversation is especially valuable for:

• Mid-level technologists aiming for senior leadership
• Professionals navigating visibility, branding, and influence
• Early-career talent wondering how AI changes the future of work

Leaders who want to grow without losing curiosity, creativity, and humanity

A must-watch if you’re asking, “What does it really take to move from manager to executive in tech?”

In this Tech Bytes clip from the Tech Leaders Untold podcast, Ashish Barve breaks down what the rise of AI really means for people working in supply chain and manufacturing. Spoiler: it’s not about replacement. It’s about empowerment.

Ashish explains why the companies that thrive will be the ones that train their talent to leverage AI, not fear it. He shares how his own daughter is learning to use tools like ChatGPT, and how that mindset needs to extend to shop floors, planning departments, and beyond.

You’ll learn:

What types of hybrid physical/digital roles are emerging

How AI can improve demand forecasting and where humans still matter

Why critical thinking and adaptability are future-proof skills

Want the full story? Watch the complete episode for a deep dive into Ashish’s leadership journey and the evolving relationship between technology and talent.

In this Tech Bytes segment, Ashish Barve breaks down a clear, practical framework for building strong business cases that can stand up to executive and board scrutiny.

Ashish explains that every successful tech business case comes down to three essentials:

• A clear business objective

• Strong alignment with company strategy

• Tangible, measurable value

From improving forecast accuracy and shop floor efficiency to aligning technology with broader business goals, this conversation cuts through the “shiny new tool” mindset and focuses on what actually drives approval and impact.

Fanny Dunagan also explores how this framework applies not just to large enterprises, but to mid-size companies and manufacturers with tighter budgets and fewer resources. The takeaway: when cash is limited, clarity on objective, strategy, and value becomes even more critical.

If you’re a CIO, IT leader, supply chain executive, or business leader evaluating technology investments, this segment offers a practical lens you can use immediately.

In this Tech Bytes clip from the ‪@techlegacies‬ podcast, Ashish Barve shares what it takes to build analytics teams that actually drive business results, not just dashboards. From his early work at P&G’s Target team to today’s supply chain shifts, Ashish breaks down how data-driven decision-making has evolved and what’s coming next.

You’ll hear how AI is changing the roles of people on the manufacturing floor, what skills tomorrow’s workforce will need, and why the future isn’t people or machines… but people with machines.

You’ll learn:

• What leaders really asked for in weekly retail analytics meetings
• Why data-driven doesn’t just mean “more dashboards”
• What new human roles will emerge in AI-powered supply chains
• Why human intelligence is still critical in an AI world

Watch the full episode for more insights from Ashish’s leadership journey across supply chain, tech, and talent.

In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving role of IT and supply chain leadership with Ashish Barve, exploring why being “bilingual” in both business and technology is no longer optional—it’s essential.

From demand forecasting and analytics to automation, robotics, and AI, this conversation unpacks how modern IT organizations have evolved from back-office support teams into value-driving, consultative partners across the enterprise.

You’ll hear real-world examples from manufacturing, retail, and supply chain operations, including:

• Why understanding the business context makes technology far more effective

• How analytics teams evolved from dashboard builders to strategic insight partners

• Lessons learned from supply chain disruptions during COVID

• How AI is improving demand forecasting accuracy and shop floor productivity

• Where robotics, AR, and automation are already transforming operations

• Common misconceptions leaders have about AI—and how to set realistic expectations

• What new human roles will emerge in an AI-enabled supply chain world

Ashish also shares a grounded, human perspective on the future of work, explaining why AI isn’t about replacing people—but empowering them to do higher-value work.

If you’re a CIO, IT leader, supply chain executive, or business leader navigating digital transformation, this conversation will give you practical insight into how technology can drive real business outcomes—today and in the years ahead.

You’ll hear about:

-The real-world impact of improving forecasting by just 5%

-Why supply chain success is about people, not just products

-How AI can both empower and frustrate if expectations aren't aligned

-The importance of being “bilingual” in both business and technology

-What it means to build your personal brand as a tech leader

-Mentorship, peer support, and building trust across every level

If you're a tech leader navigating complexity, or building a team that does, this conversation is packed with lessons you don’t want to miss.

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Connect with Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Connect with Ashish Barve on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishbarve/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

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Timestamps:

00:00 – From the Shop Floor to CIO: Ashish Barve’s Global Tech Journey

01:03 – Starting on the Manufacturing Shop Floor and Entering IT

02:26 – Building Analytics Organizations at Honeywell and Ecolab

03:29 – Leading Digital Supply Chain at a Fortune 10 Company (McKesson)

04:42 – Why CIOs Must Be “Bilingual” in Business and Technology

05:55 – IT as a Value Driver: Revenue, Cost, and Capital Efficiency

06:10 – Why IT Has Become a Strategic Business Partner

07:12 – Common Business Challenges Across Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain

08:11 – The #1 Supply Chain Problem: Demand Forecasting and Demand Variability

09:30 – Why Productivity Gains Matter Most on the Shop Floor

10:05 – From Dashboards to Insights: The Evolution of Analytics Teams

11:16 – How Data-Driven Decisions Prevent Lost Sales

12:34 – Why Empty Shelves Destroy Customer Trust

13:38 – AI in Supply Chain: Where It Actually Creates Value

14:06 – Improving Forecast Accuracy by 5–10% with AI

15:29 – Automation, AR/VR, and Reducing Human Error on the Shop Floor

17:13 – Robotics and the Future of Distribution Centers

17:41 – AI Hype vs Reality: Managing Expectations

18:23 – When Will AI Truly Run Supply Chains?

19:43 – Why AI Is About Augmentation, Not Replacement

22:58 – New Human Roles in an AI-Driven Supply Chain

24:44 – Why Humans Still Correct AI Forecasts

26:28 – How CIOs Build Business Cases for AI and ERP Investments

27:14 – The 3 Pillars of Every Successful Business Case

28:59 – Why Tech Fails When It’s Chasing Shiny Objects

30:21 – Enterprise vs Mid-Market: Different Investment Strategies

31:47 – When Technology Becomes a Cost Center

32:23 – What CIOs Look for in Consulting and Technology Partners

33:14 – Time, Money, and Proven Delivery: Vendor Differentiation

35:01 – Why Culture and Ways of Working Matter in Partnerships

38:34 – Childhood Curiosity and the Mindset of a Problem Solver

39:49 – Why Obsession with the Problem Matters More Than the Tool

42:46 – The PIE Career Framework: Performance, Image, Exposure

44:09 – Why Performance Alone Is Not Enough

46:40 – How Technologists Build Brand, Trust, and Visibility

48:25 – Why Cross-Functional Experience Is Critical for the C-Suite

50:10 – Becoming the ‘Orchestrator’ at the Executive Level

52:34 – Mentorship vs Sponsorship: What Accelerates Careers

55:53 – AI, Creativity, and the Future Workforce

57:05 – Why Creativity and Critical Thinking Still Matter

01:02:29 – What Success Really Means: Professional, Personal, and Family

01:07:26 – Defining a Tech Legacy: People Results Over Technology

In this segment of Tech Legacies podcast, Gaurav Shekhar, Associate Dean at UT Dallas, explains the irreplaceable role of universities: not just to teach skills, but to develop independent thinkers who can solve tomorrow’s problems, even ones we haven’t even defined yet.

He also shares:

• Why corporate training and bootcamps can’t replace the big-picture thinking cultivated in universities
• How academic-industry partnerships with companies like Tableau and Alteryx build real-world readiness
• The power of gamified competitions to build confidence, teamwork, and industry-level problem-solving skills

Whether you're a student, educator, or lifelong learner, this conversation will change how you think about higher education and how it prepares future tech leaders.

In this thoughtful exchange, Gaurav Shekhar, Associate Dean at UT Dallas, explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education, the future of work, and our understanding of what only humans can do. From AI’s historical roots to its sudden leap into mass adoption, he shares why we’re now in the “golden age of AI” and why embracing it responsibly is essential.

Topics include:

Why AI isn’t new… but it is newly accessible

How educators are rethinking AI use across different types of courses

The meaning of “responsible AI” in legal, social, and ethical terms

How AI is helping us rediscover the value of human connection

Watch this clip to hear how Gaurav is preparing students for a future shaped by AI but still powered by humanity.

Gaurav Shekhar, Associate Dean at UT Dallas, reflects on how growing up in India shaped his leadership style, his love of experimentation, and his passion for bridging academia with industry. In this episode of Tech Legacies Podcast, Gaurav shares personal stories of fearless curiosity, supportive teachers, and why he now walks into meetings without a pitch deck… and leaves with a mission.

You’ll hear:

• Why childhood encouragement matters more than we realize
• How to start powerful conversations with just one question
• The value of showing up without a script and leading with purpose

In our interview series Tech Leaders Untold, Fanny Dunagan sits down with Gaurav Shekhar, Associate Dean at the University of Texas at Dallas. He shares what higher education really teaches and why confidence, independent thinking, and real-world connections matter more now than ever.

We dive into:

✅ The “confidence gap” no one talks about in school

✅ How universities can stay relevant in the age of AI

✅ The power of mentorship and bridging academia with industry

📌 Whether you're a student, mid-career professional, or industry leader, this episode will challenge your assumptions about education, talent, and the future of work.

-----------------------------

Connect with Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Connect with Gaurav Shekhar on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravshekhar/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

-----------------------------

In this segment from Tech Leaders Untold, former 7-Eleven and Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes lays out a bold, scalable plan to reimagine American education: an Education Operating System (EOS).

Just like Apple’s iOS unlocked a world of innovation, Jim argues that EOS could create universal access to high-quality learning tools, individualized education for every student, and real-time connections between students, teachers, and edtech providers; all while ensuring privacy, security, and interoperability.

You’ll hear:

• Why 13,000 different school systems create a broken, fragmented experience
• How a national EOS could level the playing field for every learner and educator
• What real personalized learning looks like in an AI-enabled classroom
• How EOS could bridge the digital divide and increase third-grade literacy nationwide
• Why Jim believes we need a modern-day JFK-style moonshot to make this happen

If you care about the future of education, AI in the classroom, or building a more equitable system for all, this conversation will inspire you.

In this segment of Tech Legacies podcast, former 7-Eleven and Blockbuster CEO, Jim Keyes shares how 7-Eleven Japan quietly became one of the world’s most advanced retail operations… decades before data-driven retail became trendy.

Jim explains how, even in the 1990s, 7-Eleven Japan was using real-time data and logistics to deliver fresh food multiple times a day, manage precise inventory forecasts, and empower store managers to adapt based on real customer insights, not just algorithms.

More than just a story about innovation, it’s a lesson in how technology should enhance, not replace, human intelligence.

You’ll learn:

• How 7-Eleven Japan used data warehousing before it was cool
• Why logistics + local insight = retail magic
• What U.S. convenience stores still get wrong
• Why the future of retail blends AI with the eyes and ears of the people on the ground

If you're into retail innovation, leadership, or tech culture in Japan, this story will surprise and inspire you.

In this TECH BYTE clip from Tech Leaders Untold, Jim reveals what really happened behind the scenes: how Blockbuster was actually ahead of its time in streaming, why a potential deal with Enron could have changed entertainment forever, and why Netflix’s $50 million offer wasn’t the sure bet history makes it out to be.

He also shares the lost story of Blockbuster's Total Access, a hybrid DVD-by-mail and in-store exchange model that beat Netflix’s convenience long before streaming took off.

What went wrong? Bandwidth. Timing. And the 2008 financial collapse that crushed the company’s transformation just as it began.

If you think you know the Blockbuster story, think again.

You’ll learn:

• Why Blockbuster’s tech strategy was years ahead of competitors
• The untold role of Enron and Movielink in early streaming
• Why Netflix wasn’t the obvious winner in 2000
• How timing and perception shaped one of the biggest myths in business

Topics include:

• AI and the future of decision-making
• Lessons from Blockbuster’s misunderstood collapse
• Empowering frontline workers with tech (not replacing them)
• The cultural pressures that keep people from standing out
• Why the U.S. needs a national education operating system
• How astronauts and CEOs experience the “overview effect”

Jim shares his inspiring journey from a small-town upbringing to leading major corporations, highlighting the role of curiosity, resilience, and education in his success. They discuss the transformative potential of technology in retail and education, including Jim's innovative proposal for an Education Operating System (EOS) to revolutionize learning globally. The episode also delves into Jim's passion for aviation and the broader lessons he draws from the aerospace field. Join this insightful conversation to learn how education and technology can shape a better future.

00:00 Introduction to the Tech Leaders Untold Podcast

01:24 Meet Jim Keyes: A Modern Renaissance Man

06:00 Jim's Early Life and the Power of Education

15:58 The Journey from McDonald's to Corporate Success

21:18 Embracing Change at 7-Eleven

32:01 The Blockbuster Era: Challenges and Innovations

39:50 The Power of Education and Personal Responsibility

40:21 Inspiration Behind the Book Title

42:50 The Role of Fear in Education

48:24 A Vision for a Unified Education Operating System

51:07 The Potential of Technology in Education

01:01:40 Micro-Scholarships and Gamifying Education

01:04:49 Aviation and Personal Passions

01:14:12 Reflections on Legacy and Inspiration

01:16:59 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

If you're a tech leader, educator, innovator, or lifelong learner, this episode will change how you think about leadership and what it means to build a better future.

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Connect with Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Connect with Jim Keyes on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-keyes-a0947215/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

-----------------------------

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:00 Why They Call Him the “Corporate Yoda” of Leadership and Innovation

04:15 How Curiosity Became the Secret Weapon Behind Every Great Leader

06:43 From Poverty to CEO: The Power of Education to Change a Life

10:36 Teachers, Mentorship & the Unsung Heroes Who Shape the Future

16:06 What he's learned About Leadership, Grit & Excellence

18:45 The Hard Truth: Why Standing Out at Work Makes People Uncomfortable

23:05 Change = Opportunity: The Mindset Every CEO Needs in Times of Disruption

25:51 How 7-Eleven Japan Used Data & Technology to Revolutionize Retail

34:49 Thank you to our sponsor, CG Infinity

32:33 The Real Reason Blockbuster Failed (And Netflix Had Nothing to Do with It)

40:18 How AI and Tech Can Fix America’s Broken Education System

48:34 Inside the Vision: America’s “Education Operating System” (EOS) Explained

55:00 A JFK Moment for Education: The Moonshot for 100% Literacy

1:05:19 Flying at 45,000 Feet: Lessons on Perspective, Purpose & Legacy

1:14:20 My Legacy: Why Knowledge, Curiosity & Faith Still Matter in the AI Age

1:19:14 Closing Thoughts & Tech CXO Launchpad

Meet Tech Titans, North Texas’ leading technology trade association. From its telecom roots in 1994 to today’s thriving community of AI, cybersecurity, and innovation leaders, Tech Titans has become the hub for connection, collaboration, and growth.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Paul Bendel, Executive Director of Tech Titans on how they:

🔹 Bring tech professionals together through powerful networking and industry forums

🔹 Support entrepreneurs with innovation programs and education

🔹 Inspire the next generation with a STEM initiative that’s reached 20,000+ students

🔹 Celebrate excellence with the Tech Titans Awards Gala, drawing 500+ leaders annually

If you’re a tech professional, entrepreneur, or executive, this is your gateway to the people and programs shaping the future of technology in North Texas and beyond.

👉 Watch now to discover how Tech Titans continues to build networks, leaders, and future talent.

-----------------------------

Connect with Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Connect with Paul Bendel of Tech Titans, https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-bendel-7938119/

Learn more about Tech Titans at https://techtitans.org/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Gone are the days when CIOs and CTOs were simply the smartest people in the room. Today’s tech leaders must be conductors—orchestrating vendors, partners, and specialist teams across AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and beyond.

In this conversation, Trude Van Horn and Kris Fitzgerald share why the modern Tech C-Suite is:

🔹 Orchestrators, not executors – aligning people, processes, and technology

🔹 Wearing multiple hats – finance, risk, and legal alongside technology

🔹 Moving from reactive to proactive – advising CEOs on innovation and business models

🔹 Inspiring teams – building trust, alignment, and the courage to innovate

The CIO and CTO roles are no longer about doing—it’s about leading, inspiring, and balancing the risks of disruption with the demands of reliability.

👉 Watch now to uncover how the Tech C-Suite is evolving, and what skills will define the next generation of technology leaders.

In this episode:

• The role of the CIO and CTO has transformed from keeping systems running to shaping the future of entire organizations
• Host Fanny Dunagan sits down with three seasoned leaders to unpack the evolution of the Tech C-Suite:

Gertrude Van Horn – SVP & CIO at Cien.ai, Former CIO at NCH Corporation

Kris Fitzgerald – COO at Unknot.id, Former CTO at NTT DATA Services

Paul Bendel – Executive Director of Tech Titans, the leading technology association in North Texas

Together, they explore how today’s tech leaders must master more than technology. They must be orchestrators, communicators, and visionaries guiding CEOs and boards through rapid change.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why CIOs and CTOs are now strategic drivers, not back-office operators
• How AI is reshaping leadership, strategy, and culture
• The new balance between risk, innovation, and business outcomes
• Why soft skills like vulnerability, curiosity, and communication matter more than ever
• How Tech Titans organization is fueling North Texas innovation, forging powerful connections, and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders

The conversation blends decades of C-suite experience with future-focused insights on AI, orchestration, and leadership. If you want to understand what it really takes to thrive in the evolving tech ecosystem, this episode is a must-watch.

Whether you’re a CIO, CTO, aspiring leader, or part of the North Texas technology community, you’ll walk away with practical lessons and a renewed perspective on the human side of tech leadership.

-----------------------------

Connect with Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Connect with Gertrude Van Horn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gertrudevanhorn/

Connect with Kris Fitzgerald on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-fitzgerald-baa72/

Connect with Paul Bendel on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-bendel-7938119/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

--------------------------

📖 Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Augmenting, Not Annihilating Your Intelligence

00:50 – Welcome to Tech Leaders Untold Podcast x Tech Titans

02:16 – Meet the Tech C-Suite Leaders

04:39 – The CIO Role 20 Years Ago

06:02 – From Back Office to Boardroom

07:24 – Data Centers to the Cloud

09:05 – Build or Buy? Lessons from the Past

10:31 – Why 80% of AI Projects Fail

12:09 – The Modern CIO: The Art of Orchestration

14:03 – From Smartest in the Room to Chief Orchestrator

16:12 – Culture Is the Real Strategy

17:46 – Leading Change in the AI Era

19:05 – Curiosity and Vulnerability in Leadership

23:36 – Teaching, Mentorship & Lifelong Learning

25:13 – Skills Every Tech Leader Needs by 2030

26:07 – Facing Self-Doubt in the C-Suite

28:25 – Overcoming Self-Doubt Through Collaboration

29:39 – Inside Tech Titans: North Texas’ Tech Powerhouse

30:37 – The Four Pillars of Tech Titans

34:39 – Why In-Person Networking Still Matters

38:07 – How to Learn AI in 30 Minutes a Day

40:23 – AI Hype vs. Reality: What’s Working Now

43:28 – Quantum Computing: The Next Big Leap

45:21 – Building Human Connection in a Digital World

49:09 – How Gen Z Views AI and Networking

51:47 – Why Networking Still Builds Careers

53:31 – Rapid-Fire Leadership Lessons

55:32 – Final Advice for Future CIOs & CTOs

57:07 – Closing Thoughts & Tech CXO Launchpad

In this episode, we dive into: Fanny Dunagan, CEO of PathLynks, steps into the hot seat to reveal the surprising twists, tough lessons, and untold stories behind her journey.

From civil engineer to entrepreneur, from quiet immigrant kid to bold storyteller, Fanny shares how she turned painful career setbacks into growth, built PathLynks into a thriving content agency, and created Tech Legacies to spotlight courageous tech leaders.

This isn’t just a career journey. It’s a playbook for every leader who’s ever wondered: "What if I stopped hiding?"

You’ll also discover:

– The career moment that nearly broke her (and what she learned)

– How video became her secret “trust accelerator”

– Why visibility, not perfection, drives opportunity in tech

– The childhood story that shaped her voice as a leader

This isn’t just a story about career success. It’s about visibility, vulnerability, and leading with authenticity. If you’re a tech professional, leader, or someone reinventing your career, this episode will leave you rethinking how you show up, lead, and tell your story.

-----------------------------

Connect with Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Connect with Dan Sieger on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielsieger/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

-------------------------------

📖 Episode Chapters

00:00 – Intro: Flipping the Script on Tech Leaders

00:03 – Why Every Leader Must Be Seen and Heard

01:35 – How PathLynks Was Born from a Job Fair

04:48 – First Big Break in Tech Consulting

07:57 – From Self-Promotion to Powerful Idea Promotion

09:15 – Why Tech Professionals Deserve a Seat at the Table

11:59 – How Video Became the Ultimate Career Growth Tool

15:21 – Video as the Fastest Trust-Building Accelerator

18:15 – Storytelling + Video: The Secret to Influence

21:25 – The Untold Story Behind Tech Legacies Podcast

24:16 – Childhood Lessons That Shape Tech Leaders

26:36 – Finding Your Voice (and Helping Others Do the Same)

28:12 – How Technology Changed My Family’s Future Forever

30:38 – The Guest Who Taught Me to Dream Bigger

33:14 – My Toughest Career Setback (and What It Taught Me)

36:27 – Toys, Tech, and the Magic of Storytelling

39:43 – Why I Build Lego Sets to Relax and Recharge

41:12 – Redefining Success: Why Time Freedom Matters Most

43:38 – My Legacy: Helping Every Voice Be Seen and Heard

45:33 – Exclusive: Tech CXO Excellence Program for Future Leaders

• Artecia's journey from customer service to leading data and AI governance at AT&T
• How pattern recognition and curiosity led to uncovering a major fraud ring
• The importance of stakeholder engagement and checks and balances in AI governance
• Lessons on pitching projects to executives and building productive relationships
• Advice for the next generation of tech professionals and insights on the future of AI in telecom

Tune in to get actionable career advice and insider perspectives on technology leadership!

Connect with Artecia Wilson on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/artecia-wilson-a2726683/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Timestamps:

00:00 – 🔍 Intro

00:49 – 🎧 Welcome to Tech Legacies

01:22 – 🏁 Her 29-Year AT&T Journey Begins

02:18 – 💡 Falling in Love with Tech

02:54 – 🌍 Leading Global Data Governance

03:56 – 📞 Legacy Tech: Calling Cards & Landlines

05:18 – 🧠 Pattern Recognition Uncovers Fraud

07:21 – 🔄 Reverse Engineering for Insight

08:50 – 🧽 Cleaning Lessons = Life Framework

09:55 – 🔎 Fueling Curiosity from Childhood

12:06 – 👥 Collaboration & Innovation at Work

13:33 – 🧭 Guiding Principles for AI Governance

14:47 – 💬 How to Pitch to Executives

18:09 – 🧳 Navy Brat = Corporate Agility

20:12 – ❤️ People Skills: See, Hear, Value Others

21:08 – 🎭 From Painfully Shy to Big Personality

22:39 – 🌐 Multilingual Roots & Cultural Insight

23:09 – 🎙️ Inspiring the Next Generation

24:41 – 🧠 Her Top 3 Career Tips

25:44 – 💪 Courage to Take Initiative

27:01 – 🌟 Mentorship & Milestone Moments

28:10 – 🧠 Telecom Trends & Generative AI

29:09 – 🤝 The Human Touch in Tech

30:09 – ☕ A Role That Changed Everything

32:09 – ⚙️ Building Remote Monitoring Systems

33:32 – 🧱 Her Legacy: Tangible, Lasting Impact

34:55 – 🧠 The Power of Curiosity & Collaboration

35:47 – 🚀 About Tech CXO Excellence Program

Vidhya Seran is the Associate Director of Future Technology at Verizon.

We explore how multimodal AI—combining video, audio, and text—is transforming industries like security, telecom, and transportation. Our guest shares use cases and explains how AI is being used not just for productivity, but to enhance real human experiences.

But this episode isn’t just about tech—it’s about breaking industry norms. You’ll hear powerful insights on:

• Why working at startups can accelerate your career
• How to build a meaningful career without chasing titles
• Why having fun at work is more than just a nice-to-have—it's essential
• How failure and risk-taking are underrated superpowers in tech

If you’ve ever felt boxed in by traditional career expectations—or you’re curious about where AI is really headed—this episode will challenge your mindset and inspire you to lead on your own terms.

Connect with Vidhya on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/vseran/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

00:51 - Guest Introduction Vidhya Sera

01:18 - Defining Future Technology

02:52 - Multimodal AI Research

04:07 - AI Use Case: Security Cameras

05:35 - AI in the Telecom Industry

07:40 - Vidhya's Background in AI

09:40 - Childhood Influences on Tech

13:33 - Startup Career Path

18:26 - Overcoming Fear of Failure

20:12 - Maintaining Faith in Career Choices

24:46 - Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking

25:21 - Having Fun at Work

29:34 - What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

32:19 - Conversation Card: Overcoming Fear

34:45 - Tech CXO Excellence Program

36:20 - Outro

Connect with Todd on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-kackley-564aba/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

00:00 Intro

01:16 guest Introduction Todd Kackley

01:27 What is Textron

03:28 Exciting Trends in Aerospace and Defense

04:19 Electric Aircrafts

12:15 Talent Gap in Airspace and Defense

17:57 CG Infinity

18:44 How did you end up in technology?

22:41 Technology will always take care of itself

24:00 Cancer Scare

30:56 How did you handle the challenges

32:50 What would you say to your team now

34:20 Did having cancer changed you as a leader?

36:08 Was work a blessing during that time?

37:25 Early Detection

38:59 Conversation Cards

41:10 Like and Subscribe

42:29 Tech CXO Excellence Program

43:39 Outro

Connect with Jacob on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobrmiles/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

02:16 Toys are not just for kids

03:01 Guest Introduction Jacob Miles

03:36 Jacob tell us about yourself

07:19 Did you ever think Star Wars will be that big?

08:31 Best advice you have ever received

09:46 When George Lucas came to you

11:29 How did you develop Strawberry Shortcake

15:42 6 Million Dollar Man and Bionic Woman

16:19 NBC video featuring Jacob Miles

19:57 Were the Star Wars Figures Injection Molded?

22:58 What was the lowest point in your career?

26:13 How do you see AI impacting the toy industry?

28:12 Boba Fett Prototype

32:42 How much did the Boba Fett prototype sell for?

34:32 Where do you see the future of the toy industry

36:54 Kenner Toy Catalog from 1985

37:59 The Care Bears

40:00 Star Wars Figure Catalog

42:19 Collector Coins

43:04 Light Saber Catalog

43:59 Toy Unboxing

44:38 Good Luck Bear

47:16 CG Infinity

49:04 Original Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Collector Case

52:40 The Christmas Story

58:18 What should they look for when collecting?

01:01:00 Outro

Edward Gustenhoven is the CIO of Dal-Tile LLC and former tech executive at Pabst Brewing Company, Deutsch Family Wine & spirits, Photronics and Diageo.

He had an unconventional path to becoming a tech leader - he started working in a computer room on the graveyard shift right out of high school, without going to college.

He emphasizes the importance of trust, integrity, and good communication when leading teams, especially during challenging projects like ERP implementations.

He advises against overthinking and paralysis by analysis, and instead advocates for having a clear plan and process while being flexible to change.

Connect with Edward on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/egustenhoven/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:42 Guest Introduction Edward Gustenhoven

01:10 What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

01:52 Untraditional Education Path

03:40 A day in the life of an 18 year old Edward

05:26 From a dark computer room to Tech Executive

07:01 We live in a cloud and software world

07:51 Low points in your career and how you overcome it?

08:32 Overthinking things

10:11 Top 3 ERP Lessons you have learned

11:22 How do you build trust?

12:59 Going from Fear Based to Trust and Integrity

14:14 CG Infinity

14:57 How do you hire someone you can trust?

16:49 How did you find your mentors?

20:04 What have you learned from the beverage industry?

22:00 What is the key to giving someone undivided attention?

24:36 What is the secret to a successful marriage and how it applies to work?

26:22 How do you handle self doubt and uncertainty?

27:16 Conversation cards

30:13 What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?

31:38 Tech CXO Excellence Program

33:57 Outro

Michael Anderson is the Deputy CTO and former CISO at Dallas Independent School District. We follow his career from being a Staff Sergeant to being a Network Manager in the military service, to being a WAN Technician, and eventually moving up to a technology executive.

Michael is also the Founder and CEO of Your Thought Life Mindset Coaching, where he helps clients overcome mindset challenges so they can achieve their goals, aspirations, and dreams. He's also the host of Your Thought Life MIndset Podcast which is one of the fastest up-and-coming mindset podcasts in the self-development space.

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourthoughtlife/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:34 Guest Introduction Michael Anderson

02:15 Pivotal Childhood Memory

04:55 Experience in the Armed Service

08:41 Piece of advice you got from the Armed Services

10:25 From Armed Services to Tech

13:00 CG Infinity

14:00 What was your first job in tech?

14:42 Are the Armed Services better in information security?

17:29 Mindset and Lifestyle coach

19:18 Top barrier for people to succeed

23:22 Work life balance in tech

26:27 Friday Night Ritual

30:15 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

31:32 Conversation Cards

36:25 Tech CXO Excellence Program

37:25 Outro

Sook Chua is a Partner at EY Americas Technology Consulting, Cloud Practice. Her career spans across consulting at IBM, PwC and Arthur Andersen.

Connect with Sook on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sook-chua/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:08 Guest Introduction Sook Chua

01:36 What is the best advice you have ever gotten?

05:03 What sparked your interest in technology?

06:42 How did you get into developer mode

07:55 Influence from Childhood

09:42 Consulting is not for the faint of heart

10:50 What is the best part of consulting?

12:25 What is the toughest part of consulting?

14:20 CG Infinity

15:07 Considering children

17:05 It takes a village

21:00 How do you find mentors

22:07 What's your take on AI?

24:10 Conversation Cards

27:26 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

30:03 Tech CXO Excellence Program

32:03 Outro

This episode, we talk to Gabby Everett, Director of Business Operations & Strategy and Site Head at BioLabs Pegasus Park - North Texas. BioLabs are the premier co-working spaces for life science startups — unique places where you can test, develop and grow your game-changing ideas. As entrepreneurs and investors ourselves, they have firsthand experience with the pain points biotech startups face. Their goal is to change how scientific entrepreneurs do business by building an ecosystem that empowers bio-innovators to grow quickly, while maximizing capital efficiency.

As a biotech hub developer, BioLabs Pegasus Park is partnering with accelerators, VC's, trade organizations, university technology commercialization offices, vendors, and corporate leaders to build a strong biotech ecosystem in North Texas.

Gabby is an experienced scientist, leader, innovator, and mentor with a demonstrated record of success in the biotechnology industry. Actively focused on making the world a better place, one scientific breakthrough at at time. As a scientific communicator and industry leader, her goal is to educate, excite, and empower stakeholders by sharing her passion for all things science!

Connect with Gabby on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabbykutyeverett/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:23 Guest Introduction Gabby Everett

01:49 What is the best advice you have ever gotten?

02:29 What is Biolabs?

04:02 What Fort Worth Dallas?

04:55 How did you start with biotech?

08:46 Let's break this down

10:30 From corporate to start up

12:55 Advise for people transitioning

13:35 Innovations at Biolabs

16:11 CG Infinity

17:56 Biolabs Images

18:49 What are the latest Biotech trends?

20:00 What is the hardest lesson you have learned?

23:35 How has networking helped you in your career?

24:54 What project are you most proud of?

24:42 What can you say to little girls interested in science

27:27 How to deal with failure

29:11 Conversation Cards

30:51 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

32:32 Tech CXO Excellence Program

34:24 Outro

Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklbenoit/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:59 Guest Introduction Patrick Benoit

01:21 What is the best advice you have ever gotten?

02:37 What sparked your interest in technology?

03:26 Moment in your childhood that made you decide in technology

07:16 What was another catalyst that was pivotal in your career?

08:23 How did you go from consulting back to corporate?

10:58 Leadership lessons

13:07 Pivoting to the right side of the brain

15:04 CG Infinity

17:14 How economics help you be a better leader

17:58 When you say yes to something your saying no to something else

18:37 Hobbies that helped you become a better leader.

22:07 Pilot license

24:46 You really have a thirst to learn

25:34 Leaning into discomfort

30:23 Practicing leadership

30:29 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

31:20 Conversation Cards

34:00 Tech CXO Excellence Program

35:32 Outro

Learn how her father inspired her to pursue a career in technology despite being a woman in India, 30 years ago, as well as her journey moving up the career ladder at McKesson, Cadbury, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Reddy Ice and now, Brink's Inc.

Connect with Neelu on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelusethi/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:34 Guest Introduction Neelu Sethi

01:17 What is the best advice you have ever gotten?

01:59 Talk is cheap

02:08 How did you get into technology?

06:59 New Job, New Country

09:23 What motivates you?

11:22 What factors contributed to your success?

14:53 CG Infinity

17:23 What keeps CIO's up at night?

18:55 What advise do you tell your team or mentees?

20:24 How do you approach a possible mentor?

23:29 Aggressive vs Soft Leadership

25:39 What are you most excited about as a CIO?

26:49 Tips for Delegation

28:09 Conversation Cards

32:46 Tech CXO Excellence Program

34:00 Outro

She's worked at top technology companies leading the global product development for 32 countries, consulted at Fortune 500 companies & served at industry-leading organizations including SAP, Oracle & large education orgs.

Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-mariappa-5624147/

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Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:50 Guest Introduction Lucy Mariappa

01:11 What is the best advice you have ever gotten?

01:39 Childhood Lessons

04:00 What is Courageous Leadership?

08:44 Crisis Management Mindset

12:14 Nurturing Creativity through Technology

14:20 CG Infinity

18:12 Merging Careers

19:32 What kept you going through the low points of your career?

21:49 Favorite topics to talk about

22:45 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

23:26 What would you say to your little self?

24:48 Conversation Cards

27:25 Tech CXO Excellence Program

29:00 Outro

Trey Smith has been the CIO at multiple firms across the chemical, finance and insurance industries.

On this episode, we discuss leadership lessons in dealing with IT and big business problems. Trey shares his background in technology and how he became interested in the field. He also talks about his first job and the stepping stones that led him to become a CIO. Trey emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the willingness to confront fear in order to grow as a leader. He also discusses the evolving role of the CIO and the need for leaders to have ethics, compassion, and fearlessness. Trey shares his perspective on toxic personalities in the workplace and the importance of creating a positive and supportive team environment. Finally, he reflects on his legacy and the importance of self-acceptance and positive thoughts.

Connect with Trey on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/trey-h-smith/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:45 Guest Introduction Trey Smith

01:18 Let's Start at the Beginning

02:50 What was your first job?

03:56 How did you get into tech?

05:59 How do you when to take the leap?

07:48 Emotional Intelligence vs Intellectual Intelligence

10:04 3 Leadership Traits We Need to Know

14:38 What does confronting fear looks like to you?

19:10 CG Infinity

20:00 Tips on presenting in front of CEOs, Board of Directors

25:23 How have the CIO role evolved in the last decade?

29:32 Personalities that hinder or help a company

32:40 How do you deal with toxic people?

34:56 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

35:41 Conversation Cards

39:07 Tech CXO Excellence Program

40:49 Outro

Cheryl Bevelle-Orange is the Divisional CIO at FedEx and she shares her career journey along with the tips, advice and lessons learned along the way.

Connect with Cheryl on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-bevelle-orange/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:32 Guest Introduction Cheryl Bevel Orange

01:16 What is the best advice you have ever gotten?

03:25 How do you find your authenticity?

05:37 How did you end up in this career in tech?

08:41 When you started on Fedex, what did you have?

09:39 What is your advice for navigating a tech career?

12:08 What is the difference between a mentor and a sponsor?

14:06 Any tips on how to find mentors and sponsors?

16:15 What project are you most proud of?

18:35 CG Infinity

19:26 What are the lessons you've learned during the low points of your career?

22:00 What did it take for you to become a Divisional CIO?

24:13 What is your advice for succession planning?

26:08 What do you look for in a successor?

27:29 Cheryl's Book

31:18 Conversation Cards

35:06 Tech CXO Excellence Program

36:17 Outro

Mike Youngs, the VP of IT at DFW Airport in Dallas-Fort Worth and former Deputy CIO at the Phoenix Airport discusses his career in airport technology and shares some insights and advice. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs of customers and providing value through technology. Mike also talks about his passion for airports and the thrill of travel. He mentions some cool tech trends at DFW Airport. Mike highlights the growth of air travel and the need for optimization and sustainability in airport operations. He shares his desire to leave a legacy of serving his family and customers. The podcast ends with a surprise question from a conversation card.

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn at  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-youngs-719a3012/

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Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:43 Guest Introduction Mike Youngs

01:19 What is the best career advice you have ever gotten?

02:59 What have you learned working in airports?

04:54 Do you still feel a thrill walking through airports?

06:11 What is your favorite airport?

07:38 What is sparked your passion for technology?

10:00 What is the secret to your success?

11:28 What are the low points in your career?

13:58 What do you do if you don't know the answer to a problem?

16:41 How big is your team?

16:55 CG Infinity

20:38 How do you select your project managers?

22:29 What cool tech is coming to DFW?

27:03 Partnership with the UK

28:47 What is the state of air travel now?

30:37 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

33:05 Conversation Cards

35:15 Tech CXO Excellence Program

36:36 Outro

He has provided digital forensic analysis in more than 2,100 court cases, 160 incident response engagements, 250 penetration tests, was appointed Special Master by the Court, sits on the Oklahoma City Community College Advisory Board, and is ACE, PCE, CCE, and GCFA certified.

Connect with Donovan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovan-farrow/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:34 Guest Introduction Donovan Farrow

01:00 What got you into cyber security?

02:05 What were the lessons you learned along the way?

04:03 What drove you to take those risks?

05:41 What are you most afraid of?

08:07 Balancing security and cautiousness

10:51 What is it like being a court room expert witness?

11:38 CG Infinity

13:00 Data Interpretation

13:59 How do you take emotions out of it?

15:24 How do you keep your optimism after what you've seen?

17:00 Giving back to the community

18:43 Tips for people who wants to get into cybersecurity

20:12 Tips for mid-level cybersecurity officers

22:52 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

24:30 Tech CXO Excellence Program

26:10 Outro

She leads massive reorganizations and transformations for industry titans. She is also known for building, mentoring, and empowering extraordinary teams that drive tremendous results.

Connect with Janet on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrroberts...

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Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:22 Guest Introduction Janet Robertson

00:45 What is the best advice you have received?

01:34 What is the lowest point in your career and how did you navigate that?

05:03 During that low point what is the turning point for you?

06:41 Balancing Soft Skills and Technical Skills

10:30 Was there something that prevented you from being a good leader?

13:39 How do you handle difficult topics?

15:45 CG Infinity

23:08 Tackling Mental Wellness

28:00 Creating an environment of trust

31:49 Wired for belonging and connection

32:52 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

35:42 Tech CXO Excellence Program

36:27 Outro

On this episode, Nayan shares his career advice, emphasizing the importance of having mentors and allocating time for personal growth. He also discusses the future of healthcare, highlighting the use of AI and robotics in improving efficiency and precision in medical procedures. Nayan provides insights on staying updated with technology and building relationships in the industry. He also talks about his own career journey, including overcoming challenges and making career pivots. Nayan emphasizes the importance of empowering teams and giving back to the community.

Connect with Nayan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayandpatel/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:22 Guest Introduction Nayan Patel

00:43 What is the best advice you have received?

03:05 Where do you see healthcare in 5 years?

04:08 Are we ever going to see robots performing surgeries?

05:39 How do you keep up with all the tech in healthcare?

06:48 How do you make time?

07:38 Were you always curious about technology?

09:47 What is your first job?

10:27 What lessons did you learn from your previous jobs?

12:05 Low points in your career

14:17 Tech and Business

15:17 CG Infinity

17:37 Tips on how to build and deepen relationships?

20:58 What is the biggest tech problem you have solved?

23:25 Lesson learned from building teams

25:37 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

29:08 How deep will you go?

31:26 Tech CXO Excellence Program

31:53 Outro

We talk about her career journey and advice for success in the tech industry. She emphasizes the importance of never forgetting where you came from and staying grounded. Her love for math and science led her to pursue a career in engineering and eventually patent law. She explains the process of obtaining a patent and the qualities that make an idea worthy of being patented.

Valerie also talks about the challenges she faced in her career and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and seeking opportunities for growth. She highlights the significance of emotional intelligence and continuous learning. Valerie encourages listeners to get involved in their communities and find ways to give back. She shares her passion for creating opportunities for others and changing the trajectory of their lives. Valerie concludes by discussing the legacy she hopes to leave behind, which is being known for caring about others and helping them reach their full potential.

Connect with Valerie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriemasondavis/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:05 Guest Introduction Valerie Davis

01:10 What is the most pivotal advise that changed your career?

03:36 Engineering to Patents

04:32 What Ideas can be patented?

06:22 Was there an invention that left an impression on you?

07:27 Career Low Points

09:28 Emotional Intelligence and Knowledge Base

11:00 How do you find people that help you grow?

12:40 What is ATW?

14:07 CG Infinity

15:19 What is your advise for women when it comes to self doubt and confidence?

17:32 Leadership Lessons

22:49 How to get more involved in your community?

25:55 Ignite Program

28:44 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

29:44 If your 12 year old self can see you now, what would she say to you?

31:10 Tech CXO Excellence Program

32:57 Outro

Kris shares his perspectives on AI and Chat GPT, as well as career advice for the tech industry. He also discusses the challenges of balancing positivity with the need to consider worst-case scenarios in technology. He shares a low point in his career when he was unexpectedly let go from a company, but ultimately found a better opportunity. He also discusses the importance of choosing a learning company as your first job and the value of medium-sized companies.

Connect with Kris Fitzgerald on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-fitzgerald-baa72/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Podcast timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:25 Guest Introduction Kris Fitzgerald

01:07 What is the best advice you've had?

02:03 How do you maintain positivity?

02:55 Did you know you were always going to go into tech?

03:40 What were the low points of your career?

04:30 Advice for people facing lay offs

06:42 3 Leadership qualities that helped you in your career.

09:50 Project you are most proud of

10:43 Bartending and Technology

11:30 Big Challenges in your career?

13:43 CG Infinity

14:29 What are you doing in your retirement now?

15:49 Learning from your students

17:16 AI in Education

19:52 What have you learned from teaching others?

21:15 Giving back

22:20 What is the hardest and most rewarding about building teams?

24:54 Tips for Introverts in teams

28:18 What is the Poll?

28:58 Final words of advice

30:03 Tech CXO Excellence Program

31:00 Outro

His lessons from leading and teaching covers:

- crucial conversations

- building high performing teams

- hiring for diversity of thought

- leadership lessons

and much more!

Connect with Ed Wilson on LinkedIn at  

 / ed-wilson-7933492  

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Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn:  

 / fannydunagan  

Podcast timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:52 Guest Introduction Ed Wilson

01:53 Shifting from Academia to Corporate

04:43 Leadership Lessons you have learned

08:10 Conflict Conversation

09:12 Diversity

12:21 Building a Great Team

16:19 Mentoring your team.

17:23 Mentoring tips

18:21 CG Infinity

19:21 Going back to teaching

20:29 Common traits of new college students

23:58 Soft skills for college students

26:54 Advice for college students

30:29 What are your thoughts on AI?

35:12 The spark of discovery

37:29 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

39:28 Tech CXO Excellence Program

41:00 Outro

Connect with Nadhan on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/egnadhan/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Podcast timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:20 Guest Introduction Nadhan

00:59 What are the trends you are noticing right now?

05:45 How do we develop our skills to be innovative?

07:49 What have you learned from your mentees?

09:21 CG Infinity

10:20 Skills that we need to be nurtured for the C Level

14:24 Where do you see humanity and creativity in the time of AI?

16:30 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

18:17 Tech CXO Excellence Program

19:54 Outro

Beyond the corporate world, Amy sits on the Board of Directors at Bold Idea, which connects tech companies with schools to provide hands-on computer programming mentors for students. Amy has been honored for her work with the CTO of the Year award from D CEO in 2016, the Women in Technology Luminary award from Technology Ball in 2020, and she was a finalist for the Corporate CTO award from Tech Titans in 2020.

Connect with Amy on LinkedIn at:  

 / amy-czuchlewski  

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn:  

 / fannydunagan  

Podcast timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:35 Guest Introduction Amy Czuchlewski

01:07 What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

01:58 How did you develop this passion in software and technology?

04:02 How was your first experience as a software engineer?

05:25 Software Engineer to Senior VP

07:43 What challenges have you faced along the way?

09:29 Balancing the rigidness of tech and the creativity of apps

11:29 How to receive feedback better?

14:15 The importance of visibility in the workplace

16:26 Tips on how to become more visible

18:16 Typical questions you get from your mentees?

20:27 What do you look forward to now?

21:57 How has leadership morphed through the years?

23:35 Future trends on product development

25:12 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

26:50 Tech CXO Excellence Program

28:28 Outro

He is also the co-author of Demystyfying IT, The Language of IT for the CEO.

https://demystifyingit.com

Connect with Saurajit on LinkedIn at:  

 / saurajit  

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with the podcast host, Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn:  

 / fannydunagan  

00:00 Intro

00:44 Guest Introduction

01:49 What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

02:40 Offensive vs. Defensive

09:53 Have you alway been this bold?

13:14 What motivates you after failure?

16:16 What are your philosophies for fatherhood?

20:53 Following your passion

24:00 People First Driven to Transform

25:42 Common Sense can be uncommon at work

29:56 Difficulty in Building Teams

32:58 How do you want to be remembered?

34:47 What did you demystify around IT in the book?

36:40 What are your uncommon hobbies?

40:00 Advice for building communities?

44:00 Tech CXO Excellence Program

45:00 Outro

Her contributions as Board Member for Girl Scouts, Alliance of Technology and Women, North Dallas Chamber of Commerce and many more associations, have all demonstrated her commitment to paying it forward to communities. In 2021, Valerie was inducted into the JA Business Hall of Fame and also received the Women Paying It Forward Award from Women Leading Technology. In 2020, Valerie received the Orbie Leadership Award from the Dallas CIO Association and was inducted into the Tech Titans Hall of Fame, along with a variety of awards and recognitions.

Connect with Valerie Freeman on LinkedIn at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriemfreeman/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Episode 10 timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:06 Guest Introduction Valerie Freeman

01:20 What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

02:38 What is new in the recruitment landscape?

04:07 What are the top 3 things employers are looking for?

06:22 Gen Z entering the workforce

07:43 How do you get from Mid-Level to the C Suite

09:49 What are the skills needed to move into the C Suite?

10:48 What is your advice for women entering technology?

14:15 Are you ever afraid?

16:34 What is the toughest challenge you have ever faced in your carrer?

19:40 Teacher to CEO

23:14 What would your 21 year old Valerie say to you now?

25:41 Critical lessons you have learned running your companies.

27:39 Giving Back

33:56 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

37:26 Tech CXO Excellence Program

39:03 Outro

He and his team build innovative products which enlighten, motivate and inspire a new generation of cause-driven individuals spanning the globe, all while empowering industry and medical researchers with revolutionary new methods of crowd-sourcing scientific data to accelerate research into finding cures for diseases and solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.

Connect with Robert Atkins on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertmatkins/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Episode 9 timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:50 Guest Introduction Robert Atkins

01:05 Gaming and Medical Research

03:10 How did you merge Gaming and Medical Research?

06:30 Metrics of the Game

09:19 Best Piece of Advice you have received.

11:05 CG Infinity

11:45 How do you make people believe in your vision?

13:05 How did you handle low points in your business?

15:45 Tips on pitching ideas

17:50 What is the most rewarding thing in your business?

18:55 Jimmy's Make-A-Wish Story

22:50 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

24:35 Tech CXO Excellence Program

26:15 Outro

She is also the 2023 Tech Titans Hall of Fame inductee, 2021 Dallas ORBIE CIO of the Year and Winner of the 2020 IT Luminary Award.

Connect with Gertrude Van Horn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gertrudev...

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan

Episode 7 timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:45 Guest Introduction Trude Van Horn

01:14 The best of advice you have ever heard

02:13 Clarity of your goals

03:38 Advice from Mentors

05:33 Why do you think there are less women in technology?

07:20 How to navigate the corporate world

09:45 How do you define Executive Presence

11:00 Developing Executive Presence

12:00 3 Traits of a Great Leader

13:20 Technology Deployments

15:07 CG Infinity

15:45 Lesson you have learned

17:20 Selling Skills

18:55 What happens when you hear no?

20:10 Building Relationships

21:10 Self Doubt

22:20 Creativity and AI

23:50 Being Authentic

26:05 What Drives You?

26:45 When did you start getting interested in technology?

27:35 Networking Events to go to

29:00 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

30:15 Tech CXO Excellence Program

31:50 Outro

ABTP is a 501(c)(6) non-for-profit professional association devoted to the individual growth of business technology professionals and ethical use and implementation of technology. After serving on the board of advisors, Toby was selected as the next President of the organization to rebuild and grow the organization after COVID reduced membership levels.

Connect with Toby Buckalew on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobybucka...

Learn about the Association for Business Technology Professionals at: https://abtpdfw.org/

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan

Episode 7 timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:45 Guest Introduction

01:15 Key piece of advice you have received

02:50 The hiring process

04:25 What are soft skills?

05:50 How do you develop soft skills?

08:40 Lessons you've learned at the lowest point of your career

11:40 Transitioning into a new a career

14:05 Giving back to the community

14:30 CG Infinity

19:20 How does ABTP help technology professionals?

24:20 3 leadership traits for success

27:55 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

29:45 Tech CXO Excellence Program

31:23 Outro

Technology Ball paved the way for a complimentary venture through Tech CxO LaunchPad through which C-Level Tech Execs from the Technology Ball community develop and teach a multi-modal, comprehensive Leadership Program. The Tech CxO Excellence Program is designed to provide C-Level leadership principles to those aspiring to the C-Suite or who have found themselves needing peer insights after being catapulted into the C-Suite. This program is unique in its approach and methodologies, providing comprehensive and layered leadership training to build the effectiveness of IT Teams.

Connect with Karen Bruno on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-bru...

Learn more about Technology Ball at https://technologyball.com

IT leaders - see if you qualify for their program at https://www.techcxolaunchpad.com

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:00 Guest Introduction Karen Bruno

01:25 What is the Technology Ball?

04:00 How did you start Technology Ball?

06:43 How to develop relationships in tech.

08:10 It's lonely at the top.

09:53 Giving back to the community.

13:20 Talking to leaders

15:08 Tech CXO Launchpad

16:42 CG Infinity

19:22 What motivated you to start Tech CXO Launchpad?

23:10 How do you process ideas?

24:28 How do you overcome self doubt?

28:00 Networking for Introverts

31:20 How do you nurture relationships?

33:30 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

36:55 Tech CXO Excellence Program

38:45 Outro

He is now the Principal at The EKG Group LLC where he capitalizes on deep business and information technology consulting and advisory experience to achieve operational excellence, effective organizational design, predictable ERP and CRM deployment, affordable strategic sourcing, practical IT strategic planning, and timely project execution.

Connect with Gerry Mecca on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrymecca

Want to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, a free branding guide and 1-hour training for tech professionals: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletter

Connect with Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:41 Guest Introduction Gerry Mecca

01:00 How did you got started?

03:51 What did you learn doing sales?

05:10 How do you build relationships with your customers?

08:14 Building trust with clients

10:20 From sales to technology

12:03 Being in the right place at the right time

13:50 How did you get to be a CIO?

16:05 CG Infinity

16:43 3 Pillars of being a CIO

17:40 Did you have low points in your career?

19:04 What was your mindset during that period?

19:38 How do you trust that things will work out?

20:34 Networking

22:04 Networking tips

25:32 What do you think contributed to you getting a CIO role?

27:18 What makes a successful CIO?

29:00 What's next for you?

31:14 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

34:06 Tech CXO Excellence Program

35:40 Outro

She is now the President of Shaunna Black & Associates, with a special passion for launching women in technology into powerful positions. She enables them to use their power to create technology solutions that make the world a better place. She guides and inspires them them to lead in their unique way, deliver extraordinary results and create a life that is fulfilling, meaningful and fun.

Her core philosophy is being a heart-centered leader. Heart-centered leaders view leadership as a calling and strive to continuously improve their craft. They have a heart for people and believe leadership is service to others. These leaders measure their success by achievement of a higher purpose. They create value for their team members, organization and stakeholders. For them, market share and financial success is a byproduct of their people’s success.

Connect with Shaunna Black on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunna-b...

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Connect with Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:25 Guest Introduction Shauna Black

01:14 What is the best advice you have received?

04:33 Where do you find the courage to do something that is never been done before?

06:18 What were the low points in your career?

10:50 3 key pieces of advise you always give

12:25 CG Infinity

14:35 What does Heart Centered Leadership mean?

16:40 What are the catalysts that can get you to the Senior Level?

20:40 How to overcome self-doubt

23:45 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

25:23 Tech CXO Excellence Program

27:00 Outro

His continual pursuit of learning, and ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders really helped to propel his career.

Connect with Tom Sweet on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasjsweet

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Connect with Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan

00:00 Introduction

00:47 Guest Introduction Tom Sweet

01:21 Why is networking so important to you?

03:36 What got you interested in the tech?

04:54 What are the parallels between technology and engineering?

05:41 What led you to where you are now?

07:48 Why take the CIO risk?

09:00 Being ok with being uncomfortable

10:40 Skills needed to get into to the C Suite

12:14 How do you stay up to date on the latest trends and tool?

14:38 How to overcome being an introvert?

15:46 CG Infinity

16:24 Tom's first video

16:43 What did you learn from the low points of your career?

18:08 What keeps you motivated?

18:57 Why is giving back to the community important?

20:34 Looking for mentors

21:53 The importance of asking

23:15 Networking events tech professionals should attend

24:21 Tips on how to talk to people

25:40 Where is AI going?

27:40 What is the hardest part of hiring talent?

28:34 Tips on how to look for talent

28:58 How to develop teams

30:59 What surprised you being in the C level?

31:29 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?

32:26 Advice on how to grow in tech.

34:12 Tech CXO Launch Pad

35:49 Outro