CIO Talk Network Podcast

In an era of black swan events, economic volatility, and rapid technological change, leaders must balance growth with governance to build organizations that endure. In this episode of CIO Talk Network, Dr. Ramesh Gopal, Chief Risk Officer for UAE & Saudi and Head of Credit Risk at CEEMEA for Deutsche Bank, joins host Sanjog Aul to share lessons from past crises, strategies for aligning agility with control, and ways to embed a risk-first mindset across the enterprise. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Introduction 02:49 – When assumptions fail: Lessons from 2008 07:12 – Thresholds, policing, and human bias in risk 10:09 – The biggest illusion of preparedness 13:05 – Appetite, tolerance, and execution 16:54 – Bridging the GRC–business gap 20:51 – Real-time, modern risk management 24:04 – Risk in the citizen development era 27:20 – Decentralizing risk ownership 33:29 – Challenges in building a risk-aware culture 36:08 – Blueprint for future-ready risk management 40:30 – An appeal to business & tech leaders 43:16 – G² + R²: Good growth and right risk 🎧 Listen on your favorite platform: Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1109100382 Full Transcript & Episode Details: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/how-risk-aware-leaders-build-what-lasts/ About CIO Talk Network: CIO Talk Network (CTN) is a global, peer-led platform where enterprise business and technology leaders think out loud—without pitch or fluff. Hosted by Sanjog Aul, CTN delivers authentic, experience-driven insights that challenge conventional thinking. Follow CIO Talk Network: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cio-talk-network X (Twitter): twitter.com/ciotalknetwork Website: ciotalknetwork.com Guest Bio: Dr Ramesh Gopal Expert Insights and Contribution #RiskManagement #Leadership #BusinessResilience #CIOLeadership #CTNTalks

Low-code systems democratize artificial intelligence tools, allowing nontechnical staff members to produce data-driven apps independently. This movement creates questions about governance, security, and quality control even while it gives innovators agility and speed. How can companies enable low-code tool-equipped business units to provide strong security and governance? Are there best practices for juggling autonomy with control in democratized AI systems? What unanticipated difficulties might result from this move toward general AI availability? Guest: Udit Pahwa, Chief Information Officer at Blue Star Limited Guest Bio: Udit Pahwa More on this Episode: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/low-code-ai-apps-enabling-innovation-ensuring-control/ More on AI & ML: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/artificial-intelligence-machine-learning/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/

The pressure to move fast has never been greater—leaders must accelerate digital transformation, deploy AI-driven efficiencies, and launch new business models faster than ever. But unchecked speed can create strategic drift, unmanaged risk, and operational chaos. How do leaders ensure velocity without recklessness, and what structures should be in place to prevent scale from turning into instability? Guest: Alejhandro Martinez Galindo, Chief Information Officer at Fortrea Guest Bio: Alejandro Martinez Galindo More on this Episode: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/the-paradox-of-speed-scaling-innovation-without-losing-control/ More on Leadership: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/leadership/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/

Enterprise AI is rapidly evolving from a decision-support tool to an autonomous decision-maker, fundamentally changing how businesses operate. Just as human metabolism regulates energy for sustainable growth, AI has its own metabolism of knowledge—continuously consuming, processing, and acting on data at unprecedented speed and scale. But without governance, this self-directed AI evolution can reinforce biases, create decision loops beyond human oversight, and introduce systemic risks—leading to operational inefficiencies, compliance failures, and reputational damage. How do enterprise leaders ensure AI remains explainable, aligned, and controllable—before it starts making critical business decisions on its own? Guest: Vince Kellen, Chief Information Officer, University of California, San Diego. Guest Bio: Vince Kellen Expert Insights and Contribution More on this Episode: The Metabolism of Knowledge in Agentic AI: Governing AI Before It Governs US More on Healthcare: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/extracting-value-from-genai/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/

Business agility is about adapting services, people, processes and finances to the changes in business environment. But, in many cases, it is attempted in a fragmented and opportunistic way thus undermining its full potential. How can we define and adopt ONE approach to managing data, architecture, security, and customer community across the enterprise towards best outcome? Guest 1: John Lambeth, Chief Information Officer, PAE Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/john-lambethh/ More on this Episode: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/steps-to-boosting-business-agility/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/subscribe/ Nominate Guests or Sponsor: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contact/

In an era where cybersecurity threats are becoming more sophisticated, the claim of integrated security solutions offering superior protection is under scrutiny. Tech Mahindra and Microsoft, as partners, assert that their strategy to unify critical security domains—data protection, threat management, identity management, and compliance—into a single operational framework significantly enhances security, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. So, what proof do they offer to justify that their proposed integrated cybersecurity toolset wins over specialized, best-of-breed, standalone solutions? Do the potential benefits of consolidating cybersecurity platforms truly outweigh the associated inherent risks? Does this unified model deliver on its promises of improved enterprise agility and reduced complexity? Guest: Anand Dutta, SVP & Global Head - Cybersecurity Solutions & Alliances, Tech Mahindra Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/anand-dutta Guest: Nitin Sharma, Global Director, Partner Business Development, Microsoft Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/nitin-sharma More on this Episode: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/integrated-cybersecurity-solutions/ More on Cybersecurity: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/cybersecurity/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/ Nominate Guests or Sponsor: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contact/

As AI reshapes industries, businesses find that preparing data for AI presents challenges that traditional analytics have yet to encounter. AI's complexity requires a new approach to data management involving careful alignment of architecture, governance, and stakeholder participation. Inadequate preparation can swiftly undermine AI projects, creating risks that leaders must identify and mitigate. Therefore, a solid data preparation strategy is essential to unlock AI's potential while minimizing its inherent risks. What specific challenges arise when preparing data for AI? How can organizations ensure they have the tools and frameworks to create a robust, adaptable data architecture? And what ethical and strategic guardrails should be in place to support the evolving role of AI in decision-making? Guest: Nitin Sharma, Global Director, Partner Business Development, Microsoft Guest Bio:https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/nitin-sharma/ Guest: Saurabh Jha, SVP & Global Head - Data & Analytics, Tech Mahindra Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/saurabh-jha/ More on this Episode: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/preparing-data-for-ai/ More on AI : https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/artificial-intelligence-machine-learning/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/ Nominate Guests or Sponsor: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contact/

Artificial Intelligence is transforming predictive healthcare with tools for early disease detection and personalized treatment. As healthcare IT leaders strive to harness this potential responsibly, they face challenges such as privacy protection and compliance with standards like HIPAA. Effective deployment of AI involves not only technological integration but also ensuring that treatments are equitable across all patient demographics by addressing biases in AI applications. Guest: Cherodeep Goswami, System Vice President and Chief Information and Digital Officer, UW Health System. Guest Bio: Cherodeep Goswani's Expert Insights and Contribution More on this Episode: Strategic AI Deployment in Healthcare: Navigating Ethical Frontiers in Predictive Care | CIO Talk Network More on Healthcare: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/healthcare/ More on Leadership: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/leadership/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/

Guest: Kjersten Margaret, Chief Data Officer, Prudential Financial Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/kjersten-moody/ More on this Episode: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/prudential-navigating-150-years-of-change-with-data-innovation/ More on Digital Transformation: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/digital-transformation/ More on Data Analytics: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/data-analytics/ More on Finance: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/finance/ More on Innovation: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/innovation/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/subscribe/ Nominate Guests or Sponsor: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contact/

Picture a thriving company, GoodLife Fitness, grappling with outdated support systems that couldn’t keep up with rising customer expectations. They faced long response times, frustrated clients, and a support team bogged down by inefficient processes. Realizing the urgent need for change, GoodLife Fitness partnered with Freshworks and utilized Freshservice, leveraging AWS’s robust cloud infrastructure to embark on a transformative journey. Through close collaboration with their partners, GoodLife Fitness tackled their challenges head-on. How did they integrate cutting-edge technology, flexibility, and innovation to identify and overcome key pain points? What steps were crucial in transforming their service delivery, boosting employee satisfaction, and setting a new standard for excellence? Guest: David Flesh, Vice President of Product Marketing, Freshworks Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/david-flesh/ Guest: Robert Vermeersch, Manager of Help Desk Support, GoodLife Fitness Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/robert-vermeersch/ More on this Episode: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/goodlife-fitness-journey-of-innovation-flexibility-and-cutting-edge-technology/ More on Innovation: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/innovation/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/subscribe/ Nominate Guests or Sponsor: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contact/

The rapid rise of generative AI is compelling organizations to adapt their working methods, decision-making, and collaboration. Leaders face challenges such as redefining workforce roles, ensuring ethical AI practices, and managing cross-functional teams that understand AI's business and technological aspects. Yet, these challenges also offer significant opportunities for streamlined workflows, enhanced innovation, and new avenues for employee growth. To navigate this changing landscape, leaders must play a pivotal role in reshaping organizational structures to empower agile decision-making while maintaining strategic alignment. They should create a culture that motivates employees to upskill and actively engage with AI-driven processes. Moreover, they must develop governance models that address the ethical and societal impacts of GenAI solutions. So, how can they reorganize structures to foster agility without compromising strategic goals? How can a culture of upskilling and innovation be built around AI-driven processes? What governance strategies can ensure ethical and responsible AI adoption? Guest: Lori Bieda, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, BMO, North American Personal and Business Bank, BMO Financial Group Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/lori-bieda/ More on this Episode: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/redefining-leadership-culture-and-organizational-structure-in-the-genai-era-2/ More on Leadership: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/leadership/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/subscribe/ Nominate Guests or Sponsor: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contact/

Legacy systems are like old trees – deeply rooted reliable, but not always adaptable to rapidly changing environments. With the advent of cloud computing, IoT, and other emerging technologies, there’s pressure on businesses to innovate. But this innovation can’t come at the cost of discarding these reliable legacy systems. How can companies smoothly transition and integrate newer technologies without uprooting their existing IT foundations? Guest: Helen Norris, Chief Information Officer, Chapman University Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/helen-norris Guest: Hardik Bhatt, Chief Executive Officer, SDI Presence Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/hardik More on this Episode: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/marrying-legacy-systems-to-modern-marvels/ More on CXO: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/cxo-talks/ More on Leadership: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/leadership/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/subscribe/ Nominate Guests or Sponsor: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contact/

Identifying the value areas of generative AI is only the first step. Senior business, AI, data analytics, and IT leaders must unlock GenAI’s full potential in hyper-personalized customer experiences, predictive analytics, and scalable content generation. This requires adaptable business models, optimized revenue streams, and effective risk management. Leaders need to quantify the ROI of GenAI initiatives and identify scalable use cases that align with strategic goals. And, agile data strategies prioritizing ethical AI adoption will be essential, enabling them to adapt to market demands and customer expectations. So, how can leaders ensure their GenAI initiatives deliver strategic value while aligning with long-term business objectives? What scalable use cases and innovative models will harness GenAI’s full potential? Guest: Sally Miller, Global Chief Information Officer, DHL Supply Chain Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/sally-miller/ More on this Episode: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/extracting-strategic-value-from-genai/ More on AI: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/ai/ More on Leadership: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/leadership/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/subscribe/ Nominate Guests or Sponsor: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contact/

The surge in digital transformation initiatives has brought forth many cybersecurity challenges. Businesses are under pressure to offer seamless digital experiences, which often means integrating multiple platforms and technologies. Yet, each integration point is a potential vulnerability. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, how can businesses ensure robust security without hindering the user experience or compromising the operational flow? Guest: Prasanna Kumar Burri, Group Chief Information Officer, Dangote Industries Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/prasannakumar-burri More on this Episode: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/stitching-seamless-digital-journeys-in-a-minefield-of-threats/ More on Security: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/security/ More on Digital Transformation: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/digital-transformation/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/subscribe/ Nominate Guests or Sponsor: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contact/

The days of businesses operating in silos are numbered. With the rise of digital platforms and technologies, companies are part of broader ecosystems involving partners, customers, and competitors. How can CXOs navigate and leverage these ecosystems to drive growth, innovation, and customer value while managing associated risks? Guest: Leo Bodden, Group Vice President & Chief Digital and Technology Officer, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/leo-bodden/ More on this Episode: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/harnessing-the-power-of-ecosystems-in-the-digital-age/ More on CXO: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/cxo/ More on Digital Transformation: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/digital-transformation/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/subscribe/ Nominate Guests or Sponsor: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contact/

As the global discourse shifts towards sustainability, businesses are pressured to align their strategies with environmental and social responsibilities. In a world where consumers prioritize ethical practices, how can companies transform their models to ensure sustainability isn't just an afterthought but a core driver of both profit and long-term viability? Guest: Karin Svensson, Chief Sustainability Officer, Volvo Group Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/karin-svensson/ Guest: Niklas Sundberg, Chief Digital Officer (CDO) & Senior Vice President, Kuehne+Nagel Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/niklas-sundberg/ More on this Episode: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/sustainability-the-new-profit/ More on CXO: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/cxo/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/subscribe/ Nominate Guests or Sponsor: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contact/

Agile methodologies, which once found their roots in software development, now influence boardroom decisions and corporate strategies. The challenge lies in truly understanding and implementing agility at all organizational levels. How can businesses extend the principles of agile thinking from their IT departments to their strategic planning sessions, ensuring a nimble and adaptable approach to challenges? Guest: Brian Stewart, Deputy CIO and Director of Business Transformation , University of Alberta Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/brian-stewart Guest: Jean Olive, Chief Information Officer, John Hancock Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/jean-olive/ Guest: Mario Lebar, Chief Information Officer, University of Manitoba Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/mario-lebar/ More on this Episode: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/agile-mindsets-beyond-it-to-boardroom-strategies/ More on Leadership: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/leadership/ More on CXO: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/cxo/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/subscribe/ Nominate Guests or Sponsor: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contact/

The advent of AI, machine learning, and automation has fundamentally changed workplace dynamics. The challenge for modern organizations is ensuring their human workforce complements these technological advancements rather than competes with them. How can businesses harmonize their approach to maximize technical and human potential, especially when employees seek purpose and meaningful engagement in an increasingly automated world? Guest: Riaz Yusuff, Chief Information Officer, Harper College Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/riaz-yusuff/ More on this Episode: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/navigating-the-human-asset-beyond-technology-strategy/ More on Leadership: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/leadership/ More on CXO: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/cxo/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/subscribe/ Nominate Guests or Sponsor: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contact/

Dollarama's journey into digital transformation showcases a balancing act of integrating advanced technologies in a traditionally cost-conscious business model. As the retail giant ventured into this new territory, it faced the challenge of enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency, all while staying true to its ethos of simplicity and affordability. The strategic implementation of CRM systems, data analytics, and inventory management technologies highlights the complex interplay between innovation and traditional business values. So, how did Dollarama manage to align its digital advancements with its budget-friendly promise? What innovative approaches were vital to maintaining its market position during this digital shift? And how can other retailers draw lessons from Dollarama's experience to navigate their digital transformations? Guest: Nicolas Hien, Chief Information Officer, Dollarama L.P. Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/nicolas-hien/ More on this Episode: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/balancing-act-dollaramas-digital-leap-in-the-world-of-budget-retail/ More on Leadership: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/leadership/ More on CXO: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/cxo/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/subscribe/ Nominate Guests or Sponsor: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contact/

In the digital age, leadership demands a unique blend of visionary thinking and hands-on execution. Organizations face the complex task of integrating disruptive technologies while ensuring their core vision remains intact. In this delicate balance, how can leaders envision the future while ensuring the practicalities of current digital transformations are well-managed and integrated? Guest: Anthony Mutti, Chief Information Officer, Springfield College Guest Bio: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contributor/anthony-mutti More on Leadership: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/leadership/ More on CXO: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/topics/cxo/ Visit CIO Talk Network Website: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/ Nominate Guests or Sponsor: https://www.ciotalknetwork.com/contact/