Catalyst

This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by AI Empowerment Solutions Leader at NTT DATA Christen Bell. Christen’s work focuses on how intelligent systems affect humans in the workplace and, more recently, human’s fears of AI. Christen shares her fascinating findings with Tammy on how AI adoption differs between industries and regions and what makes people more or less trusting of AI. Christen and Tammy also talk about how leaders can quell the perceived threat of AI in their workplaces - no surprise, it's by being human first! Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Christen Bell Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, guest host Jod Kaftan sits down with designer and expert in human-centered AI, Shelley Evenson. Shelley shares her insights on how designers and teams can achieve human-AI flow and how to spot the warning signs that a team is drifting into the realm of AI slop. Jod and Shelley also discuss the need for change management in AI transformations and talk about who in an organization should own an AI transformation? Is it HR? Is it IT? According to Shelley it’s a team endeavour that should start at the very top, with the CEO. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Shelley Evenson Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, Tammy speaks with Nate Berent-Spillson, the SVP of Engineering at Launch by NTT DATA. Nate is the type of guy who is always using technology in new and inventive ways. This week Nate and Tammy discuss the evolution of AI tools and Nate introduces the power of command line interfaces. Nate shares how using AI in innovative new ways can reduce cognitive load and reimagine user interfaces to enhance productivity and efficiency in the workplace. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Nate Berent- Spillson Markdown Guide Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, Tammy speaks with Graeme Cuthbertson, Director of IT Operations and End-User Systems at Neurocrine Biosciences. They explore Graeme’s career across industries, including banking and biotech, and what those experiences have taught him about building empathy into technology. Graeme also highlights the importance of meeting customers where they are, the role of family support in personal and professional growth, and how human connection and thoughtful technology can elevate both employee and customer experiences. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Graeme Cuthbertson Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Mark Curtis, the co-founder of Fjord and a pioneer in the design, strategy and thought leadership space. Tammy and Mark discuss his extensive career and delve into the evolution of design over the past 3 decades. They also look to the future and explore how AI is transforming design and why it still can’t beat the human brain in some applications. Mark also talks about this new venture Full Moon, a project focused on the intersection of humans, technology, and business, and the resurgence of service design in response to the complexities of modern challenges. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Mark Curtis Full Moon Moving Beyond “AI is just a Tool”: Shifts in AI Communication in 2026 - Medium Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, Tammy Soares speaks with Prashant Hinge, Chief Information and Transformation Officer at MSIG USA. Prashant has been working in the insurance industry for 20 years and is an expert at building teams to create solutions that improve the user experience. Prashant discusses the importance of unlearning siloed ways of working in order to unlock collaborative and cross-functional creativity, a skill that’s especially important in the insurance industry. He also explains why in the current world of AI, we all need to become triathletes - meaning we now need to understand the business, need to know basic AI tools and need to develop core skills. He also talks about the opportunities that AI is unlocking for the insurance industry and how change management and ensuring you have good processes, data and people is key in ensuring success at scale. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Prashant Hinge State of AI in Business in 2025 Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, guest host Jod Kaftan sits down with automotive industry expert Clemens Conrad to discuss the evolution of mobility and the future of automotive design. Jod and Clemens discuss how car interiors are becoming more personalized and how OEMs are adapting to hyper-personalize the automotive experience. They also explore how cultural differences in transportation inform automotive design and break down some recent stats about which companies are leading the way in automotive design and innovation - some of the results might surprise you! Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Clemens Conrad Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, Tammy chats with Jimit Arora, the CEO of Everest Group. Jimit is a leader who deeply understands the challenges that organizations face and how they can move forward with confidence. Jimit and Tammy discuss the importance of a growth mindset and how companies can meaningfully adopt AI. According to Jimit the key to meaningful adoption is for companies to be aware of PTSD - process debt, tech debt, skills debt and data debt. Jimit also shares what he thinks will be the biggest trends to affect global services in the next year. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Jimit Arora LinkedIn Everest Group Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vandana Ramani on how UPS is leveraging AI to help SMEs This week on Catalyst Tammy sits down with Vandana Ramani, the Vice President of Global Strategy at UPS. Vandana loves to solve difficult, complex problems. From making sure a live iguana gets delivered to where it needs to be, to thinking about how UPS can leverage AI to improve their customer experience, Vandana is always working at the intersection of business strategy and technology. Tammy and Vandana discuss the integration of AI in small and medium sized businesses and how it can be transformative for data connectivity and developing shared outcomes. Vandana also shares networking tips she’s developed from years spent rebuilding her networks from the ground up across the world. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Vandana Ramani LinkedIn Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst Tammy chats with Parisa Zander, a seasoned professional in the tech industry who recently retired after a successful career spanning nearly three decades at companies like Meta, Samsung and Microsoft. Parisa discusses the challenges of being a woman in tech, the importance of finding one's voice, and the values that guide her leadership style, including honesty, empathy, and the need for fun in the workplace. She also emphasizes that to truly understand your customer you need to go to them and set time aside for real-world testing. How else will you see how people across the country are actually engaging with your product? Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Parisa Zander - LinkedIn Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode from the archives Tammy sits down with Keena Patel-Moran, the Healthcare and Lifesciences Industry Lead at Launch by NTT DATA. Keena and Tammy discuss ways to improve the industry and give patients the support they need and deserve. They discuss why doctors should look beyond just symptoms and make a case that improving healthcare processes is not only better for patients and care-takers but is also good for business. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Keena Patel-Moran Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, Tammy recaps her favourite moments from the past year. She recaps the key themes that came up time and time again across conversations with almost 50 leaders across various industries - the human side of AI, authentic leadership, designing with people not for people, reinventing work and technology as possibility. There was much discussed this year and there’s a lot more to come in the new year! Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: State of AI in Business Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst Tammy speaks with Namee Oberst, co-founder of LLMWare about her unique journey into AI. Namee spent years as a corporate attorney and is now developing small language models for legal and financial organizations. She’s solving for the pain points that she experienced for years. Namee and Tammy discuss the importance of small language models in building trust and touch on the future of legal work in an AI-driven world. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Namee Oberst LLMWare Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Jamie Sermon, the Vice President of Engineering, Robotics and Automation at UPS. Jamie has been at UPS for over 15 years and knows the company intimately. He also knows that you can't solve logistics problems if you're not thinking about the customer at every step. Jamie shares how his upbringing in the Bahamas and his studies in physical therapy in Cuba helped shape his people's first approach. He also shares how he creates space for experimentation and how automation can be used to create opportunities for people, not take them away. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Jamie Sermon Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode from the archives Tammy is joined by Jessica Hartley, the Head of Design and Customer Experience for CCB Finance, Tech and Data Analytics at JPMorganChase. Jessica has over 20 years of experience helping clients leverage digital innovation and is passionate about driving employee engagement and culture. Tammy and Jessica talk about what authenticity really means at work and why it’s so much more than just how you present yourself. Jessica also shares her thoughts on how AI is transforming workplaces and how it can be used to improve both the client and employee experience. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA. Links: Jessica Hartley Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode from the archives Tammy sit down with Donald Chestnut. Donald has worked at some of the world’s largest brands like Unilever, Target, Disney, General Motors and Coke and is now writing a book on why companies should move away from customer experience and towards customer centered growth. Tammy and Donald talk about his people-first approach to digital experience and Donald shares his secret to digital transformation - that the real key to transformation isn’t technology, it's people! Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA. Links: Donald Chestnut Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst Tammy is joined by speaker, storyteller and cultural wayfinder Kainoa Horcajo. Through his firm Mo’olelo Group, Kainoa has found a way to transform Hawaiian wisdom into business insights and experience design. Kainoa and Tammy discuss the importance of storytelling and how finding the why and the how is the most important thing a business can do. Kainoa also shares how he finds the balance between tradition and innovation and how to weave culture into the very fiber of your business. Links: Kainoa Horcajo Mo’olelo Group Simon Sinek Organic intelligence: A conversation with Rika Nakazawa See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst Tammy is joined by longtime friend and recent addition to the Launch by NTT DATA team to lead, Murphy Freelen. Murphy has a proven track record of bringing together multi-disciplinary teams to deliver breakthrough innovative solutions. Murphy reflects on her personal journey working in the music and media industries and how those creative skills transfer to tech and product development. Tammy and Murphy also discuss the role of leadership and listening in fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and how technology, particularly AI, is reshaping the creative process. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA. Links: Murphy Freelen JetZero Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Catalyst Tammy is joined by Jason Warner, co-founder and CEO of Poolside. Jason has over 20 years of experience leading teams and developing innovative technologies including GitHub Co-pilot, and he’s done that all while leading with heart. In this episode, Jason emphasizes the importance of empathetic leadership and why treating people like humans, not commodities, is actually better for the business. He also explores the impact of AI on the future of work and the potential for technology to enhance human capabilities. He makes the case that giving AI to your junior employees will turn them into senior employees! Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Jason Warner poolside Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode from the archives Tammy sits down with Martina Lee Strickland. Martina is a unicorn in the healthcare industry. She’s worked in the industry for over 20 years and is now the Chief Growth Officer at Clever Care Health Plan, a healthcare company that provides culturally-sensitive Medicare options. She joins Tammy to talk about her work driving community engagement in the healthcare industry. Martina talks about the importance of authenticity in connecting with clients, particularly those in underserved communities, and shares some of the tech she’s excited about that could transform the industry and improve client access. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Martina Lee Strickland Clever Care See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.