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Catalyst

Launch by NTT DATA

Catalyst, Launch by NTT DATA’s podcast hosted by Tammy Soares, puts humans at the heart of transformation. Each week, visionary leaders and changemakers share how creativity, technology and human insight are reshaping business, culture and the future of work. From platform innovation to AI and design leadership, Catalyst isn’t just about what’s next in tech — it’s about shaping business, technology, and culture through a human lens and spotlighting the visionaries paving the way forward.

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Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.

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#556
Today · 32 min
From the archives: UPS’ Sean Jantzen on the importance of shipping early and small
In this special episode recorded in front of a live audience at Nexus 2025, Tammy is joined by Sean Jantzen, VP of Software Engineering at UPS. Sean brings over 24 years of experience at UPS, where he’s risen from intern to leader, helping transform one of the world’s largest logistics companies into a digital powerhouse. Tammy and Sean discuss his coaching mindset, AI adoption strategies and the challenges of innovating with legacy systems. Sean also talks about how his background in team sports informs his coaching mindset and explains why shipping early and small can lead to fewer bugs and faster delivery. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Sean Jantzen Scaling responsible AI: With Noelle Russell Only the curious will thrive: Top takeaways from Nexus 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.
#555
September 15 · 44 min
Double bottom line: Rita Soni on impact sourcing and inclusive talent design
This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Rita Soni, a social entrepreneur and one of the leading voices on impact sourcing, an intentional, inclusive talent strategy she's helped shape since the term was coined during her time as CEO of Nasscom Foundation. She later brought that expertise to Everest Group as a principal analyst, and is now building Grand Resolve, a nonprofit that's co-creating standards to make digital services more responsible and inclusive. Tammy and Rita dig into what impact sourcing actually looks like on the ground, from Televerde's outbound call centers inside a women's prison to Vindhya Info Media in Bangalore, where a workforce built around people with disabilities has outpaced expectations on retention and quality. The throughline: "good for people" and "good for business" aren't competing goals. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Rita Soni Nasscom Foundation Everest Group's Impact Sourcing 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.
#554
September 8 · 40 min
Rebel, not chaos monster: Tanarra Schneider on slowing down to get AI right
This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Tanarra Schneider, founder of Rebel 75, for a conversation about building healthier, more human workplace cultures in the age of AI. Tanarra's path here wasn't linear, she led design at Fjord and Accenture, helped shape culture at Activision Blizzard, built one of the first streaming cooking school platforms, and even detoured through culinary school. She traces her drive to push back on broken systems to her mother, who always stood up for other people, and to her own instincts as a risk-taker who has never fit neatly into one box. She and Tammy dig into the sharp difference between a "chaos monster," who knocks things over out of ego, and a true rebel, who acts from a broader sense of "we." That same distinction shapes her read on AI's arrival in the workplace, which she sees as having been inserted squarely in the middle of human relationships, quietly replacing the context and conversation that used to happen between people. She makes the case that organizations need to slow down for the right reasons, not just to cut costs, if they want to rebuild trust, and that service design has become the discipline this moment badly needs. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Tanarra Schneider Rebel75 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.
#553
September 1 · 43 min
The epidemic of the red zone: Anna Pool on helping leaders reduce chronic stress
This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by not just any executive coach — she's welcoming her very own executive coach onto the podcast. Anna Pool is an executive coach, author, and President of Executive Savvy, and has been working with Tammy for years. Anna shares her non-traditional background: 20 years living and working in an ashram, where she devoted her life to yoga, meditation, and enlightenment. She explains how this experience informs her practical approach to presence, nervous system regulation, and resilient leadership. She and Tammy also discuss why so many leaders are stuck in chronic stress today. Anna introduces the concept of the red, green, and blue zones, and teaches simple ways to return to the green zone before reactive decisions take over. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Anna Pool Daniel Goleman - Emotional Intelligence A ten-minute meditation on reconnecting with the Green Zone led by Anna Anna’s latest Linked In article on the Red Zone Let Go - Sanskrit/English chanting written and produced by Anna 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.
#552
August 25 · 33 min
Enabling through serving: Corning’s Tucker Burhans on leadership and collaboration
This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Tucker Burhans, Data Engineering Supervisor at Corning and a finalist for the Next Generation Leadership Award at the Manufacturing Leadership Council Awards Gala. Tucker traces his journey from competitive swimming and pre-med to data engineering, with a love of problem-solving serving as a common thread throughout. He shares his leadership philosophy in an era of rapid technological change and AI: success means championing others and helping them succeed. Having entered the workforce just as AI was beginning to take hold, Tucker offers a unique perspective on both the challenges and opportunities it presents. He discusses the importance of critical thinking and domain expertise when implementing AI, as well as the need to balance new technologies with human judgment. Tucker also shares his personal AI story and how he’s using it to support his newfound passion for gardening. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Tucker Burhans Corning 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.
#551
August 18 · 41 min
Autonomy and EQ: Adam Zaouague on trust and teamwork in manufacturing
This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Adam Zaouague, Automation & Data Specialist at Reata Engineering & Machine Works and a finalist for the Next Generation Leadership Award at the Manufacturing Leadership Council Awards Gala. Adam traces his path from a high school CNC machining program to being recruited by Reata's owner (at the age of 17!) and eventually leading the company's engineering department. He reflects on why trust and emotional intelligence matter as much as technical skill when leading others, then turns to AI, arguing that as machines take on more of the workload, intention and focus become the real differentiators. He shares Reata's philosophy of slowing down to speed up, the internal AI tool the company is building to let subject matter experts create their own solutions, and how integrity and teamwork remain the values that hold it all together. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Adam Zaouague Great CEOs are Lazy Tomo 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.
#550
August 11 · 31 min
Inclusive technology for an inclusive future: Roli Agrawal on how to build ethical and responsible AI
This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by NTT Data’s Chief Strategy Officer Roli Agrawal for a conversation about implementing technology that works for everyone. Roli shares about her upbringing in India and how the privileges and discriminations she experienced made her passionate about fighting inequities. Roli shares her perspective on how bias creeps into AI systems, and what leaders can do to catch it early. They discuss what a responsible AI framework — trusted, ethical, secure, fair, and sustainable — looks like in practice, and why building datasets that reflect society is both a moral and a business imperative. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Roli Agrawal 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.
#549
August 4 · 36 min
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable: Craig Vaughan on culture and curiosity
This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Craig Vaughan, Executive Managing Director and Global Head of AI Go-to-Market at NTT DATA, three months into the role. Craig traces his path from studying architecture at Cornell through an MBA at Wharton and a master's in business analytics from NYU Stern, then through go-to-market roles at SAP and a decade leading AI and gen AI practices at Accenture. He and Tammy dig into how leading diverse, cross-functional teams and moving at AI's breakneck pace aren't in tension but actually reinforce each other. They also discuss what drew Craig to NTT DATA's culture, the partnerships with OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and Mistral that are shaping how the company delivers for clients, and how to keep AI adoption human-centric so workers are repurposed rather than replaced. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Craig Vaughan 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.
#548
July 28 · 32 min
The right team changes everything: Arrow McLaren’s Kevin Thimjon on leadership and winning
This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Kevin Thimjon, President of the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team, who oversees the business side of one of the sport's most storied organizations, from finance and commercial strategy to administration. Kevin traces his path from public accounting through a series of private equity-backed CFO roles and into the CEO seat, describing each stop as a new tool added to his belt for better leadership. He and Tammy dig into what it takes to lead a team through a high-profile driver lineup change while staying focused on finishing the current season strong, the constant tension between running a profitable operation and chasing wins on the track, and the philosophy behind Arrow McLaren's partnership approach, where the goal isn't landing new sponsors but making every partner feel like the standard everyone else should be measured against. By the end of the conversation you’ll be searching for McLaren’s papaya orange merch! Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Kevin Thimjon 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.
#547
July 21 · 37 min
Serving the public sector: Beth Howen on modernizing government tech
This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Beth Howen, President of State, Local Government and Education (SLED) at NTT DATA, who helps government agencies and school systems modernize the technology touching everyday life. Beth traces her path from becoming a state CIO in Indiana at 28 through leadership roles at Capgemini, TELUS International, Atos, and the City of Indianapolis. So how did she do so much at such a young age? Beth credits it to a willingness to work outside rigid processes when they don't serve the outcome. She and Tammy dig into how AI risks compounding government's legacy-system problems if agencies automate broken workflows instead of modernizing first, and the promise of AI-powered care reaching rural and underserved communities. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Beth Howen 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.
#546
July 14 · 33 min
Ready, fire, aim: Emma Boyd on entering the workforce alongside AI
This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Emma Boyd, a recent Chapman University graduate stepping into her first job as a practice analyst at a San Francisco law firm just as her generation navigates entering the workforce in the age of AI. Emma and Tammy discuss how she's learning to use AI as a tool for condensing and outlining her work, without letting it take over the writing and critical thinking she loves. They also dig into her capstone project at Fabletics, where she researched the legal and ethical questions around AI-generated models in fashion marketing, uncovering a constant cycle of new technology outpacing legal standards almost as soon as they catch up. Emma also has some advice for senior leaders: don't underestimate Gen Z, who are more gritty and driven than older generations often assume. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Emma Boyd - 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.
#545
July 7 · 40 min
From the archives: National Life Group's Nimesh Mehta on navigating change with empathy
In this episode from the archives, Tammy is joined by Nimesh Mehta. Nimesh is the Chief Information and Strategy Officer at National Life Group and is passionate about creating human experiences with AI — music to our ears! Tammy and Nimesh discuss how to implement digital transformations with empathy and purpose. Nimesh also shares his thoughts on why psychological safety is so important at organizations working at the forefront of technological change, because disruption can't happen in the presence of fear. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA. Links: The Trusted Advisor Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA This podcast is presented by Catalyst, the opinions and views expressed are those of the host and participants and do not necessarily reflect National Life Group's views on the topics discussed. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a security in any state where such offer or solicitation would be illegal. Any unauthorized use is prohibited. National Life Group is a trade name of National Life Insurance Company (NLIC), Montpelier, VT and its affiliates. This podcast was recorded on 2/21/2025. TC7784363(0325)3 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#544
June 30 · 36 min
Leading when you don’t have all the answers: Shelly Swanback on culture, vision, and continuous learning
This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Shelly Swanback, a transformation executive who spent her career helping global organizations navigate digital disruption and large-scale cultural change. Before retiring, Shelly co-founded and helped build Accenture Digital, then went on to lead Western Union and TTEC through major transformations, and she recently published a chapter in The AI Edge: How to Thrive Within Civilization's Next Big Disruption. Shelly and Tammy discuss what leaders need to be communicating right now, and why in this moment of disruption, messaging matters as much as the vision itself. They also dig into why so-called soft skills, curiosity and emotional intelligence are, in fact, hard business requirements at a time when employees are anxious about what AI means for their jobs and their futures. As Shelly puts it, leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about building teams that can thrive within the questions. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Shelly Swanback The AI Edge: How to Thrive Within Civilization's Next Big Disruption 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.
#543
June 23 · 34 min
Mindfulness and design: Cal Thompson on why human-centered design matters more than ever
This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Cal Thompson, designer, product advisor, artist and mindfulness teacher with over 15 years of experience in human-centered design. Cal most recently served as VP of Product Design and Research at Headspace, where they led both a design team and a scientific research team through the company's expansion from a meditation app into a full mental health platform. Cal explains how growing up gay in the south impacted how they see design and makes a strong business case for incorporating accessibility into all products and designs. They also explore why the design toolkit is more critical in the AI era than ever before, and why vibe coding without domain expertise risks producing what Cal calls "feature slop." They also dig into the attention economy and how mindfulness is quietly becoming a radical act in a world engineered to capture your focus. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Cal Thompson Headspace Future London Academy Center for Humane Technology Greenway Institute 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.
#542
June 16 · 40 min
From the factory floor to the future of work: Carolyn Lee on closing manufacturing's AI skills gap
This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Carolyn Lee, President of The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. Carolyn grew up in a manufacturing family on Long Island and spent years on Capitol Hill before taking the helm of the MI in 2017. Tammy and Carolyn dig into the widening gap between AI adoption at the executive level and awareness on the shop floor, and why closing it is the defining challenge for American manufacturing right now. They also unpack the fear factor driving resistance to change and Carolyn announces the forthcoming AI for Manufacturing 101 curriculum to help manufacturers who are at risk of falling behind. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Carolyn Lee The Manufacturing Institute - AI Skills Training 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.
#541
June 9 · 39 min
From the CIA to leading AI industry solutions: Sezin Palmer on the breakthroughs yet to come
This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Sezin Palmer, AI Solutions Leader at NTT DATA in North America. Sezin traces her impressive and unconventional journey from CIA analyst and Navy submarine warfare programs to building the National Health Mission area at Johns Hopkins' Applied Physics Lab from scratch, then leading health AI and data at EY. Tammy and Sezin dig into the democratization of AI and what it means that capabilities once locked behind years of data science training are now accessible to nearly anyone. They also discuss the thorny challenge of how organizations decide what not to build and why the hardest leadership problem right now isn't launching AI, it's knowing when to stop. Sezin also shares her vision for what has her most excited: the convergence of software, robotics, and biology. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Sezin Palmer 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.
#540
June 2 · 41 min
The new era of sustainability: With Senior Forrester Analyst Abhijit Sunil
This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Abhijit Sunil, Senior Analyst at Forrester Research, where he leads flagship research programs on IT sustainability, sustainability management, and climate risk. Abhijit traces his remarkable journey from designing robotics labs at IIT Bombay to consulting at Ericsson and McKinsey, before landing at Forrester where a flood of client questions about data center efficiency set him on the path to sustainability research. He shares how volunteering as a teacher in Mumbai's slums profoundly shaped his worldview—giving him a lens for seeing optimization and sustainability as deeply human issues, not just technical ones. Tammy and Abhijit also dig into the double-edged nature of AI, from its staggering energy demands to its extraordinary potential to democratize access, and why the answer to almost every big question in sustainability lives somewhere in the Goldilocks zone between extremes. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA. Links: Abhijit Sunil 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.
#539
May 26 · 21 min
From research to reality: An AI adoption conversation with analyst Will Townsend
This week, Tammy welcomes Will Townsend to the Catalyst podcast booth, recording live from NTT Research’s Upgrade event in Silicon Valley. Will is the Chief Analyst at LoneStar Advisory and Research, an independent firm he launched after nearly a decade at Moor Insights & Strategy. In this conversation, Will shares where he's seeing AI create genuine, measurable impact beyond the pilot stage. Will also makes the case for post-quantum readiness as the next critical frontier and gives a candid look at his own hands-on science experiment with an OpenClaw mini PC — because, as he puts it, there's no substitute for getting your hands dirty. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA. Links: LoneStar Advisory and Research 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.
#538
May 19 · 36 min
From education to employment: Caleb Knight on empowering the next generation of workers with AI
This week on Catalyst, Caleb Knight joins Tammy in the Catalyst podcast booth, recording live from NTT Research’s Upgrade event. Caleb is the Director Of AI TechX, Industry Partnerships and Economic Development at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Together they explore the reality of AI in the workforce; reframing the conversation around job displacement into job creation and opportunities.They dive into how the University of Tennessee is working with a variety of industry partners to empower the next generation entering the workforce, how this translates across industries and fields, and how being a lifelong learner is the way forward! Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Caleb Knight AI TECHX 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.
#537
May 12 · 39 min
Going slow to move fast: Tokio Marine’s Bob Pick on calm, deliberate action with AI
This week, Tammy welcomes Bob Pick to the Catalyst podcast booth, recording live from NTT Research’s Upgrade event. Bob is the EVP & CIO at Tokio Marine North America, a multinational insurance holding company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. In their conversation, Bob shares how his nontraditional background in the humanities—including research on the history of swimming pool design—has shaped his approach to working in technology. He and Tammy also discuss the advantages of working at a Japanese company, notably the philosophy of sustainability and encouraging personal development. Bob also shares examples of where he’s been bullish on adopting AI, while cautioning against rushing headfirst into disruption. He argues that the most successful companies will be those that take a moment to determine how new technology like AI can meaningfully improve how they work. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA Links: Bob Pick Tokio Marine North America Services 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.

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