Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast!

Are you ready for AI to become a true partner in your daily work?In this episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I explore the release of Microsoft Agent Mode and Office Agent, along with the revolutionary concept of "vibe working" within Microsoft 365 Copilot. This isn't just about automation; it's about AI understanding your intent, orchestrating complex tasks, and even evaluating its own work!Discover how Agent Mode is transforming productivity in: 💡 Democratising advanced data analysis and financial modelling in Excel, allowing you to focus on insights, not formulas.💡 Streamlining document creation with "vibe writing” in Word, turning tedious tasks into an interactive, conversational experience.Learn how this shift frees up countless hours, enabling you to concentrate on higher-level thinking, creativity, and strategic decision-making. It's about augmenting human intelligence and making expert-level capabilities accessible to everyone.Tune in now to explore the future of work and how Microsoft Agent Mode and Office Agent are reshaping our interaction with productivity tools. Don't miss out on actionable guidance and inspiration!Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | All major podcast platformsSend me a messageStart building your thought leadership portfolio today with INSPO.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, whether you're just starting out or well established, you have knowledge, experience, and perspectives worth sharing. Showcase your thinking, connect through ideas, and make your voice part of something bigger at INSPO - https://www.inspo.expert/Support the showI’m truly honoured that the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast is now reaching listeners in over 80 countries and 1,100+ cities worldwide. Thank you for your continued support! If you’d enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review and subscribe to ensure you're notified about future episodes. For further information visit - https://priceroberts.com

We've hit 100 episodes! To celebrate this incredible achievement, the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast is thrilled to bring you a truly special guest, the phenomenal Sarah Armstrong-Smith!For the landmark 100th episode, I sit down with Sarah Armstrong-Smith, the Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft. Sarah is a true luminary in the cybersecurity world, renowned for her expertise in protecting digital landscapes, guiding organisations through complex cyber threats, and championing robust security cultures. This is an episode you absolutely cannot miss!In this incredible discussion, Sarah shares unparalleled insights on: 💡 Her remarkable career journey and the spark that ignited her passion for cybersecurity.💡 The critical challenges organisations face in today's rapidly evolving digital world.💡 The indispensable human element in cybersecurity and actionable steps to cultivate a strong security culture.💡 Strategies to mitigate the most significant cybersecurity risks businesses encounter.💡 The dynamic evolution of AI and machine learning in both cyberattacks and defence.💡 Crafting a robust business continuity plan for an interconnected world.💡 Breaking down barriers to diversity and inclusion in tech, especially within cybersecurity.💡 The single most crucial lesson learned throughout her illustrious career. Sarah Armstrong-Smith is not only a Microsoft leader but also a prolific author of insightful books like 'Understand the Cyber Attacker Mindset' and 'Effective Crisis Management', a dynamic public speaker, and a passionate advocate for a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. Her profound knowledge in cybersecurity strategy, business continuity, and crisis management makes her an invaluable voice and this conversation an absolute must-listen for all tech professionals and aspiring leaders.Tune into this monumental 100th episode and gain insights that will empower you to navigate and protect our digital future with confidence.Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | All major podcast platformsSend me a messageStart building your thought leadership portfolio today with INSPO.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, whether you're just starting out or well established, you have knowledge, experience, and perspectives worth sharing. Showcase your thinking, connect through ideas, and make your voice part of something bigger at INSPO - https://www.inspo.expert/Support the showI’m truly honoured that the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast is now reaching listeners in over 80 countries and 1,100+ cities worldwide. Thank you for your continued support! If you’d enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review and subscribe to ensure you're notified about future episodes. For further information visit - https://priceroberts.com

Are you ready to navigate the complexities of modern tech leadership? In this episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I look at what it truly takes to be a visionary in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.This episode explores:💡 Beyond Operations - The shift from operational management to visionary leadership, embracing advanced AI, autonomous systems, and spatial computing.💡 Fortifying the Digital Frontier - The critical role of tech leaders in cybersecurity, combating AI-driven cyber-attacks, and building multi-layered defence strategies.💡 Cultivating a Diverse Workforce - The strategic imperative of diversity and inclusion for innovation, problem-solving, and market relevance.💡 The Triple Bottom Line - How modern tech leaders are becoming stewards of sustainability, balancing People, Planet, and Profit.💡 Evolving in the Age of AI & Automation - Rethinking organisational structures and workflows to leverage AI as a catalyst for transformation.Today's tech leaders are not just operational managers; they are multimodal maestros, orchestrating a symphony of innovation, security, sustainability, and human-centric growth.Tune in to discover how these leaders are navigating complexities and seizing opportunities in this new era. Whether you're a seasoned tech executive or an aspiring leader, this episode offers actionable guidance and inspiration.Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | All major podcast platformsSend me a messageStart building your thought leadership portfolio today with INSPO.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, whether you're just starting out or well established, you have knowledge, experience, and perspectives worth sharing. Showcase your thinking, connect through ideas, and make your voice part of something bigger at INSPO - https://www.inspo.expert/Support the showI’m truly honoured that the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast is now reaching listeners in over 80 countries and 1,100+ cities worldwide. Thank you for your continued support! If you’d enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review and subscribe to ensure you're notified about future episodes. For further information visit - https://priceroberts.com

In this episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I discus a timeless adage, this being that culture eats strategy for breakfast. While often attributed to Peter Drucker, its profound meaning for today's fast-paced technological world cannot be overstated.This episode explores how a thriving organisational culture is the true fuel for a successful technology strategy. I discuss the enduring wisdom behind this concept, its critical relevance in the modern tech landscape, and most importantly, provide actionable insights and practical tips for tech leaders.In this episode I focus on: 💡 Lead by example and embody the change you wish to see.💡 Define and communicate your desired culture effectively.💡 Foster psychological safety and a growth mindset within your teams.💡 Breakdown silos and promote cross-functional collaboration.💡 Invest in continuous learning and skill development.💡 Celebrate small wins and recognise cultural champions.Your technology strategy might lay out the path, but your culture determines if your organisation has the collective will, mindset, and adaptability to implement it successfully.Don't let a misaligned culture hold back your brilliant tech initiatives!  Tune in now to gain valuable guidance and inspiration to propel your technology strategy forward.Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | All major podcast platformsSend me a messageStart building your thought leadership portfolio today with INSPO.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, whether you're just starting out or well established, you have knowledge, experience, and perspectives worth sharing. Showcase your thinking, connect through ideas, and make your voice part of something bigger at INSPO - https://www.inspo.expert/Support the showI’m truly honoured that the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast is now reaching listeners in over 80 countries and 1,100+ cities worldwide. Thank you for your continued support! If you’d enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review and subscribe to ensure you're notified about future episodes. For further information visit - https://priceroberts.com

In this episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I explore the alarming rise of supply chain cyberattacks, a threat that recently crippled European Airports and brought Jaguar Land Rover's production to a halt.  These aren't just headlines, they're critical warnings for every IT leader.Our interconnected digital ecosystem means a breach anywhere can quickly become a crisis everywhere.  I look at the common patterns of these compromises and arm IT leaders with actionable strategies to fortify their defences and mitigate these ever-present risks.Tune in to gain crucial insights on robust vendor risk management, enhancing internal security posture, ensuring software integrity, and building data protection and resilience.Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | All major podcast platformsSend me a messageStart building your thought leadership portfolio today with INSPO.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, whether you're just starting out or well established, you have knowledge, experience, and perspectives worth sharing. Showcase your thinking, connect through ideas, and make your voice part of something bigger at INSPO - https://www.inspo.expert/Support the showI’m truly honoured that the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast is now reaching listeners in over 80 countries and 1,100+ cities worldwide. Thank you for your continued support! If you’d enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review and subscribe to ensure you're notified about future episodes. For further information visit - https://priceroberts.com

Is Apple falling behind in the AI race?For years, Apple has been renowned for its hardware and privacy, but its AI Strategy, particularly with Siri, has faced criticism for lagging behind.In this episode I look at the strategic rationale behind this unexpected alliance, exploring why Apple is leaning on Google’s advanced AI capabilities and what it means for the future of AI on your iPhone.I look at the inherent risks, including potential perceptions of weakness, privacy concerns with Google’s model and the long-term dependency this could create.  Is this a temporary bridge to Apple’s own AI independence, or the start of a more intertwined future? Tune in to gain insights into this potential paradigm shift for Apple and its position in the AI tech race.Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | All major podcast platformsSend me a messageStart building your thought leadership portfolio today with INSPO.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, whether you're just starting out or well established, you have knowledge, experience, and perspectives worth sharing. Showcase your thinking, connect through ideas, and make your voice part of something bigger at INSPO - https://www.inspo.expert/Support the showI’m truly honoured that the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast is now reaching listeners in over 80 countries and 1,100+ cities worldwide. Thank you for your continued support! If you’d enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review and subscribe to ensure you're notified about future episodes. For further information visit - https://priceroberts.com

Ever wondered what it takes to become one of the most influential voices in the UK Tech Industry?This week on the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I sit down with the incredible Georgina Owens, a leader who has been at the forefront of major technology transformations at companies like Vodafone and William Hill. We had a fascinating discussion about her journey, the challenges facing the industry, and her vision for the future of tech leadership.In this episode, we cover:💡 The importance of culture and diversity in building high-performing tech teams.💡 How to balance the demand for innovation with the need for stability.💡 The evolving role of technology leaders in an era of increasing scrutiny around privacy and ethics.💡 Georgina's advice for aspiring tech leaders who want to make an impact.This is a must-listen for any technology professional looking for actionable guidance and inspiration.Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | All major podcast platformsSend me a messageStart building your thought leadership portfolio today with INSPO.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, whether you're just starting out or well established, you have knowledge, experience, and perspectives worth sharing. Showcase your thinking, connect through ideas, and make your voice part of something bigger at INSPO - https://www.inspo.expert/Support the showI’m truly honoured that the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast is now reaching listeners in over 80 countries and 1,100+ cities worldwide. Thank you for your continued support! If you’d enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review and subscribe to ensure you're notified about future episodes. For further information visit - https://priceroberts.com

Are superintelligent AI systems just around the corner, or is the hype overshadowing reality? In this episode I cut through the noise, offering a balanced yet optimistic perspective on where AI is truly heading by 2027.  From the remarkable advancements in LLMs and AI-enabled medical devices to the changing economics of AI, this episode explores what's realistic, genuinely exciting, and what we should be preparing for.In this episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I explore the following:💡 The current state of AI adoption and deployment in 2025.💡 The difference between AI hype and realistic advancements.💡 How AI will democratise expertise and transform workplaces, healthcare, and scientific research.💡 The critical challenges we need to address for successful AI integration.This isn't a doom-and-gloom scenario, nor is it uncritical cheerleading.  It's a grounded discussion on AI's potential to amplify human capabilities and drive significant productivity growth.Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | All major podcast platformsSend me a messageStart building your thought leadership portfolio today with INSPO.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, whether you're just starting out or well established, you have knowledge, experience, and perspectives worth sharing. Showcase your thinking, connect through ideas, and make your voice part of something bigger at INSPO - https://www.inspo.expert/Support the showI’m truly honoured that the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast is now reaching listeners in over 80 countries and 1,100+ cities worldwide. Thank you for your continued support! If you’d enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review and subscribe to ensure you're notified about future episodes. For further information visit - https://priceroberts.com

What happens when AI, Sustainability, and Logistics collide?The result: smarter cities, greener fleets, and millions of optimised deliveries worldwide.In this episode, I talk with Richard Savoie, patent-holding engineer, entrepreneur, and CEO of Adiona Tech, the AI-powered delivery route optimisation platform trusted by Coca-Cola, Amazon, and Marley Spoon.In this episode we explore:💡 Key lessons on leadership and innovation from a seasoned tech entrepreneur💡 The inspiration behind focusing on AI and urban mobility, and how technology can drive sustainable transport solutions💡 How AI is reshaping urban mobility and solving fleet efficiency challenges💡 Breaking the myth that sustainability vs. cost savings are at odds💡 The future of mobility if AI adoption keeps acceleratingIf you care about leadership, innovation, and the future of sustainable transport, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.Learn more about Richard's work here: https://www.adionatech.com/Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | All major podcast platformsSend me a messageStart building your thought leadership portfolio today with INSPO.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, whether you're just starting out or well established, you have knowledge, experience, and perspectives worth sharing. Showcase your thinking, connect through ideas, and make your voice part of something bigger at INSPO - https://www.inspo.expert/Support the showI’m truly honoured that the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast is now reaching listeners in over 80 countries and 1,100+ cities worldwide. Thank you for your continued support! If you’d enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review and subscribe to ensure you're notified about future episodes. For further information visit - https://priceroberts.com

Are you tired of drowning in endless vendor comparisons and lengthy procurement cycles?  Louise Baldwin from Archways talks about how to reduce the Vendor Research period and how we can start to recognise efficiencies across the organisation.Key points discussed in this episode:💡 What's fundamentally broken about how organisations evaluate technology today 💡 Why CIOs face more complexity now than ever before (and how to cut through the noise) 💡 How to align IT, operations, finance, and compliance teams for faster decisions 💡 The future of B2B software buying in the next 5 yearsPerfect for CIOs, CTOs, Procurement Leaders, IT Directors, and anyone involved in enterprise software decisions.Louise's Harvard Business School background combined with her cutting-edge AI expertise at Archways offers a unique perspective on transforming how businesses discover and evaluate software vendors.The Bottom Line: Stop making software decisions based on feature checklists.  Start focusing on real business outcomes.What's your biggest challenge in software procurement? Share in the comments!Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | All major podcast platformsSend me a messageStart building your thought leadership portfolio today with INSPO.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, whether you're just starting out or well established, you have knowledge, experience, and perspectives worth sharing. Showcase your thinking, connect through ideas, and make your voice part of something bigger at INSPO - https://www.inspo.expert/Support the showI’m truly honoured that the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast is now reaching listeners in over 80 countries and 1,100+ cities worldwide. Thank you for your continued support! If you’d enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review and subscribe to ensure you're notified about future episodes. For further information visit - https://priceroberts.com