3056: Rethinking Tech Education in the AI Era with Pluralsight

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m live from Lenovo Tech World in Seattle with Linda Yao, where my guest shares exclusive insights into what’s next for AI and how it will impact businesses and individuals alike. We also delve into the live demonstrations at the event, including Lenovo’s collaboration with the Scott Morgan Foundation to help ALS patients communicate using AI. This powerful display underscores Lenovo’s commitment to using AI for social good, and Linda explains why these initiatives are at the forefront of Lenovo’s mission to create smarter AI for all. Additionally, Linda reveals the challenges businesses face when implementing AI, especially when it comes to demonstrating ROI. She introduces Lenovo’s “AI Fast Start” program, which is designed to accelerate results for enterprises. We also discuss Lenovo’s hybrid AI portfolio and how businesses across industries are leveraging AI templates to transform their operations. Join us as we explore the future of AI and how Lenovo is pushing the boundaries of technology, not only to solve complex business problems but also to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a business leader navigating the AI landscape, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

In this episode, I enjoy a discussion with Qianying (Jane) Wang,  VP, Lenovo Technology Committee Secretary-General, General Manager of Research’s Technical Strategy & Innovation Platform. Recorded live at Lenovo Tech World, Jane shares her journey with Lenovo over the past decade, highlighting the rapid evolution of technology and the company's commitment to innovation. With a focus on the theme of augmented intelligence, Jane explains how Lenovo is redefining the role of AI in personal computing. She emphasizes that AI is not just about artificial intelligence; it's about enhancing human potential and improving user experience. As the largest PC maker in the world, Lenovo aims to integrate AI seamlessly into home and enterprise PCs, helping users navigate the complexities of technology. We also explore the concept of hybrid AI and its implications for user privacy, the cognitive overload many face in the digital age, and how AI can serve as a companion to manage information more efficiently. Jane delves into the exciting advancements in 3D experiences and how Lenovo’s innovations aim to bring these technologies closer to users. Join us as we uncover the future of technology through Jane’s insights, and discover how Lenovo is poised to shape the landscape of AI and human interaction.

In this episode, I explore the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and business strategy with Vlad Rozanovich, Senior Vice President of Lenovo's Infrastructure Solutions Group. Recorded live at Lenovo Tech World, Vlad discusses Lenovo’s comprehensive AI-ready portfolio, designed to accelerate the adoption of hybrid AI solutions across enterprises. He addresses a pressing concern for many organizations: the return on investment (ROI) of AI technologies. Vlad shares his experiences from engaging with over 110 CIOs and CTOs worldwide, shedding light on what businesses can expect when integrating AI into their operations.  We also discuss specific use cases, including customer service chatbots and code generation for IT, that showcase immediate benefits and efficiencies gained from AI applications. This episode highlights Lenovo’s innovative approaches to data management and sustainability through advancements like liquid cooling technologies. As the industry moves towards smarter, AI-driven solutions, this discussion serves as a crucial resource for business leaders aiming to navigate their AI journey effectively.   

  In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I welcome back Andy Tay from Accenture to unpack insights from their latest report, "Reinventing with a Digital Core." As organizations strive to remain competitive in an increasingly digital landscape, Tay emphasizes the pivotal role of a robust digital core in driving sales and business performance. He outlines three fundamental tenets for companies aiming to build a strong, profitable, and innovative foundation: re-engineering systems for AI operations, tailoring digital advancements to specific needs, and balancing technical debt with future investments. With the business world shifting towards AI readiness, Tay highlights how leading companies, which increase their strategic innovation investments by at least 6% annually, are positioned to redesign processes, launch new products, and expand into new markets. He explains that prioritizing digital core improvements can lead to automatic enhancements in other areas, simplifying the journey toward achieving a competitive edge in the market. Furthermore, Tay discusses the necessity of allocating approximately 15% of IT budgets to mitigate technical debt while ensuring that organizations maintain evergreen IT capabilities. We discuss how a strong digital core can catalyze business reinvention, with top performers experiencing up to 20% higher revenue growth and 30% increased profitability. Tay also emphasizes the balanced approach needed for AI integration, urging companies to start small, scale rapidly, and prioritize responsible implementation. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the integration of cloud infrastructure, data management, and cybersecurity as essential components of a modern digital core. Tay also touches on the future outlook for digital transformation, highlighting the importance of innovation culture, talent development, and ecosystem partnerships in driving continuous reinvention. To explore more about these topics, you can access the full report here: Accenture's Reinventing with a Digital Core. Join us for an enlightening discussion that not only provides a roadmap for digital transformation but also equips organizations with the strategies needed to thrive in a technology-driven world. What strategies do you believe are essential for businesses to achieve a successful digital core?

How can businesses bridge the growing tech skills gap and build a future-ready workforce? Today on Tech Talks Daily, I'm joined by Drew Firment, Cloud Strategist at Pluralsight, to explore how organizations can address this challenge head-on. As technology evolves, the need for upskilling and continuous learning has never been more urgent. Drew shares insights from Pluralsight's 2024 Technical Research Report, revealing that while cloud computing and cybersecurity remain in high demand, many organizations are still struggling to provide the right skills to their teams. Drew explains how Pluralsight’s platform is helping to close this gap through personalized learning paths, hands-on labs, and real-time feedback. With a focus on connecting individual skills to organizational outcomes, Drew highlights how companies can save up to £22,000 per employee by investing in upskilling rather than hiring new talent. We also discuss the shift in learning models, moving from knowledge retention to human intelligence skills like critical thinking and creative problem-solving—skills that will be crucial in an AI-driven world. Additionally, Drew shares how organizations can create a culture of continuous learning, where employees are empowered to expand their skill sets, take non-linear career paths, and contribute to long-term digital transformation goals. From overcoming organizational inertia to fostering a sustainable learning culture, Drew provides practical advice for businesses looking to future-proof their workforce. How can companies prioritize upskilling and create a more adaptable, innovative team? Join us for this insightful discussion, and let us know how you see the future of learning and development evolving.

What does it take to ensure that cutting-edge AI innovations are ethically sound? Today, live from Adobe MAX, I sit down with Grace Yee, Senior Director of Ethical Innovation at Adobe, to explore the intersection of ethics and AI in real-time. As Adobe unveils its latest advancements at the event, Grace shares how the company's ethical AI program has evolved to meet the challenges posed by generative AI, including Adobe Firefly. Grace has been spearheading Adobe's AI ethics program since its inception, and she offers exclusive insights into the global AI ethics governance structure she leads. This framework ensures that every AI feature Adobe develops—whether for creative tools or enterprise solutions—adheres to the company’s principles of accountability, responsibility, and transparency. She walks us through the ethics review process, explaining how Adobe evaluates AI products for risks like bias and stereotypes, and collaborates with product teams to ensure innovations align with ethical standards before launch. Grace highlights the behind-the-scenes work her team does to support new products. From collaborating with native speakers on multilingual support for Adobe Firefly to running risk discovery exercises for high-risk features, her team ensures that innovation is always balanced with responsibility. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday experiences, how can we continue to innovate while keeping ethics at the forefront? Grace’s perspective offers a window into how Adobe tackles this challenge head-on. This week Adobe MAX will explore the future of AI, the role of ethics in tech innovation, and what it means for companies and creators alike. How do you think ethical frameworks will shape the next wave of AI development? Tune in and share your thoughts!

What connects a career rooted in the automotive world to leading research and development at one of the world’s fastest-growing EV charging companies? Today, Richard Earl, Director of R&D at EO Charging, reflects on his professional journey and discusses the challenges and opportunities within the rapidly evolving electric vehicle industry.  With a nod to Steve Jobs' famous words, "You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward," Richard takes us through how his experiences shaped his vision for the future of energy autonomy, where smart energy technologies are at the forefront of the EV revolution. In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, we’ll explore the world of electric vehicle charging from the perspective of a company that’s making waves on a global scale. Founded in 2014, EO Charging provides cutting-edge, end-to-end EV charging solutions to some of the world’s largest corporations, including Amazon, Tesco, and DHL. Richard shares insights into how EO is tackling the complexities of electrification, from managing corporate fleets to addressing emerging consumer concerns like "charge anxiety." We’ll dive into the UK government’s 2035 zero-emission mandate and the significant hurdles still faced, such as the lack of incentives and clarity that could hamper mass EV adoption. Richard emphasizes that while government policies may be inconsistent, businesses are moving forward with electrification due to its clear financial and environmental benefits. He also highlights the role of new technologies, such as the ISO 15118 protocol and smart charging innovations, that are set to transform not just EV performance but also the charging experience itself. How does a company like EO Charging help organizations achieve their net-zero targets? And what is needed from governments to align policy with the ambitions of a greener future? Join us as Richard Earl explains how EO Charging is creating a new ecosystem of energy autonomy and what lies ahead for the EV industry. As we connect the dots between the present and the future of EVs, what role do you think governments should play in supporting the transition? Let us know your thoughts!

In this episode, I sit down with Richard Barnett, Chief Marketing Officer at Supplyframe, a leader in Design-to-Source Intelligence for the global electronics value chain. Richard brings decades of expertise in semiconductor supply chains and shares insights on the challenges and strategies the industry needs to adopt to build greater resilience. The global semiconductor shortage has had a massive impact across industries, with losses estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars.  Richard discusses the root causes behind these shortages, the complexities of multi-tier supply chains, and how product complexity, especially in sectors like automotive, exacerbates the issue. We also delve into Supplyframe’s latest innovation—its Electronics Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) offering. This resource is the first of its kind, giving global manufacturers access to carbon footprint data for over 300 million electronic parts. Richard explains how this tool is designed to help companies meet evolving regulatory requirements and improve sustainability in product design and sourcing decisions. As the electronics industry grapples with the challenges of integrating sustainability into supply chains, this new capability is set to play a key role in aligning efficiency, cost optimization, and environmental responsibility. Throughout our conversation, Richard touches on broader industry trends, including the growing role of AI in supply chain management. He emphasizes that AI is already transforming supply chain optimization by providing real-time insights, but the industry still needs to focus on practical outcomes rather than just hype. Finally, we explore what the future holds for global supply chains as new pressures, both geopolitical and financial, create a more uncertain landscape. How can companies future-proof their operations and drive real change in their supply chain strategies? Tune in to find out!

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I explore how Felienne Hermans, creator of the Hedy platform, is reshaping programming education for the next generation. Hedy is an open-source, free platform designed to help children aged 10 and above learn textual programming across multiple languages. With an impressive 500,000 monthly users and translations into 49 languages—including Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish—Hedy is not only accessible but also adaptable to diverse learning environments. Felienne, a professor of computer science education at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and a high-school teacher in the Codasium program, brings a unique perspective on how we need to radically rethink programming education. She shares the inspiration behind Hedy’s development, highlighting how the platform breaks away from traditional teaching models by offering step-by-step, relatable exercises that engage students in a meaningful way. From stories and drawings to music, Hedy’s approach goes far beyond the typical abstract exercises found in traditional programming lessons. Felienne also dives into the important role that native languages and culture play in fostering stronger connections between young learners and programming. By allowing students to code in their native languages, Hedy is promoting inclusivity and engagement, making technology feel more relevant and attainable. In this conversation, we explore why it's crucial for parents and educators to introduce children to coding early, and how tools like Hedy can help them do so in a way that's both enjoyable and effective. Felienne also shares her top tips for teaching children to code, offering insights from her own journey as both an educator and a developer. We discuss how to cultivate curiosity in young learners, why programming skills are essential for the future workforce, and how platforms like Hedy are preparing students for the future of technology. What do you think the future holds for programming education? Could tools like Hedy spark a global movement in coding literacy? Listen in and share your thoughts!

What does it take to lead Data and AI initiatives in today’s fast-paced tech landscape while balancing entrepreneurial ventures? In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I am joined by Suri Nuthalapati, Technical Leader at Cloudera Inc and a member of both the Forbes Technology Council and Entrepreneur Leadership Network.  Suri shares his fascinating career journey, from moving to the United States from India for his Master’s in Computer Science to founding startups and leading transformative projects at major corporations. With a rich background that spans positions at FedEx and Charter Communications, and now as a driving force at Cloudera, Suri brings a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He discusses how his ventures — such as Farmioc, an agriculture data platform aimed at empowering the Indian agriculture sector, and Trida Labs, a cloud-native SQL editor for data teams — have shaped his approach to leadership, adaptability, and fostering innovation. In his current role at Cloudera, Suri leads the Data and AI practice in the Americas, where he helps enterprises fast-track their adoption of data-driven solutions. We explore key trends such as hybrid and multi-cloud architectures, Generative AI, and modern data architectures like Data Lakehouse, Data Mesh, and Data Fabric. Through Suri’s guidance, organizations are navigating these advancements to accelerate their digital transformations. Tune in as we dive deep into how Suri has successfully balanced corporate roles with his entrepreneurial ambitions and the lessons he’s learned along the way. How are Data and AI reshaping industries, and what strategies should enterprises adopt to stay ahead? Have you witnessed Data and AI shaping your industry? How do you see future developments influencing business transformations? Share your thoughts!