Podcast
Catalyst
Hosted by Launch by NTT DATA · EN
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.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The new era of sustainability: With Senior Forrester Analyst Abhijit Sunil
1w ago00:41:39Tap to summarizeThis 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 DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →From research to reality: An AI adoption conversation with analyst Will Townsend
2w ago00:21:18Tap to summarizeThis 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 DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →From education to employment: Caleb Knight on empowering the next generation of workers with AI
3w ago00:36:08Tap to summarizeThis 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 DATALinks: Caleb Knight AI TECHX Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Going slow to move fast: Tokio Marine’s Bob Pick on calm, deliberate action with AI
May 1200:39:05Tap to summarizeThis 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 DATALinks: Bob Pick Tokio Marine North America Services Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →From the ICU to IT VP: Kathleen Zaski on innovating clinical healthcare technology
May 500:28:55Tap to summarizeThis week on Catalyst, Tammy is recording live from Upgrade - NTT Research’s annual event that brings together the latest in research and innovation from NTT groups around the world. In this episode, Tammy is joined by Kathleen Zaski, Vice President of IT, Clinical Innovation and Technology Leader at Renown Health where she oversees the technology shaping how patients are cared for and how clinicians work. Together they dive into Kathleen's journey from nursing in the Cardiac ICU to executive IT leadership, how her clinical background informs every technology decision she makes, and what it truly takes to implement and deploy AI in a way that benefits both the patient and clinician experience.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Upgrade 2026 Kathleen Zaski Renown Health Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →The best idea wins: Bob Rosen on leading with a curiosity mindset
Apr 2800:32:27Tap to summarizeThis week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Bob Rosen, Chief Information Officer at Arcosa. Bob discusses his career journey, including his early experience in the Air Force working with electronics and even designing tech for F-14 fighter jets! He shares how those formative roles shaped the leadership principles he carries today—most notably, that the best idea wins and that bad news doesn’t improve with age. Bob and Tammy also explore the role of healthy skepticism in today’s rapidly evolving AI landscape, and the importance of thinking strategically about where—and whether—AI can truly drive business results.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Bob Rosen Arcosa Inc. Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Roll around in the problem: Designing “phygital” experiences with Hilton’s Jackie Talbot
Apr 2100:40:35Tap to summarizeThis week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Jackie Talbot, Vice President of Product at Hilton. Jackie has a talent for turning frustrating experiences into moments of joy, and she’s bringing that mindset to her work at Hilton. There, she’s leading the use of AI-powered tools to improve both employee and customer experiences. Jackie explains the idea of “phygital,” which combines digital tools with human interaction to create smoother, more seamless experiences. She also shares lessons from her own podcast, reflects on why authenticity matters in leadership, and highlights the importance of staying curious as you grow your career.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.Links: Jackie Talbot How do I navigate this shit Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Filtering out the signal from the noise: On leadership in the age of AI with Dr. Bratin Saha
Apr 1400:40:16Tap to summarizeThis week on Catalyst, Tammy Soares sits down with Dr. Bratin Saha, CEO of NTT DATA AIVista and a true pioneer in the evolution of artificial intelligence. Drawing on his leadership experience at Intel, Nvidia, and AWS, where he built and scaled one of the fastest-growing businesses in the company’s history, Bratin shares insights from a career defined by innovation and impact. Together, Tammy and Bratin explore the critical intersection of technology and business, the role of strong leadership in navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape, and why a human-centric approach is essential for long-term success. Bratin also underscores a key differentiator in the age of AI: the power of deep domain expertise in unlocking meaningful, real-world value.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Bratin Saha Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Enhancing the customer experience with AI: With Wyndham Hotels’ Michael Mahar
Apr 700:38:19Tap to summarizeThis week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Michael Mahar, SVP & Head of Commercial Technology, Loyalty & Digital Products at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. Michael’s career started answering calls as a Support Technician at Wyndham and now, over 20 years later, he’s helping the company transform their global infrastructure and leverage AI and cloud technologies to enhance the customer experience. In this episode Michael shares how Wyndham is using new technologies to improve the personal experience of their clients and why keeping an optimistic approach to advancements in AI is beneficial to your business.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks:Michael MaharLearn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Job mapping in the age of AI: Understanding customer needs with Jim Kalbach
Mar 3100:35:07Tap to summarizeThis week on Catalyst, guest host Jod Kaftan is joined by Jim Kalbach, Chief Evangelist at MURAL, speaker, and author of Mapping Experiences and The Jobs To Be Done Playbook. Jod and Jim Kalbach discuss the evolving landscape of design, particularly in the context of AI. They explore the double diamond framework, the Jobs To Be Done methodology, and the importance of understanding customer needs through real-world research. Jim emphasizes the need for designers to embed customer insights into organizational workflows and the ethical responsibilities that come with design in the age of AI. Jim also shares how his experience as a Jazz Bassist informs his work in design - notably his ability to embrace the unknown. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Jim KalbachJobs to be Done Toolkit Erica Flowers - Trade Your Double Diamonds for Steel Leo Frishberg - Presumptive Design Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee 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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