Heartbeat: Tactical Insights for CIOs

The CIO Playbook: Brian Glass on Failing Forward & Building Resilient IT Teams

Heartbeat host Mike Sommer,  sits down with Brian Glass, CIO at Transcend Company, to talk about what it really means to lead IT at scale—especially in high-stakes industries like healthcare.
Brian’s journey from early tech curiosity to leadership roles at GM, Volkswagen of America, and Ally Financial is packed with lessons for any CIO navigating disruption, transformation, and the relentless pace of change.
Here’s what we covered: ✅ Why servant leadership still wins
✅ Building adaptable, high-performing IT teams
✅ The real-world role of AI in enterprise environments
✅ Creating a culture that embraces "failing forward"
✅ Aligning IT with evolving business needs
Brian’s insights are both tactical and human—grounded in values, collaboration, and a passion for innovation.

CIO Strategy 2025: Innovation, AI at Scale & Future-Ready IT

As CIOs navigate 2025, the pressure to drive innovation, scale AI initiatives, and optimize IT strategy has never been greater. In this episode, we break down Gartner’s latest CIO report, exploring how to build a data-driven foundation, manage cybersecurity risks, control tech costs, and secure top talent for emerging technologies. With expert insights and actionable strategies, we’ll discuss how CIOs can align IT with business goals, collaborate across departments, and turn challenges into competitive advantages. Tune in for a deep dive into the key trends shaping the future of IT leadership.

From Corporate to Startup: Executing Innovation with Renee Gregor

Welcome to Heartbeat: Tactical Insights for CIOs. In this episode, we sit down with Renee Gregor, COO of Park Pro, to explore what it really takes to drive innovation beyond just technology—and why execution matters more than buzzwords.
With 15+ years of experience in client strategy, working with brands like Macy’s, BMW, Ralph Lauren, and Coca-Cola, Renee brings a unique perspective on translating big-company strategies into startup agility. She shares firsthand lessons on navigating the shift from corporate to startup environments, breaking rigid processes, and building a culture that thrives on execution.
We cover some must-know insights for CIOs and COOs in 2025, including:
🚀 Why digital transformation fails without cultural alignment
🔄 How AI and ‘systems thinking’ are reshaping execution strategies
📉 What CIOs can learn from Kodak’s infamous downfall
⚡ Why traditional consulting models are broken—and what works instead
📊 Practical ways to ‘fail forward’ and make meetings actually productive
Whether you're leading change at a Fortune 500 company or scaling a startup, this conversation is packed with real-world tactics you can apply today. Let’s dive in.

Market Insight: AI-Powered Strategy: How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping Business Decision-Making

Discover how AI is revolutionizing strategy development by enhancing analysis, uncovering insights faster, and mitigating biases. Learn how businesses can leverage AI as a researcher, thought partner, and simulator to drive smarter decision-making.

Market Insight - Future Frontiers: The Next Arenas of Competition

In this episode, we discuss Future Frontiers: The Next Arenas of Competition; we dive into McKinsey’s groundbreaking analysis of 18 emerging industries set to reshape the global economy, with a potential $48 trillion impact by 2040. CIOs will gain key insights into how arenas—defined by high growth and dynamism—offer unparalleled opportunities for innovation, disruption, and market leadership. We explore what drives these arenas, the role of AI, cybersecurity, biotech, and more, and how CIOs can position their enterprises for success in this rapidly shifting landscape. Don’t miss this essential roadmap to the future of competition!

Redefining Digital Transformation: The CIO’s Role in the Intelligence Age

This podcast features Daniel Keith and Mike Sommer discussing digital transformation and the evolving role of the CIO. Keith shares a pivotal career moment that shifted his focus to Salesforce and advocates for "digital evolution" over traditional transformation projects. The discussion explores the Intelligence Age and the importance of augmenting human cognition with AI, emphasizing data integrity and avoiding the "illegitimate elimination" of human capital. They also touch upon return-to-office strategies, highlighting the value of human connectivity and creativity. Keith critiques the consulting landscape, promoting a collaborative "done-with-you" model that empowers clients. Ultimately, the podcast promotes a vision of a positive, productive work environment that prioritizes both technological advancement and human values.

The Human Side of Tech: Leadership and Innovation with Sam Kann

In this episode of Heartbeat Tactical Insights for CIOs, host Mike Sommer sits down with Sam Kann—a seasoned CIO, entrepreneur, and innovator with over 20 years of IT leadership experience. Sam shares his human-centered approach to technology, emphasizing the power of empathy, stakeholder alignment, and relationship-building in driving successful digital transformation.
From navigating industry disruptions to reshaping IT team skill sets, Sam offers practical insights on leading with adaptability in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. He also explores how CIOs can cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and situational leadership to stay ahead of change.
If you're looking for actionable strategies to lead with impact in the digital age, this episode is a must-listen.

Empathy in Leadership: Lessons from Robert Field, CIO at Ozmosys

Welcome to today’s episode of Heartbeat: Tactical Insights for CIOs, where we explore the cutting edge of generative AI in the legal industry with a leader who’s not just witnessing change but driving it.
Our guest is Robert Field, who is at the forefront of innovation at Ozmosys, where he’s transforming how legal professionals interact with data—turning vast information into actionable insights that offer a competitive edge.
With a blend of strategic vision and technical expertise, he’s positioning Ozmosys as the go-to source for empowering legal experts to stay ahead of risks and opportunities. In this episode, we’ll discuss how he’s shaping the future of business intelligence, helping organizations thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
If you’re curious about the future of AI in legal practice and leadership in a data-driven world, this conversation is for you.