Heartbeat: Tactical Insights for CIOs
Heartbeat: Tactical Insights for CIOs is your essential guide to mastering enterprise technology leadership. In every episode, we engage in candid, thought-provoking conversations with top CIOs and IT visionaries, uncovering the strategies, challenges, and game-changing innovations driving digital transformation today. From harnessing AI and cloud technologies to orchestrating large-scale organizational change, Heartbeat cuts through the noise to deliver real-world insights that shape the future of IT leadership. Whether you’re optimizing IT-business alignment, navigating next-gen solutions, or future-proofing your technology strategy, this podcast equips you with the actionable intelligence and foresight needed to stay ahead. Stay connected to the pulse of innovation—because the future of enterprise IT starts here.
Episodes

Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Market Insight - Future Frontiers: The Next Arenas of Competition
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
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!

Monday Feb 17, 2025
Redefining Digital Transformation: The CIO’s Role in the Intelligence Age
Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
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.

Monday Feb 17, 2025
The Human Side of Tech: Leadership and Innovation with Sam Kann
Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
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.

Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Empathy in Leadership: Lessons from Robert Field, CIO at Ozmosys
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
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.

Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Driving Digital Transformation and Customer Value with Greg Killstrom
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
In this episode of 'Heartbeat Tactical Insights for CIOs,' host Michael Sommer speaks with Greg Killstrom, a marketing thought leader, consultant, and author of over 20 books. Greg, who has guided Fortune 1000 brands such as Adidas, FedEx, HP, and Coca-Cola, discusses his journey from product designer to marketing technology expert. He emphasizes the importance of creating customer value, the convergence of marketing and technology, and the critical role of data. Greg shares insights on overcoming operational challenges, implementing AI, and fostering partnerships between CMOs and CIOs for successful digital transformation. Tune in to learn about actionable strategies for marketing and IT professionals looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Transforming IT Leadership: An Interview with Deepak Sachdeva
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
In this episode of Heartbeat: Tactical Insights for CIOs, host Michael Sommer speaks with Deepak Sachdeva, a veteran CIO/CTO with 20+ years of experience. Deepak shares insights on aligning technology with business needs, data governance, and digital transformation. He offers actionable strategies for reducing technical debt, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation to create lasting business value.