Best CTO Academy Podcasts (2025)

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The Estée Lauder Companies’ VP Kalindi Mehta on Leveraging AI Agents for Consumer Insights 20:16

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15d ago20:16

20:16

The beauty industry is massive, fast-paced, and hard to predict. There are 20,000 brands worldwide, and microtrends can spread around the globe in hours. That’s the challenge facing Kalindi Mehta, Global VP for Consumer Foresight Strategy and Predictive Analytics at the Estée Lauder Companies. In the latest episode, she lays out how AI is transform…

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Cassie Kozyrkov on How AI Can Be a Leadership Partner 23:37

1M ago23:37

23:37

Cassie Kozyrkov created the discipline of decision intelligence, combining the power of AI with data science to enable companies to make better choices. She’s now an AI advisor, and she writes the popular Decision Intelligence newsletter. Kozyrkov joined the WorkLab podcast to discuss how leaders can maximize the potential of AI and data, why havin…

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Intelligence on Tap Is a “Big Deal for Business,” says Microsoft’s Jared Spataro 27:53

2M ago27:53

27:53

AI has crossed an important threshold, says Microsoft CMO of AI at Work Jared Spataro: it now has remarkable abilities to think and reason. What does that mean for organizations? Intelligence is on tap. “You can now buy intelligence like you would purchase a commodity like electricity,” he explains. Spataro joined the podcast to discuss what it mea…

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DJ Patil on Using AI to Move Fast and Fix Things 26:36

2M ago26:36

26:36

DJ Patil was the first-ever US Chief Data Scientist and has led some of the biggest data initiatives in government and business. He has also been at the forefront of leveraging AI to solve the thorniest problems companies face, as well as “stupid, boring problems in the back office.” He joins the WorkLab podcast to discuss the potential of AI to ch…

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AI Is Lowering the Cost of Expertise. What Does That Mean for Business? 26:13

2M ago26:13

26:13

A core component of every company’s value proposition is its unique expertise. “But AI is lowering the cost of expertise,” says Harvard Business School professor Karim Lakhani, and that will require leaders to rethink every aspect of their organization. Lakhani has spent his career researching digital transformation, and he joins the WorkLab podcas…

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Neuroscientist Anne-Laure Le Cunff Says We All Need to Rethink How We Set Goals 27:59

3M ago27:59

27:59

“It’s time to replace the old linear model of success with a circular model of growth, in which goals are discovered, pursued, and adapted,” says Anne-Laure Le Cunff. She left a successful tech-marketing career to study neuroscience, and now writes the popular Ness Labs newsletter, which features insights about how our brains work that can help us …

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Azeem Azhar on How AI Agents Are Transforming Work 23:53

3M ago23:53

23:53

Azeem Azhar’s mission is to help leaders stay ahead of the curve at a time when technology, especially AI, is evolving at an exponential rate. He founded the Exponential View newsletter, which offers insights and advice to an eager audience of 116,000+ people who want to get ahead in a rapidly changing world. He joined us to discuss the potential f…

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Future-Proofing Your Business—and Yourself—for the AI Era 2:28

4M ago2:28

2:28

AI is evolving at a mind-bending pace, reshaping every aspect of business. How can leaders filter out the noise to stay focused on transforming their organizations? How can they leverage the limitless potential of AI, agents, and deep research? How can they harness the latest technology to access untapped value, turbocharge their decision making, a…

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Ask Me Anything with Microsoft CTO, Kevin Scott 41:30

4M ago41:30

41:30

In this AMA episode of "Behind the Tech," Kevin Scott and Christina Warren address a variety of listener questions, ranging from the impact of AI on learning and personal projects to the future of software development and AI regulation. Kevin shares his experience using AI for personal projects, such as making Japanese tea bowls, and discusses how …

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Michele Elam, William Robertson Coe Professor in the Humanities; Senior Fellow, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence; Bass University Fellow in Undergraduate Education 1:05:41

5M ago1:05:41

1:05:41

Michele Elam, the William Robertson Coe Professor of Humanities in the English Department at Stanford University and a Race and Technology Affiliate at the Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity, joins Behind the Tech to discuss her journey and work. Michele shares her unique path from a humanities background to engaging with technolo…

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Conor Grennan on Moving Beyond the “Search Engine Mindset” 26:50

5M ago26:50

26:50

Learning how AI can help with a few tasks won’t lead us to unlock its true power—for that, we need to fundamentally change how we think about the technology. So says Conor Grennan, Chief AI Architect at the NYU Stern School of Business and founder of the consulting company AI Mindset, who has studied the challenges that employees and organizations …

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Year in Review 2024 33:43

6M ago33:43

33:43

As 2024 comes to an end, we take a look back at some of the biggest themes that emerged on Behind the Tech over this incredibly exciting year for tech and AI: creativity, education, and transformation. And we take a stroll through some of Kevin’s obsessions – from ceramics to Maker YouTube to classical piano – alongside guests like Xyla Foxlin, Lis…

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An AI-First Data Scientist on the Technology's Current Limits and Future Potential 21:26

6M ago21:26

21:26

Kevin Novak founded the AI-focused VC firm Rackhouse Ventures in 2021 after a decade of trailblazing leadership roles in data science. He works closely with the founders of the AI-native startups he backs, giving him a bird’s eye view of how they’re leveraging AI to reinvent business. He joined the WorkLab podcast to share some of his learnings, as…

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Microsoft’s Chief Scientist on AI’s Untapped Potential 29:31

7M ago29:31

29:31

If you want to have a fascinating conversation about AI, talk to Jaime Teevan. In her recent discussion with WorkLab podcast host Molly Wood, Microsoft’s chief scientist shared key insights informed by her decades of research into productivity and collaboration. They also talk about how conversations will become increasingly important as we level u…

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Refik Anadol, Director / Media Artist at Refik Anadol Studio, Visiting Researcher & Lecturer at UCLA's Design Media Arts Department. 49:31

7M ago49:31

49:31

Refik Anadol, an internationally renowned media artist and director, joins Behind the Tech to discuss his journey from a childhood fascination with computers in Istanbul to becoming a pioneer in the aesthetics of data and machine intelligence. In this episode, Refik shares his early inspirations—including his first encounter with a Commodore comput…

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Are hackathons the new standard in corporate innovation? Decide for yourself! 11:03

7M ago11:03

11:03

Sidetrade’s annual hackathon, Sidehack, was back with a bang this year! In this special episode, Andy Lion chats with Remus Iancu, Team Lead Software Engineer & co-organizer of this year’s Sidehack, and Joy Ion, UI Designer and first time Sidehack attendee. From big “A-HA!” moments, some code explanation to a rubber duck, new friendships formed, an…

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Want Real AI Transformation? Focus on Your People and Processes 25:01

7M ago25:01

25:01

“The biggest advice I have for CEOs is to ask, what are you trying to solve? What’s your strategy? What’s your business problem? And then we can think about how AI can support that.” That’s the message of Delphine Zurkiya, a senior partner at the strategy and management consulting firm McKinsey & Company who works with clients while also leading he…

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Tackling the World’s Toughest Problems with AI 24:52

8M ago24:52

24:52

“With artificial intelligence and data at our fingertips, we now have the tools to address the world’s most pressing problems. We no longer have excuses.” That’s the message of Juan Lavista Ferres, a Microsoft corporate vice president and the chief data scientist of the company’s AI for Good Lab. He joined us to share key insights about the lab’s w…

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How Can Leaders Invest the Time That AI Gives Back? 22:46

8M ago22:46

22:46

“If you want to really understand artificial intelligence, a good starting point is to get better at understanding human intelligence,” says Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic. He’s a professor of business psychology, Chief Talent Scientist at Manpower Group, and author of several books on talent, leadership, and technology. He joins host Molly Wood to discus…

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Timm Chiusano on AI and “Winning the Week” 23:06

9M ago23:06

23:06

“My purpose is helping people do their best work by being the best version of themselves,” says Timm Chiusano, a creative executive turned TikTok superstar. He’s garnered more than a million followers with content sharing his insights about leadership, productivity, and creativity. He joins us to discuss the joys of managing, the value of authentic…

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How to have a rewarding business development career, with David Bavon 12:26

9M ago12:26

12:26

What opportunities can be found from a career in business development at Sidetrade? Well, you’re about to find out! In this episode, David Bavon, BDR Director at Sidetrade, explains what a rewarding role as a BDR looks like. From financial bonuses to promotion opportunities and more! If you’re looking for a career that opens up a world of opportuni…

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Lumen CEO Kate Johnson Says Leaders Should Be Catalysts 25:16

9M ago25:16

25:16

What does it take to transform your business from the ground up for the AI era? There’s no better person to ask than Kate Johnson, President and CEO of the telecommunications company Lumen. In this episode of the WorkLab podcast, she talks about how AI is helping the company stay agile in the ever-shifting telecom industry. We also delve into the i…

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Me, My CTO & I ... S2E6: Managing Your Mental Health 42:24

9M ago42:24

42:24

In this episode, Sanjay talks to Dr Hannah Forbes on managing your mental health as a tech leader in a high pressure, fast paced environment. Hannah talks openly about her mental health struggles, how she overcame them and continues to manage her mental health, and what advice she’d give to others at the beginning of their mental health journey. We…

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Ben Laude, Professor of Music (Piano Literature & Aural Skills) at Utah State University 1:27:18

9M ago1:27:18

1:27:18

Ben Laude, a concert pianist and music educator, joins Behind the Tech to discuss his journey from a suburban childhood in Austin, Texas to becoming a world-renowned classical pianist and YouTube creator. Ben shares his early inspirations—including his father's dabbling in piano and his own private obsession with classical music that began in high …

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How to Keep Up with the AI Transformation 2:04

9M ago2:04

2:04

AI is transforming every aspect of organizations, from structure to culture. How can smart leaders harness its full potential to enhance productivity and get more out of collaboration? How can they ensure that it’s functioning as a vital member of their team? How can they leverage its ability to add value, spot new opportunities, and help build out…

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Me, My CTO & I ... S2E5 Decoding The Board 48:46

11M ago48:46

48:46

Me, My CTO & I" is back and pushing the envelope of what to expect with your average tech podcast ... Global Tech Leaders in a bare knuckle leadership quiz How to get out of a board meeting alive Why you should never leave your email address with Ashley Madison Sanjay's fireside chat is with Adelina Chalmers, Leadership Coach, CTO Advisor, Geek Whi…

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Crush your career: From Credit Management to Customer Success 9:59

11M ago9:59

9:59

Have you ever found yourself at a career crossroads, wondering if it's time for a change? For some this could mean finding a similar role in a different company, for others it could mean an entirely new career path. If you've been contemplating a shift into the dynamic world of customer success, we have just the thing for you! Tune into our latest …

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Sal Khan, Founder and CEO of Khan Academy 1:12:55

11M ago1:12:55

1:12:55

Sal Khan, founder and CEO of Khan Academy, joins Behind the Tech to discuss his journey from a curious child fascinated by science and technology to a global leader in education innovation. Sal shares his early inspirations that led him to pursue a career in engineering and a degree at MIT, and outlines his lifelong passion for education rooted in …

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Me, My CTO & I ... S2E4 Mastering the Art of Business Agility 52:32

11M ago52:32

52:32

Me, My CTO & I" is back with its heady mix of tech leaders quiz, fireside chat and less than impressive leadership limerick. Sanjay chats with Giles Lindsay, technology leader, business agility coach, author of ‘Clearly Agile: A Leadership Guide to Business Agility’ and recently named in the Marlow Business School's World 100 list of CIO & CTOs. Ta…

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Ethan Mollick, Author and Associate Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania 58:43

1y ago58:43

58:43

Ethan Mollick is an associate professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches innovation and entrepreneurship. His research focuses on the impact of AI on work and education, and he has published numerous papers and a New York Times-bestselling book on AI, "Co-Intelligence." Ethan is also behind the popular Subst…

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Khan Academy founder Sal Khan on the Future of Learning 25:55

1y ago25:55

25:55

Imagine a world where we each have our own personal tutor who knows exactly when we need more challenge, support, or motivation. Sal Khan believes AI can be that tutor. He’s the founder of the online education nonprofit Khan Academy and the author of several books on education technology, and he’s here to talk about how smart companies can leverage…

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Charles Lamanna on AI’s Next Big Role 25:03

1y ago25:03

25:03

Charles Lamanna is the Corporate Vice President of Business Apps and Platforms at Microsoft. In this episode, he explores how newly announced Microsoft Copilot capabilities help business leaders do more than boost their personal productivity using AI. They can reinvent their teams and even their entire business. Lamanna also shares how low- and no-…

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Mike Volpi, Partner at Index Ventures 1:11:44

1y ago1:11:44

1:11:44

Mike Volpi is a longtime venture capitalist who joined Index Ventures in 2009 to establish the firm's San Francisco office and North American operations. Prior, he was Chief Strategy Officer at Cisco, overseeing a run of acquisitions still studied today as a model for technology merger strategy. Mike invests primarily in artificial intelligence, in…

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How AI Can Reveal the Neural Secrets Behind Great Leadership 25:31

1y ago25:31

25:31

Michael Platt literally wrote the book on the neuroscience of leadership, and he’s on this episode of the WorkLab podcast to explain how AI is transforming our understanding of the brain, as well as the way we work. Platt is the Director of the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative and a Professor of Marketing, Neuroscience, and Psychology at the Univers…

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Inside Accenture’s AI Journey with CEO Julie Sweet 24:52

1y ago24:52

24:52

How is Accenture, the professional services company with more than 730,000 employees across the world, transforming its enterprise using AI? And how is it recommending its clients do the same? In this episode, we go behind the scenes with CEO Julie Sweet to learn how. She also shares why the firm is investing $3 billion into AI, concrete use cases …

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What All Leaders Can Learn from How AI is Revolutionizing Medicine 27:26

1y ago27:26

27:26

Peter Lee, President of Microsoft Research, explains how AI is transforming every aspect of the medical industry, from research to diagnosis to how doctors communicate information. He also helps listeners grasp how what he’s seeing in medicine is happening across all industries: ultimately creating systems that are less siloed and less confusing, m…

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Me, My CTO & I ... S2E3 Managing the journey from Seed to Series C 56:33

1y ago56:33

56:33

You can't keep a good podcast down as "Me, My CTO & I" returns for another absorbing mix of tech talk, tech quiz and tech research. Sanjay's fireside chat is with Victor Kabdebon as they walk through the funding journey from Seed to Round C through the eyes of a CTO founder. What are the expectations? What prep is needed? What changes with each new…

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Mike Schroepfer, Partner, Gigascale Capital 1:05:15

1y ago1:05:15

1:05:15

In 2023, after departing his role as CTO of Facebook, Mike Schroepfer launched the climate venture capital investment firm Gigascale Capital with the goal of building climate tech companies. Working alongside co-founders Victoria Beasley and Evaline Tsai, Gigascale’s investments are today driving advancements in clean energy, biotech and computing.…

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Are Managers the Key to Unlocking AI’s True Potential? 23:15

1y ago23:15

23:15

Do you think AI will reduce the need for managers? Think again. As work becomes more efficient, the need for empathetic human oversight will increase, says Bryan Hancock, global leader of McKinsey’s talent management practice. He explains why managers will play a critical role in building AI-powered organizations and ensuring that they thrive. In t…

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Trailblazing career paths of three inspirational women in tech 14:42

1+ y ago14:42

14:42

There is no one size fits all journey when it comes to careers in tech. And no one knows this better than our guests on this episode! Get ready to be truly inspired as we sit down with not one, but THREE incredible Sidetraders: · Elodie Ravachol, Area VP of Product · Natasha Rollason, Junior Software Developer Engineer in Test · Naomi Smith, VP of …

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How Do You Solve a Problem That’s Never Been Solved Before? 20:03

1+ y ago20:03

20:03

The best leaders have a framework for stepping confidently into the unknown. This includes creating an AI-powered organization, a challenge that has many up at bat. In this episode, Dr. Britt Aylor, Director of Leadership Development at Microsoft, gives us a crash course in the adaptive leadership framework. In the WorkLab podcast from Microsoft, h…