Katrina Alcorn is head of <a href="https://www.ibm.com/design/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IBM Design</a>, leading a group of 3,000 designers who work on various projects, including software, hardware, web, and brand experiences. Her background is diverse, having started in journalism and documentary filmmaking before transitioning into tech and design about 20 years ago. In this episode she explains how at its core, design is about problem-solving, and so has relevance in every aspect of business. She talks about the importance of embracing a growth mindset but also about achieving a sustainable balance in your life and career. Your host: Cristina McComic, IBM Content Designer &nbsp; Key takeaways:1:42 - Getting started in user-centered design 3:55 - The history of design at IBM 9:53 - Building design thinking into product development 13:20 - Measuring customer happiness 20:30 - The importance of vulnerability for design and career 24:50 - Developing a growth mindset 26:10 - Innovation, failure, and resilience <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinaalcorn/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Connect with Katrina on LinkedIn</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Maxed-Out-American-Moms-Brink/dp/1580055230" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read Katrina's book Maxed Out</a>

As a design leader, my job is to humanize technology. As an organization leader, my job is to humanize the workplace. These challenges are surprisingly similar, and throughout my 20+ years in design, I have embraced them both. With the rapid evolution of AI, this work is getting a lot more interesting, too.

Katrina Alcorn

Head of IBM Design

Katrina Alcorn is head of IBM Design, leading a group of 3,000 designers who work on various projects, including software, hardware, web, and brand experiences. Her background is diverse, having started in journalism and documentary filmmaking before transitioning into tech and design about 20 years ago. In this episode she explains how at its core, design is about problem-solving, and so has relevance in every aspect of business. She talks about the importance of embracing a growth mindset but also about achieving a sustainable balance in your life and career. 


Good design is good business with Katrina Alcorn

The business of design with Katrina Alcorn

In this episode of the Business Schooled podcast, Katrina Alcorn, head of IBM Design explains why design is really about problem-solving, and so has relevance in every aspect of business. She talks about the importance of a growth mindset and the importance of balance in life and career. 


Jamil Shabazz is the President of the Indianapolis Chapter of BDPA, an organization dedicated to bringing members of the black community and other minorities into technology and STEM fields. He is passionate about bringing more diversity into the tech sector through job opportunities, mentoring, and showcasing role models. Through the BDPA he puts on conferences, goes into communities, and visits schools, with the idea of leading children from underserved community from the classroom to the boardroom. Your host: Daryl Pereira, IBM Senior Content Strategist Key takeaways:1:47 - Getting into IT in the 90s 4:20 - Why some communities are underrepresented in technology 7:40 - Giving back to the community 11:36 - Partnering with businesses on DE&amp;I initiatives 15:22 - The business imperative for diversity 19:55 - The importance of emotional intelligence for a successful career 22:39 - New doors opened by AI and emerging technology <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamil-shabazz-ms-capm-0463691/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Connect with Jamil on LinkedIn </a><a href="https://www.bdpa-indy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check out the BDPA</a>

Jamil has over twenty years experience in Information Systems Technologies, and is an authentic IT leader who promotes mentorship. He is an advocate in the DE&I arena by supporting community and workforce events. 

Jamil Shabazz

President of the Indianapolis Chapter of BDPA

Jamil Shabazz is the President of the Indianapolis Chapter of BDPA, an organization dedicated to bringing members of the black community and other minorities into technology and STEM fields. He is passionate about bringing more diversity into the tech sector through job opportunities, mentoring, and showcasing role models. Through the BDPA he puts on conferences, goes into communities, and visits schools, with the idea of leading children from underserved community from the classroom to the boardroom.


Building diversity in the workplace with Jamil Shabazz

Building Diversity In The Workplace With Jamil Shabazz

In this episode of the Business Schooled podcast, Jamil Shabazz, President of the Indianapolis Chapter of BDPA explains why there is a still a need for more diversity, equity & inclusion in the technology field, and concrete steps that can be taken to address this imbalance. 



Jeff Saperstein is a <a href="https://jeffsaperstein.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">career transition coach</a> who helps highly successful, motivated, and experienced business professionals into their next career. Jeff has had a successful career in the advertising world, and has been a professor of business and communications. In this episode of Business Schooled, he talks about the emotional baggage we all bring into the workplace, and how that impacts our outlook and how we communicate with others. He explains the difference in rewards between school and work, and how to make the adjustment.&nbsp; Your host: Daryl Pereira, IBM Senior Content Strategist&nbsp; Key takeaways:3:01 - How we define ourselves 4:32 - Emotional baggage in the workplace 8:40 - The difference between school and work: rewards 13:09 - Emotional intelligence 18:39 - Assessing your role in an organization 23:40 - Three pieces of advice﻿<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-saperstein" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Connect with Jeff Saperstein on LinkedIn</a> <a href="https://jeffsaperstein.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check out Jeff's website</a>

Jeff Saperstein is a career transition coach who helps highly successful, motivated, and experienced business professionals into their next career. 

Jeff Saperstein

Career Transition Coach

Jeff Saperstein is a career transition coach who helps highly successful, motivated, and experienced business professionals into their next career. Jeff has had a successful career in the advertising world, and has been a professor of business and communications. In this episode of Business Schooled, he talks about the emotional baggage we all bring into the workplace, and how that impacts our outlook and how we communicate with others. He explains the difference in rewards between school and work, and how to make the adjustment. 


The emotional baggage we bring to work with Jeff Saperstein

In this episode of the Business Schooled podcast, career transition coach Jeff Saperstein talks about the emotional baggage we all bring into the workplace, and how that impacts our outlook and how we communicate with others.


Frank Congiu is a senior executive at <a href="https://helloezra.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EZRA Coaching</a>, an innovative, digital career coaching platform. In this episode he explains how our identity shapes our relationships in business, what HR leaders are looking for in the modern workplace, some of the unexpected qualities hiring managers are looking for, and the traits of successful executives. Your host: Daryl Pereira, IBM Senior Content Strategist&nbsp; Key takeaways:2:44 - The importance of our identity in building relationships 5:42 - What HR heads and businesses are looking for in new hires 7:09 - The move to skills-based hiring 13:52 - What to look for when assessing a new organization 16:42 - How do you build stronger relationships, in business and life? 19:51 - Final advice for building positive relationships <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankcongiu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Connect with Frank Congiu on LinkedIn</a><a href="https://helloezra.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Learn more about Ezra Coaching</a>

Frank Congiu is a senior executive at EZRA Coaching, an innovative, digital career coaching platform. He was previously at LHH, where he worked with C-suite executives and other HR leaders to provide workforce transformation and HR solutions in areas of talent mobility and career development. Frank has a passion for serving the HR community to help them make positive change for their employees and make ‘the future of work’ work for everyone.

Frank Congiu

Managing Director - Ezra Consulting 

Frank Congiu is a senior executive at EZRA Coaching, an innovative, digital career coaching platform. In this episode he describes the importance of understanding your true identity and how you can use this to create meaningful business relationships.



Building authentic relationships with Frank Congiu

In this episode of the Business Schooled podcast, Frank Congiu, senior executive at EZRA Coaching, describes the importance of understanding your true identity and how you can use this to create meaningful business relationships.


Suzanne Livingston is a product development executive with a passion for improving sustainability, transparency and culture through data and insight. As a Vice President in IBM’s Sustainability Software business unit, Suzanne leads a large, global team of software engineers building next generation sustainability, asset management &amp; supply chain technologies using AI &amp; IoT. In this episode, Suzanne explains how businesses can get ahead of new ESG reporting standards, how to make IT more sustainable, and the path that has brought her to this point. Your host: Daryl Pereira, IBM Senior Content Strategist&nbsp; Key takeaways:2:46 - What is sustainability software7:51 - What government legislation is coming through and how can businesses respond? 20:10 - What is the role of IT when it comes to sustainability? 25:53 - Advice for building a successful career <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/solivingston/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Connect with Suzanne Livingston on LinkedIn</a> <a href="https://www.ibm.com/design/practices/engineering-for-sustainability/IBM-engineering-for-sustainability.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">More on IBM engineering for sustainability</a><a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/about-us/new-at-mckinsey-blog/hbr-mckinsey-award-winners-a-cleaner-smarter-way-to-measure-ghg-emissions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">More on measuring greenhouse gas emissions</a>

Suzanne is a product development executive focused on improving sustainability, transparency and culture through data and insight. As a Vice President in IBM’s Sustainability Software business unit, Suzanne leads a large, global team of software engineers building next generation sustainability, asset management & supply chain technologies using AI & IoT.

Suzanne Livingston

Vice President, IBM Sustainability Software

Suzanne Livingston is a product development executive with a passion for improving sustainability, transparency and culture through data and insight. As a Vice President in IBM’s Sustainability Software business unit, Suzanne leads a large, global team of software engineers building next generation sustainability, asset management & supply chain technologies using AI & IoT. In this episode, Suzanne explains how businesses can get ahead of new ESG reporting standards, how to make IT more sustainable, and the path that has brought her to this point. 


Sustainability and tech with Suzanne Livingston

In this episode of the Business Schooled podcast, Suzanne Livingston, Vice President in IBM's Sustainability Software business unit, talks about the growing role of technology in sustainability.  


Yu Chen is an Assistant Professor at San Jose State University who has been involved with teaching AI for social good in the classroom for the last five years. With a background in human computer interaction, Yu focuses on how chat-based interfaces can play a special role in creating technology solutions for social good. In this episode, she explains how she introduces business students to artificial intelligence (AI) and the describes the solutions they offer. She also shares here perspective on AI tools like Chat GPT and how they fit in to the educational mix. Your host: Daryl Pereira, IBM Senior Content Strategist Key takeaways: 1:30 - Exploring the human side of technology 3:45 - Introducing business students to artificial intelligence 7:33 - Engaging students through the Innovation Farm 12:50 - AI for social good 17:47 - The current fascination with chat interfaces 22:40 - The role of AI in education <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/yu-chen-36319a12/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Connect with Yu Chen on LinkedIn </a><a href="https://www.aiforsocialgood.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check out AI for Social Good</a>

SJSU Assistant Professor Yu Chen is a researcher, designer, and engineer, whose research is grounded in Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Supported Collaborative Work, Ubiquitous Computing, and Health Informatics. She aims to apply social psychology theories in social applications to enhance human welfare.


Yu Chen

Assistant Professor, San Jose State University 

Yu Chen is an Assistant Professor at San Jose State University who has been involved with teaching AI for social good in the classroom for the last five years. With a background in human computer interaction, Yu focuses on how chat-based interfaces can play a special role in creating technology solutions for social good. In this episode, she explains how she introduces business students to artificial intelligence (AI) and the describes the solutions they offer. She also shares here perspective on AI tools like Chat GPT and how they fit in to the educational mix. 


AI for social good with SJSU's Yu Chen

Yu Chen, Assistant Professor at San Jose State University explains how she introduces business students to artificial intelligence (AI), how this technology can be applied to social good, and talks to the role of tools like Chat GPT in education. 



Simon Mainwaring is a brand futurist, speaker, author, podcaster, columnist and founder/CEO of We First, an organization that has been helping businesses realize their sustainability ambitions for over a decade. They focus on getting all stakeholders across the business to work together in new ways to the benefit of the largest collective, including the planet. Simon explains how sustainability can be anyone's role, regardless of the business and what you do. Your host: Daryl Pereira, IBM Senior Content Strategist Key takeaways: 1:30 - The journey to starting WeFirst 6:20 - Deciding on a purpose-driven direction 11:08 - How business is evolving to consider climate change 17:52 - The role of leadership in driving change 20:40 - How anyone can get involved in sustainability initiatives 26:13 - One takeaway on getting involved in corporate climate action <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonmainwaring/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Connect with Simon on LinkedIn</a><a href="https://wefirstbranding.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check out We First</a>

Simon Mainwaring is a brand futurist, speaker, author, podcaster, and columnist. He’s a Real Leaders’ Top 50 Keynote Speaker in the World, MOMENTUM Top 100 Impact CEO, Featured Expert and Jury Member at the Cannes Lions Festival and U.S. One Show for Sustainable Development, and Thinkers360 Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Climate Change. He is the founder/CEO of We First, an award-winning, strategic consultancy building purpose, sustainability, and climate initiatives for brands. We First is a Real Leaders’ Top 100 Impact Companies in the U.S., as well as a B Corp ‘Best For the World’ Honoree. Simon’s first book, We First is a New York Times bestseller and named Best Marketing Book of the Year by strategy+business. His new book, Lead With We is a Wall Street Journal bestseller, McKinsey Top Business Bestseller on Workplace & Culture, and a finalist for International Business Book of the Year. He hosts the influential Lead With We podcast and is a columnist for the CMO Network in Forbes.

Simon Mainwaring

CEO & Founder, We First

Simon Mainwaring is a brand futurist, speaker, author, podcaster, columnist and founder/CEO of We First, an organization that has been helping businesses realize their sustainability ambitions for over a decade. They focus on getting all stakeholders across the business to work together in new ways to the benefit of the largest collective, including the planet. Simon explains how sustainability can be anyone's role, regardless of the business and what you do. 


Why sustainability can be part of anyone's job with Simon Mainwaring

Simon Mainwaring, CEO and Founder of We First explains how no matter what role you have, or where you are in your career, it's never too late to get involved in purpose-driven initiatives like climate action. 



This is the Business Schooled podcast where you will learn about the latest happenings in the world of business, from tech innovation through to social entrepreneurship and the role of creativity in creating business opportunity. Listen to experts from academia and industry as they share real-world examples of the kind of business you won't find in most textbooks.

Good design is good business with Katrina Alcorn

DESCRIPTION

Today's Host

Cristina McComic

Sam Smitte

Amanda Downie

Daryl Pereira

Today's Guests

Katrina Alcorn

Recent Episodes