Launch by NTT DATA

AI’s energy demands have put us in a new era of sustainability. In this episode of Catalyst, Tammy Soares sits down with Abhijit Sunil, Senior Analyst at Forrester Research. They explore how leaders can make sustainability part of the day-to-day business, without sacrificing efficiency or growth. Abihijit also offers a positive vision for AI, highlighting its potential to expand access to information and opportunity for underserved communities. If you’re interested in AI for reasons beyond productivity and cost savings, give this episode a listen! https://lnkd.in/g3JvQKQR

This week on Catalyst, Tammy Soares sits down with Will Townsend, the Chief Analyst at LoneStar Advisory and Research — a firm he launched rooted in Texas’ independent spirit. They talk about why leaders need to support AI from the top while teams need space to explore it from the bottom. With emerging technology, it’s all about creating an environment where people feel safe to try, learn and trust. Check out the full episode for more on quantum readiness, what the NTT Research team is up to and why AI first does not mean human last! https://lnkd.in/gX5hr6ZT

How do we better prepare the next generation of workers for an AI-driven workplace? In the latest Catalyst episode, Tammy Soares sits down with Caleb Knight of AI TechX at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to talk about what early-career talent needs right now and how leaders can apply AI in practical ways to support them. Caleb shares how lifelong learning is now a job skill, and why the ability to pick up new technology without hesitation is more important than ever. Listen to the full episode or read the recap here: https://lnkd.in/efAQ-RwQ

We tend to treat AI like a race, but moving too fast brings its own set of risks. In this episode of Catalyst, Tammy Soares sits down with Robert Pick, EVP and CIO at Tokio Marine North America Services. Bob challenges the idea that slowing down makes you a Luddite. In reality, it helps you avoid creating new problems while trying to solve existing ones. Tammy and Bob also make a strong case for starting small: using AI to improve day to day productivity gives people space to learn and build fluency. That’s fundamental to future use and far from “not enough.” Check out this week’s episode to see how a more measured approach to AI can lead to better outcomes. Catch the full episode or read the recap: https://lnkd.in/eniQQtpz

“Pajama time” sounds fun to the uninformed. But for doctors and clinicians, it’s a dreaded part of the job. In this episode of Catalyst, Tammy Soares sits down with Kathleen Zaski, MSN, RN, Vice President of IT at Renown Health. They discuss how AI is helping free clinicians from after-hours charting and making patient communication more empathetic. This is a great conversation about human-centric technology in action — improving the lives of healthcare workers and the overall patient experience. Listen to the full episode or read the recap. https://lnkd.in/eUkeyQFr

In this week’s Catalyst episode, Tammy Soares is joined by Bob Rosen, CIO of Arcosa Inc., for a candid conversation about keeping technology in service of the business. Bob is clear about a common trap, when technologists start with the solution and then go looking for a problem. AI should support a clear goal or solve a real problem and should not be deployed because of hype, fear or pressure from the top. Tammy and Bob also share their thoughts on today’s polarizing AI debate, pushing back on both blind optimism and doomsday thinking. Instead, they advocate for curious skepticism. Experiment, stay informed and resist getting pulled to extremes. Listen to the full episode or read the recap. https://lnkd.in/eXZF4kGY

Let’s get phygital. In this week’s Catalyst episode, Tammy Soares is joined by Jackie Talbot Vice President of Product, Digital Channels and Capabilities at Hilton. Jackie reminds us that no matter how much hotels automate, guests still physically show up. That reality guides how her team applies technology to the guest experience. Their goal is simple: remove friction without sacrificing the human moments that matter, like a warm, genuine welcome at the front desk. Jackie sees AI as a chance to bring natural human exchange back to the forefront. Staff can look up, make eye contact and focus on making guests feel truly welcome. Listen to the full episode or read the recap. https://lnkd.in/eV7kdnWe

In this episode of Catalyst, Tammy Soares sits down with Michael Mahar of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. They discuss the benefits of optimism in business and especially the AI moment we’re all living through. They also dive into ways AI and humans can work together to improve the guest experience. Michael shares a story of a guest traveling to her daughter’s wedding whose flight was canceled. Wyndham’s AI-powered guest communication platform responded with empathy, escalated the issue to the front desk where they upgraded her room and the AI checked in with her later to close the loop. The chat-bot and front desk agent delivered a better experience together than either could have on their own. It’s a great example of human-centric tech in action. Check out the full episode for more! https://lnkd.in/eGWhPcQn

What an incredible time at #Upgrade2026 hosted by NTT RESEARCH. The theme was “Research to Reality” and it brought some truly inspiring voices to the stage. We even held a pop-up of the Catalyst podcast where Tammy Soares sat down with a few of the brightest minds in technology to explore the changes they’re seeing in the market. It’s safe to say we’re already looking forward to next year!