Catalyst

Hosted by Launch by NTT DATA

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542

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Catalyst, Launch by NTT DATA’s podcast hosted by Tammy Soares, puts humans at the heart of transformation. Each week, visionary leaders and changemakers share how creativity, technology and human insight are reshaping business, culture and the future of work. From platform innovation to AI and design leadership, Catalyst isn’t just about what’s next in tech — it’s about shaping business, technology, and culture through a human lens and spotlighting the visionaries paving the way forward. Learn more about Launch by NTT DATA Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA. ]]>

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60 recent

June 16, 202640 min

From the factory floor to the future of work: Carolyn Lee on closing manufacturing's AI skills gap

This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Carolyn Lee, President of The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. Carolyn grew up in a manufacturing family on Long Island and spent years on Capitol Hill before taking the helm of the MI in 2017. Tammy and Carolyn dig into the widening gap between AI adoption at the executive level and awareness on the shop floor, and why closing it is the defining challenge for American manufacturing right now. They also unpack the fear factor driving resistance to change and Carolyn announces the forthcoming AI for Manufacturing 101 curriculum to help manufacturers who are at risk of falling behind. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks:Carolyn LeeThe Manufacturing Institute - AI Skills Training  Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

June 9, 202639 min

From the CIA to leading AI industry solutions: Sezin Palmer on the breakthroughs yet to come

This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Sezin Palmer, AI Solutions Leader at NTT DATA in North America. Sezin traces her impressive and unconventional journey from CIA analyst and Navy submarine warfare programs to building the National Health Mission area at Johns Hopkins' Applied Physics Lab from scratch, then leading health AI and data at EY. Tammy and Sezin dig into the democratization of AI and what it means that capabilities once locked behind years of data science training are now accessible to nearly anyone. They also discuss the thorny challenge of how organizations decide what not to build and why the hardest leadership problem right now isn't launching AI, it's knowing when to stop. Sezin also shares her vision for what has her most excited: the convergence of software, robotics, and biology. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Sezin Palmer Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

June 2, 202641 min

The new era of sustainability: With Senior Forrester Analyst Abhijit Sunil

This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Abhijit Sunil, Senior Analyst at Forrester Research, where he leads flagship research programs on IT sustainability, sustainability management, and climate risk. Abhijit traces his remarkable journey from designing robotics labs at IIT Bombay to consulting at Ericsson and McKinsey, before landing at Forrester where a flood of client questions about data center efficiency set him on the path to sustainability research. He shares how volunteering as a teacher in Mumbai's slums profoundly shaped his worldview—giving him a lens for seeing optimization and sustainability as deeply human issues, not just technical ones. Tammy and Abhijit also dig into the double-edged nature of AI, from its staggering energy demands to its extraordinary potential to democratize access, and why the answer to almost every big question in sustainability lives somewhere in the Goldilocks zone between extremes.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.Links: Abhijit Sunil Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 26, 202621 min

From research to reality: An AI adoption conversation with analyst Will Townsend

This week, Tammy welcomes Will Townsend to the Catalyst podcast booth, recording live from NTT Research’s Upgrade event in Silicon Valley. Will is the Chief Analyst at LoneStar Advisory and Research, an independent firm he launched after nearly a decade at Moor Insights & Strategy. In this conversation, Will shares where he's seeing AI create genuine, measurable impact beyond the pilot stage. Will also makes the case for post-quantum readiness as the next critical frontier and gives a candid look at his own hands-on science experiment with an OpenClaw mini PC — because, as he puts it, there's no substitute for getting your hands dirty.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.Links: LoneStar Advisory and Research Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 19, 202636 min

From education to employment: Caleb Knight on empowering the next generation of workers with AI

This week on Catalyst, Caleb Knight joins Tammy in the Catalyst podcast booth, recording live from NTT Research’s Upgrade event. Caleb is the Director Of AI TechX, Industry Partnerships and Economic Development at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Together they explore the reality of AI in the workforce; reframing the conversation around job displacement into job creation and opportunities.They dive into how the University of Tennessee is working with a variety of industry partners to empower the next generation entering the workforce, how this translates across industries and fields, and how being a lifelong learner is the way forward! Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Caleb Knight AI TECHX Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 12, 202639 min

Going slow to move fast: Tokio Marine’s Bob Pick on calm, deliberate action with AI

This week, Tammy welcomes Bob Pick to the Catalyst podcast booth, recording live from NTT Research’s Upgrade event. Bob is the EVP & CIO at Tokio Marine North America, a multinational insurance holding company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. In their conversation, Bob shares how his nontraditional background in the humanities—including research on the history of swimming pool design—has shaped his approach to working in technology. He and Tammy also discuss the advantages of working at a Japanese company, notably the philosophy of sustainability and encouraging personal development. Bob also shares examples of where he’s been bullish on adopting AI, while cautioning against rushing headfirst into disruption. He argues that the most successful companies will be those that take a moment to determine how new technology like AI can meaningfully improve how they work. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Bob Pick Tokio Marine North America Services Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 5, 202628 min

From the ICU to IT VP: Kathleen Zaski on innovating clinical healthcare technology

This week on Catalyst, Tammy is recording live from Upgrade - NTT Research’s annual event that brings together the latest in research and innovation from NTT groups around the world. In this episode, Tammy is joined by Kathleen Zaski, Vice President of IT, Clinical Innovation and Technology Leader at Renown Health where she oversees the technology shaping how patients are cared for and how clinicians work. Together they dive into Kathleen's journey from nursing in the Cardiac ICU to executive IT leadership, how her clinical background informs every technology decision she makes, and what it truly takes to implement and deploy AI in a way that benefits both the patient and clinician experience.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Upgrade 2026 Kathleen Zaski Renown Health Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 28, 202632 min

The best idea wins: Bob Rosen on leading with a curiosity mindset

This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Bob Rosen, Chief Information Officer at Arcosa. Bob discusses his career journey, including his early experience in the Air Force working with electronics and even designing tech for F-14 fighter jets! He shares how those formative roles shaped the leadership principles he carries today—most notably, that the best idea wins and that bad news doesn’t improve with age. Bob and Tammy also explore the role of healthy skepticism in today’s rapidly evolving AI landscape, and the importance of thinking strategically about where—and whether—AI can truly drive business results.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Bob Rosen Arcosa Inc. Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 21, 202640 min

Roll around in the problem: Designing “phygital” experiences with Hilton’s Jackie Talbot

This week on Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Jackie Talbot, Vice President of Product at Hilton. Jackie has a talent for turning frustrating experiences into moments of joy, and she’s bringing that mindset to her work at Hilton. There, she’s leading the use of AI-powered tools to improve both employee and customer experiences. Jackie explains the idea of “phygital,” which combines digital tools with human interaction to create smoother, more seamless experiences. She also shares lessons from her own podcast, reflects on why authenticity matters in leadership, and highlights the importance of staying curious as you grow your career.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.Links: Jackie Talbot How do I navigate this shit Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 14, 202640 min

Filtering out the signal from the noise: On leadership in the age of AI with Dr. Bratin Saha

This week on Catalyst, Tammy Soares sits down with Dr. Bratin Saha, CEO of NTT DATA AIVista and a true pioneer in the evolution of artificial intelligence. Drawing on his leadership experience at Intel, Nvidia, and AWS, where he built and scaled one of the fastest-growing businesses in the company’s history, Bratin shares insights from a career defined by innovation and impact. Together, Tammy and Bratin explore the critical intersection of technology and business, the role of strong leadership in navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape, and why a human-centric approach is essential for long-term success. Bratin also underscores a key differentiator in the age of AI: the power of deep domain expertise in unlocking meaningful, real-world value.Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATALinks: Bratin Saha Learn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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