Beyond The Tech

In Conversation with Versace’s CIO: Valeria Breda on Innovation, Influence & Identity

In this episode of Beyond the Tech, Bryan and Alex sit down with Valeria Breda, CIO of Versace, to explore her inspiring journey through the world of luxury fashion and technology. Valeria shares how her early days at Louis Vuitton, followed by senior roles at Kering (including Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen), shaped her approach to leadership, innovation, and resilience in a dynamic industry.   Valeria opens up about the unique challenges of balancing brand autonomy with group-level strategy, while also reflecting on the deep passion embedded in Versace’s culture, the importance of breaking down silos, and what it means to lead with both authority and influence in a heritage brand undergoing transformation. The conversation explores the evolving role of technology as an enabler rather than a full-blooded disruptor, with Valeria speaking candidly about Versace’s enthusiastic embrace of AI and other digital innovations. She is clear, however, that while technology is playing a growing role in streamlining operations and driving innovation, it will not compromise or intrude upon the brand’s creative and design processes. Finally, she shares her personal leadership journey as a woman in tech, offering honest reflections and valuable advice for emerging female leaders and detailing how she built resilience and influence in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Listeners will hear honest reflections on imposter syndrome, digital transformation, the convergence of retail and e-commerce, and what it really takes to lead change in a high-pressure, highly creative environment. Whether you're in fashion, tech, or leadership, this episode is packed with insights, strategy, and inspiration you won’t want to miss.

Beyond the Tech - Solo Edition, Episode 4: The Land of What's Possible: Leadership, Culture, and Innovation with Toby Redshaw

In this third (and final) instalment of our captivating series with Toby Redshaw, Bryan and Toby explore the profound intersections of leadership, culture, and innovation in today's fast-evolving world. Toby, a seasoned leader with a career spanning roles at FedEx, Verizon, Motorola, and more, shares invaluable insights on how businesses can thrive amidst disruption.   This episode takes a deep dive into the pivotal role of organisational culture in fostering agility and driving change, unpacking how behaviours shape company success. Toby also shares his thoughts on bridging the gap between strategy and execution, building resilience within teams, and the art of storytelling as a leadership tool. From the rise of AI and quantum technology, to the future of innovation in boardrooms, Toby offers his unique perspective on navigating the opportunities and challenges of the modern business landscape.    Toby also highlights the role of boards, he underscores the importance of strategic refreshes, innovation radars, and cultivating adaptability to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape. Drawing on his mastery of storytelling, Toby explains how leaders can inspire teams, rally them toward a shared mission, and prepare them for "the land of what’s possible."    Packed with real-world examples, wisdom, and inspiration, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to embrace the future of technology and leadership.

Beyond the Tech - Solo Edition, Episode 3: In Conversation with Leslie Grandy (author of “Creative Velocity” and former executive at Apple, T-Mobile, Best Buy and Amazon): A Product Playbook for Navigating Ambiguity and Driving Transformation

In this episode of Beyond the Tech (Solo Edition), Bryan sits down with Leslie Grandy - author of Creative Velocity and former executive at Apple, T-Mobile, Best Buy, and Amazon - for an in-depth conversation about her Product Playbook for navigating ambiguity and driving transformation. Tune in for insights from one of the industry’s most experienced change-makers! Leslie dives into her journey, beginning with her early passion for the arts, which led her to the film industry and, later, high-impact roles at companies like T-Mobile, Apple, and Best Buy. The conversation explores her work today as a “CEO whisperer,” helping both startups and established brands align customer insights with business strategy for enduring impact. Whether navigating uncharted waters or structuring frameworks for large-scale change, Leslie’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and leadership in the face of complexity. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on how she used her background in the film industry to apply creative problem-solving approaches in corporate environments where ambiguity and change were often met with resistance. Leslie shares insights into leading teams through transformation by fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability, even in traditional corporate settings. She also emphasises the importance of embracing ambiguity as a tool for growth, especially when guiding organisations through digital and cultural shifts. Leslie also discusses her upcoming book, Creative Velocity (coming May 2025), which redefines creativity as an accessible skill rather than an innate talent.

Beyond the Tech – Solo Edition, Episode 2: Technology Leaders as Board Directors with Toby Eduardo Redshaw and Bryan MacDonald

In the second instalment of this three-part mini-series of Beyond the Tech (Solo Edition), Bryan welcomes back seasoned CIO Toby Redshaw for a deep dive into the intersection of leadership, strategy and technology in the boardroom. Toby, a veteran in tech leadership and a former senior executive at major global companies including Verizon, American Express, Aviva and FedEx, brings his wealth of experience to discuss how technology executives can play a pivotal role in shaping corporate strategy and navigating the future of tech disruption.   The conversation begins with the evolving expectations of boardrooms, as more CEOs and senior leaders become tech-savvy. Toby shares his perspectives on the critical importance of contextual intelligence, the challenges traditional companies face in incorporating tech leaders into the board, and the influence of emerging technologies, particularly generative AI, on business models and strategy. Bryan and Toby also explore why so many strategies fail, highlighting the need for a strategic refresh and deeper board-level discussions about technology’s role in long-term corporate success.   Listeners will gain insights into how companies can avoid being on the wrong side of the creative destruction cycle, why technology expertise is vital at the highest levels of leadership, and how future-thinking boards can embrace technological advancements to stay competitive.   This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in understanding the growing convergence of business strategy and technology leadership, particularly as we move towards a future where tech will be at the core of organisational success.

Beyond the Tech - Solo Edition, Episode 1: A masterclass in leadership, innovation, and tech disruption with Toby Eduardo Redshaw and Bryan MacDonald.

In this inaugural episode of “Beyond the Tech - Solo edition”; an expansion of our classic Beyond the Tech podcast series, Bryan is joined by Toby Eduardo Redshaw, a true titan in the technology leadership space with a fascinating career spanning multiple continents and industries.    In this first part of a series of discussions with Toby, he begins to share his story with Bryan, including his upbringing in Mexico, his career at FedEx, along with some of his stories / insights from extensive leadership experience in tech. Their conversation explores critical themes like leadership in disruptive environments as well as innovating both below and above the radar.     From navigating the complexities of technology failures to tackling the ever-evolving landscape of AI and digital transformation, this episode serves as an insightful blend of personal anecdotes and professional wisdom. Toby also reflects on the challenges of blending philosophy and economics into a successful tech career, providing listeners with a compelling narrative of resilience and growth.    Whether you are an experienced Tech Executive, A CEO or Board member, this episode is packed with valuable insights on managing technology, risk, and innovation in an increasingly complex digital world. Tune in for a candid and thoughtful conversation as Bryan and Toby lay the foundation for what promises to be an enlightening series!