Earning the Right to Innovate with Sam Burns, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, IGM Financial

Building a Resilient Digital Fabric with Lorraine Spadaro, Chief Information Officer, Global Partners

This episode features Lorraine Spadaro, Chief Information Officer at Global Partners. Lorraine shares how Global Partners completed a cloud migration in seven waves, consolidating nearly 700 servers down to 238 after an extensive discovery process. She discusses the challenges of supporting two very different operational environments, the importance of referenced architecture and governance in managing change, and how she brought her team through the transition through upskilling and constant communication. Looking ahead, Lorraine shares how Global Partners is building out data pipelines, an integration engineering team, and a microservices and API strategy to enable AI and agentic applications across terminals, retail locations, and digital channels. -------- Guest Bio: Lorraine Spadaro is the Chief Information Officer at Global Partners, a role she has excelled in since joining the company in December 2021. In this strategic position, Lorraine has been instrumental in spearheading the company’s digital transformation, advancing cloudification, driving modernization, and optimization. Before joining Global Partners, she was a key player in the technology landscape at Boston’s TD Garden and Boston Bruins, a premier venue under Delaware North. There, she managed the arena’s technology infrastructure and spearheaded numerous technological innovations. Her consulting work for Delaware North across major MLB, NFL, NHL, and NBA venues solidified her reputation as a leading national expert. She was also a trailblazer in sports technology, standing out as one of the few women working in the NHL. Now, she aims to make a significant impact in the energy and retail sectors, striving to deliver exceptional customer experiences through innovative solutions. Lorraine’s distinguished career began with Delaware North Companies in 1992, where she started as Information Systems Manager for the original Boston Garden. Her visionary work in developing technology for the new Garden, later known as the FleetCenter, marked the beginning of her remarkable journey in the technology sector. Prior to her tenure with Delaware North, she gained valuable experience as a Programmer/Systems Analyst with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Lorraine holds a BA in Computer Science from Boston College and lives in the Boston area. She is a dedicated mother of three and enjoys golfing and tennis. She finds joy and relaxation at her coastal Maine home, where she cherishes her time away from the hectic professional sphere. --------- Guest Quote “It took every bit of my being to not wanna be like, ‘we've gotta be through this in six months because we’ve got a long way to go here.’ When I look back on it, just taking this in seven waves of migration, and then the network and infrastructure transition taking sort of the next six months, it was really the right way to do it, and it took a lot of the risk out." --------- Time stamps: * *(00:00) Episode Start * *(01:10) Modernizing IT Across a Complex, Asset-Heavy Business * *(05:15) Best Practices for Building Resilience in Energy and Retail * *(08:46) Enabling AI Strategy Through Core Infrastructure * *(10:42) Strengthening Customer Experience and Omnichannel Engagement * *(17:50) Pivotal Moments in Tech Leadership * *(22:20) Keeping Playbooks and Blueprints Current * *(27:26) Transitioning to Cloud-Native, Software-Defined Networking * *(29:01) Upskilling Teams and Building a Culture of Change * *(33:09) What Separates Companies That Sustain Momentum * *(39:04) Designing an AI-Ready Digital Backbone -------- Links: * Connect with Lorraine on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-spadaro-94a8bb3/] * Learn more about Global Partners [https://www.globalp.com/] * Connect with Sunny on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnychoudhry/] * Connect with Raj on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajarshipurkayastha/] * Visit Tata Communications’ website [https://www.tatacommunications.com/] * Follow Tata Communications on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tata-communication/] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Building Business-Aligned Network Infrastructure with Jason Chan, Associate Vice President of Network, Collaboration & Observability Services, Merck

This episode features Jason Chan, Associate Vice President of Network, Collaboration & Observability Services at Merck. Jason shares how Merck is modernizing its global network infrastructure to deliver secure and scalable connectivity across a highly regulated environment. He discusses how automation, infrastructure as code, and business observability are transforming network operations. Throughout the conversation, Jason explores autonomous operations, AI-driven networks, and the evolving role of connected infrastructure in powering innovation across the hyperconnected enterprise. -------- Guest Bio: Jason Chan leads the Network, Collaboration & Observability Services Value Team, which provides foundational products and services in support of Merck’s global network, and how our customers connect and collaborate. His 25yr+ career has spanned across multiple industries, inclusive of pure technology companies, large conglomerates, and hospitality. As the leader of the Austin Tech Center, Jason plays a pivotal role in driving employee engagement, fostering community both internally and externally, and growing Merck’s presence and brand in the Austin metropolitan area. Jason holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from Lehigh University and a Master of Science degree in Telecommunications Management from Stevens Institute of Technology. He resides in Cedar Park, Texas, with his wife, two daughters, and seven pets. In his free time, he plays recreational ice hockey. --------- Guest Quote “The vendor roadmap can't be your roadmap, right? Your roadmap has to be business aligned. It's not conform the business to the vendor that you chose to do business with...  We have to be business centric, customer centric, and our standards… if they're not fitting and solving the business challenge, those are the first things I'll throw away.” --------- Time stamps: * *(00:00) Episode Start * *(01:20) Architecting Merck’s Network for Scale and Security * *(05:50) Jason’s Career Lessons * *(12:18) Hidden Complexity in Large Enterprises * *(18:19) Balancing Speed, Compliance, and Automation * *(21:56) Scaling Change Without Adding Headcount * *(24:36) Observability as a Business Differentiator * *(34:31) Stability vs. Change in Modern Networks * *(39:35) Culture, Skills, and Leading Through Change * *(47:40) Infrastructure as Code and the Road to Autonomous Operations -------- Links: * Connect with Jason on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-chan-49861111/] * Learn more about Merck [https://www.merck.com/] * Connect with Jay on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayakrishnanp/] * Connect with Raj on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajarshipurkayastha/] * Visit Tata Communications’ website [https://www.tatacommunications.com/] * Follow Tata Communications on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tata-communication/] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Earning the Right to Innovate with Sam Burns, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, IGM Financial

This episode features Sam Burns, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at IGM Financial. Sam shares how IGM is building a secure and scalable technology foundation that empowers advisors, clients, and employees across its wealth and asset management businesses. He discusses the evolution of his “earn the right” philosophy, the critical balance between stability and innovation, and how cloud transformation, data strategy, and AI are reshaping client experiences. Sam reflects on lessons learned from past transformations, from scaling SaaS to navigating FinTech disruption, and offers a forward look at how conversational agents and intelligent collaboration will define the next era of digital engagement. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes trust, resilience, and the power of people in driving meaningful, sustainable innovation. -------- Guest Bio: Sam Burns is the Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer for IGM Financial Inc. In this role, Sam is responsible for steering the enterprise technology strategy for IGM and its subsidiaries, IG Wealth Management and Mackenzie Investments. His areas of oversight include application technology, program delivery, artificial intelligence (AI), data, technology operations, security risk management, infrastructure, and enterprise architecture.  With over 27 years of experience in leading technology transformation in financial services, Sam has been a guiding force in the digital evolution across our wealth and asset management businesses since joining IGM in 2016. Prior to joining IGM, Sam held the position of Partner and Managing Director at Accenture, where he led global programs focused on strategy and technology solutions. His previous experience also includes senior global leadership roles in technology services, fintech and banking industries.  Sam holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Brock University. --------- Guest Quote “We have to earn the right in our technology organization to talk about the great things that can move our business forward... Priority one is safe, secure, stable platforms.  If we don't have that, we get in front of our businesses. We impede them from being successful and us as a firm from being successful. --------- Time stamps: * *(00:00) Episode Start * *(01:15) Top Priorities for CIOs for Scaling Technology * *(06:33) Challenges and Best Practices in Financial Services * *(09:41) Importance of Client Experience and Collaboration * *(21:03) Pivotal Moments in Tech Leadership * *(26:12) The Importance of Modernizing Legacy Systems * *(32:34) How IGM is Embedding AI into Their Infrastructure * *(36:23) Practical AI Use Cases in Enterprises * *(40:01) Designing Flexible and Secure Networks    * *(45:28) Future of Collaboration Platforms -------- Links: * Connect with Sam on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samburns1/?originalSubdomain=ca] * Learn more about IGM Financial [http://www.igmfinancial.com/] * Connect with Sunny on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnychoudhry/] * Connect with Raj on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajarshipurkayastha/] * Visit Tata Communications’ website [https://www.tatacommunications.com/] * Follow Tata Communications on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tata-communication/] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Driving the Next Wave of Connected Innovation with Abhijeet Bhandare, Chief Information and Digital Officer, Entegris

This episode features Abhijeet Bhandare, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Entegris. Abhijeet shares insights from his global career leading digital transformation across complex, high-precision manufacturing environments and how Entegris is building the resilient infrastructure that powers the semiconductor supply chain. He discusses the evolution from the early internet and mobility era to today’s AI-driven enterprise, the role of connected systems and IoT in advancing research and manufacturing, and how collaboration platforms are redefining productivity across global teams. Throughout the conversation, Abhijeet emphasizes the importance of aligning digital strategy with business vision, fostering digital talent, and preparing for the next wave of innovation shaped by agentic AI and intelligent connectivity. -------- Guest Bio: Abhijeet joined Entegris in January 2024 as chief information and digital officer and is responsible for leading the company’s global digital strategy. He has over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, primarily in the healthcare, life sciences and energy sectors. Abhijeet has led large global teams to drive business transformation initiatives by leveraging digital tools and technology.  Before joining Entegris, Abhijeet was vice president of information technology for the customer channels group at Thermo Fisher Scientific. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in shaping and executing the digital and IT strategy for the group. His responsibilities extended to leading the globalization and modernization of business systems, with a keen emphasis on developing and optimizing strategic and operational excellence capabilities to foster business growth.  Prior to joining Thermo Fisher Scientific, Abhijeet served as the chief automation officer and finance IT leader at GE Power. During his 16-year tenure at General Electric, he held various leadership roles in IT, contributing to enterprise applications, global centers of excellence, and initiatives spanning across supply chain, finance, and services.  Abhijeet holds a bachelor's degree in computer engineering from the University of Mumbai and a master's degree in computer science from Loyola University of Chicago. --------- Guest Quote “  I think the world's going to look a lot different, especially in the spaces of enterprise, digital, and technology. What we are witnessing right now is just the start. This is the first time that we have had access to a set of technology that can actually digitize and automate a lot of what knowledge workers do in the industry today.” --------- Time stamps: * *(00:00) Episode Start * *(01:20) Scaling with Purpose: Entegris' Expansion * *(03:35) Best Practices for Rapid Connectivity * *(08:26) Resilient Supply Chains and Collaboration * *(12:50) The Role of IoT in Manufacturing and Safety * *(19:07) Reflecting on Technological Transformations * *(27:31) Team Productivity and Integrated Platforms * *(33:59) Future Innovations: AI, IoT, and Quantum Computing -------- Links: * Connect with Abhijeet on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhijeet-bhandare-490b254/] * Learn more about Entegris [http://www.entegris.com/] * Connect with Sunny on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnychoudhry/] * Connect with Raj on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajarshipurkayastha/] * Visit Tata Communications’ website [https://www.tatacommunications.com/] * Follow Tata Communications on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tata-communication/] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Powering Global Infrastructure at Scale with Dave Temkin, VP of Platform Infrastructure and Critical Facilities, Walmart

This episode features Dave Temkin, Vice President of Platform Infrastructure and Critical Facilities at Walmart. Dave shares insights from his remarkable career journey from building the world’s largest content delivery network at Netflix to leading the technology infrastructure that powers Walmart’s global operations. He discusses the complexity of managing large-scale networks, the strategic adoption of AI and multi-cloud environments, and how technology innovation can drive both operational efficiency and improved customer experience. Throughout the conversation, Dave emphasizes the importance of resilient infrastructure and thoughtful technology leadership in enabling business transformation. -------- Guest Bio: Dave manages Walmart’s networks, data centers, and the foundational platforms for its private cloud infrastructure as vice president of Platform Infrastructure and Critical Facilities.  Previously, he was the SVP of Infrastructure and Cloud at Imperva, where he rebuilt an industry-leading cloud cybersecurity infrastructure that protects thousands of companies globally. Before that, he assembled and led the team that built the world's largest Content Delivery Network for Netflix, as well as its global studio technical infrastructure including systems and storage.  He is a Founder and Board Member of Community IX FL-IX, the largest member-run Internet Exchange Platform in the Eastern U.S., and the NY Network Operator's Group (NYNOG). He previously served on the boards of NANOG and Children of Bellevue.  --------- Guest Quote “ When we think about the customer experience in many, many places, especially here in America, when there's something like a natural disaster, right? If there's a series of fires or hurricanes or tornadoes, one of the first places people turn to is Walmart. We need to make sure that our stores are available to serve the communities that they're in at all times. And so that whole network needs to be survivable, right? We need to be able to make sure that they've got connectivity at all times, and we've invested heavily in that as well.” --------- Time stamps: * *(00:00) Episode Start * *(00:39) Dave's journey into technology * *(03:55)  Technology's role in Walmart's operations * *(06:14) Building Walmart's network infrastructure * *(13:48) Using AI for network optimization * *(17:53) Solving the complexity of a multi-cloud network * *(20:17) Walmart’s approach to GenAI adoption * *(23:10) Driving innovation at scale * *(26:11) Advice for tech leaders * *(34:04) Finding the right tech balance -------- Links: * Connect with Dave on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dtemkin/] * Learn more about Walmart Global Tech [https://tech.walmart.com/content/walmart-global-tech/en_us.html] * Connect with Raj on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajarshipurkayastha/] * Visit Tata Communications’ website [https://www.tatacommunications.com/] * Follow Tata Communications on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tata-communication/] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.