In this episode, Dr. Chris Austin, Senior Vice President of Research Technologies at GSK, joins Neil to share how artificial intelligence, genetics, and vast clinical datasets are radically reshaping the pharmaceutical landscape. A neurologist by training with experience across the NIH, biotech startups, and now GSK, Chris explains how drug development is finally moving beyond trial-and-error toward predictive, precision-based approaches.

He reveals how GSK is:

• Using AI and genomics to map disease “circuits” and prioritize drug targets with greater accuracy
• Designing novel molecules like oligonucleotides to reach previously “undruggable” targets
• Streamlining clinical trials through deep phenotyping and biomarker-based patient selection
• Leveraging generative AI to model disease biology, simulate clinical outcomes, and accelerate antibody design by 90 percent

Chris also reflects on the journey from the Human Genome Project to today’s AI-powered medicine and why he believes GSK has the right mix of data generation, scientific expertise, and computing infrastructure to lead the next wave of medical breakthroughs.

If you’ve ever wondered how AI is moving from hype to real-world health impact, this conversation offers a rare inside look at the front lines of biopharma innovation.

Listen now to discover how technology is not just speeding up drug discovery, it’s rewriting the rules entirely.

In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, I sit down with Somit Goyal, CEO of IBS Software, to talk about something every traveler has experienced: outdated systems that make booking, checking in, or simply managing a trip more frustrating than it should be.

Somit brings a wealth of experience from his time at Microsoft to now leading one of the biggest names in travel tech. He shares why real transformation in this space isn't just about upgrading software. It's about rethinking how travel businesses operate, how they engage with customers, and how they build for the future.

We talk about the dangers of treating digital transformation as just another IT project and why companies stuck on legacy systems are holding themselves back. Somit explains how IBS Software is working as a true partner to airlines, hotels, and cruise lines, not just another vendor pushing tools. He also shares how listening to customers, rather than rushing into tech solutions, is one of the most underrated skills in this industry.

We explore how AI and data are shaping smarter travel experiences, what it takes to overhaul loyalty programs, and why a long-term strategic mindset beats short-term patch jobs every time.

So if you've ever wondered why your last flight check-in felt like it was designed in 2005 or why your hotel app crashed again, this episode offers a look behind the curtain at what's really happening in the travel tech world.

I hope you'll join me for this conversation and let me know what you think. How is your organization approaching change? And what does modern travel tech mean to you?

Search Tech Talks Network to discover more shows like this one, or drop me a message. I always love hearing from you.

How can global brands cut through the hype and use emerging technologies to solve real business challenges? In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, I speak with Sarah Salter, Global Head of Innovation and Platforms at Wavemaker, about how brands can unlock the true potential of innovation without losing sight of measurable outcomes.

With over 15 years of experience across industries including health, retail, and finance, Sarah brings a rich and grounded perspective to digital transformation. She shares how Wavemaker helps clients move beyond trend-chasing to deliver experiences that are meaningful, accessible, and effective. From leading AI-powered personalization strategies to shaping immersive brand moments in gaming and the metaverse, her approach is practical, human, and rooted in results.

We explore how Sarah and her team set clear KPIs for innovation, use tools like AR and VR to drive cultural relevance, and run rapid experimentation that bridges the gap between idea and impact. Sarah reflects on high-pressure public sector projects such as the NHS COVID-19 WhatsApp response, as well as creative campaigns for brands like L’Oréal and Dove that combine technology with purpose.

The conversation also explores how emerging media environments are driving a shift from passive advertising to participatory engagement. As attention becomes the ultimate currency, Sarah explains how brand storytelling is evolving through platforms like Roblox, Apple Vision Pro, and generative AI tools. She shares why gaming is becoming a vital channel for modern marketing and how experiential design is changing the way consumers connect with brands.

Sarah also discusses her commitment to diversity in tech leadership. She highlights how inclusive teams drive better innovation, the systemic changes still needed in the industry, and the importance of supporting initiatives that bring more women into tech. Whether mentoring future leaders or driving responsible AI adoption, her message is clear—technology should serve people, not the other way around.

What does it take to lead through the most human shift in technology history? In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, I’m joined by Chet Kapoor, CEO of DataStax and former Google executive, whose tech journey began two decades ago as an intern at NeXT, just steps away from Steve Jobs. From there, Chet went on to navigate four major waves in enterprise tech: client-server, web, mobile, and cloud. Now, he believes we are entering the fifth and most transformative chapter yet—the AI era.

In our conversation, Chet draws a powerful distinction between digital transformation and what he calls “agentification.” This shift isn't just about making things faster. It is about creating autonomous AI agents that act with purpose, work alongside people, and drive effectiveness at scale. Chet walks us through real-world use cases, from personalized healthcare platforms to AI-powered education, that show how this technology is already reshaping the world.

We also explore the importance of human leadership in this new era. Chet outlines his approach to what he calls "inspired execution," a leadership model built on belief, emotional connection, and bold experimentation. For leaders looking to integrate AI meaningfully, he shares actionable advice: start with mission-critical goals, validate outcomes quickly, and scale what works.

From his recent experience at Davos to the innovation happening at DataStax, Chet offers a global perspective on where AI is headed and why businesses must act now. The conversation covers the risks of blind trust in automation, the urgency of thoughtful governance, and the need to balance technical skills with empathy and instinct.

AI is no longer a theoretical trend. It is already embedded in workflows, tools, and expectations. As we discuss how to future-proof strategy, build AI-ready cultures, and define success beyond efficiency, one question becomes clear.

Are you prepared to lead in the age of AI, or will you wait to catch up?

What happens when the world’s most essential industries—from public safety and utilities to agriculture and construction—encounter staffing shortages, outdated tools, and rising expectations from a new generation of workers? In this episode of Business Perspectives, we explore how Panasonic Connect is equipping mission-critical workforces with technology that doesn’t just meet the moment, but helps them lead through it.

Dominick Passanante, Vice President of Mobility at Panasonic Connect North America, joins the show to reveal how rugged devices like the Toughbook and AI-powered applications are transforming operations across high-stakes environments. From streamlining reporting with speech-to-text tools to using predictive analytics for wildfire response and officer safety, Dominick shares real-world examples of how modern technology is reducing admin time and boosting effectiveness in the field.

We examine how AI is helping law enforcement make smarter, faster decisions with video analysis, while utility companies are using mobile computing to detect power grid issues and manage infrastructure health. And in a workforce where expectations are rising, we discuss the role of cutting-edge technology in attracting and retaining top talent by enabling flexible, connected, and efficient ways of working.

This conversation also tackles common myths about AI—such as the fear of job replacement—and explores how human oversight remains central to successful tech integration. Dominick highlights how Panasonic’s long-standing innovation culture, combined with customer-driven development and strategic partnerships, is shaping the future of work for some of the most demanding industries.

If you're curious about how essential industries can modernize without compromising safety or service, this episode offers insights, strategies, and a glimpse into what’s next. Are today’s mission-critical workers equipped with the tools they need to serve their communities at full potential? Listen in and decide for yourself.

What does the future of work look like when the focus shifts from where people work to how they work? In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, Neil C. Hughes is joined by James Campanini, Head of B2B Europe at Logitech, to explore how workplace technology is evolving to empower productivity, foster inclusivity, and rethink collaboration across every environment.

For over 45 years, Logitech has been connecting humans to the digital world, from the earliest mice and keyboards to today's AI-powered video conferencing solutions. James shares how the company’s philosophy has always been rooted in enabling individuals to work effectively—whether they are in the office, at home, or on the move. He explains why organizations that focus on empowering people, rather than mandating location, are seeing greater engagement, reduced burnout, and stronger productivity.

The conversation also explores how AI is already deeply embedded in Logitech’s technology, from intelligent camera systems that adjust to lighting conditions to noise-canceling audio solutions that ensure remote participants are heard as clearly as those in the room. Rather than replacing human decision-making, AI is positioned as a tool for optimizing workflows and making collaboration more inclusive and seamless for everyone.

James also addresses the controversial topic of workplace surveillance. Rather than policing employees, he advocates for a presence-based model that uses workplace insights to create better, more comfortable spaces where people can thrive. From real estate shifts to the redesign of office spaces, the future of work is about flexible, multi-purpose environments that promote collaboration without forcing outdated attendance models.

As businesses continue to balance economic pressures with employee expectations and AI reshapes the world of work, how can organizations create environments that are both productive and people-centered? Tune in to learn how Logitech is helping businesses redefine the workplace experience for a hybrid, AI-powered future.

What does it take to build a future where devices can transact with each other, where AI systems learn directly from the physical world, and where the idea of a metaverse becomes something practical rather than abstract?

In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, we explore these questions with David Palmer, Chief Product Officer at PeerPoint by Vodafone. David recently authored The Business of Metaverse, a thought-provoking book that unpacks the convergence of Web3, IoT, and AI technologies. His insights come not only from deep research but also from his hands-on work developing what could become the world’s first Web3 IoT platform.

PeerPoint is positioning itself at the intersection of emerging technologies, giving digital identities to devices and enabling secure, autonomous interactions. From in-car payments to the orchestration of device-to-device data sharing, the platform opens doors for new forms of enterprise automation and business model innovation. These use cases may appear futuristic, but according to David, they are closer to mainstream adoption than many might think.

We also explore how the metaverse is unfolding in phases. Rather than a sudden leap into virtual reality, David outlines a step-by-step evolution beginning with embedded digital experiences and leading to full convergence. Along the way, AI agents and generative tools are expected to play a major role in enabling interoperability, creating marketplaces, and transforming the way businesses access training data.

Throughout the discussion, we examine how these technologies could remove traditional boundaries around time and place, unlocking new global opportunities. From education and real estate to finance and the creator economy, David shares how a connected world of intelligent devices may help spark innovation across sectors.

If you're interested in how next-generation infrastructure is forming the foundation for digital business, this episode offers grounded insights into what comes next.

In this episode of Business Technology Perspectives, I’m joined by Sandeep Bhattarai, Utilities Value Advisor at SAP UKI, to unpack the growing challenges facing the sector, and whether digital transformation can offer a sustainable way forward.

Recorded remotely but rooted in shared local ties—we discovered we’re both based in the West Midlands—this discussion covers the real pressures weighing on the water industry right now. From cost increases and regulatory demands to a public that’s watching more closely than ever, the sector is under intense scrutiny.

SAP’s recent research paints a stark picture: 94 percent of industry leaders believe that investment will need to increase significantly in the years ahead to meet growing demand. Sandeep shares what’s driving these pressures and highlights how gaps in digital infrastructure are making it harder to meet expectations. Together, we explore how technologies such as real-time data analytics, AI, automation, and IoT could help modernize aging water networks, enhance operational visibility, and improve regulatory compliance.

With AMP 8 set to reshape the industry from 2025 to 2030, we also ask whether digital transformation is a genuine route to progress—or whether deeper structural changes must come first.

Is the sector ready to embrace the investment needed to futureproof its operations? And can lessons from global utilities help drive smarter strategies in the UK?

Tune in to find out—and let me know: Do you believe technology is the path forward, or just one piece of a much larger puzzle?