PODCAST · business
Pragmatism in Practice
by Thoughtworks
Pragmatism in Practice addresses the challenges facing today's digital leaders and gives practical approaches to overcoming them. We have candid conversations with a range of inspiring change-makers who share stories of becoming a modern digital business. 334660
Episodes
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Beyond the AI facade: Tokenomics, board pressure and product-led strategy
In this episode, Shayan Mohanty, Thoughtworks Chief Data and AI Officer, and Joe Murray, Global Head of CX and Product Innovation, explore moving past corporate AI hype to capture genuine business value. They address C-suite board pressure, managing agentic tokenomics costs and establishing…
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Why AI alone won't modernize legacy systems
AI is rapidly reshaping enterprise tech conversations, but successfully transforming legacy architecture requires far more than just automated code generation and powerful models. In this episode, host Christina Stathopoulos joins Thoughtworks' Shodhan Sheth, Enterprise Modernization Platform and...
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Designing the technology organization of the future
In this episode, Ricard Vilá, CDO at LATAM Pass, outlines his strategies for designing a future-ready technology organization. He shares lessons on shifting IT from a cost center to a value engine, fostering genuine team empowerment, managing multilingual organizational structures and navigating...
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AI and the workforce: Beyond efficiency to real value creation
Join Laura Burger, Global Head of Employer Brand and Recruitment Marketing, Rachel Laycock, Thoughtworks CTO and former Chief Talent Officer Joanna Parke for a discussion on why AI success fundamentally depends on people, not just tools. Together, they debunk the "job theft" myth, highlight why...
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The velocity trap: Why GenAI is exposing broken foundations
While 2025 was the year of shopping for AI, 2026 is the year of ROI. In this episode, Thoughtworks and CircleCI leaders discuss the 2026 State of Software Delivery Report, revealing why AI-generated code is creating bottlenecks rather than business value. Learn how elite teams are distancing...
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Navigating the messy middle: A guide to real product organization transformation
Join product experts John Cutler and Ivana Ciric as they deconstruct the "messy" reality of product org transformation. Moving beyond rigid frameworks and feature factory mentalities, explore how leaders can embrace complexity, use AI for strategic sense-making and finally bridge the gap from...
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The soul in the system: Humanizing AI Strategy
As companies race to adopt AI, many overlook the hardest part — the human one. In this conversation, we unpack the principles behind Humanizing AI Strategy and discuss how creativity, critical thinking, and cross-functional collaboration shape the success of any AI initiative. This episode is for...
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Measuring what matters in the age of AI
Many engineering leaders are eager to embrace AI, but few have a clear way to measure what's working. In this episode, we dig into how teams can track AI adoption, assess the real impact of AI tools and agents, and make smarter decisions about where to invest. You'll hear from Abi Noda, CEO and...
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From bronze bullets to big impact: AI-first software delivery
Join Thoughtworks CTO Rachel Laycock for a candid look at what AI-first software delivery really means, beyond the buzzwords. In this episode, she discusses how this emerging technology is reshaping software development life cycles, and how it can be used to tackle the most complex modernization...
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Powering innovation: Thoughtworks' AI journey
AI promises to reinvigorate the way we work, and many organizations are already seeing its potential come to life. In this podcast, we explore how we at Thoughtworks are transforming our own operations with AI. This episode is packed with insights for leaders who are embarking on a similar AI...
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The change agent's playbook: How to lead bold transformations
It's often said that the only constant for organizations is change. In this episode, we speak to Shawn Mandel about what makes a great change agent, how to achieve buy-in for change initiatives at a team and leadership level, and how to initiate a culture shift to become an organization that...
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The ethics of data
In the much-anticipated final episode of our Humanizing Data Strategy takeover series, we're exploring the ethics of data. If you're a data leader considering how to strike the right balance between advancing your organization's data capabilities while maintaining ethical integrity, this episode…
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The human side of data
When we think of data, we think about numbers and statistics, but we don't often think about people. In the second episode of our Humanizing Data Strategy series, we discuss why storytelling, empathy, and creativity are all crucial parts of a successful data strategy. This podcast is for you if...
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The foundations of data strategy
We're hearing more about the significance of data than ever before, but what's actually involved in leading a successful data strategy initiative? In the first episode of our Humanizing Data Strategy series, we discuss how you can build the foundations of a strong data strategy in your own...
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European Health Data Space: The future of healthcare
The European Health Data Space launches this year, promising huge opportunities, as well as challenges, for healthcare organizations. This podcast episode is essential listening for healthcare tech leaders, researchers and policymakers not just in Europe, but globally, who want to understand how…
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Product innovation: Charting your own course
Even when product builders have a groundbreaking vision, it can often be thwarted by organizational roadblocks. In this episode, we explore how Air Canada successfully navigated some of these challenges to reimagine its customer experience and its ways of working. If you're a product leader…
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Revolutionizing data: How PAYBACK transformed with data mesh
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, many companies struggle with outdated data architectures that hinder their ability to scale and innovate. VP of Data, Norbert Wirth, explores how PAYBACK transformed its data infrastructure by adopting a data mesh approach, revolutionizing the way they...
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Leveraging AI for legacy modernization
Many businesses struggle with outdated systems that impede progress and efficiency. In this episode, Erik shares insights on how AI-assisted software engineering, especially using Large Language Models (LLMs), can revolutionize legacy modernization. If you are a business leader, wanting to...
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From crisis to confidence: Building reliable IT systems
Recent events, like the CrowdStrike incident, highlight the critical need for business leaders to understand and strengthen their IT infrastructure. Sarah Taraporewalla and Max Griffiths explore strategies for balancing rapid software delivery with system resilience. If you are a business leader...
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Cross-domain collaboration: Removing barriers to data
As organizations begin to tap into the value of their data, we're seeing an increased need for data sharing within internal teams, and even across other organizations. In this episode, Marina Ribke and Sebastian Werner discuss how organizations can remove barriers to facilitate secure data…
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Building a future-ready tech organization: Vialto's blueprint for success
Digital transformation can be complex, especially when you're transitioning into a brand new technology and engineering organization. Previously operating inside PwC, Vialto Partners did just that. In this episode, Chief Digital Officer Sayee Bellamkonda discusses the strategies used to navigate...
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Data modernization in action: Lessons from The Crown Estate
In today's fast-paced digital world, modernizing data practices is more critical than ever. James Morgan, Chief Data Officer at The Crown Estate, and Danilo Sato, Global Head of Technology for Data and AI at Thoughtworks, join us to share insights from The Crown Estate's data journey and the…
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Authenticity in action: Cultivating a culture of respect
Being an authentic leader fosters trust, collaboration, and respect within teams. In this episode, Darren Smith, CTO of MYOB, shares his own leadership journey with practical strategies for fostering transparency and team alignment. Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to lead, this…
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How AI is overcoming language barriers and driving inclusion
In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of AI in the justice sector with Sachin Malhan, co-founder at Agami, and Vinod S., Head of Digital Public Goods and Infrastructure at Thoughtworks India. Discover the fascinating story behind the OpenNyAI mission and Jugalbandi, an AI…
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Wealth management transformation: Not just a destination
Opportunity awaits the wealth management industry, as global wealth rises and the baby boomer generation begins to transfer assets. Omar says wealth managers must keep up with growing demands for efficiency and personalization. But this large-scale digital transformation is not a destination…
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Future Fit Strategy: Transforming Falabella with Technology
A future-fit tech strategy is crucial for organizations to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Ashutosh Dabral, Managing Director of Falabella, India, explores how Falabella leveraged a microservices-based architecture and data-driven insights to reshape retail, winning...
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How to become a truly customer-centric organization
Customer-centricity is essential for successful product delivery. Head of Product, Sue Anderson shares how Trade Me keeps its customers at the heart of the product delivery process, and how the renowned New Zealand website constantly strives to do better. This episode is a must-listen for product...
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Product thinking: More than just 'product'
It seems like everyone's talking about product thinking, but do we truly understand what it means in practice? dunnhumby's Chief Product & Strategy Officer, David Zimmer, shares his learnings as a product leader whose career spans both traditional and digital-native organizations. This episode…
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The power of product thinking
With so many different definitions, it can be difficult to understand exactly what product thinking is, and how it can transform your organization. In this episode, Thoughtworks' product leaders, Rujia Wang and Jonathan Savage, explore how it can help you enhance your customer experience, and...
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From stagnation to success: Unleashing the power of technology and business transformation
How does an industry titan like OTTO, spanning retail, logistics, and online marketplaces, embark on a transformation journey that ensures relentless competitiveness? Knut Talman and Matthias Wlaka, share the strategies that empowered OTTO to pivot with agility, craft innovative business models,...
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Head & heart: The art of modern leadership
In today's world, we're all leaders in various aspects of our lives. Effective leadership is crucial, whether at work, home, or in our communities. Kirstin Ferguson, a renowned leadership expert, author, and columnist, shares insights from her book 'Head & Heart: The Art of Modern Leadership,'...
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Tech-enabled sustainability: Closing the execution gap
In today's landscape, organizational sustainability has become a prevailing concern, as companies publicly pledge to meet sustainability goals. Nonetheless, current approaches often miss the mark in generating substantial impact. Join Kathleen Walker, Sustainability Advisor, and Andy Nolan,...
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From analog to AI: Embracing human-centered AI strategy.
As AI continues to shape our world, more and more business leaders are faced with the challenge of integrating this technology while prioritizing human needs. Award-winning writer and keynote speaker, David Sax, joins us to shed light on the pressing questions business leaders must ask themselves...
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The real cost of tech debt for your business - and how to fix it.
Technical debt has bounced into the spotlight after major system failures hit US aviation hard, forcing executive leaders to consider their own risk. Mike Mason and Rachel Laycock, Thoughtworks' Global Heads of Technology and Enterprise Modernization, explore why addressing tech debt matters and...
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How to win the innovation challenge
To thrive in today's fast-changing world, organizations need a systematic and sustainable approach to surfacing and prioritizing new ideas to take to market. Andy Nolan, Director of Emerging Technology at Thoughtworks Australia, shares practical advice for navigating common innovation challenges…
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How action shapes thought
Conveying the right type of information for a group so that they can make accurate decisions can be challenging. Barbara Tversky, Professor Emerita of Psychology at Stanford University and Professor of Psychology at Teachers College at Columbia University, alongside our take-over hosts, Barton...
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Leveraging full potentials
To achieve their full potential, today's leaders must create intentional space to synthesize a huge amount of information and consider the impacts of any decision they undertake. Transformational leader and agile executive coach, Pat Reed, alongside our take-over hosts, Barton Friedland and Jarno...
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Wicked intelligence
Despite living in an age of ever-increasing uncertainty, advancing technology has amplified and improved our ability to make better business decisions. Alongside our take-over hosts, Barton Friedland and Jarno Kartela, special guest, Keith Grint, Professor Emeritus at Warwick University, explores...
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People and partners in modernization success
A Forrester Consulting study commissioned by Thoughtworks examined the practices of organizations with successful modernization initiatives and two factors came up frequently: 1) working with partners and 2) investing in and retaining knowledgeable staff. Before embarking on a transformation...
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Backstage: Spotify's secret to developer effectiveness
Software professionals and their skills are in high demand and organizations are constantly thinking about how to invest in capability development. In this podcast, we speak with Austin Lamon, about how Spotify created the Backstage platform to empower happy developers. Listen to learn more about...
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Unlocking business value with the ITV Data Mesh playbook
Creating and executing a data and AI strategy can help an organization drive value and growth. How do you unlock the benefits, operationalize at scale and manage change for employees? Sanjeevan Bala, Group Chief Data & AI Officer at iTV and Danilo Sato, Head of Data & AI, Thoughtworks UK explore...
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The future of digital payments
Growing preference for digital payments over cash is changing the nature of how people interact with money, with significant implications for businesses. Digital payments are helping new businesses reach consumers in new ways and established businesses to expand and diversify their client bases....
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Decision science to build resilient supply chains
Enterprises are under pressure to move to more sustainable business models. Looking closely at a company's supply chain is an opportunity to identify areas of improvement for sustainable measures and cost savings. But the options to make adjustments across the supply chain are endless. George...
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The power of data and tech in the public sector
Governments have access to large amounts of critical information that could be used to drive decisions in creating effective public systems and improve societies. And the public sector is under intense pressure to evolve and make better use of their data and offer new data-rich services. This...
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Accessibility for business value
Accessibility is increasingly a hot topic, not only because it is just the right thing to do, but there is a huge opportunity for businesses to serve a broader population. In this podcast, Matthew Johnston, Technical Delivery Lead, Thoughtworks, makes the case to push accessibility "left" to...
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Digital sustainability and the 2040 corporate pledge
Every company in the world will face pressures to understand their carbon footprint and decarbonize what they do. Adrian Cockroft, VP of Sustainability Architecture at Amazon Web Services, joins us to discuss more on their sustainability journey to the 2040 Climate Pledge. Listen to this podcast…
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Healthcare tech trends put the patient at the center
In healthcare, powerful new data-based tools are revolutionizing the way we make decisions - putting individuals in charge of their own healthcare journeys and supporting the effective delivery of proactive and preventative care. What are the key trends that will help healthcare organizations…
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Product thinking in the new era of cloud
Cloud infrastructure has been universally praised for its simplicity, an intuitive, scalable, and cost-effective alternative that promised to transform how we approach IT infrastructure. But as offerings from the major public cloud providers have become more sophisticated, cloud is becoming...
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CIO Interview: A digital mission for social impact
UNICEF USA implemented a technology strategy to create a consistent donor experience and put the supporter at the center of their operations. Their technology work meant that during a crisis like COVID, the nonprofit could quickly adapt their operations, workforce and donor relations. Andy…
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The value of creative AI
Companies are looking to AI/ML to deliver better customer experience, improve productivity, or keep up with the competition. Beyond the popular use of replacing tedious and repetitive tasks with automation, Principal Consultant Jarno Kartela explains the more creative and strategic opportunities…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Pragmatism in Practice addresses the challenges facing today's digital leaders and gives practical approaches to overcoming them. We have candid conversations with a range of inspiring change-makers who share stories of becoming a modern digital business. 334660
HOSTED BY
Thoughtworks
CATEGORIES
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How many episodes does Pragmatism in Practice have?
Pragmatism in Practice currently has 87 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Pragmatism in Practice about?
Pragmatism in Practice addresses the challenges facing today's digital leaders and gives practical approaches to overcoming them. We have candid conversations with a range of inspiring change-makers who share stories of becoming a modern digital business. 334660
How often does Pragmatism in Practice release new episodes?
Pragmatism in Practice has 87 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to Pragmatism in Practice on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Pragmatism in Practice?
Pragmatism in Practice is created and hosted by Thoughtworks.
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