Slalom IMPACT Podcast

In this episode, the first in our Modern Tech Org mini-series, we sit down with Tricia Hembling and Therese Pocrnick to explore what it really takes to build a modern tech organization. This conversation lays the foundational principles that the rest of the series will build on.We dig into how to move beyond traditional IT as a cost center and instead position technology as an integrated, value-driven partner to the business. We talk about the core traits of modern tech orgs—customer-centricity, agility, predictable delivery, and true ownership—and how to design smaller, autonomous, cross-functional teams that can make decisions quickly and deliver value fast. Tricia and Therese share how trust, shared outcomes, and strong relationships between IT and the business replace old “throw-it-over-the-wall” ways of working.We also look at the leadership and funding shifts required to make this real, including moving from project-based to product and value-based models, and creating an environment where experimentation and systems thinking can thrive. Along the way, we draw on fun examples like sneaker and brand collaborations to highlight how co-creation and partnership fuel innovation.If you’re working on transforming your tech organization’s structure, culture, or leadership approach, this episode sets the groundwork for what’s to come in the series—including future sessions on data architecture, adaptive organizations, and advanced modern tech leadership.

Todd Weidman joins the show to share how he went from accountant and wealth manager to AI-focused tech leader, guided by a lifelong love of libraries and learning. Using nostalgic callbacks to landlines, phone books, Nextel walkie-talkies, floppy disks, and physical games, Todd shows how quickly technology changes and how embracing that change opens doors.He explains how AI acts as a new “library of knowledge,” helping organizations boost efficiency, build capacity, and create new products. Todd also breaks down how to rebrand yourself during disruptive times, offering practical advice for career pivots: adopt a beginner’s mindset, make space to learn, set boundaries, and focus on what you can control. The episode closes with a call to lean into collaboration, mastery, and intentional growth as AI reshapes work and opportunity.

In this episode, Jessica Smith and Jeff Mortimer unpack the insights from their latest AI white paper, “AI After Dark.” They explore AI’s rapid evolution and why it’s keeping leaders up at night, then move into practical strategies for adopting AI responsibly across an organization.Drawing on agile principles, “trust but verify,” and Simon Sinek’s Infinite Game, they discuss how to balance speed with structure, build security and trust into AI-generated code, and manage resistance to change. You’ll hear concrete advice for leaders and beginners alike, how to get started with experimentation, what questions to ask, and how to navigate bias, ethics, and brand trust in an AI-driven world.Whether you’re losing sleep over AI or just getting curious, this episode offers a grounded, human-centered roadmap for embracing AI while fostering sustainable, long-term innovation.Check out the the white paper here.

AI is changing everything about how organizations build and deliver technology. In this episode, co-hosts Mike Henry, Jeff Mortimer, and Archie Woods welcomes Steve Donnelly for a lively discussion on the game-changing impact of AI in software development and business transformation. Hear how rapid prototyping is replacing lengthy discovery phases, and how Slalom’s AI value platform is helping organizations optimize processes and boost efficiency. The conversation also dives into agentic AI, automation that works alongside people to enhance decision-making, not replace it. Tune in for real-world examples, future-forward insights, and practical takeaways on keeping human creativity at the heart of your transformation.

In this episode, the hosts dive into the dynamic world of product delivery within highly regulated sectors like government and healthcare. They unpack the core differences between Agile and Waterfall methodologies, highlighting how Agile’s iterative, adaptive approach can drive innovation—even when faced with strict compliance requirements. The discussion covers the unique challenges encountered when implementing Agile practices in compliance-heavy environments, such as legacy systems and regulatory complexities. Listeners will gain practical insights on integrating compliance into the Agile process, fostering an adaptive organizational culture, and leveraging leadership strategies to model and encourage Agile adoption. The episode also explores how technologies like AI and sandbox environments can accelerate Agile transformation, ensuring that organizations remain responsive and innovative while meeting regulatory demands.

In this episode, we welcome cybersecurity expert Kaylee Smith to discuss how cybersecurity fits into agile delivery and product leadership. Together, we explore the challenges and opportunities of embedding security practices into every stage of product development. We talk about aligning risk management, compliance, and security architecture with agile methodologies, and examine how AI is transforming cybersecurity—from automating threat detection to improving incident response.Throughout our conversation, we emphasize that security is a shared responsibility across all teams, not just the cybersecurity department. We also discuss the cultural shift needed to view security as a business enabler, and share practical approaches to vulnerability management, incident response, and building security awareness within agile teams. Our goal is to help product leaders and teams see security as integral to delivering value—and to equip them with actionable strategies for embedding security into their workflows.

This episode features an in-depth discussion on the transformative impact of AI on business strategy and product development. Our experts unpack how AI is reshaping the product life cycle, pushing organizations to rethink traditional approaches and embrace rapid technological change. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, experimentation, and continuous learning as core competitive advantages in today’s fast-evolving landscape. Listeners will gain practical insights on starting small with AI tools, leveraging customer data innovatively, and why embracing uncertainty is now essential for driving innovation and delivering great customer experiences.

In this episode, the hosts dive into the powerful synergy between agile transformation and artificial intelligence (AI), exploring how organizations can harness AI to drive innovation, productivity, and employee engagement. The conversation highlights the value of cultivating a purpose-driven mindset in business, showing how purpose and profit can work hand-in-hand for greater organizational success. Listeners will hear practical advice on defining mission and vision, learn how generative AI supports creative problem-solving, and discover why connecting employees to a company’s purpose can spark radical business shifts and foster customer loyalty. Whether you’re leading a team or building strategy, this episode offers actionable insights for embracing AI and purpose in today’s business landscape.📄 Dive deeper with our white paper: Seat At The Dinner Table: Purpose and Profit for Sustainable Business Success

In this episode of Slam Impact, the hosts and guest Roxy Rabe break down the evolution from Agile to the Product Operating Model (POM), exploring how successful business transformation hinges on organizing around value delivery and clear outcomes. They highlight the critical role of leadership in communicating goals, the importance of starting small to achieve quick wins, and the courage needed to pivot when necessary. By emphasizing that transformation is an ongoing journey and that every employee plays a part in delivering value, the conversation offers practical insights on navigating change, fostering collaboration, and building momentum with effective communication and a focus on outcomes.