Think Tank
The Future of IT

CIO Think Tank

Date

March 26, 2024

Location

New York, NY

Community

CIO
Your Vision is our mission

Agenda

March 26, 2024
All times Eastern Time
8:30 AM-9:00 AM
Registration
9:00 AM-9:30 AM
Morning Networking
9:30 AM-9:40 AM
Opening Remarks
9:40 AM-10:25 AM
Panel
Bridging the Gap: Mastering the Art of Business-Technology Harmony

Bridging the gap between business and technology is not easy and requires discipline and balance between technology, people, and the business. For so many organizations today, technology is the business. Technology needs to be understood as a critical enabler in every part of the organization from the front line to the back office. It creates new value by crunching data to deliver new insights, it spurs innovation, and it disrupts traditional business models.

For business and technology leaders alike, new actions and behavioral changes can help their organizations make this shift. CIOs must take responsibility for problems, they should convey that when technology fails, many people typically share responsibility.

Chair
Panelists
Sameer Patwardhan Forbes Media LLC

Speaker

Sameer Patwardhan

SVP IT

Forbes Media LLC

Sameer is the SVP , Technology at Forbes Media LLC and leads their DevOps, Security , Corp IT , Engineering and QA . He has extensive experience in all facets of IT right from starting out as a C++, Java developer to DevOps , Security and Cloud infrastructure. Sameer is also a member of ISC2 and has CISSP and CCSP certifications. He loves to work out , to go on long walks , a Linux hobbyist and avid gardener
Manish Mathur Google
Manish Mathur

CTO & Director Healthcare & Life Sciences

Google

Erin Boyd The AES Corporation

Speaker

Erin Boyd

Chief Digital Commercial Transformation Officer

The AES Corporation

Dr. Erin Boyd is an energy economist with 25+ years of experience working across a multi- dimensional spectrum of organizations, economies and sectors including: consultancies focused on small to large scale energy access in developing and emerging markets as well as competitive behavior in European electricity markets; public and private utilities crafting optimal energy tariffs to incent desired outcomes; non-profits and trade organizations contributing to public policy and regulation in everything from EV charging to federal allocation of water rights for hydro; and now for a Fortunate 500 Global Energy Company, AES, where she is Chief Digital Commercial Transformation Officer. Underlying every aspect of her work is the utilization of data and analytics, with Erin considering herself a closet data scientist. Erin also loves to speak publicly and presents any chance she can, including at TEDx.
Thomas Rizzo Lazard

Speaker

Thomas Rizzo

Chief Architect

Lazard

Thomas Rizzo is a seasoned IT professional with over 20 years of experience across various sectors and is currently serving as the Chief Architect at Lazard. His diverse background spans finance technology, digital services, utilities, social media, legal, and education sectors. Prior to joining Lazard, Thomas made significant contributions to companies like Zebra, where he helped shape their digital services and SaaS offerings, and Con Edison, where he drove technological advancements in the utilities sector. In his current role at Lazard, Thomas leads the design and architecture of technology solutions that drive the company's digital transformation journey. His strategic vision and ability to foster an engaging work environment have earned him the reputation of an 'IT Rock Star'. He is committed to driving business growth through digital transformation, and he does so by fostering a creative and enjoyable workplace atmosphere as part of his leadership approach.
10:30 AM-10:45 AM
Vision Voices
Fostering Digital Trailblazers: A Strategic Imperative for CIOs in 2024

Addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by CIOs in the contemporary technological landscape, the imperative to develop transformational leaders takes center stage. The heightened demand for innovation, enterprise-wide transformation, and evolving technology capabilities poses significant hurdles for CIOs.. To navigate this complexity, the focus shifts towards fostering digital transformation leaders, referred to as digital trailblazers. We will explore strategies for nurturing innovation in the digital age, including the dynamic interplay of technology, leadership, and creativity. Learn how to empower teams to lead in a rapidly evolving landscape, gaining insights that could redefine your approach to digital leadership.

10:45 AM-11:05 AM
Coffee Break
11:05 AM-11:30 AM
Keynote
Unleashing Innovation: CIOs Driving New Business Models through Scalable GenAI

In this dynamic session, we explore the symbiotic relationship between business evolution and the strategic role of Chief Information Officers. Focused on scaling generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) for new business models, the discussion delves into how CIOs can harness the transformative power of AI to drive innovation and reshape business paradigms. Participants will gain insights into practical approaches for integrating scalable GenAI solutions, exploring its potential to revolutionize operational efficiency, customer engagement, and overall competitiveness. The session places a spotlight on the pivotal role of CIOs in navigating the intersection of technology and business strategy, showcasing how they can spearhead initiatives that propel organizations into the next frontier of success.

Together with:

Netskope
11:35 AM-12:20 PM
Panel
Power of GenAI: Unlocking Innovation in the Cloud

This session will explore the convergence of cloud computing and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies, offering technology executives insights into the transformative potential of this synergistic relationship. From accelerating innovation and enhancing productivity to enabling personalized experiences and driving competitive advantage, GenAI-powered solutions in the cloud are reshaping industries and revolutionizing business operations. Join us as we discuss practical strategies and use cases for harnessing the power of GenAI in the cloud, including machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision applications. Whether you're leading a technology organization or driving digital transformation initiatives, this session provides valuable perspectives on leveraging GenAI to unlock innovation and drive business success in the cloud-centric era.

Chair
Panelists
Rajat Wadhwani Cetera Financial Group
Raj Wadhwani

Sr. Managing Director

Cetera Financial Group

Glenn Dekhayser Equinix

Speaker

Glenn Dekhayser

Global Principal, GTST

Equinix

Glenn Dekhayser is a member of the Global Principals team at Equinix, which provides technical leadership to all internal Equinix stakeholder groups as well as to our global customer base and partner community. He has over 30 years of strategic IT industry experience, specializing in Enterprise Storage, Hybrid Multi-Cloud Architecture, Disaster Recovery, Holistic Data Management, and IT Security. He is an active member of storage and data-related industry groups and has presented at standards bodies such as SNIA. He currently focuses not only on Storage, AI, and Data-related topics at Equinix, but also advises Equinix’s partner organization and its digital services group. He is an author of the Authoritative Core architectural design pattern, which provides data-driven enterprises an optimized path to hybrid multicloud success.
Amit Basu International Seaways

Speaker

Amit Basu

VP, CIO & CISO

International Seaways

Amit Basu is the head of IT and IT Security at International Seaways (INSW). INSW, headquartered in New York City, is one of the largest tanker companies providing energy transportation services worldwide. Amit is a proven IT leader with over 25 years of experience in maritime IT and has pioneered several technology innovations in maritime. Over the last decade, Amit has led a digital transformation in INSW with a Cloud-Only IT strategy and is instrumental in designing a multi-layered cybersecurity framework promoting a cyber resilience culture. Amit holds an MBA as well as a Master of Science degree in Information Management from the Stevens Institute of Technology, New Jersey. He is also a Certified Information Security Manager from ISACA, certified in Cybersecurity Risk Management by HarvardX, Cybersecurity Oversight by Carnegie Mellon University, Maritime Cybersecurity by Lloyds Maritime, and Artificial Intelligence by MIT Sloan School of Management. Amit is an advisory board member for the Cybersecurity program at Pace University and Ithaca College, on the advisory board of Exium, and a member of the Governing Body of New York CIO Executive Summit.
Mayur Thakur Bank of America
Mayur Thakur

Managing Director

Bank of America

Together with:

Equinix
12:20 PM-1:20 PM
Lunch & Networking
1:20 PM-1:55 PM
Fireside Chat
Strategic Shifts: Reimagining Engineering Talent Deployment and Management in the Age of GenAI

Unlock insights into the evolving landscape of talent deployment and retention as board expectations drive CIOs to rethink traditional IT talent models. Explore the impact of GenAI on coding processes and the software engineering lifecycle, and discover strategies for optimizing talent allocation and headcounts. Gain actionable insights into defining new roles, cultivating essential skills, and charting GenAI-centric career paths to align with organizational goals and stay ahead in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Chair
Panelists
Louie Celiberti Guggenheim Partners
Louis Celiberti

Managing Director

Guggenheim Partners

Leon Flaksin BlackRock

Speaker

Leon Flaksin

Managing Director, Enterprise Risk | Head of Technology and Cybersecurity Risk

BlackRock

Leon Flaksin is a seasoned leader with a strategic and commercially focused approach to Technology Management, Enterprise Risk Management, Cybersecurity, Corporate Governance and Assurance. He currently leads BlackRock’s Technology and Cybersecurity Risk organization, where he partners with senior technology and business leaders on efforts to grow the firm’s business in a controlled and risk-aware manner. Among other initiatives, Leon leads an internal working group tasked with revamping BlackRock’s AI policy to reflect new considerations driven by the fast-evolving applications of Artificial Intelligence in a variety of business use cases. Prior to join BlackRock, Leon managed technology risk and control efforts at Morgan Stanley. He holds a master’s degree in technology management from Columbia University as well as several industry certifications. He is also a part-time professor at YU’s Katz School of Science, with instructional focus on Cybersecurity Risk and Technology Leadership curriculum.
Anna Thomas Citibank

Speaker

Anna Thomas

Director Operations & Technology Transformation

Citibank

Dynamic technology leader with over 20 years of global experience in managing large teams. Change agent and problem-solver with a passion for technology and developing people. Skilled in grasping the big picture, conceptualizing, developing and implementing solutions and partnering closely with business executives. Proven adaptability and innovation in program leadership. Execution focused. Ability to perform in a fast-paced environment and propose a realistic project schedule by identifying critical paths, risks and challenges. Strong interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and influencing skills. CORE COMPETENCIES Product Design & Development Strategic Technology Planning Global IT delivery & Program Management Vendor Management Budgeting and Cost Control Stakeholder Management Leadership & Supervision Offshore/Onshore Management
2:00 PM-2:15 PM
Disruptor
Test Data Unleashed: Shifting Left Your Data for Strategic Success in the Digital Landscape

In a world where software development races towards unprecedented automation and efficiency, the spotlight turns to an often-overlooked hero: Test Data Management (TDM). The recent acquisition of Delphix by Perforce not only marks a significant milestone in enterprise data management but also heralds the dawn of a new era for TDM. This evolution is driven by the critical need for real, live production data in testing environments, pushing TDM into the limelight as the cornerstone of accelerating software development and deployment cycles. You're invited to explore the transformative impact of TDM on the software development landscape, emphasizing its pivotal role in crafting robust, reliable, and market-ready software solutions. Dive into an exploration of how TDM platforms are bridging the gap between theoretical testing and real-world chaos, are not only shaping the future of software testing but are redefining the essence of quality assurance in the digital age.

2:20 PM-2:35 PM
Disruptor
Radical Simplicity: Addressing Everything.

IT complexity is slowing everything down, increasing our threat surfaces and costs. We all keep trying to solve security at the infrastructure layers by throwing more and more products and people at the problem. But that just adds to the complexity and makes things worse further hindering the velocity and adaptability of our businesses. It’s time to rethink the strategy. In this session, we’ll discuss the seemingly impossible. Removing attack surfaces, using business rules not technical ones, reducing operating costs, and allowing your business to accelerate. No blockchain, no AI, no massive IT transformation, but a controlled migration to a new design pattern, using your existing infrastructure and applications.

The next big thing? Our customers say yes! But tell us what you think.

Together with:

Atsign
2:35 PM-2:55 PM
Networking Break
2:55 PM-3:30 PM
Fireside Chat
The Future of Digital Strategy in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape

In the swiftly evolving digital landscape, the future of digital strategy promises dynamism and transformation. As technology progresses at an unprecedented pace, organizations are compelled to recalibrate their digital strategies to remain competitive and relevant. Emphasizing data-driven decision-making, integration of AI and machine learning, and prioritizing a seamless user experience stand at the forefront of this adaptation. Moreover, as sustainability and ethical considerations gain prominence, responsible practices must be woven into digital strategies. Succeeding in this dynamic environment hinges on adopting a proactive and flexible approach to digital strategy, enabling organizations not only to keep pace with change but also to lead in shaping the digital future.

3:35 PM-4:20 PM
Panel
Embracing Innovation: Best-of-Breed Emerging Technologies from Silicon Valley ... and Beyond!

In this exclusive session, Saqib E. Awan, Founder & Managing Director of GTM Capital, chats with the Founders & CEOs of the best-of-breed technology startups from around the world to share the challenges they solve for clients, the innovation they deliver to companies, and how their solutions are differentiated in the market

Panelists
Nitin Bhadauria Lucidity
Nitin Bhadauria

CEO

Lucidity

Patrick Blahosky Lightrun

Speaker

Patrick Blahosky

RVP

Lightrun

Patrick Blahosky Regional Vice President of Sales As the RVP of Sales at Lightrun, Patrick is a a seasoned leader with a proven track record of driving revenue growth and building high-performance sales teams. With over 25 years of experience in sales leadership roles, Patrick brings a blend of technical knowledge tactical execution. Patrick possesses a deep understanding of the DevOps and Observability space, customer needs, and competitive landscapes, enabling Patrick to develop tailored solutions that drive business success. He has worked for some of the top technology companies in the space including; HP, Dynatrace, New Relic and Splunk. With a relentless focus on customer satisfaction and a commitment to delivering value at every touchpoint, Patrick has consulted multiple Fortune 500’s on Automation processes and culture shifts. He prides himself on implementing best practices that can change the way developers, SRE’s and QA teams do their jobs better and faster. Patrick is passionate about building strong relationships with his customers always doing what he can to help them meet their goals both professionally and personally. He’s always happy to network and talk about market trends. Feel free to connect with him on Linkedin.
Corey Harrison FlipAI

Speaker

Corey Harrison

Co-founder & CEO

FlipAI

Corey Harrison is the Co-Founder & CEO of Flip AI, a San Francisco based startup on a mission to help companies realize the full potential of their observability data. Powered by the first large language models built for DevOps, Flip AI helps enterprise developer teams predict and resolve complex application incidents in seconds. Prior to co-founding Flip, Corey held leadership roles at several large enterprises including the NFL, KKR, and White House & Pentagon, which awarded him a medal for civilian service. Corey has an MBA from Yale University, MS from Duquesne University, and BS from Lehigh University, where he is now a member of the Board of Trustees.
Murali Basavaiah Andromeda Security

Speaker

Murali Basavaiah

Co-founder & CEO

Andromeda Security

Entrepreneur & senior executive with 25+ years of experience in security, distributed systems, and infrastructure. Co-founder of Avi Networks (acquired by VMware for $450M). Post-acquisition, he led Avi's business and grew revenue by 3x and 1000 customers.
4:20 PM-4:30 PM
Closing Remarks & Raffle Giveaway
4:30 PM-5:30 PM
Cocktail Hour
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Together With

Don’t take our word for it

Heard In The Room