Let’s Take a Walk

Zero Trust in an AI World: Insights with George Finney

George Finney joins the conversation to unpack the principles and practice of Zero Trust cybersecurity. The discussion explores the strategy’s origins, practical implementation, and the importance of protecting the “surface” rather than the “perimeter.” George shares insights from his books, stories of real-world breaches, and lessons from high-profile incidents. The conversation also addresses today’s most pressing challenges: securing AI systems, mitigating vulnerabilities in legacy systems, and preparing business leaders to engage proactively in cybersecurity. A must-listen for leaders seeking to build resilience in a world where trust is no longer a given.
Learn more about George here.

AI and the Future of Work: Transforming Tasks, Roles, and Value

AI is transforming the workforce: automating tasks, creating new roles, and challenging leaders to rethink how people and technology work together. In this episode, our panel of Jon Feld, Russell Villemez, Mike Childress, and Charlie Feld explores real-world applications and how to harness AI for both efficiency and value creation.

From Burnout to Breakthrough: A Healthier Way to Lead

What if taking time off actually made your team more productive? In this episode, Brittany Butcher sits down with Charlie Feld to explore the power of work-life balance, and how simple shifts in leadership mindset can lead to big gains in health, engagement, and performance. Charlie shares real-world stories from his time at PepsiCo in the 1980s, where reflection and rest became a strategic advantage. 

Selling Enterprise Architecture: Aligning Strategy, Overcoming Resistance, and Enabling Innovation

Enterprise Architecture (EA) is critical to bridging business and IT, but getting buy-in across the organization is no easy task. In this episode, Russell Villemez and Jon Feld explore what it takes to sell EA internally, not just implement it. They unpack strategies for engaging executives, business leaders, and IT teams, while offering practical tips like simplifying the message, preparing metrics, and anticipating objections.
The conversation also explores EA's evolving role in AI and risk management, as well as how establishing a shared language across functions can drive modernization and innovation. Whether you’re just starting an EA practice or trying to reinvigorate one, this episode offers insights to help you align stakeholders and create lasting momentum.
 
Learn more about Jon here. 
Learn more about Russell here. 

Business Engagement: The Key to Transformation Success

This episode explores why digital transformations often fail, and how stronger business engagement can turn the tide. Jon highlights that companies with engaged business teams are 60% more likely to succeed. David Trent of Canfor and Hakan Yaren of KWE & APL Logistics share practical strategies from their own organizations, including how prioritizing uptime led to tangible results and how aligning capabilities to strategic goals builds trust and traction. The panel also discusses the value of operational excellence, the importance of cross-functional collaboration, and how to sustain strategic conversations with internal and external partners.

Beyond Agile: Reimagining Teams, Leadership, and Enterprise Architecture at Scale

Charlie Feld and J.R. Jesson dive into the real-world challenges of scaling agile across large organizations. They highlight the power of dynamic, cross-functional teams and the critical role of operating models in enabling agility and collaboration. The conversation covers the balance between virtual and in-person work, the importance of cultural alignment, and how clear norms and digital tools can support distributed teams. They also explore what it takes to build future-ready organizations with adaptable strategies, integrated enterprise architecture, and leadership grounded in trust, autonomy, and workforce development in an AI-driven world.
 
Learn more about J.R.’s career here. 

Making Enterprise Architecture Matter

Join Jon Feld as he leads a dynamic Feld Group Institute Community Call with seasoned experts Mike Childress, Brent Browning, and Stan Alexander. Together, they unpack how EA becomes a game changer in business transformation, bridging today’s agile demands with tomorrow’s strategic vision. Hear their candid insights on avoiding the pitfalls, pacing EA adoption, and turning architecture into a true business enabler.
 
Learn more about the panelists here:
Jon Feld
Stan Alexander
Brent Browning
Mike Childress 

Leading Through Uncertainty: A Playbook for Change in Today’s Economy

Jon and Charlie Feld take us deeper into the tried and true playbook for setting and selling the agenda for change. Together with the Community, they unpack the thinking, stories, and strategy behind establishing the WHY, WHAT, HOW, and WHO. They share practical ideas and discuss the real impact that today’s economic volatility is having on our organizations and decision-making.

Mastering Focus: Time Management, Engagement, and Global Team Strategies with Jeff Roemer

In this episode, we dive into the evolving challenges and opportunities of leadership in a rapidly changing, remote-first world. Charlie is joined by Jeff Roemer, Feld Group Institute Affiliate and retired FedEx VP. Charlie and Jeff explore the critical role of effective time management, the importance of building strong CFO partnerships, and strategies for maintaining employee engagement across global teams. They share insights on fostering personal relationships to drive strategic alignment, navigating the complexities of remote work, and protecting teams from burnout in high-pressure environments. Join us as we unpack how to lead with clarity, connection, and purpose…no matter the chaos you face. 
Learn more about Jeff's career here. 

The Blind Spot Transformation Playbook: Aligning Vision, People, and Strategy

In this episode, Charlie shares the proven Blind Spot playbook that has helped organizations across industries successfully navigate transformation. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to accelerate an existing effort, this framework will help you align your team around a clear vision and a compelling case for change. 
This episode is structured into four parts:
The WHY – Understanding the urgent need for change and the forces driving transformation.
The WHAT – Defining the critical business and technology shifts required to thrive in the digital era.
The HOW – Crafting strategies to align the organization around a shared vision and executing the transformation—across processes, technology, people, financials, and governance.
The WHO – Identifying the game changers within the organization—those who can lead the narrative and inspire action.
Transformation isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a challenge, an opportunity, and a responsibility. It begins with asking the right questions and empowering the right people.