Lenovo Work Reborn Podcast

How can cybersecurity evolve without losing its human soul? On today’s show, host Rita Richa sits down with Gianluca Tirozzi, Founder and CEO of a Milan-based cybersecurity firm, to explore how AI, collaboration, and ethics are reshaping the future of protection in a digital world. Gianluca shares how his company’s solution, Zadig, uses transparency and adaptability to strengthen trust with client...

How can companies balance innovation with security when AI is rewriting the rules? In this episode of Lenovo’s Work Reborn podcast, host Rita Richa talks with Nik Levantis, Marketing Lead at Obrela, about the tension between automation and human oversight in cybersecurity. Nik explains why trust is the cornerstone of AI adoption, how “invisible IT” can empower employees by removing friction, and w...

What’s holding companies back from adopting AI securely and responsibly? In this episode of Lenovo’s Work Reborn podcast, Thirugnana Vijayan, Director of Platform Operations at CLS, shares how his organization is tackling one of AI’s biggest challenges: complexity and security. Thirugnana explains why the key to AI success isn’t just innovation, it’s responsibility. He discusses CLS’s approach to...

What does it take to build cybersecurity systems that think for themselves? In this conversation from Lenovo’s Work Reborn series, host Rita Richa sits down with Nicola Mugnato, Co-Founder and CTO of Gyala, to unpack how AI is transforming endpoint protection for critical infrastructure and defense. Nicola explains how context-aware AI can interpret operational phases to detect anomalies, prevent...

Can automation make work more human? In this conversation from Lenovo’s Work Reborn series, host Rita Richa speaks with Andreas Fritz, CISO at Voestalpine, about how AI and automation are reshaping cybersecurity without reducing the people behind it. Andreas explains how automation streamlines repetitive security operations while freeing up talent for higher-value problem-solving. He also explores...

Why is AI adoption racing ahead in some parts of cybersecurity while lagging behind in others? In this episode of Lenovo’s Work Reborn podcast, host Rita Richa speaks with Tulvinder Shokar, Head of Security Architecture at RSA, about the realities of integrating AI into enterprise security strategies. Tully explains why endpoint security tools have been quick to integrate AI, while areas like data...

How can organizations protect against data leakage when both insiders and external actors are reshaping the threat landscape? In this episode of Lenovo’s Work Reborn podcast, we’re joined by Imran R Khan, Head of Cybersecurity at Gulf Bank of Kuwait, to explore how leaders can proactively manage risks in the age of AI. Imran explains why insider threats remain one of the toughest challenges, and h...

What does it take to balance the promise of AI with the growing risks in cybersecurity? In this episode of Lenovo’s Work Reborn podcast, host Rita Richa speaks with Christy Hart Smith, Analyst Relations Leader at Cyera, about how organizations can navigate the accelerating shifts in security. Christy explains why analyst relations gives her a unique view into how technologies, use cases, and trust...

How can organizations prepare for inevitable change without being overwhelmed by complexity? In this episode of Lenovo’s Work Reborn podcast, host Rita Richa speaks with Thilo Bayerlander, Worldwide Sales Leader for Digital Workplace Solutions at Lenovo. Thilo shares why Lenovo has evolved far beyond devices to provide holistic services that secure, integrate, and simplify the modern workplace. He...

What happens when 90% of IT leaders admit they don’t feel confident in their defenses against cyberattacks? In this episode of Lenovo’s Work Reborn podcast, host Rita Richa is joined by Tiago Da Costa Silva, leader of Lenovo’s Cybersecurity Services practice. Tiago shares insights from Lenovo’s global survey of 600 IT leaders, revealing why AI is both a catalyst for innovation and a multiplier of...

What does it mean to defend against threats that no longer think like humans? In this episode of Lenovo’s Work Reborn podcast, host Rita Richa is joined by Rik Ferguson, Vice President of Security Intelligence at Forescout. With more than 25 years in cybersecurity research, Rik shares insights into how attackers exploit organizational silos, why visibility is the foundation of resilience, and how...

What happens when attackers use AI to move faster than human teams can respond? In this episode of Lenovo’s Work Reborn podcast, host Rita Richa speaks with William Morrish, CRO at Covert Swarm, who leads offensive cybersecurity operations for global enterprises. William explains how AI is shifting the threat landscape from slow, stealthy intrusions to rapid, automated attacks that can bypass trad...

What does it take to move from traditional security to a culture of cyber hygiene? In this episode of Lenovo’s Work Reborn podcast, we’re joined by Richard Bennett, Field CTO for IBM in EMEA, to discuss how AI is reshaping the threat landscape and why organizations must rethink their security strategies. Richard explains why leaders can no longer rely on outdated defenses and instead need to focus...

Amin Tavakoli, EMEA Managing Director at SCC, discusses the crucial link between digital workplace transformation and distinct business identity. He highlights how tailoring technology to employee personas drives productivity and business outcomes, especially in knowledge and frontline worker industries. Amin also emphasizes the importance of a structured change management framework, backed by tar...

Shraddha Pandya, Senior Security Specialist at DNV, shares her insights on preparing employees for AI-powered workplaces through motivation, teamwork, and patience. She emphasizes the importance of integrating security from the start using a “security by design” approach and highlights how sustainability is about both environmental impact and product lifecycle vitality. Shraddha discusses common b...

Eithsham Khalid, IT Architect for Digital Workplace at Mott MacDonald, emphasizes the importance of blending AI-driven efficiency with human-centered adaptability. He shares how organizations can build AI use cases tailored to real employee personas and needs, ensuring technology supports people rather than replacing them. Itsham also discusses practical strategies for balancing competing IT prior...

Hanan Chafai from Roche Diagnostics highlights the power of strong change management rooted in clear purpose and personalized journeys. She explains why understanding the “why” behind transformation—not just adopting new tools—is key to successful adoption and lasting impact. Hanan shares insights on guiding people through change by focusing on individual and organizational growth, and how technol...

Jagadheesh Peram from Ninety One, an investment firm in South Africa and UK, discusses the critical balance between sustainability, innovation, and generative AI adoption. He emphasizes why prioritizing Gen AI is essential to staying competitive and fostering growth in today’s fast-paced market. Jagadeesh also highlights the importance of employee experience, sharing how being part of the end-user...

James Devney shares how to secure organizational buy-in for workplace transformation by engaging stakeholders early, building communities of practice, and identifying champions across departments. He explores the evolving role of AI—from summarizing meetings to generating meaningful, ready-to-use content—and how it can eliminate repetitive work while empowering experts to focus on strategy and ref...

Martin Versteeg, of MVX2, explains why effective change management is no longer optional—it’s critical for survival in today’s rapidly evolving workplace. He shares how the accelerating pace of technological change demands systematic, scalable approaches to guide people through transitions, and why experimentation, rapid feedback, and a willingness to fail fast are key to finding what works. Marti...

Jason Joyce, Head of UK IT and Platforms at E.ON UK, shares how organizations can realistically scale personalization by offering flexible tools and listening to employee and customer needs. He explains why today’s technology and agile ways of working make tailored experiences more achievable than ever. Jason also emphasizes why security must be embedded from the very start of any transformation—c...

Johannes Winkler, Head of Workplace at REWE International, shares why near zero-touch IT can boost efficiency and keep employees focused—yet warns against losing the valuable human connection between users and support teams. He discusses how automation can handle routine issues while still creating opportunities for meaningful interaction, and why strong change management and people skills are cru...

In this episode, Sander Geerkens, of Proximus NXT, discusses why many organizations remain stuck in workplace transformation planning. He emphasizes the importance of viewing the workplace as more than just a commodity and highlights the critical role of persona-based innovation and personalization in driving meaningful change. Sander shares how partners like Proximus help companies overcome chall...

Gerard Lawlor-Smith of the Metropolitan Police shares his experience piloting AI for improved efficiency and smarter decision-making in public safety. Hear how early trials, careful governance, and collaboration across departments set the stage for secure workplace modernization. Gerard discusses why arming employees with training, prioritizing compliance, and fostering business-IT partnerships ar...

Kerry O'Donnell, digital workplace expert, reveals how AI is reshaping legacy system integration, breaking down silos, and making employee experiences more seamless. Learn why empowering non-technical users with Gen AI tools speeds up work, boosts content creation, and enables faster adoption across organizations. Kerry shares actionable tips on change management, tailored training, and movin...