Pragmatism in Practice

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 junior talent remains a vital engine for innovation and explore how to shift the executive conversation...

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 themselves from laggards by rethinking compliance and testing, and why a Tiger Team approach is the fastes...

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 simply shipping code to delivering genuine business value.

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 decision-makers who want AI that works in the real world, helping them design systems that are respons...

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 Co-founder at DX, and Chris Westerhold, Global Practice Director at Thoughtworks, as they share how lead...

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 challenges. If you're navigating the fast-changing landscape of tech strategy, this one's for you.   Ho...

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 journey within their own organization.   Host: Kimberly Boyd   Guests: Jessie Xia, Global Chief Informatio...

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 embraces continual change. If you're a business leader looking to make an impact in your own organization,...

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 is a must-listen.   Host: Markus Buhmann , Data Strategy Principal, Thoughtworks   Guests: Tiankai Feng...

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 you're a data leader looking to communicate and influence data strategy more effectively in your own org...

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 organization. If you're a data leader looking to bolster your data strategy for the future, this podcast is f...

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 to effectively leverage data to build resilient health systems, and foster long-term competitiveness an...

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 wanting to do the same, this podcast will give you all the insights you need to get started.   Host: Kimberl...

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 handle and leverage data. If you're a business leader or tech professional looking to understand how data...

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 understand the benefits, challenges, and future prospects of this approach, this is the podcast for you

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 interested in fortifying your organization's defenses against technology crises, this podcast is for yo...

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 sharing. If you're a digital leader looking for ways to make your data work harder, don't miss this episode.

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 this unique shift. If you're a digital leader looking for practical insights to propel your digital tra...

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 latest MIT Technology Review Insights report. If you're a business leader looking to transform your organiz...

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 podcast offers valuable insights to inspire and guide you on your own leadership path.  

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 digital public good created by the mission, that holds the potential to revolutionize access to justice and e...

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 - it's a continuous journey and in this episode we are going to explore this topic in more detail.

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 Forester's 2023 Technology Strategy Impact Award. If you are a leader interested in retail innovation and c...

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 or business leaders looking to embrace a more customer-led mindset across their organization and teams...

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 will give product and business leaders valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities of becoming...