ELEVATED

Caltech CTME ELEVATED: Creating Value at the Intersection of Systems and Experience: Lessons from Intrapreneurship. January 2026

freshpodproduction@gmail.com (The Fresh Podcast Production Studios) — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Join us for our webcast of ELEVATED as we present Creating Value at the Intersection of Systems and Experience: Lessons from Intrapreneurship. We are pleased to welcome Melody McClaren, Researcher, Writer, Consultant and Caltech Alum as we kick off the new year of ELEVATED. Host Jen García of Caltech’s Center for Technology and Management Education will discuss with Melody how she has grown and nurtured a passionate and committed career rooted in intrapreneurship. Melody’s professional life has been characterized by curiosity-driven, non-linear pathways, working with global companies, NGOs, and cross-sector partnerships. Her work has focused on how individuals create value at the intersections of systems, institutions, and lived experience. Melody will illustrate how her experiences over the years have given her the ability to reflect across generations into how people can navigate complex careers with integrity and imagination. We are delighted to have her share her journey with us.

Caltech CTME ELEVATED: Project Management - Peter Sairafian - December 2025

freshpodproduction@gmail.com (The Fresh Podcast Production Studios) — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

ELEVATED, crafted by Caltech, is the only monthly webcast series converging technology with project management. Host Jen Garcia engages with pioneering thought leaders to illuminate pathways to success in the world of large-scale program and project management, cultivating a community dedicated to strategic leadership and career advancement within high-stakes domains. Peter Sairafian has broad project organization and management experience, spanning strategic planning, enterprise governance, PMO development, project management, business process management, and ERP implementation. He has led the development of several IT systems, applying best practices in change control, risk management, action item tracking, budgeting, and project management. At Southern California Edison, Mr. Sairafian led teams managing business cases and financial controls for project portfolios in excess of $300 million/year. He helped set up a PMO project organization. In addition, he performed strategic planning for the start-up of a non-regulated subsidiary, specializing in the operation and maintenance of power and non-power plant operations. At Molina Healthcare, he developed a governance framework for the Enterprise Project Management Office of Molina Healthcare, including identifying initiatives and programs, generating estimates, business cases, portfolio prioritization, benefits validation, stakeholder management, and decision body charter and composition.. Mr. Sairafian has managed programs in healthcare, utilities, engineering, and construction. He has worked with Sempra, Belkin, Kaiser Permanente, Memorial Care Health Systems, United Health Group, The Irvine Company, The Capital Group, Cisco, TransUnion, and Zodiac Aerospace. He has held certifications as a Project Management Professional, CGEIT, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Enterprise IT, COBIT, and ITIL governance. He holds a BS in civil engineering and a Master’s in Business from the University of California, Irvine.

Caltech CTME ELEVATED: Lead Like Her - Rethinking Leadership Development

freshpodproduction@gmail.com (The Fresh Podcast Production Studios) — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Caltech CTME ELEVATED: Lead Like Her - Rethinking Leadership Development

“When pressure mounts, our instinct is to grip.

Yet, the breakthrough lies in release.”

This month we are pleased to welcome Shruti Dhupia, HR & Leadership Development expert. Host Jen García of Caltech’s Center for Technology and Management Education will discuss with Shruti how women leaders can discover their true essence, embody unshakable confidence, and build an ecosystem that authentically reflects their values.

Shruti Dhupia brings 15+ years of experience in Leadership Alignment, Succession Planning, Learning Strategy, and Capability Development, and has worked with Harvard Business Publishing and Infosys Leadership Institute, among others. A certified assessor and leadership coach, Shruti actively contributes to blogs and research, with a focus on women in leadership.

We're happy to have you tune in as we explore these areas of professional development and empowerment.

Shruti Dhupia serves as an Associate Partner at Salto Dee Fe. Her rich work experience spans 15+ years with clients across the globe in the space of talent and leadership development. She was previously associated with organizations like Harvard Business Publishing, Infosys Leadership Institute Right Management, and Max Life Insurance. She has worked with renowned global brands in the APAC and ME regions and has handled a wide spectrum of clients across industries and sectors like Tata, Mahindra, Infosys, Genpact, HCL, Kotak, etc. She has extensive experience in the digital learning strategy to converge the right learning platforms and content providers. Shruti received her Masters in Human Resources from IISWBM- Kolkata. Her key capabilities include In-depth Needs Assessment, Leadership Alignment, Succession Planning, Learning Strategy Formulation and Capability Development. ♦

Jen García is Caltech CTME’s AI Tools Instructor and the host of ELEVATED. With over 20 years in higher education and workforce development, she served as a program manager at Orange Coast College while also teaching at institutions like UCLA Extension, UCI Extension, and USC. She later founded Employ California, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing workforce development, and Ingrained.ai, which equips businesses, educators, and social impact organizations with accessible AI tools training. Jen serves as the AI Executive in Residence at the Goldhirsh Foundation and sits on the boards of Vidby.ai and Pledge, a platform that raises nearly $50m in donations each year for many of the largest nonprofits and brands in the world. She has led AI tools trainings at the Getty Research Institute, and for the County of Los Angeles, DoorDash, the LA Fire Department, Brooklyn Public Library, and more. Through her work with Break Through Tech AI, Jen has also guided teams in developing custom AI/ML solutions for nonprofits. ♦

Caltech CTME ELEVATED: From Rocket Science to Cybersecurity: How Program Management + Systems Thinking Fuels Innovation

freshpodproduction@gmail.com (The Fresh Podcast Production Studios) — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Caltech CTME ELEVATED: From Rocket Science to Cybersecurity: How Program Management + Systems Thinking Fuels Innovation In this ELEVATED episode, Dr. Tina Srivastava, an MIT-trained rocket scientist, inventor, and co-founder of Badge, shares her journey from aerospace engineering at Raytheon to founding a cybersecurity company and developing Badge’s “identity without secrets” platform. She explains how her experiences in systems engineering and program management revealed the importance of collaboration between PMs and SEs, especially through practices like shadowing, rotation programs, and defining clear roles. Dr. Srivastava discusses her research and books, including Innovating in a Secret World and another she edited Integrating Program Management and Systems Engineering, which explores how innovation thrives even in secure, high-stakes environments. The conversation expands into how AI tools can enhance project collaboration, communication, and education when used responsibly and with privacy in mind. Finally, Dr. Srivastava emphasizes the need for lifelong learning and technological literacy, urging leaders to immerse themselves in technical understanding to drive better decision-making and innovation.

Caltech CTME ELEVATED: Unconventional Journeys & Daily Realities - Advice for Aspiring Managers

freshpodproduction@gmail.com (The Fresh Podcast Production Studios) — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 18:18:48 +0000

Zeina Barrett has over 25 years of experience in the management and execution of programs for the Department of Defense and Departments of State Health and Social Services and across multiple Northrop Grumman Sectors. She has a wide breadth of expertise in program management, risk management, process re-engineering, and operations management across various levels of the organization. Zeina is currently the Program Excellence Director for the Space Sector shaping program management governance, process, and is responsible for executing PM training and development. Prior to this role, Zeina was most recently the Operating Unit Director for Space Vehicles within the Tactical Space Systems Division, where she was responsible for our ESPAStar Product Line (>$1B product line) and growth of space vehicle market within the division. She has led teams across all phases of program execution. Zeina received her bachelor’s in business and a master’s of information systems from the University of Phoenix and a graduate certificate in Project Management from the University of California Los Angeles. She achieved her Project Management Professional certification in 2011, is a certified scrum master and Agile coach. She is currently working towards her masters of business administration at Liberty University on her path to a Doctorate of business administration in the future.

Caltech CTME ELEVATED: How to Build Your Must-Have Network in an Era of Job Insecurity

freshpodproduction@gmail.com (The Fresh Podcast Production Studios) — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 19:51:07 +0000

You'll discover how to:

Create and execute initiatives in your project that sustain change and escalates relationships
Master a mindset that moves you out of your head and past your fears to confidently create valuable relationships
Manage your emotions when connecting with new people

Additionally, Christy will share how she fosters a culture that attracts high performers, designs and executes initiatives that catalyze change and most importantly, transforms chaos into harmony—and how you can build on your own creativity to reach your professional and personal goals.

Christy Conner is a driver of greater Los Angeles's innovative technology arena. She is a leader of Friday Coffee Meetup, the largest active entrepreneurial and tech innovation group in Los Angeles, with 7,000+ members. In The Confident Connector™: How to Build Your Must-Have Network in an Era of Job Insecurity, Christy enthusiastically shares strategies with readers to on how to build strong and authentic relationships. She seamlessly blends her perspective as a natural introvert with powerful techniques to inspire others to move past their fears and build a dynamic network that fulfills their aspirations.

With exposure to over fifty countries and a diverse career spanning six sectors, she offers a unique blend of strategic insight and empathic leadership. She has taught as an instructor of change management on five continents. Utilizing this global perspective coupled with local insights, she writes on leading-edge business topics that help companies work smarter and drive revenue. She earned her private pilot’s license and went on to obtain a BS in Aviation Business Administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She has an MA in International Relations from the University of Southern California (USC). ♦

Caltech CTME ELEVATED: Startup Wisdom and Strategic Scale

freshpodproduction@gmail.com (The Fresh Podcast Production Studios) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 01:05:16 +0000

What you'll take away from this episode:

Which single skill unlocks the biggest productivity gain for cross-functional project teams?
With generative AI accelerating project workflows, what competencies project managers should cultivate today to stay indispensable?
Which cognitive bias most often derails an executive project plan?

This live webcast discussion will be compelling and insightful, and is ideal for anyone interested in strategic decision-making, leadership, and AI product innovation.

Leslie Fine, PhD, earned her PhD in Game Theory and Behavioral Economics from Caltech. In 2008, Leslie founded her first startup, Crowdcast, and successfully exited the company in 2012. Following Crowdcast, she helped lead three more startups: Spigit (SVP Product), tenXer (Head of Product), and Swerve (Founder, CEO). After Leslie’s startup experiences, she ventured into the enterprise world and joined Salesforce (VP Product), where she helped ship the company’s first AI product. But it was through her involvement in Salesforce’s M&A process that she ultimately realized she wanted to return to startup life. Each chapter of Leslie’s career was chosen based on where she would find her next challenge. Leslie is a problem solver at heart, and she takes pride in repackaging all that she has learned throughout her career in order to effectively mentor the next wave of passionate founders. ♦

Caltech CTME ELEVATED: Bridging Data and Impact:Redefining Pharma Leadership Through Analytics

freshpodproduction@gmail.com (The Fresh Podcast Production Studios) — Tue, 20 May 2025 17:57:00 +0000

What you'll take away from this episode:

How to build trust between technical and commercial teams

What makes AI tools actually useful—and widely adopted—in pharma

Why data fluency is essential for the next generation of industry leaders.

This live webcast discussion will be an energizing and insightful conversation for anyone interested in data, leadership, and building bridges between innovation and real-world impact.

ELEVATED Live Webcast

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | 10:00 AM (PDT)

Jane Urban builds new functions and high performing teams in the biopharma space. She recently transformed customer engagement at Otsuka Pharmaceuticals as VP of Customer Engagement, a newly formed division combining capabilities in omnichannel, analytics, insights, forecasting, commercial operations, and field effectiveness. Prior to Otsuka, in her 7 years at Takeda, Jane held roles at the VP level across global commercial and medical data, US data and analytics, and Commercial Operations integration with the Shire acquisition. Prior to Takeda, Jane worked on healthcare commercialization related roles in consulting and healthcare. Jane has an MBA from Northwestern Kellogg and BA in Engineering from Brown University. ♦

Caltech CTME ELEVATED: Leading teams who build AI

freshpodproduction@gmail.com (The Fresh Podcast Production Studios) — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 17:55:00 +0000

Please join us for an exclusive ELEVATED webcast, Leading AI Teams.

With the robust growth of generative AI, industries are experiencing an accelerated transformation. From improving productivity, to harnessing a new digital framework where AI enhances human skills, industry leaders are wondering how best to navigate the GenAI world.

Leading teams who build AI:

How do AI teams operate in 2025 and what should companies anticipate as hurdles to AI adoption in their organization? How do leaders navigate the adoption of new tools and manage AI products?

We discuss:

How to appropriately staff AI projects and how this differs from traditional machine learning and data science projects
How GenAI can be applied in project management to maximize project efficiency
Building versus buying in a market awash in GenAI solutions

In our April 15 ELEVATED session, guest Jodi Blomberg, a senior leader for AI/ML at Cox Automotive, talks with Caltech CTME’s host Nicholas Beaudoin. Together they'll explore important points to consider as project managers meet leadership requirements to build AI platforms.

Bio

Jodi Blomberg

As the Senior Leader for AI/ML across the Cox Automotive family, Jodi oversees a diverse team of Product Managers, Engineers, and AI/ML experts, working collaboratively to shape the future of automotive technology. Her teams manage a portfolio of AI and ML initiatives spanning early-stage research, proofs of concept, and full product delivery. In addition, her responsibilities include managing the visual intelligence division, solving complex visual problems with innovative 3D computer vision technologies and artificial intelligence. In addition to technical leadership, Jodi' responsibilities include budget planning, resource allocation, and strategic partnerships to ensure the success and scalability of AI initiatives. Jodi's focus is on delivering impactful solutions that not only push the boundaries of what's possible but also create tangible value for business and their customers. ♦

As Caltech CTME's Director and AI/ML Instructor, Nicholas Beaudoin intersects strategic program development with hands-on curriculum design, positioning AI/ML education programs at the forefront of technological transformation. Leading the AI programs at Caltech's Center for Technology & Management Education, Nicholas' focus is on delivering impactful learning experiences tailored to a diverse clientele, including private and public sectors, as well as government and non-profit organizations.

Caltech CTME ELEVATED: Avoiding Issues in Complex International Projects

freshpodproduction@gmail.com (The Fresh Podcast Production Studios) — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Exclusive ELEVATED webcast, Avoiding Issues in Complex International Projects. International projects are often complex and dynamic by their very nature. Challenges extend from multi-cultural misinterpretation to language barriers and include managing diverse perspectives, international differences, and hierarchical restraints. In these international project landscapes, project managers must strive to recognize the values and expectations of team members of varying cultural backgrounds. In our March 18 ELEVATED session, guest Kurt Moses, a senior executive with an extensive history in the education and health development sector, will talk with Caltech CTME’s host Nicholas Beaudoin. Together they will examine a high level checklist of potential hiccups to consider in your projects, providing tools that can help team leaders identify challenges before they become restraints. Together they discuss: • The snags in projects as they relate to process, collaboration, clarity and communication • Understanding various governmental/regulatory systems; leveraging technology solutions that are accessible to the entire team • Recognizing cultural differences and identifying concerns; understanding how members perceive authority, handle conflict, and process decision-making Join us March 18 for Anticipating Issues in Complex International Projects and discover the tools that will help you achieve success in the global business environment. Kurt Moses serves as Director of Information Systems with a demonstrated history of expertise in the education management industry. He is skilled in leading nonprofit organizations with policy analysis and effective information technology experience. With a Bachelor’s Degree focused in Economics & Political Theory from Stanford University and an MBA in International Finance from University of Chicago, Kurt has worked in 72 countries, four continents and the U.S, and consulted with major international donor agencies and 45 national governments. He is skilled in strategic planning, national and regional information systems design, mobile system implementation, business analytics, and capacity building. Kurt has operated several independent service centers with P&L responsibility, and regularly reported to or consulted with senior officials in government. As Caltech CTME's Director and AI/ML Instructor, Nicholas Beaudoin intersects strategic program development with hands-on curriculum design, positioning AI/ML education programs at the forefront of technological transformation. Leading the AI programs at Caltech's Center for Technology & Management Education, Nicholas' focus is on delivering impactful learning experiences tailored to a diverse clientele, including private and public sectors, as well as government and non-profit organizations.

Caltech CTME ELEVATED: Managing International AI Teams

freshpodproduction@gmail.com (The Fresh Podcast Production Studios) — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 22:50:00 +0000

Take advantage of the opportunity to watch the exclusive ELEVATED webinar, Managing International and Interdisciplinary Teams for AI Projects, now available on YouTube. This compelling and informative discussion, originally hosted live on Zoom, features guest Cyrus Ashayeri, PhD, alongside Caltech CTME Director for AI, Nicholas Beaudoin. AI capabilities continue to transform how we engage with technology, often requiring the management of teams spread across geographic locations and diverse disciplines. Effective communication and coordination remain essential to achieving project goals. For AI teams, bridging technical expertise with strategic leadership is more critical than ever. During this insightful session, Dr. Ashayeri and Nicholas Beaudoin equipped project managers with the knowledge to make strategic, informed decisions on building and leading AI project teams across the globe. They explored evolving roles and expectations, providing a robust framework for successful collaboration among interdisciplinary teams. What you’ll gain from this webcast: • Proven strategies to foster innovation in international and interdisciplinary team interactions • Insights into identifying and motivating evolving roles within AI teams • A practical framework for collaboration among combined disciplines Don't miss this chance to gain actionable insights for managing complex AI projects. Subscribe to ELEVATED: https://go.ctme.caltech.edu/elevated-launchpad.html To learn more about the unique professional development and executive education program at Caltech, Visit the Center for Technology and Management Education: https://ctme.caltech.edu Cyrus Ashayeri is a Product Owner at Beyond Limits, where he previously served as Principal Technologist. Holding a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Southern California (USC), Cyrus has a robust background in AI and data-driven solutions. As a Research Manager at Chevron's Smart Oilfield CiSoft Lab at USC, he led initiatives that advanced energy efficiency and emissions reduction. He also contributed to energy security research at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington D.C., focusing on sustainable energy policies. Throughout his career, Cyrus has managed international interdisciplinary teams tackling challenges across energy, manufacturing, logistics, and autonomous systems. He excels at bridging technical expertise with strategic leadership, driving digital transformation and workforce upskilling for some of the world's largest energy companies. As Caltech CTME's Director and AI/ML Instructor, Nicholas Beaudoin intersects strategic program development with hands-on curriculum design, positioning AI/ML education programs at the forefront of technological transformation. Leading the AI programs at Caltech's Center for Technology & Management Education, Nicholas' focus is on delivering impactful learning experiences tailored to a diverse clientele, including private and public sectors, as well as government and non-profit organizations.

Caltech CTME ELEVATED: AI & ML Teams Navigating Roles & Responsibilities

freshpodproduction@gmail.com (The Fresh Podcast Production Studios) — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 22:40:00 +0000

Catch up on our exclusive ELEVATED webinar, AI and ML Teams: Navigating the Evolving Roles & Responsibilities, now available on YouTube. This informative session, hosted by Dr. Nathaniel P. Crews, features insights from Nicholas Beaudoin, Caltech CTME's Director for AI. Originally held live, the webinar explored the rapid transformation in how companies deploy machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Over the past two years, generative AI has reshaped the landscape, demanding new skills and strategies from engineering teams, project managers, and decision-makers. During this session, Nicholas unpackskey trends and provided actionable insights to help leaders stay ahead in navigating AI's dynamic evolution. Whether you’re redefining hiring practices, adapting team structures, or tackling organizational challenges, this recording is a must-watch for anyone involved in AI-driven roles. Highlights from the webcast: • Why AI has reached a pivotal moment in its development • How organizations have traditionally used ML and how that’s changing • The distinct roles and responsibilities within AI and ML teams Don’t miss this opportunity to gain strategic insights and practical tools for driving innovation in your organization. Subscribe to ELEVATED: https://go.ctme.caltech.edu/elevated-launchpad.html To learn more about the unique professional development and executive education program at Caltech, Visit the Center for Technology and Management Education: https://ctme.caltech.edu As Caltech CTME's Director and AI/ML Instructor, Nicholas Beaudoin intersects strategic program development with hands-on curriculum design, positioning AI/ML education programs at the forefront of technological transformation. Leading the AI programs at Caltech's Center for Technology & Management Education, Nicholas' focus is on delivering impactful learning experiences tailored to a diverse clientele, including private and public sectors, as well as government and non-profit organizations. Nate Crews, PhD, has 35+ years of experience in application development, systems integration, project management, and PMO directives. He has successfully managed projects for Alcatel Lucent, AT&T, Citibank, EMC, JP Morgan Chase, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, St. Joseph Hospital, Southern California Edison, and Thomson Reuters. Mr. Crews leads multiple Agile and business agility professional development courses at Caltech.

Caltech CTME ELEVATED: The State of Agile from a Systems Engineer's Perspective

freshpodproduction@gmail.com (The Fresh Podcast Production Studios) — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 21:34:00 +0000

An inspiring and informative session with special guest Scott Ambler, Agile Data Strategist, and ELEVATED host Dr. Nathaniel P. Crews. In this dynamic session, Dr. Crews will breaks down the current landscape of Agile methodologies, examining their evolution and future trajectory. With special guest and Agile thought leader Scott Ambler, they’ll dive deep into how Agile is transforming modern development practices, with a focus on the critical field of cyber systems. Learn how agility can foster greater adaptability, resilience, and innovation in the face of emerging threats. Scott Ambler shares his unique perspective on the broader implications of Agile for both engineers and businesses alike. Whether you’re a seasoned Agile practitioner or new to the methodology, this event will equip you with the knowledge to stay ahead in a fast-paced technology-driven world. You will learn: • How Agile principles can drive success in complex, security-sensitive environments • How to expand Agile beyond the world of software development • How agility is shaping the future of cyber systems development Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the future of Agile and how it will redefine the way we approach systems development.

Caltech CTME ELEVATED: What Innovation Means at JPL

freshpodproduction@gmail.com (The Fresh Podcast Production Studios) — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 21:27:00 +0000

Inspiring and informative session with Dr. Tony Freeman of the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) and ELEVATED host Dr. Nate Crews. Dr. Freeman has been pivotal in numerous missions at JPL, where he led the Innovation Foundry for early concept design. In this webinar, he will explore the intricacies of technology-driven strategy, offering insights into differentiation and strategic choices, creating processes and cultures that support innovation and risk-taking, and illustrating how organizations can use technology lifecycles for business disruption and competitive advantage—challenging tradition and status quo. Dr. Freeman will connect these strategic approaches to project management and discuss how influence and planning can help generate buy-in to even the wildest ideas. You will learn to: • Apply analytical methods for strategic choices and decision-making • Use concepts of technology forecasting to build competitive organizational capabilities • Foster a culture for enabling innovation and thriving in uncertainty

Caltech CTME ELEVATED: Keys To Successful Project Risk Management, with Guests Marshall Gibson & Peter Sairafian

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Whether a seasoned project manager or new to project management, you understand the critical role that risk management plays in your team’s success. Without a robust risk management strategy, projects can easily veer off course, leading to delays, budget overruns, and even failure.

In this episode you will learn how to:
*Identify and assess risk
*Develop risk mitigation strategies
*Monitor and control risk

Moderator: Dr. Nate Crews
Producer: Tracylynne Williams

Caltech CTME ELEVATED: Project Management and DevOps: Keys to Success with Guest, Eugene Lai

Mon, 27 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In This Episode You'll Discover:

1. How DevOps empowers people and process, not only tools

2. The importance of applying DevOps principles to any project

3. The ability to maximize your versatility when embracing DevOps principles

4. Learn how DevOps can help your team drive enhanced customer satisfaction and faster delivery of value

Moderator: Dr. Nate Crews
Producer: Tracylynne Williams

Leading Projects in the Age of AI, with Guest Ash Pahwa, Ph.D.

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In This Episode of Elevated You'll Discover:

- The essentials of AI for project managers
- Strategies for integrating AI into your projects
- Key skills needed in the AI project landscape
- How to stay ahead in the fast-evolving world of tech

Moderator: Dr. Nate Crews

Producer: Tracylynne Williams

AI Integration with the Cloud: From Customer Support to Computer Operations, Featuring guest, Dr. John R. Wetsch

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Dr. Wetsch will discuss the following topics:

Some Cloud and AI Basics (e.g., Cloud Landscape, AI Terms)

*Cloud and AI Adoption

*Cloud AI Services

*Developing a Use Case

*Conclusion/Questions

Moderated by: Mike Ash

Produced by: Tracylynne Williams

"Industrial DevOps for Cyber Physical Solutions" with Guest, Dr. Suzette Johnson

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

During this episode, Dr. Johnson will discuss the following:

*Delivery of value in the shortest, sustainable lead time
*Improved collaboration and knowledge sharing across functional areas
*Build competitive advantage through rapid learning and experiments
*Improved quality
*Improved customer happiness
*Happier, more engaged employees

Moderator: Dr. Nate Crews

Producer: Tracylynne Williams

Top Marketing Challenges Facing Strategic Marketers Today, with Guests Mary Abbazia and Tom Spitale

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

In this exciting episode, Elevated features Caltech CTME Marketing Instructors, Mary Abbazia and Tom Spitale. Mary and Tom discuss 10 of the Most Pressing Questions Facing B2B Strategic Marketers Today, including:

*How Do Traditional Businesses Keep Up With The New Digital Competition?
*How Can Smart Companies Bet On the Future — And Win?
*How Can Content Marketing Be Used To Build Customer Trust?

Moderator: Dr. Nate Crews

Producer: Tracylynne Williams

Teaching a Transdiciplinary Systems Engineering Toolkit, featuring Stephen K. Guine, MPP, MBA, CSEP-Acq, Caltech Center for Technology and Management Education Instructor

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 08:00:00 +0000

In this session, we discuss:

A framework for delivering meaningful Systems Engineering instruction in support and acknowledgment of the reality of digital ecosystems. To execute Systems Engineering in a modern digital context, considerable and intentional thought needs to be invested into developing and implementing the strategy.

Moderator: Dr. Nate Crews

Producer: Tracylynne Williams

Standing on the Shoulders of Robots | Understanding the Impact of Generative Al on Work with Guest, Ravin Jesuthasan, Bestselling Author and Global Leader for Transformation Services, Mercer

Tue, 5 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss:

*Chat GPT adoption

*Current popular generative AI solutions in media

*The history of AI

*Evolution of AI: Why this time is different

*Why everyone is excited about generative AI

*AI is here, are we ready?

*How work will change because of generative AI

*How the workforce will change because of generative AI

*Productivity gains, what the research says

*Frameworks for achieving the optimal combinations of AI and Humans

*The new work operating systems

*Redesigning work to achieve the optimal combinations of talent, automation, and AI

*Tapping into the full AI potential

*Projected impact of generative AI on work

Moderator: Dr. Nate Crews

Producer: Tracylynne Williams

Model Based Systems Engineer (MBSE)…What is the Buzz and How to Implement with guest, Michael Brenner, Caltech CTME Senior Instructor

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this session, we will discuss

*Systems Engineering
*Industries That Require Systems Engineering
*System Engineering Products
*Model-based System Engineering
*SysML Diagram Taxonomy
*Magic System of Systems
*MBSE Investment
*MBSE Implementation Case Studies
*Modeling Methodologies and Philosophies
*Caltech MBSE Training Courses

Moderator: Nate Crews

Producer: Tracylynne Williams

Effective Leadership by Orchestrating the Leadership Value Chains with Guest Professor Dr. Wolfgang H. Güttel

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the following:

*Dynamic and unpredictable environment

*Various tension and paradoxes to deal with
*Core business vs. future business
*KPIs vs. team functioning
*Diffuse leadership expectations
*Clarity and attention to leadership objectives and tasks necessary
*Orchestrating leadership value chains: execution, engagement and enhancement
*Dealing with tensions & paradoxes meaningfully
*Acting effectively as a leader in the core business and being concurrently responsible for the future as well as for the team

Moderator: Nate Crews

Produced by: Tracylynne Williams

Systems Thinking as an Competitive Advantage for Subcontractors with Guest Dr. Kenneth Preston

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the following:

*Inconsistency issues among customers, contractors, and suppliers, specifically for how they think about components and assemblies of systems within larger systems.

*Explore systems thinking and its inherent benefit.

*Examine application areas, including analytics, decision-making, technical competitiveness enhanced by supplier collaboration, and mutually agreed-upon execution and performance management principles.

*Present a process for achieving successful systems, demonstrating effective technical coordination with contractors and customers, and building a strong cultural bond between systems engineering and customer organizations

*Show how trust and confidence can be fostered through systems thinking applied to the supplier-contractor relationship to generate new insights into their respective thinking, interests, and mindsets.

Host: Nate Crews

Produced by Tracylynne Williams

Applying Corporate Project Management Lessons in the Non-Profit World, featuring guest, Pam Wiedenbeck

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the following:

*Working for a non-profit fills a niche in a person's life that reflects their innermost passions (dreams).

*Volunteers are most successful when the non-profit builds their 'dream fulfillment' around easily identifiable objectives and deadlines.

*Success is defined as "realizing" that dream on a schedule with both personal and provided tools.

*Most people contribute to a non-profit's dream fulfillment for little or no monetary compensation using a toolkit that was developed both in their professional and personal lives.

Hosted by Nate Crews

Produced by Tracylynne Williams

Keys to a Successful Career in Project Management with Peter Sarafian & Marshall Gibson Instructors, Caltech CTME

Sat, 8 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Elevated, we discuss the following:

People Development Starts with Understanding Professional Needs

People:

*Ninety-five percent of project activity is related to people

*Manage or treat people well and the project will be successful

*Good people, if focused and motivated, will achieve great results

Key Elements of Relationship Management:

*Emotional intelligence

*Sales and Motivation

*People development

*Gratitude

Hosted by Mike Ash

Produced by Tracylynne Williams

Smart Pricing Strategies In a Challenging Economy

Fri, 26 May 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this session, we discuss Smart Pricing Strategies In a Challenging Economy. Quick ways to analyze your options and make the best decisions with Caltech's marketing experts, Mary Abbazia and Tom Spitale.

This talk will:

*Help you decide when to yield to pressure to lower price - and when not to!

*Provide you with a few tools to help you gain discipline in your pricing practices

*Discuss best practices that protect your long-term value when lowering the price.

Hosted by: Nate Crews

Produced by: Tracylynne Williams

Creating a Total Innovation Enterprise

Tue, 16 May 2023 04:00:00 +0000

In this session, we have a discussion with Innovation Expert, Bryan Mattimire on the topic of Creating a Total Innovation Enterprise.

The premise of a Total Innovation Enterprise (TIE) is that all departments, at all levels in an organization, should be innovative; continually searching for, inventing, and innovating a better way. Whether you are a project manager or on the board, in accounting or R&D, on the shop floor, or the CEO, everyone has a creative contribution to make.

The organizations that are best leveraging the innovative thinking of their employees are the ones that will thrive and win in the world's competitive marketplace. How do business leaders - even those "only" in the middle management - begin the process of creating a TIE?

Based on his experiences leading over 200 innovation initiatives. Caltech instructor Bryan will share the principles, strategies, and creative processes that can help make a TIE a reality. Among the organizational challenges addressed will be:

*Business strategy

*Merger acquisition and integration

*New product and service creation

*Innovative sales/growth strategies

*More efficient supply chain and logistics

*Improved customer experience

Hosted by: Nate Crews

Produced by: Tracylynne Williams

What Does it Take to Be a Great Project Manager?

freshpodproduction@gmail.com (Rick Hefner, David Shostak, Nate Crews, Tim Boyd) — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this session we discuss:

The many intricacies of good project management.

Project management involves inspiring, and coordinating a group of people to achieve a common objective through innovation, risk optimization, taking advantage of opportunities, and managing the dynamic organizational environment.

Moderator:

Rick Hefner, Executive Director, California Institute of Technology

Panelists:

Tim Boyd, Organizational Leadership Expert

David Shostak, Senior Program Manager Authority, Caltech CTME

Nate Crews, Catech CTME Agility Expert

Produced by Tracylynne Williams

The Future of Work with Ravin Jesuthasan

freshpodproduction@gmail.com (Ravin Jesuthasan, Nate Crews) — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we discuss:

*How the future work has accelerated with the pandemic and continues to do so with recent advances in AI and automation

*Why skills need to become the currency for work to enable us to address these challenges

*Frameworks for understanding and navigating the now or work

*Case studies and examples

Hosted by Nate Crews

Produced by TracyLynne Williams

Lead without blame: and why it matters to leaders and teams with Diana Larsen

freshpodproduction@gmail.com (Nate Crews, Diana Larsen) — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this session we discuss:

Great Leaders, Impactful Learning and Great Teams

Hosted by Nate Crews

Produced by Tracylynne Williams