Issues of equity and diversity have a significant impact on the talent pipeline. Are candidates of color discouraged from coming to a city like Boston to pursue professional opportunities? And how are professionals of color able to find meaningful support in the city? In this episode, tech leaders explore these questions and discuss what work is being and can be done to fix this problem. 

Hear insights from Stephanie Browne, Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA (BCBS-MA); Chris Comparato, CEO of Toast; Art Papas, Founder & CEO of Bullhorn; Pam Reeve, Vice Chair of The Commonweatlth Institute and former CEO of Lightbridge; Aimee Sprung, Director of Digital Transformation at Microsoft Airband Initiative, and Pratt Wiley, CEO of The Partnership Inc. Listen here. 

Healthcare affects everyone, but access and results are not distributed equally. In this episode, experts share stories from the frontlines, discuss the impact of COVID on global health systems, and dig into the technologies moving us forward. 

Hear from Mark Butler, President of Cigna New England; Firdaus Bhathena, Chief Digital Officer at CVS Health; Joshua Ness, Senior Manager at Verizon 5G Labs; Elisabeth Beck Reynolds, Principal Research Scientist & Lecturer at MIT Dept. Urban Studies in Planning; Tim Rowe, Founder & CEO of Cambridge Innovation Center and CIC Health; Debbie Theobald, Co-founder of Vecna Technologies; and Carol Vallone, Chair of Board of Trustees at McLean Hospital. Listen here.

Access to the internet is something some of us take for granted, but for many, that is not the case. Connectivity or lack thereof has a major impact on our economy and society. In this episode, Boston tech leaders explore what Boston can and should do to improve access and connectivity for all. 

The discussion includes insight from Christina Luconi, Chief People Officer at Rapid 7; Joshua Ness, Senior Manager at Verizon 5G Labs; Katherine Newman, UMass System Chancellor for Academic Programs and Senior Vice President for Economic Development; Pam Reeve, Vice Chair of The Commonweatlth Institute and former CEO of Lightbridge; Tim Rowe, Founder & CEO at Cambridge Innovation Center and CIC Health; and Aimee Sprung, Director of Digital Transformation at Microsoft Airband Initiative. Listen here. 

Building an inclusive talent pipeline and bridging the opportunity gap can’t happen without an equitable education system. What are the challenges for public education beyond the pandemic and how can emerging technology help close the gaps? Boston leaders in technology and education discuss the future of education and how greater access to learning is directly linked to social mobility. 

Hear from Kathleen Mitford, Chief Strategy Officer at PTC; Joshua Ness, Senior Manager at Verizon 5G Labs; Katherine Newman, UMass System Chancellor for Academic Programs and Senior Vice President for Economic Development; Art Papas, Founder & CEO of Bullhorn; Lee Pelton, President, Emerson College; James Peyser, Massachusetts Secretary of Education; and Elisabeth Beck Reynolds, Principal Research Scientist & Lecturer at MIT Dept. Urban Studies in Planning. Listen here. 

Company culture has shifted during the pandemic, but the full impact of that shift is not yet clear. From virtual workspaces to new ways to integrate DEI strategies into business, in this episode, Boston’s tech leaders explore the reimagination of work culture and discuss what needs to be done now to create a better future. Hear from Chris Comparato, CEO of Toast; Christina Lucoi, Chief People Officer at Rapid 7; David Meredith, CEO of Everbridge; and Mike Volpe, CEO of Lola.com. Listen here. 

Boston has a brand problem. To many, it’s perceived as unwelcoming, especially to people of color. In this episode, we explore Boston’s challenges from those who have experienced this side of the city for themselves and from those who actively work to overcome them.

Phyllis Barajas, Founder & CEO of Conexion; Sheena Collier, Founder & CEO of The Collier Connection and Boston While Black; and Pratt Wiley, CEO of The Partnership Inc.;share their personal stories and discuss the work they are doing to make Boston a more equitable, inclusive place for all. Listen here. 

Season Two of On the Tech Trail digs deeper into the Boston Brand Problem with a core focus on equity. Can Boston be an incubator for leadership and innovation if some, especially people of color, perceive it as an unwelcoming place? What steps are leaders taking to remain accountable for fixing this persistent problem as we re-imagine the city as a technology hub? Listen here. 

In our final episode of the season, “Bringing the Opportunity,” David Delmar Sentíes, Founder of Resilient Coders, talks with Pariss Chandler, CEO of BlackTechPipeline, about her journey in tech and her efforts to help the industry at large. Listen here.

In episode eight, “Sharp Minds and Warm Hearts,” Sam King, CEO of Veracode, and Dave Krupinski, Co-Founder and former CTO of Care.com, discuss Sam’s journey as a women in tech and her path to leadership. 2020 brought new challenges to light as a leader in a tech company, and Sam discusses how she managed her organization through transformation. Listen here.

In episode seven, “A Journey to Improve,” Bill Wagner, CEO of LogMeIn, and Donna Levin, Co-founder of Care.com, discuss the need to constantly improve and adapt as a leader while your company grows and scales or when it faces external challenges. Listen here.

In episode six, “Navigating Disruption, Transforming People,” Tracey Zhen, President of Zipcar, and Yogesh Gupta, President & CEO of Progress Software, discuss Tracey’s path to leadership as a woman in the tech industry, as well as how she is navigating a disrupted industry during COVID times. Listen here.

A conversation between Aron Ain, CEO of Kronos and Ultimate Software, and Gail Goodman, CPO and Co-Founder of Pepperlane and former CEO of Constant Contact, that covers Aron’s insights in the recent Kronos merger and his advice on building and maintaining a strong work culture during the “new normal.” Listen here.

A conversation between Susan Hunt Stevens, Founder & CEO at WeSpire, and Anthony Williams, EVP & CHRO at Akamai Technologies, about his decision to make the move to Akamai in Boston. You’ll learn about how his role as a global citizen has influenced his leadership style and his transition to Massachusetts. Listen here.

A conversation between Stefania Mallett, Co-Founder & CEO of ezCater, who speaks with Corey Thomas, President and CEO of Rapid7, about the path that led her to her current leadership role. You’ll learn about the impact COVID-19 left on ezCater and Mallett’s personal approach to minimizing its effects. Listen here.

A conversation with Mohamad Ali, CEO of IDG and Sophie Vandebroek, Visiting Scholar at MIT, about Mohamad’s leadership experience not only as a CEO, but also as a public company director and trustee of non-profit institutions. Listen here.

A conversation with Mike Zani, CEO of The Predictive Index, & Kirk Arnold, Executive in Residence at General Catalyst, about the path that led Mike to his current leadership role. You’ll get an inside look at how this technology leader is navigating through the pandemic.
Listen here.