In this episode of the ServiceNow UK & I Executive Circle Podcast, host Kat Finch sits down with Rob Barnes, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at ASDA, for an insightful conversation about the retailer's ambitious digital transformation journey.

Rob shares his experience transitioning from consultancy at Accenture to in-house roles at Marks & Spencer and ASDA, highlighting key lessons from both worlds. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at ASDA’s large-scale technology overhaul following its separation from Walmart—one of the most significant transformations in modern retail history.

The discussion also explores the role of AI in shaping the future of retail, from improving customer service and supply chain optimization to enhancing in-store experiences and cybersecurity. Rob addresses the long-standing debate on the "death of the high street," arguing that physical stores remain integral to retail and discussing how AI and automation can drive greater efficiency across both online and brick-and-mortar shopping experiences.

Whether you're in retail, technology, or business leadership, this episode offers valuable insights into digital innovation, AI’s growing impact, and how retailers can stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of technology, retail, and digital transformation!

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In this episode of the ServiceNow EXECUTIVE CIRCLE Podcast, we speak with Dr. Laurence Ampofo, Practice Lead of Vodafone’s AI Transformation Office. Ampofo discusses the telco giant’s bold approach to integrating AI into its operations and customer experiences, highlighting initiatives like "TOBi," the AI-powered super-agent, which is enhancing customer service and internal workflows.

The conversation delves into how generative AI is revolutionising connectivity and productivity while addressing the challenges of operating in a highly regulated industry. Ampofo emphasizes balancing short-term efficiencies with long-term strategies, ensuring AI becomes an intuitive part of organisational transformation.

Listeners are treated to visionary insights on AI’s potential to map out optimised workflows, improve employee experiences, and uncover hidden business value. From transforming telco operations to reimagining workplace productivity and sustainability, this episode is a must-listen for executives navigating the evolving AI landscape.

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In the fourth and final episode of our mini-series, Adam Spearing, Head of AI Innovation for EMEA at ServiceNow, explores the transformative potential of agentic AI. Adam breaks down the concept of AI systems communicating and collaborating, enabling organisations to move from reactive operations to predictive, streamlined processes.

Highlighting real-world applications, Adam discusses how agentic AI and tools like Knowledge Graphs can personalise employee experiences, optimise resource allocation, and identify unknown inefficiencies. He emphasises the critical role of governance, strategy, and employee empowerment in unlocking AI’s potential, while also addressing the challenges of integrating AI across a multigenerational workforce.

With a focus on fostering innovation from all levels of an organisation, this episode is an essential listen for executives looking to capitalise on AI-driven transformation and prepare for the future of work in 2025 and beyond.

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In this episode of the ServiceNow EXECUTIVE CIRCLE Podcast, host Kat Finch delves into the world of digital innovation with Paul Mukherjee, CTO of Defra. Since joining in early 2024, Mukherjee has been steering the digital transformation of the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, addressing challenges like legacy systems and data silos while seizing opportunities presented by AI and technology.

Mukherjee shares Defra’s AI strategy, highlighting its potential in areas like customer service chatbots, satellite-driven environmental monitoring, and streamlining ministerial correspondence. He emphasizes the importance of responsible AI adoption, balancing sustainability concerns with productivity gains. The conversation explores how AI can enable predictive analytics, hyper-automation, and entirely new policy outcomes, envisioning a future where technology drives innovation and delivers real value.

Tune in to discover actionable insights on how technology leaders can align digital tools with strategic objectives to create transformative change.

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In this episode of our podcast mini-series, we explore the transformational potential of generative AI. Adam Spearing, Head of AI Innovation at ServiceNow, shares his insights on why AI must be a board-level priority, how to balance short-term wins with long-term strategy, and the critical role of governance and ethics in successful AI adoption.

Highlighting the importance of an AI operating model, Adam explains how organisations can leverage a portfolio of AI tools to drive efficiencies across areas like customer service, supply chain, and HR while empowering employees to focus on innovation. He also explores how AI can reveal hidden opportunities through advanced analytics, sparking meaningful change.

This episode offers practical advice and visionary perspectives for CIOs and business leaders seeking to navigate the rapid pace of AI innovation and harness its potential to reshape their organisations.

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In this episode, Andy Baynes, former Apple, Next and Google Executive, and CEO and co-founder of GT Life Sciences, shares his journey from Silicon Valley innovator to leader in AI and data science.

We explore the challenges and opportunities of working with massive datasets, the critical need for robust data strategies, and how AI is reshaping healthcare—like democratising MRI access and improving early diagnoses. Andy also delves into the evolving role of design in AI, from intuitive user interfaces to choreographing seamless experiences across industries.

Discover how the fusion of data, design, and AI is driving transformative change in healthcare, technology, and beyond.

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In this episode of the ServiceNow EXECUTIVE CIRCLE podcast, we speak with Dr Laura Gilbert CBE, globally respected technologist, head of No.10 Downing Street's Incubator for AI and Chief Analyst at the Cabinet Office.

In a fascinating conversation, Laura makes the case for AI in the public sector, to help enhance front line service delivery and improve interdepartmental collaboration and operational efficiencies; all with the ambition of making government departments more responsive, considered and 'human' in their interactions with the public and other stakeholders.

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In this episode of the ServiceNow Executive Circle podcast, Gina Gill, Chief Strategy Officer at the Governments Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO), discusses how technology transformation offers organisations a unique opportunity to reevaluate and realign their strategic vision, values, and employee skill sets. Gill highlights the need for a unified digital vision across departments and the removal of barriers like outdated funding models and lack of incentives for collaboration.

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