What If? So What?

Stefaan Verhulst, PhD, co-founder and chief research and development officer at the GovLab at New York University

In this episode of “What If? So What?” Jim Hertzfeld sits down with Stefaan Verhulst, Chief Research and Development Officer at The GovLab, to explore why it’s time for organizations to stop treating data as a private asset and start treating it as infrastructure for innovation. Stefaan believes that the future of digital transformation depends on how we organize, govern, and share data across sectors. He discusses how data collaboratives are helping companies and governments tackle complex challenges—from public health to AI governance, and why trust, transparency, and capability building are now the hallmarks of modern data leadership. Key discussion topics include: •          Data as infrastructure: shifting from ownership to enablement•          Building responsible data ecosystems that balance innovation and ethics•          The role of trust and governance in scaling AI responsibly•          How cross-sector collaboration can unlock new business and social value Listen to learn how forward-thinking organizations can use data not just to compete, but to contribute. Thank you for listening! You can also watch the episode: https://www.youtube.com/@perficient/podcasts Have a question for Jim? AMA - submit questions: podcast@perficient.com FOLLOW JIM https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhertzfeld/ https://x.com/jimhertzfeld FOLLOW PERFICIENT: https://www.perficient.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/perficient/posts/?feedView=all https://www.instagram.com/perficient/

Jonathan Brill, Futurist and Best-Selling Author on AI, Rogue Waves, and the Octopus Organization

this episode of “What If? So What?”, host Jim Hertzfeld sits down with futurist and best-selling author Jonathan Brill to explore how organizations can prepare for disruption and thrive in an AI-driven future. Brill is author of “Rogue Waves: Future-Proof Your Business to Survive and Profit From Radical Change” and “AI and the Octopus Organization: Building the Superintelligent Firm,” which shares how seemingly unpredictable shocks—pandemics, energy crises, political upheaval—are becoming more frequent as global systems collide.  In this episode, Brill explains why traditional three- and five-year planning no longer works and instead urges leaders to focus on the real-world constraints shaping the pace of technological change. He introduces the concept of the “octopus organization,” a new model where decision making is distributed rather than centralized, and AI empowers people across the enterprise with better context, insight, and agility.  He also emphasizes that while technology evolves quickly, cultural transformation can take several years, which means that leaders must start reshaping their organizations now to be ready for 2030 and beyond. Get your copy of AI and Octopus Organization today: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQK1PXDV?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520Thank you for listening! You can also watch the episode: https://www.youtube.com/@perficient/podcasts Have a question for Jim? AMA - submit questions: podcast@perficient.com FOLLOW JIM https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhertzfeld/ https://x.com/jimhertzfeld FOLLOW PERFICIENT: https://www.perficient.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/perficient/posts/?feedView=all https://www.instagram.com/perficient/

Wally Burchfield, Automotive Industry Expert on AI and Consumer Data

In this episode of “What If? So What?”, host Jim Hertzfeld sits down with Wally Burchfield, a seasoned automotive executive with more than five decades of experience with General Motors, Nissan, and beyond. Wally shares hard-earned insights on how data, trust, and customer experience have reshaped the automotive industry, and what other sectors can learn from it. From the rise of telematics to AI in marketing, Wally emphasizes the importance of keeping the consumer at the center of every decision. If you're navigating digital transformation, this episode offers a grounded, practical perspective on how to build trust, deliver value, and stay competitive. Thank you for listening! You can also watch the episode: https://www.youtube.com/@perficient/podcasts Have a question for Jim? AMA - submit questions: podcast@perficient.com FOLLOW JIM https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhertzfeld/ https://x.com/jimhertzfeld FOLLOW PERFICIENT: https://www.perficient.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/perficient/posts/?feedView=all https://www.instagram.com/perficient/

Susan Etlinger, AI Analyst and Industry Watcher on Building Trust in AI

In this episode of “What If? So What?”, host Jim Hertzfeld talks with AI analyst and industry watcher Susan Etlinger about the true disruptive power of AI in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. Susan, whose journey into technology began in the humanities, explains why adopting an AI-first mindset isn't simply about automation–it involves critically assessing when and how AI genuinely adds value. Jim and Susan explore the nuances of Generative and Agentic AI, offering insights to executives on how to integrate these technologies responsibly while preserving essential human judgment.  Tune in to learn practical strategies for navigating AI’s opportunities and challenges and ensuring your organization remains competitive without compromising its human core. Thank you for listening! You can also watch the episode: https://www.youtube.com/@perficient/podcasts Have a question for Jim? AMA - submit questions: podcast@perficient.com FOLLOW JIM https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhertzfeld/ https://x.com/jimhertzfeld FOLLOW PERFICIENT: https://www.perficient.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/perficient/posts/?feedView=all https://www.instagram.com/perficient/

Professor Rita McGrath on Leading in Times of Uncertainty

In this episode of “What If? So What?” Jim Hertzfeld sits down with C-suite strategist, Professor Rita McGrath, to explore how organizations can thrive amid uncertainty. Rita shares insights from her book “Seeing Around Corners,” including how to rethink competitive advantage, embrace intelligent failure, and plan for the unknown. Learn why fast-following might not be fast enough, how to experiment without fear, and what it really means to “see around corners.” Thank you for listening! You can also watch the episode: https://www.youtube.com/@perficient/podcasts Have a question for Jim? AMA - submit questions: podcast@perficient.com FOLLOW JIM https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhertzfeld/ https://x.com/jimhertzfeld FOLLOW PERFICIENT: https://www.perficient.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/perficient/posts/?feedView=all https://www.instagram.com/perficient/