Best GovLab Podcasts (2026)

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Stefaan Verhulst, PhD, co-founder and chief research and development officer at the GovLab at New York University 27:04

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3M ago27:04

27:04

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 …

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Jonathan Brill, Futurist and Best-Selling Author on AI, Rogue Waves, and the Octopus Organization 33:21

3M ago33:21

33:21

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:…

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Wally Burchfield, Automotive Industry Expert on AI and Consumer Data 27:07

3M ago27:07

27:07

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…

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Susan Etlinger, AI Analyst and Industry Watcher on Building Trust in AI 24:53

4M ago24:53

24:53

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 cr…

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Unpacking data governance and stewardship in the age of AI | GovLab 49:40

6M ago49:40

49:40

AI technologies are some of the most sophisticated and powerful we’ve seen in our lifetimes. With data at the center, this transformative shift brings both the potential to solve complex problems and new challenges around managing sensitive information. Join us for a deep dive into innovative strategies that will reshape how you think about data go…

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Human agency is the force-multiplier for AI | Scott Hanselman, Microsoft 32:53

6M ago32:53

32:53

Scott Hanselman, VP of Developer Community at Microsoft, joins the pod to offer his unique perspective on the evolution of technology, share what he heard from developers at Microsoft Build 2025, and discuss the critical role of human agency in a world of AI agents. Scott and Susan explore some of the challenges and opportunities presented by AI-po…

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Professor Rita McGrath on Leading in Times of Uncertainty 25:07

7M ago25:07

25:07

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-fo…

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Software development is an act of empathy | Kilimo 34:05

7M ago34:05

34:05

Water is fundamental to our existence, but only a tiny fraction of fresh water on Earth is available to sustain life. How can we become better stewards of this precious resource? In this episode, Susan speaks with Jairo Trad, CEO & Co-Founder of Kilimo, a climate tech company based in Argentina, about how he and his team are using data, AI, and clo…

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Can AI make the world of art more accessible? | Art Basel 30:41

8M ago30:41

30:41

From cave painters to digital creators, artists continually discover new ways to express themselves and connect. That connection is so important, because some people find art intimidating. And, let’s face it, a lot of people feel the same way about AI. In this episode, Alain Brusch, Global Head of Digital Platforms at Art Basel, shares how this pre…

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AI is a board-level discussion | Lopez Research 41:37

8M ago41:37

41:37

Maribel Lopez, Founder of Lopez Research, is one of the people you most want in your corner as a technology leader. She’s a trusted advisor to senior executives from startups to the largest global businesses, and has deep expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and customer experience transformation. But beyond her bonafides, Maribel is clear-eyed and prac…

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Wired's Kevin Kelly on Technology, AI, and the Power of Learning 28:04

8M ago28:04

28:04

In this thought-provoking episode, Jim speaks with Kevin Kelly, Senior Maverick at Wired and author of numerous influential books including "Excellent Advice for Living" and co-founder of the Long Now Foundation. Kevin shares his wisdom on emerging technology, the danger of “Thinkism,” why adoption lags behind innovation, and how AI is reshaping wo…

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The transformative power of neurodiversity and AI | EY, Neurodiversity Center of Excellence 37:42

9M ago37:42

37:42

Great minds think alike—or do they? In this episode, Susan speaks with Hiren Shukla, Global Neurodiversity and Inclusive Value Leader, Ernst & Young LLP, about how neurodiversity—the idea that there is no single “right” way for the brain to function—is a source of compressed innovation, especially as generative AI expands the ways we interact with …

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Deena Piquion from Xerox on Data, Disruption, and Digital Natives 23:10

9M ago23:10

23:10

In this episode of the "What If? So What?" podcast, Jim Hertzfeld hosts Deena LaMarque Piquion, Chief Growth and Disruption Officer at Xerox. Deena shares insights into her unique role, the intentional disruption at Xerox, and how the company is reinventing itself to stay relevant in a changing market. They discuss the importance of data, the chall…

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AI and analytics on and off the basketball court | NBA 35:31

9M ago35:31

35:31

Basketball is life. And like life, it’s fast, fluid, and hard to measure. It’s about movement, split-second decisions, team dynamics, fan engagement and running a great business. In this episode, Susan talks with Charlie Rohlf about how his early days as a student manager for the legendary “Coach K” and his background in computer vision prepared hi…

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Exploring Sustainability and Digital Transformation With Andi Orzehoski From LyondellBasell 20:05

10M ago20:05

20:05

In this episode of "What If? So What?", host Jim Hertzfeld interviews Andi Orzehoski, director of brand content and digital communications at LyondellBasell. Andi shares her insights into the company's role as a global leader in the chemical industry, its commitment to sustainability, and the importance of digital transformation in modern business.…

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Efi Pylarinou, Top Global Tech Thought Leader on FinTech 25:51

10M ago25:51

25:51

In this episode, Jim Hertzfeld welcomes Efi Pylarinou, a Wall Street pro, former academic, and FinTech expert. They discuss the evolution of financial services, the concept of everywhere banking, and the impact of AI and other emerging technologies on the industry. Efi shares insights on the importance of adapting to new tech cycles, the challenges…

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The future of generative AI for scientific discovery | Microsoft Research 25:58

10M ago25:58

25:58

Most of us think of generative AI in the context of text or image generation, but it’s also a powerful tool for scientific discovery. In this episode, Susan Etlinger speaks with Ade Famoti, a senior leader on the Microsoft Research Accelerator team, about what he calls “AI’s physics moment,” and why he believes generative AI feels fundamentally dif…

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Innovating with generative AI in financial services | Moody's 34:04

10M ago34:04

34:04

Would it surprise you that some of the most impressive generative AI innovations are happening in older, larger, highly regulated industries such as financial services? Cristina Pieretti, GM of digital insights at Moody's, shares how her team-built Research Assistant, a first-of-its-kind search and analytical tool powered by generative AI. Since it…

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Chris Duffey from Adobe on Generative AI 15:48

11M ago15:48

15:48

What if GenAI Could Turn Anyone Into a Creative Director? In this episode of “What If? So What?” host Jim Hertzfeld is joined by Chris Duffey, head of Global Partnerships, GenAI at Adobe, to discuss the transformative power of Generative AI and Adobe’s innovative product, Firefly. Chris shares his insights on how GenAI revolutionizes creativity acr…

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An Interview with Kate O’Neill, founder & Chief Tech Humanist, KO Insights | host, The Tech Humanist Show 36:04

11M ago36:04

36:04

What If Tech Could Be More Human? In this episode of “What If? So What?” Jim Hertzfeld sits down with Kate O’Neill, tech futurist, keynote speaker, and author of “What Matters Next: A Leader's Guide to Making Human-Friendly Tech Decisions in a World That's Moving Too Fast.” Kate shares with listeners her perspective on balancing innovation with res…

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Remixing the Coldplay fan experience with AI | Pixel Lab 29:42

11M ago29:42

29:42

“In many ways, the future of AI is how it’s going to empower people to be even more creative and even more expressive,” says Robby Ingebretsen, Founder and Creative Director of Pixel Lab. In this episode, Susan and Robby discuss the evolution of technology in the music industry—from Robby’s father’s early work in digital sound to the invention of t…

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Your proprietary data is your competitive advantage | Accenture 25:19

11M ago25:19

25:19

“I like to think about proprietary data as an organization’s collective intelligence,” says Teresa Tung, Global Lead of Data Capability at Accenture. Teresa is a prolific inventor, holding over 225 patents and applications, and she leads the vision and strategy that ensures that Accenture is prepared for ever-changing data advancements. In this epi…

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Creating the new field of data for social impact | data.org 29:46

11M ago29:46

29:46

You’ve heard of data-driven products, data-driven services and data-driven business models, but data.org is pioneering an entirely new field: data for social impact. In the premiere episode of Leading the Shift, guest Perry Hewitt, Chief Marketing and Product Officer at data.org, shares how the organization is taking data and AI and applying it to …

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Data doesn’t just fuel generative AI—it goes both ways | dentsu 35:30

11M ago35:30

35:30

“Generative AI has done a ton for us. But where I'm also really interested is how it can help us bring together new sources of data that weren't able to be brought together before,” says Shirli Zelcer, Chief Data and Technology Officer at dentsu. Shirli shares her career journey from statistician to C-suite executive, and how it parallels the evolu…

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Trailer: Leading the Shift 1:00

11M ago1:00

1:00

The AI platform shift brings immense opportunity, but the road to success isn’t always clear. On "Leading the Shift," a new podcast from Microsoft Azure, we'll talk to people doing just that—leading the platform shift in organizations of all kinds to learn with them along the way. Guests share personal experiences and pragmatic advice for navigatin…

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An Interview With Brian Solis, Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow and 9x best-selling author. 22:03

11M ago22:03

22:03

What if Your Digital Transformation Was as Easy as Changing Your Mind? In this episode of "What If? So What?" Jim chats with Brian Solis, a renowned futurist, author, and the Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow, to discuss the evolving landscape of leadership and innovation. Brian shares insights from his latest book, "MindShift," and explores …

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What If Tech Leadership Wasn't About the Tech? An Interview with Jennifer Baker 21:37

1y ago21:37

21:37

In this episode of What If? So What?, Jim talks with Jennifer Baker, former CTO of Synovus. She shares her journey from unexpected career opportunities to becoming a trailblazing technology leader in the insurance and banking sectors, culminating in significant strides in product development, customer experience, and digital transformation. Beyond …

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An Interview With HubSpot’s Scott Brinker 28:56

1y ago28:56

28:56

What If MarTech Isn’t Just for Marketers? In this episode of What If? So What?, Jim sits down with Scott Brinker, VP of Platform Ecosystems at HubSpot and editor of chiefmartec.com, to explore the rapidly evolving world of marketing technology (MarTech). They discuss how the definition of MarTech is expanding alongside the changing role of marketer…

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What if Your Job Isn’t Done Until the Customer’s Job Is Done? An Interview With Sunbelt's Ron Gaines 20:16

1+ y ago20:16

20:16

| In this episode, Ron Gaines, senior manager of marketing technology and analytics at Sunbelt Rentals, joins the show to discuss the evolving landscape of equipment rentals and the critical role digital transformation plays in it. Ron shares insights into how Sunbelt Rentals is adapting to meet changing customer expectations, the importance of val…

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What if You Had 10 Seconds to Figure Out Your Customer Journey? An Interview with AMA's Todd Unger 28:15

1+ y ago28:15

28:15

In this episode of the What If, So What podcast, Jim Hertzfeld speaks with Todd Unger, Chief Experience Officer of the American Medical Association and author of "The 10-Second Customer Journey." The conversation uncovered valuable insights on customer experience (CX) and its impact on business growth. Unger emphasized the importance of adapting to…

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What if Your Mobile Provider Could Predict When Your Car Would Break Down? An Interview With Kevin Colletti 22:01

1+ y ago22:01

22:01

In this episode, Jim Hertzfeld explores the convergence of the communications, media, and technology (CMT) industries with guest Kevin Colletti from Perficient. Jim and Kevin discuss how digital transformation is reshaping these industries, from bundled consumer services to the impact of 5G and IoT on businesses. Kevin offers practical advice for c…

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What if Your Assembly Line Was Replaced by Lines of Code? An interview with Kevin Espinosa 25:19

1+ y ago25:19

25:19

In this episode of “What If? So What?,” Jim chats with digital strategist Kevin Espinosa about the evolving landscape of manufacturing. Drawing from his diverse career experience, Kevin discusses major challenges facing the industry today, including supply chain issues, inflation, and labor shortages, while highlighting the transformative potential…

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What if Semiconductors Were Gone For Just One Day? An Interview With Carolyn Henry of Intel 25:39

1+ y ago25:39

25:39

In this compelling episode, host Jim Hertzfeld welcomes Carolyn Henry, vice president and general manager of Americas regional marketing at Intel. Together, they explore the pivotal role of semiconductors in the digital age and their fundamental impact on various industries and everyday life. Carolyn provides an in-depth look at Intel's groundbreak…

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What if You Didn’t Need People To Make Your Technology Work? An Interview With Bradie Speller 24:21

1+ y ago24:21

24:21

In this episode of "What If? So What?" Jim Hertzfeld sits down with Bradie Speller, a seasoned expert in the intersection of technology and organizational behavior, to dive deep into the concept of socio-technical systems. Bradie, who has a rich tech history going back to the early days of personal computing, discusses the evolution of technology f…

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What If Intuition Built Your Website? An Interview With Neelima Sharma of Lowe's 28:18

1+ y ago28:18

28:18

In this episode of "What If? So What?" Jim talks with Neelima Sharma, the Senior Vice President of Ecommerce, Digital, and Technology at Lowe’s. They discuss the challenges and successes of transforming the retail industry through digital innovation. Neelima highlights the importance of teamwork, trust, and a customer-centric approach in driving th…

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What If Your Twin Was Living In Your Computer? An Interview With Claus Torp Jensen 17:25

1+ y ago17:25

17:25

In this episode, Jim welcomes Claus Torp Jensen, a seasoned expert in digital transformation and innovation, to discuss the fascinating realms of ambient computing and digital twins. Claus shares his insights on how these technologies are transforming industries, the importance of a proper mindset for innovation, and the critical role of storytelli…

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The Rundown: 5 Technologies You Didn't Know You Needed 28:44

1+ y ago28:44

28:44

In this episode, Jim Hertzfeld sits down with Mike Kosiek, technology product director at a Fortune 100 retailer, to explore the technological innovations shaping 2024 and beyond. The two delve into a discussion that spans practical applications of emerging tech to speculative technologies that could redefine industries. Discussion Highlights: · Re…

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What if You Could Be as Customer Obsessed as a Retailer? An Interview With James Hannis, Chief Architect Cardinal Health 10:29

1+ y ago10:29

10:29

In this episode of "What If? So What?" host Jim Hertzfeld sits down with James Hannis, the visionary chief architect at Cardinal Health. With a legacy in retail, James brings a unique perspective to the transformation of patient care through digital innovation. Dive into a discussion about the fusion of healthcare and retail strategies, the persona…

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What if Your Commute Could Change the World? An Interview With Keith Tomatore, Automotive Industry Leader 26:25

1+ y ago26:25

26:25

In this episode of “What If? So What?” Jim sits down with Keith Tomatore, a seasoned automotive industry veteran and leader of Perficient’s automotive practice. Together, they embark on a journey into the electrifying future of the automotive industry. Keith shares his unique journey from his start at Swiss Army Brands to spearheading digital trans…

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What if You Ran Your Innovation Lab Like a Casino? An Interview With Eisaiah Engel, Author of "Innovation Casino" 19:22

1+ y ago19:22

19:22

In the latest episode of "What If, So What?" host Jim Hertzfeld invites Eisaiah Engel, author of "Innovation Casino," to dive deep into the essence of innovation in today's business landscape. Engel shares his unique perspective on tackling innovation challenges across the spectrum as he and Jim explore the critical role of innovation in achieving …

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What if Digital Could Outsmart Climate Change? An Interview with Kristine Swan, Bayer Crop Science. 15:50

2y ago15:50

15:50

In this episode, Jim talks with Kristine Swan, VP, Global Head of Digital Transformation & IT at Bayer Crop Science, to dive into the revolutionary role of digital innovation in agriculture. They unpack the challenges of modern farming, from climate change to food security, and explore cutting-edge solutions like carbon sequestration and regenerati…

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What if AI Was Your Most Strategic Hire? An Interview With May Habib CEO of Writer 15:31

2y ago15:31

15:31

In our latest episode, we're joined by May Habib, CEO of Writer, for an enlightening conversation on how Generative AI is revolutionizing digital strategies. We dive into the significance of AI guardrails, navigate the journey towards AI literacy, and present practical strategies for integrating AI into your business operations. Tune in to learn ho…

1
What If Your Data Could Speak? The AI Revolution in BI. An interview with Nico Frantzen. 15:15

2y ago15:15

15:15

In this episode, Jim Hertzfeld speaks with Nico Frantzen, director of data and AI solutions at Perficient, as they explore the transformative role of generative AI in business intelligence (BI). Nico explains how generative AI and BI come together to create generative BI, which revolutionizes decision-making and data analysis and enables businesses…

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Equitable Engagement Lab: Innovate Public School 32:09

2y ago32:09

32:09

Northeastern students from the AI4Impact class are collaborating with parents in San Jose and San Francisco and Innovate Public School in developing a generative AI tool. This tool will make Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) more accessible to parents and caregivers.

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Equitable Engagement Lab: OurTurn 21:34

2y ago21:34

21:34

Hundreds of young students aged 14-22 were engaged by Our Turn with the help of All Our Ideas to determine their thoughts on necessary changes to help them thrive and to address their main concerns regarding their schools. Their input is currently shaping the revision of the National Student Agenda.

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Exploring the Power of Collective Intelligence: (with Prateek Buch and Brendan Arnold) 29:58

2y ago29:58

29:58

In this episode of The GovLab's Collective Intelligence Podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Prateek Buch and Brendan Arnold from the UK Government's Policy Lab and its innovative Collective Intelligence Lab. Prateek, a renowned advocate for responsible technology use, and Brendan, the government's first Creative Technologist, shed light o…

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What if Web Search Results Came From Soul Searching Results? An Interview With Justin Racine 22:35

2+ y ago22:35

22:35

In this episode, Jim and Kim talk with Justin Racine, director, and lead commerce strategist at Perficient, and explore the concept of unified commerce and its impact on customer experiences and business growth. Learn how you can leverage the technology you already have to make customers feel more connected to your brand. Connect with Justin Racine…

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What If College Was Just a Pit Stop? An Interview With Luca Ranzani 19:12

2+ y ago19:12

19:12

In this episode, Jim talks with Luca Ranzani, team captain of MRacing at the University of Michigan, about taking what he has learned in the classroom and building upon it in the real world. Listen to this week’s episode to learn more about how Luca applies his education and real-life experience to build racecars and lead his team, as well as our E…

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What If the Patient Experience Started Way Before Your Doctor's Visit? An interview with Tara Becker. 15:49

2+ y ago15:49

15:49

In this episode, Jim and Kim talk with Tara Becker, principal of digital health strategy at Perficient, about how to meet both consumer and employee needs in the healthcare industry. It’s no secret that clinicians burned out post-pandemic. Are there ways that we can champion the industry toward a new digital future? Listen to this week’s episode to…

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What If Design is the Difference Between a Product Life and Death? An Interview with Keith Wolf. 21:42

2+ y ago21:42

21:42

In this week’s episode, Jim and guest host Erica talk with Keith Wolf, director of digital strategy at Perficient, about how design relates to achieving specific digital strategy goals. How should a company bring fresh design into its organization? Can strategic design determine if a product succeeds or fails? Tune in to learn more about how to be …