In this episode of Beyond the Tech, Bryan and Alex sit down with Valeria Breda, CIO of Versace, to explore her inspiring journey through the world of luxury fashion and technology. Valeria shares how her early days at Louis Vuitton, followed by senior roles at Kering (including Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen), shaped her approach to leadership, innovation, and resilience in a dynamic industry.

Valeria opens up about the unique challenges of balancing brand autonomy with group-level strategy, while also reflecting on the deep passion embedded in Versace’s culture, the importance of breaking down silos, and what it means to lead with both authority and influence in a heritage brand undergoing transformation. The conversation explores the evolving role of technology as an enabler rather than a full-blooded disruptor, with Valeria speaking candidly about Versace’s enthusiastic embrace of AI and other digital innovations. She is clear, however, that while technology is playing a growing role in streamlining operations and driving innovation, it will not compromise or intrude upon the brand’s creative and design processes. Finally, she shares her personal leadership journey as a woman in tech, offering honest reflections and valuable advice for emerging female leaders and detailing how she built resilience and influence in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Listeners will hear honest reflections on imposter syndrome, digital transformation, the convergence of retail and e-commerce, and what it really takes to lead change in a high-pressure, highly creative environment. Whether you're in fashion, tech, or leadership, this episode is packed with insights, strategy, and inspiration you won’t want to miss.

In this third (and final) instalment of our captivating series with Toby Redshaw, Bryan and Toby explore the profound intersections of leadership, culture, and innovation in today's fast-evolving world. Toby, a seasoned leader with a career spanning roles at FedEx, Verizon, Motorola, and more, shares invaluable insights on how businesses can thrive amidst disruption.

This episode takes a deep dive into the pivotal role of organisational culture in fostering agility and driving change, unpacking how behaviours shape company success. Toby also shares his thoughts on bridging the gap between strategy and execution, building resilience within teams, and the art of storytelling as a leadership tool. From the rise of AI and quantum technology, to the future of innovation in boardrooms, Toby offers his unique perspective on navigating the opportunities and challenges of the modern business landscape.

Toby also highlights the role of boards, he underscores the importance of strategic refreshes, innovation radars, and cultivating adaptability to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape. Drawing on his mastery of storytelling, Toby explains how leaders can inspire teams, rally them toward a shared mission, and prepare them for "the land of what’s possible."

Packed with real-world examples, wisdom, and inspiration, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to embrace the future of technology and leadership.

In this episode of Beyond the Tech (Solo Edition), Bryan sits down with Leslie Grandy - author of Creative Velocity and former executive at Apple, T-Mobile, Best Buy, and Amazon - for an in-depth conversation about her Product Playbook for navigating ambiguity and driving transformation. Tune in for insights from one of the industry’s most experienced change-makers!

Leslie dives into her journey, beginning with her early passion for the arts, which led her to the film industry and, later, high-impact roles at companies like T-Mobile, Apple, and Best Buy.

The conversation explores her work today as a “CEO whisperer,” helping both startups and established brands align customer insights with business strategy for enduring impact. Whether navigating uncharted waters or structuring frameworks for large-scale change, Leslie’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and leadership in the face of complexity.

Throughout the conversation, she reflects on how she used her background in the film industry to apply creative problem-solving approaches in corporate environments where ambiguity and change were often met with resistance. Leslie shares insights into leading teams through transformation by fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability, even in traditional corporate settings. She also emphasises the importance of embracing ambiguity as a tool for growth, especially when guiding organisations through digital and cultural shifts. Leslie also discusses her upcoming book, Creative Velocity (coming May 2025), which redefines creativity as an accessible skill rather than an innate talent.