Episodes

EPISODE 7 – THE FUTURE IS HERE – PROFESSOR SCOTT GALLOWAY

Professor of Marketing at NYU Stern School of Business

In this Season 1 Finale episode of From the Horse’s Mouth, host Phil Fersht engages in a direct, uncompromising dialogue with Scott Galloway, NYU Stern professor of marketing, co-host of the “Pivot” podcast, and host of “The Prof G Show.” Known for his candid takes on media, the economy, and technology’s sweeping impact, Scott unpacks the tensions underlying the 2024 U.S. election, the power and responsibilities of Big Tech, the rising challenges of loneliness—especially among young men—and why America, despite its divisions, still has abundant potential. 

Scott also addresses his evolving views on AI, national service, and what’s needed to restore trust and unity in a fractious world. In a world grappling with political friction, concentrated wealth, and rising loneliness, this episode offers a candid assessment and a hopeful call to leverage resources, regulation, and personal connections to steer society toward a more stable, inclusive future. 

EPISODE 6: NEW WAVE – IAN BARKIN & TOM DAVENPORT,

Ian Barkin, Entrepreneur, Investor, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, 4x Founder, and Advocate of the ‘worker of the future’. & Professor Tom Davenport, President’s Distinguished Professor of Information Technology and Management at Babson College

In this engaging episode of “From the Horse’s Mouth,” host Phil Fersht welcomes two distinguished guests, Ian Barkin and Professor Tom Davenport, both renowned experts in the fields of emerging technology, automation, and data science. The conversation explores the transformative concept of citizen development and the democratization of technology within modern enterprises.

Ian shares his journey from leveraging global talent and arbitrage in outsourcing to pioneering Robotic Process Automation (RPA) a decade ago. He highlights how the focus shifted from simply using people to digitizing and emulating their work, emphasizing the trend of technology becoming more accessible and thus democratizing its use.

Tom complements this by discussing his background in analytics, big data, and AI. He notes that while he has less experience in the automation space compared to Ian, his expertise in data science provides a valuable perspective on how citizen development is reshaping organizations. The conversation stresses the importance of balancing enthusiasm for citizen development with the need for proper governance to prevent potential pitfalls.

EPISODE 5: RIPPLE EFFECTS – GARY A. BOLLES

Chair for the Future of Work for Singularity University

In this episode, Phil Fersht engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Gary A. Bolles, a futurist, author, and thought leader specializing in the future of work and workforce transformation. Gary is the Chair for the Future of Work at Singularity University and co-founder of eParachute, a platform designed to help individuals navigate career transitions in our rapidly changing job landscape. 

They explore the profound impact of exponential technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), on the future of work and human experience. Gary emphasizes the importance of viewing AI as a powerful toolset rather than a co-pilot or co-worker, highlighting the necessity for a mindset shift, skill development, and effective utilization of new tools. He introduces the idea of “unlearning” outdated practices and encouraging opportunities for employees to embrace new ways of solving problems.  

They discuss the importance of self-knowledge, setting personal learning goals, and making learning a team sport to enhance motivation and engagement.  The discussion ultimately highlights that by cultivating the right mindset, skill set, and tool set, we can navigate the future of work with confidence and purpose. 

EPISODE 4: NO FAST WAY – JONATHAN NØRMØLLE

Founder of NextGen Ventures And Star Of Netflix’s ‘Owning Manhattan’

In this insightful episode, Phil Fersht sits down with Jonathan Nørmølle, a Danish-born luxury real estate agent, founder of NextGen Ventures, and star of Netflix’s ‘Owning Manhattan’. They delve into the evolving landscape of real estate, exploring how technology and social media are reshaping industry and the critical role of authentic human connections in today’s tech-driven world.

Jonathan shares his unique journey, emphasizing the importance of networking and leveraging technology to build a successful career in real estate. He offers a candid look at the challenges facing Gen Z in the housing market, highlighting the widening gap between those who can afford property and those who cannot. The conversation also covers the innovative trend of converting corporate real estate into residential spaces post-pandemic, providing insights into how this could impact housing affordability in major cities like New York.

As the dialogue unfolds, Jonathan and Phil discuss the potential crisis of authenticity in an era dominated by AI and automation. They stress the need for genuine relationships and the power of being authentic as a means to stand out in a crowded digital landscape. The episode wraps up with Jonathan offering valuable advice to young professionals on forging their own paths while maintaining credibility and trust.

EPISODE 3 – ARTIFICIAL CONTROL : SHELLY PALMER

Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at the Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group

​In this provocative episode, Phil Fersht and Shelly Palmer, CEO of The Palmer Group, push the boundaries of the AI conversation, diving headfirst into the seismic shift triggered by reasoning engines.

Palmer, a trailblazer in the intersection of technology, media, and marketing, unpacks the radical changes reshaping the digital landscape. With the advent of AI systems capable of real-time reasoning and complex decision-making, we’re no longer dealing with mere tools – we’re cohabiting the planet with another form of intelligence. The implications are nothing short of revolutionary.

Palmer takes us through the next frontier in AI’s evolution, starting with OpenAI’s cutting-edge models, and explores how these advancements will transform industries, rewire human communication, and potentially disrupt the very fabric of society. They confront the darker side of this evolution – how AI’s unprecedented power can fuel misinformation, manipulate behavior, and blur the lines between reality and illusion in ways we’re not prepared for.

As the conversation deepens, Palmer and Fersht scrutinize the role of AI in shaping media narratives and political outcomes, especially as we face a future where AI-generated content could redefine elections and societal discourse. Palmer doesn’t hold back on his concerns about “artificial control,” where AI quietly dictates our actions, from the routes we take to the choices we make, without us even realizing.

The episode closes with a stark reminder: while AI opens up extraordinary new frontiers, it also demands a heightened level of awareness and responsibility. Palmer urges us to stay vigilant in guarding our human agency as this new intelligence becomes an undeniable force in our lives. This is not just an episode – it’s a call to action.

EPISODE 2 – RIPTIDE OF CHANGE: HEATHER E. MCGOWAN

Best-selling Author of ‘The Empathy Advantage: Leading the Empowered Workforce’

​In the latest episode of From the Horse’s Mouth, Phil Fersht sits down with Heather E. McGowan to discuss the powerful currents reshaping the world of work. They explore how the “riptide of change”—a convergence of rapid technological advances, shifting demographics, and evolving societal norms—is impacting human connections in the workplace. Heather offers insights on how leaders can navigate these forces by fostering empathy, purpose, and genuine relationships within their teams. They also examine the role of generative AI, considering how to integrate new technologies without losing the human element essential for innovation and resilience. ​
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Listeners will come away with practical strategies for embracing change instead of resisting it. Heather highlights that by nurturing empathy and authentic connections, leaders can steer their organizations through uncertain waters. The episode wraps up with actionable advice on harmonizing technological advancements with the human touch, empowering teams to become more adaptable, united, and ready to face the future.

EPISODE 1.3 – THE GREAT EQUALIZER: RAVI KUMAR S

CEO of Cognizant

In this episode, Phil Fersht interviews Ravi Kumar, CEO of Cognizant, to examine the shifting dynamics of the tech services industry. They explore whether the recent industry slowdown is a fleeting downturn or indicative of deeper structural changes, while also unpacking the ripple effects of rising capital costs and geopolitical turbulence. Ravi talks about how companies are recalibrating their focus toward more sustainable, value-driven technology investments, moving away from discretionary spending. ​
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Drawing on a study with Oxford Economics, Ravi challenges the common narrative of AI as a mere cost-cutting tool, positioning it instead as a catalyst for amplifying human potential, bridging productivity gaps, and driving economic growth. He draws parallels to past tech revolutions like offshoring and cloud adoption but argues that AI holds a deeper promise – one that could not only streamline operations but also dismantle technical debt and revolutionize software development processes. The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on the global talent landscape, focusing on the rise of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India, and how AI could act as a great equalizer – opening up opportunities and democratizing access for talent across skill levels and geographies.

EPISODE 1.2 – BURNING PLATFORM: JOHN HAGEL III

Founder and Chair Emiterus of Deloitte’s Center for the Edge

In this razor-sharp episode, Phil sits down with John Hagel III, a seasoned technology leader with over 40 years in Silicon Valley, to explore the deep-rooted changes shaping the tech industry. Reflecting on his decades of experience, from founding Deloitte’s Center for the Edge to senior roles at Atari and McKinsey, Hagel offers a unique lens on the rapid evolution of technology. They discuss the pivotal role of AI in today’s landscape, comparing the current wave of innovation to the early days of the internet, while emphasizing the interconnected nature of emerging technologies like quantum computing. Hagel also challenges the traditional motivations behind technological adoption, contrasting fear-driven urgency with the potential of opportunity-driven transformation. He examines why most decision-makers are hesitant about AI, even as it promises exponential change. ​
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Throughout the conversation, Hagel critiques the slow pace of enterprise innovation, highlighting the burden of legacy systems and technical debt. He advocates for a shift from “scalable efficiency” models to “scalable learning,” suggesting that the future lies in nurturing adaptability and growth rather than focusing solely on cost-cutting.In closing, Hagel underscores the importance of bridging the gap between technological progress and human adaptation, pushing organizations to overcome fear and embrace the endless possibilities that come with digital innovation and the profound societal shifts that lie ahead. ​

EPISODE 1.1 – A KERNEL OF TRUTH: LAURA GASSNER OTTING

Wall St Journal best-selling author of ‘Wonderhell’, a regular contributor to Good Morning America, the TODAY Show, and Oprah Daily.

Searching amongst the digital rubble for a kernel of truth, Phil Fersht and bestselling author and regular contributor to Good Morning America, Laura Gassner Otting dismantle the myths of modern work culture, dissecting everything from post-pandemic office politics to the raw truths of leadership. They challenge the notion of “following your passion,” exposing the grit behind true perseverance. ​
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With insights grounded in both global assessments and personal experience, Phil and Laura offer an unapologetic critique of today’s workplace dynamics, the growing disconnect between leadership and employees, and the unvarnished effort required to align personal ambition with organizational impact. This episode dares listeners to rethink what it truly means to lead, engage, and grow in a world that’s constantly shifting beneath our feet.