EP151: Mid-Market Growth With Scalable Data & AI Strategy

Mid-market leaders are facing a once-in-a-generation opportunity with AI, and this episode shows how to capitalize on it. 

John Powers, former CIO and Chief Transformation Officer at Deloitte and now Executive in Residence at Mod Op, shares practical ways to turn AI, data strategy and governance into real competitive advantage. He explains why smaller, more nimble companies can finally “punch above their weight,” how to spot the fastest wins and where custom, company-specific AI beats off-the-shelf tools.

You’ll hear how John partnered with Mod Op to stand up data leadership, why engineering the way you communicate makes AI dramatically more effective and how to rethink work so teams spend less time on administrative tasks and more time on growth. 

If you’re done “checking the AI box” and ready to drive measurable outcomes, this conversation gives you a clear path forward. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. 

About John Powers:

John is an accomplished senior advisor with decades of success driving transformation for global multi-nationals, now bringing that experience and expertise to Mod Op Strategic Consulting clients. As Deloitte’s Global Chief Transformation and Chief Information Officer he led enterprise-wide IT cloud migrations, modernized cybersecurity governance and implemented zero-trust principles to bolster resilience, while reducing cost, and improving service delivery. His experience in strategy, digital transformation, inorganic growth and organizational effectiveness is now dedicated to leveraging AI and Big Data to drive growth and profitability. John can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected]. 

About Tessa Burg:

Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at [email protected].