DisrupTV Episode 407: Future Builders—Leading Boldly in the Age of Intelligence

In this compelling DisrupTV installment, hosts R “Ray” Wang and Vala Afshar engage with three visionary leaders redefining how we live, learn, and work:

Thiago da Costa – CEO of Datagrid

A pioneering technology entrepreneur, Thiago specializes in physics simulation, cloud computing, and AI. He founded Lagoa, a cloud-based mechanical CAD platform that was acquired by Autodesk and integrated into Fusion 360. At Autodesk, he spearheaded major cloud, data, and AI initiatives across manufacturing, construction, and media industries. He holds patents in collaborative high-frequency data systems and actively invests in startups and companies like SpaceX and Vention.

Dr. Ja-Naé Duane – Leading Behavioral Scientist (Brown Faculty & MIT Research Fellow)

A 4× entrepreneur and award-winning innovator, Dr. Duane co-authored SuperShifts: Transforming How We Live, Learn, and Work in the Age of Intelligence. She combines behavioral science, AR/VR, AI, and blockchain to help organizations reimagine systems of education, work, and society. She’s spoken for Singularity University and partnered with brands from PwC to AIG.

Steve Fisher – Design Futurist, Co-author of SuperShifts

Steve is a futurist, maker, podcaster, and executive advisor whose strength lies in strategic foresight—helping leaders anticipate change and navigate complex futures. As Chief Futurist at the Center for the Future (CFTF), he works with Duane and a network of global thinkers to democratize futures thinking and drive exponential, purpose-driven impact.

Episode Highlights

This episode dives into the bold intersection of technology, humanity, and systems change:

  • From Physics to AI-Driven Platforms: Thiago da Costa’s journey illustrates how engineering innovation intersects with AI and cloud to redefine industry tooling. 
  • Reimagining Systems: Dr. Duane explores how behavior science + emerging tech can revolutionize how societies learn, work, and evolve.
  • Strategic Foresight for Leaders: Steve Fisher offers tools and mindsets to help organizations build resilient futures by embracing long-term thinking and adaptability.

Final Thoughts

Episode 407—Future Builders: Leading Boldly in the Age of Intelligence—is a masterclass in visionary leadership. Thiago da Costa’s technical boldness, Dr. Ja-Naé Duane’s systems reimagination, and Steve Fisher’s future-ready frameworks converge to deliver a powerful message: in today’s intelligent age, we must build with both foresight and humanity. Whether you're driving innovation, leading change, or designing tomorrow’s systems—this episode equips you with the mindset to lead again.

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Business Research Themes

Data to Decisions, Future of Work, Innovation and Product-led Growth, New C-Suite

Roles

Chief Executive Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief People Officer, Chief Product Officer, Chief Technology Officer