DisrupTV Episode 179: Empowering Leadership, Digital Transformation, and the Future of Work

In this episode of DisrupTV, hosts R “Ray” Wang and Vala Afshar talk with Romi Neustadt, Vijay Sundaram, and Nicole France about empowering leaders, rethinking digital transformation strategies, and creating more human-centered workplaces.

Featured Guests

  • Romi Neustadt – Author, Speaker, and Success Coach. Romi is known for her work in empowering professionals to set boundaries, focus on what truly matters, and design lives and careers that reflect their values.
  • Vijay Sundaram – Chief Strategy Officer at Zoho, with expertise in scaling global SaaS platforms, digital transformation, and helping organizations harness cloud technologies to enable growth.
  • Nicole France – VP and Principal Analyst at Constellation Research, specializing in customer experience, digital platforms, and the evolving dynamics of enterprise technology adoption.

Key Takeaways from Episode 179

The Power of Saying No (Romi Neustadt)

  • Success isn’t about doing everything—it’s about focusing on the right things.
  • Romi emphasized that leaders need to set clear boundaries to avoid burnout and unlock their full potential.
  • Quote: “When you learn to say no to the things that don’t serve you, you create space for the opportunities that do.”

Digital Transformation Beyond Buzzwords (Vijay Sundaram)

  • Digital transformation isn’t just about technology—it’s about rethinking systems, culture, and workflows.
  • Vijay highlighted how businesses should focus on long-term adaptability rather than chasing short-lived trends.
  • Quote: “Technology is only part of the equation. True transformation happens when people and culture align with the tools.”

Human-Centered Enterprise Design (Nicole France)

  • Nicole argued that companies too often put systems before people.
  • A human-centered approach to customer experience and enterprise tech ensures that organizations stay relevant and build long-term loyalty.
  • Quote: “At the end of the day, technology should serve people—not the other way around.”

Final Thoughts

Episode 179 of DisrupTV underscored the importance of balance: saying no in order to prioritize what matters, pursuing digital transformation as a cultural shift rather than a checklist, and designing technology strategies that keep humans at the center. Together, these perspectives remind leaders that resilience, focus, and empathy are the keys to thriving in the future of work.

Related Episodes

 

Business Research Themes

Future of Work, Tech Optimization

Roles

Chief Executive Officer, Chief People Officer, Chief Technology Officer