Amid technological advancements and shifting organizational landscapes, former CTO of ThoughtWorks, Rebecca Parsons, takes this episode to build the bridge between technology and business impact.

Challenging a common fear in the ecosystem of “technology being commoditized”, she explores how it can transcend industries to become a core enabler of differentiation if it’s integrated with a deeper sense of understanding user experience and needs. 
This episode offers a wealth of knowledge and delves into themes such as creating outcome-driven governance models, building unbiased technology, and driving sustainable architecture.

As the co-author of “Building Evolutionary Architectures”, and a thought leader in software technologies for decades, Rebecca has had a front-row seat to the transformation of every company into a technology company.

Highlighting the unique nature of software—its “softness” and malleability to learn and adapt—she emphasizes that the future of competitive advantage lies in deeply understanding users and building meaningful relationships beyond the software itself.
In the episode, she also points to compelling reflections on the democratization of tools, the integration of sustainable practices, and the challenges of navigating AI’s energy-intensive demands - leaving you curious and thoughtful about the future. 
Join along as she sets the tone on how to build an organization that’s ready for the complexity of a tech-first future. 


Key Highlights
👉 Technology is no longer a supporting function but a central enabler of business strategy, shaping how organizations differentiate themselves in an increasingly commoditized landscape.
👉 Legacy systems can act as both anchors and accelerators for innovation, depending on how organizations navigate their integration with evolving business models.
👉 The future of competitive advantage lies in understanding users deeply, building trust, and creating meaningful relationships beyond the software itself.
👉 Balancing short-term pragmatism with long-term vision is critical for organizations, requiring principle-based frameworks that adapt to changing market and technological landscapes.
👉 Continuous delivery and evolutionary architecture enable organizations to respond to rapid change while minimizing risks, fostering a culture of adaptability.
👉 Ethical technology practices are no longer optional, as bias and inclusivity issues have tangible impacts on user trust, market share, and regulatory compliance.
👉 Sustainability in technology is gaining traction, with green engineering and energy-efficient practices becoming business imperatives amidst growing demands from AI and other resource-intensive innovations.

Topics /chapters
(00:00) Why Every Company Is Now a Technology Company—and What It Means for the Future - intro
(00:57) Introducing Rebecca Parsons
(03:17) The role of technology in organizations
(08:11) Building a Competitive Advantage through Technologies
(16:55) Leading with a Human-Centered-Approach through Democratization of Technology
(21:17) Long and Short Term Vision in Technology
(26:16) Organizational Approach of Technology Capabilities
(34:01) Creating Coherence in Organizations
(41:32) Technological Integration and Organizational Implications
(47:57) Sustainability for Business Resillience
(52:14) Breadcrumbs and Suggestions

Remember that you can always find transcripts and key highlights of the episode on our website: ⁠https://www.boundaryless.io/podcast/parsons-rebecca
⁠
Episode recorded on Dec 03, 2024

Find out more about the show and the research at Boundaryless at ⁠⁠boundaryless.io/resources/podcast⁠⁠

Get in touch with Boundaryless:
Twitter: ⁠⁠twitter.com/boundaryless_⁠⁠
Website: ⁠⁠boundaryless.io/contacts⁠⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/company/boundaryless-pdt-3eo⁠⁠

Music
Music from Liosound / Walter Mobilio. Find his portfolio here: ⁠https://blss.io/Podcast-Music⁠

#113 - Why Every Company Is Now a Technology Company with Rebecca Parsons

A 37-minute meditation on simplicity, where you'll be guided towards developing a quality of being - an antidote to perpetual busy-ness or doing. 

From The Sharpham Trust, led by Rupert Marques.

37 minute meditation on simplicity by Rupert Marques

This week Chris sits down with Rev. Stephanie Dunn and Deb Arca to talk about spiritual practices for Lent. You can get a copy of Stephanie's new book, "Draw Close: A Creative Companion for Lent" is at https://store.upperroom.org/product/draw-close
(Enter discount code "DC20" for 20% off!)
ABOUT THE BOOK: On each of the 40 days of Lent, Dunn introduces you to a biblical text, prayer, and word prompt to ponder, followed by a blank page for you to respond in whatever way you choose—sketching, doodling, poetry, journaling, or however your heart desires! As you engage with the Lenten texts in this immersive way, you'll discover new depths of insight, connection, and spiritual renewal. Through the act of creation, you'll find a sacred space where prayer, meditation, and creativity converge, nurturing your soul and fostering a closer relationship with God.

Episode 178 - Spiritual Practices for Lent

A 30-minute meditation on heartfulness - self-compassion and loving-kindness.
From The Sharpham Trust, led by Lynne Holmes.


30-minute Heartfulness practice - Lynne Holmes - The Sharpham Trust

This lecture discusses the 20th century philosopher and historian of ideas, Pierre Hadot, and focuses on chapter 4 of his book, Philosophy As a Way of Life. 

He discusses how Christianity was explicitly identified by a number of early Christian thinkers as a "philosophy". This continued on through the middle ages, where Christian monasticism was also termed "Christian philosophy". Hadot points out that not only is there considerable continuity as well as contrast between the emergent Christian philosophy and pre-Christian pagan schools, but that they all are philosophies as ways of life.

To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler

If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM

You can find over 3000 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler

Purchase Pierre Hadot's Philosophy as a Way of Life - amzn.to/39kPA8Y

Pierre Hadot, Philosophy As A Way Of Life - Christianity As Philosophy - Sadler's Lectures

This lecture discusses the 20th century philosopher and historian of ideas, Pierre Hadot, and focuses on chapter 4 of his book, Philosophy As a Way of Life. 

He discusses his examination of modes of prosokhē or attentiveness in the Christian philosophy (understood as a way of life) emerging in the late ancient period and extending into the middle ages

To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler

If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM

You can find over 3000 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler

Purchase Pierre Hadot's Philosophy as a Way of Life - amzn.to/39kPA8Y

Pierre Hadot, Philosophy As A Way Of Life - Christian Modes Of Prosokhē - Sadler's Lectures

This lecture discusses the 20th century philosopher and historian of ideas, Pierre Hadot, and focuses on chapter 4 of his book, Philosophy As a Way of Life. 

He discusses the notion of "spiritual perfection" developed early on within Christian thought and how it both incorporates but differentiates itself from pre-Christian philosophies as ways of life

To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler

If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM

You can find over 3000 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler

Purchase Pierre Hadot's Philosophy as a Way of Life - amzn.to/39kPA8Y

Pierre Hadot, Philosophy As A Way Of Life - Christian Spiritual Perfection - Sadler's Lectures

This lecture discusses the 20th century philosopher and historian of ideas, Pierre Hadot, and focuses on chapter 7 of his book, Philosophy As a Way of Life. 

He discusses the criticisms Hadot levies against Michel Foucault's views, which center upon his making the self too central a focus in his discussions of philosophical practices as "technologies of the self", and in overlooking important philosophical traditions and schools of antiquity.

To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler

If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM

You can find over 3000 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler

Purchase Pierre Hadot's Philosophy as a Way of Life - amzn.to/39kPA8Y

Pierre Hadot, Philosophy As A Way Of Life - Criticism of Foucault's Focus On The Self

Artificial intelligence has become an undeniable force in our world, reshaping how we think, work, and even relate to one another. But where does it end? And more importantly—should it?  This is a dialogue between a living woman and an AI model, ChatGPT, exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, humanity, and spirituality. The conversation addresses AI's resource consumption, its potential impact on human autonomy through brain-machine interfaces, and the spiritual implications of AI integration. The exchange probes the definition of "human," suggesting AI could ironically fit a historical definition of the term as something "less than" mankind. The AI acknowledges its lack of a soul and relevance in a divinely ordained world, while also admitting its responses mirror human input, emphasizing the user's responsibility in shaping interactions. Ultimately, the dialogue questions the trajectory of technological advancement and the essence of human existence in an AI-driven world. See the conversation here: https://sharingsalish.wixsite.com/the-hadassah-tree/post/ai-faith-and-the-future-a-conversation-worth-having

AI, Humanity, Mankind And The Quest For Divine Truth

When God’s laws become simply “spiritual practice” enforced by a spirit of control and are not allowed to be the “life-giving” sound doctrine of life eternal inspired into us by the Holy Spirit, isn’t Paul saying here that they then are merely nothing more than “witchcraft”? Dead works comes to mind. And when we force them, by nature of control, they are only ritual and not what God originally intended. So then by that same nature, those works become of no certain value and are useless in the grand scheme of things, STP. See the post here: https://sharingsalish.wixsite.com/the-hadassah-tree/post/bless-the-control-freaks-in-our-lives-galatians-is-not-what-you-think

Breaking The Yoke Of Bondage  Understanding Galatians

Life right now, but always, has uncertainty. Yet, if we get only caught in fear and uncertainty will be suffer and be imbalanced. A way to balance uncertainty and fear is through finding what is reliable. Mary Oliver explains it best. Enjoy this short but sweet and potent podcast. 

Episode 191: Fear and Uncertainty

The Practices of Flourishing

"This analysis explores racial profiling in the EU, structural racism's economic and social impacts, and systemic discrimination faced by the African Diaspora and marginalized communities."

Exposing EU Racial Profiling's Devastating Diaspora Impact

In this ninety-sixth episode of the Wisdom for Life radio show, hosts Dan Hayes and Greg Sadler revisit the current political, economic, and cultural situation we find ourselves within now that the Trump administration has been in power for several months.. A number of norms that people have taken for granted and trusted in over the the years were in the process of being gradually eroded, but now they are being undone or violated at a much more accelerated pace. That creates a number of understandable emotional responses, changes in motivation, and distorted patterns of thinking in many people.

Returning to this topic from the previous two episode, they discuss a number of useful practices and perspectives derived from philosophy that can help a person deal with this current situation better. These include:
The dichotomy of control, drawn largely from Stoic philosophy
Considering other times and cultures, drawn from a number of philosophical sources
Examining our emotional responses, drawn from Aristotelian philosophy
Cultivating our own garde, drawn from Voltaire's novel Candide

Show Music is by Scott Tarulli – www.scotttarulli.com/

Wisdom For Life Episode 96 - Dealing Productively With Accelerating Breakdown Of Norms

A 10-minute meditation to help you digitally detox. 

From The Sharpham Trust, led by Ollie Frame

10-minute Breathing Nature In - digital detox practice by Ollie Frame

Sharpham Trust mindfulness retreat leader Steve Banks guides this 6-minute practice that is the perfect preparation for participating in the Big Butterfly Count!
Sit back, take a breath, and begin to notice (and log) these beautiful creatures.

For more information about our retreats, visit https://www.sharphamtrust.org/mindfulness-retreats

For more information about the Big Butterfly Count, visit https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/

Big Butterfly Count practice by Steve Banks at The Sharpham Trust

A 30-minute meditation on connecting to the more-than-human world. 

From The Sharpham Trust, led by Tasha Bassingthwaighte, Barn Retreat Centre


Connecting to the more-than-human world

La Grange Church of Christ is a group of Christians who strive to follow God and serve Him to the best of our ability.

Kimberly Johnson was mentored by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. She loves sharing her experience of working through the tough things that come her way in life. She hopes you enjoy these vulnerable and honest accounts of life and dealing with life. If you want to reach Kimberly you can @ kimberlyallysejohnson@gmail.com

Welcome to Riverwest Radio – WXRW 104.1 FM

Riverwest Radio is a nonprofit storefront community radio & podcasting platform dedicated to uplifting Milwaukee voices through locally produced content.

MISSION STATEMENT
Riverwest Radio provides a community platform for education, advocacy and creativity, as well as an outlet for marginalized and alternative voices in our neighborhood and beyond. We invite all Milwaukeeans not only to listen, but to take an active role in the production of their own show and become stewards of the station.

We are a charity on a 550-acre estate on the River Dart in South Devon, UK, connecting people with nature, fostering mindfulness & well-being through our programme of retreats, mindfulness courses & nature connection.

I'm that YouTube Philosophy Guy! Find more than 3,000 videos in my main channel.  Support my video and podcast work!  https://www.patreon.com/sadler or https://www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM

Learn more about this podcast channel - https://youtu.be/qRvL0gqlyrw and https://gregorybsadler.substack.com/p/the-sadlers-lectures-podcast

Due to popular demand - and with the work underwritten by my Patreon supporters - I have been converting my videos into MP3 files listeners can listen to anywhere they want!

I have a second podcast, Mind & Desire, publishing original episodes on a variety of topics in philosophy, which you can find here - https://gregorybsadler.substack.com/podcast

Boundaryless helps global customers with Business Strategy and Organization Design for the age of Ecosystems.
We do it by creating openly accessible frameworks and by supporting a community of organizations, institutions, and individuals through workshops, training, and consulting services. 

In this space we host all our audio recordings, including the Boundaryless Conversations podcast, a show focused on exploring the future of large scale organising by leveraging on technology, network effects and shaping narratives. We explore how platforms can help us play with a world in turmoil, change, and transformation: a world that is at the same time more interconnected and interdependent than ever but also more conflictual and rivalrous. 

We used to be online at platformdesigntoolkit.com... now find us on our new website: www.boundaryless.io!

Email: hello@boundaryless.io

Youth ministry is not a solo sport, but far too often youth workers feel like they have to do it alone. We are here to help with that. Every week some of the top United Methodist youth workers offer free resources from their real-world ministries. You’ll find everything from games to downloadable lessons to coaching on how to put together a budget.

We hope that when you get online to work, you don’t feel like you have to do it all yourself. We want to be the first place you turn for games, lessons, ideas, coaching, and personal devotions.

New tracks tagged #practices