The CHRO Is the New CTO: Leading in the AI Era

The CHRO Is the New CTO: Leading in the AI Era

Author: Brave Software March 11, 2026 Duration: 19:17

 Elise Neel, Global Head of Strategy & Strategic Partnerships at Panasonic Go, shares lessons from leading innovation within large legacy companies and the cultural challenges of driving transformation. She explains how organizations should rethink AI governance and talent, and why roles like the CHRO may become central in the AI era.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why leaders must move from simply using AI tools to actively collaborating with them to drive meaningful transformation

  • How access to AI is leveling the playing field, making critical thinking the key differentiator for talent

  • Ways that non-technical professionals can quickly become powerful contributors with the right AI tools and training

  • Why the CHRO role may become one of the most influential positions as organizations integrate AI agents into their workforce

  • How AI could transform product ownership and customer support through intelligent systems that predict maintenance, optimize usage, and improve the overall customer experience

Guest Bio:
Elise Neel is the Global Head of Strategy & Strategic Partnerships for Panasonic Go, driving business transformation through AI to expand AI-enabled software, hardware, and solutions to 30% of Panasonic's sales by 2035.

Previously, Elise was SVP of New Business Innovation at Verizon, where she built a portfolio of nine investment ventures spanning location technology, drones, robotics, and energy transformation while ushering in the 5G era. She also served as CEO of MapQuest and held leadership roles at PlaceIQ, comScore, and InsightExpress.

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About this Show:

The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all!

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Produced by: Sam Laliberte

 


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Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Brave Technologist
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