As enterprises race to modernize their data ecosystems and deploy AI at scale, one truth is becoming clear — technology alone doesn’t guarantee success. The real differentiator lies in how effectively organizations align their data, analytics, and business functions to move in the same direction.

That’s exactly what will take center stage at the CDO Magazine Columbus Leadership Summit, happening November 5, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency – Columbus Downtown.

The session, “Bridging the Divide: Data, Tech, and the Business — Or Bust,” brings together senior leaders who’ve lived through the challenges of misalignment and learned what it takes to build true enterprise cohesion.

Attending organizations include:

Top participating organizations include: Wells Fargo, Nationwide, Humana, Liberty Mutual, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Cardinal Health, Huntington Bank, USAA, JPMorganChase.

The real threat isn’t technology — It’s misalignment

Even the best-funded data programs can falter when teams pull in different directions. This session goes beyond technology talk to expose the organizational friction that derails AI initiatives — from unclear ownership and communication gaps to competing incentives between business and IT.

Expect a candid, no-fluff conversation that unpacks how real-world enterprises are bridging these divides through shared purpose, data fluency, and cross-functional leadership.

Panelists:

• Mark Marshalek, Head of Data Solutions, Farmers Insurance
• Scott McNeal, Director, CAS
• Colleen Saunders-Chukwu, AVP, Technology, Data and Analytics, Nationwide
• Orlando Sprockel, Sr. Director of IT, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants

Leading with purpose across the data value chain

While AI and data platforms continue to evolve at lightning speed, success ultimately hinges on alignment — between vision and execution, insight and action, innovation and governance.

This session will challenge leaders to rethink how alignment is built and sustained in the age of AI. It will highlight how culture, communication, and clarity of purpose are becoming as critical as any technology stack or architecture design.

Lisa Runkle, CDO Magazine Global Event Manager, says: “The Columbus Leadership Summit isn’t just another conference — it’s where leadership challenges are met with practical insight. This session captures what so many executives are grappling with right now: how to connect people, data, and strategy in ways that truly drive impact.”

Why you should attend

• Hear firsthand experiences from leaders who’ve navigated and solved alignment challenges inside complex enterprises.
• Gain actionable strategies to unite data, technology, and business teams under a shared mission.
• Benchmark your approach against peers leading AI, analytics, and data transformation initiatives.
• Network with decision-makers shaping the future of enterprise data and AI in 2025.