Governing Body Spotlight

Dr. Carm Taglienti has over 25 years of experience as a technologist and leader, specializing in AI, data science, cybersecurity, and modern application platforms. As the CDO/CTO of Insight Public Sector, he drives innovation in AI and analytics, leveraging his expertise in data governance and big data. He has held leadership roles at State Street Bank and Slalom, guiding organizations through transformative data strategies. In addition to his industry work, Carm is a passionate educator, teaching graduate courses in AI, data science, and cloud computing at institutions like Northeastern University, UC Berkeley, and MITxPro.

A fun fact about Carm, he loves to teach and finds joy in helping students bridge the gap between theory and real-world application!

Learn more about the Boston CDAO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

My career path has been shaped by a deep foundation in data science, AI, and technology leadership. Beginning as a Lead Systems Engineer at MITRE, I honed my expertise in data modeling and enterprise solutions. I then transitioned into roles at Microsoft and TripAdvisor, focusing on business intelligence, cloud computing, and large-scale data architectures. My leadership expanded at BlueMetal Architects and Slalom Consulting, where I built and led high-impact analytics and data-driven practices. At Pearson Education and later State Street Bank, I played a pivotal role in enterprise data transformation, governance, and AI-driven decision-making. Since joining Insight in 2019, I have led AI strategy, data solutions, and market expansion, driving innovation and positioning the company as a leader in AI and analytics.

Throughout my journey, I have also been deeply committed to education, teaching graduate courses in AI, cybersecurity, and data science at top institutions such as Northeastern University, UC Berkeley, and MITxPro. My passion for teaching remains a core part of my professional identity.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

As a leader, I believe in harnessing the power of data, AI, and technology to drive meaningful transformation while fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. True leadership is about enabling others—whether through strategic vision, technical expertise, or mentorship—to unlock their potential and create impactful solutions. By championing data-driven decision-making, embracing emerging technologies, and cultivating an environment of curiosity and collaboration, I strive to build organizations that are not only technologically advanced but also deeply committed to learning, adaptability, and excellence.
 

What is the greatest challenge facing CDAOs today, and how are you addressing it?

One of the greatest challenges in my role as CDO is driving organizational and cultural transformation to become a truly data-driven, high-impact, solution-focused organization. While technology adoption is essential, the real challenge lies in shifting mindsets, breaking down silos, and embedding data-driven decision-making into every level of the business. Many organizations struggle with legacy processes, resistance to change, and a lack of alignment between business objectives and technology capabilities. By focusing on people, process, and technology in tandem, I am leading the transformation necessary to embed AI, analytics, and data-driven solutions into the organization’s DNA, making innovation, agility, and high-impact execution the standard, not the exception.
 

What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a data leader?

Success as a Chief Data and Technology Officer, particularly in a role focused on AI, data-driven transformation, and organizational innovation, requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and leadership agility. A new CDO/CTO must first establish a clear technology strategy aligned with business objectives, ensuring that innovation directly supports growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage. This role is not just about implementing cutting-edge technologies but about leading cultural and organizational change to foster a data-driven mindset across the company. Strong stakeholder engagement and change management are critical, as resistance to new technologies often stems from deeply ingrained processes rather than technical limitations. Building cross-functional collaboration between engineering, product, and business teams ensures that technology is a core enabler of value creation, rather than an isolated function. Additionally, assembling a high-performing team with expertise in AI, cloud, and data science is essential, as success depends on empowering others to execute the vision effectively.

Beyond technical leadership, a successful CDO/CTO must be able to translate complex innovations into tangible business value that resonates with executives and stakeholders. Communicating AI, cloud, and analytics insights in business terms fosters trust and alignment, ensuring that technology investments yield measurable outcomes. It is also crucial to prioritize scalable, high-impact solutions over hype-driven trends, focusing on practical applications that drive sustainable success. Adaptability and continuous learning are key in a fast-evolving landscape, requiring a commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and refining strategies accordingly. As AI and data governance become central to business operations, establishing trust, security, and ethical AI practices ensures long-term success. Ultimately, a CDO/CTO’s ability to think strategically, lead transformation, and drive meaningful business impact is what sets them apart as a leader in today’s digital age.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

Success as a leader is measured not just by technical achievements or business outcomes, but by the lasting impact on people, culture, and innovation. One of the most critical indicators of success is the ability to drive meaningful transformation, ensuring that the organization evolves into a more data-driven, high-impact, and solution-focused enterprise. This means that decisions are increasingly driven by analytics and AI insights, operational efficiencies improve, and technology becomes a seamless enabler of business growth. A successful leader ensures that technology strategy aligns with business goals, fostering a culture where innovation is not just encouraged but embedded into everyday decision-making.

Beyond organizational transformation, a key measure of success is empowering and developing people. A great leader builds high-performing, collaborative teams that thrive even in their absence. If employees are growing in their roles, adopting a learning mindset, and taking ownership of initiatives, the leadership approach is working. Stakeholder trust and engagement are also critical—when executives, business units, and customers see technology as a driver of value rather than a cost center, it indicates alignment and strategic impact. 

Finally, success is reflected in sustained innovation and adaptability—a leader’s legacy is defined not just by immediate wins, but by the organization's ability to continuously evolve and stay ahead of industry shifts long after their leadership tenure.
 

What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-level Communities?

As a CDO and Technology leader focused on AI, data-driven transformation, and enterprise innovation, my membership provides a valuable forum for engaging with peers facing similar challenges. The curated leadership summits, roundtable discussions, and private executive sessions offer deep, strategic conversations that allow me to benchmark AI and data initiatives, explore cutting-edge solutions in AI governance and enterprise adoption, and collaborate with other leaders driving high-impact technological change. 

Connecting with CIOs, CTOs, CDOs, and CISOs broadens my perspective on how AI, cloud, and data analytics are reshaping industries, helping me refine strategies that bridge technology innovation with business value. Ultimately, the executive network will accelerate my understanding of the complexities of leading industry transformation, ensuring that organizations remain at the forefront of AI, data-driven decision-making, and enterprise evolution.
 

Gartner C-level Communities Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.
 

By CDAOs, For CDAOs™
 

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