Making Data Simple
Hosted by Al Martin, WW VP of Technical Sales at IBM, Making Data Simple cuts through the hype to reveal how data and AI reshape the modern enterprise.
Thought leaders, researchers, and innovators share firsthand lessons on leading teams, scaling analytics, and driving real-world impact—delivered in Al’s signature straightforward, witty style.
Tune in to Making Data Simple today. From data and AI breakthroughs to leadership hacks, top experts drop actionable gems that help businesses thrive in a data-driven world. #MakingDataSimple #AI #Leadership
Making Data Simple
The Partner X Factor: What IBM's SVP Kareem Yusuf Knows About Ecosystems That Most Leaders Miss
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Today we're joined by Kareem Yusuf, SVP at IBM, where he leads Ecosystem and Strategic Partnerships. His career journey spans IoT, sustainability, and product growth — and it's more diverse than you might expect. In this episode, we dig into the critical thinking behind building successful partnerships, navigating complex tech ecosystems, and what it really takes to prioritize when everything feels urgent.
- 00:00 Introduction
- 01:15 Meet Kareem Yusuf
- 03:44 Best Job Ever
- 08:03 Career Path
- 13:31 The Ecosystem
- 18:20 The Partner "X" Factor
- 21:05 Prioritization
- 23:18 The Ecosystem Dilemma
- 26:17 IBM Differentiation
- 30:13 Modernizing the Mainframe
- 34:50 Exciting Products
- 37:18 Prioritization Revisited
- 38:46 Leadership
- 39:23 Lightning Round
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareemyusuf
Website: https://www.ibm.com/partnerplus
Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.
