Shows
The ITPro PodcastWhy do AI projects fail?It seems that everywhere you look these days, businesses are implementing AI features, tools, chatbots, and pilots. But researchers keep coming to the same conclusion about the benefits of enterprise AI adoption – that return on investment is slim to none.While this isn’t the case for every business, it’s certainly a worry that hangs over discussions of the technology. The secret to making AI projects succeed is knowledge that every leader is after right now – and knowing what not to do is just as important.Where are businesses going wrong with AI adoption? And how...
2025-11-2123 min
Closing BellClosing Bell Overtime: Pavlov Markets, Big Earnings & the Geopolitics of Business 10/21/25When the bell rings, investors buy — Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers explains why markets still behave like Pavlov’s dog. With major earnings rolling in, Mark Mahaney of Evercore ISI breaks down Netflix results, and Bill Browder of Hermitage Capital discusses if markets are mispricing geopolitical risk. Alan Trefler, CEO of Pega Systems, shares insights from the software front, and Seth Goldstein of Morningstar Research looks ahead to Tesla earnings and what they’ll reveal about the state of innovation and risk-taking in today’s market. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for info...
2025-10-2143 min
Today in TechPega’s Alan Trefler: Why most AI projects fail | Ep. 246Artificial intelligence is powerful, but are businesses using it the wrong way? In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw sits down with Alan Trefler, Founder and CEO of Pega, to discuss why so many AI projects are failing and how companies can still unlock real value from generative AI and agentic AI.
Alan shares why organizations confuse design-time AI (for creativity and planning) with run-time AI (for execution and reliability), and why that mistake leads to unscalable, risky, and sometimes embarrassing outcomes. From failed AI pilots to the hype around agents, Alan breaks down:
2025-09-1638 min
C-Speak: The Language of ExecutivesPegasystems CEO Alan Trefler on technology transitions and using chess to navigate business strategiesBy PNC BankSubscribe to C-Speak so you never miss an episode. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.On this episode of PNC C-Speak, Alan Trefler, founder and CEO of Pegasystems, joins to discuss his entrepreneurial journey that led to a billion-dollar company. He shares the importance of fostering curiosity in business, managing technological transitions and the impact of AI on future business processes. Trefler also touches on his passion for chess — he became a master at age 19 — and his experiences and lessons as the son of a Holoc...
2025-08-2725 min
Targeting AITech pioneer Alan Trefler of Pegasystems: GenAI added creativity, speed and scale to workflowsIn this episode of the Targeting AI podcast, Shaun Sutner and Esther Ajao interview Alan Trefler, founder and CEO of Pegasystems, discussing the evolution of AI technology, particularly generative AI, and its integration into business processes. Trefler shares insights on the differences between design time and runtime applications of AI, the importance of workflow engines, and the challenges of AI safety and reliability. He emphasizes the need for collaboration between AI and human expertise, and outlines Pegasystems' roadmap for effectively using AI in business process automation and legacy transformation.
Featuring: Alan Trefler, founder and CEO, Pegasystems.
2025-06-1733 minTargeting AITech pioneer Alan Trefler of Pegasystems: GenAI added creativity, speed and scale to workflowsIn this episode of the Targeting AI podcast, Shaun Sutner and Esther Ajao interview Alan Trefler, founder and CEO of Pegasystems, discussing the evolution of AI technology, particularly generative AI, and its integration into business processes. Trefler shares insights on the differences between design time and runtime applications of AI, the importance of workflow engines, and the challenges of AI safety and reliability. He emphasizes the need for collaboration between AI and human expertise, and outlines Pegasystems' roadmap for effectively using AI in business process automation and legacy transformation.
Featuring: Alan Trefler, founder and CEO, Pegasystems.
2025-06-1733 min
Tech DisruptorsPegasystems CEO on Rebuilding Workflows With AIEnterprise software is evolving as generative AI enables smarter ways to build and run business processes. In this Tech Disruptors episode, Bloomberg Intelligence senior analyst Sunil Rajgopal speaks with Pegasystems CEO Alan Trefler on how tools like Blueprint and agentic workflows help modernize legacy systems and boost productivity. They discuss the company’s recurring software-as-a-service revenue, customer verticals and how its low-code roots power its AI strategy. Trefler also shares his views on the evolving competitive landscape, future product strategy, and scale ambitions.
2025-06-1047 min
Tech TalksAI, Agents & Chess Moves: Rethinking Business with Alan TreflerIn this episode, David Savage is joined by Alan Trefler, founder and CEO of Pegasystems. With over four decades of leadership at the helm of a billion-dollar software company, Alan offers a rare combination of deep technical insight and strategic foresight. They discuss the evolving landscape of AI—from statistical models to generative agents—and what it really takes to deliver ROI, resilience, and reliable transformation. Alan also shares bold leadership lessons and his unfiltered take on tech hype.Tech Talks is powered by Nash Squared, the leading global provider of technology and talent solu...
2025-04-3026 minTech TalksAI, Agents & Chess Moves: Rethinking Business with Alan TreflerIn this episode, David Savage is joined by Alan Trefler, founder and CEO of Pegasystems. With over four decades of leadership at the helm of a billion-dollar software company, Alan offers a rare combination of deep technical insight and strategic foresight. They discuss the evolving landscape of AI—from statistical models to generative agents—and what it really takes to deliver ROI, resilience, and reliable transformation. Alan also shares bold leadership lessons and his unfiltered take on tech hype.Tech Talks is powered by Nash Squared, the leading global provider of technology and talent solu...
2025-04-3026 min
Strategic MindsBusiness Checkmate: Techniques from a Chess Master CEOWhat are the business techniques leaders can learn from a Chess Master CEO and how should they be thinking about the future of AI?
In this episode, Rich sits down with Alan Trefler, a chess master and the Founder and CEO of Pegaystems, the Enterprise Transformation Company that helps organizations Build for Change® with enterprise AI decisioning and workflow automation. Alan has earned multiple patents and overseen the expansion of Pega from start-up to a $1.3+ billion, global, public company with about 6,000 employees.
In this episode, he discusses the lessons he has taken from chess into bus...
2025-01-1450 min
Digital Pacemaker#60 Is Human-Centered AI the Future of Business? with Alan Trefler (Founder & CEO, Pegasystems)mit Ulrich Irnich & Markus Kuckertz
Episode 60 explores the potential and challenges of human-centred AI with Alan Trefler, founder and CEO of Pegasystems, a global leader in CRM and business process automation (BPA). Under Alan's leadership, Pegasystems has become a powerhouse serving some of the world's largest organisations by streamlining operations and improving customer experiences through AI-driven platforms.
Alan joins Uli and Markus to discuss what it really means to put people at the centre of AI, and how it is reshaping the relationship between technology and people. As organisations deepen their AI integration, the conversation explores how...
2024-11-1239 min
Low Down on Low-CodePega Founder & CEO, Alan TreflerIn this episode of Lowdown on Lowcode, hosts Francis Carden and Rob Koplowitz engage with Alan Trefler, Founder & CEO of Pegasystems, discussing the evolution and significance of low code and no code development. They explore Alan's journey into technology, the importance of modeling in software development, and the challenges posed by legacy systems. The conversation highlights the role of AI in modernizing applications and introduces Pega's innovative Launchpad, which aims to simplify application development for a broader range of users.Takeaways• Low code is gaining traction due to frustrations with legacy systems.• Model-driven development is key...
2024-11-0437 min
The Drill DownEp. 248: PegaSystems CEO Alan Trefler, Rivian Automotive, Arista Networks and ARM HoldingsOur big interview with PegaSystems CEO Alan Trefler (PEGA). AlsoRivian Automotive (RIVN) takes a fast walk down a short pier, Arista Networks (ANET) targets Cisco (CSCO), and ARM Holdings (ARM) leans on mobile as it plots for #AI.https://linktr.ee/drilldownpodFuturum’s The Drill Down with Cory Johnson offers a weekly look at the business stories behind stocks on the move. It’s business news for business people. Every episode of The Drill Down offers...
2024-05-1430 min
Zinnov PodcastAI Mixtape: Insights from C-Suite TechnologistsIn this special episode of the Zinnov Podcast, we’ve curated a mix tape of invaluable insights on AI from leaders across organizations like Microsoft, PTC, Pegasystems, and others.
Gain a nuanced perspective on AI’s current capabilities from those at the forefront. Understand the tangible use cases already transforming sectors like healthcare through advanced predictive analytics and enhanced diagnostics. However, the discussion delves beyond the buzzwords. These leaders provide a balanced view by addressing the complex challenges surrounding AI, including workforce displacement, data privacy concerns, and finding the right human-AI balance.
For businesses navigating AI’s...
2024-03-2209 min
Zinnov PodcastThe Power of the Brain in the Autonomous EnterpriseThe ‘centralized brain’ in the context of an Autonomous Enterprise refers to a centralized system or platform that serves as the core intelligence and decision-making hub for the organization. It draws inspiration from the human brain, which acts as the central command center for processing information, making decisions, and coordinating various functions.
In the context of an Autonomous Enterprise, the centralized brain typically involves leveraging advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Data Analytics to collect, process, and analyze vast amounts of data from various sources. But what is the importance of a cent...
2023-05-2626 min
InfosysTrailblazers Talk with Alan Trefler, Founder and CEO, PegasystemsRavi Kumar S., President, Infosys, in conversation with Alan Trefler, Founder and CEO, Pegasystems, discussing the way forward for enterprise software and democratization of skills needed to scale & industrialize applied AI in enterprises.
2021-07-2814 min
Hired!The King's Gambit: From Child Chess Champ to Business BillionaireThis week, Liz is joined by CEO and Founder of Pegasystems Alan Trefler who shares his journey from ordinary suburban kid in Massachusetts to world-renowned chess player by age 19, to now, more than 40 years later, a multi-billionaire dollar software company creator.
Alan details his not-so-glamorous introduction into the business world after turning down admission to Stanford University Business School. He also explains how his father inspired him to be humble, hungry and people smart.
Follow Liz on Twitter: @LizClaman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2021-06-2234 minEveryone Talks To Liz ClamanThe King's Gambit: From Child Chess Champ to Business BillionaireThis week, Liz is joined by CEO and Founder of Pegasystems Alan Trefler who shares his journey from ordinary suburban kid in Massachusetts to world-renowned chess player by age 19, to now, more than 40 years later, a multi-billionaire dollar software company creator.
Alan details his not-so-glamorous introduction into the business world after turning down admission to Stanford University Business School. He also explains how his father inspired him to be humble, hungry and people smart.
Follow Liz on Twitter: @LizClaman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2021-06-2234 min
Futurum Tech WebcastThe Pandemic is a Catalyst a Lot of Businesses Needed — It's Time for a Massive RethinkLeading tech analysts from Futurum Research offer weekly deep dives on the latest in tech news, new products and services, mergers, earnings, regulations, and more, from startups to industry leaders, emerging tech and what's ahead for industries across the globe, along with interviews with tech industry leaders and experts. In this episode of the Futurum Tech Podcast, Interview Series, I'm joined by Don Schuerman, the CTO of Pega, a leader in software for customer engagement and intelligent automation, for a conversation about how the COVID-19 pandemic is perhaps a catalyst that a lot of businesses needed right...
2020-05-1819 min
Banking Transformed with Jim MarousCurrent State of Digital Banking TransformationDigital Banking Report has just released a study on the current state of digital transformation in the banking industry. This research not only looks at the digital transformation maturity of banking today, but also the components of digital transformation leader organizations. The research found that there is still more hype than reality when we look at the progress of digital transformation in banking. While the focus in on improving the customer experience, few organizations have leveraged intelligent technologies to deliver on this mission. To discuss this research report and the implications of...
2020-01-2132 min
Punk CX: Customer Experience Insights with Adrian SwinscoeBusiness needs to be agile and customer centric if it is to avoid the coming customerpocalypse - Interview with Alan Trefler, CEO of PegasystemsToday’s interview is with Alan Trefler, who is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pegasystems, the publicly traded American software company which has several products that focus on customer service and predictive analytics. Alan joins me today to talk about his new book: Build For Change, which argues for a complete overhaul of how businesses think about and use technology to create customer-centric organizations.
This interview follows on from my recent interview: Successful innovation doesn’t have to involve a massive breakthrough in technology – Interview with Adrian Collins of bac< >
2020-01-0517 minPunk CX: Customer Experience Insights with Adrian SwinscoeBig and little data, building trust and B2B marketing - Interview with Charlie Peters of EmersonToday’s interview is with Charlie Peters, who is Senior Executive Vice President of Emerson, a diversified global manufacturing and technology company that is working to solve the world’s most complex engineering challenges. Emerson has a market capitalisation of $45 billion, approximately 135,000 employees and 235 manufacturing locations worldwide.
Charlie is a 40+ year veteran of Emerson and his main responsibility is to develop innovative global business models that build the company’s capabilities and create added value for Emerson’s customers. Commonly known as Emerson’s “innovation guru”, this is the second time Charlie has joined me on the podcast. First...
2020-01-0532 min
Leadership, Brand Strategy & Transformation - Minter DialoguePutting Empathy into Your Business and AI with Alan Trefler, CEO of PegasystemsMinter Dialogue #354Alan Trefler, founder and CEO of the publicly traded Pegasystems, a leader in cloud software for customer engagement and operational excellence, which he founded in 1983. In this podcast with Alan, we discuss the founder story, Pega's mission, the state of AI, Pega's focus on empathy in its CRM solution, the challenges of measuring empathy and the transformation path that Pega is leading its clients on. If you've got comments or questions you'd like to see answered, send your email or audio file to nminterdial@gmail.com; or you c...
2020-01-0536 min
The Future Of Work With Jacob MorganChess Master And CEO Gives His Take On The Skills Gap, The Future Of Leadership, Universal Basic Income And Much MoreAlan Trefler founded Pegasystems and as CEO has built the company into a $750 million provider of customer engagement solutions with 4,000+ employees based in Boston with 30 global offices, growing about 20 percent annually. Trefler’s life’s work has been to design a platform for living applications that businesspeople can evolve to manage the constant disruption and change in today’s customer-centric economy. Trefler’s book, Build for Change, describes a new generation of customers with unprecedented power to make or break brands and changes businesses must embrace to succeed. Pegasystems (aka Pega) is the leader in cloud so...
2018-04-301h 06Future Ready Leadership With Jacob MorganChess Master And CEO Gives His Take On The Skills Gap, The Future Of Leadership, Universal Basic Income And Much MoreAlan Trefler founded Pegasystems and as CEO has built the company into a $750 million provider of customer engagement solutions with 4,000+ employees based in Boston with 30 global offices, growing about 20 percent annually. Trefler’s life’s work has been to design a platform for living applications that businesspeople can evolve to manage the constant disruption and change in today’s customer-centric economy. Trefler’s book, Build for Change, describes a new generation of customers with unprecedented power to make or break brands and changes businesses must embrace to succeed. Pegasystems (aka Pega) is the leader in cloud so...
2018-04-301h 06
Renegade Marketers UniteBuilding Your CEO RelationshipIf your own CEO is skeptical about your marketing strategy, chances are you'll run into problems internally and externally. To operate more effectively and with the board's full support, you need to fully understand the data and communicate it honestly. Few professionals understand the importance of the CEO-CMO relationship as well as Alan Trefler—founder, CEO, and chairman of Pegasystems. Listen now for Alan's take on building a stronger rapport with your superiors, maintaining customer satisfaction, and working as a student of business. Alan Trefler is a visionary change-agent, innovative philanthropist, and trusted advisor to business leaders ar...
2017-10-2038 min
SMACtalkThe Failures and Successes of Enterprise Software with Pega CEO Alan TreflerIn this week's episode of SMACtalk, hosts Brian Fanzo and Daniel Newman had the opportunity to speak with Pega CEO, Alan Trefler. Known for his "Pull no punches" approach to business, Alan makes for the perfect "SMAC" guest because he's going to take questions head on and leave the audience wanting more. At Pegaworld, we found out that Mr. Trefler isn't only the CEO at Pega, he is also a chess master who can engage in 20 simultaneous chess matches while enjoying a beer and having a chat with his customer and partner community. Impressive Alan! In this...
2017-06-3031 min
Market Edge with Larry WeberThe Future of Marketing Software with Alan TreflerDiscussion on The Future of Marketing Software as Larry speaks with Alan Trefler,the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pegasystems.Pegasystems counts JP Morgan and Standard Chartered among their clientele.Related articles across the webPegasystems Founder Becomes Billionaire as Stock SurgesMarketing and Marketing Automation with Sanjay DholakiaMarketing to Eastern and Western Hemisphere MarketsInteractive Marketing with Mark KvammeAgencies and Google with Torrence BooneSilicon Valley's app culture eroding US ability to make serious softwareBig Data and Data Sharing with Jeff JonasPegasystems CEO Alan...
2014-04-1537 min