Doug Johns has spent his career at the forefront of the tech industry—from shaping operations at IBM and Compaq to helping build internet security systems that protected enterprises worldwide. In this Knowledgecast episode, Doug reflects on the rise (and fall) of tech giants, what it takes to scale innovation, and the operational backbone behind industry-changing products.Doug also shares the lessons he’s now passing on as a mentor to CEOs and founders—helping them focus on the important over the urgent, and avoid the pitfalls of distraction in a fast-paced world. From pioneering the Internet of Things with Nivis to understanding what’s really behind AI hype, this episode is a front-row seat to decades of tech wisdom and leadership insight.

“The CEO’s job is to absorb chaos, sort what matters, and execute with focus.”
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Listen now to hear:
- Why Compaq’s culture and strategy disrupted the PC market
-What it was like managing through the dot-com boom and bust
-How Doug helped lead Nivis to acquisition by Honeywell
-What he looks for when mentoring emerging leaders
-His perspective on the real business impact of AI and the future of innovation