Process Transformers – Details, episodes & analysis

Join us in this episode with Salman Azhar as he unpacks how money really moves in the age of AI, from seed bets to the quiet mid-stage crunch. Discover what serious investors look for in AI startups, why problem-space matters more than buzzwords, and what corporate leaders can learn about capital allocation and incentives.

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AI innovation doesn’t happen on code alone; it runs on capital. In this episode, Lukas Egger talks with Salman Azhar about what really happens “where the money meets the models.” They walk through the lifecycle of an AI company, from risky angel and seed checks to the Series A/B bottleneck and eventual exits. Salman explains why he prioritizes high-value problem spaces and defensible IP over flashy founders and AI-heavy pitches. Hear how AI is transforming venture work at the top of the funnel, while still falling short on trustworthy probabilities. The conversation zooms out to a liquidity crunch, IPOs “queued like planes after a storm,” and too much money chasing a few household AI names while real applications go underfunded.

For corporate innovators, Salman’s takeaway is clear: align incentives with upside, kill weak ideas early, and treat internal ventures more like startups where compensation and consequences track real value creation.

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Guest: Salman Azhar, Azimuth Opportunity Fund & Duke University

Dr. Salman Azhar has unique access in the venture world after investing in 250+ startups over 20+ years and generating a positive return with his first 12 exits. He specializes in buying pre-IPO unicorns’ shares from early investors.

Dr. Azhar is a General Partner of Azimuth Opportunity Fund and Executive in Residence at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He is a Charter Life Member of OPEN Global and an advisor to several funds, including Quartus, Moment, and Regiment. His former business partners and clients include Toyota, Sony, SAP, and others.

Dr. Azhar earned his MS and PhD in Computer Science from Duke as a James B. Duke Fellow and a BS in Math and Physics from Wake Forest University as a Carswell Scholar.

If you want to learn more about:

• Our guest Salman Azhar: LinkedIn
• SAP Signavio

Email us your questions or comments: processtransformers@sap.com

Innovation needs story. In this episode, Lukas Egger and Susan Lindner reveal why storytelling is a survival skill for innovators: turning failure into learning, imagination into possibility, and inertia into action. Explore the tension between “show me the data” and the human emotions that actually drive decisions. Learn to earn buy-in by naming shifts, pointing to winners, and co-creating a promised land your audience cares about. Packed with practical guidance for meetings, presentations, and pilots, this episode shows how to design change journeys that stick, and how AI can accelerate your narrative craft.

Susan Lindner is the Founder and CEO of Innovation Storytellers, a leading innovation storytelling consulting firm. She is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, workshop leader, messaging strategist, storytelling coach, and the world’s leading expert on innovation storytelling.

Susan draws from her initial experiences as an anthropologist and international aid worker in rural Thailand in the 1990s, where she shared stories that helped at-risk populations disproportionately affected by AIDS to slow the virus’ spread. Today, as a 20-year communications expert, she is committed to using those same storytelling skills to inspire innovation leaders everywhere to become incredible storytellers and ensure that their innovations get the resources, runway, and recognition they deserve.

Susan is the host of Innovation Storytellers, a weekly podcast that takes the mystery out of how to communicate breakthrough ideas to the people who matter most. Every week, Susan interviews top global innovation leaders from companies like Amazon, Bloomberg, Cisco, Corning, and Tesla about the stories that moved their innovations past the boardroom, lab, and production line and into our everyday lives.

Susan speaks at global conferences, consulates, and trade organizations. She has worked with C-level leaders and teams from over 60 countries at Fortune 100 companies like GE, Corning, Citi, AT&T, Arm & Hammer on their innovation storytelling strategies. The result? Those innovation leaders become incredible storytellers who go on to change the world. Susan is driven to ensure every breakthrough idea reaches its finish line through powerful stories that connect to every listener and power that brilliant idea forward.

Head of the Innovation Office & Strategic Projects team at SAP Signavio

Lukas leads a team of experts, steering innovation projects. His approach blends a strong technical understanding with a keen eye for product discovery and digital transformation. Lukas regularly contributes to discussions and panels, sharing his perspectives on AI, the digital zeitgeist, and philosophy. Lukas funded multiple startups, published a humorous philosophy book, and received silver screen quotation for special effects work for an animated movie.

If you want to learn more about:

• Our guest: LinkedIn | Innovation Storytellers
• SAP Signavio: www.signavio.com

If you have questions or comments, email: processtransformers@sap.com

Additional downloads:

• Download transcript as PDF file

Curious about how to future-proof your business for the age of generative AI? In this inspiring episode, Lukas Egger delves into the realities of AI’s unpredictable nature and what it means for business processes. Discover why accepting imperfection is key, and learn practical ways to design resilient systems that thrive, even when AI doesn’t always hit the mark. Lukas offers actionable strategies and fresh perspectives on embracing “graceful failures” as a path to lasting innovation. Tune in for a thought-provoking look at narrative AI’s fast-evolving landscape!

Head of the Innovation Office & Strategic Projects team at SAP Signavio

Lukas leads a team of experts, steering innovation projects. His approach blends a strong technical understanding with a keen eye for product discovery and digital transformation. Lukas regularly contributes to discussions and panels, sharing his perspectives on AI, the digital zeitgeist, and philosophy. Lukas funded multiple startups, published a humorous philosophy book, and received silver screen quotation for special effects work for an animated movie.

If you want to learn more about:

• SAP Signavio: https://www.signavio.com

If you have questions or comments, email: processtransformers@sap.com

Additional downloads:

• Download transcript as PDF file

What does it really take to build an adaptive enterprise fit for tomorrow’s business landscape?

In this episode, Lukas Egger welcomes Ross Dawson for a compelling exploration of the future of work, fluid organizations, and the new era of AI-powered value creation. From co-creation with customers to the strategic importance of data, discover how businesses can thrive in a world where change is constant.

Tune in to learn practical concepts like “fluid governance” and why envisioning, not just planning, is the key to transformational success.

Futurist, Entrepreneur, Keynote Speaker, Author, and Founder of AHT Group – Informivity – Bondi Innovation

Ross Dawson is globally recognized as a leading futurist, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and authority on business strategy. He is the Founding Chairman of the Advanced Human Technologies group of companies, including futures consultancy Future Exploration Network.

Strong global demand has seen Ross speak about the future to business and government leaders in over 30 countries across six continents and lead executive education programs at top universities worldwide. He is a best-selling author of five books, most recently Thriving on Overload: The 5 Powers for Success in a World of Exponential Information and has been named one of the world’s top influencers on the future of work.

Ross’s frequent media appearances include CNN, Bloomberg TV, SkyNews, ABC TV, Today and Sunrise shows, Washington Post and many others.

Head of the Innovation Office & Strategic Projects team at SAP Signavio

Lukas leads a team of experts, steering innovation projects. His approach blends a strong technical understanding with a keen eye for product discovery and digital transformation. Lukas regularly contributes to discussions and panels, sharing his perspectives on AI, the digital zeitgeist, and philosophy. Lukas funded multiple startups, published a humorous philosophy book, and received silver screen quotation for special effects work for an animated movie.

If you want to learn more about:

• Our guest – Ross Dawson:  LinkedIn | Humans + AI | Personal Website
• SAP Signavio: https://www.signavio.com

If you have questions or comments, email: processtransformers@sap.com

Additional downloads:

• Download transcript as PDF file

• Process Transformers - SAP Podcasts
• Lukas Egger - SAP Signavio
• Beyza Ketal
• Erica Davis
• Reagan Nyandoro
• Jahanzeb Khan

Are you ready to rethink your approach to business transformation? In this episode, Lukas Egger reveals how generative AI enables organizations to connect diverse data sets, streamline processes, and uncover unique business value. Hear why context-rich, private data is your most important asset in a world where public data has been commoditized. Lukas shares practical strategies and forward-thinking insights on leveraging new AI capabilities, feedback mechanisms, and continuous data management to differentiate and innovate. Listen in to discover actionable ideas that will reshape your perspective on AI and process excellence.

Head of the Innovation Office & Strategic Projects team at SAP Signavio

Lukas leads a team of experts, steering innovation projects. His approach blends a strong technical understanding with a keen eye for product discovery and digital transformation. Lukas regularly contributes to discussions and panels, sharing his perspectives on AI, the digital zeitgeist, and philosophy. Lukas funded multiple startups, published a humorous philosophy book, and received silver screen quotation for special effects work for an animated movie.

If you want to learn more about:

• SAP Signavio: https://www.signavio.com

If you have questions or comments, email: processtransformers@sap.com

Additional downloads:

• Download transcript as PDF file

In this episode, Matt Heinz demystifies the real-world applications of AI, emphasizing its role in augmenting human effort rather than replacing it.

Discover how AI is used today to streamline operations and boost productivity in marketing and sales, and explore what the future holds as AI technologies evolve. Perfect for professionals seeking to integrate AI into their strategies effectively.

Let’s dive right in!

President of Heinz Marketing and the host of Sales Pipeline Radio

Prolific author and nationally recognized, award-winning blogger, Matt is President and Founder of Heinz Marketing with 15+ years of marketing, business development and sales experience from a variety of organizations and industries. He is a dynamic speaker, memorable not only for his keen insight and humour, but his actionable and motivating takeaways.

Matt’s career focuses on consistently delivering measurable results with greater sales, revenue growth, product success and customer loyalty. He has helped organizations such as Amazon, Seagate, Morgan Stanley, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and many others create predictable, repeatable sales & marketing engines to fuel growth.

Head of the Innovation Office & Strategic Projects team at SAP Signavio

Lukas leads a team of experts, steering innovation projects. His approach blends a strong technical understanding with a keen eye for product discovery and digital transformation. Lukas regularly contributes to discussions and panels, sharing his perspectives on AI, the digital zeitgeist, and philosophy. Lukas funded multiple startups, published a humorous philosophy book, and received silver screen quotation for special effects work for an animated movie.

If you want to learn more about:

• Our guest: Matt Heinz | LinkedIn, Matt Heinz | X
• Heinz Marketing
• SAP Signavio: https://www.signavio.com

If you have questions or comments, email: processtransformers@sap.com

Additional downloads:

• Download transcript as PDF file

Join us in a transformative discussion with Tony Ulwick, who shares his expert insights on mastering innovation in the AI-driven world. Discover the importance of focusing on what customers truly need and how this can set your product apart. Explore the critical mindset shift from product features to job satisfaction, which could be the key to your next breakthrough. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone passionate about making a mark with innovation.

Tony is the pioneer of Jobs-to-be-Done Theory and the inventor of Outcome-Driven Innovation® (ODI), a powerful strategy and innovation process with a documented success rate that is 5-times the industry average. Tony has been granted 12 patents for his game-changing innovation practices, which result in products that help customers get a “job” done better.

Philip Kotler, S. C. Johnson Distinguished Professor of International Marketing at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University says, “I call Ulwick the Deming of Innovation because, more than anyone else, Tony has turned innovation into a science.”

The late Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen said, “Ulwick’s outcome-driven programs bring discipline and predictability to the often random process of innovation.”

Tony began his career with IBM’s PC division in 1981. Witnessing the failure of the PCjr, Tony was inspired to develop a better approach to innovation. Since founding the innovation consultancy Strategyn in 1991, he and his global team of ODI practitioners have led strategy engagements with over one-third of the Fortune 100, helping them generate billions of dollars in revenue growth. 

In 2002, Tony introduced Harvard Business Review readers to ODI in the article Turn Customer Input into Innovation. HBR recognized ODI as one of the best business ideas of the year, declaring it one of “the ideas that will profoundly affect business as we forge ahead in today’s complex times.” 

Tony is the author of the original Jobs-to-be-Done book, What Customers Want, his recent release, JOBS TO BE DONE: Theory to Practice, and additional articles on ODI published in HBR and MIT Sloan Management Review. Through his involvement in hundreds of innovation initiatives, Tony has helped companies reinvent underperforming products, create new business models, and build and implement company-wide innovation programs. His work is cited in hundreds of publications. 

As an innovation thought leader, inventor, author and speaker, Tony Ulwick has changed the way academics and executives alike think about strategy and innovation.

Head of the Innovation Office & Strategic Projects team at SAP Signavio

Lukas leads a team of experts, steering innovation projects. His approach blends a strong technical understanding with a keen eye for product discovery and digital transformation. Lukas regularly contributes to discussions and panels, sharing his perspectives on AI, the digital zeitgeist, and philosophy. Lukas funded multiple startups, published a humorous philosophy book, and received silver screen quotation for special effects work for an animated movie.

If you want to learn more about:

• Our guest: Tony Ulwick | LinkedIn
• Strategyn
• Jobs to Be Done
• SAP Signavio: https://www.signavio.com

If you have questions or comments, email: processtransformers@sap.com

Additional downloads:

• Download transcript as PDF file

Join us in this episode to engage with the thought-provoking theme of AI’s disruption of content creation as Lukas Egger elucidates its impact on business trust.

Understand the transformation from a content-driven to a trust-driven market and grasp how leading businesses are leveraging trust as their currency of choice.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to navigate through the evolving challenges and opportunities presented by AI.

Head of the Innovation Office & Strategic Projects team at SAP Signavio

Lukas leads a team of experts, steering innovation projects. His approach blends a strong technical understanding with a keen eye for product discovery and digital transformation. Lukas regularly contributes to discussions and panels, sharing his perspectives on AI, the digital zeitgeist, and philosophy. Lukas funded multiple startups, published a humorous philosophy book, and received silver screen quotation for special effects work for an animated movie.

If you want to learn more about:

• SAP Signavio: https://www.signavio.com

If you have questions or comments, email: processtransformers@sap.com

Additional downloads:

• Download transcript as PDF file

In this thought-provoking episode, Alvin Foo enlightens us on integrating AI with business processes.

Discover the transformative power of detachment from outcomes while focusing on the purpose. Alvin shares his unique insights on maintaining motivation and happiness over extended periods, a vital lesson for innovators and business leaders navigating today’s technological advancements.

Let’s dive right in!

Venture Partner, Co-Founder, Advisors & Mentors | ex-Google | AI | Fintech | Web3

Alvin Foo is the Managing Partner at Chain Valley Capital and a co-founder of NASDEX, a tokenized assets trading platform. Previously, he led strategy at Airwave China, the innovation and mobility business unit within Omnicom Media Group, where he was responsible to drive and integrate mobile strategy and innovation for all OMG’s blue chip clients.

In the 13 years prior, Alvin had held various leadership roles with other technology & media companies including Nokia and had also started his own technology startup back in 1997 and his startup was listed as one of the Fast 500 companies in APAC for 3 consecutive years by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.

Head of the Innovation Office & Strategic Projects team at SAP Signavio

Lukas leads a team of experts, steering innovation projects. His approach blends a strong technical understanding with a keen eye for product discovery and digital transformation. Lukas regularly contributes to discussions and panels, sharing his perspectives on AI, the digital zeitgeist, and philosophy. Lukas funded multiple startups, published a humorous philosophy book, and received silver screen quotation for special effects work for an animated movie.

If you want to learn more about:

• Our guest: Alvin Foo | LinkedIn, Alvin Foo | Instagram, Alvin Foo | X
• Nasdex: Nasdex
• SAP Signavio: https://www.signavio.com

If you have questions or comments, email: processtransformers@sap.com

Additional downloads:

• Download transcript as PDF file

Join us on this episode with Nikki Helmer as we explore the critical intersection of AI, skills, and learning. Uncover how AI is revolutionizing the future of learning and why embracing a skills-based approach is essential for business differentiation. This episode promises to ignite your understanding and inspire actionable insights into adapting and thriving in an AI-driven world. Don’t miss out on learning why being skills-based is the future of business success!”

Nicole Helmer is the Chief Product Officer at Degreed, leading the evolution of enterprise learning with a skills-first, AI-powered approach. She is driving Degreed’s vision to personalize learning, measure impact, and scale with AI—ensuring organizations can anticipate and adapt to change, not just react to it.

Before Degreed, Nicole was VP of Learning & Development at SAP, where she led skill development for over 100,000 employees and spearheaded SAP’s transformation into a skills-based organization. She built foundational systems for skills measurement, taxonomy, and job architecture. This work earned SAP recognition as a skills lighthouse company by the World Economic Forum in 2024.

Nicole believes that the biggest threat to enterprises isn’t technology, it’s the inability to evolve fast enough. Skills intelligence is the key to staying ahead. She champions the use of AI to make learning more actionable, adaptive, and deeply personalized, turning skills from a concept into a competitive advantage.

Head of the Innovation Office & Strategic Projects team at SAP Signavio

Lukas leads a team of experts, steering innovation projects. His approach blends a strong technical understanding with a keen eye for product discovery and digital transformation. Lukas regularly contributes to discussions and panels, sharing his perspectives on AI, the digital zeitgeist, and philosophy. Lukas funded multiple startups, published a humorous philosophy book, and received silver screen quotation for special effects work for an animated movie.

If you want to learn more about:

• Our guest: Nicole Helmer | LinkedIn
• SAP Signavio: https://www.signavio.com

If you have questions or comments, email: processtransformers@sap.com

Additional downloads:

• Download transcript as PDF file