Future Back Drinking with Dr. Athina Kanioura

Renowned researcher, author, and Nielsen Norman Group co-founder Don Norman joins Dr. Athina Kanioura and co-host Priyanka Aribindi to discuss how design must adapt in the age of AI. Norman shares insights from his journey - starting with coining the term “user experience” at Apple to his current advocacy for humanity-centered design, an approach that reaches beyond products to influence organizations, policy, and the planet. Together, they explore how designers can shift from focusing on aesthetics to embracing systems thinking, why cross-disciplinary collaboration is vital, and how AI can enhance, rather than replace, human creativity and purpose.

In this episode of Future Back Drinking, Dr. Athina Kanioura and co-host Priyanka Aribindi sit down with Ravi Kumar, CEO of Cognizant and one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in AI, to explore how technology is reshaping the very fabric of work. Ravi shares his vision for a future where AI acts not as a replacement but as an equalizer, a tool that amplifies human potential, sparks innovation, and creates new pathways for lifelong learning. Together, they discuss the rise of “agentic capital,” the growing value of non-STEM and interdisciplinary skills, and why agility, curiosity, and continuous learning will define the next generation of leaders.

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Future Back Drinking! 

As we wrapped our first season, there was one last conversation we couldn’t keep to ourselves. On this episode, host Dr. Athina Kanioura sits down with Marc Benioff, Chair, CEO, and Co-Founder of Salesforce, and the owner of TIME. Marc has not only shaped the modern cloud landscape but has redefined what it means to lead with purpose in an age of relentless technological change.

In this dynamic discussion, they unpack the potential of agentic AI, Salesforce’s bold new Agentforce platform, what it takes to build (and maintain) trust, and why corporate philanthropy should be baked into every business model from day one. Marc also shares how AI is transforming decision-making at Salesforce, and why he believes the company’s most exciting chapter is just beginning. Tune in for an honest, future-facing conversation with one of tech’s boldest innovators - and a deeper look at how vision, values, and AI are reshaping the enterprise landscape.

In the Season One finale of Future Back Drinking, Dr. Athina Kanioura sits down with Becky Frankiewicz, Chief Commercial Officer and President of ManpowerGroup North America, for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of work. Becky shares how growing up in a small Texas town shaped her deep commitment to making work meaningful, valuable, and rooted in integrity. Together, she and Athina explore the critical role of reskilling and upskilling in an AI-driven world, the power of human-centric technology, and what it takes to build an innovative, future-ready workforce. Don’t miss this powerful season finale!