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Joe Depa

Global Chief Innovation OfficerEY

Atlanta, GA

Skills

Innovation & Growth
Artificial Intelligence
Big Data

About

As Global Chief Innovation Officer at EY, we empower our teams to embed practical applications of emerging technology, data, and next generation AI to drive value internally and for clients. In this role, I also oversee our Global Data Office with a focus on enabling the responsible use of AI ready data for EY and our clients. Formerly, as a Senior Managing Director and Global Lead for Data & AI at Accenture, we built a 5,000-strong team of AI strategists and data scientists, leading transformative board-level initiatives across industries. Previously, as Global Chief Data & AI Officer at Emory University and Emory Healthcare, we advanced responsible AI governance, scaled Epic data and AI adoption by 400% in six months, and launched an AI governance program aligned with the White House AI safety initiative. We also worked on large language models that integrated health research into clinical care. I’m passionate about advancing precision medicine and childhood cancer research, and have served as a board member and advocate for organizations driving these efforts and have been recognized as a Top 50 Global Leader by World Summit AI and received Fast Company’s “World Changing Idea” award.

Published content

18 leaders share their take on the pace of technological change

expert panel

Some executives are energized while others are cautious, but all agree that adapting to rapid innovation is essential to thriving in today's marketplace. The world is moving faster than ever, and technological innovation is at the center of it all. From generative AI to data-driven automation, change is happening at lightning speed—and business leaders are faced with a choice: embrace it, resist it, or try to strike a balance. Below, 18 Fast Company Executive Board members share how they really feel about the current pace of tech change, and what it means for their industries, their teams, and their leadership mindset.

15 potential pitfalls to eliminate from the innovation process

expert panel

A successful product launch doesn't happen overnight. Take the time to get it right. In today's fast-moving world, it takes a spark of creativity to develop a unique product or service that will have a profound impact in the marketplace. But without a clear vision and structured path to take an idea from inception to execution, it won't make it across the finish line. However, breaking down the innovation process into manageable stages can help companies systematically develop solutions that address real-world pain points and create true value for every stakeholder involved. Here, 15 leading experts from Fast Company Executive Board each list the common mistakes some companies make when trying to innovate, and why these practices should be avoided.

20 strategies to address today's complex business challenges

expert panel

Apply these creative steps to find a resolution when the status quo doesn't cut it. In an era where complex business challenges often defy conventional solutions, leaders must think outside their comfort zones and consider alternative approaches to overcome their business obstacles. By fostering a mindset that embraces ambiguity and encourages experimentation, they can unlock innovative solutions to problems that don't fit the mold.  Here, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members offer insight to help other leaders become more creative in addressing problems that require more than a standard answer.

17 essential insights for biz leaders on AI adoption and cyber risk

expert panel

The faster your organization adopts AI, the more important it becomes to understand—and proactively manage—the cybersecurity risks that come with it. AI is moving quickly from experimentation to core business operations, but that speed brings a new layer of security concerns. From data exposure to adversarial attacks, the risks tied to AI are evolving just as fast as the technologies themselves. If you're leading AI initiatives, it's critical to understand where the vulnerabilities lie and how they could impact your business. To help, Fast Company Executive Board members outline the key cybersecurity risks that come with rapid AI adoption, along with practical steps you can take to reduce exposure.

The future of leadership: unlocking business innovation and growth

expert panel

10 leadership skills that are must-haves in today's AI age. With the growing AI-driven business landscape, it's becoming even more essential for company leaders to harness these new systems of creativity and operational processes through a human-centered lens that keeps the customer experience at the forefront while allowing for ethical decisions.  Leaders who embrace this mindset are not only prepared for change but are actively seeking it. But success in today's modern work environment isn't just about "thinking" ahead—it's also about being willing to pursue a different approach to problem-solving and staying flexible in the face of challenges. Here, 10 experts from Fast Company Executive Board offer their thought leadership on the traits that are the most valuable to demonstrate in a world increasingly shaped by AI.

The generative AI honeymoon is over: What leaders must do now

article

The GenAI honeymoon is over. Here are three critical strategies for success in this new era of technological change.

Company details

EY

Company bio

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society, the planet, while building trust in the capital markets. Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow. EY teams in more than 150 countries work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions, strengthened by sector experience and diverse ecosystem partners.

Industry

Technology

Area of focus

Information Technology
Financial Services

Company size

10,001 plus