From Corporate to Startup: Executing Innovation with Renee Gregor

Welcome to Heartbeat: Tactical Insights for CIOs. In this episode, we sit down with Renee Gregor, COO of Park Pro, to explore what it really takes to drive innovation beyond just technology—and why execution matters more than buzzwords.

With 15+ years of experience in client strategy, working with brands like Macy’s, BMW, Ralph Lauren, and Coca-Cola, Renee brings a unique perspective on translating big-company strategies into startup agility. She shares firsthand lessons on navigating the shift from corporate to startup environments, breaking rigid processes, and building a culture that thrives on execution.

We cover some must-know insights for CIOs and COOs in 2025, including:

🚀 Why digital transformation fails without cultural alignment

🔄 How AI and ‘systems thinking’ are reshaping execution strategies

📉 What CIOs can learn from Kodak’s infamous downfall

⚡ Why traditional consulting models are broken—and what works instead

📊 Practical ways to ‘fail forward’ and make meetings actually productive

Whether you're leading change at a Fortune 500 company or scaling a startup, this conversation is packed with real-world tactics you can apply today. Let’s dive in.