Hello everybody, I’m Chet Kapoor, Chairman & CEO of DataStax, and this is the Inspired Execution podcast.

You’re listening to my very first episode. In fact, we call it episode zero.

I have had the great privilege to get to know many technology leaders from the world's most recognized brands, who are helping transform their businesses.

They are truly at the forefront of innovation. 

Not only have I met them, I've been fortunate enough to build a relationship with them and learn a lot from them.

I am truly inspired by them. 

I wanted to find a way to make this available to the next generation of leaders. Leaders who are inspired to learn. Inspired to try something different. And above all inspired to execute. Hence the name of the podcast - Inspired Execution.

You will hear their stories, their perspectives, and they will tell you what they wish they could've told a younger version of themselves, and much much more. 

Leadership for me is all about “Inspired Execution.”

The guiding principles of great leaders are that they believe, they inspire, and they execute.

I have always drawn inspiration from a quote by Warren Bennis and James O’Toole who said, “Real leaders, in a phrase, move the human heart.”

The best leaders inspire people to execute by moving their hearts and aligning them to something that is far bigger than their job-- far bigger than who they are. It’s about being on a mission.

No matter where you are in your career -- whether it’s leading teams or being an individual contributor - the only way to succeed in a mission is to commit from your heart. 

I believe great leaders operate at all levels, inspire teams, and move the human heart.

They give context, and not exercise control by staying connected to the details and operate at all levels.

They inspire teams. It’s not about titles and org charts - it’s about earning trust and making people better. 

Lastly, they move the human heart. They provide meaning, energize people, and push them to meet challenging goals - ultimately driving execution and results.

It’s a big world out there, and many of these leaders have traveled it. 

My guests on this podcast are bold, they’re brilliant, and not afraid of change. 

You will hear about their path to success in scaling up multi-billion dollar businesses, their experiences along the way, and the mentors that played a role in their growth. 

Despite many conversations with these leaders, I continue to learn something new in each episode. And you will notice it.

My guests continue to inspire me with their journeys, lessons learned, and their vision for the future. 

I encourage you to listen and to listen again. 

Ultimately, we hope to share how we believe. How we inspire. And how we execute.

We’re hoping that you follow-along and feel inspired on your journey to success.

Thank you.