Making Data Simple The Partner X Factor: What IBM's SVP Kareem Yusuf Knows About Ecosystems That Most Leaders Miss
Today we're joined by Kareem Yusuf, SVP at IBM, where he leads Ecosystem and Strategic Partnerships. His career journey spans IoT, sustainability, and product growth — and it's more diverse than you might expect. In this episode, we dig into the critical thinking behind building successful partnerships, navigating complex tech ecosystems, and what it really takes to prioritize when everything feels urgent.
- 00:00 Introduction
- 01:15 Meet Kareem Yusuf
- 03:44 Best Job Ever
- 08:03 Career Path
- 13:31 The Ecosystem
- 18:20 The Partner "X" Factor
- 21:05 Prioritization
- 23:18 The Ecosystem Dilemma
- 26:17 IBM Differentiation
- 30:13 Modernizing the Mainframe
- 34:50 Exciting Products
- 37:18 Prioritization Revisited
- 38:46 Leadership
- 39:23 Lightning Round
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareemyusuf
Website: https://www.ibm.com/partnerplus
Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.