Mark S.

CIO AI- Watson Health @ IBM

About

Aligns AI adoption with business goals, improves decision-making, and fosters a culture of innovation. Mark Saymen is a leading expert in AI implementation and enterprise transformation, known for guiding organizations through the complexities of adopting artificial intelligence with purpose and precision. With a background in agile delivery, innovation frameworks, and digital strategy, Mark helps executives and teams harness the power of AI to drive measurable impact. His work focuses on aligning AI adoption with business goals, improving decision-making, and fostering a culture of experimentation, trust, and continuous learning. Mark Saymen, a key figure at Agile Agilist, brings over two decades of hands-on experience in leading large-scale Agile transformations across the world Mark’s Unique Approach to SAFe® Training: Mark Saymen’s SAFe® training goes beyond theory, offering an immersive learning experience that includes real-life stories, scenarios, and examples from his extensive consulting career. His training focuses on not just mastering the material but also applying Agile principles to solve real-world challenges. His engaging, practical coaching style empowers participants to understand how to tackle complex problems in their organizations. With Mark’s hands-on approach, students gain more than just certification—they gain practical tools and actionable strategies that can be immediately implemented to drive Agile transformation. Mark’s training is enriched by his international experience, offering unique insights into both technical and leadership challenges across different industries and cultural contexts. Mark’s proven track record of delivering real-world value through Agile coaching makes him one of the most sought-after SAFe® trainers worldwide. Join one of his classes to unlock the full potential of your team and take your Agile journey to the next level.

Country

City

Canada

Industry

Management Consulting

Skill

IBM Watson, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Ai, RTE Runner, Product Development, Business Agility, Portfolio Management, Coaching & Mentoring, Value Stream Mapping, Job Coaching, Business Strategy, Team Building, Executive Coaching, People Management, Operations Management, Digital Transformation, Strategy, Scaled Agile Framework, Agile Leadership, Scrum

Experience

CIO AI- Watson Health

IBM

2019 - Present · 7 yrs

Watson Embed Program - Responsible for accelerating Watson Al embed across IBM's software portfolio and driving adoption of best in class business systems, Agile and Al Enterprise Design Thinking programs and practices. • Developed and established business systems for Watson Embed Program and the Data and Al Organization • Defined and implemented Watson Embed Program strategy, success criteria, roadmap, business processes and reporting metrics • Defined and established the Watson Embed Program engagement model and standard criteria for business systems or processes on new ways of working to accelerate Watson Al embed into IBM SaaS products • Facilitated Agile and AI Enterprise Design Thinking workshops for IBM program teams, executives and IBM clients • Provided expert guidance and recommendations to IBM clients to help develop their Al strategy and a business systems transformation roadmap to implement successful Al solutions Agile Transformation Program - Responsible for guiding program teams and executive leaders through organizational transformation using expertise in strategic thinking, business systems, Agile, Enterprise Design Thinking, and change management models (i.e. ADKAR), to accelerate transformation programs and embed innovative culture in their DNA (stickiness factor).

Cheif Operation Officer COO- SPCT

Agile Agilist

2019 - Present · 7 yrs

Ontario, Canada

SPCT Enterprise Transformation Consultant and SAFe Trainer

IBM iX

2022 - 2023 · 1 yr

Director Strategic initiatives and Digital Transformation

IBM iX

2017 - 2023 · 6 yrs

Canada

Leading an enthusiastic team focusing on delivering the technology of the future, across all sectors and industry leaders, managing client excellence delivery and new ways of delivery including scaling Agile and DevOps mindset transformation in public (federal and local government) energy, aerospace, telecom, entertainment, financial sector, retail, and manufacturing. Alongside my clients, we continuously contribute to IBM digital transformation in their service offering. Driving a culture of trust, and accountability and establishing an innovation culture.

SAFe® leader and head of Canadian LACE

IBM iX

2016 - 2022 · 6 yrs

Led the coaching and training pillars within large-scale Agile transformations in multiple large Canadian and American clients focused on Agile and Lean principles, frameworks and tools/techniques

Director Delivery - Scaled Agile Transformation - Financial Services

Fujitsu

2015 - 2016 · 1 yr

Toronto, Canada Area

Consult with leadership to maximize the impact of the investment in Scaled Agile practices by establishing organizational best practices, and managing cultural change throughout the project, program, and portfolio levels of the organization

Senior Program Manager - Agile Transformation

Bell

2013 - 2014 · 1 yr

Leading the network of future, Bell Canada's network transformation effort for future sustainability in competitive culture towards software-defined and virtualized infrastructure, leveraging Agile methodologies and continuous improvement; enabling faster time to market, competitive cost structure and improved customer experience, with the goal of delivering increasing customer value, by developing and continuously improving processes that deliver and support new technology and products.