Radha Iyengar Plumb

Wildcard
DISC Type : isc

Vice President AI-First Transformation at IBM

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Overview

Radha Iyengar Plumb is an AI Leader at IBM, specializing in AI-First Transformation, embedding AI, automation, and hybrid cloud capabilities across global organizations. She holds a PhD in Economics from Princeton University.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Radha co-hosts the "Sirens" podcast, focusing on current events and policy. She also contributes as a Senior Fellow at the Wharton Accountable AI Lab.

She previously served as the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer at the U. S. Department of Defense.

Personality Overview

Curious But Skeptical

Requires Proof

ROI Driven

They are unlikely to ever become strong champions even when the conversations are going well; you should focus on cultivating other champions  They typically tend to be late adopters even when they seem friendly and excited about what you have to sell They are often friendly and nice, but can sometimes suprise you with their piercing questions

Topics They Care About

AI Transformation
As VP of AI-First Transformation at IBM, she is focused on embedding AI and automation throughout global organizations and with clients.
Accountable AI
She is a Senior Fellow at the Wharton Accountable AI Lab, indicating a strong interest in ethical and responsible AI development.
National Security Policy
Her past roles at the U. S. Department of Defense and co-hosting the "Sirens" podcast demonstrate a strong interest in national security and policy discussions.

Media Appearances

Former DOD CDAO Radha Plumb Joins IBM to Lead 'AI‑First Transformation'. Featured in CDO Magazine

See Now

Work History

7-2025
Vice President AI-First Transformation at IBM
3-2025
Senior Fellow, Wharton Accountable AI Lab & Distinguished Visiting Fellow, Perry World House at University of Pennsylvania
4-2024 - 1-2025
Chief Digital and Artificial intelligence Officer at United States Department of Defense
4-2023 - 4-2024
Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment at United States Department of Defense
10-2022 - 4-2023
Senior Advisor/Deputy Director (Acting) of Administration & Management at United States Department of Defense

Education

1998 - 2002
BS from Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2002 - 2006
PhD from Princeton University

More Information

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Exp : 19 Location : Washington, District of Columbia, United States Job Level : Senior Designation : Vice President AI-First Transformation at IBM
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Insights For Selling To Radha

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Persuade objectively how your product will help them achieve their goals
  • Use phrases like ‘clear proof that’, ‘data shows’ etc.
  • Help them understand the risk aspect fully while inspiring confidence

DONT's

  • Avoid winging it with them particularly, answer a question only if you know the answer well
  • Avoid phrases like ‘trust me’, ‘you will just love it’ etc.
  • Don't ask them to move fast, let them take their time and digest all the information

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Radha is

  • Clear proof of product value matters to them, followed by others' testimonials and rapport.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Radha

  • They are likely to give you a clear answer without taking you around in circles. However, if you share a good relationship, they might not be so forthcoming.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Radha move?

  • They like to perform full analysis and can take time to make any decision.
  • Can Radha take some risk or not?

  • They weigh all decisions systematically and are unlikely to take many risks.

You And Radha

Personality Compatibility


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