You've Been Heard

Bob Berbeco is the Chief Information Officer at Mahaska Health, leading IT, data science, AI, cybersecurity, and informatics. He's been in healthcare technology for 27 years and holds a Six Sigma Black Belt.For most of that time, Bob operated the way many IT leaders do—shields up, knowledge expert, the guy who does all the talking.Then something shifted.When executives ask him something he doesn't know, the best answer isn't to fake it. It's four words: "I got the lead.""I may not have the answer. That's okay. I got the lead. I will run it to its endpoint, and I'll follow up to make sure it's done."That's all they need to know.In this episode, Bob breaks down his SBAR communication framework (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) that eliminates tech-speak. He shares how he presents 30-60-90 day roadmaps with SWOT analysis—then asks the question most IT leaders skip: "Is there a priority we should probably change?"We get into the label printer story. Nurses were hand-labeling surgical supplies. Printers across units were inconsistent with no standardization. One team member saw the problem, took ownership, talked to technical people, clinical people, providers, even people outside the organization—and got it done. Persistence won.Bob also unpacks why he hires for fire not credentials, how "what you permit, you promote" shapes culture, and why the beginner's mindset beats expertise every time.The biggest struggle for IT? Unlimited demand with limited resources. Bob's answer isn't to be the Department of No. It's to show executives what yes actually costs.

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2025

Ray Martin started his IT career in a basement cage, setting up Blackberries behind a locked door. Ten years later, he's the CTO at Dimeo Construction—and he's survived two ransomware attacks.The first one fractured trust between IT and operations. The second one? Conti demanded $1.2 million in Bitcoin. Ray counter-offered $10K "so I don't have to go through the trouble." They said no. He recovered everything anyway.In this episode, Ray breaks down exactly how his isolated Azure tenant backup strategy saved the company, why your 200+ subcontractors running Gmail are your biggest security vulnerability, and what it took to convince leadership to migrate to the cloud when the Exchange server was down 80% of the time.We also get into real AI use cases in construction—why Procore flipped their agent strategy from 80% vendor-built to 80% customer-built, how to survey your team before rolling out AI policy, and Simon Sinek's take on why blue collar jobs are safe while white collar jobs aren't.Plus: the conspiracy corner, NJ drones, and why every Flat Earth experiment proves the Earth is round.

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ Why 75% of employees are using unapproved AI tools right now ➤ How to consolidate AI usage onto one secure, compliant platform ➤ Live demonstration of no-code agent building for HR, sales, and operations ➤ Real enterprise security: SOC2, ISO 27001, and GDPR compliance explained ➤ Managing AI chat logs and preventing data leaks ➤ Building custom agents that integrate with your existing systems What happens when IT leaders stop fearing employee AI usage and start securing it? In this special live demo episode, Aaron Bailey, General Manager of Devs.ai, tackles the number one concern keeping...

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ The real difference between AI hype and actual enterprise AI adoption ➤ Why most change management initiatives fail (and what to do instead) ➤ How to identify and solve the right problems before executing strategy ➤ The brutal truth about AI’s impact on workforce transformation ➤ Change management frameworks that actually work for AI implementation What happens when you combine change management expertise with real AI adoption strategy? Dima Syrotkin, CEO and Co-founder of Pandatron, helps Fortune 500 companies like Panasonic, Mitsubishi, and KPMG identify genuine AI opportunities and accelerate adoption. But his journey started in...

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ What network aggregation actually means (and why most IT leaders have never heard of it)➤ How to consolidate 50+ circuits onto one invoice with co-terminus contracts➤ Real strategies for 20%+ cost savings while improving service➤ POTS replacement tactics saving thousands monthly➤ The leadership question that gets executive buy-in: “What do we lose by not doing this?” Managing internet circuits across multiple locations feels like herding cats—if the cats all had different phone numbers and billing cycles. Chris Soucie’s spent 20 years at New Horizons Communications, and he’s breaking down the aggregator model most IT leaders don’t...

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ Why most Azure migrations fail before they start—and how to plan properly from day one ➤ The real difference between CSPs who just sell licenses and partners who drive value ➤ How to reduce Azure costs by 80% through proper architecture and licensing optimization ➤ Why IT leaders must learn to ask for help instead of fighting fires alone ➤ Moving from reactive firefighting to strategic business partnership What happens when submarine leadership principles meet cloud infrastructure strategy? At Heliant Technologies, Kenon Bliss leads infrastructure practices across the Microsoft stack, helping organizations navigate the complex world...

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ Why IT presentations lose executives in 30 seconds—and the backward storytelling framework that changes everything ➤ How a CFO cut AWS costs 20% in three weeks through daily DevOps partnership sessions ➤ The Five Boss Model: Why your CFO wants to fund IT projects but can’t understand your proposals ➤ Innovation budget reality: Why 15-20% waste is expected and how to frame experimentation ➤ The Gemba Principle: Japanese leadership concept for IT-business cross-cultural integration ➤ KeyBanc benchmarking system to justify IT spend as percentage of revenue  What happens when a CFO reveals he has five different...

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ The “wedding cake” framework for IT stack management and system lifecycle planning ➤ Why being embedded in every department’s presentation beats having your own slide deck ➤ The change management cycle: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance ➤ Time-Resources-Money triangle: the iron law of ERP implementation ➤ How to select the right ERP tier and avoid the “cement around your ankles” problem James Dean Miller has implemented over 600 ERP projects with a 93% on-time, on-budget success rate. As CIO of Migrate Ammunitions and former co-founder of CSS International, he’s led organizations through Oracle, SAP, and Microsoft...

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ Why IT teams become “the Department of No” and how to transform that culture ➤ The Walsh KPI Framework: 5 metrics that prove IT’s EBITDA impact ➤ Using golf as a leadership assessment tool for vendors and partners ➤ The ACAIC method for overcoming objections without saying no ➤ From “users” to “customers” – the language shift that changes everything What happens when golf course wisdom meets IT leadership? Grant Walsh, Director of IT in Charlotte, North Carolina, brings 20+ years of IT leadership experience and a unique perspective: he evaluates vendors, partners, and leadership potential...

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2025

ON THIS EPISODE: ➤ Why overthinking kills IT progress and how to break the paralysis ➤ The unique advantages of managing both IT and HR responsibilities ➤ How coffee conversations solve more problems than formal meetings ➤ Real AI use cases: CAD plant identification and expense categorization ➤ Developing people when there’s no room for advancement ➤ Why looking stupid makes you learn faster What happens when you combine IT leadership with HR responsibilities? Michael McKirchy, Director of Information Technology and HR at Lurvey Landscape Supply, reveals how this unique dual role creates unexpected advantages in technology adoption and team...

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ Why 95% of enterprise AI implementations fail (MIT study insights) ➤ The confusion matrix framework for evaluating AI vendors ➤ How to approach AI as an automation problem, not magic ➤ Red flags when AI salespeople make unrealistic promises ➤ Data quality as the foundation for successful AI adoption What happens when a data scientist turned CIO reveals the brutal truth about AI adoption? Jaron Jones, data scientist turned CIO and university instructor, breaks down why most companies are failing spectacularly with AI implementation. With a recent MIT study showing 95% of Agentic AI projects either...

Transcribed - Published: 23 September 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ How to transition IT from cost center to business enabler ➤ Building stakeholder relationships through lunch and learn programs ➤ AI implementation strategy that balances innovation with security ➤ Transforming reactive “car mechanic” mindset to proactive business partner ➤ Earning executive respect through consistent value demonstration What happens when a chemical engineer becomes an AI-driven IT leader who saves companies millions? At a major energy company, Benny Zhang serves as VP of Information Technology, transforming how IT departments prove their strategic value. Starting his career as a chemical engineer in China—where his father brought him a...

Transcribed - Published: 11 September 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ How to learn leadership from bad boss experiences➤ The servant leadership framework that actually delivers business results➤ Simple technique for eliminating cultural barriers in global team meetings➤ Individual management assessment strategies for different personality types➤ Building IT reputation through equal service excellence across all organizational levels What happens when an English major accidentally becomes an IT VP through reverse mentorship?At a Boston-area property management company, Larry Monuteaux leads IT initiatives spanning everything from end-user support to building management systems and tenant amenities. With 30 years of accidental IT experience starting from data entry and backup tape...

Transcribed - Published: 4 September 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ How to move from AI hype to practical business implementation ➤ The Vibe Workflow System for rapid prototyping without coding skills ➤ Why perfect AI content isn’t always better than authentic human voice ➤ Building AI guardrails that enable rather than block innovation ➤ Start Small Framework: From personal fun projects to enterprise deployment What happens when a healthcare IT leader builds AI applications in shower conversations at 2 AM? At a healthcare organization bound by HIPAA compliance and patient safety requirements, Yossi Akselrud implements AI faster than most tech companies. With years of experience navigating...

Transcribed - Published: 28 August 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ How network aggregators eliminate ISP management chaos➤ Real strategies for migrating from expensive MPLS to resilient SD-WAN➤ Why POTS line costs are exploding and how to escape before bills double➤ Building proactive network monitoring instead of reactive firefighting➤ The zero-CapEx approach that gets executive buy-in for network upgrades What happens when IT leaders stop accepting “we’re better because we suck less” from internet providers? At Airespring, Jeffrey Armstrong (Director of Solutions) and Clinton Devereaux (Solutions Engineering) have spent 22 years perfecting network aggregation—turning the nightmare of managing multiple carriers into strategic competitive advantage. From consolidating 50+...

Transcribed - Published: 21 August 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ Crisis leadership: How to achieve 100% team placement during organizational failure ➤ The amplified impact of leadership presence and why every interaction matters 10x more ➤ Player-coach assessment framework for determining optimal IT focus areas ➤ Scaling IT through explosive growth: From $250M to $500M revenue management ➤ Business-first mindset transformation from technical expert to strategic leader What happens when an IT leader faces both complete organizational failure and explosive business growth? At Shepherd Electric Supply, Tom Shock serves as Director of Information Technology, leading IT initiatives for a company that has doubled from $250 million...

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ How a Master’s in Russian History translates to IT leadership success ➤ The EBITDA Impact Framework for connecting IT initiatives to business outcomes ➤ Real-world AI automation that saved $2M+ by eliminating 4,400 manual service calls ➤ Why IT leaders must learn business operations before optimizing them ➤ Moving from cost center “last slide” to presenting at every board meeting What happens when academic analysis meets ice distribution efficiency? At Arctic Glacier, one of North America’s largest ice manufacturers, Doug Saunders leads IT initiatives that power a complex global supply chain. With a Master’s degree in...

Transcribed - Published: 7 August 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ Why giving orders at work doesn’t work anymore ➤ How to work with difficult people who challenge you ➤ Why tech skills aren’t enough to be a good leader ➤ How to talk to your boss and coworkers better ➤ Why you need to understand what your company really does What happens when a military guy tries to run an IT team? Troy Penny used to be in the Air Force. He programmed computers for the military. When he gave orders, people had to listen. Then he got a job at a regular company. Big problem....

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ Why IT leaders get constant pushback on their recommendations ➤ The communication framework that prevents 90% of leadership problems ➤ How to stop making unilateral decisions that kill trust ➤ Building the “Culture of IT” where technology drives business success ➤ Moving from cost center to strategic business partner Why do IT leaders face more pushback than any other department? Dr Charles Harris, Transformational CIO at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, knows this pain firsthand. Running IT for a Super Bowl-winning organization taught him that the biggest technology challenges aren’t technical—they’re cultural. Harris breaks down why IT leaders...

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ Why technical skills aren’t the most important factor in IT hiring ➤ How to manage cybersecurity compliance across 6 different countries ➤ The partner selection strategy when you can’t master everything alone ➤ Why AI enhances jobs instead of replacing them (if you adapt correctly) ➤ How to align IT priorities with business goals through involvement, not just communication What happens when you’re responsible for IT operations spanning Europe, India, Japan, and the United States? Fabio drops some uncomfortable truths about IT hiring. Most leaders still think technical skills matter most – he doesn’t. He’s built...

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ The critical difference between technical expertise and leadership effectiveness ➤ How to recognize when supportive environments become career traps ➤ Strategic lateral movement for long-term career growth ➤ The listening leadership framework that transforms team dynamics ➤ Managing up through business translation of technical concepts ➤ Professional development strategies for small and mid-market IT leaders What happens when technical expertise isn’t enough for leadership success? April Marquez, ERP Implementation Specialist at FNS Fresh Produce, shares her journey from IT manager to strategic career pivot. With experience leading IT departments as a team of one and navigating...

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2025

ON THIS EPISODE ➤ The critical difference between technical expertise and leadership effectiveness ➤ How to recognize when supportive environments become career traps ➤ Strategic lateral movement for long-term career growth ➤ The listening leadership framework that transforms team dynamics ➤ Managing up through business translation of technical concepts ➤ Professional development strategies for small and mid-market IT leaders What happens when technical expertise isn’t enough for leadership success? April Marquez, ERP Implementation Specialist at FNS Fresh Produce, shares her journey from IT manager to strategic career pivot. With experience leading IT departments as a team of one and navigating...

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2025

Listen now: subscribe and join 1,000s of IT Leaders changing the face of IT. Now… ON THIS EPISODE ➤ How IT leaders navigate career growth in geographically isolated markets ➤ The unexpected value of cross-functional experience in sales for IT professionals ➤ Building professional community and peer networks in small market environments ➤ Overcoming gender dynamics and communication challenges in technology leadership ➤ Strategic approaches to cybersecurity consulting for vulnerable small businesses What happens when geographic isolation meets professional ambition? At Bowers and Kubota in Honolulu, Hawaii, Charissa Wong serves as Director of IT and Security, leading technology initiatives for...

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

Listen now: subscribe and join 1,000s of IT Leaders changing the face of IT. Now… ON THIS EPISODE ➤ How IT leaders navigate career growth in geographically isolated markets ➤ The unexpected value of cross-functional experience in sales for IT professionals ➤ Building professional community and peer networks in small market environments ➤ Overcoming gender dynamics and communication challenges in technology leadership ➤ Strategic approaches to cybersecurity consulting for vulnerable small businesses What happens when geographic isolation meets professional ambition? At Bowers and Kubota in Honolulu, Hawaii, Charissa Wong serves as Director of IT and Security, leading technology initiatives for...

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

ON THIS EPISODE: ➤ How to position yourself as your team’s “firewall” – standing between them and organizational pressure to create space for great work. ➤ Why “exception-only management” builds stronger teams than micromanagement – trusting first and intervening only when needed. ➤ The Scout Leader approach to letting people fail safely so they actually learn and grow into confident decision-makers. ➤ How to spot hidden talents in your team that they don’t even know they have, and develop career paths that serve both them and the business. ➤ Why your IT career path will look like “something drawn by...

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2025

ON THIS EPISODE: ➤ How to identify and overcome different forms of workplace toxicity, from the “loud screamer” to the “quiet killer”. ➤ Why vulnerability and emotional honesty are professional strengths, not weaknesses. ➤ Methods for “seeing” the true potential in people and helping them reframe their value. ➤ The career-limiting danger of “code-switching” and how to maintain your authentic voice. ➤ How to reclaim your time, set boundaries, and invest in yourself to advance your career. Breaking Free: From Toxic Workplaces to Authentic Leadership Examine the foundations of resilient and authentic leadership with Mel Reyes. Learn how he...

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

Listen now: subscribe and join 1,000s of IT Leaders changing the face of IT. ON THIS EPISODE: ➤ The critical elements of incident response planning➤ Strategic approaches to cyber insurance and vendor alignment➤  Methods for maintaining business operations during cyber events➤  Techniques for communicating with executive leadership➤  Essential partnerships and resources during cyber incidents From Crisis to Opportunity: A Cyber Incident Success Story Experience a deep dive into real-world cyber incident management with Jason Torrez, Executive Director of IT at Grede Holdngs. Learn how proper preparation and leadership turned a potential crisis into an opportunity for organizational improvement. This...

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

Listen now: subscribe and join 1,000s of IT Leaders changing the face of IT. ON THIS EPISODE: ➤ Strategic approaches to implementing AI in healthcare technology ➤ Effective methods for retaining top IT talent in today’s market ➤ Building successful hybrid work environments ➤ Bridging knowledge gaps between veteran and new-gen tech professionals ➤ Building authentic relationships across organizational hierarchies From Healthcare Tech to Leadership Wisdom: Kevin Kuttin’s Journey at Regenesis A fascinating conversation with Kevin Kuttin, Executive Director of IT at Regenesis, where technology meets medical innovation in pain management. From Arcade games at Radio Shack to leading...

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

Renard Henry Join Thousands changing the Mid-Market to Fortune 5000 with a growth mindset. Listen & Subscribe Now… ON THIS EPISODE ➤ How IT managers differ from IT Leaders ➤ More ways to effectively communicate technical concepts to non-technical executives ➤ Real-world examples of successful vendor management and relationship building ➤ Ways to handle stress at the executive level ➤ The importance of knowledge sharing in leadership.                                                             What happens when martial arts principles meet IT leadership? At Toyota Connected, the innovation hub for Toyota’s global operations, Renard Henry leads IT initiatives that power the future of automotive technology.  With 14...

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2025

Cindy Novak – DeLaurell With over 30 years of experience, Cindy Novak – DeLaurell brings a refreshing perspective on transitioning into technology leadership. A licensed pilot who drives Sherman tanks and manages multi-million dollar IT budgets, she demonstrates how diverse experiences shape effective leadership. Cindy she brings a distinctive blend of life sciences expertise and IT leadership to her role as Director of R&D and Technical Operations Business Partner at Avidity Biosciences. She shares her unique journey from quality engineering to IT leadership while breaking barriers in tech. Listen now, discover: Why saying “no” to leadership roles can be...

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

An ERP business killer’s use-case … fun times not to miss Arick Helmlinger, IT Manager of Business Systems and Data at RIX Industries, shares his path from software developer to IT leadership and managing a challenging ERP implementation during COVID-19. From his early days at Radio Shack to becoming the first in-house developer at RIX Industries, Arick discusses how asking for leadership opportunities and trusting his instincts shaped his career growth. He offers candid insights about the realities of managing enterprise software rollouts and building effective teams. Listen now, discover: The challenges of implementing an ERP system How...

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

Mental Bandwidth Fascinating conversation with Fernando Higuera on his evolution from teenage electronics hacker to tech leader in cloud architecture and AI. Fernando shares his breaking point – sitting frozen on an airplane, unable to move after weeks of 20-hour workdays building a practice from scratch. This pivotal moment transformed his approach to leadership and life. Listen now, discover: How early electronics experimentation shaped his tech career path  Creating innovative vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems   How to Manage stress and burnout in high-pressure tech roles  The importance of trust and communication in tech leadership  ️ Using AI as...

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

Chris Meyerpeter Chris Meyerpeter opens up about his remarkable path from Navy radioman to CIO, sharing candid insights about leading IT organizations and creating meaningful business impact through technology. He discusses the critical importance of understanding business operations, the pragmatic implementation of agile methodologies, and how to build high-performing IT teams that drive real business value. Listen now, discover: Security strategy integration with business objectives       How to balance agile methodologies in non-tech industries ✴  How to build strong IT teams through cultural transformation Building sustainable talent development programs✏️ How military service shaped Chris’s technology career path

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

Kevin Eikenberry Kevin Eikenberry, seasoned leadership expert and author, shares deep insights on leading with flexibility while maintaining consistency. He explains why traditional leadership approaches fall short in today’s complex IT landscape and offers practical strategies for balancing stability with adaptability Why flexibility and consistency aren’t opposites but complementary qualities Listen now, discover: How to avoid the expertise trap that leads to micromanagement The critical difference between leading for compliance vs. commitment ⏳ Essential questions leaders must ask their teams Ways to maintain strategic vision while empowering your team ✏️ The vital balance between bird’s eye and...

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

Scott Geschel Scott Geschel, CIO at Premier Outdoor Living, leads IT across multiple units with a business-first mindset shaped by roles at QVC and in semiconductors. A 23-year Air Force and National Guard veteran, he also enjoys farming and woodworking. Governance | Security | Ultimate AI IT’s true impact starts with governance and passionate teams…not just flashy tools. AI is the ultimate goal… What drives real-world results: 3 Non-Negotiables AI Demands Clean Data: Before predicting markets or optimizing workflows, fix data ownership. Dirty data? Forget AI. Cybersecurity Needs Passion: Detection tools only work with teams who are “passionate...

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

Create raving end users that champion your IT department Dennis Zoesch, Director of IT Value Delivery at Wausau Supply Company. IT isn’t just about keeping systems running… It’s about driving measurable business impact. When IT is done right, it becomes the backbone of transformation. Here’s the reality: ✴ Security isn’t just tools… it’s the people. MDR solutions with network + endpoint sensors are key, but you need passionate specialists to interpret the data. ✴ AI’s biggest risk? Believing fake is real. Deepfakes are convincing fast, even savvy users get fooled. The stakes are higher than ever. ✴ Sales and IT...

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

350- Practical security layering techniques, done right by Noah Mechnig-Giordano

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

Trent Heiser, CIO at QC Supply, explains how going beyond traditional perimeter security is the only way forward in today’s dynamic landscape. Zero Trust is no longer an IT initiative. Whether you’re a CIO, CTO, IT manager, or just curious about how top leaders think… this episode will challenge how you view security in the modern enterprise.

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

Denise Hatzidakis, CIO, CTO, CISO “The business owns the what and the why. IT owns the how. Together, we figure out the when.” Top IT leaders know how to speak the language of business, but rarely do they teach stakeholders how to speak to them. Denise Hatzidakis, is one the strongest forces in IT leadership right now. Whether you are a winning IT leader, CTO, CFO, or user on the network… everyone can walk away from this episode with a profound moment of thought and how round table execs should have more conversations with IT leadership.

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

Lee Lahti, Information Technology, Cybersecurity Executive  Star Wars OG Lee Lahti has watched A New Hope over 300 times and has even rented entire theater for movie premieres twice. He is also an empathetic, hands-off leader who knows when to be hands-on, effectively handling pressure while keeping the team calm.

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2025

Callan Schoonenberg Steering technology strategy at Wausau Supply Company, Callan Schoonenberg brings mechanical engineering, business and extensive manufacturing experience to her CIO role. Her background includes leadership positions at Eaton, complemented by Harvard Business Analytics training and an MBA, creating a unique perspective on technology leadership. Building Modern Manufacturing IT What makes a non-traditional path valuable in IT leadership? Through Callan Schoonenberg’s transition from mechanical engineering to CIO at Wausau Supply Company, we explore how diverse experiences shape effective technology leadership. Her story demonstrates why following passion over traditional career paths can lead to unexpected success.

Transcribed - Published: 8 February 2025

Meghan E. Cook Leading the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Cyber Incident Response Team, Meghan Cook brings a unique background in facilitation and public administration. Her approach combines relationship building with technical understanding to help local governments and school districts protect their technology infrastructure. Enabling Framework How do you lead effectively across multiple government agencies? Meghan Cook shares her journey from broadcast communications to directing New York State’s Cyber Incident Response Team, highlighting how facilitation skills and relationship building create successful outcomes in government technology. Her unique perspective shows why technical expertise alone isn’t enough to drive change in complex organizations.

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2025

Ian Johnson Leading development at Stealth Startup as Head of Engineering, Full stack, Ian Johnson brings decades of experience from fintech to e-commerce. His approach combines hands-on technical expertise with collaborative leadership, focusing on building high-performing teams through trust and mutual respect. From Early Tech Explorer to Startup Engineering Leader What makes engineering teams truly effective? Ian Johnson shares his evolution from early tech enthusiast to Head of Engineering at Stealth Startup, discussing how trust and respect form the foundation of successful development teams. Through stories of both failures and successes, he demonstrates why technical expertise must be balanced with strong leadership principles.

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2025

Maximo Bredfeldt Leading technology initiatives at Longship as Chief Information Officer, Maximo Bredfeldt brings 25 years of experience in managed services and security. His approach combines practical problem-solving with deep technical expertise, focusing on understanding business processes to create effective security solutions. The Corporate Espionage What makes an effective cybersecurity strategy? Maximo Bredfeldt shares his journey from taking apart toys to protecting enterprises, highlighting how understanding business processes is crucial for security success. Through compelling stories of corporate espionage and social engineering, he demonstrates why technical solutions alone aren’t enough to protect modern organizations.

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2025

Adam Krob Leading technology initiatives in the construction industry, Adam Krob brings strategic vision to AI implementation. His approach combines practical technology application with business process improvement, focusing on creating measurable value through innovative solutions while maintaining operational excellence. What the 404 is an AI steering committee?  How can IT leaders separate AI hype from real value? Adam Krob shares his experience implementing AI solutions in construction technology, discussing practical applications from takeoff automation to intern training. His insights on building AI steering committees and measuring implementation success offer concrete strategies for technology leaders seeking to maximize AI’s potential.

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2025

Peter Seliga With 25 years of technology experience, Peter Seliga is transforming soul crushing IT into Inspiring Leadership, he brings deep insights from both technical and leadership roles. Currently working at a rocket company, he specializes in building resilient teams through authentic leadership and creating environments where people can be themselves while delivering exceptional results. Transforming Soul Crushing IT into Inspiring Leadership How do you transform soul-crushing IT into an inspiring workplace? Peter Seliga shares his 25-year journey in technology leadership, discussing how authenticity and vulnerability create stronger teams. Through the lens of a major CrowdStrike incident, he demonstrates how genuine leadership enables teams to tackle critical challenges effectively.

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2025

Jeff Cann Leading technology initiatives at Encore Electric, Jeff Cann brings a scientific mindset to IT leadership. His approach combines strategic planning with grassroots innovation, focusing on transforming construction through technology while maintaining strong relationships across all organizational levels. From Shadow IT to Innovation: Transforming Business Through Technology How do you manage IT priorities in a resource-constrained industry? Jeff Cann shares his approach to leading technology initiatives at Encore Electric, discussing how clear communication frameworks and embracing user innovation can drive business success. His unique perspective on managing shadow IT and fostering collaboration offers fresh insights for technology leaders.

Transcribed - Published: 26 December 2024

Jeff Schmidt Starting with a crashed DOS system in 1990, Jeff Schmidt has grown through roles in software development, data warehousing, and infrastructure management. Currently serving as Vice President of Information Technology and Security at a healthcare company, he brings practical experience in balancing innovation with security requirements. Risk Assessment and Business Value: Jeff Schmidt’s IT Leadership Journey What lessons can we learn from a three-decade journey in IT? Jeff Schmidt shares his evolution from breaking his dad’s computer to leading healthcare IT security, discussing the critical importance of risk assessment, business understanding, and customer service. His experience spans from early DOS days to modern AI implementation, offering practical insights on balancing technology solutions with business needs.

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2024

Paul Knight Currently serving as VP of Information Technology and CISO at Turntide Technologies, Paul Knight brings 25 years of experience across various IT disciplines. His unique background includes roles in defense, aerospace, and automotive manufacturing, bringing both operational and security expertise to startup environments. Balancing IT and Security Leadership in Startups How do you effectively manage both IT operations and security oversight in a startup environment? Paul Knight shares his experience as VP of IT and CISO at Turntide Technologies, discussing the challenges of wearing multiple hats, building effective teams, and maintaining proper governance while supporting rapid growth in automotive technology manufacturing.

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2024

Sarfraz Shaikh Starting in marketing communications, Sarfraz Shaikh has spent 14 years at OneMesa, evolving into the Director of IT role. His unique background combines communications expertise with technology leadership, managing IT operations across four distinct business units in the oil, gas, and drilling industries. Leading IT Through Business Growth and Transformation What does it take to manage IT across four distinct businesses during significant growth? Sarfraz Shaikh shares his 14-year journey from marketing professional to IT Director at OneMesa, discussing how to balance standardization with flexibility, maintain security across diverse operations, and build trust through strategic leadership.

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2024