Tech Talks Daily

How are businesses preparing for the evolving threats and challenges in the world of cybersecurity? In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by Dominik Samociuk, Head of Security at Future Processing, a technology consultancy and software delivery partner with over two decades of experience.  Together, we explore the current state of cybersecurity and dive into predictions for 2025, focusing on emerging threats, regulatory changes, and the critical importance of cyber resilience. Dominik shares insights into the rise of AI-driven attacks, including deepfakes and automated phishing campaigns, which are increasing in sophistication and volume. These threats are forcing organizations to rethink their strategies, moving beyond prevention to comprehensive approaches that include detection, response, and recovery. We also discuss how businesses can strengthen their defenses through zero-trust architecture, third-party risk management, and enhanced employee training—especially as the human factor remains one of the most vulnerable aspects of cybersecurity. Regulatory changes, such as the NIS2 Directive, DORA, and the upcoming Cyber Resilience Act, are also driving a shift in how organizations approach security. Dominik explains how businesses can align with these evolving requirements by conducting regular gap analyses, automating compliance processes, and leveraging frameworks like ISO 27001 and NIST. Data privacy in the era of AI is another key focus of our discussion. Dominik outlines the steps businesses must take to classify and protect sensitive data, ensure transparency with stakeholders, and build robust incident response plans. Additionally, we delve into the importance of embedding security practices throughout the development lifecycle and the role of open-source intelligence in identifying vulnerabilities and emerging threats. Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of cyber threats or understand how regulatory changes will impact your organization, this episode provides actionable insights to navigate the complexities of modern cybersecurity. How is your business preparing for the future of cyber resilience? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!

How can AI transform the healthcare industry and help solve the challenges of rising costs, staffing shortages, and administrative inefficiencies? In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, we explore this question with Alex Zekoff, co-founder and CEO of Thoughtful AI. Thoughtful AI is a company revolutionizing healthcare administration through its innovative, role-based AI agents. These fully human-capable AI solutions—CAM, EVA, and PHIL—are designed to streamline critical but tedious tasks like claims processing, patient eligibility verification, and payment posting. Healthcare providers in the U.S. currently face mounting pressures, from high staff turnover and costly manual processes to claim denials and prolonged payment cycles. Thoughtful AI's solutions offer a new way forward. By automating these administrative workflows, providers can significantly lower costs, reduce days sales outstanding, and boost claims approval rates. The result? Healthcare organizations can shift their focus and resources from back-office operations to improving patient outcomes. We discuss how these AI agents combine cutting-edge technologies like RPA, OCR, and large language models to deliver end-to-end automation. With implementation timelines as short as three to six months, these systems not only improve efficiency but also address critical data security concerns by providing full audit trails and real-time analytics without storing sensitive patient data. Beyond the numbers, we explore the broader impact of AI in healthcare, including how Thoughtful AI’s innovations could pave the way for a shift in healthcare spending—reducing administrative overhead and enabling a more patient-centered approach. This episode highlights real-world examples of how organizations are scaling their operations without adding to administrative headcount, achieving tangible results that signal a new era for healthcare efficiency. What role do you think AI will play in shaping the future of healthcare and government systems? Join us to uncover the possibilities, and share your thoughts!

How can businesses thrive in the face of rapid technological advancements and increasing IT complexity? In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by Herb Hogue, CTO of Myriad360, a global systems integrator renowned for its expertise in bridging the gap between technology providers and end-users. With over 500 partnerships with top-tier technology companies, including Nvidia, HP, Cisco, and Palo Alto Networks, Myriad360 delivers customized, scalable IT solutions that align with strategic business objectives. Herb shares insights into the rapidly evolving IT landscape, highlighting key trends such as the pervasive impact of AI, the growing importance of robust security measures, and the challenges of scaling IT infrastructure to meet demand. He discusses Myriad360's unique approach to navigating these complexities by focusing on data-driven decision-making, optimizing ROI, and integrating cutting-edge technologies into seamless end-to-end solutions. We also explore the human side of IT—how cultural alignment, skills development, and fostering collaboration between channel partners, distributors, and end-users drive innovation and sustainable business growth. Herb provides real-world examples of how Myriad360’s white-glove service approach addresses multi-vendor environment challenges, improves credentialing and security visibility, and builds long-term client relationships based on trust and consistency. Whether you're curious about the future of AI in IT or looking for strategies to optimize IT operations in multi-vendor ecosystems, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating today’s IT challenges and staying ahead in a competitive landscape. What are your thoughts on the evolving dynamics of IT and how businesses can adapt? Share your perspective and join the conversation!

How can businesses navigate the challenges of IT unpredictability and ensure operational continuity in an ever-evolving tech landscape? In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by Geoff Hixon, VP of Solutions Architecture at Lakeside Software, to explore how data-driven strategies are reshaping IT resilience and recovery. Geoff shares his experiences in supporting Lakeside customers during the CrowdStrike global IT outage, including insights into the rapid recovery process for a global airline and a multinational oil and gas company. Geoff also provides an exclusive preview of Lakeside Software’s highly anticipated IT Resilience report, offering valuable insights into how organizations can transition from reactive to proactive and eventually autonomous IT management. By focusing on real-time data collection and visibility, he highlights the importance of identifying issues before they escalate and shares how enhanced data insights can prevent costly errors—like a bank's multimillion-pound oversight caused by missing a simple cable requirement. Additionally, we discuss the role of AI in the journey toward autonomous IT, where routine support tasks are automated to free up IT teams for more strategic initiatives. Geoff illustrates how Lakeside’s approach helps organizations build trust in automation through step-by-step implementation and testing, paving the way for self-healing IT systems. Tune in to discover how forward-thinking organizations can harness the power of data, automation, and proactive strategies to build IT systems that are not only resilient but also prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. Wha

How can cutting-edge technology help combat one of the most devastating contributors to climate change? In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Carsten Brinkschulte, CEO and co-founder of Dryad Networks, to explore the innovative solutions his company is bringing to wildfire detection and forest health monitoring. Dryad’s groundbreaking “Internet of Trees” uses AI-powered sensors, solar energy, and IoT networks to address the challenges of forest management on a global scale. Carsten shares the inspiration behind Dryad Networks, which stemmed from the catastrophic 2018 wildfires and his drive to tackle the staggering statistic that wildfires account for up to 20% of global CO2 emissions. We dive into the technology powering Dryad’s solutions, including small, solar-powered gas sensors that act as "electronic noses," detecting wildfire indicators like hydrogen and carbon monoxide far earlier than traditional methods. These sensors, supported by AI and machine learning, operate on edge computing to provide ultra-early detection even in the most remote areas. Beyond wildfire prevention, Carsten explains how the technology is transforming forest management. From soil moisture monitoring and illegal logging prevention to tree growth tracking and CO2 sequestration measurement, the possibilities of Dryad’s network extend far beyond fire detection. With their recent strategic partnership with Kinéis, Dryad is now integrating satellite connectivity to expand deployment into previously unreachable regions. As we discuss the future, Carsten outlines Dryad’s ambitious goal to prevent 3.9 million hectares of forest from burning by 2030, saving an estimated 1.7 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions. This conversation underscores the power of AI and IoT in addressing pressing global issues and highlights the potential of technology to drive real-world impact. What role do you think technology like this will play in combating climate change? Can AI and IoT truly transform how we protect and manage our forests? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!

How do advancements in technology continue to redefine everyday experiences? In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, we discuss the innovation behind Ulike’s Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology, which is setting a new standard for at-home hair removal.  We discuss the science and precision that underpin Ulike’s Air 3 Deluxe and Air 10 devices. With patented Sapphire Ice Cooling technology, these devices maintain skin temperatures at a comfortable 18°C, ensuring an almost painless experience even on sensitive areas. Their advanced IPL technology targets hair follicles at the root, offering up to 96% hair reduction in just two weeks. The Air 10 takes things further with dual-light technology and salon-inspired SHR Mode, making full-body treatments faster and more efficient than ever. Safety and convenience remain central to Ulike’s design philosophy. Built-in UV filters, adaptive skin sensors, and an innovative UV sterilizer ensure not only effective results but also unmatched hygiene and peace of mind. These features reflect Ulike’s commitment to making high-performance technology accessible, without compromising on safety or ease of use. As we approach the festive season, Ulike’s holiday offerings provide a perfect opportunity to explore this technology firsthand. Their biggest sale of the year, running until December 31, includes up to 25% off sitewide, with special bundles for both the Air 3 Deluxe and Air 10. With advancements like these, could at-home IPL devices become the future of hair removal? Join the conversation and share your thoughts. How do you see technology like this shaping the future of beauty and personal care? Let’s discuss the intersection of innovation and everyday convenience!

How can AI revolutionize energy management in our homes while helping us save money and reduce environmental impact? In this episode, I speak with Michael Lotfy, EVP of Home & Distribution at Schneider Electric, to uncover how innovation is transforming the way we interact with and consume energy at home. With buildings responsible for 37% of global CO2 emissions and homes contributing nearly 20% of that total, the need for smarter, more efficient energy solutions has never been more urgent. Michael shares how Schneider Electric is addressing this challenge with groundbreaking AI-powered features in their Wiser Home app. This technology leverages real-time weather forecasts, tariff data, and solar production capabilities to optimize energy use, reduce waste, and save homeowners hundreds of euros annually—all while keeping homes comfortable and secure. We discuss how governments worldwide are stepping up with incentives to encourage energy-efficient technologies, including the U.S. Department of Energy's $8.4 million initiative for grid-enhancing AI innovations and subsidies offered across Europe. Michael explains how these programs are accelerating adoption and making ROI cycles more attractive for consumers. Looking ahead, Michael paints a vision of the future where homes autonomously manage energy based on patterns, utility prices, and weather conditions. From creating virtual power plants to enabling community energy sharing, he reveals the exciting opportunities on the horizon. But with innovation comes challenges—Michael also addresses critical concerns like cybersecurity, data privacy, and the importance of combining hardware, software, and AI to create seamless, user-friendly energy solutions. What role will AI play in shaping the future of home energy management? Can it truly alleviate the stress of rising utility costs? Join us as we explore the intersection of technology and sustainability—and let us know your thoughts on this transformative topic!

How is the role of the CFO transforming in today’s digital age, and how can AI and automation empower financial leaders to navigate this evolution? In this episode, I speak with Bob Stark, Global Head of Market Strategy at Kyriba, to explore how CFOs are becoming strategic business partners, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance decision-making, optimize liquidity, and safeguard their organizations against financial risks. Bob provides an in-depth look at how AI is reshaping the finance landscape, moving beyond efficiency to drive smarter, data-driven decisions. He highlights key areas where AI and machine learning are making an impact, such as improving cash forecasting accuracy, automating workflows, and enhancing fraud detection. As fraud threats grow increasingly sophisticated, Bob explains how AI's anomaly detection and policy enforcement at machine speed are critical for protecting financial operations. We also dive into the challenges CFOs face when adopting AI, from building trust in AI systems to balancing automation with human oversight. Bob shares why embedded, turnkey AI solutions are gaining traction and how CFOs can ensure their AI initiatives align with broader business goals. Additionally, we discuss the future of liquidity management, where data-driven insights empower CFOs to make more impactful decisions while reducing inefficiencies. Whether you're a finance professional curious about the potential of AI, or a business leader looking to understand how to integrate these technologies into your operations, this episode offers actionable insights into the evolving role of the CFO and the strategic use of AI in finance. What do you think are the biggest challenges CFOs face in adopting AI? Let’s continue the conversation—share your thoughts with us!  

What does it take for a tech startup to successfully navigate international expansion? In today's episode, I welcome Dr. Shan Nair, a trailblazer in International Expansion Services (IES) and the president of Nucleus, to unpack the strategies and insights essential for businesses venturing into global markets. Dr. Nair's journey from nuclear physics at Oxford to consulting for some of the world’s most recognizable tech names, including Tesla Motors and FaceTime, offers a fascinating perspective on the intersection of innovation and international business. During our conversation, we delve into the unique challenges that tech companies face when scaling internationally, from navigating complex regulatory frameworks in Asia-Pacific to addressing employment law risks in Europe and Latin America. Dr. Nair also explains how Nucleus provides a one-stop solution for companies, ensuring that international operations are managed seamlessly without the fragmentation of working with multiple service providers across geographies. As the landscape of global business evolves, Dr. Nair sheds light on what it takes to succeed—emphasizing the importance of experienced CFOs, realistic budgets, and a sustainable business model. We also discuss the emerging trends shaping the future of international business, including the rise of cryptocurrencies, small-scale nuclear power plants, and the shifting dynamics of global manufacturing strategies amidst rising protectionism. What are the critical steps for a startup looking to establish its first international hire? How can seasoned CFOs mitigate risks while maintaining sustainable growth? And how might the trends we discuss redefine global business in the coming years? Join us for this insightful episode, and as always, let us know your thoughts. What challenges do you think startups face the most when going global? Let’s keep the conversation going.

What role does design play in shaping the future of STEM innovation? In this episode, I’m joined by Marilee Lloyd, a seasoned architect and Senior Laboratory Planner at HED, one of the most established architecture and engineering firms in the country. With over 38 years of experience in designing cutting-edge laboratory spaces for pharmaceutical giants, biotechnology companies, and top research universities, Marilee shares her expert insights on the evolving world of lab design. Together, we explore the transformative impact of modern laboratory environments, from fostering collaboration and innovation to addressing the urgent need for inclusivity in STEM. Marilee explains why laboratories are no longer just functional spaces but vibrant hubs that attract and retain top STEM talent.  She also highlights the critical role design plays in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion—both culturally and in terms of facilities. From gender-neutral restrooms to considerations for neurodiverse scientists, Marilee provides an eye-opening perspective on how thoughtful design can drive societal change and enrich scientific discovery. We also delve into the challenges of balancing sustainability with functionality in lab environments, the influence of technology on design practices, and the future trends shaping these spaces, such as AI integration and immersive visualization tools. Could better-designed labs be the key to unlocking the next wave of innovation in STEM? Tune in to learn how Marilee and HED are redefining what it means to create spaces where science, people, and ideas thrive. What do you think is the most important element of a modern lab? Share your thoughts with us!