Tech Talks Daily

What does it truly mean to "never trust, always verify"? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by John Kindervag, Chief Evangelist at Illumio and the pioneer of the Zero Trust approach to cybersecurity. With cyber threats evolving at an unprecedented rate, John argues that Zero Trust is no longer optional for organisations moving to cloud-based environments—it’s a necessity. John explains why the traditional trust-based approach to cybersecurity is obsolete and shares actionable insights on adopting a Zero Trust strategy. He highlights the critical steps in implementing Zero Trust, emphasizing the importance of starting small with Protect Surfaces and flow maps to create manageable, effective security policies. Through real-world examples, he demonstrates how organisations have reduced their attack surfaces by up to 90% by embracing this model. We also explore common pitfalls, such as attempting to implement Zero Trust all at once, and how incremental changes can set the stage for long-term success. John sheds light on how Zero Trust dramatically enhances an organisation's resilience against cyberattacks, providing continuous monitoring and automated policies to safeguard critical assets in an increasingly cloud-driven world. How can organisations move beyond outdated approaches to cybersecurity and embrace the transformative power of Zero Trust? Are you ready to take the first steps toward securing your digital future? Tune in to this essential conversation with John Kindervag, and let us know your thoughts!

Have you ever wondered why Reddit has become the go-to platform for authentic conversations, community-driven insights, and even purchasing advice? In this episode, we sit down with Jen Wong, COO of Reddit, to explore the platform’s remarkable evolution and its growing role in the digital world. With 97M daily active uniques—a staggering 47% growth from last year—Reddit is shaping the way people discover information, make decisions, and connect with communities around shared interests. Jen shares how Reddit’s unique positioning, as a platform rooted in anonymity and interest-based communities rather than follower counts, allows it to stand apart from its peers. She highlights how Reddit’s users “age into” the platform, deepening their engagement over time, and how this creates unparalleled opportunities for authentic conversations and valuable user insights. Whether you’re looking for advice on concert tickets or in-depth discussions about hobbies, Reddit offers the kind of information and perspectives you simply can’t find elsewhere. The conversation delves into Reddit’s AI and machine learning initiatives, such as improving search functionality, enabling machine translation, and leveraging data to create better user experiences. Jen also discusses how these advancements help people find their “home” on Reddit, making it easier for anyone, regardless of their background or interests, to engage meaningfully on the platform. We also examine Reddit’s innovative ad platform, designed to support brands with unique formats and targeting capabilities, while emphasizing brand safety and community-first values. Jen explains how Reddit’s focus on conversational commerce is transforming the consumer journey, enabling two-way dialogues between users and businesses that inform and validate purchasing decisions in real time. What does the future hold for a platform that continues to evolve and innovate at this pace? Tune in to discover how Reddit is leveraging its unique community dynamics to shape the next generation of digital interaction and commerce. As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts—how do you see Reddit influencing your online experiences? Let us know!

Can water become an investable asset? How is decentralized water treatment reshaping the way industries and communities manage their most vital resource? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Riggs Eckelberry, CEO of Water on Demand, to explore the groundbreaking technology and financial innovation behind this transformative company. Riggs shares how Water on Demand is revolutionizing the water industry by decentralizing treatment systems. Instead of relying on overburdened municipal systems, industries can now treat and recycle water on-site, reducing costs, achieving regulatory independence, and advancing sustainability efforts. At the heart of this innovation are modular, prefabricated systems that can be operational in just one day, representing a shift toward adaptable, climate-resilient infrastructure. We also dive into the financial technology underpinning Water on Demand. Riggs explains how businesses can adopt water treatment systems without upfront capital investment, thanks to a pay-per-gallon model that removes financial barriers. For investors, this model opens opportunities for equity and generational royalties, with future plans to tokenize water assets ($H2O), creating a more liquid and tradable market. Beyond technology and finance, we discuss the social impact of decentralized water solutions. By alleviating industrial demands on municipal systems, residential users benefit from improved access and lower water rates, with significant implications for low-income communities. Riggs highlights how scaling industrial water recycling to just 15% could effectively double the world's freshwater supply, offering a path toward social equity and climate resilience. How can technology and finance transform water into a sustainable, investable resource? What role will decentralized systems play in addressing the challenges of climate change? Tune in to this insightful conversation with Riggs Eckelberry and join the discussion by sharing your thoughts!

What role does language play in shaping our world? How is AI transforming the way we connect across cultures? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I am joined by Olga Beregovaya, VP of AI and Machine Translation at Smartling, whose journey from a single mother at 21 to a trailblazer in language technology and AI is as compelling as it is inspiring. With over 25 years of experience in natural language processing (NLP), machine learning, and AI-driven transformation, Olga brings invaluable insights into the evolution of machine translation and the groundbreaking innovations shaping the localization industry. We discuss Olga's remarkable career trajectory, from her academic roots in structural linguistics to leading AI initiatives at Smartling. Learn how Smartling is leveraging its trademarked "Language AI" to revolutionize translation processes, enabling businesses to communicate globally with greater accuracy and cultural sensitivity. Olga shares her thoughts on the measured deployment of AI, addressing challenges like hallucinations in AI outputs, improving model accuracy, and redefining workflows for the modern workplace. The conversation also explores the broader trends in language technology, such as task-specific language models, unsupervised learning, and multi-modal advancements that integrate text, imagery, and even digital humans. Olga underscores the importance of data governance and the collaborative role linguists play in prompt engineering to ensure AI systems reflect diverse perspectives and maintain cultural authenticity. As a passionate advocate for women in STEM, Olga reflects on the progress and challenges facing women in technology, offering actionable insights for fostering diversity, mentorship, and representation in the industry. Her dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices in tech serves as a powerful call to action for listeners to build a more inclusive future. How can AI continue to bridge language and culture without losing the nuances that make us human? What role do you see yourself playing in this evolving narrative? Tune in to hear Olga's thoughts, and join the conversation by sharing your insights!

What makes Solana an ideal foundation for decentralized finance, particularly in derivatives and perpetual trading? In this episode, I explore these questions with Tristan from Zeta Markets. With $15 billion in trading volume and a growing user base exceeding 50,000, Zeta Markets has become a cornerstone of the Solana DeFi ecosystem. Together, we discuss how Solana’s high throughput, low fees, and lightning-fast block times enable Zeta Markets to deliver a seamless trading experience through their central limit order book model. Tristan also sheds light on Zeta’s ambitious growth trajectory, including the launch of SatorX, their new Layer 2 solution designed to address network congestion while offering unmatched speed and scalability. With features like near-instant transaction finality, gas fee abstraction, and the capacity to support hundreds of markets, SatorX is poised to redefine the user experience on Solana. We’ll also unpack how their upcoming Token Generation Event (TGE) could shape Zeta’s governance model and fuel community-driven innovation. A key focus of our conversation is the evolving landscape of market strategy. Tristan explains how Zeta leverages community feedback to prioritize listings of Solana-native assets while expanding their scope to hundreds of markets through their advanced infrastructure. Additionally, we discuss how Zeta is tackling the challenge of Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) through an innovative sequencing scheme on SatorX, creating tighter spreads and better prices by empowering market makers. Looking ahead, Zeta is gearing up for the December 2024 testnet launch of their upgraded exchange and a mainnet release in early 2025. Tristan teases some of the exciting improvements, including order books capable of updating over 10 times per second, setting the stage for unparalleled performance in DeFi trading. What does the future hold for DeFi derivatives on Solana, and how will Zeta’s innovations impact the broader ecosystem? Tune in to discover how Zeta Markets is positioning itself as a leader in this rapidly evolving space. After listening, I’d love to hear your thoughts—what excites you most about Solana’s potential, and where do you see DeFi heading next?

Have you ever wondered how we can address the ethical challenges of AI while empowering the next generation of innovators? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Tara Chklovski, the visionary aerospace engineer turned educator and the founder and CEO of Technovation—the world’s largest tech entrepreneurship program for girls. Tara has spent the last 15 years redefining what it means to create meaningful impact through technology education, with over 150,000 girls trained as tech entrepreneurs and innovators across 120 countries. Together, they’ve developed more than 12,000 apps and AI-based solutions tackling real-world problems. Our conversation delves into the inspiration behind Technovation, including Tara’s journey from aerospace engineering to founding a nonprofit dedicated to leveling the playing field in tech education. We discuss the role of the AI Forward Alliance, a global initiative led by Technovation in partnership with organizations like UNICEF and Google, aimed at equipping 25 million young women with the skills needed to thrive in a world increasingly shaped by AI. Tara also shares powerful stories of transformation, from a young girl in India who overcame cultural barriers to become a Google software engineer, to communities in Kenya where girls are developing tech solutions to combat water scarcity and address critical social issues. These examples underscore the importance of diversity in technology and the role women can play in creating ethical and equitable AI systems. We explore how Technovation’s curriculum incorporates responsible AI development and empathy-driven innovation, preparing a new generation to navigate the complexities of AI ethics. Tara also discusses the economic and societal benefits of closing the gender gap in technology, emphasizing how investing in young women can yield exponential returns for communities worldwide. What does the future hold for Technovation and the movement to empower women in AI? How can we all contribute to fostering a more inclusive and ethical tech industry? Tune in to find out, and as always, we’d love to hear your thoughts—how do you see diversity shaping the future of AI and technology? Let us know!

What role does observability play in transforming IT operations? In this episode, I explore this critical question with Gab Menachem, Vice President of Product, IT Operations Management at ServiceNow. With more than two decades of experience in technology innovation and leadership, Gab brings unique insights into how organizations can rethink their IT strategies to tackle modern challenges. Our conversation begins with clearing up common misconceptions about observability—it's not just about monitoring or accumulating tools, but about understanding the "why" behind IT issues. Gab explains why integrating AI and automation into observability strategies is essential for reducing alert fatigue and improving decision-making. He also sheds light on the power of unifying data sources to create a "single pane of glass," offering IT teams enhanced operational visibility and enabling faster, more informed decisions. As we dive deeper, Gab shares real-world examples of how ServiceNow is helping organizations overcome IT complexities, such as application sprawl and disconnected tools. From leveraging AI for root cause analysis to automating compliance and risk management, the conversation highlights practical strategies that deliver tangible business outcomes. We also look ahead at the trends shaping the future of IT operations. Generative AI, tighter integration of observability with action, and AI-driven compliance automation are just a few of the exciting developments Gab predicts will accelerate enterprise innovation. So, how can IT leaders align with business stakeholders to make these transformations successful? Gab emphasizes the importance of articulating observability’s benefits in business terms, such as reduced downtime, enhanced customer satisfaction, and measurable cost savings. As the IT landscape evolves, are you ready to embrace the future of observability and AIOps? Tune in to learn how to optimize your existing tools, prioritize change management, and foster collaboration across your organization.  

Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform data management into a fearless, innovative journey that empowers businesses to thrive in a data-driven world? In this episode, I’m joined by Alberto Pan Executive VP & CTO at Denodo, a global leader in logical data management and integration. Alberto takes us through Denodo's remarkable growth story and its groundbreaking innovations, including the Denodo 9 Platform and its recent advancements in Generative AI. As businesses grapple with the complexities of Generative AI, Denodo is stepping up with pioneering solutions. Alberto discusses how their collaborations with Google Cloud Vertex AI, Amazon Bedrock, Nvidia, and OpenAI are revolutionizing enterprise AI initiatives.  Through Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), Denodo is enhancing AI applications by connecting large language models with up-to-date corporate data, addressing challenges like security, privacy, and query accuracy. These advancements not only enable the creation of intelligent virtual assistants but also significantly improve enterprise AI’s ability to meet real-world business needs. Alberto also shares the unique features that set Denodo apart, emphasizing the value of its logical data platform for delivering data at the speed of business. From real-time unified data access to a semantic layer that ensures accuracy and governance, Denodo’s innovations are driving efficiency and ROI for organizations across industries. We’ll also explore future trends in enterprise AI, from the importance of solid data foundations to the increasing convergence of structured and unstructured data. With insights into Denodo’s partnerships and tools like the Denodo AI SDK, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways for anyone navigating the rapidly evolving data landscape. How do you see Generative AI shaping the future of data management? Tune in to the discussion, and let us know your thoughts!

Have you ever wondered how cutting-edge technologies are reshaping traditional industries? In this episode, we welcome Marc Jeschonneck, EY's Global Assurance Digital Leader, and Paul Goodhew, EY's Global Assurance Innovation and Emerging Technology Leader. Together, they provide a fascinating glimpse into how auditing—a field with over a century of history—is evolving in the age of AI, blockchain, and cloud computing. We explore the challenges auditors face in an era of increasing regulatory complexity and massive datasets. Marc and Paul reveal how EY's $1 billion investment in assurance technology is empowering auditors to deliver higher-quality insights with unprecedented efficiency. From leveraging AI for document intelligence and anomaly detection to employing blockchain analyzers for digital asset verification, the duo illustrates how innovation is driving productivity and precision in the profession. However,  it’s not all about the technology. Marc and Paul emphasize the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration to ensure auditors can effectively harness these advancements. They share insights into EY's microlearning initiatives, federated development approach, and the role of intuitive design in creating seamless user experiences. We also discuss the future of the industry, touching on emerging trends such as AI agents, quantum computing, and the potential of smart contracts to redefine auditing standards. Whether you're intrigued by how technology is enhancing client satisfaction or curious about how organizations are navigating the rapid pace of innovation, this episode has something for everyone. What technologies do you think will have the greatest impact on the audit profession in the coming years? Let us know your thoughts! Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between technology and assurance, and share your perspective after the episode.

How do organizations tackle the growing challenge of transformation fatigue, and what does it mean for the future of innovation? In this episode, Alex Adamopoulos, CEO of Emergn, joins the conversation to explore the realities of transformation fatigue, why it persists in global enterprises, and how Emergn’s unique approach is helping organizations break free from dependency on traditional consulting firms. Alex shares insights from Emergn’s research, revealing that nearly 50% of employees consider leaving their roles due to burnout from repeated organizational changes, and 70% of transformation programs fail to deliver meaningful results. He outlines how transformation fatigue manifests through symptoms like excessive workloads, buzzword-heavy initiatives, and a reliance on outdated methodologies. Alex emphasizes that successful change comes from empowering teams, focusing on incremental improvements, and building a culture where innovation thrives organically. We also dive into Emergn’s differentiators, contrasting their mission to make clients autonomous with the dependency-focused models of larger consulting firms. Through their VFQ (Value, Flow, Quality) learning program, Emergn helps businesses upskill teams and operationalize innovation in ways that are practical, scalable, and sustainable. Alex critiques the traditional models used by firms like McKinsey and the Big Four, highlighting how Emergn’s focus on flexibility and measurable outcomes offers a more client-centered approach. The discussion also touches on AI’s transformative potential. With Emergn’s survey predicting AI integration in 98% of products and services by 2028, Alex sheds light on how companies can navigate ethical, legal, and scalability challenges. From predictive maintenance in manufacturing to automated claims in legal industries, AI’s role is poised to reshape sectors far beyond traditional expectations. What does transformation fatigue mean for your organization, and how can businesses embrace change without losing momentum? Share your thoughts and join the conversation after listening!