Tech Talks Daily

In today's episode, we're joined by Marco Palladino, CTO and co-founder of Kong, Inc., a company that’s at the forefront of revolutionizing how businesses interact with data and services through APIs. With a staggering annual recurring revenue surpassing $100 million, Kong provides essential API technologies to Fortune 500 companies and millions of programmers globally. Their groundbreaking AI Gateway is enabling organizations to harness a wide range of AI services that are becoming crucial for modern operations. At just 19, Marco and CEO Augusto Marietti started Kong with backing from tech luminaries like Jeff Bezos, Eric Schmidt, and venture firm Andreessen Horowitz. They convinced Bezos of the potential of APIs, influencing Amazon's pivotal shift towards cloud-based microservices, setting a course for the company to become a dominant force in the cloud services sector. In our conversation, we delve into the origin story of Kong and explore the evolution and significant impact of APIs in today's digital ecosystem. APIs are not just technical tools; they are the lifelines that connect us to the digital world—from AI to cryptocurrency and beyond. We'll discuss the critical role APIs play in our increasingly data-centric environment and how they are poised to shape the future as we steer towards more AI-driven processes. Listeners, you’re invited to join the discussion and learn more about how APIs are not merely facilitating digital transformation but are essential building blocks for the technology of tomorrow. For those eager to dive deeper into Marco’s insights or learn more about Kong, Inc.'s innovations, visit Kong's website and follow their journey towards making API technology more accessible and impactful for businesses around the globe. What are your thoughts on the future of APIs in our tech-driven world? How do you see APIs evolving with the advancements in AI? Share your views with us!

How do businesses protect themselves in an increasingly digital world where cyber threats evolve as quickly as the technologies designed to combat them? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, we welcome Art Gilliland, CEO of Delinea, a leader in Privileged Access Management (PAM). Art joins us to discuss Delinea's strategic moves in the fast-paced cybersecurity landscape, including their recent acquisitions of Fastpath and Authomize, and the broader trend of market consolidation amid economic pressures. Under Art's leadership, Delinea has enhanced its capabilities in cloud and SaaS identity management, reflecting a commitment to addressing sophisticated cyber threats and improving organizational cyber defenses. Art will share insights on the necessity of identity security as the cornerstone of cyber defense strategies, especially critical as businesses increasingly adopt cloud technologies and face AI-powered threats. This conversation will also delve into the human aspect of M&A in the tech sector—how Delinea manages to integrate new acquisitions successfully within a matter of months and the role of executive leadership in these processes. Art's perspective on the ongoing consolidation in the cybersecurity industry highlights the push towards creating more comprehensive, efficient security platforms that reduce both complexity and costs for organizations. Art outlines the future of identity security, focusing on enhancing authorization capabilities and leveraging AI to automate threat response and decision-making. This discussion is not only about the technology but also about the strategic and human considerations that ensure these tools effectively secure and support the enterprises they are designed to protect. What challenges and opportunities do you see in the integration of new technologies and companies in the cybersecurity sector? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on how businesses can navigate these complex but essential advancements.

Are you curious about how the latest AI advancements are redefining business technology? Bradley Jenkins, Intel's EMEA lead for AI PC and ISV strategies, joins me in discussing the rise of AI PCs, a game-changing technology revolutionizing the workplace with enhanced computing power designed specifically for AI workloads. Intel's AI PCs aren't your typical machines; they come equipped with three AI compute engines: the CPU, GPU, and NPU, each optimized to handle different types of AI tasks. This architecture allows businesses to benefit from improved productivity and enhanced security for longer device lifespans.   Bradley sheds light on how Intel's AI PC, powered by the Intel Core Ultra processor, enables modern businesses to handle AI-enhanced applications seamlessly, transforming how tasks like content creation, voice-to-text, and security analytics are managed. We also touch on Intel's vPro platform, a curated suite of essential technologies built for the unique needs of business IT, offering solutions across performance, security, manageability, and stability. Bradley also explains how Intel's software ecosystem, developer support, and AI PC Acceleration Program are vital differentiators, empowering businesses to leverage AI more effectively. We'll explore real-world applications of AI PCs, including the innovative use of Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) to retain institutional knowledge and how these PCs can supercharge multitasking during collaboration calls without missing a beat.  Whether you're an IT professional or a business leader seeking to understand how AI PCs can reshape your organization, this episode thoroughly examines the practical benefits and future potential of Intel's AI-powered computing.   So, how will AI PCs change the way we work? Tune in to find out, and share your thoughts after listening! 🔗 Listen to the full interview to learn more about Intel's AI PCs and what makes them stand out from other devices. Are you ready to boost your productivity? Learn more about how Intel's AI PCs with Intel vPro are built for business https://intel.ly/3SwQxkT  

What if AI could transform the way healthcare documents are processed, reducing manual effort and increasing efficiency? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by Steve Johnson, CEO of Notable Systems, to discuss how his company is harnessing the power of AI to revolutionize healthcare IT. We dive into how Notable Systems' AI-based platform is reshaping the way health data is input, accessed, and processed, helping to humanize and simplify healthcare workflows. Steve explains how Notable Systems was founded with the goal of liberating human potential through automated document processing, taking tedious tasks like data entry out of the equation. With AI-driven solutions, the platform is designed to enhance accuracy, reduce the time spent on documentation, and ultimately lead to happier patients and more efficient healthcare providers. By integrating machine learning, natural language processing, and custom algorithms, Notable Systems is tackling some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare administration. The company recently secured $8.8 million in Series A funding, which will help them expand their team and further develop their capabilities to meet the growing demand for their services. Steve shares the journey behind Notable’s growth, the lessons learned from working with their early anchor customers, and their ambitious plans for the future. From speeding up patient orders to reducing insurance claim denials, Notable Systems is at the forefront of changing how healthcare organizations operate. We also explore the balance between AI and human oversight, as Steve reveals how Notable’s technology provides AI confidence levels to guide human review, ensuring accuracy while maintaining speed and efficiency.  Where do you think AI will have the biggest impact in healthcare over the next few years? Could automated systems like Notable’s reshape the patient experience for the better? Share your thoughts, and let’s continue the conversation.

In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, we are joined by Sean Adler, CEO of SWN, to dive into the intriguing world of quantitative finance and alternative financial data. SWN, formerly on the market for $13M before its latest product release, has reshaped the landscape of quant investment by rescaling a quant fund into a highly accessible streamable and downloadable product. Sean unpacks complex topics like smart beta, factor investing, and quantitative finance, making these sophisticated strategies relatable for listeners. He explains the practical applications of these financial tools, emphasizing the importance of not relying solely on backtesting and how a balanced approach with AI in the financial markets can offer both significant opportunities and challenges. From risk management to derivatives and staying ahead in a competitive landscape, Sean shares his deep insights from years of experience. We also touch on the secondary market, drawing from Sean's article on Forbes, where he explains the nuances of private equity valuations, alternative trading systems, and the often-overlooked dynamics of secondary liquidity in late-seed startups. The conversation is peppered with his unique perspective, blending elements of corporate strategy with real-world advice for founders navigating the evolving fintech space. If you're curious about the mechanics of financial markets, the role of alternative data, and the future of fintech, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look into a rapidly changing industry. Plus, with Sean’s storytelling flair and a nod to his love for Guy Ritchie films, there’s no shortage of engaging analogies and thought-provoking insights.

How will the rise of Web3 reshape the way we communicate? In today's episode, I’m joined by Shant Kevonian, co-founder of EtherMail, to explore the fascinating intersection of blockchain technology and email communication. EtherMail, founded in late 2021, has quickly emerged as a leading player in this space, providing anonymous and encrypted wallet-to-wallet communication. Imagine the power of Gmail, MailChimp, and Metamask all combined into a secure, decentralized platform—that’s EtherMail. Shant shares the origin story of EtherMail and the vision behind creating the first Web 3.0 email solution. We discuss the significant milestones the company has achieved, including raising $3 million in a seed round led by top Web3 investors like Fabric Ventures and Greenfield One. I learn more about EtherMail’s mission as Shant offers insights on how the platform is creating a new framework for email economics and consensual marketing, helping Web3 companies deliver blockchain-synced, relevant content to their asset holders. We also explore the recent launch of EtherMail’s native utility token, EMT, and its critical role in their Advertising Platform. Shant explains how EtherMail's Email-as-a-Wallet (EaaW) solution is bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3, allowing users to create non-custodial wallets via Gmail or Apple accounts in under a minute. Throughout the conversation, Shant shares valuable advice for aspiring Web3 entrepreneurs and the importance of strategic partnerships, including EtherMail’s backing from investors like Tim Draper. Tune in to learn more about how EtherMail is shaping the future of decentralized communication and what’s next for this innovative platform.

In today's fast-paced tech world, how can businesses stay ahead while overcoming the challenges of digital transformation? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Dave Donatelli from Riverbed, a technology leader with deep industry expertise. We discuss the importance of attracting top talent to the C-suite, the AI conversations happening in boardrooms, and the critical priorities that CIOs need to address in 2024. Dave also shares insights on Riverbed's newest platform and solutions, which harness AI automation and full-fidelity data to reveal hidden gaps in visibility and enhance digital experiences. We'll explore how Unified Observability helps IT teams overcome pressing challenges, particularly with public clouds, remote work, and enterprise mobile devices. Dave explains the value of open platforms and how organizations can implement scalable AI solutions to improve performance. Curious about how Unified Observability and AI are reshaping IT strategies? Tune in to discover how Riverbed empowers organizations to elevate their digital experiences. What are your thoughts on these emerging trends? Join the conversation and share your insights.

In this episode of The Tech Talks Daily Podcast, we explore the intersection of AI and cloud technology in the biotech industry with Stephen Deasy, CTO of Benchling. Benchling is empowering scientists across the globe with a unified platform that supports faster, more efficient research and development, aiming to unlock the full potential of biotechnology. Stephen discusses how AI is transforming drug discovery through specialized models like AlphaFold and BioNemo, while also warning that without updates to development, testing, and manufacturing, we may face challenges in keeping pace with AI-driven breakthroughs. He emphasizes that modern science needs modern technology to fully capitalize on these innovations. We also examine how cloud technology is revolutionizing R&D in biotech, allowing companies to innovate rapidly, scale effectively, and focus on core research without getting bogged down in infrastructure management. Stephen shares how Benchling has helped organizations like Sanofi streamline their operations by consolidating legacy systems and creating high-quality, accessible data structures that maximize the impact of AI. Stephen also highlights ongoing challenges, such as data quality and accessibility, and offers insights into how organizations can successfully integrate AI into their research. He provides valuable advice on fostering cross-functional collaboration, improving onboarding, and ensuring data readiness as key steps to maximizing the potential of AI in biotech. How can the biotech industry ensure that the speed and scale of AI-driven drug discovery translate into real-world success? Join the discussion, and let us know your thoughts.

In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, we're exploring the complex, high-stakes world of AI governance, risk management, and data security with Jack Berkowitz, Chief Data Officer at Securiti AI. Jack brings over 30 years of experience in the data field, having worked with top Fortune 500 companies like ADP and Oracle. Today, he’s leading innovation at Securiti AI, a company that has become synonymous with secure data and AI systems, and is recognized for its Data+AI Command Center. The conversation begins with the critical challenges facing today's C-Suite. Executives are tasked with navigating the risks and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence while ensuring robust security frameworks are in place. Jack will discuss how CISOs and other executives can strike the right balance between leveraging AI for innovation and safeguarding against ever-evolving cyber threats like data poisoning and model theft. He will explain the steps that companies should take to secure their AI and data ecosystems, focusing on a framework that’s not just reactive but proactive in identifying risks before they become costly problems. Listeners will learn about proven strategies for implementing AI governance, as Jack shares real-world examples from his discussions with clients. He’ll also provide insights into how Securiti AI’s platform is giving companies visibility into their data flows and equipping security teams with tools to manage compliance, privacy, and security across systems like SharePoint and Office 365. Are traditional security frameworks adequate in this fast-paced AI era? What can CISOs do to ensure their AI systems remain transparent, trusted, and secure, all while complying with an increasingly complex web of regulations? Join us as Jack Berkowitz answers these questions.

In the latest episode of Tech Talks Daily, I bring you an insightful conversation with Andy Bradshaw, CEO of SHL, the global leader in HR technology and psychometric science.  As AI continues to reshape the workforce in 2024, Andy's expertise couldn't be more timely or relevant. With over 25 years of experience in technology and service businesses, including renowned companies like Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, and Sophos, Andy brings a unique perspective to the table. His passion for leveraging human insights to enhance business and individual performance shines through in this engaging discussion. The episode kicks off with Andy explaining SHL's remarkable transformation into a talent intelligence powerhouse. He reveals how the company now leverages an astounding 45 billion data points across 150 countries to provide unparalleled workforce insights. As the conversation unfolds, Andy delves into the critical importance of early career recruitment in today's global talent shortage. He offers valuable strategies for tackling this challenge, emphasizing the need for organizations to recognize recruitment as a two-way process and focus on potential and motivation rather than just specific job skills. One of the most fascinating segments of the interview explores the power of internal mobility in solving critical talent problems. Andy shares eye-opening statistics on the increased filling of internal roles post-pandemic and discusses the numerous benefits this approach brings to both employers and employees. The discussion then shifts to a fresh perspective on hiring tech talent, with Andy advocating for looking beyond skills to focus on durable "soft" or "human" skills. He introduces SHL's identification of 11 key human skills for early career success, explaining how this approach allows for future job flexibility and can help reduce salary inflation for niche skills. Andy talks about how organizations are moving from talk to action, setting concrete targets, and using independent data sources to reduce bias in hiring and talent management processes. The conversation concludes with an exploration of AI's role in recruitment. Andy outlines how SHL integrates AI into assessment products, candidate experience, and big data interpretation while emphasizing the importance of transparent and ethical AI use.