Tech Talks Daily

Today's episode of Tech Talks Daily features Will Huber, Office of the CTO at Ahead. .AHEAD specializes in several crucial areas such as Cloud Platforms, Digital Engineering, Data & Analytics, Next-Gen Data Center, Enterprise Automation, and Integrated Security, which are fundamental for organizations to excel in today's digital era. Will, who has a rich background as the former CTO of CDI—a company recently integrated into AHEAD to bolster its market-leading capabilities—shares insights from his extensive experience in the technology consulting sphere. As he speaks to us while traveling from New York City to Chicago, Will sheds light on how AHEAD helps businesses navigate and succeed in their digital transformation journeys. During our engaging conversation, Will discusses the importance of enterprise automation and how it's pivotal in enhancing productivity and operational efficiency across various aspects of enterprise IT. He emphasizes that by automating processes, companies can achieve quicker deployments and significant cost benefits while allowing staff to focus on higher-value work. Security is another focal point of our discussion. Will explains why it's critical to integrate robust security measures throughout all layers of an organization, from infrastructure and applications to data and networks. By embedding security from the start and continuously training staff, companies can better manage their digital landscapes against evolving threats. The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence and its governance are also explored. Will touches on the hype surrounding AI and the need for frameworks to deploy it responsibly. He highlights how AHEAD helps organizations set up these frameworks to ensure AI is used effectively and ethically across various sectors. Will also delves into the transformative impact of AI in healthcare, noting how it revolutionizes administrative tasks, diagnostics, predictive analytics, and real-time monitoring. This transformation is crucial for improving patient care and outcomes. Moreover, we discuss the challenges of managing cloud costs. As companies increasingly move to cloud-based solutions, understanding and controlling expenditures become paramount. Will explains how AHEAD addresses these challenges by implementing effective financial operations strategies that provide visibility into cloud utilization and spending. As we conclude our conversation, Will reiterates AHEAD's mission to reduce complexity and deliver innovative software solutions that blend tools, processes, and continuous learning. This approach not only propels businesses forward but also ensures they are well-prepared to face the future of an increasingly digital world. Join us as we dive deep into the dynamics of enterprise automation, AI, and the strategic integration of cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of digital business transformation. What are your thoughts on the role of AI and automation in your industry? Let's continue the conversation and explore how these technologies are reshaping the business landscape.

In today’s episode, we delve into the innovative world of Rinse, a mobile-first solution transforming the traditional laundry and dry cleaning industry. We are joined by Ajay Prakash, CEO and Co-Founder of Rinse, to explore how their technology not only enhances customer convenience but also supports local laundromats and promotes fair employment practices. Founded in 2013, Rinse was born out of a desire to remove the friction from a chore that everyone dreads—laundry. Ajay and his co-founder, James, began testing the concept with just 11 friends, quickly realizing the potential to make a significant impact. Rinse’s unique business model partners with local laundromats, equipping them with technology and training to handle increased volume and improve their service quality. This partnership has boosted partner revenue by an average of 20%. One of the core beliefs at Rinse is the fair treatment of their workforce. Unlike many companies in the gig economy, Rinse’s drivers, known as Valet team members, are all W-2 employees, ensuring they receive the benefits and security they deserve. Technology plays a pivotal role in Rinse’s operation, with sophisticated systems for route optimization, inventory tracking, and ensuring cleaning quality. This backend technology allows Rinse to manage the complexities of their operation while keeping the customer experience straightforward and effective. Looking forward, Rinse aims to become a household name and a dominant player both nationally and internationally in the laundry and dry cleaning industry. With plans to expand further across the U.S. and eventually worldwide, Rinse is on a clear path to redefine how we think about managing our laundry needs. As we unpack the journey of Rinse and its impacts on both customers and local businesses, we invite you to consider how traditional services can be transformed through technology. What are your thoughts on the integration of tech in traditional industries? Join the conversation and share your insights with us!

What steps are necessary to secure a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue like SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park against ever-evolving cybersecurity threats? And how can such measures be balanced with providing a seamless experience for millions of visitors each year? Joining me today to answer these questions is Dwayne Robinson, Head of Cybersecurity at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. I met Dwayne on the show floor at Cisco Live, and we quickly got into a fascinating discussion about the unique challenges and solutions involved in securing a high-profile venue. SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park are not just home to NFL games and concerts but also set to host monumental events like the Super Bowl, the 2028 Olympics, and the FIFA World Cup. In our conversation, Dwayne shares his insights into how they use cutting-edge technologies to bolster cybersecurity. From AI-driven threat detection to coordinated efforts with federal and local government agencies, discover how the cybersecurity team navigates this complex digital landscape. We also explore how these measures are implemented without compromising the fan experience, ensuring that every visit to SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park is memorable for all the right reasons. How do you secure a 298-acre sports and entertainment district while maintaining a top-notch fan experience? What emerging threats keep cybersecurity experts up at night, and how can proactive measures make a difference? Tune in to find out, and share your thoughts on the balance between innovation and security in such dynamic environments. We'd love to hear your insights!  

How is artificial intelligence reshaping the landscape of technology, and what new developments can we expect from a leader in the industry? In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, live from Cisco Live, I'm joined by Vijoy Pandey, Senior Vice President of Outshift by Cisco. Outshift is at the forefront of Cisco's innovation, especially in the realms of AI, cloud-native applications, and quantum technologies. Vijoy shares his insights on the latest AI innovations that are not only advancing Cisco's product line but also setting new benchmarks for customer experience and technological responsibility. We discuss Outshift's mission to build what's next in emerging tech for Cisco and the challenges of turning ideas into action. Vijoy explains how Outshift operates like an internal startup accelerator, focusing on both product development and market readiness to address customer needs effectively. Our conversation delves into the specifics of AI's role in enhancing existing products and driving new ones. Vijoy highlights how AI is being integrated into Cisco's products to improve their capabilities and address evolving customer needs. From AI-driven assistants to the cutting-edge developments in quantum networking and security, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the future of technology.

What's driving the evolution of networking today? How are industry leaders like Cisco shaping the future of data centers and connectivity?  In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, live from Cisco Live, I'm joined by Kevin Wollenweber, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cisco Networking – Data Center and Provider Connectivity. Kevin, with decades of experience and a finger on the pulse of industry transformations, shares his insights into Cisco's latest innovations. We discuss how these advances address the complex challenges faced by the largest service providers and data centers around the world.  From new 400 and 800 gig routers and switches to AI-driven network management tools, Kevin reveals how Cisco is helping customers modernize and streamline their network infrastructures. Throughout our conversation, Kevin delves into the merging of the data center and routing teams, enhancing Cisco's ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions. We also explore how Cisco leverages automation and AI to simplify network management and improve operational efficiency for service providers. As we close this episode, I'd like to ask everyone listening: What future networking challenges do you think are most critical? How should companies like Cisco continue to innovate in response? Share your thoughts with me.

In a world increasingly driven by digital transformation, the robustness of enterprise connectivity can often go unnoticed—until it doesn't. Today on Tech Talks Daily, we have the pleasure of hosting Mark Bennett, Head of Global Enterprise Networking Products at Vodafone Business, to discuss the pivotal role connectivity plays in modern business operations. Vodafone Business, a primary growth engine within the global Vodafone Group, stands at the forefront of enterprise connectivity, boasting a revenue of approximately $8.7 billion. The company's commitment is not just about maintaining connections but enhancing business capabilities through digital transformation. During this episode, Mark provides us with a deeper insight into the lesser-known yet critical side of Vodafone Business. He details their comprehensive portfolio, which spans IoT, cloud, security, analytics, unified communications, and more, catering from small enterprises to large multinational corporations. With today's enterprise networks becoming increasingly complex, the convergence of software-defined wide-area networks with security at the forefront—driven by hybrid working and cloud adoption—is more crucial than ever. Mark discusses the strategic importance of SaaS (software as a service) and cloud integration, highlighting the significant role of Vodafone Business in supporting their customers through these transitions. Moreover, Mark sheds light on the transformative impacts of network automation. Despite a large portion of the industry still managing networks manually, Vodafone Business is pushing the boundaries by implementing AI and automation to enhance operational productivity and end-user experience. As Mark's first Cisco Live event in the U.S., he shares his excitement about exploring advancements in AI and automation, particularly how these technologies integrate into Vodafone's strategies to ensure optimal performance and agility for their customers globally. Whether you are deeply embedded in the tech industry or just curious about the infrastructural backbone that supports digital business operations, this conversation offers valuable insights into the critical role of enterprise connectivity in today's business landscape. What are your thoughts on the evolution of enterprise networking? How do you see AI and automation playing a role in your business or industry? Join the conversation and share your insights with us!

Why should companies invest in social impact programs? Today on Tech Talks Daily, we delve into this compelling question with Brian Tippens, SVP and Chief Social Impact Officer at Cisco. Together, we explore how integrating social impact strategies not only drives positive change but also propels business outcomes forward. Cisco stands at the forefront of this movement, harnessing its vast technological resources and extensive ecosystem to champion an inclusive future for all. Our discussion will highlight Cisco's key initiatives that illustrate the profound intersection of social responsibility and business strategy. These efforts include climate sustainability, response to crises, advancement of social justice, skills development, community impact through employee engagement, economic empowerment, digital inclusion, and accessibility. In a time when ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) can spark controversy, Brian will share why companies like Cisco continue to invest in social impact, viewing it as essential to their business ethos and crucial for addressing global challenges. We'll also shed light on Cisco’s "One Billion Lives Positively Impacted" initiative and their comprehensive actions for social justice. Join us as we uncover the tangible benefits of these initiatives not just for society, but for the employees, customers, and partners of a global enterprise. How do you think embracing social impact can reshape the future of business? Share your thoughts and join the conversation. Useful Links  “One Billion Lives Positively Impacted with BBC StoryWorks highlights” https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/csr/technology-for-good/one-billion.html “Cisco’s 12 Actions for Social Justice” https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/social-justice.html Cisco’s ESG Reporting Hub https://www.cisco.com/c/m/en_us/about/csr/esg-hub.html

Are you ready to dive into the latest trends in digital operations? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I'm excited to welcome Carla DeSantis, Partner in Operations Transformation at PwC, to discuss the findings from PwC's recent Trends in Digital Operations Survey. Carla provides an in-depth look at the survey's key findings, highlighting that 69% of companies are not seeing returns on their technology investments in supply chain and operations. She explains the primary obstacles, including lack of user adoption, data quality issues, and the challenges of integrating new technology with legacy systems. Carla emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to transformation, rather than a siloed focus on individual pain points. One of the most intriguing aspects of our conversation is the discussion on AI integration. Despite nearly all respondents having some level of engagement with generative AI, only 20% report widespread use in operations and supply chain. Carla shares insights into what factors contribute to successful AI integration, stressing the need for clear use cases that augment human capabilities rather than replace them. She also addresses the common misconception of AI as a silver bullet or a tool for workforce reduction. Carla underscores the critical role of upskilling in achieving digital transformation. She advocates for reimagining training as a continuous learning journey, involving both detractors and super-users early in the process to identify and overcome adoption barriers. Her advice on balancing encouragement with accountability for technology use is particularly valuable for business leaders aiming to foster a digitally adept workforce. Looking ahead, Carla paints a picture of an evolving landscape where sustainability and regulatory considerations are becoming increasingly important. She encourages listeners to explore PwC's Digital Operations Report for industry-specific insights and practical recommendations. How is your organization navigating the complexities of digital transformation? Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights from Carla DeSantis and discover strategies to enhance your digital operations. After listening, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the key challenges and opportunities in your digital transformation journey.

Are you ready to explore the future of data and AI? In our upcoming episode of Tech Talks Daily, I am thrilled to welcome Irfan Khan, Chief Product Officer at SAP, to discuss SAP's groundbreaking data and analytics portfolio, particularly the new SAP Data Sphere offering. Irfan brings a wealth of experience and insights, starting from his early interest in technology inspired by his father to his formative computing experiences with the BBC Micro and Amstrad CPC 464. His journey from CTO at Sybase to various sales roles at SAP has given him a unique customer-centric perspective that fuels his innovative approach to data and AI. Our conversation dives deep into the SAP Data Sphere, a revolutionary business virtual data fabric concept that allows for data federation without the need for physical data consolidation. This groundbreaking approach preserves data context and metadata, which are critical for training high-quality generative AI models. Irfan explains how Data Sphere leverages knowledge graphs and vector stores to enable contextual AI capabilities, allowing businesses to detect signals and patterns across disparate data sources for applications like supply chain optimization. One of the standout aspects of our discussion is the emphasis on data quality, lineage, and ethical use, which are paramount for the responsible deployment of generative AI. Irfan shares SAP's commitment to ethical AI, including the formation of an ethical AI committee to vet models before production use, and discusses the measures taken to prevent hallucinations, cultural biases, and maintain data integrity. Irfan also highlights real-world applications of SAP Data Sphere and generative AI, such as detecting early signals of supply chain disruptions and ethically screening candidates for recruitment. These examples showcase how generative AI is enhancing business applications across various industries, driving innovation, and supporting better decision-making. Looking ahead, Irfan paints an exciting picture of the future of data and AI, with rapid innovation from big tech players like Google, Meta, and OpenAI. He underscores the importance of continuous learning through bite-sized content and networking to stay ahead in this dynamic field. What steps can your business take to leverage the power of AI and contextual data? Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights from Irfan Khan and discover how SAP's innovative solutions can transform your data management and AI strategies. After listening, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the role of generative AI in your business and how you plan to practice better data hygiene for responsible AI use.

How secure is your data really? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Rocco D'Amico, founder of Brass Valley, to explore the hidden threats and innovations in data security and management. Brass Valley began with a focus on data security for data centers and has since evolved into a leader in search engine optimization and data destruction innovations. Rocco sheds light on the often-overlooked danger of embedded data in off-network and end-of-life devices, explaining how even wiped devices can harbor hidden data that poses significant security risks. He discusses the importance of identifying gaps in your company's data protection and what a robust data risk management platform should accomplish. Rocco's insights into implementing high-reliability practices from industries like nuclear, healthcare, and aviation into IT asset disposition (ITAD) are invaluable, demonstrating how to minimize the risk of mega data breaches effectively. One of the standout moments from our conversation is Rocco's account of assisting a major security company in closing 49 data centers across 22 countries within just 60 days. His story highlights the critical role of strong communication, cultural understanding, and experienced partners in achieving such a massive feat without compromising data security. Rocco also emphasizes the importance of sustainability in data destruction, advocating for responsible methods that keep old devices out of landfills while ensuring complete data destruction. He offers a fascinating perspective on how the data management landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years and what these changes mean for the technology we use today. For those interested in delving deeper into data security, Rocco provides practical advice on measuring processes, enabling open communication, and having a disaster recovery plan in place. His approach to empowering staff to voice concerns and preventing potential breaches showcases the importance of a proactive and vigilant mindset in data protection. What steps are you taking to ensure your data is fully protected? Tune in to this episode to learn from Rocco D'Amico's expertise and discover how you can fortify your data security strategies. After listening, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the hidden threats within your data security practices and how you plan to address them.