Tech Talks Daily

Talking wireless at Cisco Live brings you face to face with what tomorrow’s connectivity looks like, and my recent chat with Matt McPherson, Enterprise Wireless CTO at Cisco, and Jerome Henry, standards guru and author, did precisely that. When two people this deep in the trenches start describing how our networks cope with thousands of devices at concerts, hospitals, or homes brimming with smart gadgets, it hits you how invisible yet vital great wireless is. Matt walked me through how Cisco’s approach has evolved over the years, from the early days when the solution to every problem was to throw more bandwidth at it to now, where Wi-Fi 7 serves as a smarter, more reliable safety net. His stories about the transition from Wi-Fi 5 and 6 to what we have now made it clear that what happens above our heads is anything but simple, yet the result for us should feel seamless. Jerome gave this technical backdrop a human touch by explaining the decisions that went into the new standard. His book, Wi-Fi 7 In Depth, pulls back the curtain on what drives choices in protocols and frequency use. We discussed why multilink operation, which people often hear about, is just one piece of a puzzle that addresses real-time performance and lower waiting times, even in areas where radio waves become unstable quickly. One part that stood out was Matt describing what happens when a venue like Cisco Live fills up with people. Walls go up, exhibitors build stands, and thousands of bodies, each mostly water, flood the space. That messes with signals, but Wi-Fi 7’s new scheduling tools help keep things running smoothly despite the chaos. We could not ignore the current buzzword either. AI is being folded into the wireless playbook more deeply than most realize. Cisco has been using AI quietly to manage channels and power levels for years, but now, these tools can learn and adjust without requiring an engineer to intervene. For businesses juggling a flood of devices and constant pressure to operate leanly, this is more than helpful; it is becoming a standard practice. Then there is Cisco Spaces. Jerome and Matt explained how this feature helps companies understand how their offices are utilized. Knowing exactly where an access point is located is more than trivia; it grounds everything from location tracking to indoor maps. Add in new chips that can measure tiny distances with great precision, and you get navigation tools that know exactly where your phone is yet respect your privacy by keeping control of the user. Throughout, one message was repeated: wireless is getting smarter, so humans do not need to babysit it. AI handles routine decisions. Security layers keep new traffic safe. Automation reduces the time spent hunting for issues or second-guessing configurations. Whether it is robots moving in a warehouse, nurses paging each other without drops, or a teenager streaming games while someone else hops on a video call, the backbone is ready to keep up. Before we wrapped up, I asked both guests what excites them most. Jerome wants the day to come when connectivity works without fuss or expert intervention. Matt added that Cisco’s goal is to ensure companies can support a growing array of devices without needing a vast team of specialists monitoring every light and graph. If you want to see how this new chapter unfolds, watch the sessions from Cisco Live, pick up Wi-Fi 7 In Depth for a real peek behind the scenes, and maybe keep an eye out for Jerome’s next book. I have my copy ready for the flight home, and after this conversation, I know we will have plenty more to talk about next year.  

What does it take to future-proof the modern workplace? In this episode, I speak with Thomas Rowley, Chief Technologist for Networking and Connectivity at Softcat, about the real-world challenges of managing a high-density office and how the company turned to Cisco to create a more intelligent, responsive environment. As more employees returned to the office, Softcat began to notice a hidden problem. Rising CO2 levels were affecting the comfort and productivity of their teams. Rather than treat it as a facilities issue, they tackled it head-on with technology. Working with Cisco, they rolled out a combination of access points, collaboration tools, and Meraki sensors that transformed their workspace into a data-informed, adaptive environment. But this story isn’t just about devices. It’s about inspiration too. A visit to Cisco’s Experience Center opened Softcat’s eyes to what was possible, not just in terms of hardware, but in how unified tech strategies can drive better decisions. That visit ultimately sparked the idea for their own internal innovation space, showcasing how operational excellence can become a cultural value, not just a technical outcome. Thomas also shares insight into the evolving role of connectivity in hybrid work, how Softcat supports over 1,500 salespeople with scalable IT solutions, and why the partnership with Cisco continues to shape their global ambitions. From sustainability to scalability, this episode offers a practical look at how two leading tech firms collaborate to solve problems that many businesses are only just beginning to understand. If your office still treats infrastructure as an afterthought, this conversation might change your mind. Are your workplace systems ready to handle both people and performance?

As AI continues to dominate the conversation at Cisco Live, the infrastructure needed to support this transformation often gets overshadowed. That’s why I was eager to visit the Panduit booth and explore the physical backbone enabling the shift from cloud to on-prem. I sat down with several Panduit experts including Renee Lang, Mason Khan, Vince, and Mike to understand how their high-density power, fiber, and sustainability solutions are equipping organizations for the AI-powered future. This episode goes beyond surface-level hype to focus on real-world preparation. Renee opened our discussion by highlighting the shift in customer questions this year. AI may be driving the vision, but enterprises are still asking how to take that first step. From gradual upgrades to strategic power planning, the conversation is about progress, not perfection. We looked at how Panduit is helping customers implement solutions today that will still support their goals tomorrow. Mason shared how Panduit’s high-density power units are evolving to meet the surging demands of AI servers, with advanced features like cybersecurity compliance and automatic orientation. Vince then walked me through the game-changing concept of fault-managed power. With the ability to deliver significant power safely over long distances using standard pathways, this technology could reshape how we power devices in smart campuses, data centers, and industrial spaces. Finally, Mike brought it all together by showing how fiber infrastructure ties these innovations into a cohesive strategy. His insights into structured cabling and reflective polishing offered practical takeaways for engineers trying to stay ahead of the AI curve. This episode captures the customer conversations, unexpected use cases, and future-facing solutions that make events like Cisco Live so valuable. What steps are you taking now to prepare your infrastructure for the next wave of transformation?

Walking the show floor at Cisco Live, it’s impossible to ignore the rising volume of conversations around network resilience. But what does resilience actually look like in today’s distributed, AI-driven enterprise environment? To explore this, I sat down with Patrick Quirk, President and GM of Opengear, right at their booth near the center of the event. In our conversation, Patrick explained how Opengear has become a platform focused on proactive infrastructure management. As AI workloads expand into both data centers and edge environments, network reliability is now a critical part of business operations. Patrick shared how their approach with the phrase "First Day. Worst Day. Every Day." helps ensure continuity even in the most challenging conditions. What stood out during this discussion was Opengear’s impact in practical situations. From supporting major retailers during service disruptions to helping organizations recover quickly from incidents similar to the CrowdStrike event, they deliver more than basic monitoring. We also discussed Lighthouse, their fleet management platform, and how it enables zero-touch provisioning at scale. This concept clearly resonated with many attendees at the event. Patrick also talked about findings from a Cisco report that estimated global losses from network outages reached 160 billion dollars last year. He explained how attitudes are shifting at the leadership level. Network resilience is no longer treated as a secondary concern. Risk mitigation, compliance, and consistent service delivery are now at the core of business conversations. Whether you're managing thousands of switches or preparing your infrastructure for the growing demands of AI, this episode provides insights that apply directly to today's connected world. How are you preparing your network to stay up and running when it matters most?

Earlier this year, I spoke with Dennis Woodside, CEO of Freshworks, about why speed and ROI matter more than ever in AI adoption. Today, we continue that conversation—this time from the IT frontline. In this episode, I’m joined by Ashwin Ballal, CIO of Freshworks and a 30-year tech industry veteran with a track record of driving transformation across global enterprises. From his days leading intelligence and data strategy at KLA to his role as CIO at Medallia, Ashwin knows what it takes to modernize without overcomplicating. We explore: The real impact AI is having inside IT teams and where the hype still outweighs reality Why simplifying IT environments is becoming a strategic priority for CIOs How AI is being used to augment, not replace, human capability The pressure to deliver measurable outcomes with fewer resources—and what leaders are doing about it Ashwin also shares a candid view on upskilling, internal adoption, and how CIOs can keep innovation moving forward while managing complexity and cost. This conversation is released in time for Freshworks’ ‘Refresh’ event and ties into broader industry trends around operational efficiency, human-centered AI, and IT’s changing role in business strategy. If you're a CIO, tech leader, or just trying to cut through the noise around AI in the enterprise, this one’s worth your time.

Customer service has undergone significant changes in just a few years. We’ve moved from clunky chatbots with limited menus to sophisticated AI agents that understand, respond, and solve problems in real-time. But we’re now standing on the edge of something even bigger. In today’s episode, I spoke with Matthias Goehler, EMEA CTO at Zendesk, about what the next wave of AI-powered customer experience looks like and how businesses can prepare for it. According to Matthias, up to 80 percent of customer interactions can now be automated with modern AI tools. This is not the frustrating automation many remember. We’re talking about orchestrated systems where multiple AI agents work together.  One agent might interpret a customer’s request, another retrieves information, while others take care of backend integrations. The goal is not to deflect but to resolve quickly, clearly, and with the consistency that customers expect. This shift is also reshaping internal support. Zendesk’s Employee Experience Suite brings the same AI capabilities used for customer service into HR and IT workflows. Employees now have access to fast, intelligent support that mirrors the consumer-grade service they’re used to in their personal lives. Crucially, we explored what this means in a European context. With strict privacy regulations, Zendesk has developed tools that enable businesses to see precisely how AI decisions are made. Matthias explained how AI reasoning controls ensure transparency, maintain trust, and allow for complete visibility into what the AI is doing and why. We also looked ahead. What happens when AI agents not only support us but begin to represent us? What if a customer reaches out, not through a human, but through their virtual assistant? That future may not be far off. Is your organization ready for this shift in how service is delivered and experienced?

Most of the noise around AI focuses on developers, creatives, and knowledge workers. But what about everyone else? The nurses, store associates, logistics teams, and warehouse staff make up nearly 80 percent of the global workforce. In today's conversation, I sat down with Tom Bianculli, Chief Technology Officer at Zebra Technologies, to talk about AI that meets people where they work. Not in a document editor or code repository but on the shop floor, in hospital corridors, and inside fulfillment centers. Tom shared how Zebra's strategy, built on research, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, is helping to bring practical, purpose-built AI to frontline industries. From generative assistants to machine vision systems, Zebra is developing tools that support real-world tasks without replacing the people doing them. Whether it's improving shelf visibility in retail, enabling rapid quality control in manufacturing, or automating picking assistance through wearable cameras, the focus is on helping workers complete their tasks more efficiently, accurately, and with greater satisfaction. One of the standout topics was Zebra Companion, the company's AI-powered assistant for frontline teams. With four dedicated agents covering knowledge, sales, merchandising, and device support, it is a tool designed for immediacy, speed, and seamless integration with the daily workflow.  Tom explained how Zebra is utilizing feedback from pilot programs to enhance the experience and why a human-centered approach to automation is crucial for reducing attrition and boosting morale. We also examined how AI and machine vision are driving measurable improvements in logistics and manufacturing. Recent acquisitions have strengthened Zebra's capabilities in 3D vision and high-speed industrial scanning. Looking ahead, we discussed omniscient store concepts, collaborative robotics, and the increasing value of real-time operational data. While much of the AI conversation stays focused on the office, Zebra is showing what happens when intelligence meets physical work. This episode is a reminder that AI is not just about prompts and pixels. It is also about boxes, shelves, scanners, and real people doing real jobs. How is your business planning to bring AI to the teams that keep everything moving?

The last time Philipp Pointner joined me on the podcast, AI was just a whisper on the horizon. We discussed the foundational role of digital identity in establishing trust between individuals and platforms. But fast forward to 2025, and the conversation has shifted dramatically. We're no longer just discussing verification for compliance. We're reckoning with synthetic identities, deepfake armies, and the growing push for reusable digital credentials. In today's episode, Philipp returns to unpack how much has changed since 2022. As Chief of Digital Identity at Jumio, he's right at the intersection of where AI meets trust. Fraud has evolved from lone hackers into coordinated operations that run on an industrial scale. ID fraud is no longer a matter of bad actors copying documents. Its entire networks generate tens of thousands of AI-manipulated identities with the click of a button. So, how are businesses adapting? Philipp breaks down the layered approach required for modern identity verification, touching on risk signals across various channels, including documents, devices, faces, emails, and more. He also points to an encouraging trend: cross-industry collaboration. Companies, regulators, and tech vendors are no longer working in silos. They are coordinating efforts to counter this new breed of threats. But this isn't just about fraud. We explore how identity solutions are now a key part of improving onboarding, boosting customer satisfaction, and even reducing operational costs. With significant regulatory shifts underway in Europe, the UK, and the US, from mobile driver's licenses to national digital identity schemes, businesses can't afford to fall behind. Philipp also tackles the AI paradox. The same technology that enables deepfakes is now critical for combating them. Jumio is using AI to detect fakes, verify liveness, and stay one step ahead of fraudsters. Biometrics, meanwhile, are becoming mainstream, not just in airports but as part of everyday onboarding and authentication. If you're thinking about what identity means for your business in 2025 and beyond, this episode offers a practical, timely look at what's here now and what's coming next. Whether you care about compliance, conversion rates, or protecting your users, it all starts with knowing who you're dealing with. And increasingly, that requires more than just asking for a photo ID. What role will your organization play in the future of digital trust?

Enterprise security has always been a moving target, but with the surge of AI adoption, it's entering a whole new era of complexity. In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Bradon Rogers, Chief Customer Officer at Island, who brings over 25 years of cybersecurity experience to a conversation that cuts through the noise on AI, data protection, and the evolving role of the browser. Bradon warns that AI isn't just creating new opportunities. It's also generating what he calls a derivative data nightmare. Large language models are now producing massive volumes of unstructured outputs that differ in formatting but carry the same meaning. These subtle variations are already overwhelming traditional data loss prevention tools, and the challenge is only growing. Yet Bradon doesn't stop at the warning. He believes AI might also be the solution. We discuss why businesses need to move beyond old data-centric approaches and start designing application-centric frameworks that mirror how people work. In a world where banning AI is no longer realistic, organizations need practical ways to guide users toward safe, sanctioned tools. Bradon explains how enterprise browsers can serve as that safe space, combining usability with security and offering a familiar interface that doesn't get in the way of productivity. He also addresses the new breed of shadow IT emerging from embedded AI features in everyday apps, as well as the importance of understanding how third-party providers utilize your data behind the scenes. For anyone still thinking of AI adoption as a checkbox exercise, Bradon makes it clear this is a complex governance challenge that demands a new mindset. From call center automation to real-time coaching workflows, the conversation explores how AI can enhance precision, minimize false positives, and support teams without overwhelming them. We wrap up with a powerful music recommendation that perfectly reflects the winding road many tech leaders now find themselves navigating.

What happens when machine identities outnumber human ones by a hundred to one? That’s not a future scenario. It’s already happening. In this episode, I’m joined by David Higgins, Senior Director at CyberArk, for a deep conversation about identity security in an environment increasingly shaped by AI agents, autonomous systems, and blurred digital boundaries. David brings clarity to the growing risks tied to machine credentials and explains why so many organisations are still struggling with password reuse, unsecured personal devices, and outdated security awareness efforts. We explore the rise of deepfake scams, AI-powered impersonation, and the worrying trend of attackers bypassing savvy users by targeting helpdesks and support channels instead. What stood out is how David reframes the conversation around human behaviour and responsibility. Rather than blaming users as the weakest link, he argues that identity security needs to be rooted in context, culture, and proactive design. From adaptive authentication to just-in-time access models, there are smarter ways forward that balance security and user experience without turning employees into roadblocks. And we go even further. We talk about the next phase of risk, where AI agents aren't just tools but semi-autonomous actors capable of learning and adapting. What happens when one of these agents goes off-script? What safeguards are in place if they begin to behave in ways their developers didn’t anticipate? This episode is not about hype. It’s a practical look at what identity-first security really means in a machine-dominated environment. So let’s hear it: do you think your business is ready for this shift? Or are we still relying too much on assumptions that no longer hold up? Let me know what you think after listening.