Tech Talks Daily

How do businesses today navigate the complex world of IT and managed network solutions while keeping pace with technological advancements and security challenges? I sit down with Alan Stephenson-Brown, CEO of Evolve Business Group, to explore this intricate landscape. Evolve, an independently owned company specializing in end-to-end IT and managed network solutions has been a trailblazer since 2005. It provides services that help businesses reduce costs, simplify service management, and allow teams to focus on their core competencies. With its umbrella of brands – Evolve, 4G Voice & Data, and GB3 – the company has become a key player in keeping networks of various industries compliant, protected, and connected. Alan Stephenson-Brown, leading Evolve since 2012, has been instrumental in the company's transformation from a Guest WiFi and connectivity provider to a powerhouse in fully managed network solutions, including best-in-class SD-WAN. Under his leadership, Evolve has expanded its reach to 11 countries, working with prominent clients like  KFC, Starbucks, and BP. This episode delves into the multifaceted aspects of managed network solutions and the use of AI. Alan will shed light on how Evolve began as a guest WiFi provider and evolved into offering completely managed network solutions, the importance of AI in analyzing network alerts and data to enhance services and security, and the critical role of segregating networks and ensuring PCI compliance. Moreover, we'll explore the recent strategic acquisitions by Evolve, including 4G Voice and Data and GB3, which have doubled its headcount and expanded its services into IT, cloud, and cybersecurity. In a world where the security landscape is constantly changing and the integration of AI and IoT is becoming more prevalent, Alan offers his expert insights on the challenges and opportunities businesses face. Alan provides practical advice and solutions for businesses navigating these complexities, from the dangers lurking in back-office technologies like CCTV and printers to the impending PCI DSS V4 compliance requirements.

Have you ever paused to consider the rapidly evolving landscape of database technology, especially in the era of cloud computing and serverless architectures? Today's Tech Talks Daily Podcast episode welcomes a visionary in this domain, Nikita Shamgunov, the CEO and Founder of Neon. This pioneering startup is not just altering the Postgres database scene; it's revolutionizing it with serverless capabilities, a transformative step that recently attracted a staggering $40M investment, pushing their total funding to an impressive $100M. Our journey today with Nikita isn't just about numbers and investments. It's a narrative of innovation, determination, and foresight. Before Neon, Nikita laid the foundation of MemSQL (now SingleStore), where he honed his skills as both CTO and CEO. His journey is a remarkable tale, spanning from the learning grounds of a Facebook boot camp to the competitive arena of Silicon Valley, a testament to what vision and perseverance can achieve. In our conversation, Nikita delves into the essence of Neon's innovative architecture. What sets Neon apart is not just its serverless multi-cloud Postgres databases but its ability to simplify complex database functionalities into a straightforward URL. This simplicity is a beacon of hope in an otherwise complex technological landscape. Neon's story is compelling, especially considering its inception only in 2021. Yet, it has redefined what a database provider should be in this short span. With automated management of clusters, storage, and compute functions, Neon offers fresh air in database management. Its generous free tier and scale-to-zero pricing are not just attractive features; they represent a commitment to accessibility and efficiency. The addition of database branching, allowing for instantaneous replication of any database at any point in its lifecycle, positions Neon as a frontrunner for modern development workflows. As we delve into these topics, we also touch upon the broader implications of Postgres in the era of AI and machine learning and how early-stage companies can harness the power of open-source databases. So, what does the future hold for Postgres and serverless databases? Join us in this enlightening conversation with Nikita Shamgunov and discover Neon's potential to reshape this landscape. And remember to share your thoughts: How do you see the role of databases evolving in the future of technology and business?

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, I enjoy a conversation with Bartosz Skwarczek, the entrepreneurial mastermind behind G2A.COM, a behemoth in the world of digital marketplaces. With a customer base spanning over 25 million users across 180 countries, G2A.COM stands as a testament to Bartosz's vision and relentless pursuit of innovation. Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a global digital empire from the ground up? Bartosz, a renowned entrepreneur and public speaker, offers a glimpse into his journey of transforming a modest online store in Poland into an international powerhouse. His story combines ambition, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Cybersecurity, a critical aspect of any digital venture, takes center stage in our discussion. Bartosz delves into the intricacies of protecting a vast digital marketplace in an era where cyber threats are escalating. The conversation is intriguing as we explore how G2A has fortified its platform, achieving a ten times more robust security standard than the industry average. But what does the future hold for digital marketplaces? Bartosz shares his insights on the transformative impact of emerging technologies like AI, AR, and blockchain. He paints a picture of a future where these technologies are not just buzzwords but integral components reshaping the digital landscape. Beyond the technological marvels, Bartosz's journey is also a lesson in entrepreneurship. His mantra, "Every day is a school day," reflects a perpetual learning and growth philosophy. For aspiring entrepreneurs, his experiences underscore the importance of resilience, hard work, and maintaining a clear vision amidst the challenges and triumphs of building a business. Listeners, what are your thoughts on the convergence of technology and entrepreneurship? How do you see digital marketplaces evolving in the face of new technological advancements? Share your views and join the conversation!

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, we embark on an enlightening journey with Assaf Resnick, CEO and Founder of BigPanda. We're exploring the question: How is BigPanda redefining IT operations with groundbreaking AI technology? BigPanda emerges as a beacon of innovation in the technological landscape, harnessing the power of advanced AI and machine learning to revolutionize the management of IT incidents. Picture a scenario where the detection, investigation, and resolution of IT issues are efficient and almost effortless. This vision is what drives BigPanda. With impressive funding of $337M and a client list that includes industry giants, BigPanda's impact is tangible and growing. The story behind BigPanda is as compelling as its technology. Assaf Resnick's experience at Sequoia Capital exposed him to the intricate challenges IT teams face in rapidly scaling companies. This exposure, combined with his entrepreneurial acumen, led to the inception of BigPanda. However, our conversation with Assaf goes beyond the innovative AI solutions of BigPanda. We delve into the mind of an entrepreneur. We explore the nuances of scaling a tech company, the current challenges faced by early and growth-stage tech companies, and how AI is not just a tool but a catalyst in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Our discussion with Assaf unveils several fascinating insights. BigPanda's mission is a testament to the power of AI in empowering IT teams and helping them manage the increasing data and complexity brought about by adopting cloud computing. The integration of GPT-3 into BigPanda's framework marks a significant shift in AI development, moving from a reliance on specialized AI expertise to enabling domain experts to create impactful solutions. This is a game-changer in the field of AI. Moreover, we discuss the challenges in IT operations, particularly the complexity that has escalated without a corresponding budget increase. BigPanda's platform addresses this imbalance, showcasing how technology can provide practical solutions in a resource-constrained environment. The evolution of AI Ops, especially with the potential of GPT-3 and large language models, hints at an exciting future full of innovation and disruption in IT operations. Assaf also shares invaluable entrepreneurial advice, emphasizing the importance of focusing on real customer problems and balancing technology and practical solutions. He highlights the role of AI in augmenting human capabilities, a crucial perspective in today's technology-driven world. For those who want to dive deeper into the world of BigPanda or connect with Assaf and his team, the digital world offers numerous avenues. From BigPanda's website to its active social media channels, the resources are readily available for anyone keen to explore IT operations' future as BigPanda envisioned. As we wrap up this engaging conversation, one can't help but ponder: In what ways has AI influenced your professional journey? We invite you to share your experiences and join us in this ongoing dialogue about the transformative power of technology in solving real-world problems.

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, we ask: How does a small Barcelona-based startup transform into Spain's second tech unicorn, expanding across 25 countries and impacting millions of lives? Join us as we explore this intriguing journey with Sacha Michaud, co-founder of Glovo. Sacha delves into the fascinating story of Glovo, conceptualized with his co-founder Oscar Pierre. From its inception as a simple delivery service, Glovo has evolved into a multi-faceted platform, offering various products beyond restaurant food - including groceries, flowers, electronics, and even fashion. We'll uncover the strategies and innovations that propelled Glovo to its unicorn status and how it's reshaping the delivery industry. But Glovo's story isn't just about business growth; it's also a tale of social responsibility and positive impact. Sacha shares insights into Glovo's Impact Fund and the groundbreaking Courier's Pledge, initiatives demonstrating a deep commitment to couriers and communities. We'll hear about the significant strides Glovo has made in enhancing the lives of its couriers through social rights, benefits, and learning opportunities. Sacha also sheds light on the vibrant startup scene outside Silicon Valley, particularly in Europe. He offers valuable advice to both burgeoning and established businesses on fostering growth and navigating the challenges of the tech world. As we delve into Glovo's journey from a local startup to a global player, we also discuss the company's acquisition by Delivery Hero and its vision for the future, including the burgeoning field of quick commerce. How does a company like Glovo balance rapid growth with social impact, and what lessons can other businesses learn from their experience? We invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts on this inspiring story of innovation and responsibility.

In today's Tech Talks Daily Podcast episode, we delve into the increasingly relevant and rapidly evolving world of solar energy. With a global shift towards sustainability, solar energy is not just a buzzword but a practical solution for property owners to reduce energy costs. The last decade has seen a remarkable 70% drop in the cost of solar equipment, making it more accessible than ever. Additionally, energy storage, now a part of 40% of residential solar installations, is a game-changer, particularly for businesses looking to eliminate demand charges. We're joined by James Kennedy from Beach Cities Solar Consulting LLC to navigate these exciting developments. With his deep expertise in solar and renewable energy, entrepreneurship, and personal finance, James shares invaluable insights into the technological advancements in the solar industry and how these can economically benefit both homeowners and businesses.  His journey from finance to founding Beach Cities Solar Consulting is a testament to his commitment to renewable energy and sustainable business practices. James's experience in growing his business remotely, with most projects based in California while he is in Puerto Rico, highlights today's business world's innovative and adaptive nature. In our conversation, James sheds light on the crucial aspects of solar technology, including the significant reduction in equipment costs and the pivotal role of battery storage technology. He also emphasizes the importance of educating clients about these technologies and their economic benefits. As we wrap up, we extend a heartfelt thanks to James for enlightening us about the multitude of advantages that renewable energy brings to homeowners and businesses. His journey from working as a financial advisor to running successful companies in the renewable energy sector offers a wealth of knowledge and experience.  

In today's Tech Talks Daily Podcast episode, we ask: "As we race to embrace the transformative powers of generative AI, are we adequately considering the ethical, societal, and environmental impacts of this technology?" Joining us is a distinguished guest, Francesca Rossi, IBM Fellow, AI Ethics Global Leader, and a Co-Author of ACM's TechBrief on Generative Artificial Intelligence. Francesca brings her extensive expertise to shed light on the pressing issues surrounding the rapid commercialization of generative AI technologies. Our conversation dives into the profound implications of AI on the workforce, with the startling revelation from ACM's TechBrief that generative AI will significantly impact an estimated 80 percent of U.S. workers. Francesca will discuss the need for comprehensive AI policies incorporating end-to-end governance approaches, addressing risks at every AI development and deployment stage. We'll explore IBM's pioneering role in developing ethical AI principles. Francesca will share insights into how IBM addresses the challenging issues of biases in AI systems, ensuring fairness and inclusivity and setting industry standards for ethical AI practices. Moreover, she will elaborate on IBM's specific ethical guidelines and how they are integrated into their AI projects. The conversation will also navigate the broader landscape of generative AI, examining the ethical and societal challenges likely to intensify in the coming years. Francesca will offer her perspective on future challenges, including issues like AI-induced hallucinations, deep fakes, and the importance of accountability in AI. In light of the rapid changes and concerns surrounding AI, we'll discuss the role of organizations and individuals in staying informed and educated about these ethical implications. Francesca will highlight IBM's role in this educational aspect, paving the way for a responsible advancement of AI technologies. Finally, amidst the prevalent concerns, we'll seek optimism. What could the future of AI and society look like if we get it right? Francesca's insights aim to offer a more hopeful story about the potential of AI in shaping a better future. What do you think the future holds for the ethical development of AI technologies? Are we on the right track, or are there areas where we need to focus more attention? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this critical issue.

Is it possible for enterprises to transform an often-overlooked IT expense into a robust profit center? In our latest Tech Talks Daily Podcast episode, we delve into this intriguing possibility with Amitabh Sinha, the CEO of Workspot and a seasoned Citrix executive. Amitabh brings his wealth of experience to the table, unraveling the complexities and potential of end-user computing in today's multi-cloud environment. In an era where terms like "next-gen" and "revolutionary" are thrown around liberally, Amitabh helps us cut through the noise. He sheds light on the concrete meaning of these terms within the realm of end-user computing, emphasizing the integration of diverse environments – from on-premises to hybrid and cloud solutions, encompassing giants like Azure, Google, and AWS. However, the journey is not without its challenges. Amitabh discusses the intricate hurdles that IT leaders face in managing and harmonizing different private and public cloud systems. The critical question he addresses: How can businesses navigate these complexities to mitigate pain points and derive profit from them? Amitabh's insights are not just theoretical; they are grounded in the practical realities and strategic moves of CIOs and IT leaders increasingly turning to multi-cloud end-user analytics and observability. These tools are not just about oversight; they offer a window into valuable insights across the enterprise, transforming how we understand and leverage technology. Join us as Amitabh Sinha takes us on a journey through the evolving end-user computing landscape. His perspectives promise to reshape our understanding of IT from a mere operational necessity to a pivotal profit-generating aspect of the business. What are your thoughts on the potential of transforming IT expenses into profit centers? Do you see this as a feasible strategy for most businesses, or does it require a certain level of scale and technological maturity? Please share your thoughts and experiences with us, and let's continue the conversation.

Have you ever considered how your workplace educates its staff about cybersecurity? Do they use engaging, even humorous, methods to make the information stick? In a world where compliance training often becomes a forgettable ritual, finding innovative ways to raise awareness about cybersecurity is crucial.   Gary Chan is a pioneer in blending cybersecurity education with entertainment. Three years ago, Gary shared his insights on Free Security Awareness Training. Now, he's back to discuss his unique approach to driving security initiatives through entertainment. Gary has spent a year creating a cybersecurity + mentalism educational entertainment show that's been a hit in cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, Phoenix, St. Louis, and even Warsaw, Poland. His approach isn't just about educating; it's about engaging and making an impression. From putting security messages in fortune cookies to designing custom mugs for password policy changes, Gary turns potential objections into opportunities for storytelling and awareness. His efforts have resonated not just with IT professionals but also with their families, leading to a demand for cybersecurity educational materials for kids. Gary's keynote speeches, blending mentalism and security awareness, have become a popular fixture at conferences and corporate events. In this episode, we'll delve into Gary's journey of becoming a 'security mentalist,' his methods of making security fun and engaging, and how he's helping companies transform their approach to cybersecurity awareness. We'll explore: How Gary's show has changed the conversation about security. The balance between entertainment and education in his work. His vision for the future of cybersecurity awareness. Join us as we uncover the creative ways Gary Chan is making cybersecurity awareness more effective and memorable.

How often have we longed for a smoother, more efficient travel experience? In this Tech Talks Daily Podcast episode, we delve into the innovative world of airport biometrics and digital identity solutions with Jason Van Sice, the Vice President of Advanced Recognition Systems at NEC Corporation of America. Jason is at the forefront of revolutionizing air travel by integrating biometric tools such as facial recognition systems and fingerprint scans. These technologies are not just about enhancing security; they transform the traveler experience. From reducing check-in times to making boarding seamless, NEC's approach to digitizing travel is paving the way for a future where your face is your passport. We explore the recent implementation of new biometric tools at Frankfurt Airport and the overall digital transformation of travel. Jason shares insights on how these technologies reduce operational struggles for airlines and airports, leading to fewer delays and misplaced baggage. But it's not just about convenience; there's a significant emphasis on privacy and security. NEC adheres to privacy-by-design principles, ensuring that traveler data is handled carefully. As government agencies like Customs and Border Patrol and the Transportation Security Administration adopt these digital IDs, we'll discuss the importance of federal frameworks to regulate these technologies. With NEC's Traveler Verification Service (TVS) and other innovations, the conversation will also touch on how such technology can streamline international and domestic travel.