Tech Talks Daily

In this inspiring episode of Tech Talks Daily, Neil Hughes invites Jennifer Jane Young, author of "Say Yes to Your YES: How to Trust Your Gut and Take the Leap," to explore the intersection of intuition, technology, and personal growth. Jennifer, an entrepreneur who transcended anxiety and the confines of traditional education, shares her compelling journey. She delves into how embracing technology was pivotal in transforming her life and business, helping her harness her intuition and creativity. We dive deep into Jennifer's background, understanding how her struggles shaped her path to entrepreneurship and her unique approach to technology. Her story is a testament to the power of self-belief and taking risks. Jennifer also talks about her book, "Say Yes to Your YES: How to Trust Your Gut and Take the Leap."  The episode also sheds light on the evolving role of technology in our lives. Jennifer views technology as a powerful enabler, amplifying human capabilities and fostering connections. Her excitement about emerging tech trends, especially in virtual spaces and AI, reflects a hopeful vision of the future where technology complements rather than replaces human intuition. Join us in this enlightening conversation with Jennifer Jane Young, as she unveils the secrets to saying 'Yes' to your intuition, embracing imperfect action, and leveraging technology to craft a more fulfilling and aligned life. This episode is not just an interview; it's a journey towards understanding how to balance the logical and the intuitive, the technological and the human, in the pursuit of personal and professional growth.

Shawn Herring, the Chief Marketing Officer at airSlate, joins me in an insightful conversation exploring the nuances of AI and automation in small businesses. With his extensive experience in scaling marketing teams from startups to major enterprises, Shawn brings a unique perspective on how these technologies are not just tools for the future but actively shaping the present landscape of business operations. Our discussion starts by looking at airSlate's recent report, which provides a startling insight: an overwhelming 94% of small businesses feel confident about embracing AI and automation. This statistic opens the door to a broader conversation about why small businesses, often perceived as cautious or conservative in their approach to new technologies, are leading the charge in this arena. Shawn shares his thoughts on how AI and automation can be seen from two angles – as friends or foes. For many small businesses, these technologies have emerged as allies in their journey toward growth and efficiency. The conversation then shifts to understanding why small businesses are uniquely positioned to leverage these technologies. According to Shawn, their direct engagement with pain points and challenges makes small businesses more agile and open to transformative solutions. Our talk further delves into practical strategies for adopting AI and automation. Shawn emphasizes starting with small, manageable steps, focusing on specific processes that hinder revenue generation, particularly in the back office. This approach is not about overhauling systems overnight but identifying areas where automation can immediately impact and scaling up from there. Looking ahead, Shawn discusses the evolving landscape of AI and automation. He views these technologies as moving from being novel concepts to essential business tools. He shares his predictions on how implementing these technologies will redefine work and set leaders apart in the small business sector.  

In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I welcome Dr. Allen Yang, the Co-Founder of Hitch Interactive on the show, to discuss the innovative intersection of AI, blockchain, and culinary arts through the lens of the new NFT project, Yami Hamo. Hitch Interactive, known for combining advanced technology with education, has ventured into uncharted territory with Yami Hamo, representing a unique fusion of gourmet dishes and NFT technology. Dr. Yang, with his extensive background as a serial entrepreneur and an 18-year tenure as a UC Berkeley faculty member, delves into the creation of Hitch Interactive in 2019. His journey in AR and VR technologies since 2015 has culminated in this groundbreaking project. Yami Hamo, Hitch Interactive’s first NFT collection, showcases 1000 gourmet dishes, each depicted in an NFT with intricate artwork and embedded data designed to educate about culinary culture. This NFT collection is not just a visual feast but also serves as a tool to train a private AI assistant in the nuances of global cuisines. The discussion explores the broader implications of the Yami Hamo project for the future of NFTs and Web3. Dr. Yang highlights the need for NFTs to have more tangible, real-world utility and describes how Hitch Mint, their new platform, will empower creators to craft their own decentralized miniverses powered by AI. These miniverses, self-contained within each NFT, represent a significant leap in how NFTs can be utilized beyond just digital art, extending into education and interactive experiences. Dr. Yang discusses how the Yami Hamo project challenges the conventional perceptions of NFTs, integrating them into everyday life in meaningful and educational ways. This episode is a must-listen for those intrigued by the evolving world of NFTs, AI, blockchain, and their application in unconventional domains like the culinary arts. 

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, we are delighted to welcome Gil Rosen, the CMO of Amdocs, who brings a unique blend of expertise as a futurist, innovator, and sociologist. Gil's multifaceted role at Amdocs extends beyond the conventional boundaries of marketing, driving him to influence technology developments and the overarching direction of the company through cross-departmental collaboration. Today's conversation centers around a crucial technological advancement shaping our world: 5G. Amidst growing discussions and sometimes skepticism around 5G, Gil offers a refreshing perspective on why this technology is not just a fleeting trend but a transformative force in the telecom industry. He delves into the "the 5G iceberg" concept, dissecting how 5G continues to empower networks to innovate and unlock new services.  Gil also addresses the common misconception about the early transition to 6G. He believes that to harness the power of 5G truly, there needs to be a comprehensive shift of core ecosystems to this technology. He emphasizes that 5G is still in its early stages, with only a fraction of telecom operators having fully deployed it, and its full capabilities are yet to be realized. Throughout our discussion, Gil touches on the multiple dimensions 5G brings to the table, extending beyond mere speed enhancements. He talks about its role in guaranteeing bandwidth, enhancing network programmability, and ensuring quality of service. These capabilities enable groundbreaking use cases across various industries, from precision agriculture with drones to autonomous vehicles and smart factories. Gil further explores the impact of 5G on different sectors, including retail, entertainment, and automotive. He stresses the need for these industries to understand and leverage 5 G's transformative potential for their business processes, citing the need for 5G literacy among many business leaders as a significant barrier. In a world where connectivity is increasingly becoming the "oxygen" of our digital lives, Gil underscores the critical role of 5G in powering modern society. From streaming and cloud gaming to enterprise systems, the quality of networks is central to our digital experiences. As we look to the future, Gil advises businesses to educate themselves on the capabilities of 5G and fully leverage its potential before prematurely jumping to the next big thing in telecom. He suggests engaging with industry publications and conferences to stay informed and prepared for the evolving connectivity landscape. Join us in this enlightening episode as Gil Rosen from Amdocs shares his expert insights on the 5G iceberg, its impact on various industries, and the future of digital connectivity. 

I sat down with Simon Taylor, founder and CEO of HYCU Inc., to discuss the rapidly escalating challenge of SaaS data protection. As SaaS applications become increasingly integral to IT infrastructure, their vulnerabilities are more exposed than ever. Simon Taylor, with his book "Averting the SaaS Data Apocalypse," offers a timely and critical insight into this growing issue. The episode begins with Simon Taylor introducing HYCU, the world's fastest-growing SaaS data backup and security business. He lays the groundwork by highlighting the vulnerability of SaaS data, noting that 52% of ransomware attacks occur through these applications. Despite the widespread use of SaaS apps across departments like finance, marketing, and HR, a staggering majority lack enterprise-grade data protection. We explore the myths and misconceptions surrounding SaaS data protection. They discuss the prevalent belief that SaaS data is automatically protected, a dangerous assumption given that most vendors only protect infrastructure, not customer data. This leads to a vast gap in security, with less than 10 major SaaS apps protected by legacy vendors. The conversation shifts to HYCU's innovative approach to this challenge. Their platform allows for quick integration building to protect a wide array of SaaS apps, a significant advancement compared to the limited options available from other vendors. Simon shares insights from his book, including in-depth HYCU customer case studies from organizations like Bain Capital and the Boston Red Sox. These examples shed light on how companies navigate the complexities of multi-cloud experiences and cybersecurity challenges. We also explore the legal and compliance aspects of SaaS data protection, anticipating that it will soon become a significant legal issue. They discuss the potential for CEOs to be held liable for unprotected SaaS data and the necessity for organizations to audit their SaaS apps and develop robust recovery plans. Listeners will leave this episode with a deeper understanding of the challenges and solutions in SaaS data protection, equipped with the knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of SaaS security effectively.  

I sat down with Gal Elbaz, the co-founder and CTO of Oligo Security, to discuss the vulnerabilities and challenges within open-source software. Gal Elbaz, renowned for his pivotal discovery of a critical vulnerability in an open source library used by Instagram, brings his extensive experience and knowledge to the forefront. He will discuss his journey from being a security researcher at Check Point to founding Oligo Security. This transition marks a significant shift from identifying vulnerabilities to developing robust solutions for open source security.   The episode also highlights Oligo Security's innovative approach to tackling the vulnerabilities in open source software. Special attention is given to their recent discovery, 'ShellTorch', a critical vulnerability within TorchServe, a component of the PyTorch ecosystem. This discovery is particularly noteworthy considering TorchServe's widespread use across major global corporations.   I learn how Oligo Security leverages eBPF-powered platforms to enable security teams to efficiently identify, prioritize, and respond to real and relevant threats in pre-deployment and post-deployment environments. This approach marks a significant departure from traditional methods that often overwhelm security teams with theoretical threats.  

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I welcome Nathan Leung, co-founder and host of Cryptonauts, a platform renowned for its insightful crypto and blockchain content. Nathan joins us to explore the vital role of education in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Nathan's journey into the crypto world is as fascinating as inspiring. Having transitioned from a career in Hollywood production, where he worked on commercials for renowned brands, to cryptocurrency, Nathan brings a unique perspective. His foray into crypto began in 2016, sparked by a neighbor's belief in Ethereum's potential. This encounter led to Cryptonauts, a YouTube channel dedicated to demystifying the complexities of the crypto world for a global audience. With over 3 million channel views and nearly 100k subscribers, Cryptonauts is a testament to Nathan's commitment to making crypto education accessible and engaging. The channel is known for its high-quality explainer videos, humanizing documentaries, and comprehensive conference coverage. Nathan and his team strive to educate the world about developments in Bitcoin, Ethereum, DeFi, and everything related to crypto and Web3. In our conversation, Nathan sheds light on the current state of crypto education, discussing the challenges and opportunities ahead. He delves into the varied attitudes towards crypto in different regions, highlighting how Asia's supportive stance contrasts with the more cautious approach in the US. Nathan also touches upon the biggest barriers for new users in the crypto space, emphasizing the need for usability and practical applications. We also explore the creative methods Nathan employs to enhance crypto education, such as original soundtracks and community-focused events. He shares insights into Cryptonauts' self-funded business model and its focus on giving back to the community. Looking ahead, Nathan expresses excitement for 2024, anticipating it to be a pivotal year for crypto adoption, akin to the early days of the internet. He predicts that institutional money and new regulatory frameworks will significantly make crypto more accessible to a broader audience. Join us in this enlightening episode as Nathan Leung from Cryptonauts shares his invaluable insights on crypto education, digital currencies' evolving landscape, and blockchain technology's future. This is an episode you want to experience if you're curious about the world of crypto or looking to deepen your understanding of this rapidly evolving space.

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, I had the privilege of hosting Todd Olson, CEO of Pendo, for a fascinating discussion that traverses the realms of product analytics, AI adoption, and digital customer experiences. Todd's insights offer a deep dive into the evolving landscape where traditional companies increasingly identify as tech entities, requiring significant shifts in mindset and strategy. Todd elaborates on how enterprises are undergoing a paradigm shift, moving from project-based work to embracing the agility and continuous iteration technology enables. This transition necessitates shorter cycle times in software development, allowing rapid user feedback and influencing subsequent releases. Todd underscores the importance of transitioning from a 'project' to a 'product' mentality, highlighting that software demands ongoing care and nurturing. A critical aspect of our conversation revolves around the differing attitudes towards AI adoption in Europe and the United States. Todd points out that Europe tends to be more regulatory and cautious, particularly concerning privacy issues and AI accuracy, while the US often prioritizes innovation. He advises a measured approach to AI implementation, advocating for thorough testing and a gradual build-up of comfort based on proven results. Integrating new technological roles into existing structures is another challenge that Todd addresses. He emphasizes the importance of blending internal and external hires for effective knowledge transfer, highlighting that internal employees understand the company and product while external hires bring specialized role knowledge. Leadership communication around AI also emerges as a critical theme. Todd speaks to leaders' need to clearly articulate the 'why' behind AI to ensure middle management buy-in, a group often focused on executing current plans. Todd also touches on the crucial aspect of upskilling existing teams. He discusses the need to assess teams' willingness to embrace failure and change, acknowledging that some level of attrition can be healthy for company transformation. Lastly, we delve into the realm of digital customer experiences. Todd shares his belief in the power of empathy, achieved through self-use and observation, to ensure exceptional digital interactions. He provides insights into how observing user sessions can reveal critical pain points and drop-offs, ultimately enhancing the customer experience.  

Today, we're delving into a topic quietly shaping the environmental discourse in the tech world – the ecological impact of data storage. Matt Watts, the Chief Technology Evangelist at NetApp, joins me and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this vital discussion. As businesses continue to expand their digital footprints, the need for sustainable data storage practices has become increasingly critical. With his decade-long tenure at NetApp, Matt has closely observed and participated in technological shifts and strategic evolutions within the industry. He brings to the table his experience and insights into the recent push towards sustainability in data management. In our conversation, Matt delves into how organizations can navigate the green data blind spot. He highlights the importance of understanding the environmental footprint of data storage and how businesses can leverage this knowledge to drive sustainable practices. Matt's perspective is not just about reducing carbon footprints; it's about unlocking the full potential of green data storage. We also discuss new research conducted by NTT Data and NetApp. This research sheds light on various aspects of green data storage, including measurement and reporting mechanisms that reveal the environmental implications of data storage and expansion. Matt emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of responsible data usage and proactive data estate management actions that can eradicate waste and improve sustainability. A particularly compelling part of our discussion focuses on the reality that most data created by companies is never used again but continues to consume electricity and add to the carbon footprint in data centers. Matt points out that while there has been a focus on hardware efficiency, the real opportunity lies in using data analytics to understand and manage data more effectively. As we explore these topics, Matt also touches upon the challenges in the current landscape, such as the lack of data ownership and the need for sustainability metrics to be translated into efficiency metrics that IT professionals can understand and act upon. He also brings to light how AI and large language models are poised to create massive amounts of new data, thereby intensifying the sustainability issues in data management. This episode is an eye-opener for anyone interested in understanding the often-overlooked environmental aspects of data storage and management. Matt Watts' insights provide a roadmap for organizations looking to make significant strides toward sustainable data practices.  

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, we embark on an enlightening journey into the complex yet crucial world of designer-developer relationships. Our special guests, Lauren Andres, a Designer Advocate, and Jenny Lea, a Software Engineer from Figma, join us to unravel the intricacies of this dynamic through the lens of Figma's groundbreaking innovation, DevMode. The conversation opens with exploring the traditional challenges that have long defined the designer-developer dynamic. With their rich backgrounds in design and development, Lauren and Jenny shed light on the often fraught nature of this relationship. They emphasize how differing perspectives and languages can lead to misunderstandings and inefficiencies in the collaborative process. This is where DevMode comes into play. Lauren and Jenny delve into how this new tool from Figma revolutionizes how designers and developers interact and collaborate. DevMode, they explain, is not just a technological solution but a transformative approach to aligning language and objectives. It facilitates a shared understanding and a cohesive workflow, enabling designers and developers to work harmoniously while keeping their audience's needs at the forefront. The conversation takes a deeper dive into our guests' personal experiences and learning journeys. Jenny shares her insights on the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the fast-paced tech industry. She talks about her journey of self-education and growth, providing valuable takeaways for our listeners navigating similar paths. We also touch upon the practical implications of using DevMode in the real world. Lauren and Jenny provide examples from companies like Decathlon and Linear, showing how DevMode has positively impacted their design and development processes. These stories highlight the tangible benefits of improved collaboration, efficiency, and productivity that DevMode brings to teams. As we explore the human aspect of technology, our guests remind us of the importance of not just relying on tools but also fostering genuine conversations and understanding from the user's perspective. This approach, they argue, is crucial in creating impactful and accessible designs that resonate with users. This episode is not just a discussion about a tool but a deep dive into the evolving design and development landscape. It's a testament to how technology like DevMode can bridge gaps, enhance collaboration, and lead to more user-centric and practical solutions in the tech world. Please tune in to this insightful episode for a comprehensive understanding of the transformative impact of Figma's DevMode on the designer-developer relationship and discover how it sets a new standard in collaborative technology.