Conversations from the Show Floor

What does resilience look like when your business depends on infrastructure that never gets to take a day off? In this Conversations From The Showfloor episode, recorded live at IGEL’s Now and Next event in Frankfurt, I sat down with Sush Kajaria, who leads ISV partnerships at Nutanix across EMEA, to talk about what “predictable and reliable” actually means in a hybrid, multicloud world.Sush walked me through Nutanix’s mission to simplify how organizations build and run modern applications anywhere, from the data center to the cloud to the edge. We talked about why the partnership between Nutanix and IGEL matters right now, especially for IT teams trying to bring endpoint security and cloud-ready virtualization into the same conversation. You will hear how Nutanix’s platform approach, including AHV, workload mobility, unified management, and security controls at the infrastructure layer, complements IGEL’s prevention-first direction at the endpoint.We also spent time on what tends to get missed in infrastructure discussions, the people doing the work. Hybrid work realities, compliance pressure, Windows 11 migrations, and AI adoption are all reshaping how IT teams operate and what employees expect. This episode captures the practical side of transformation, where reliability has to coexist with flexibility, and where ecosystem collaboration often decides whether a strategy holds up in the real world.So as you look toward 2026, do you feel hybrid multicloud is finally delivering simpler operations, or are we still stitching together complexity and calling it progress? I would love to hear what you think after listening, and what you are seeing inside your own organization.

Recorded live at the Now and Next event in Frankfurt, I sat down with IGEL CEO Klaus Oestermann to explore a question that many digital transformation strategies still overlook. What happens when the endpoint fails? In a world obsessed with cloud, data centers, and AI, Klaus makes the case that the device in front of every employee remains the weakest and most underestimated link in enterprise security and business continuity.In our conversation, Klaus explains why the long-standing detect and respond mindset is no longer enough in an era of relentless ransomware and operational disruption. He shares how a prevention-first approach, combined with IGEL’s dual-boot recovery model, is enabling organizations to restore thousands of compromised devices in minutes rather than weeks. We also unpack the financial argument that is turning heads in the boardroom, including the research pointing to major reductions in endpoint costs and how those savings are being redirected into Zero Trust, AI initiatives, and wider cyber resilience strategies.This discussion also captures the energy of the show floor itself. From Audi’s production environments to national critical infrastructure, Klaus outlines how ecosystem partnerships, containerized application delivery, and the emerging AI Armor concept are reshaping what a secure, adaptive desktop looks like. The result is a vision of modern work where resilience begins at the edge and innovation is driven by collaboration across the entire security stack.So after hearing how quickly an organization can be taken offline when endpoints are ignored, the real question becomes this. Has the industry been protecting the wrong layer all along, and are we finally ready to rethink the role of the endpoint in the future of secure work?

What does it take for a country of 1.3 million people to build real momentum in the European space sector?In this episode of Conversations From The Showfloor, recorded in Tallinn, I sit down with Madis Võõras, Head of the Estonian Space Office at Enterprise Estonia. We talk about how Estonia is earning its place in the space economy through software strength, targeted public investment, and partnerships that translate into contracts, credibility, and eventually commercial growth.Madis explains the practical role his team plays as the connector between Estonian industry and the European Space Agency. A big part of the mission is making sure the money Estonia invests into ESA finds its way back into local companies through real projects. But he is clear that an ESA contract should never be the finish line, it should be proof you can deliver in a demanding environment, then take that capability to the wider market.We dig into Estonia’s sweet spot and why software sits at the center of so many space programs now. Madis shares how Estonia’s digital public infrastructure became a reference point that ESA wanted to understand, study, and learn from. It is a reminder that “space” is often data, identity, trust, security, and systems that need to work flawlessly under pressure, not just rockets and hardware.Madis also gets candid about the gaps. Estonia has hardware success stories like the camera company Crystalspace, but he wants deeper capability in electronics and manufacturing. He talks about the reality that international cooperation is often the fastest route to scale, and why smaller nations need to be smart about where they play, especially as European projects grow more complex and competitive.There are some standout examples of how space investment can ripple into the real economy. Madis walks through Estonia’s Earth observation data distribution center and a space business incubator that has helped dozens of companies move from idea to jobs, revenue, and outside investment. He also shares a story about how early institutional contracts can change how investors see a company, even if that company later decides Earth-based markets move faster.We end by looking forward. Madis sees AI as the biggest near-term driver of value, while staying cautious about hype around immature technologies. He also points to optical communications projects, including work aimed at connecting Tallinn and Helsinki, as a practical response to the new reality of infrastructure vulnerability.If you want a grounded conversation about how space policy meets startup execution, and why ESA partnership works best as a catalyst for wider growth, this episode is for you. What should Estonia prioritize next to punch above its weight, and where do you see the biggest opportunities for software and AI in space services, and will you share your thoughts after listening?

Recorded Live In Tallinn Ahead Of The Software Defined Space ConferenceWhat does cybersecurity look like beyond Earth’s atmosphere? That is the question at the heart of this special Conversations From The Showfloor episode, recorded in Tallinn on the eve of the Software Defined Space Conference.I sat down with Kristiina Omri, Vice President of Special Programs at CybExer Technologies, and Aare Reintam, the company’s COO, to explore how Estonia, in collaboration with European Space Agency, is shaping the future of space cybersecurity through the world’s first Space Cyber Range.The origin story is unexpected. For Aare, fascination with space began as a child in the Soviet era, eating marmalade from a tube like the kind sent to astronauts in orbit. Decades later, that early spark evolved into a partnership with ESA focused on securing the increasingly software-driven systems that now power life in space.At the center of our discussion is the Space Cyber Range, a digital testing environment that allows satellites, ground stations, and communication protocols to be stress-tested long before launch. Using digital twins and immersive simulation, CybExer recreates mission control systems so realistically that engineers and operators cannot distinguish training from reality. Under simulated attack conditions, defenders face adversaries who are allowed to push systems to their limits, revealing vulnerabilities that would be too risky or too expensive to test in orbit.We explore why this matters now. Satellites underpin GPS navigation, air travel, agriculture, banking, climate monitoring, and global communications. Yet many long-life orbital systems were designed decades ago, before today’s threat landscape. As commercial space missions multiply and low-earth orbit grows crowded, the consequences of a cyber breach could ripple far beyond space, from disrupted harvests to grounded aircraft and financial instability.Kristiina explains the widening skills gap at the intersection of space engineering and cybersecurity. Universities may produce cyber specialists and aerospace engineers, but professionals fluent in both domains remain rare. In response, new educational initiatives are emerging in Estonia to combine these disciplines, reflecting the urgent demand for hybrid expertise.We also examine the strategic dimension. As quantum computing capabilities evolve and cyber and kinetic threats converge, simulation environments become essential. Digital twin technologies allow nations and companies to rehearse worst-case scenarios without triggering real-world damage. From encrypted satellite commands to orbital collision risks, the stakes extend well beyond technical failure to societal trust itself.By the end of our conversation, one theme stands out clearly. Cybersecurity is no longer confined to data centers and enterprise networks. It now extends into orbit, where resilience, interoperability, and trust must be engineered from the ground up.Conversations From The Showfloor is your front-row pass to the most important conversations happening in enterprise technology today. Recorded live at global conferences, each episode captures candid discussions with leaders shaping the future of business, infrastructure, and security.Search “Tech Talks Network” to discover other shows in the series and follow to hear new episodes as they drop from events around the world.

What role does cybersecurity play when the battlefield extends beyond Earth’s atmosphere? In this special episode of Conversations From The Showfloor, recorded live in Tallinn for the fifth anniversary of the Software Defined Space Conference, I sit down with Kalev Koidumäe, CEO of the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association.We explore how a nation of just 1.3 million people has built global credibility in cyber resilience, defense technology, and space innovation. Estonia’s journey, shaped in part by the 2007 state-level cyberattack, has forged a culture where digital readiness is embedded across government, industry, and education. Cyber hygiene is taught in schools. Reserve officers bring operational insight into business. Public and private sectors collaborate with shared purpose.Kalev explains how space has become a core defense domain within NATO, alongside land, sea, air, and cyber. Satellites now underpin operational planning, navigation, weather intelligence, targeting systems, and communications. In modern conflict, space infrastructure and cybersecurity are inseparable. Protecting software-defined systems has become as important as defending physical territory.Our conversation also examines how lessons from the war in Ukraine are accelerating innovation across Europe. From AI-enabled battlefield analytics to autonomous systems and advanced sensor technologies, Estonia’s companies are carving out specialist roles within global supply chains. Smaller nations may not build the largest platforms, but they can provide highly specialized subsystems, software, and cyber capabilities that strengthen collective defense.We also discuss the balance between sovereignty and collaboration. Estonia’s reserve army model, growing defense investments, and expanding industrial ecosystem reflect a society that sees innovation as a civic responsibility. Domestic resilience strengthens international partnerships. And as defense budgets rise across Europe, Estonia is positioning its ecosystem to contribute both locally and globally.This episode offers a grounded, strategic look at how software, cyber readiness, and space technologies are reshaping modern defense. It also raises bigger questions about education, automation, AI, and the next generation of digital-native citizens who will inherit this rapidly evolving landscape.So what can larger nations learn from Estonia’s approach to readiness, innovation, and collective security? And as space becomes increasingly software-defined, how should leaders rethink the relationship between cyber resilience and national defense?Conversations From The Showfloor is your front-row pass to the most important conversations happening in enterprise technology today. Recorded live at global conferences, each episode captures candid discussions with leaders shaping the future of business, infrastructure, security, and innovation.Search “Tech Talks Network” to discover other shows in the series and follow to hear new episodes as they drop from events around the world.

What happens when you record a security conversation in a venue built inside an Austrian mountain? You get something that feels sharper, more grounded, and far more human than a typical industry chat. I sat down with Adam Khan, VP of Global Security Operations at Barracuda XDR, and Eric Russo, Director of SOC Defensive Security, during Barracuda TechSummit25 in Alpbach, where the peaks rise on every side and the air seems to clear the noise around modern cybersecurity.Adam and Eric lead the teams that track, interpret, and act on attacks moving across email, identity, networks, cloud, and endpoints. This is the engine room behind Barracuda XDR, and our conversation dug into what those operations actually look like when threats move fast and visibility is everything. What struck me most was the mix of optimism and realism. Adam speaks with three decades of hard-earned experience, yet carries a sense of purpose that feels rare in a field defined by bad headlines. Eric brings a forensic lens shaped by years inside the SOC, where decisions must be made in seconds rather than hours. Together they paint a picture of how attacks unfold today and why integrated defense has become the only viable way to keep pace.We talked about the way attackers now operate as coordinated units with their own playbooks, and how the best cyber defenders are beginning to mirror that discipline. Adam shared a football formation metaphor that landed with everyone in the room, showing how the principles of pressure, spacing, and anticipation mirror what security teams deal with every day. That analogy extended into real stories of ransomware groups such as Akira, and how the Barracuda SOC has been intercepting attacks that begin with zero day VPN exploits and then cascade into email and endpoint compromise. Hearing both of them describe how XDR stitches those layers together into a single view made the stakes feel clearer. Without that shift, the noise, the tool sprawl, and the speed of attacks would bury even the most experienced teams.There was also a moment where cybersecurity met Home Alone, and it worked in a way I never expected. Adam explained XDR through Kevin McCallister’s improvised defence of the family home, and it became the simplest way I have ever heard the concept explained. It reminded everyone listening why clarity matters, especially when the language in this industry can easily shut people out. Eric followed with a view on automation, AI, and the shift from reactive investigation to proactive threat hunting. The two perspectives created a fuller picture of where the field is heading and why integrated platforms are quickly replacing the old model of isolated point tools.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrAsYyGo6YkNordLayer sponsors the Tech Talks Network:Get the exclusive Black Friday offer: 28% off NordLayer yearly plans with the coupon code: techdaily-28. Valid until December 10th, 2025. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Recorded live at VMware Explore in Las Vegas, I sat down with Tasha Drew from Broadcom to talk about one of the hottest topics in enterprise tech: private AI. Fresh off the main stage, where she helped debut VMware Cloud Foundation Intelligent Assist and the expansion of VMware’s Private AI Services, Tasha shares her perspective on what’s driving adoption and why it matters now.We examine the three core pillars of private AI: protecting intellectual property, safeguarding sensitive data, and managing private models with rigorous access controls. Tasha also explains how VMware’s Private AI Services are designed to move organizations from experimentation in the public cloud to production-ready deployments in their own private environments, delivering both privacy and cost efficiency.From the launch of Intelligent Assist for VCF to the role of Model Context Protocol (MCP) in enabling agentic workflows, she offers insight into the innovations that are making AI-native private clouds a reality. We also dig into VMware’s partnerships with NVIDIA and AMD, the economics of cloud repatriation, and the practical reasons enterprises are choosing private AI over public options.If you want a front-row seat to how VMware and Broadcom are shaping the next phase of enterprise AI, this episode captures the energy and insight straight from the show floor.*********Visit the Sponsor of Tech Talks Network:Land your first job in tech in 6 months as a Software QA Engineering Bootcamp with Careeristhttps://crst.co/OGCLA

Recorded live at Cisco Live, I speak with Cameron Ferdinands, Director of Networking and Datacenter Engineering at Groq, about how the company is redefining AI infrastructure. We explore Groq’s software-first approach to AI hardware, its use of Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches, NX-OS, and Cisco Optics, and how this combination delivers faster AI inference, improved energy efficiency, and lower costs. From healthcare to autonomous vehicles, Cameron shares how Groq’s innovations are helping industries accelerate discovery and deploy AI at scale.

At Cisco Live in San Diego, I had the chance to sit down with Carlos Pereira, Cisco Fellow and Chief Architect for Customer Experience. You’ll hear it in the energy of this episode, Carlos isn’t just explaining Cisco’s AI vision; he’s lived through 25 years of evolution at the company and is now helping lead the transformation.In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore:Why Carlos believes everything in customer experience is a workflow—and how agentic AI is finally giving those workflows the intelligence they’ve lackedHow Cisco is embedding AI assistants directly inside its products, creating seamless support experiences with real-time resolution and context carryoverThe meaning behind "config confidence" and how it’s helping eliminate 25% of support cases caused by configuration errorsThe human element: why Cisco views AI as an augmenting force—not a replacement—and how it’s using blind tests and internal education to build trust and boost adoptionWhat separates vendors who are experimenting with agentic AI from those who are actually scaling it across enterprise environmentsCarlos also reflects on what’s driving mass AI adoption in customer support and why perfection is the wrong goal in this new era. You’ll walk away with real-world examples of agentic AI in action—and a clear view of where Cisco sees the future of customer experience heading.📊 Referenced in this episode: The Cisco Agentic AI Report: 68% of customer support interactions will be AI-handled by 2028.🎧 Whether you're a CX leader, IT decision-maker, or just curious about how Cisco is making AI real, this is a must-listen from the heart of Cisco Live.

Live from the buzzing showfloor at Cisco Live, I’m joined by two of Cisco’s top wireless minds: Matt MacPherson, Enterprise Wireless CTO, and Jerome Henry, wireless standards expert and co-author of Wi-Fi 7 In-Depth.In this packed conversation, we unpack the real breakthroughs behind Cisco’s Wi-Fi 7 announcements and explore how next-gen connectivity is already transforming the enterprise experience. From stadiums and hospitals to warehouses and schools, wireless is no longer just about speed. It's about orchestration, precision, and trust.You’ll hear:Why Wi-Fi 7 goes far beyond MLO (multi-link operation) and how it prioritizes real-time traffic based on actual needsHow AI is already managing wireless infrastructure, optimizing channel use and radio power in real timeWhy fine timing measurement (FTM), BLE, UWB, and indoor GPS are unlocking hyper-accurate location services for smart buildingsHow Cisco Spaces is using wireless data to improve space utilization, wayfinding, and the overall user experienceWhat it really takes to design high-density environments, especially when thousands of people show up and change the RF landscapeAnd how Wi-Fi 8 and AI-native architectures are already in developmentWant to go deeper? Grab Jerome’s book Wi-Fi 7 In-Depth to explore the thinking behind the standard. And keep an eye out for his upcoming title on AI and wireless.

In this episode of Conversations from the Show Floor, recorded live at Atlassian’s Team ’25 in Anaheim, we go deep with Jamil Valliani, Head of AI Products at Atlassian, to explore the company’s bold bet on generative AI: Rovo.But this is not just another AI product launch. Jamil shares how Rovo’s enterprise search, contextual chat, and Agent Studio are working together to eliminate workplace friction, from triaging tickets to drafting executive summaries, and helping teams reclaim their time. We also dive into Atlassian’s decision to offer Rovo to all paid users at no additional cost, a move designed to fast-track adoption and encourage experimentation at scale.With up to 2x ROI, 105 minutes saved per day, and 85% of users reporting better work quality, this is a rare look at how AI is not just automating tasks but transforming how teams collaborate, make decisions, and build culture.Jamil breaks down what it means to work alongside AI teammates, what early adopters are building with over 3,000 agents already in play, and why leadership buy-in from founders to frontline teams is the secret to success. Whether you're just starting your AI journey or looking to scale, this episode offers real-world strategies to turn hype into habit.Tune in for a front-row seat to the future of work, straight from the show floor.

At Team 25 in Anaheim, I sat down with Gaurav Kataria, Head of Product for Trello at Atlassian, to unpack the biggest release in Trello’s history and what it means for millions who rely on this trusted tool.In this live show floor conversation, Gaurav shares how Trello is evolving beyond its familiar Kanban board roots and becoming an AI-powered productivity companion designed for individuals. We explore why this strategic change matters in a world filled with endless emails, chat threads and scattered to-dos, and how the new features — like an intelligent inbox, a planning layer and deep integration with Slack, Gmail and personal calendars — help people stay focused and organised.Gaurav explains how Trello’s latest updates are inspired by real user habits and thoughtful design, keeping simplicity at the heart of the experience. He also shares why Atlassian believes in building specialised tools that work together rather than trying to create one app that does it all.This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in the future of personal productivity, the role of AI as your digital assistant and how Trello plans to stay true to its easy and visual nature while adding smarter tools.If you have ever moved a card from to-do to done and felt a sense of satisfaction, you will enjoy this conversation.

Live from Team '25 in Anaheim, this special episode of Conversations from the Showfloor features a one-on-one with Anu Bharadwaj, President of Atlassian. As teams continue to struggle with fragmented tools, scattered goals, and overwhelming noise, Atlassian is presenting a new way forward. A unified System of Work built for the complexity of modern collaboration.Anu walks us through how this vision came to life, shaped by Atlassian’s experience leading a globally distributed, remote-first workforce of 13,000 employees across 13 countries. This isn't theory. It’s lived experience. From that foundation comes a modular approach to enterprise productivity, connecting people, tools, and information into one intelligent framework.Making the Invisible VisibleThe conversation dives deep into the newly introduced Teamwork Graph, a connected layer of more than 10 billion data objects. This isn't just about analytics. It’s about enabling what Anu calls digital serendipity, those unexpected, helpful connections between projects, ideas, and people that drive great work.Alongside the data, Atlassian is introducing AI teammates like Rovo. These are not faceless bots that spit out tasks. They are contextual, customizable, and even come with a bit of personality. With over a million users already onboard, Rovo is a sign that teams are ready for collaboration that feels more natural and less mechanical.Real Impact, Real OutcomesWhat sets this conversation apart is the focus on outcomes. HarperCollins has reduced manual work by four times. Doodle.com has cut planning time by 93 percent. Thumbtack now resolves 15 percent of support tickets automatically. These are not prototypes or beta features. They are real-world results from companies applying the System of Work.We also touch on Atlassian’s guiding philosophy. To bring joy back into team collaboration. The idea is not just to build faster tools, but to rebuild the work environment around clarity, connection, and purpose. That includes recreating the water cooler moments that remote work tends to erase, turning everyday work into something more fluid and human.What Leaders Should KnowFor technology leaders, this episode offers practical guidance. Start by strengthening your data layer. Think carefully about where AI can support, not replace, human decision-making. And above all, make sure your teams are part of the journey. As Anu shares, lasting change starts when people feel seen, connected, and empowered.The System of Work is not just another product announcement. It is a framework for envisioning the future of work. For real people, in real businesses, under real pressure.Whether you’re leading a global enterprise or a fast-moving startup, this conversation offers fresh thinking on how to fix what’s broken in workplace collaboration and how to build something better.

In this episode of Conversations from the Show Floor, recorded live at IGEL’s Now & Next Summit in Miami, I sit down with Scott Manchester, Vice President of Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop at Microsoft.Scott describes himself as a leader with his head in the clouds and his feet firmly planted in enterprise IT. That mindset shapes this practical, insightful conversation about how Microsoft and IGEL are working together to modernize endpoint computing.We explore:Why the browser is now the digital workspaceHow Cloud PCs simplify endpoint management at scaleWhat Windows 365 means for Windows 11 migrationsWhy IGEL’s thin clients and Linux-based OS are key for security and efficiencyHow industries like healthcare, finance, and government are moving to cloud workspacesScott shares the story behind building Windows 365 during the early days of remote work and explains how Microsoft is rethinking virtualization to deliver personal, secure, and flexible user experiences. From license sharing for shift workers to streamlining hybrid deployments, this is not about buzzwords—it’s about real change that IT leaders can act on.Whether you’re navigating a Windows 11 upgrade or planning your cloud desktop strategy, this episode offers a front-row view of where endpoint computing is headed and why IGEL remains a key partner in that journey.Is your organization ready to make the most of cloud PCs? Let’s find out.

In this special episode of Conversations from the Show Floor, recorded live at IGEL’s Now and Next 2025 event in Miami, I sit down with IGEL CEO Klaus Oestermann to unpack how endpoint security, sustainability, and digital workspace experiences are being reimagined in a world of hybrid work and rising cyber threats.Klaus brings decades of experience from the world of high-assurance security and enterprise infrastructure, and he’s now leading IGEL’s mission to simplify and secure the way organizations manage their endpoints. In our conversation, he breaks down why the traditional approach of detecting and responding to threats is no longer enoughand why prevention must be built in from the start.We explore how IGEL’s Preventative Security Model flips conventional thinking, using a stripped-down OS to reduce attack surfaces while improving control. Klaus explains how this approach helps IT teams enforce zero trust architecture, extend hardware life cycles, and enable user experiences that are secure by design across virtual desktops, SaaS apps, and progressive web apps.But there’s more to this story than just technology. With Windows 11 upgrades putting pressure on refresh cycles and sustainability targets becoming non-negotiable, IGEL offers an alternative that saves costs, reduces e-waste, and aligns with real-world IT constraints. Klaus also shares details about the launch of IGEL’s managed hypervisor, new support for Postgres protocols, and how the company’s growing partner ecosystem is fueling innovation through collaboration.This episode offers a front-row seat to a broader shift happening in endpoint computing, where security, usability, and sustainability converge. Whether you’re facing mounting infrastructure costs or planning your AI strategy, Klaus provides a practical look at how IGEL is helping businesses lead from the edge.So how should endpoint strategy fit into your 2025 roadmap? And are your current tools built for what’s coming next?

What does it take to keep a brand built on classic car culture relevant in a world of automation, electrification, and AI? In this special episode of Conversations from the Show Floor, recorded live at the X4 Summit in Salt Lake City, we explore the answer with Maggie Stafford, Vice President of People Insights at Hagerty.Best known for insuring collector cars, Hagerty has grown into something much more. Maggie explains how the company has evolved into a technology-enabled, community-powered lifestyle brand that serves more than 850,000 members worldwide. From grassroots meetups to high-profile events like Amelia Island Concours, Hagerty is creating space for car lovers to connect both on the road and online.In our conversation, we unpack how a $20 million investment in cloud infrastructure is helping Hagerty meet modern expectations without losing sight of its core mission. Maggie shares how hands-on programs like “Stick Shift 101” and employee drives in vintage cars shape a culture that mirrors its customers’ passion. The goal is not just about providing coverage, but about keeping the joy of driving alive for future generations.We also explore how Hagerty is navigating the shift toward digital service while maintaining personal connections. Maggie reveals how her small insights team is using feedback loops, data platforms, and smart tools to amplify member voices across the business. For brands wondering how to blend tradition with transformation, Hagerty offers a compelling example.This episode touches on culture, technology, loyalty, and the art of scaling without losing identity. It’s a story of how one company continues to celebrate the analog joys of driving while embracing the digital realities of today.Can nostalgia survive the next wave of innovation? Hagerty seems to think so—and they’re putting people, passion, and performance behind that belief.

How do you create a thriving team culture when colleagues are spread across time zones and may never share a room? At the X4 Summit in Salt Lake City, I caught up with Molly Sands, Head of the Teamwork Lab at Atlassian, and Emma Crockett, Head of People Insights, to explore how one of the world’s most data-driven companies approaches this challenge head-on.In this episode, we examine the intersection of behavioral science, workplace design, and people analytics. Molly and Emma explain how Atlassian builds distributed work environments that prioritize both performance and connection. They share real-world strategies for setting clear goals, improving asynchronous communication, and designing physical workspaces that actually support modern team dynamics.We also dig into Atlassian’s scrappy approach to experimentation, including how they test workplace ideas using behavioral data, and why a rotating role called "Chief Vibes Officer" helps drive psychological safety in distributed teams. Their approach blends evidence and empathy, challenging the idea that employee experience is either gut instinct or just another survey score.From the role of transparency in reducing friction, to why AI struggles without structured information systems, this conversation touches on the deeper layers of modern collaboration. We also unpack the common mistakes teams make—such as clinging to Zoom fatigue rituals—and how Atlassian avoids them by focusing on better information flow.If your organization is navigating hybrid or remote work and looking for practical, human-centered strategies, this episode offers lessons rooted in real research and tested at scale.

Recorded live at the X4 Summit in Salt Lake City, this episode features a compelling conversation with Isabelle Zdatny, Head of Thought Leadership at the Qualtrics XM Institute. With a deep background in experience management and a passion for helping organizations translate strategy into results, Isabelle shares new insights from recent research in partnership with McKinsey, revealing how AI could unlock as much as $860 billion in customer experience (CX) impact—possibly more.We unpack why just 12 percent of organizations have a company-wide AI strategy and explore the very real gap between potential and implementation. Isabelle describes the common trap of "pilot purgatory," where teams experiment with AI in isolated silos but fail to scale efforts across the business. Her message is clear: companies must shift from scattered tests to strategic, outcome-driven action.Throughout the conversation, we explore how AI can drive measurable business improvements in three key areas: workforce productivity, revenue generation, and operational efficiency. Isabelle also introduces the concept of Agentic AI, a new phase of automation where AI takes on full workflows instead of just assisting humans. She offers real-world examples of companies like Fiserv that are already applying AI to reduce churn, personalize experiences, and generate new revenue streams.From debunking myths about needing perfect data to outlining how AI success depends on leadership support, governance, and imagination, this episode provides both strategic direction and practical takeaways. As regulatory pressure grows and competition accelerates, organizations that move decisively will gain the most ground.What will it take to stop running pilots and start delivering impact? Tune in to find out.

What does the future of observability, AI, and security look like in an increasingly complex digital world? In this special episode of Conversations from the Show Floor, we are live from Dynatrace Perform in Las Vegas with Steve Tack, Chief Product Officer at Dynatrace. A familiar voice to longtime listeners, Steve joins us in person for the first time to explore how Dynatrace is helping enterprises move from reactive IT operations to a proactive, autonomous future.Steve shares insights into the company's major announcements from the event, including advancements in AIOps, predictive AI capabilities, and the evolution of cloud security posture management. As AI continues to reshape enterprise strategies, we unpack how businesses are adapting their IT operations to embrace AI-powered automation while maintaining scalability, security, and resilience.We also explore how observability and AI are converging, not only to detect anomalies faster but to predict and prevent issues before they impact the business. Steve discusses the growing importance of runtime context in cloud security and the critical role Dynatrace plays in unifying data streams across metrics, logs, traces, and business metadata to deliver real-time answers.Beyond the keynotes and product announcements, Steve shares trends directly from the show floor conversations—how businesses are restructuring for greater agility, why platform engineering is becoming a central theme, and what the rise of AI-native architectures means for development teams.If you’re wondering whether fully autonomous IT operations are within reach or how enterprises are turning AI observability from concept into practice, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Steve’s passion for customer-driven innovation shines throughout, offering a glimpse into where enterprise IT is heading—and what leaders need to consider as they navigate this next wave of transformation.How are you preparing for an era of predictive, autonomous, and secure digital operations? Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts.

DXC and AI-Powered IT Enhancing Performance, Security, and EfficiencyHow can enterprises modernize IT without interrupting mission-critical operations? What happens when automation, observability, and AI converge to shape the future of enterprise infrastructure?In this Conversations from the Show Floor episode, I join Howard Boville, Executive Vice President at DXC, live from Dynatrace Perform in Las Vegas. With a global team of 50,000 engineers, DXC is helping some of the world's largest organizations rethink how they approach performance, security, and efficiency in a digital-first economy.Howard shares insights into the 15-year partnership between DXC and Dynatrace, explaining how AI-powered observability is vital in transforming IT from a reactive service to a predictive, business-aligned function. With thousands of interconnected applications and growing expectations for always-on performance, the ability to detect issues before they become failures is more important than ever.The conversation also explores the rise of digital twins in enterprise IT—how virtual models of technology ecosystems are helping businesses experiment with AI, streamline cloud migrations, and understand the real-world impact of changes before they're made. Initially rooted in manufacturing, digital twins are becoming essential in complex IT environments where optimization and risk management go hand in hand.We also discuss DXC's role in helping businesses prepare for the era of quantum computing, where existing encryption methods will no longer be secure. Howard offers a clear-eyed perspective on why organizations need to start planning now and how tools like Dynatrace are helping identify vulnerable systems before it's too late.From AI-driven transformation to the practical realities of digital modernization, this episode offers a grounded, candid look at the future of IT services. Whether you're exploring automation, measuring ROI, or planning for emerging security threats, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Search Tech Talks Network to discover more shows in the series, or follow Conversations from the Show Floor to catch future episodes from tech events worldwide.

What happens when the biggest names in enterprise tech gather in Vegas to talk AI, observability, and the future of digital operations?In this first episode of Conversations from the Show Floor, I finally meet Dynatrace Chief Product Officer Steve in person at Dynatrace Perform. We’ve shared many conversations remotely over the years, but this time we’re on the ground, surrounded by the buzz of live demos, keynote announcements, and behind-the-scenes insights from some of the industry’s most forward-thinking leaders.Steve walks us through the major announcements from Dynatrace Perform, including how AI and observability are converging to reduce alert fatigue, improve incident response, and enable more proactive IT strategies. He also shares how Dynatrace is evolving its AI offerings—from expanding AIOps capabilities to contextualizing security posture and workload observability for enterprise adoption.We also reflect on the big shift from proof-of-concept to production when it comes to generative AI, and why runtime context is key for real business outcomes. You’ll hear about platform engineering, the evolution of enterprise architecture, and the importance of cross-functional collaboration when innovation is happening at speed.So whether you're tuning in on your commute or catching up from a few time zones away, this conversation brings the energy of the show floor directly to your ears.Which announcements from Dynatrace Perform are you most interested in, and how do you see AI reshaping your IT strategy? Let me know what stood out to you.