NSI Podcast

In this episode, we explore Trevor’s career journey—from starting as a programmer to becoming the CIO of the University of Central Arkansas—and dive into how technology is transforming higher education. We’ll discuss innovation, budgeting, AI in the classroom, lessons from leading through COVID, and what the future holds for universities navigating rapid change.Next Step Innovation is a technology company that partners with clients to help them forecast needs, streamline operations, and implement solutions.Learn more about NSI by visiting nextstepinnovation.com.

What separates great leaders from great problem-solvers? In Part 2 of our conversation with high-performance coach Annebelle Davies, we focus on teams, culture, and leadership evolution.This episode covers how IT and security leaders can transition from firefighting to strategic leadership, how culture and communication shape performance, and why energy—not just time—is one of the most overlooked leadership skills. Ideal for leaders building resilient, high-performing teams in tech.Next Step Innovation is a technology company that partners with clients to help them forecast needs, streamline operations, and implement solutions.Learn more about NSI by visiting nextstepinnovation.com.

High-pressure leadership comes with real consequences—burnout, fatigue, and constant crisis response. In this episode, high-performance coach Annebelle Davies joins the podcast to unpack how executives can maintain clarity, resilience, and effectiveness in demanding roles like cybersecurity leadership.We explore burnout prevention, boundaries, recovery after major incidents, and the habits that allow leaders to perform at a high level without sacrificing their health or personal lives. A must-listen for executives navigating nonstop pressure.Next Step Innovation is a technology company that partners with clients to help them forecast needs, streamline operations, and implement solutions.Learn more about NSI by visiting nextstepinnovation.com.

We’re joined by Vicki Farnsworth, CIO at The University of Mississippi, for a powerful conversation on how technology is reshaping higher education.From leading AI initiatives to navigating cybersecurity and academic integrity, Vicki shares what it takes to foster innovation while staying true to the mission of higher ed.Listen as she reflects on her journey from Purdue and UT Chattanooga to Ole Miss — and offers advice for the next generation of IT leaders.Next Step Innovation is a technology company that partners with clients to help them forecast needs, streamline operations, and implement solutions. Learn more about NSI by visiting nextstepinnovation.com.

In this episode, Jon Green, Chief Technology and Security Officer at HPE Aruba, joins us to discuss how hybrid work, AI, and geopolitics are reshaping the cybersecurity landscape.John shares insights on what enterprises often get right—and wrong—about Zero Trust architectures, how AI is transforming both cyberattacks and defenses, and how global tensions influence security strategy for a worldwide networking business.We also dive into John’s 22-year journey at Aruba, the evolving role of humans in a world of AI-driven automation, and even his passion for aviation—exploring the surprising parallels between flying a plane and managing complex networks.Whether you’re a security professional, network architect, or just curious about the future of AI and cybersecurity, this episode offers expert perspective from one of the industry’s leading voices.Next Step Innovation is a technology company that partners with clients to help them forecast needs, streamline operations, and implement solutions.Learn more about NSI by visiting nextstepinnovation.com.

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Sasse, CEO of Metova—a technology consulting firm driving digital transformation across industries. From app development and IoT to fintech innovation, Jonathan shares how Metova stays ahead in an ever-evolving tech landscape.We dive into Metova’s unique approach to software development, what it takes to build lasting client relationships, and how to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. Jonathan also reflects on his startup roots at Slacker Radio, offers practical advice for aspiring developers, and shares what qualities he looks for in top tech talent.Plus, a little sneaker talk and why staying off the AI train might just mean getting left behind.Next Step Innovation is a technology company that partners with clients to help them forecast needs, streamline operations, and implement solutions.Learn more about NSI by visiting nextstepinnovation.com.

In this episode, we sit down with Trent Townsend, CEO of Next Step Innovation (NSI), to explore the story behind one of the region’s fastest-growing tech companies. From humble beginnings to major federal contracts, Trent walks us through NSI’s evolution into a force in networking, security, and custom CRM solutions.We discuss what it really takes to start and scale a business, how NSI carved out its space in the security and federal sectors, and what it means to lead with vision, grit, and integrity. Trent also shares what fuels him outside of work, how he builds company culture, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.Next Step Innovation is a technology company that partners with clients to help them forecast needs, streamline operations, and implement solutions.Learn more about NSI by visiting nextstepinnovation.com.

In this episode, we’re joined by Mike Mathews, Vice President of Global Learning and Innovation at Oral Roberts University, to talk about the big changes happening in education.Mike shares how ORU is leading the way with whole person education—a model that doesn’t just focus on academics, but the mind, body, and spirit. From giving every student a Fitbit to track engagement, to using AI to personalize learning, we dive into how tech is reshaping how—and why—we teach.Whether you're an educator, tech enthusiast, or just curious about how AI and wearables are impacting the classroom, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Next Step Innovation is a technology company that partners with clients to help them forecast needs, streamline operations, and implement solutions. Learn more about NSI by visiting nextstepinnovation.com.

In this episode of the NSI Podcast, we’re joined by Gene Patrick, author of his recent white paper "Human vs. Machine: The Strengths and Weaknesses of Automated Penetration Testing", along with Cybersecurity Engineer Joseph Allen and Dr. David O’Gywnn, Director of our Cybersecurity team.We dive deep into the world of penetration testing—comparing automated tools with manual approaches, examining the strengths, limitations, and potential risks of each method. Topics include:The advantages and blind spots of automated pen testingReal-world issues like false positives and missed threatsThe critical role human expertise still plays in cybersecurityHow organizations can strike the right balance between automation and manual testingWhether you're a security professional or just starting your cybersecurity journey, this episode offers valuable insights into optimizing your security strategy. Don’t forget to check out Gene’s full white paper on our blog at nextstepinnovation.com/blog.Next Step Innovation is a technology company that partners with clients to help them forecast needs, streamline operations, and implement solutions.Learn more about NSI by visiting nextstepinnovation.com.

Calling all bourbon lovers! This episode adds a flavorful twist with a blind bourbon tasting woven into the conversation. Join us as we sit down with Jana Branham, CIO of Ergon, to talk tech, leadership, and a little whiskey wisdom. Don’t miss this fun and insightful mix of spirits and strategy!Tasting 1; ⁠Small Batch — Calumet Farm Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey⁠Tasting 2: ⁠Dareringer - Rabbit Hole Distillery⁠Tasting 3: ⁠Special Finishes Collection Toasted - Yellowstone Bourbon⁠Tasting 4: R⁠um Cask - Yellowstone Bourbon⁠Next Step Innovation is a technology company that partners with clients to help them forecast needs, streamline operations, and implement solutions.Learn more about NSI by visiting nextstepinnovation.com.

In this episode, we sit down with Todd Borland, Executive Director of Technology at Union Public Schools, to explore 25 years of public sector tech leadership. Todd shares how K-12 technology has evolved—from early infrastructure to today’s cybersecurity challenges, remote learning, and cloud adoption. We dive into cyber incidents caused by students, the surprising rise of esports and drone leagues in schools, and the upcoming Tulsa Area Schools Technology Symposium (TASTS). Whether you’re in education IT or just tech-curious, Todd’s insights on leadership, team-building, and future trends make this a must-listen.Next Step Innovation is a technology company that partners with clients to help them forecast needs, streamline operations, and implement solutions.Learn more about NSI by visiting nextstepinnovation.com.

Stephen Tycer joins Cyber Perspective to dive into all things cybersecurity—from his unique journey transitioning from the oil and gas industry to higher education, to the evolving landscape of cyber threats and innovations. This episode explores emerging technologies that are both exciting and unsettling, offering insights into how commercial and academic worlds are responding to today’s cybersecurity challenges.Next Step Innovation is a technology company that partners with clients to help them forecast needs, streamline operations, and implement solutions.Learn more about NSI by visiting nextstepinnovation.com.

With over 20 years experience of strategic IT leadership, Dr. Nishanth Rodrigues comes from the University of Mississippi as the Chief Information Officer to the University of Oklahoma in Norman. Tune in for his view on new emerging technologies and great ideas on how to be more effective with time management.   Next Step Innovation is a technology company that partners with clients to help them forecast needs, streamline operations, and implement solutions.Learn more about NSI by visiting nextstepinnovation.com.

Join us as we dive deep into the latest AI-driven cyber threats, from deepfakes and automated phishing to self-learning malware and AI-powered hacking. Featuring expert insights from our director of cybersecurity, Dr. David O’Gwynn and unpack the risks, defenses, and ethical dilemmas shaping the future of digital security.Next Step Innovation is a technology company that partners with clients to help them forecast needs, streamline operations, and implement solutions.Learn more about NSI by visiting nextstepinnovation.com.

Today is our first episode of our new series with top technology leaders: Meet IT Leaders. Today, we have Paige Francis, CIO of Art and Wellness Enterprises.  She is a forbes contributor, author and IT expert with over 15 years of experience of impactful leadership. We go over how she made her way to the top as a CIO, and how to build a culture of excellence.  As an IT Leader, she always has the end user in mind.  Next Step Innovation is a technology company that partners with clients to help them forecast needs, streamline operations, and implement solutions.Learn more about NSI by visiting nextstepinnovation.com.