Tech Me Seriously!

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech and host of the show, sits down with June An to explore how community-driven culture, relationship-based sales, and operational discipline differentiate TenisiTech in a competitive managed services market.June shares how TenisiTech evolved from a family-run startup into a 35-person professional IT services company without losing its personal connection. The conversation examines how blending a family mindset with enterprise-level efficiency creates stronger employee engagement, higher client trust, and long-term retention.They discuss how TenisiTech’s San Diego North County business community grew from 600 to nearly 1,000 local executives, reinforcing trust-based networking and relationship selling. June explains how authentic, consultative sales—rather than product-driven pitches—results in sustainable growth, stronger referrals, and deeper client loyalty.The episode also dives into strategic IT planning for small and mid-sized businesses, including staged infrastructure upgrades, cloud migration, cybersecurity accountability, compliance support, and license consolidation that can uncover significant cost savings. Sarah and June outline how proactive IT management replaces break-fix cycles and improves operational scalability.AI adoption is another key theme. June shares how TenisiTech integrates AI tools to automate repetitive tasks—such as ticket categorization and CRM workflows—while protecting the human relationships that clients value most. The conversation emphasizes that AI should enhance service efficiency, not replace personal engagement.Throughout the discussion, Sarah and June highlight how leadership alignment, continuous improvement, operational transparency, and responsive local support drive measurable client outcomes.In this episode, you’ll learn:How community building strengthens company culture and client trustWhy relationship-based MSP sales outperform rigid product-driven modelsHow staged IT modernization reduces technical debt and supports scalabilityThe financial impact of software license consolidation and proactive IT strategyHow AI can improve operational efficiency without sacrificing human connectionWhy accountability and ownership improve cybersecurity and compliance outcomesThis episode offers a practical look at how culture, strategy, and disciplined operations create long-term success in managed IT services.

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech and host of the show, sits down with Shehara Wooten, CFP®, fee-only financial advisor and founder of Your Story Financial, to discuss strategic financial planning, funded sabbaticals, and building long-term wealth without burnout.Shehara shares how her background as an electrical and computer engineer led her to financial planning, where she now helps high-earning professionals design fully funded sabbaticals, strengthen cash flow strategy, and align their money with purpose. The conversation explores how financial burnout affects career performance, why traditional retirement planning often misses the bigger picture, and how intentional life design creates sustainable success.Together, they break down the mechanics of sabbatical planning, including building a sabbatical fund, calculating runway, and protecting long-term wealth while taking extended time off. Shehara also explains the importance of working with a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor to ensure unbiased, commission-free advice.The discussion expands to career transitions, wealth-building for professionals, financial wellness in the workplace, and how employers can reduce burnout through smarter financial education and flexible policies.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to plan and fund a sabbatical without compromising retirement goalsThe difference between fee-only financial planning and commission-based adviceHow high earners can move from financial success to financial freedomPractical strategies for cash flow management and wealth buildingWhy career breaks can increase long-term productivity and leadership capacityIf you are a tech professional, executive, or high achiever looking to reduce financial stress, build generational wealth, or design a career that includes intentional rest, this episode offers practical financial strategy and long-term planning insights you can implement immediately.Connect with Shehara WootenYour Story Financial, LLC

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech, sits down with Bryan Bansbach, Director of Infrastructure Operations at TenisiTech, to unpack what smart AI adoption really looks like inside modern IT teams. Bryan shares why the most successful organizations start with strong automation and clear goals before bringing AI into the mix, and how skipping these steps leads to wasted effort, security risk, and overwhelmed employees.Sarah and Bryan dive into early AI wins like automated ticket categorization and faster knowledge retrieval, along with the very real limits of letting AI make decisions on critical systems. They also highlight why data hygiene, vendor vetting, and tight access controls matter more than ever as tools like Microsoft Copilot gain deep visibility across company environments.🎧 Listen for practical insight on building a secure, intentional AI strategy that improves workflows, reduces cognitive load, and helps your teams thrive without compromising stability or trust.

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech, sits down with Jossie Haines, Executive & Leadership Coach and Fractional Engineering Leader with 25 years at Apple, Tile, Zynga, and American Express. Jossie shares why many companies are overspending on AI without seeing real ROI, and how vague mandates, poor guidance, and early misuse lead to buggy code, security risks, and wasted productivity.She and Sarah dig into the human side of adoption, including research showing how unconscious bias impacts women and older engineers who openly use AI, and why leaders must create clear use cases, model healthy AI habits, and integrate tools intentionally rather than reactively.They also break down the hidden dangers of shadow AI, the importance of engineering oversight, and how custom GPTs and strategic coaching can help leaders amplify their impact without sacrificing quality or safety.🎧 Listen for practical insight on aligning AI to real business problems, reducing risk, and empowering teams with thoughtful, human-centered leadership.👉 Connect with Jossie Haines 🌐 jossiehaines.com 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jossiehaines📘 Free Guide: 4 AI Workflows Every Tech Leader Should Automate https://jossiehaines.com/ai-workflows-engineering-leaders/

In Part 2 of Sarah Tenisi and Carlo Cacciatore’s conversation, the discussion turns from IT service delivery to the human side of technology implementation: the J curve.The J curve captures the emotional and productivity dip teams experience when adopting new systems. Sarah and Carlo unpack why this happens, what it means for leadership, and how organizations can navigate through the low point to achieve lasting transformation.They explore:How different teams experience the J curve during major tech rolloutsStrategies for change management, communication, and trainingThe importance of leadership engagement and storytelling with dataManaging Shadow IT and tool sprawl across modern workplacesBalancing simplicity, AI integration, and compliance in today’s SaaS ecosystemFrom emotional readiness to practical execution, this episode offers a blueprint for IT leaders aiming to guide their organizations through the complexities of change and come out stronger on the other side.

Not all IT services are created equal, and the consequences can affect your business more than you realize. In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi sits down with Carlo Cacciatore, VP of Operations at TenisiTech, to explore the realities of IT service delivery, pricing, and industry maturity.Unlike regulated professions such as electricians or accountants, managed service providers (MSPs) don’t require licenses to operate. That means anyone, even “cousin Joe”, can handle sensitive business data, leading to wide gaps in service quality.Carlo and Sarah cover:Comprehensive IT service scope: from cloud security to identity protection and workflow automationHow pricing varies based on infrastructure complexity, compliance requirements, and business typeHidden IT costs and the importance of audits for cost optimizationKey factors when evaluating MSP partners: service clarity, team expertise, and regional supportEquipment lifecycle planning and staged replacement strategies for predictable budgetingWhether you manage IT in-house or partner with an MSP, this conversation highlights the operational and strategic decisions that drive successful technology outcomes.👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where Sarah and Carlo dive into the “J curve” of IT projects and share strategies to help teams navigate implementation challenges.

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech and host of the show, sits down with Misty Phillip—author, speaker, and COO of TrilogyWorks—to explore how women can lead with purpose, boldness, and resilience across every season of life.Misty shares the strategic framework she’s developed over years of experience in publishing, podcasting, entrepreneurship, and now the cybersecurity and AI space. Together, she and Sarah discuss how small, intentional decisions can compound into powerful influence, whether at home, in business, or in ministry.They dive into the evolution of women’s leadership, redefining influence beyond social media, and the importance of adapting your focus as life transitions. Misty also shares how she’s helping clients navigate AI disruption, cybersecurity challenges, and tech infrastructure, all while staying grounded in faith and purpose.🎧 Listen for insight on leading through transitions, building authentic communities, and sparking lasting influence, one season at a time.👉 Connect with Misty Phillip 📚 MistyPhillip.com🔒 TrilogyWorks.com

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech and host of the show, talks with Kathy Sebuck, an award-winning communicator, strategic advisor, and founder of Marchitecture, about how modern leaders can create sustainable, high-performing teams without sacrificing well-being.Kathy introduces the Connected Balance™ Experience (CBE)—a leadership framework grounded in neuroscience, heart coherence, and energy management. Drawing on over 25 years of leadership experience at companies such as Microsoft, SAP, AWS, and Citrix, she shares how performance can thrive when leaders prioritize internal alignment over external validation.Together, Sarah and Kathy explore what it means to “be the leader you never had” and how emotional regulation, clarity, and core values alignment can transform both culture and business outcomes.🧠 You’ll learn:How heart rate variability and nervous system regulation enhance leadership performanceWhy burnout in tech is a systemic issue, not a personal failingThe connection between trust, retention, and community-buildingPractical ways to build calm, focused teams (even during disruption)How to shift from “busy culture” to purposeful leadershipWhether you’re a founder, fractional leader, or aspiring exec, this episode is packed with real-world insights, science-backed strategies, and a refreshing reminder: it’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what matters.🔗 Connect with Kathy Sebuck:Website: www.marchitecture.tech LinkedIn: Kathy Sebuck Company LinkedIn: Marchitecture Book: Waves of Change⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Tech Me Seriously 00:29 – Meet Kathy Sebuck: Strategic Communicator, Athlete, and Leadership Advisor 01:30 – Connected Balance™: Integrating Heart, Mind, and Body in Decision-Making 05:14 – Using Heart Rate Variability to Enhance Performance and Reduce Stress 07:40 – Workaholism vs. Self-Worth: Rethinking Leadership from the Inside Out 11:09 – Why Tech Rewards Burnout: Historical Context and Structural Challenges 12:12 – Generational Differences: Gen Z, Balance, and the Effort Conversation 23:22 – Growth Mindset Reframed: From Risk Tolerance to Curiosity 30:33 – Leadership Impact: Turnover, Retention, and Manager Relationships 32:39 – Building Trust: Weekly One-on-Ones and Personal Check-Ins 33:47 – The Cost of Turnover vs. Retention 36:00 – From “Good Place to Work” to Community-Centered Culture 45:15 – Core Values Workshop: Personal Development for Strategic Leaders 50:02 – Nature as a Leadership Tool: One Hour Outdoors Per Day 53:37 – “Be the Leader You Never Had”: Bringing It All Together

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech and host of the show, interviews Devin C. Hughes, speaker, author, and culture strategist, who’s worked with clients ranging from Disney to the Department of Defense. Known for his TED-worthy humor and no-fluff delivery, Devin helps leaders build thriving, people-first cultures where trust, retention, and performance go hand in hand.Together, Sarah and Devin explore how gratitude, emotional intelligence, and mindset shifts can transform workplace dynamics. They dig into the practical ways leaders can promote well-being, normalize taking time off, and create meaningful connections on their teams. Drawing from positive psychology and organizational research, Devin shares tools and real-life stories that show how kindness and clarity can drive serious business outcomes.🎧 Listen for actionable strategies on building a culture of gratitude, boosting engagement, and creating workplaces where people—and profits—grow together.👉 Connect with Devin:Website: www.devinchughes.comLinkedIn: Devin C. HughesCompany: Devin C. Hughes Enterprises, LLCTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to Tech Me Seriously00:29 Meet Devin C. Hughes: Speaker, Author, and Workplace Culture Expert01:31 The Importance of Gratitude at Work03:06 Changing Workplace Norms and Culture04:28 The Role of Leadership in Promoting Work-Life Balance07:40 Devin's Journey and Passion for Workplace Culture17:03 Embedding Wellness into Work Routines25:31 The Importance of Celebrating Small Wins27:38 The Power of Positive Affirmations29:23 Assuming Positive Intent in Relationships31:40 Creating a Culture of Connection33:58 Addressing Workforce Engagement Challenges36:42 The Role of Leaders in Fostering Engagement46:21 Implementing a Gratitude Challenge48:18 Personal Practices for Positivity

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech and host of the show, interviews Taylor Setar, a certified personal trainer and founder of Fit Firm Coaching. Taylor has worked with hundreds of clients over the past six years, helping women embrace strength and functional training as a foundation for long-term health. Since opening her own fitness center in 2018, she has led countless group fitness classes and personal training sessions, empowering women to build both physical strength and mental toughness.Together, Sarah and Taylor discuss the unique challenges women in tech face like irregular hours, demanding schedules, and inconsistent routines, and how these can impact health, fitness, and overall well-being. Taylor offers actionable strategies for maintaining a workout routine, improving nutrition, prioritizing sleep, and integrating fitness into a busy tech career. She also shares success stories and busts common fitness myths, all while highlighting the power of working with a coach to build sustainable, healthy habits.🎧 Listen for tips on overcoming gym anxiety, building consistent routines, and giving yourself permission to do what you can—especially on tough days.👉 Connect with Taylor:Instagram: @fitfirmcoachingFree Masterclass: fitfirm-coaching.kit.com/free-masterclassBook a Free Call: tidycal.com/fitfirmcoaching/free-health-consultation-call 00:00 Introduction to Tech Me Seriously00:29 Meet Taylor Setar: Fitness Expert for Women in Tech01:25 Challenges Women in Tech Face07:17 Success Stories and Fitness Tips20:33 Taylor's Personal Fitness Journey24:38 Prioritizing Health and Fitness24:53 Balancing Work, Family, and Fitness25:53 Building a Sustainable Workout Routine26:54 Overcoming Gym Anxiety28:18 The Importance of Strength Training for Women34:43 Nutrition and Logging for Success41:50 Tips and Tricks for Habit Building45:34 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, host Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech, converses with Nichole Robertson, the newly appointed CEO of Teladata. Nichole shares her journey from joining Teladata in 2005 and rising to CEO in 2025, emphasizing the importance of gaining technical aptitude through experience rather than just education. They discuss various non-linear paths into IT, the essential role of culture fit in hiring, and the significance of mentorship and willingness to learn. The conversation also delves into strategies for employers to attract diverse talent and the balance between technical skills and personal attributes in achieving long-term industry success. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:00 Building Technical Aptitude Through Experience01:29 The Evolution of IT Departments05:46 Nichole's Journey to CEO06:05 Understanding Teladata's Role12:20 The Importance of Culture Fit in Tech13:16 Nichole's Career Path and Roles23:23 Journey to Leadership23:43 Succession Planning and Selection24:06 Supportive Team Dynamics25:44 Learning and Mentorship27:48 Safe Learning Environment29:18 Starting an IT Career37:07 Hiring for Potential39:37 Building a Positive Work Culture48:58 Career Pathing and Flexibility50:28 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of Tech Me Seriously, Sarah Tenisi, CEO of Tenisi Tech, engages in an insightful conversation with Nicholas Muy, the current CISO at Scrut Automation. The discussion dives into the fundamentals of compliance programs, their importance in cybersecurity, and how businesses can simplify their compliance strategy to fit their unique needs. They also touch upon the misconceptions of compliance and security, the differences between adhering to and being certified in compliance standards, and the role of technology in streamlining compliance processes. Additionally, Nick shares his extensive background in security, including his work at the Department of Homeland Security and Expedia, and provides practical advice for companies looking to implement or improve their compliance programs.00:00 Introduction to Tech Me Seriously00:29 Meet Nicholas: Cybersecurity Expert01:17 The Basics of Compliance01:51 Why Compliance Matters02:16 Understanding Security and Compliance07:14 Nick's Professional Journey13:44 Determining Your Compliance Needs19:40 Security vs. Compliance25:52 Collaboration Between Security and Compliance Teams26:51 The Role of GRC and Security Teams27:42 Who Should Handle Compliance in Small Companies?28:23 Building a Compliance Team31:46 The Importance of Internal Audits32:50 Leveraging Technology for Compliance44:49 Adhering to Standards vs. Certification48:33 Navigating Regulatory Changes52:05 Conclusion and Upcoming Webinar

In this episode of 'Tech Me Seriously,' Sarah Tenisi, CEO of Tenisi Tech, has a candid conversation with Den Jones, the Chief Security Officer at Banyan Security. The episode dives deep into common cybersecurity myths, discussing real-world examples and practical advice for how to better secure organizations. Den shares his extensive experience from working at major Silicon Valley enterprises like Cisco and Adobe, providing insights on the most effective security measures, the pitfalls of outdated strategies, and the importance of simplifying and automating security processes.00:00 Introduction to Tech Me Seriously00:32 Meet Den Jones: Chief Security Officer at Banyan Security01:42 Cybersecurity Myths: Let's Bust Some Shit02:25 The Reality of Cyber Breaches05:21 Common Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities14:54 The Importance of Patching and Configuration26:31 Governance vs. Security: The Real Deal29:05 HR Training and Governance29:38 Phishing Simulations and Tools31:23 Vendor Risk and Email Security32:34 Governance and Compliance Challenges33:50 Least Privilege and Access Management38:25 Career Journey and IT Evolution49:40 Security Myths and Best Practices53:13 Conclusion and Future TopicsThe 3 Main Takeaways:(1) Breaches often occur due to simple lapses like weak passwords and poor configuration, not highly sophisticated hacks, with phishing attacks being a common vector. (2) Tools like vulnerability management systems and risk registries are often outdated and less effective compared to consistent patching and robust configuration management. (3) Governance and compliance do not necessarily equate to adequate security; organizations need to implement practical and automated solutions like MFA, regular patching, and identity management to truly safeguard their assets.

Building Compassionate Tech Cultures with April WenzelOn this episode of Tech Me Seriously, host Sarah Tanisi, CEO of Tenisi Tech, engages in a compelling conversation with April Wenzel, international keynote speaker and founder of Compassionate Coding. They explore the significance of integrating emotional intelligence and compassion in tech, tackling misconceptions, industry burnout, and how open-mindedness towards compassionate practices can revolutionize the workplace. April shares her founder's journey, emphasizing the importance of addressing both self-compassion and compassion for colleagues, users, and society. The conversation also touches on generational shifts, the impact of AI, and the essential steps for leaders to foster a compassionate work culture.00:00 Introduction to Tech Me Seriously00:28 Meet April Wenzel: Founder of Compassionate Coding02:27 The Concept of Compassionate Coding03:50 The Importance of Self-Compassion in Tech06:45 Challenges and Changes in the Tech Industry17:59 The Role of Compassion in AI Development22:50 April Wenzel's Founder Story29:16 The Evolution of Compassion in the Workplace30:18 The Rise of Compassionate Job Descriptions31:11 Balancing Accountability with Love32:16 Realizing the Impact of Compassionate Leadership33:45 The Importance of Meaning and Connection at Work34:45 Navigating Negative Reactions and Hierarchies38:05 Starting the Journey Towards Workplace Compassion50:00 Avoiding Compassion Fatigue52:57 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of "Tech Me Seriously," host Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech, welcomes Julia Tunstall, co-founder of A Bar Above, a company dedicated to making craft cocktail skills  and high-end barware accessible to everyone. Julia and Sarah discuss Julia's transition from a career in project and data management at life sciences companies to co-founding A Bar Above. Julia shares her passion for cocktails and how she and her husband created a successful business that blends online cocktail education with the sale of premium barware.They explore how Julia's team has integrated AI into their business processes, using tools like ChatGPT and MidJourney. Julia describes various practical applications of AI, from generating images for blog posts to assisting in drafting emails. The conversation includes insights into alleviating team members' fears about AI taking over jobs and encouraging them to experiment with these technologies.Julia highlights their innovative approach, including the creation of AI avatars dubbed "Abe" and "Abby," which they use to better understand and engage with their customer base. The discussion also touches on the growing trend of mocktails and their importance in the current market.The episode wraps up with practical advice on how businesses can get started with AI and the importance of being cautious about data privacy and the impact of AI on different industries.

In this compelling episode of "Tech Me Seriously," Sarah Tenisi, CEO of TenisiTech, dives into the world of Intellectual Property (IP) with guest expert Stephen Robertson. As founder of Metis Partners, Stephen brings over two decades of experience in helping businesses recognize, protect, and leverage their IP assets. Together, they unravel the complexities of intellectual property, offering invaluable insights into its role in driving business growth, securing competitive advantages, and preparing for future scalability.What is Intellectual Property (IP)?Stephen explains that IP encompasses not just patents and copyrights but also brands, trade secrets, software, and crucial data. These intangible assets are often undervalued but are key differentiators and value drivers for businesses. How can service companies discover and leverage their IP?Contrary to common belief, service businesses possess IP too. Stephen demystifies the notion, showing how service-based models can identify and protect their unique processes, customer relationships, and even their brand as IP. Why is understanding and protecting IP from the start important?From securing a competitive edge to enhancing valuation for investments or exits, early IP recognition and protection are crucial for sustainable business success. How does IP influence fundraising and exits?Stephen shares that well-managed IP can significantly influence a company's valuation, affecting fundraising efforts and increasing exit multiples.Three Biggest Takeaways: 1. IP is More Than Patents: Intellectual Property extends beyond patents and copyrights, encompassing all unique aspects of a business that provide a competitive edge, such as customer relationships, proprietary software, and brand identity. 2. Early Protection is Key: The early identification and protection of IP assets are critical in safeguarding a company's unique value, enhancing its market position, and securing higher valuations for investments and exits. 3. IP as a Strategic Asset: IP should be viewed as a strategic asset, integral to a company's growth and scalability plans. Proper management and leveraging of IP rights can open new avenues for revenue generation and market dominance.Stephen's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-robertson-496659/

Angela Amoroso: Championing Ballet and the Arts for Our Kids’ EducationIn this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Angela Amoroso, Founder of Scripps Performing Arts Academy, established in 1987.Her goal is to provide a creative nurturing environment that instills self-confidence, self-esteem, and teamwork without sacrificing the core values of dance as an art form.Listen in as Angela discusses why integrating art into the core curriculum, into K-12 education, is more important than ever. In a world of AI, she believes that it’s time to put the A back into STEM—that a STEAM education is the way of the future.She refers to a study by NASA which aimed to measure creative genius in school-aged children, demonstrated to decline drastically through the years, from 95% at the age of five all the way down to 2% by the age of 31. The performing arts, particularly ballet, can potentially curb these numbers if made a consistent part of a child’s core curriculum.To this end, she gives her thoughts on maintaining creative genius from childhood to adulthood, and how the skills learned through the performing arts easily carry over into leadership roles. She explains how parents and teachers alike can work together to change mainstream education, to effectively “sell” an arts-focused curriculum that puts students first.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:52] Why it’s so important to integrate art into the core curriculum●      [06:37] How the NASA study measured creative genius in children●      [11:34] Building a community of performing arts students●      [17:01] The importance of having compassion for your little performer●      [20:12] How Angela chose her career path●      [24:09] About the Scripps program, Experience the Good●      [26:36] Four ways Angela’s work has transformed the lives of students●      [30:25] Incorporating community-based performance into everyday life●      [31:53] Getting art programs back into education●      [37:58] How parents can get involvedKey quotes:●      “The best way to combat artificial intelligence is to become more human.”●      "Strong mind, strong body. Strong body, strong mind."Resources:●      Angela Amoroso on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-amoroso-58231749/●      Scripps Performing Arts Academy Website: https://scrippsperformingartsacademy.com/●      Scripps Performing Arts YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ScrippsPerformingArts/videos

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Nicholas Muy, Head of Partnerships at Scrut Automation for North America and the EU.Nick has held a variety of high-impact roles at SaaS companies, many of which are familiar household names. Through his passion for cybersecurity and compliance, he helps companies manage risk and earn trust with their clients by helping them understand and implement great security and compliance practices.Listen in as Nick discusses the challenges of balancing security and compliance while managing risk and building trust with clients in the IT space. He shares his insights on the importance of storytelling to communicate the complexities of security and compliance to stakeholders, as well as making tough investment decisions.Nick talks about today’s career opportunities in cybersecurity, and how he solves governance, risk, compliance (GRC) for clients. He also discusses essential cybersecurity practices such as multifactor authentication and strong password management, while sharing horror stories of IT security and compliance to emphasize that solving this ongoing issue is ultimately a collective effort.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [02:31] Why IT security and compliance continues to be an issue●      [08:22] The difference between security and compliance●      [11:14] Defining “GRC”●      [17:09] Balancing security and compliance with risk management●      [20:31] Nick’s journey in the cybersecurity space●      [31:46] Must-do security requirements today●      [39:10] How to convince company owners to take these measures seriously●      [47:49] Security and compliance as a collective effortKey quotes:●      “Security is the set of things you do to manage risks to your company that come from being insecure. Compliance is what you do to manage the practices that you need to have in place to maintain your security posture.”●      "Governance versus compliance is something that's been around the financial industry, banks and huge companies the world over for a long, long time."

In this episode - Sarah chats with Matt Homann.Matt is the Founder of Filament, and inventor of Thinksgiving and is passionate about helping people think, meet and learn together better. Are your meetings feeling lackluster and unproductive? It's time to shake things up and transform your gatherings into dynamic, engaging experiences that leave participants inspired and motivated. In this fast-paced world, effective meetings are essential for driving progress and fostering collaboration. From incorporating interactive activities and setting clear objectives to leveraging technology and creating a positive atmosphere, Matt, our guest for today will equip you with a toolkit of strategies to revolutionize your meetings and unleash the full potential of your team.  Today, Matt shares the meaning of helping smart people think together better, why many meetings are terrible and the things he hates the most in meetings. He also talks about why people waste a lot of time in meetings, some of the great meeting behaviors, and ways to balance power and engagements in zoom meetings. Lastly, he discusses his upcoming book: Think Together Better. Tune in to learn more about this and other exciting topics! Timestamps[00:32] Matt Homann’s background information[01:01] The meaning of helping people think together better[01:55] Why a lot of meetings are terrible[03:58] The things that Matt hates about meetings[11:18] Why people waste a lot of time in meetings[13:33] Some of the great meeting behaviors[19:38] Tips to balance power and engagements in Zoom meetings[25:56] The great things that we get from remote meetings[31:15] How is Matt the meeting guy and how did he decide to help people think together better after being an attorney?[37:38] 5 common challenges with people in organizations and meetings[41:51] Idea Surplus Disorder[48:44] About Matt’s upcoming book: Think Together Better[51:35] What is Thinksgiving?Notable quotes:●      “An eight person meeting is an eight hour meeting.”●      “Being really intentional about what engagements looks like in meetings is really important.”●      “Don’t have a meeting if it’s just intentional. Record a video and then have a conversation about other people’s thoughts and perceptions of that.”●      “Nothing is obvious to everyone but everything is obvious to someone.”Connect with us:Matthew HomannWebsite: https://www.meetfilament.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/homann/Twitter: https://twitter.com/matthomannSarah TenisiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stenisi/Website: https://tenisitech.com/  

The Emergence and Take Off of AI in Business and How it Relates to Digital Transformation JourneyArtificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the business landscape, revolutionizing the way organizations operate, and making their operations more efficient, effective, and profitable. AI-driven applications and solutions are becoming increasingly commonplace, and their ability to process vast amounts of data and deliver insights in real time is helping businesses make better-informed decisions. This, in turn, is accelerating the digital transformation journey of organizations across various industries. The emergence and take-off of AI in business have opened up a new world of possibilities, with companies now leveraging AI to automate routine tasks, streamline complex processes, and optimize their operations. In this episode, Sarah is joined by Sridhar Sunkara, the CEO and Digital Transformation Leader of eBiz Solutions, to talk about how AI relates to digital transformation and the benefits it has in businesses. Sridhar shares how companies can take advantage of ChatGPT, the most surprising things with companies on digital transformation, and the role of leaders and workforces in digital transformation. He also talks about what companies should be preparing for in AI, how AI is affecting employment, and what will happen when companies don’t think about AI now. Tune in to learn more about this and other exciting topics! Timestamps[00:34] Sridhar Sunkara’s background information[01:43] Why we are talking about the emergence and take of AI in business now[02:52] How companies can take advantage of ChatGPT[05:07] The role of AI in collective intelligence[10:31] What led Sunkara to become the CEO of a technology and solutions company that is helping other companies[12:48] The most surprising thing that Sridhar has learned working with companies in digital transformation projects[17:00] The role of leaders in digital transformation[18:23] What companies should be preparing for in AI[23:00] Setting the foundation of digital transformation [26:39] The responsibility of the old workforces in digital transformation[29:28] The responsibility of learning new tools[31:34] How AI is affecting employment[36:15] The acceptable use policy of AI in business[38:02] The generative training we are doing for the AI[40:20] How companies have taken advantage of AI[47:19] The human element involved in AI[47:53] What will happen when companies don’t think about AI now[49:55] How companies can start their digital transformation journeyNotable quotes:●      “Once you harness the power of AI, you can harness the power in your business operations, customer experiences, talent management, and also drive innovation which are the four forces of the growth of a company.”●      “Motivation is the one that changes the behavior and behavior becomes a habit. So, leaders should keep their teams motivated.”●      “Using data for intelligence is still below 2 on your digital maturity matrix.”Connect with us:Sridhar SunkaraLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sssunkara/Website: https://www.thinkebiz.net/Sarah TenisiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stenisi/Website: https://tenisitech.com/  

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Shawn Flynn, a Principal at a mid-market investment bank among several specialties, focusing on Mergers & Acquisitions of middle-market companies, with revenue between $10-$250 million.Shawn kicked off his career by founding, scaling, and successfully scaling a company in Beijing, China. He is also host of The Silicon Valley Podcast where he speaks to founders on a variety of topics such as building a unicorn company, raising funding, and technology trends.Listen in as Shawn gives his thoughts on IT due diligence for M&A activities. He breaks down how different parties consider IT and compliance, from investment bankers to C-suite executives.Reminding us that “time kills all deals”, Shawn speaks on preventing or at least minimizing the risks that can stop a purchase from pushing through, such as ransom attacks, unexpected economic downturns, and even deal fatigue amid the due diligence process.Finally, Shawn and Sarah discuss what it will take to accomplish the monumental task of standardizing IT due diligence.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:53] Defining “IT due diligence”●      [05:37] Whether investment bankers care about IT and compliance●      [10:48] How Shawn got into the M&A space●      [15:29] How CEOs consider IT due diligence●      [21:45] Key inflection points in M&A activities●      [26:03] What to do if the company was affected by phishing●      [33:18] Optimizing the integration plan●      [36:30] What it takes to standardize IT due diligenceKey quotes:●      “It can be tied into the milestones of the company for key inflection points.”●      “Time kills all deals.”●      “You should be running your company as if you’re going to sell it any day.”

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Dr. Shahrzad Nooravi, author of A Powerful Culture Starts With You. She is an organizational psychologist and Master Certified Coach (MCC) who helps organizations cultivate thriving workplaces from the inside-out.Dr. Nooravi is the Founder and CEO of Strategy Meets Performance, a business consulting firm that partners with leaders of mid-sized to Fortune 500 organizations to help them create engaging, innovative, and productive cultures.Listen in as Dr. Nooravi discusses the mindset required to be an engaging leader that employees can’t help but be loyal to and never want to leave!She explains why, in the new normal, it’s so important for leaders to determine the right balance between in-person and virtual meetings in the workplace, because the truth we all have to contend with is that workplace culture has totally transformed over the past two years.Dr. Nooravi breaks down her three-part model on cultivating a great company culture, as detailed in her book. Those three parts, each an acronym, are:WATCH IT: How do you look at your culture to determine what’s going on? DRIVE IT: How do you create a coaching culture? WALK IT: How do you create a culture where the senior team is aligned?Finally, Dr. Nooravi gives an inspiring example of the three-part model in action and how your leadership team can begin to implement these principles into your organization today!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:36] How to be an engaging leader, and why it’s vital today●      [04:30] Why employers need to find the right balance of in-person/virtual●      [06:08] Switching focus from recruitment to retention●      [08:14] Winning loyalty from your team●      [11:54] Defining “organizational psychology”●      [15:22] Signs that your company culture is not working●      [19:45] The three part-model on cultivating a great culture●      [23:41] What DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) should really mean for creating a culture●      [28:00] How not to be a work-addicted organization●      [33:17] How to create an aligned, coaching culture●      [39:01] The limitations of the desire to constantly innovate●      [41:16] An example of what can happen to an organization when the three-part model is put into practice●      [45:49] How to start implementing the three-part model todayKey quotes:●      “When workers have a skillset that is in-demand, they will want, at minimum, a hybrid setup; but a lot of them are looking for these virtual jobs. Unless employers get to the point where they figure out, for the right jobs, how to make that possible, it will be more difficult to bring on talented employees and to keep them.”●      “It’s so important to create a culture where people share their voice. That is their agency. We cannot change a behavior, a culture, or a system without speaking up.”●      “A culture is a living organism. You are tending to it like you do with any relationship that you have.”

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Ted White, CEO at Vertical Talent Solutions, a recruiting firm focused on finding great technical talent for MSPs (Managed Service Providers).Listen in as Ted dives deep into technical recruiting and what makes finding great IT talent for MSPs different from finding individual IT talent for companies. He discusses the value of hiring a generalist as compared to specialists due to the multifaceted nature of the MSP space.He talks about the traits of the best MSP professionals and how those in the IT space can have an edge when making the transition into MSPs.Ted gives his thoughts on the current hiring landscape in a post-Covid world, why he exclusively selects candidates with prior MSP experience currently, and why mass layoffs do not automatically translate into a bigger pool of qualified candidates.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:46] Why does finding a candidate with MSP experience matter?●      [05:31] Hiring innate troubleshooters●      [08:10] Why IT professionals would want to work in an MSP●      [14:38] How a candidate can have an edge in the MSP space●      [18:43] Why Ted decided on exclusively recruiting MSP talent for MSPs●      [24:19] Vetting MSPs and candidates●      [28:59] Making phone interviews more efficient and effective●      [32:45] The current state of the post-Covid hiring landscape●      [35:43] Why mass layoffs do not equal more available talentKey quotes:●      “For people that like technology, an MSP is the way to go.”●      “We don’t need to be in such a rush to be the first to make an offer to a candidate. Never make an offer to somebody who’s not ready to accept.”

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Robert Cardillo, Chairman of the Board at Planet Federal. He was also the sixth Director of United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF), and was a Distinguished Fellow at Saint Louis University.Listen in as Robert discusses how location science and location confidence is ultimately in service of helping people have more productive and fulfilling days.He offers his thoughts on how much is too much when it comes to exposing your kids to the digital world, and how “the wisdom of crowds” contributes to navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze.Robert breaks down the latest resurgence of the AI phenomenon and the ethical considerations that latest advancements in the technology bring to the table. He speaks in particular of those intangible skills that are uniquely human and can never be replaced by robots.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:08] Defining “geospatial intelligence”●      [06:20] How navigation apps are created through “the wisdom of crowds”●      [12:14] Creating a “digital safe zone” for you and the next generation●      [17:04] Technological advancements in the geospatial intelligence space●      [24:06] Ethical concerns with regards to AI●      [30:07] How the integration of coding and AI changes the job market●      [32:58] The importance of the humanities●      [44:38] Where we’re headedKey quotes:●      “[Geospatial location] is all about confident movement leading to better decisions that create better outcomes—a better life.”●      “Let the computer do what the computer is good at, which is identifying three questions: what, when, and where. Let’s save our humans for ‘why’ and ‘what’s next?’.”

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Kaitlyn Allen, an expert in helping companies make strategic business-appropriate decisions regarding sustainability and energy transition.She sold her company, Global Affairs Associates, to ClimeCo last year. In addition to working in the ESG consulting space, Kaitlyn is also the Founder of MendIt, a digital marketplace for clothing repair and recycling, connecting existing businesses and consumers.Listen in as Kaitlyn discusses the idea that businesses prosper by innovating business models that help solve global challenges all while building prosperity. In other words, to create wealth without consuming more.Kaitlyn shares how businesses of every size and type can create new financial instruments to incentivize the behaviors which help solve global challenges. A lot of the time, this comes down to repacking the old in new, innovative ways, with a focus on “making sustainable consumption convenient and fun.”On the side of the consumer, raising awareness of sustainable business model innovations starts (and ends) with tiny, collective steps that eventually add up to mass acceptance of these environmentally friendly practices.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:38] Solving global challenges via innovative business models●      [06:58] Creating a marketplace to highlight small businesses across America●      [13:12] Maintaining convenience while switching to environmentally-friendly business models●      [17:19] Changing attitudes to sustainability through the generations●      [24:48] Finding ways to bring together old things in a new way●      [29:40] Taking baby steps to make an impact●      [38:21] How the future will look once more people embrace these business model innovationsKey quotes:●      “There is a recognition today in the business and financial markets that there are very significant externalities which are not priced into the markets.”●      “We don’t have to make more stuff to prosper.”●      “How can we make sustainable consumption convenient and fun?”

Joanie Connell: The Evolution of Remote WorkIn this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Dr. Joanie B. Connell, President of Flexible Work Solutions and development expert focused on career and leadership consulting. Her mission is to help technical experts transform into leaders comfortable with managing people and through emotionally-charged situations.She is the author of the two books Consulting to Technical Leaders, Teams, and Organizations: Building Leadership in STEM Environments and Flying without a Helicopter: Preparing Young People for Work and Life.Listen in as Joanie does a deep dive into leading remote teams in a post-lockdown world. She talks in particular on how to speak with introverts versus extroverts, and how leaders can create a culture of thorough communication and accountability without individual team members losing the ability to stay creative and flexible in their workJoanie also offers tips on onboarding employees for remote teams, as well as providing feedback to employees who have fallen short of the mark.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:[01:54] Establishing Flexible Work Solutions during a time when remote work was uncommon[05:16] How COVID transformed work[07:55] Different employee types and their different needs[11:05] Introverts and remote work[14:56] Onboarding employees for remote teams[17:36] Joanie’s journey from engineer to leadership coach[22:28] About Joanie’s books and podcast, Reinventing Nerds[26:50] The importance of empathy in technical leadership[29:02] Getting “big picture” leaders to appreciate the details[30:26] Managing introverted and extroverted employees remotely[34:15] The importance of accountability and setting expectations with employees[38:56] How being hyper-focused on numbers negatively impacts culture[44:03] How to check in and give feedback to employees that need improvementKey quotes:“Flexibility isn’t just about managing family responsibilities. People in San Diego want flexibility so they can surf in the morning! You have different generations of people with different challenges and interests.”“When onboarding people, one of the things that is really challenging in any context, but especially remotely, is giving people tacit knowledge: unwritten rules about your company culture and norms.”“As a leader, the best thing you can have is a good reputation to attract other people to your team.”

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Angela Masching. Her expertise lies in building scalable, successful, sellable businesses, with a particular passion for high-growth organizations and transformative global impact.Angela has held various corporate governance roles and has a wealth of experience on what it takes to make a company successful.Listen in as Angela unpacks the idea that everyone has a boss, no matter one’s role in an organization. She discusses the four major stakeholder groups that make up the governance chain in your typical small-to-midsize company.Angela explains how to decide whether to hire a COO, or to put together a Board of Directors. She gives her thoughts on how executive leadership can best work alongside the Board, how CEOs and COOs of differing personalities and strengths can create a productive relationship, and her crisis management tips should major disagreements flare up among the leadership team.She also speaks on the drastic cultural changes taking place across many organizations to this day as a result of the pandemic, and how leaders can cultivate a powerful company culture in spite of the turbulence in today’s economy.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:52] The various players in the governance chain●      [04:04] Deciding when to hire a COO●      [06:32] The role of the Board of Directors and how to construct one●      [11:50] How the Board of Directors work with executive leadership●      [15:25] Respecting the scope of your work depending on your role●      [19:34] Core leadership principles to avoid or minimize conflict●      [23:43] The importance of having a system to fall back on●      [25:41] Leading by example and building a great company culture●      [28:49] The rise of the collaborative company culture●      [32:49] How technology has changed corporate culture●      [37:14] What’s next for Angela●      [39:18] The different types of CEOs and COOs and how they work togetherKey quotes:●      “You want to be careful and thoughtful about whether you need a Board of Directors or whether you just want an advisory board. You can get that compliance expertise through an advisory board or through your professional network without giving away control of your company.”●      “Comfort with failure and comfort with agility are two key skills. You have to have them on the Board of a startup just as you have to have them on the engineering team.”●      “One of the ways we can build that culture of psychological safety is by checking our own ego as a leader. Failure happens. Accepting failure gracefully has to be a part of your culture when you’re growing a company, no matter its size.”●      “It’s really hard for leadership to set the culture. Culture comes from the team; it comes from the ground-up; it is a grassroots thing; it is organic. But leadership can mess up a culture if they don’t respect it nor embody its values.”

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Craig Weber, author of Conversational Capacity and Influence in Action. He is on a mission to create more healthy, engaged, and adaptive organizations.Craig’s books provide concrete actions you can take to transform your company, and even your personal relationships.Listen in as Craig shares the keys to building up your conversational capacity and ability to produce psychological safety in the workplace. He discusses the evolution of managerial styles from a widespread acceptance of a command-and-control approach to one that embraces more creativity, autonomy, and flexibility.Craig dives deep into the mindset and skillset required to optimize your conversational capacity as a leader, as well as how to complement the power of high conversational capacity with high diversity in your organization to maximize productivity and engagement.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:33] Defining “conversational capacity”●      [04:00] Operationalizing emotional intelligence●      [05:29] How Craig found himself on his current path●      [07:23] How philosophies and practices toward building effective organizations have shifted in the past decade●      [12:22] Promoting autonomy appropriately●      [17:34] Finding the conversational “sweet spot”●      [21:02] The benefit of having a “trigger journal”●      [28:36] Why good intentions do not necessarily lead to good actions●      [30:50] How to start building conversational capacity in your organization●      [31:56] The role of mindset in building conversational capacity●      [35:11] Achieving high conversational capacity and high diversity●      [36:23] Building your conversational capacity skillset●      [41:55] The future of work as conversational capacity enters the mainstreamKey quotes:●      “Conversational capacity is a discipline, and just like any discipline, practice is key.”●      “Conversational capacity is, in essence, operationalized emotional intelligence.”●      “It doesn’t do any good to spend a ton of trouble getting the smartest people you can find into your business if you can’t access their smarts when it matters.”●      “Nothing lowers conversational capacity more predictably than the presence of authority.”Links:https://weberconsultinggroup.net/https://weberconsultinggroup.net/what-is-conversational-capacity-and-why-does-it-matter/https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/conversational-capacity-psychological-safety-craig-weber/

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Anne Bisagno, CEO at Xantrion, a managed cybersecurity and IT support firm tailored to mid-sized businesses based in the Bay Area.Xantrion has been consistently named as one of the top managed cybersecurity service providers, and as one of the best places to work in the Bay Area.Listen in as Anne speaks on her motivation behind developing a diversity, equity, and inclusion practice at Xantrion as she reflects on America’s long and ongoing path to greater representation in information technology and the workforce as a whole.Anne shares how the aftermath of George Floyd’s death served as a major point of inspiration for Xantrion’s DEI strategy and push for a healthier culture, igniting a flurry of transparent conversations between everyone at the company that painted a clear picture of the right way forward.Finally, Anne talks about the benefits of having a DEI program and the most important factors to consider when structuring one for your company.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [03:18] Anne’s journey and the backstory behind the founding of Xantrion●      [06:26] The path to greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce●      [14:07] Creating a DEI strategy at Xantrion●      [19:17] How the Black Lives Matter movement changed Xantrion’s company culture●      [23:31] Putting a pause on hiring for two years and dealing with the fallout of the pandemic●      [26:59] Being deliberate about your DEI strategy as your company scales●      [29:41] Using data to manage your DEI program●      [32:23] Attracting more minorities to the IT industry●      [36:42] Optimizing your KPIs for performance and business management●      [41:05] Training your recruiters to look for customer service experience●      [43:54] The benefits of having a DEI programKey quotes:●      “Culture is an important thing for an organization like ours. It’s at the top of the list of who we are and how we operate. It’s our secret sauce.”●      “One of the things we’re working hard on recognizing and managing is: Conversations around DEI can be difficult. They can make some people really uncomfortable.”●      “As you get larger and larger, you have to get super deliberate with anything you do—whether it’s business goals, team priorities, performance management, or something like culture and DEI.”●      “We’re not so worried about when and how and where you do your work, but where it gets done. KPIs really enable that kind of culture and management and performance process.”●      “I can teach people technical skills. But what’s harder to teach is the desire to be helpful.”

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Maria Dion, who has a long career in project management of the built environment.Ten years ago, in an effort to develop a better relationship with money, she read The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist, and then participated in a workshop digging more into those concepts.Those experiences led her to coach on transforming mindsets from scarcity to sufficiency. To learn more about this work, go to Maria’s website, www.mariadion.com.Listen in as Maria explains why we never feel like we have “enough”, and why having more seldom equates to greater peace and satisfaction. She speaks of money as a representation of your values—as energy flowing through your life.Maria discusses why you shouldn’t be afraid to talk about money and that you should, in fact, actively seek to have productive and inspiring conversations with others in an effort to improve your relationship with money.Finally, Maria talks about switching from a mindset of “scarcity” to that of “sufficiency”, and how such a transition positively influences every aspect of your life, and even the lives of those around you.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:59] How one figures out how much is “enough”●      [05:09] Being a “consumer” versus being a “citizen"●      [10:44] Transitioning from the mindset of “scarcity” to that of “sufficiency”●      [15:12] Practicing gratitude●      [18:43] Why it’s important to talk about money●      [21:23] How to be a good steward of your money●      [27:17] Looking beyond your current circumstances to find solutions●      [34:52] How your life changes once you switch from a mindset of scarcity to that of sufficiencyKey quotes:●      “You can’t get to peace and satisfaction through the doorway of more.”●      “Sufficiency is love. Scarcity is fear.”●      “The way you do money is the way you do life.”●      “Sufficiency touches every part of our lives. It’s not just about money.”

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Maritza Diaz, founder of ITJuana, which enables companies in California to create technology centers of excellence in Tijuana. She is also on the Board of Directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and sits on the Forbes Technology Council.Listen in as Maritza unpacks her initiative to build the Biomed tech valley in Tijuana and why more discussions need to be had on the cross-border economy. She contends that the area covering San Diego and Tijuana makes for a “something way better Silicon Valley” due to its being a prominent hub for the life sciences.Maritza also explains how she aims to generate the next wave of engineers and thereby solve the problem of access to talent in software engineering, not to mention pave the way for greater diversity in the industry.Finally, she discusses how developing this market ultimately results in a huge win-win situation for both the U.S. and Mexico, giving both nations an even greater competitive advantage on the world stage.Maritza concludes that: “We do have the talent. We just need to leverage it.”What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:45] Why Tijuana is the ideal tech center●      [03:56] San Diego and Tijuana as a “way better Silicon Valley”●      [08:22] Telling the Federal Reserve that Silicon Valley shouldn’t be in San Francisco●      [11:07] The difference between perception and reality●      [14:37] Solving the problem of access to talent in software engineering●      [22:19] Developing the “next wave of engineers” via bootcamps●      [30:16] Unintentionally weaving diversity into the software industry●      [32:54] How companies can tap into this market●      [37:20] Breaking perceptions through this initiativeKey quotes:●      “Tijuana is only 25 minutes south of Downtown San Diego; hence, it’s located in the same time zone. We can find amazing quality software engineers. It’s sort of a no-brainer: Why wouldn’t more companies go there to enable their digital capabilities?”●      “For every two jobs that Tijuana generates, it represents one job created in San Diego.”●      “Hire the person, not the skill.”●      “My passion—the reason why I do this—is because I do want to generate these jobs of the future for people like me who probably otherwise wouldn’t have that opportunity. And the way to do it is by bringing the companies to establish them here in Mexico.”

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Emily Perry, PhD. She is the Senior Education Program Manager at QuillBot, a company focused on developing state-of-the-art AI-based writing and research tools to make writing painless. Emily goes in-depth into how AI is transforming educational writing.She and Sarah kick off the episode defining what AI is (and isn’t) and addressing AI skepticism before dedicating the latter part of the conversation on how QuillBot is making writing “painless” and, in particular, helping students focus their energies on what really matters in their writing assignments.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:26] What is “artificial intelligence” and what is not AI?●      [09:25] How AI is transforming the world today●      [18:10] Addressing AI skeptics●      [24:56] How AI is being applied in education●      [37:28] All about QuillBot●      [46:07] How QuillBot lightens students’ loadKey quotes:●      “An AI system can pretty much understand its environment, and it’s completely tasks and actions to achieve a certain goal that it’s trained to do.”●      “If you don’t understand [AI], that’s one thing. But don’t not try to understand it and still reject some of these really, really important advances in the educational community, like taking mundane tasks such as grammar checking and automating that with AI.”●      “QuillBot was designed as an AI writing and research platform. The goal is to help make writing painless.”

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Susan Schwartz, Founder and Leadership & Management Coach at The River Birch Group. She spent her early career working as a project manager on large technical projects. Today she focuses on transforming professional experts into excellent leaders. Her book, Creating a Greater Whole, discusses this process in detail.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:58] Why aspiring leaders should never overlook the “soft and squishy” skills●      [04:43] How a technical expert transforms into a professional who leads with excellence●      [07:43] Why Susan wrote Creating a Greater Whole●      [10:27] What’s emotional intelligence got to do with it?●      [16:04] Why those in IT are very much responsible for user experience●      [18:00] The power of storytelling and other soft skills for technical experts●      [25:45] The importance of having a team of people who are unlike you●      [29:05] The evolution of teams over the last 30 years●      [33:16] Creating psychological safety in your work environment●      [40:29] Foundational knowledge versus expert knowledge●      [43:28] How to delegate and set expectations as a leader with “TAG”●      [49:00] How leadership will look in the next ten years●      [53:23] Why Susan prefers the term “professional skills” over “soft skills”Key quotes:●      “A leader’s function is to motivate and to help people see the overall picture—to know why what they’re doing is so important, who they need to connect with, and why they need to connect with them. Leaders are coaches and mentors and they help you learn how to make those connections, and very often, it’s done by modeling.”●      “Emotional intelligence is a tool that enables you to observe the situation around you and choose how you’re going to react and behave to that situation, because you can’t change anyone’s behavior except your own.”●      “When you’re in IT inside a company, all of the users are your clients, and internal clients are so much harder than external clients, because they expect that much more and they’re less patient—so much less patient.”●      “It’s all about continuous learning. Real leaders are constantly learning by asking questions and learning about what’s going on within their teams.”

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Christina Dyer, CEO of Christina Dyer International, an executive leadership and coaching company. She is also the Founder of Noble Adventures, a leadership retreat and adventure company.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:26] What is “unconditional positive regard”?●      [09:30] Why “participation trophies” aren’t necessarily a bad thing●      [10:58] How does unconditional positive regard help businesses heal the world?●      [18:45] The power of one person’s attitude in your organization●      [22:04] Christina’s globe-trotting adventures and how got to where she is now●      [27:55] About the Rwandan genocide●      [30:27] How far a dollar can go in helping families outside the U.S.●      [35:52] The CALM method●      [42:38] How Noble Adventures helps people develop unconditional positive regard●      [52:54] The benefits of coming from a place of positive intent when interacting with your team●      [56:16] The killer of trust within organizationsKey quotes:●      “Unconditional positive regard allows people the environment in which they can best flourish.”●      “I think one thing that COVID has done is take the focus off of performance and results and put it on people.”●      “When you have one person in your organization that is positive, they can impact and influence attitudes.”●      “Poverty really breeds a lot of creativity.”●      “Self-awareness is the first step to being a leader.”●      “Fun and adventure is the glue that holds teams together.”

Alex Goldfayn: Pick Up the Phone and Sell!In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Alex Goldfayn, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and CEO of The Revenue Growth Consultancy. His specialty is motivating sales teams, executives, and owners to take action and quickly increase revenue. On September 22, 2021, he released his newest book Pick Up The Phone and Sell: How Proactive Calls to Customers and Prospects Can Double Your Sales.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [02:12] Two nuggets of wisdom from Alex that has helped Sarah in working on instead of in her business●      [03:57] Why Alex wrote his latest book●      [08:51] The problem with email●      [11:12] What Pick Up the Phone and Sell teaches about phone calls●      [14:50] Where Alex got his start as a sales coach●      [20:05] Alex on being “born an entrepreneur”●      [25:59] Why nobody fails more than salespeople●      [31:21] Developing the mindset to crush selling●      [41:57] Having your prospects remember you●      [48:27] Is cold calling dead?Key quotes:●      “If you’re in B2B sales, the phone is so effective that it’s the most effective sales growth tool that we have. Also, it’s the most avoided and least-used sales tool that we have. Meanwhile, the least effective sales pathway, which is email, is used the most.”●      “I think that, when you send an email, you hurt your sale more than you help it. [...] You make yourself more distant from the sale.”●      “We have to walk through those nos in order to get to the yeses, because if we don’t attain the rejections, we won’t get to the yeses. Each no gets you closer to the next yes.”●      “I think the greatest superpower in selling is perseverance.”●      “We have so much in common with people now that I don’t think there really are any cold calls. Cold calling assumes you have nothing in common.”Alex’s Other Books●      Evangelist Marketing: What Apple, Amazon, and Netflix Understand About Their Customers (That Your Company Probably Doesn't)●      The Revenue Growth Habit: The Simple Art of Growing Your Business by 15% in 15 Minutes Per Day●      Selling Boldly: Applying the New Science of Positive Psychology to Dramatically Increase Your Confidence, Happiness, and Sales●      5-Minute Selling: The Proven, Simple System That Can Double Your Sales ... Even When You Don't Have Time

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Michelle Wagner, the CEO of MindStrong, a telehealth company focused on providing mental health services using traditional methodologies combined with newer technologies like predictive analytics and Artificial Intelligence. Sarah and Michelle chat about the history of mental health and how it has evolved to people now speaking openly about it, and how technology has helped reach out to several patients seeking help with their mental illnesses, with the latest one being the telehealth services. Tune in to listen to Michelle’s history in the industry, and how she’s using Mindstrong to reach out to patients.   TimeStamps[01:27] Differences between mental health and mental illness[05:30] History of mental health and mental illness[10:34] Focussing on mind, body, and soul[11:40] Michelle Wagner’s story[17:40] Technological advancement in telehealth services[20:33] Shortage of therapists and psychiatrists and mental health professionals[21:29] Is technology one of the causes of mental health issues?[23:37] Mental health and social media[26:04] Solving the problem of mental health services shortage[27:35] EAP plans[30:45] The speeding technology[32:50] What good mental health looks like[38:00] Having a conversation on mental health[45:03] Helping people with their mental health[47:33] Setting work-life boundaries[51:06] Michelle’s challenge to everyoneNotable Quotes●      Everyone experiences sadness, depression, or anxiety momentarily. That doesn’t necessarily equate to clinically diagnosed illness. ●      Technology is doing good things when it comes to healthcare and that’s pretty exciting to see tech truly used for good just in terms of accessibility alone.●      Good mental health is raising your own self-awareness of what you are or what you need at that moment, understanding your own feelings and how they influence your actions, and how you communicate and interact with other people.●      You’re not good to everyone else if you’re not good to yourself.●      70% of human thought is negative. Those are our brains. That’s how they work. But you can train your brain to be more aware and think more about how you are showing up.Connect with MichelleLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelledwk/Mindstrong Website https://mindstrong.com/ 

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with JM Ryerson, Co-founder and CEO of Let’s Go Win, a professional training and coaching organization focused on helping people develop the mindset to allow them to succeed. JM is the author of Let's Go Win: The Keys To Living Your Best Life (2020) which outlines the tools that he uses to bring about this success.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:30] Why JM wrote his book●      [03:46] Allowing your kids to skin their knees●      [05:16] Coming up with the 12 facets of life covered in the book●      [08:11] What led JM to write his book and start his company afterwards●      [11:04] Defining “vulnerability” and “authenticity”●      [18:48] Helping your team deal with personal issues●      [23:32] Why fun is a non-negotiable for JM●      [27:40] How to build a routine●      [34:46] JM’s upcoming playbook●      [37:54] What to do if a passion turns into a chore●      [41:46] Why you don’t need to have it “all figured out”Key quotes:●      “‘The most important chapter starts with taking the mask off.”●      “I can work with ‘don’t know how’ all day long. It’s the ‘can’t’s and the ‘won’t’s where I’m like, ‘Eh, you’re probably not the best client for me.’”●      “You cannot please everyone. That is a guarantee.”●      “Take care of your mind, your body, and your soul. That’s the most basic routine you can do.”●      “If anybody says they have it all figured out, whether they’re a parent or a leader, they’re full of it.”

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Vitale Buford, an executive coach, speaker, and the author of Addicted to Perfect: A Journey Out of the Grips of Adderall. Listen in as Vitale shares how she helps organizations lead with imperfection. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:33] Defining “perfectionism” and why we outsource our self-worth●      [02:44] The difference between “perfectionism” and “excellence”●      [07:00] How much excellence is “enough”?●      [08:44] How Vitale overcame her obsession with perfection●      [13:25] How to identify if you are suffering from perfectionism●      [18:30] How you lead differently once you switch to striving for excellence●      [24:06] The importance of self-awareness building trust●      [28:20] How to let your team know that you do not expect perfection●      [30:29] Why you need to look inward to change your company culture●      [32:23] Why it pays to sit back and just be present as a leader●      [36:57] The benefits of embracing imperfection in your organization●      [43:57] What’s next for Vitale?Key quotes:●      “‘Perfection’ is this false identity or persona that we put on that is externally motivated.”●      “Asking for help, is a trust building exercise”●      “‘Perfectionism’ is externally motivated and competition-based while ‘excellence’ is externally motivated and cooperation-based.”●      “The only type of competition you need to have is competition with yourself.”●      “Being ‘enough’ is being present—accepting the present moment as it is.”●      “Be radically honest with yourself. We can’t change unless we’re willing to really look at ourselves and say, ‘What’s holding me back? I deserve better.’”●      “Perfectionism erodes trust. If you don’t have trust in an organization, you have nothing.”●      “Your level of awareness and growth is equal to your effectiveness as a leader.”●      “We get uncomfortable with things being good, because as perfectionists, we’re always looking for that one thing that’s wrong. Nothing is ever enough.”●      “Curiosity is the beginning of all change.”

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Anna Straus, the CEO of Sparck, an AI platform that helps companies recognize, gauge, and retain employees.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:12] The definition of “employee engagement”, “employee recognition”●      [02:44] The evolution of employee engagement and recognition●      [04:49] The importance of emotional intelligence for managers●      [08:02] How authentic leaders influence their team●      [10:21] Differences in different generations of employees●      [11:37] How to recognize team members other than with financial rewards●      [16:55] Pitfalls that companies with inefficient recognition programs face●      [20:14] Getting to know the humans behind your employees●      [22:15] How to know if recognition is something an employer cares about●      [24:39] How younger generations of employees are impacting recognition●      [25:59] How managers can become more emotionally intelligent●      [27:37] Achieving work-life integration, especially amid lockdowns●      [33:07] Sparck as an “employee relationship management” (ERM) platform●      [39:58] What is lacking in ERM solutions today●      [42:27] What the future workplace looks likeKey quotes:●      “‘Employee engagement’ is measuring the emotional commitment that the employee has to the organization: how passionate they feel, how willing they are to refer employees, and their overall loyalty to the organization.”●      “‘Employee recognition is one of the leading drivers of employee engagement. It’s recognizing the achievements or behaviors that employees have within the workplace.”●      “When a leader is authentic, they give their employees the permission to do the same.”●      “The physical reward is only half of the experience. The other half is, who and how is this recognition being received?”●      “When recognition is done well, it’s establishing and building stronger relationships within the workplace, especially with employees and managers.”●      “It’s those basic questions that come with genuine curiosity that start building relationships.”

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Vanessa Allen, Director of Demand Generation at RevCult and Principal Consultant at Allen Associates. She is a growth marketing expert and brand builder who has successfully created multi-channel and online integrated marketing programs. She is known for her industry experience in SaaS technology, sports and active lifestyle, travel, gifts, home and hard goods.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:12] What was marketing 10-15 years ago and what is it today?●      [04:32] How marketing technologies have evolved over time●      [11:56] Why today’s social media are perfect brand-building tools●      [13:33] B2B marketing challenges on social media●      [16:06] Navigating cancel culture while building a brand on social media●      [19:08] Letting discussions on your social media posts happen freely●      [23:30] How marketers’ responsibilities changed with access to big data●      [26:07] How should companies break through the noise?●      [30:09] Looking at negative feedback as a gift●      [33:40] The most important marketing tactics today●      [38:12] Measuring the impact of marketing activities on your bottom line●      [40:52] Developing a marketing strategy●      [44:38] Balancing form and function with regard to your branding●      [47:53] How a small business can offer an enterprise-level experience●      [51:40] The true value of authenticityKey quotes:●      “There are so many elements in marketing that it’s easy to take your eyes off the primary goal, which is to connect with your audience.”●      “It’s pretty well established that people make emotional decisions and rationalize them afterwards.”●      “As a B2B brand, getting access to your audience, building your database, and finding the channels where you can reach them is harder work than it is for a B2C brand which has a lot more latitude to create a brand that is more emotional or fun.”●      “Forget about B2B. It’s still human-to-human, so find a way to connect in a human way.”●      “If you can use your customer’s voice, it’s always more powerful. That’s why social media is powerful. It lets real people be real.”●      “Marketing is a strategy. Sales is tactical.”●      “Social proof isn’t social media. Social proof is a real person benefiting from your product or service.”●      “There is so much noise and it’s difficult to understand who really has something important to offer and who doesn’t. So, the better you get at telling your story and what you believe your value is, and the more authentically you can do that and the better you connect with your audience, you’ll be more successful.”

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Hernani Alves, a public speaker and the Founder and Chief Motivation Officer at Balanced IQ Leadership. He serves leaders to help make the most complex business skill awesomely simple, by helping their teams fall in love with accountability to maximize workplace culture.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:19] How Hernani’s work was impacted by COVID-19●      [03:35] The origin of the name “Hernani”●      [04:40] Is enthusiasm innate or developed?●      [06:22] The importance of listening to your customers and employees●      [09:31] The lack of accountability in American workplace culture●      [11:58] What to do if an organization’s culture is nonexistent●      [15:05] Defining your company’s Purpose, Values, and Vision●      [17:09] The First P: Positive Accountability●      [18:40] The story of Hernani’s terrible nickname as a first-time manager●      [23:53] The Second P: Personal Accountability●      [31:27] Why love and accountability is the same thing●      [33:20] The Third P: Performance Accountability●      [37:53] The problem with “carrot and stick” leadership●      [43:28] How to get people to stop making excuses●      [46:19] Is there a limit to how much a leader can teach or inspire someone?●      [51:45] Why entrepreneurs need to regularly check their ego●      [56:05] The Fourth P: Peer-To-Peer AccountabilityKey quotes:●      “The most important customer you have is your internal customer—your employees.”●      “People can’t make you feel the way you do. You make yourself feel that way.”●      “If you want to be a really good salesperson, you stop the talking and start listening to your customer.”●      “You can’t have a high-performance culture if you don’t have accountability standards.”●      “You’ve heard of soft skills and hard skills. Accountability is neither—it’s a foundational skill.”●      “The definition of leadership is to make others greater than themselves.”●      “People want to be where they feel like they’re being heard. It’s seldom about the money.”●      “What you permit, you promote.”

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Tracy Jackson, a SHRM-certified HR executive with decades of executive leadership experience working in large organizations in the retail and banking space. As the founder of HR E-Z, Inc., Tracy recognizes a company’s most valuable assets are employees, and helps companies develop HR practices supporting the success and culture of the organization. She is also a speaker who helps people have uncomfortable conversations around diversity, inclusion, and other tough topics.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:19] Defining “uncomfortable conversations”●      [02:30] How to tackle an uncomfortable conversation●      [04:37] Why it pays to ask questions first before offering solutions●      [07:22] How Tracy tackles or moderates tough conversations●      [12:14] A primer on microaggressions●      [19:58] The importance of titles●      [22:22] How key events in 2020 impacted how companies should evolve their culture●      [26:38] How can employers can better emotionally support their employees●      [31:28] The power of feedback in creating more inclusivity in the workplace●      [34:48] Becoming more mindful of offensive jargon at work●      [36:57] The role of listening in creating a diverse and inclusive environment●      [42:06] Receiving information in a way that encourages people to talk●      [47:33] How to achieve inclusivity in the workplace while respecting other people’s beliefsKey quotes:●      “When you’re expecting perfection of yourself, what you tend to do is play not to lose versus playing to win.”●      “Racial injustice has happened over the years. It’s just more visual now.”●      “How you receive information will determine how much information you’re going to get.”●      “I don’t tell people what to believe. I tell people how to act and engage with others and treat people with respect.”●      “Once people feel more comfortable and accepted in their own skin, you’re going to get more optimal performance. It is so exhausting to wear a mask to work.”

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Deanna Kosaraju, founder of Global Tech Women, an online community with over 16,000 members. The network offers resources, inspiring role models, mentoring, and community-building in every corner of the world. Deanna herself has a long history of working in technology and developing communities for women across the globe.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:20] Deanna’s thoughts on the historic inauguration of VP Kamala Harris●      [02:22] Why all of the 156,000 jobs lost in December belonged to women●      [05:10] How and why Deanna founded the Global Tech Women community●      [10:09] A mistake Deanna made along the way that turned into a great story●      [11:37] The values of Deanna’s global community●      [17:10] Specific issues Deanna wanted to solve in the beginning●      [21:58] Growing the community and keeping every member engaged●      [23:52] Why women join the community●      [25:15] Great developments happening in the community around the globe●      [27:53] What’s next for Global Tech Women?●      [29:18] How the 2021 Women Transforming Technology conference began●      [34:36] Staying relevant and on the cutting edge●      [37:24] The opportunities that are still out there in the tech world●      [41:19] How women can help each other with their careers in the tech worldKey quotes:●      “We have to really look at how we can help women given where we’re at. We’re having a conference in May where we’re talking about resilience. I’m hoping that we’re going to come up with great ideas on how we can structure Global Tech Women and all women in tech communities to be more supportive and be more pointed towards action to help women wherever they are, whatever they’re going through, and to come up with a plan for themselves because they deserve it.”●      “You need to keep your skills and certifications fresh, otherwise you’re not going to find yourself as employable as you want to be.”●      “We have an opportunity to be mentors and role models to everyone. We all have experiences. We all have ideas. Put yourself out there, connect with other people, and talk about your story and what you’ve learned.”

This week, Sarah Tenisi (CEO of Tenisi Tech) chats with Jill Stelfox , the CEO of Panzura in Silicon Valley.  Panzura is the fabric that transforms cloud storage into a high-performance global file system. The conversation ranges from listening with curiosity, trusting intuition, going on the offense and being kind to one another at work!0:17- Introduction1.32- Working with Zebra Technology, Location Solutions and player tracking in the NFL4:42- How the project  changed the way broadcasters used stats5:59- Applying technology that has never been applied before7:15- The two types of listening and how it influences a company ( Listening for curiosity and listening to respond)8:00- Intuition and how it helps9:11- Listening with curiosity is also listening to learn11:30- How did you reach the point where you decided to trust your intuition?14:30 – Nobody knows anything - just say yes and then figure it out!16:11- Writing job descriptions that are more friendly to women17:23- Where does competition come to play?21:24- How to become competitive from a business standpoint and also harnessing defensiveness and turning it to competition21:53- Using offense rather than defense24:00- How did you surround yourself with good coaches and good mentors25:00- How people impact lives in little ways without even knowing31:22- Having different coaches as you progress32:03- How do you connect being a good listener, trusting your guts and getting a good coach to enable a great team?32:27- As a person who has been in different companies and top leadership roles, do you think the culture that we are trying to build as leaders has changed in the last 10 to 15 years and what are those elements that are changing?40:18- Being kind in work makes employees loyal41:13- Are there qualities that women or men bring to the table to enable them lead through the pandemic?44:58- How the pandemic has made people become authentic46:23- How Pandora is incorporating working remotely and breaking the circle52:23- Enabling that family feeling in work55:52- Appreciation and conclusion ContactLinkedIn: Sarah TenisiEmail: [email protected]

Welcome to this episode of Tech Me Seriously with Sarah Tenisi  -  candid conversations with women exploring their passion for what they do. Our guest in today’s episode is Marilou Macfarlane who is the founder of women in sports technology, nonprofit organization focused on driving opportunities for women in sports technology.  Episode Highlight and show notes1; 12- What is sports technology?2:17- Sports performance and fan engagement in eSports3:16- Breaking down the broad umbrella of sports tech into 6 categories5:11- Biomechanics and sports performance7:22- Artificial intelligence and sports technology13:12- The concept of aptitude14:18- The difference between Sport Tech and Fit Tech18:51- Some game-changers in the overall sports industry that helped in adoption21:43- Wearing GPS trackers during practice25:14- Balance with technology and how to correct it when our lives get off balance28:15- Democratizing access with women in sports technology33:22- What did you think you were going to do when you were growing up?42:05- Going for your passion as a woman43:08- You can get various materials and resources from the website : https://www.womeninsportstech.org44:20- Appreciation and Conclusion ConclusionThank you for listening to this amazing episode with Sarah Tenisi and our wonderful guest Marilou MacFarlane. We believe you enjoyed this episode and look forward to having you again; until then, Stay safe.ContactYou can connect with Sarah Tenisis via LinkedIn at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stenisi/or send an email to her, at [email protected]   

Antonia Mora: Why User Experience Defines the Success of a ProductIn this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Antonia Mora, Sr. UX Program Manager at Google Cloud Platform. She has spent her career working within big program management organizations at some of the largest well-known software companies in the world such as Adobe, in addition to Google.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:26] The difference between “program management” and “project management”●      [02:36] What is “user experience”?●      [04:30] Pillars of user experience●      [08:17] Challenges when developing a good user experience●      [13:26] An example of a great user experience●      [17:06] From a UX perspective, what causes a user to bail on a product?●      [20:45] To what extent is user experience instrumental to driving revenue?●      [23:38] The importance of figuring out who you are talking to●      [28:56] The recent prioritization of user experience in tech companies●      [30:40] Finding a problem to solve●      [31:53] All-in-one versus best-in-class products●      [35:05] The advantages of working with millennials●      [36:55] Do cultural norms influence trends in technology?●      [40:42] One key takeawayKey quotes:●      “User experience is the most important thing that we can think about, because if they can’t use it, who cares what kind of feature it is?”●      “Vision work is taking the time to understand your user by doing foundational research. It’s kind of like the North Star of a product.”●      “Research is so important. That’s all you can do: Go to the customer, find out the problem, and figure out what’s best.”●      “User experience trends are like fashion trends.”●      “If you have the time, you should be talking to your users first to find the problem you’re trying to solve with the thing you’re trying to create.”

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Stefy Bau, a seven-time women’s Italian Women's Motocross Champion, the only woman to hold a male professional motocross license from 2000 to 2007, the first woman to be featured in two video games (Supercross 2000 and Freakstyle), and the woman invited to compete against male pro motocross racers in Japan.Now, Stefy is at the forefront of the booming eSports industry. She is the Co-Founder and CEO at InIt Esports and InIt Sports as well as an advisory board member of Women in Sports Tech, Inc. (WiST).What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:26] How Stefy became a leader in the eSports industry●      [03:01] Are eSports “real” sports?●      [06:53] What it takes to get into eSports●      [10:23] How eSports is encouraging diversity and inclusivity●      [15:46] Staying outside the “box” of societal expectations●      [20:46] Bridging the gap between eSports and traditional sports●      [25:45] Rethinking the word “sports”●      [26:52] How eSports builds community●      [29:04] The evolution of eSports communities on social media (i.e. Twitch)●      [36:31] eSports announcers●      [38:52] Finding success in spite of COVID-19●      [41:49] How COVID-19 has impacted the evolution and adoption of eSports●      [43:23] Bringing gamers and Formula 1 drivers together via eSports●      [47:50] Twitch’s upcoming Race Me event●      [49:29] Recent big wins in the eSports industry●      [52:17] How Stefy encourages women to follow their passionKey quotes:●      “If you put yourself in a box, you give permission to the other party to look at you as being in that box. But if you stay outside the box, you can truly be who you are and express yourself.”●      “eSports is a new vehicle that can potentially get people into traditional sports.”●      “It doesn’t matter whether or not you want to call eSports ‘real’ sports. The sticker is not important. What matters is the community, what you can do to get involved, and what you get out of it.”●      “COVID has been a bad thing for a lot of people, but I am a positive person. In reality, we have an opportunity to change the way we do things in business. You can stay stuck in your ways because that’s the way it’s always worked; but all of a sudden, history is teaching us: ‘What if something totally unpredictable happens? Who is going to survive?’ The ones who survive are the ones who will be able to adapt.”

Val Langmuir: IT Should Be InvisibleIn this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Val Langmuir, Director of IT at large nonprofit based in San Francisco.Val describes IT specialists as the people who “work on the plumbing” that allows your device (specifically its computer system) to function securely and productively. Sarah agrees, saying that it is the job of the IT practitioner to “make IT invisible”; however, this opens up a whole world of misconceptions regarding what IT really is and how the general public perceives professionals in this space. Val says that preconceived notions simply come with the turf. In fact, if the consumer begins to “notice that the IT is there, something is not working.”Listen in as Val discusses why IT should be “invisible”, how IT professionals go about disaster recovery to tackle single points of failure, future-proofing for changes of all sorts (ex. hardware, software, company transformation, economic downturns, etc.), and how to know whether the IT field is a fit for you.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [1:04] What exactly is “IT”?●      [3:24] Why IT should be invisible●      [6:49] Defining “digital transformation”●      [9:15] Troubleshooting and disaster recovery in the IT space●      [12:53] Tackling change management●      [15:34] Moving to a more remote workforce●      [18:11] IT for nonprofits versus for-profit companies●      [21:16] Capacity planning for IT●      [23:36] Technology as a tool versus technology using you as the product●      [29:30] Val’s path to the IT field●      [32:38] Challenges that Val encountered throughout her career●      [35:31] How to know if IT is a fit for you●      [38:14] Val’s parting nugget of wisdom for IT professionalsKey quotes:●      “IT is not fixing computers. IT is the infrastructure, the plumbing, that goes underneath all of the systems that people use to do business these days. In fact, today, it’s more than the plumbing. It’s like the air that we breathe.”●      “The majority of problems that we see when systems go out are the results of planned changes that were not executed correctly.”●      “Just because you can’t see IT doesn’t mean it’s not there. IT is there and there’s a tremendously fun career in making that happen. You can definitely get a great several years, many decades if you’d like, of doing this, and there’s always going to be work.”●      “In order to do your work, you need to have IT. In order to have good IT, the IT should be unobtrusive and should let you do your work. It should keep you safe and secure. It should keep you productive. But even though it’s unobtrusive, you must not forget that it exists.”

Kristi Royse: Leadership SecretsIn this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Kristi Royse, founder and CEO at KLR Consulting. She is a leadership development consultant for a wide variety of well-known companies, including Workplace by Facebook and Rodan + Fields.A great leadership team, according to Kristi, is defined by vulnerability and passion. Every individual on the team—especially during these challenging times—needs to be willing to be willing to ask the important questions and be open to receiving answers that they may not always want to hear. Active listening allows us to drop our egos and become authentic, vulnerable, and passionate members of the team committed to the growth and success of the organization.Listen in as Kristi discusses why she disagrees with The Golden Rule and why she prefers to follow The Platinum Rule instead, a primer on the four DiSC communication styles and how understanding each type can help you communicate better at work, and lead amid the pandemic.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [0:27] Kristi’s role at KLR Consulting●      [1:14] What a great leadership team looks like●      [3:12] What open communication and collaboration looks like●      [4:24] How Kristi helps teams of all kinds tap into their full potential●      [5:48] Kristi’s number one tip for uncovering core leadership problems●      [6:56] Tools and methodologies for helping a team reach its potential●      [10:00] The four DISC personality types●      [15:02] The advantages of a balanced team●      [18:14] Handling disagreements●      [22:16] Unique challenges in training tech organizations●      [25:46] Management versus leadership●      [28:37] How KLR Consulting evaluates their success in training a team●      [32:34] How different situations call for different leadership styles●      [37:36] Kristi’s parting words of wisdom for building a great leadership teamKey quotes:●      “Allowing for authenticity is a key success factor in effective leadership teams.”●      “When we think about effective communication, you really need to think about how you’re adapting and adjusting your communication style to meet those that you’re working with, whether it be employees, colleagues, clients, or potential clients.”●      “Awareness leads to understanding, leads to acceptance, leads to change.”●      “What makes a strong leadership team is balance.”●      “Sometimes, the best answer is to walk away.”●      “Managers do the work. Leaders figure out who is the best person to do the work.”●      “The biggest leadership challenge I’m seeing this year is lack of clarification and lack of alignment. That’s when people can get really frustrated. Different meeting management can lead to greater communication and collaboration and, therefore, less stress.”