Bigger Better Bolder IT Podcast

This episode explores the human side of digital transformation, emphasizing building IT teams that drive change and enhance workplace experience. Kathy Ogurek shares insights on hybrid work, security, psychological safety, and leadership in tech. Keywords Digital Transformation, Workplace Experience, Hybrid Work, Security, Leadership, IT Teams, Psychological Safety, Technology Adoption Key topics Human side of digital transformation Building IT teams that drive change Hybrid work environment and future trends Security, compliance, and risk management Psychological safety and leadership in IT Sound Bites "You can't beat in-person creativity and innovation." "Focus on the client and your employees equally." "Helping the next generation is my legacy." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Digital Workplace Experience 02:14 Understanding End User Needs in Digital Transformation 03:52 Hybrid Work Environment and Future Trends 06:09 Generational Demands and Work-Life Balance 09:12 Balancing Business and Employee Needs 10:45 Security, Compliance, and Trust in IT 14:43 Hybrid Work Model and Flexibility 17:57 Psychological Safety in Transformation 19:17 Problem Solving and Innovation 20:25 Learning New Technologies and AI ROI 21:28 Stories of Resilience and Inspiration 23:24 The Power of Feedback and Listening 25:00 Legacy and Mentorship in Tech 26:26 Closing Remarks and Key Takeaways

Discover how AI is revolutionizing data integration, breaking down silos, and empowering organizations with real-time insights. Join us as Abhi Singh, a seasoned analytics and AI leader, shares his insights on modern data architectures, the human element in AI adoption, and the exciting future of analytics over the next five years. In this episode: The historical evolution of data warehousing and what went wrong Why connecting data is harder than collecting it The human and cultural challenges in breaking silos How AI tools like co-pilot and conversational analytics are changing the game The key roles mentorship and curiosity play in AI progress Future trends: from descriptive to transactional and autonomous AI systems Real-world examples: supply chain automation and education systems The importance of human in the loop for reliable AI outputs Industry archetypes: AI Cowboys, Skeptics, and Frozen Executives Emerging capabilities and the strategic bets for the next five years Final thoughts: The legacy of curiosity and continuous learning Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to the Bigger, Better, Bolder IT Podcast 01:30 - The history and pitfalls of data warehousing 03:00 - Why organizations struggle to connect data across silos 04:47 - Human vs. technological challenges in data integration 07:00 - Communication's role in successful analytics teams 09:56 - The shift towards AI-powered insights and the human element 13:58 - Ensuring trust: vetting AI outputs and avoiding hallucinations 16:14 - Industry archetypes: AI Cowboys, skeptics, and frozen executives 19:42 - The future of analytics in 5 to 10 years: big bets and trends 22:29 - Real-world applications: transactional analytics and education tech 25:05 - The power of curiosity, mentorship, and continuous learning 28:36 - Influences: Steve Wozniak and non-tech motivators 30:03 - The legacy of curiosity and learning 31:03 - Closing remarks and reflections  

In this episode of the Bigger Better Boulder IT podcast, Ramya Ramachandran, a technical manager at HNI Corporation, shares her journey in the ERP landscape, discussing the importance of continuous learning, the challenges of ERP modernization, and the significance of effective change management during system rollouts. She emphasizes the need for empowerment in teams and the role of mentorship in fostering growth. Ramya also touches on her involvement with Girls Who Code and her curiosity about AI's impact on supply chain management. Takeaways Ramya's journey into ERP began with her computer science background. Understanding the complexities of business operations is crucial in ERP. Continuous learning is essential in the ever-evolving IT landscape. Customization in ERP can be a double-edged sword. Successful ERP rollouts depend on business trust in the system. Change management is key to overcoming resistance during rollouts. Mentoring others is a source of joy and fulfillment for Ramya. AI has the potential to revolutionize supply chain decision-making. Technology should be used to empower teams, not just improve processes. Building relationships between IT and business is vital for success. Sound bites "Intellectual curiosity keeps you going" "Mentoring others brings me the most joy" "I want to be seen as a process improver" Chapters 00:00 The Journey into ERP and Enterprise IT 04:41 Empowering the Next Generation in STEM 09:34 Navigating ERP Modernization Challenges 15:06 Successful Rollouts and Change Management 18:56 Personal Passions and Continuous Learning 22:42 Legacy and Empowerment in Technology

Podcast Description: Unlock the future of cloud-native infrastructure with "Unleashing Cilium and eBPF," the podcast exploring the revolutionary technologies transforming how we build, secure, and observe modern applications. Based on the comprehensive guide by Gaurav Shekhar, a Distinguished Engineer and Financial Services Leader with over 20 years leading platform transformations at Fortune 500 financial institutions, this podcast demystifies eBPF (extended Berkeley Packet Filter) and Cilium for developers, DevOps engineers, security professionals, and IT architects. What You'll Discover: How eBPF operates at the Linux kernel level to deliver unmatched performance without sacrificing security Zero Trust Security models built on eBPF for microservices architectures Real-world case studies from enterprise cloud migrations Advanced observability techniques using Hubble for monitoring and debugging Load balancing, service discovery, and performance optimization strategies Whether you're modernizing legacy infrastructure or building cloud-native applications from scratch, each episode breaks down complex networking concepts into actionable insights. From fundamentals to advanced troubleshooting, we'll equip you with the skills to optimize performance, ensure robust security, and achieve superior observability in your cloud-native projects. Perfect for: Cloud architects, platform engineers, Kubernetes practitioners, and anyone navigating the shift to eBPF-powered infrastructure

In this empowering episode, we delve into the pervasive challenges of imposter syndrome and the fear of success. Join us as we explore personal stories and expert insights that reveal how to silence self-doubt and embrace your true potential. Discover practical strategies to overcome these mental barriers and learn how to confidently step into your success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your career, this episode offers the inspiration and tools you need to thrive.

We dive into the world of AI at scale with Thai Silva, Head of Data, AI and IT Architecture at Whirlpool. Discover how mature enterprises like Whirlpool are leveraging AI to drive business value, cut costs, and enhance scalability. Thai shares insights on building high-performance teams, the importance of understanding cultural nuances in global operations, and the ethical considerations in AI development. Key Topics: AI at scale in legacy enterprises Building a high-performance team Global collaboration and cultural understanding Ethical AI and data privacy Guest: Thai Silva, Head of Data AI and Architecture at Whirlpool Hashtags: #AI #DataStrategy #Leadership #EthicalAI

Summary In this episode, John Tucker, Director of Enterprise Data Governance at McDonald's, discusses the human side of data governance. He emphasizes the importance of data literacy and data ownership in a large organization like McDonald's. John shares insights on driving structured data governance across teams, establishing clear policy standards, and creating a culture of security. He also discusses the evaluation of data governance tools and the need for a people-centric approach. His passion lies in solving challenges and helping others, and he is curious about privacy laws and AI. His creative influences include Amanda Eastman, former boss and chief data officers, and he draws inspiration from stories that highlight the value of data governance. John's legacy is to educate and inspire others in the field of data governance. Takeaways Data literacy and data ownership are crucial in large organizations for making operational decisions and complying with data privacy and protection regulations. Effective data governance requires clear communication, change management, and tying the work to business value. Creating a culture of security involves education, staying updated on laws and regulations, and working closely with privacy and protection teams. When evaluating data governance tools, it is important to consider the end user experience, ease of navigation, and personalized features. John Tucker's passion lies in solving challenges and helping others, and he is curious about privacy laws and the future of AI. He draws inspiration from stories that demonstrate the value of data governance and aims to educate and inspire others in the field. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:57 Data Literacy and Data Ownership 06:14 Setting Up Frameworks and Governance Standards 09:09 Creating a Culture of Security 11:46 Evaluating Tools for Data Governance 14:42 Legacy of Data Governance

Summary Pratik Thantharate, Principal Software Engineer discusses automated security testing for web applications and creating test strategies and plans. He emphasizes the importance of promoting best practices, mentorship, and collaboration in organizations. Pratik also highlights the increasing emphasis on security automation in DevSecOps and the use of AI tools for security testing. He shares insights on incorporating AI in automation and the benefits and challenges of using AI tools. Pratik's creative influences include Elon Musk, and he aims to make a positive impact by staying up to date with current trends and continuously improving himself. Keywords automated security testing, web applications, test strategies, test plans, best practices, mentorship, collaboration, security automation, DevSecOps, AI tools, AI in automation, impact, Elon Musk Takeaways Promote best practices, mentorship, and collaboration in organizations to create a healthy work environment. Emphasize the importance of security automation in DevSecOps and the use of AI tools for security testing. Incorporate AI in automation to improve efficiency and save time. Stay up to date with current trends and continuously improve yourself to make a positive impact. Sound Bites "Happy hours is something we are doing once in a month where we don't talk about work." "Copilot is a very productive tool in my view." "IDOR testing is one of the most basic but most effective security testing methods." Tools mentioned  Burp Suite: A widely used web application security testing tool for conducting various types of security tests and ethical hacking. Checkmarx: A static application security testing (SAST) tool that analyzes source code to identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities early in the software development lifecycle. OWASP ZAP: An open-source web application security scanner that helps identify vulnerabilities in web applications through dynamic application security testing (DAST). SNYK: A developer-focused tool that scans code, dependencies, and container images for known vulnerabilities and provides remediation guidance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:02 Promoting Best Practices and Collaboration 09:58 The Growing Importance of Security Automation 24:04 Staying Up to Date and Making a Positive Impact

Summary In this episode of the Bigger Better Boulder IT podcast, Steve Woodard, Director of Cloud Transformation Services at Kyndrl, discusses the importance of certifications and staying up to date with the latest technology trends. He shares his process for keeping up with certifications, which involves mapping specific areas of improvement to certifications and setting a goal of achieving one certification per quarter. Steve also emphasizes the value of certifications when applying for jobs, particularly at companies like Amazon. He highlights the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the enterprise and predicts that AI adoption will continue to increase in the next five years.  Takeaways Certifications are a tried and true method of staying up to date and demonstrating proficiency in a specific technology. Setting goals for certifications and creating a study plan can help individuals stay on track and achieve their certification objectives. Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to see significant adoption in the enterprise in the next five years, with organizations looking to streamline efficiency and enhance cybersecurity. Web3, blockchain, and emerging technologies like NFTs and the metaverse are areas of curiosity and passion for many professionals in the industry. Helping others and leaving a positive impact, whether through mentorship or contributing to disadvantaged communities, is a meaningful legacy to strive for. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:04 Keeping Up with Certifications 06:41 Working at Amazon 07:55 Adapting to Different Roles 09:55 Working in a Fast-Paced Environment 11:11 Getting a Job at Amazon 13:48 Balancing Meat and Potatoes with Dessert 16:32 Future Technologies in the Enterprise 26:06 Legacy

Summary Christie Hoffman discusses trends around employee engagement in remote work and the importance of aligning IT with HR to drive engagement. She emphasizes the need to understand employee experience, satisfaction, and engagement, and the role of regular one-on-ones in improving the employee experience. Christie also highlights the cost of turnover and the importance of building a feedback loop to drive engagement. She explores the challenges and opportunities of remote work and shares insights on rethinking performance reviews. Finally, she discusses her passion for AI and her desire to make a positive impact on the HR and IT community. Takeaways Understanding employee experience, satisfaction, and engagement is crucial for driving employee engagement. Collaboration between HR and IT is essential for creating a positive employee experience. Regular one-on-ones and feedback loops are key to improving employee engagement. The cost of turnover can be significant, making employee retention a priority. Remote work presents challenges and opportunities for employee engagement. Rethinking performance reviews can lead to a more effective and engaging feedback process. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:56 The Need to Drive Employee Engagement 02:41 Understanding Employee Experience, Satisfaction, and Engagement 05:00 The Partnership Between HR and IT 06:37 Improving the Employee Experience with Technology 08:38 Collaboration Between HR and IT 11:09 The Importance of Regular One-on-Ones 12:21 Aligning IT Projects with Employee Engagement 14:29 The Cost of Turnover 17:25 Building a Feedback Loop 18:48 The Evolution of Remote Work 20:56 Rethinking Performance Reviews 24:35 Passion, Curiosity, and Inspiration 28:21 Impact and Legacy   Survey strategies https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0UcEVvasCg&t=10s People first concept: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n97HfMqBc4U Survey Fatigue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EURfqFi6NA8 Art of a proper 1:1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlzW0wAjnms Back to the office: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGw0a241QWg Managing employee questions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kj7z0rIsOX4

Summary In this episode, Denzil Eden, CEO of Smarty.AI, shares her journey from coding at a young age to starting her own AI company. She discusses the growing field of personal assistant AI and the opportunities it presents for aspiring founders. Denzil also talks about her experiences at MIT and the lessons she learned about focusing on personal growth rather than external validation. She emphasizes the importance of feedback and iteration in the startup journey and shares her passion for helping aspiring female founders and democratizing education and opportunities in the tech industry. Takeaways Start validating your idea before building it Focus on personal growth and learning rather than external validation Feedback and iteration are crucial in the startup journey Support and mentor aspiring female founders and promote diversity in the tech industry Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:00 MIT Experience and Lessons Learned 04:38 The Growing Field of Personal Assistant AI 05:08 The Easier Path to Starting a Business 06:01 Marketing and Acquiring Customers 08:40 Strengths and Weaknesses as a Founder 10:40 Balancing Multiple Roles as a Solopreneur 12:00 Transitioning from Big Tech to Startup 14:19 Navigating the Tech Industry as a Woman 17:09 Creating an Inclusive Environment for Women in Tech 20:11 Passion and Curiosity in Work

Summary In this episode, Shaun Bourque interviews Michael Hudlow, a corporate innovation consultant, about CRM projects and the common pitfalls associated with them. Michael shares his background and motivation for writing a book on CRM failures. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right CRM and aligning business processes with the technology. Michael also discusses the resistance to change and the need for leadership buy-in. He provides insights on dealing with blockers and saboteurs within an organization. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the legacy Michael wants to leave and his curiosity about ethics and governance in AI. Takeaways Choosing the right CRM is crucial for the success of a project. Alignment of business processes with the technology is essential. Leadership buy-in and ownership are key to overcoming resistance to change. Dealing with blockers and saboteurs requires identifying and addressing their objections. Legacy is about making a positive impact and being a good leader and role model. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:35 Michael's Background and Motivation 02:14 The Problem with CRM Projects 03:29 The Need for a Different Kind of Book 06:06 The Role of Consultants in CRM Projects 06:53 Vendor Lock-in and Choosing the Right CRM 09:01 The Importance of Business Process Alignment 11:00 The Resistance to Change and Overcoming Objections 15:06 Customizing Tools for Leadership 17:13 Getting Ownership and Alignment from Leadership 19:56 Dealing with Blockers and Saboteurs 21:36 Addressing Objections and Gaining Buy-in 23:26 The Expansive Capabilities of CRMs 25:32 The Importance of Business Process Outline and Ownership 28:58 Curiosity about Ethics and Governance in AI 30:09 Influences: Mark Twain, Linus Torvalds, and YouTube Educators 32:27 Legacy: Being a Good Husband, Father, and Making a Positive Impact 33:34 Conclusion

Summary In this episode, Shaun Bourque interviews Sean Languedoc, the founder and CEO of Outforce AI, about the challenges of hiring engineers and the growth of outsourcing. They discuss the importance of culture fit in outsourcing and the unique aspects of the Canadian market. Sean shares his experience building an international agency and provides tips for finding the right outsourcing agency. They also explore the impact of AI on engineering and the inspiring stories of personal courage in entrepreneurship. Sean emphasizes the importance of leaving a legacy of contribution and giving back to the community. Takeaways Finding the right engineers for a project can be challenging, especially when hiring or outsourcing. Culture fit is a crucial factor in successful outsourcing, as different cultures have different communication and work styles. The outsourcing market is growing, driven by the need for cost-effective engineering solutions and the acceptance of remote work. Security risks in collaboration tools are a concern, but proper tools and infrastructure can mitigate these risks. Different countries have strengths in different areas of engineering, and it's important to consider the specific expertise and cultural fit when outsourcing. When hiring an outsourcing agency, it's important to have a clear understanding of their experience, tech stack, and team dynamics. The impact of AI on engineering is transformative, accelerating the development process and changing the priorities for ensuring product-market fit. Personal courage and resilience are key qualities in entrepreneurship, and overcoming challenges is an opportunity for growth. Leaving a legacy of contribution and giving back to the community is an important goal for entrepreneurs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:32 The Problem with Hiring Engineers 02:00 The Job Board Issue 03:26 Culture Fit in Outsourcing 04:10 The Growth of Outsourcing 06:06 Security Risks in Collaboration Tools 07:39 Unique Aspects of the Canadian Market 09:12 Building an International Agency 10:40 Do's and Don'ts of Hiring an Outsourcing Agency 13:59 The Impact of AI on Engineering 20:16 Passion for Seeing Team Growth 21:14 Curiosity about the Impact of AI 24:18 Inspiring Stories of Personal Courage 25:36 Leaving a Legacy of Contribution

Summary Christian Espinosa, CEO and founder of Blue Goat Cyber, discusses the importance of people skills for geeks and shares insights from his books. He emphasizes the need for technical professionals to develop strong communication and leadership skills. Christian also talks about managing difficult people and the importance of establishing core values in a company. He shares his personal journey of self-discovery and the impact of a near-fatal car accident on his perspective. Christian highlights the significance of focusing on micro moments and finding joy in small details. He also discusses his curiosity about the mindset shift from surviving to thriving and the trends in cyber insurance. Takeaways Developing people skills is crucial for technical professionals to stand out in their careers. Establishing core values and cultural alignment are essential for building a strong team. Trusting your intuition and paying attention to your gut feelings can lead to better decision-making. Focusing on micro moments and finding joy in small details can lead to a more fulfilling life. Constant and never-ending improvement is key to personal growth and success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:23 Writing Books and the Importance of People Skills 03:13 Managing Difficult People and Mistakes to Avoid 06:14 Establishing Core Values and Weekly Training 07:51 Using Personality Tests for Self-Awareness 08:59 Knowing When to Let Go of Employees 10:31 Trusting Your Intuition in Decision-Making 11:46 The In-Between: Focusing on Micro Moments 14:25 Finding Joy in Small Details and Interactions 15:28 Having Fun and Growing in Work 16:32 Transitioning from Surviving to Thriving 17:32 Trends in Cyber Insurance 18:13 Developing Communication and Mindset Skills 19:20 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 20:47 Inspiration from Music, Books, and Reflection 21:23 Helping Others Uncover Their Potential 22:11 The Seven Steps to Personal Growth 28:01 Conclusion

Summary In this episode, Eric McHugh, President of ShopX, discusses the intersection of blockchain and e-commerce. He shares his background and how ShopX is making an impact in the industry. Eric explains the challenges in the dating app industry and the concept of rent-seeking. He also discusses the factors driving adoption of web 3 in the enterprise and how NFTs can enhance loyalty programs. Eric highlights the roadblocks to web 3 mass adoption and shares his excitement for the future of AI and crypto. He emphasizes the importance of spreading positivity and making a positive impact on others. Takeaways ShopX is a platform that bridges the gap between blockchain and e-commerce, offering solutions like NFT-powered loyalty programs and blockchain-based ambassador programs. The dating app industry faces challenges, and there is a need for innovation to improve the user experience and match people more effectively. Rent-seeking behavior in the traditional financial system hinders the adoption of web 3 technologies, which aim to create a more equitable and transparent system. Enhancing loyalty programs with NFTs can increase customer engagement and loyalty, as well as provide unique benefits and ownership experiences. The roadblocks to web 3 mass adoption include user interface challenges and negative connotations associated with cryptocurrency, but as big players enter the space and improve the user experience, adoption is expected to accelerate. Exciting developments in web 3 include the intersection of AI and NFTs, scalability solutions like layer twos, and innovations in the Bitcoin ecosystem like the Lightning Network. Eric's passion lies in helping others and making a positive impact, whether through improving the dating app experience or empowering brands and individuals through web 3 technologies. Spreading positivity and creating a positive impact on others is a key focus for Eric, as he believes that positivity is contagious and can lead to a better world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:38 ShopX: The Bridge Between Blockchain and E-commerce 06:12 Challenges in the Dating App Industry 10:07 Rent-Seeking and the Impact on Web 3 Adoption 12:47 Driving Adoption in the Enterprise 15:36 Enhancing Loyalty Programs with NFTs 18:26 Roadblocks to Web 3 Mass Adoption 22:09 Exciting Developments in Web 3 23:48 Passion and Inspiration 25:47 Helping Others and Making an Impact 29:31 Conclusion: Spreading Positivity

Tom Cahue, IT director at the Mary Campbell Center, discusses the challenges and innovations in the long-term care facility industry. He highlights the importance of personalized care and communication, utilizing assistive technology and smart devices, and addressing cybersecurity challenges. Tom also addresses the nursing staff shortage and the need for innovative solutions. He envisions a future where long-term care facilities are reimagined as connected, independent living spaces. Tom is passionate about utilizing technology to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and aims to leave a legacy of improved communication and connectivity in his community. Takeaways Personalized care and communication are crucial in the long-term care facility industry. Assistive technology and smart devices play a significant role in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Addressing cybersecurity challenges is essential to protect sensitive patient information. The nursing staff shortage is a significant issue that requires innovative solutions. The future of long-term care facilities involves reimagining them as connected, independent living spaces. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 03:00Personalized Care and Communication 06:00Assistive Technology and Smart Devices 10:00Cybersecurity Challenges 15:00Addressing the Nursing Staff Shortage 23:00The Future of Long-Term Care 28:00Passion for Utilizing Technology 30:00Curiosity and Skills Development 32:00Role Models and Legacy

Our guest today is Dan Hafner. We discuss the state of low code/no code dev, and how to think about strengths vs weaknesses as an IT innovator. 

In this episode we're joing by Jared Tang of Gaggle Social to discuss tech hiring trends and implications.  Learn more about Jared and Gaggle Social 

Today I'm covering 3 key takeways from Forrester's 2024 tech predictions 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunbourque/If you're an IT exec, you're constantly dealing with putting out fires vs innovating, asking to do more with less budget, and stay a step ahead of the competition while attracting and retaining talent.     As an account executive working with top performing IT Innovators, I've noticed the winners of this arms race are able to slow down, reflect, realign, and envision - so they can ignite a bold direction for themselves  and what they will bring to life over the next year (and beyond).  This podcast will help you unearth opportunities to do your Biggest, best and boldest work - and be the best and boldest version of yourself   How do we get there? Twice a month I will be interviewing IT leaders on their Sources of Motivation, curiosity, and what brings fulfillment. We'll dive into their top priorities, challenges, and future plans   Too often the human element is left out of enterprise technology, and as we know it's people and their priorities that drive decisions.  So tune in and enjoy the Bigger, Better, Bolder IT Podcast