The COVI Way

Small businesses are losing more than time—they're losing competitive advantage. Discover why IT productivity matters more than ever and how to protect your team.============================= Schedule Your FREE IT Strategy Analysis: https://gocovi.com=============================🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:➡️ Average small businesses lose 3 hours of productivity per employee weekly due to IT friction—that's over $10,000 per week for a 30-person team ➡️ 60% of malware attacks now target small businesses, with average losses exceeding $220,000 per incident ➡️ Mobile device protection through sandboxing technology is one of the most cost-effective security investments available ➡️ Standardization in IT isn't bureaucracy—it's a productivity multiplier that eliminates friction during failures and transitions ➡️ Strategic monthly IT meetings are essential for staying ahead of compliance requirements and emerging threats🔈 QUOTES: 🔥 "If everything is loud, nothing is. Over time, anyone who's not in IT slowly turns that volume level down—and that's when organizations become vulnerable."🔥 "It's our job to be annoying to get in there and make sure that decision makers have the appropriate information to make the appropriate decisions."🔥 "Password management is like seven or eight dollars a user. If you have 50 to 100 users, that sounds like a lot of money—but we need to make sure you understand the risks so you can know if that's actually a lot of money or not."📲 SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gocovi/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellocoviHASHTAGS:#TheCOVIWay #BusinessTechnology #ITProductivity #Cybersecurity #SmallBusinessIT #DigitalTransformation #Leadership

Join Cody as he speaks with Tiffany Thompson, President of Daymar Staffing Solutions, about navigating the intersection of AI automation and authentic human connection in modern recruiting. With 18 years of experience, Tiffany shares how her boutique staffing firm uses technology to enable deeper relationships, why in-person interviews still matter, and what candidates really want in today's hybrid work environment.=============================Schedule Your FREE IT Strategy Analysis: https://gocovi.com=============================🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:➡️ Use technology to handle repetitive tasks so your team can focus on meaningful human interactions➡️ In-person interviews reveal real-time behaviors and problem-solving skills that virtual calls often miss➡️ Candidates are shifting from demanding fully remote work to welcoming hybrid arrangements for collaboration and mentorship➡️ Executive-level recruiting still requires direct outreach and relationship-building rather than automated systems➡️ Modern job seekers research companies as thoroughly as companies research them—your digital presence is your culture showcase🔈 QUOTES:🔥 "That personalized touch an algorithm cannot replace."🔥 "When you're in a people world, you have to like people. And no one understands that when they're hiding behind technology."📲 SOCIAL MEDIA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gocovi/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellocoviLearn more about Daymar Staffing Solutions: https://daymarstaff.comHASHTAGS:#TheCOVIWay #RecruitingTech #HybridWork #TalentAcquisition #AIinHR #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #DigitalTransformation

Executive coach Jesse Hile shares his GAME framework—Gratitude, Attitude, Mindset, and Empathy—and reveals why the most powerful leadership transformations start at home, not in the boardroom. Discover how shifting from fear-based to love-based leadership can expand your capacity, improve retention, and create extraordinary results.============================= Schedule Your FREE IT Strategy Analysis: https://gocovi.com=============================🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:➡️ Gratitude and empathy aren't soft skills—they're the foundation that makes attitude and mindset align naturally ➡️ Organizations excel at individual GAME elements, but syncing all four creates exponential ROI➡️ Authentic acknowledgment means slowing down and being specific: "I want to acknowledge you for..." not just "great job"➡️ Most people operate at only 20% "being their word"—tracking commitments reveals blind spots➡️ Transformation starts at home first; when you shift how you show up personally, professional results follow🔈 QUOTES:🔥 "When you approach situations from a place of love instead of fear, you can literally control the environments you create and reduce toxic outcomes."🔥 "If you really want to see a shift, it starts with yourself. Every single word that comes out of our mouth creates the environments we're in."🔥 "I feel I have more free time than I've ever had in my life, and I'm doing three times more than what I used to be doing."📲 SOCIAL MEDIA: Jesse Hile - Next Level Guidance: https://www.nextlevelguidance.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gocovi/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellocoviHASHTAGS: #TheCOVIWay #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessTransformation #GAMEFramework #EmotionalIntelligence #OrganizationalCulture

Discover how brand storytelling expert PJ Towle helps businesses find their authentic voice by putting relationships first in marketing strategy.============================= Schedule Your FREE IT Strategy Analysis: https://gocovi.com============================= 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS: ➡️ Authentic brand storytelling requires deep listening and in-person connection, not just AI-generated content ➡️ Building a creative co-op of specialized partners creates better outcomes than competing for every project ➡️ The best marketing relationships happen when you prioritize the person over the project, even during crises➡️ AI tools work best as conversational guides that augment your voice rather than replace your unique perspective ➡️ Taking eight minutes to genuinely connect with someone can transform both personal and professional relationships🔈 QUOTES: 🔥 "Real marketing connects, not just converts. Every business has a story, and when you put people first, everything gets better." 🔥 "I like to work with people that I want to be around. That makes life easier, makes the job better, and makes my wife happier because I'm not grumpy at the end of every day."📲 SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gocovi/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellocoviHASHTAGS: #TheCOVIWay #BrandStorytelling #AuthenticMarketing #CreativeStrategy #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategy #StoryBrand

Discover how RoboSource CEO Jason Butler uses AI to empower people, not replace them, with practical strategies for business process automation.============================= Schedule Your FREE IT Strategy Analysis: https://gocovi.com============================= 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS: ➡️ Treat AI as a tool, not a strategy—like any other business instrument that needs proper application ➡️ Start experimenting with AI now rather than waiting for "perfect" technology or understanding ➡️ Use the "intelligent toddler" mindset to set realistic expectations for AI capabilities➡️ Apply human-in-the-loop oversight to avoid over-trusting AI outputs ➡️ Master the four-step prompting method: role, context, constraints, and iterative questioning ➡️ Focus on automating meaningless work to free people for impactful activities🔈 QUOTES: 🔥 "Do you have a strategy for your hammer? It's a tool. So yes, there are some ways we should be thinking, but at the end of the day, it's a tool for us to use." 🔥 "I compare AI to like a really intelligent toddler. There are times where it's brilliant, and then five seconds later you're screaming don't put your hand on the stove."📲 SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gocovi/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellocoviHASHTAGS: #TheCOVIWay #BusinessTechnology #DigitalTransformation #Leadership #ArtificialIntelligence #ProcessAutomation #RoboSource

In today's episode, we learn about leadership from Jack Musick, CTO of COVI, and how he uses technology solutions to empower people. This empowering podcast highlights the importance of developing people and fostering a strong organizational culture within a tech company. Learn how simple solutions can enable teams to thrive.=============================Schedule Your FREE IT Strategy Analysis: https://gocovi.com=============================🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:➡️ Find your passion in tech before worrying about certifications—curiosity and persistence matter more than credentials➡️ Security is the most underinvested area in business technology, and waiting until after an incident costs far more➡️ Build "trust equity" with users by listening first and prescribing solutions second➡️ AI's real value lies in accessing existing knowledge and automating routine tasks, not replacing human connection➡️ Every piece of technical knowledge you gain compounds—nothing learned in tech is ever wasted🔈 QUOTES:🔥 "Maybe I'm not confident that I can do it, but I'm confident that I can figure it out."🔥 "If you don't listen enough, you not only don't gain trust, you build resentment."📲 SOCIAL MEDIA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gocovi/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellocovi

Sarah Wallace from Star Heating and Cooling shares how her family's HVAC business scaled from a one-person operation to a comprehensive comfort solutions provider while maintaining their relationship-first approach.=============================Schedule Your FREE IT Strategy Analysis: https://gocovi.com=============================🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:➡️ Strategic delegation frees leaders to focus on relationships and growth instead of technical tasks➡️ Building trust with technology partners requires time and relationship development outside of business transactions➡️ Proactive IT management prevents crisis situations and enables better budget planning➡️ The right software platforms automate mundane tasks so teams can focus on customer service➡️ Redundancy in technology systems is critical for field teams and customer experience🔈 QUOTES:🔥 "I don't want to work on computers. I want to sell furnaces and air conditioners."🔥 "We've scaled without losing our soul."📲 SOCIAL MEDIA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gocovi/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellocovi

Join Cody Lents as he sits down with CPA Brian Blanton from Blanton & Associates to explore what it really means to build trust through strategic IT partnerships. Brian shares his decade-long journey from inheriting a problematic technology ecosystem to creating a proactive, security-focused IT environment that supports his accounting firm's most critical periods.=============================Schedule Your FREE IT Strategy Analysis: https://gocovi.com=============================🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:➡️ Proactive IT planning prevents costly downtime during critical business periods like tax season➡️ Regular transparency meetings build stronger partnerships than reactive break-fix approaches➡️ Security doesn't have to stop productivity when implemented thoughtfully with business context➡️ Cloud-based infrastructure can dramatically simplify operations while improving reliability➡️ The best IT partnerships focus on strategic planning cycles rather than emergency responses🔈 QUOTES:🔥 "You really want somebody who's thinking ahead, figuring out where we need to go next with security to help you do that. And then be there to help you implement it. And then be there to monitor it."🔥 "Security is not a one-and-done implementation project. It's an ongoing implementation project."📲 SOCIAL MEDIA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gocovi/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellocoviHASHTAGS:#TheCOVIWay #BusinessTechnology #DigitalTransformation #Leadership #CyberSecurity #ITStrategy #ProactiveIT

Retired CISO Bill Mackey reveals why cybersecurity burnout is costing businesses millions and how leaders can responsibly outsource security without losing accountability.============================= Schedule Your FREE IT Strategy Analysis: https://gocovi.com============================= 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:➡️ Average CISO tenure is only 18-26 months due to extreme burnout and stress ➡️ You can outsource cybersecurity functions but never the ultimate responsibility ➡️ Risk appetite vs risk tolerance determines your cybersecurity strategy and culture ➡️ Proper auditing includes tracking both failed AND successful login attempts➡️ Fear-based marketing tactics are red flags - demand evidence and transparency🔈 QUOTES:🔥 "You cannot abdicate responsibility. You can't outsource the responsibility." 🔥 "If you're getting detections that go to zero, my first thought would be - what did we miss?"📲 SOCIAL MEDIA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gocovi/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellocovi

In this episode of The Covi Way, Tier 3 tech expert Thomas Bray joins host Dave Vent for a candid, eye-opening conversation about the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape — and why security in 2025 is no longer just about tools and tech.From ransomware-as-a-service and credential stuffing to phishing simulations and cultural awareness, Thomas breaks down what businesses of all sizes need to know to stay protected in an era where attacks are no longer a question of if, but when.It’s not just about blocking threats — it’s about creating resilient systems, embedding security into culture, and empowering people to recognize risk before it becomes a breach. Whether you're a business leader, IT pro, or nonprofit exec, this episode will shift how you think about cybersecurity.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Cybersecurity is no longer just technical — it must be culturalSocial engineering is still the top threat, even in 2025Multi-factor authentication isn’t perfect — but it’s essentialSimple steps like credential managers and email spoofing protection go a long wayAwareness training tools like Usecure can transform employee behaviorKEY QUOTES:“Security isn't just the IT department’s job — it's everybody’s job.”“We build better castles, they build bigger ladders.”“More than 50% of small businesses experience a breach — and many don’t recover.”“The most secure computer is at the bottom of the ocean… but that’s not very productive.”“You’re either preparing or you’re reacting. One costs a lot less.”CHAPTERS:00:00 – Welcome + Meet Thomas Bray01:12 – How Cybercrime Became a $10.5T Industry05:30 – The Rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service08:20 – Social Engineering + Why It Still Works13:00 – Balancing Security + Productivity17:45 – Culture, Training, and the Role of People22:30 – Usecure + Behavioral Awareness26:00 – Free, High-Impact Security Tips29:15 – Final Thoughts + Start the Conversation

In this episode of The COVI Way, host Cody Lents sits down with Shane Christopher, co-founder of My Home for Good, to explore how real estate transactions can do more than move people—they can move communities. Shane shares how this initiative empowers home buyers and sellers to donate part of the commission to a charity of their choice, transforming a routine business process into a meaningful act of generosity.From adoption funds to homelessness support, Shane walks us through the ripple effects of giving back—and how the program has inspired others to do the same. Whether you’re in real estate or just passionate about making your work more impactful, this story will challenge and encourage you to think bigger about legacy, generosity, and community transformation.🎧 Tune in to hear how one simple shift is helping families, strengthening nonprofits, and creating a blueprint for purpose-driven business.Summary:Shane Christopher joins The Covi Way to share the story behind My Home for Good, a real estate initiative turning closings into opportunities for charitable giving. With nearly $300,000 donated so far, Shane’s model empowers clients to support causes they care about—bringing surprise, joy, and purpose to every transaction.Key Quotes:“We’re not just selling homes—we’re building a culture of giving.”“Legacy isn’t about what you leave behind. It’s about who you lift up.”“This isn’t marketing—it’s ministry. We give whether it’s seen or not.”“You can make a big impact with small decisions.”“It’s joy, not just generosity, that makes this sustainable.”Chapters:• 00:00 – Welcome + Meet Shane Christopher• 01:24 – The Origin of My Home for Good• 04:08 – Letting Clients Choose Their Charity• 06:45 – Stories That Moved the Mission Forward• 10:22 – Giving Without Marketing: Why It Matters• 13:36 – When Clients Have Never Given Before• 16:50 – Impact Stories: Adoption, Homelessness, and Healing• 20:10 – Tax Benefits, Faith, and Surrendering Control• 23:18 – When Charities Reach Back Out• 25:40 – Legacy, Not Status• 28:20 – Scaling Without a Legal Entity• 30:48 – Final Thoughts + The Power of Sacrifice

In this episode of The COVI Way, co-hosts Dave and Cody Lents flip the script—Cody takes the guest seat to share the story behind his journey at COVI and how the company evolved from a scrappy IT provider into a strategic partner focused on people, process, and purposeful technology.From early days as Netlink to leading sales and consulting at COVI, Cody dives into what it takes to balance security and standardization with customization and creativity. It’s not just about solving technical problems—it’s about building trust, enabling productivity, and helping organizations grow with clarity and confidence.You’ll hear stories of growing pains, valuable lessons in scaling with intention, and why COVI is committed to using "good conflict" to create long-term value. Whether you're leading a team, managing tech, or navigating digital transformation, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about how structure unlocks innovation.Key Takeaways:Why standardization isn’t the enemy of creativity—it’s the foundation of itHow strategic IT partners empower leaders to do meaningful workWhat it takes to balance strong security with user freedomHow conflict, when healthy, drives clarity and alignmentThe power of simplifying the complex to fuel growthFive Key Quotes:“Standardization is a requirement to sustainability and survival.”“You don’t get great productivity without great security.”“We avoided the MSP ‘raise prices, cover less’ model—and we’re better for it.”“If there's no tension, there's no growth.”“We don't just protect systems—we empower a culture of security.”Chapters:00:00 – Welcome + Meet Cody01:32 – The Netlink Days + Birth of COVI04:25 – Building Sales from Chip’s Vision08:45 – Standardization and Early Growth13:15 – Balancing Structure and Creativity17:40 – Growing Pains with Bigger Clients22:08 – Remote Access and the COVID Shift26:30 – Conflict as a Path to Innovation30:20 – Redefining Value in Managed Services34:05 – Culture of Security + Simplicity38:10 – Final Thoughts + Partnership and Possibility

In this episode of The Covi Way, host Cody Lintz sits down with Daniel Bray, founder and president of Brtel Communications, to talk about how 30+ years in telecom has shaped his no-nonsense, people-first approach to connectivity. From crawling under desks to rescuing companies from outrageous legacy bills, Daniel has seen it all—and he’s not afraid to tell the truth.They dive into the tangled history of telecom acronyms, outdated contracts, and the hidden costs business leaders often miss. Daniel also shares what it means to stay humble, lead with transparency, and build a business model that prioritizes productivity over vanity metrics.Whether you're a CIO, office manager, or just trying to make sense of your phone bill, this episode pulls back the curtain on the wild world of telecom—and how the right partner can simplify everything.🎧 Tune in to hear how Daniel pulled $30,000/month out of a client’s budget, what most providers don’t want you to know, and why honest relationships still win.Summary:Daniel Bray from Brtel Communications joins The Covi Way to uncover the messy truth behind telecom contracts, legacy billing, and decision-making in a tech vacuum. Learn why simplifying complexity, building trust, and prioritizing productivity can save your organization more than just money.Quotes:“Most businesses are paying for services they haven’t used in years.”“My job is to clear the fog and help people make sense of what’s actually going on.”“If you’re not reviewing your bills annually, you’re asking to be taken advantage of.”“It’s not about being the smartest guy in the room—it’s about making people feel heard.”“Respect your partners’ lanes. If you don’t, you’ll lose your allies.”Chapters:• 00:00 – Welcome + Meet Daniel Bray of Brtel• 03:40 – From Carrier Sales to Calling His Own Shots• 09:20 – Simplifying Telecom for Clients at Every Level• 14:10 – When You Find $7,000/Month in Unused Services• 20:25 – Building Relationships That Outlast Turnover• 26:05 – Why Most Clients Are Operating in the Dark• 31:40 – Balancing Cutting-Edge Tech with Personalized Support• 36:15 – What Makes a Great Partnership in IT and Telecom• 42:40 – Biggest Myths in the Industry (And Why They Matter)• 46:30 – Tech Tip of the Day: Redundancy Is Not Optional

In this episode of The COVI Way, we explore how to help organizational leaders shift their mindset from seeing IT as just “tech support” to recognizing its role as a strategic business driver. Many leaders are used to viewing IT as the department you call when something breaks. But at COVI, we believe that’s just the beginning. Our team works to change this perception—starting with how we handle even the smallest tickets. Clear communication and thoughtful problem-solving lay the foundation for broader conversations about long-term technology goals.As our relationship with a client matures, we move from solving isolated issues to offering insight on larger business challenges. This cultural shift doesn’t happen overnight, but once leaders understand that IT can help drive innovation, not just keep the lights on, everything changes.🎯 From outdated firewalls to full-scale infrastructure planning, we help clients see the bigger picture and make decisions that align with their mission.Summary:How do you move from fixing tech issues to advising on long-term strategy? In this episode, we talk about the mindset shift that helps clients see IT as a partner—not just a problem solver. Learn how Covi builds trust, shifts culture, and turns help desk tickets into meaningful business conversations.Quotes:“It starts small—like how we respond to support tickets—but it grows into something much bigger.”“This isn’t about replacing a firewall. It’s about solving real business challenges.”“Once that mindset shift clicks, clients start bringing us to the strategy table.”“We don’t want to just fix problems—we want to help you innovate.”“It takes 90 to 180 days, but once we hit stride, everything changes.”Chapters: • 00:00 – Why Mindset Matters in IT Strategy• 01:02 – Moving Beyond Transactional Tech Support• 02:20 – How Covi Handles Support Tickets Differently• 03:45 – Building Trust Through Communication• 05:18 – Shifting from Fixing Issues to Solving Business Problems• 06:42 – How Clients Learn to Leverage COVI Strategically• 08:25 – What Hitting Stride Looks Like in a Tech Partnership

In this episode of The COVI Way, host Cody Lents (VP of Sales at COVI) sits down with Eric Zhang, Product Manager at WiseFi, to unpack how AI-powered tools are transforming personal finance. WiseFi’s mission? Help one million people achieve financial independence—not by guessing, but by building real, data-driven plans.Eric shares his personal journey toward financial freedom, explains how WiseFi empowers users to see their financial future clearly, and breaks down the core tools used to plan for retirement, pay off debt, and simulate major life events. Whether you’re deep in student loans or exploring early retirement, WiseFi is built to help users take control and make smart, personalized decisions.They also dive into how WiseFi integrates AI and automation for smarter notifications, planning, and customer support—plus the platform’s growing role in equipping large organizations to boost financial literacy for their teams.🎧 Tune in to hear how AI isn’t just changing the future of finance—it’s giving people hope, clarity, and control.Summary:WiseFi’s Eric Zhang joins The COVI Way to explore how AI is revolutionizing financial planning. From debt payoff to early retirement, WiseFi builds personalized, forward-facing plans to help users gain clarity and reach financial freedom faster. Whether you’re managing a household or leading a large organization, this episode is packed with hope and practical solutions.Quotes: “Financial independence means doing what you want, with who you want, without being stuck in a job you hate.”“Most budgeting apps look backward. We help people plan forward—and that changes everything.”“Our users don’t just track spending—they build strategy.”“AI helps us deliver customized coaching at scale, not just canned advice.”“We're not just changing finances—we're restoring confidence.”Chapters:• 00:00 – Welcome + Meet Eric Zhang from WiseFi• 01:12 – What Inspired Eric’s Financial Freedom Journey• 05:26 – WiseFi’s Mission to Help 1 Million People• 08:45 – Why Budgeting Tools Fall Short• 12:22 – How WiseFi Plans for Debt, Retirement, and Life Events• 17:40 – The Power of Draft Scenarios and What-If Planning• 21:30 – Using AI to Enhance Financial Coaching and Support• 26:48 – Behind the Scenes: Tools and Tech WiseFi Uses Internally• 30:56 – Automation and AI as Force Multipliers• 35:12 – Scaling with Lean Teams and Smart Systems• 38:40 – Cybersecurity and the Challenges of a Fast-Moving Landscape• 44:00 – What’s Next on WiseFi’s Roadmap• 47:30 – Closing the Gap Between Education and Application• 51:50 – Empowering Large Organizations to Boost Financial Literacy• 55:40 – Final Thoughts + Where WiseFi Goes From Here

In this episode of The COVI Way, host Dave Vent sits down with Teddy Linder, COVI’s VP of Business Operations, to talk about what really creates a thriving workplace—and it’s not pizza parties or ping-pong tables. Teddy brings decades of experience shaping meaningful work environments and dives deep into how culture, clarity, and leadership drive employee engagement.From onboarding to feedback loops, strength-based leadership to radical candor, this conversation unpacks what employees actually need to feel valued and do their best work. It’s not about flashy perks—it’s about purpose, empowerment, and being seen.You’ll hear how small changes in how we listen, coach, and support employees can build lasting trust, loyalty, and performance. Whether you're leading a team or simply want to thrive in your role, this episode offers practical insights and powerful reminders that people—not perks—make workplaces great.🎧 Listen in to rethink how you approach leadership, engagement, and company culture.👥 Subscribe and share with someone who leads (or hopes to).Summary:What makes employees actually want to stay, grow, and thrive at work? In this episode, Covi’s Teddy Linder joins Dave Vent to explore how purpose, culture, and intentional leadership—not perks—create engagement. From onboarding to feedback to StrengthFinder, they unpack what it really means to lead people well.Key Quotes:“You can’t build great culture with perks—you build it with purpose.”“We don’t live in segments. If work isn’t fun, it won’t be meaningful.”“Employees see your company through a 15-inch screen. That experience matters.”“Being nice in the moment can be mean in the long run.”“The best leaders meet people where they are and build from there.”Chapters:• 00:00 – Welcome to The Covi Way• 01:15 – Perks vs. Purpose: What Really Drives Engagement• 04:32 – Why Knowing the “Why” Matters• 08:10 – Strength-Based Leadership in Practice• 12:25 – Building Culture Through Everyday Interactions• 17:40 – What Real Onboarding Should Look Like• 21:00 – Getting to Know Employees Beyond the Résumé• 25:18 – Interviews That Build Trust• 30:05 – Defining “Company” Through Connection• 35:10 – Creating Safe Spaces for Feedback• 38:45 – How Tech Impacts Culture• 44:30 – Listening, Coaching, and Performance• 52:45 – Radical Candor and Real Conversations• 58:00 – Empowering People Through Strength and Clarity• 1:03:22 – Final Thoughts on Leadership & Engagement• 1:06:10 – Outro and Wrap-Up✅ 7. Suggested Focus Keywords (SEO & Social Media Optimization)employee engagementworkplace cultureleadership developmentonboarding experiencestrength-based leadershipradical candorteam communicationemployee feedback loophow to lead wellcompany culture strategy

In this episode of The COVI Way, host Dave Vent sits down with Thomas Bray, COVI’s Senior Tier 3 Tech, to explore the often-overlooked connection between IT support and employee experience. While many organizations view IT as a break-fix department, Thomas reveals how a strategic approach to technology can unlock efficiency, boost productivity, and improve company culture.From onboarding to automation, hardware lifecycle management to cybersecurity, Thomas shares real-world stories of how IT goes beyond solving tech problems—it empowers people. When your team sees the company through a 15-inch screen, every glitch matters. And when tech works well, it disappears into the background and enables employees to do their best work.You’ll hear why IT should be involved earlier in decision-making, how small system changes can have big cultural impacts, and why security and usability must go hand in hand.🎧 Tune in to discover how to reframe IT as a business driver, not a cost center—and what that shift could mean for your people. Summary:COVI’s Thomas Bray joins The COVI Way to discuss how IT can go from reactive support to strategic empowerment. From smoother onboarding to better security and smarter automation, Thomas shares how technology—done right—helps teams thrive. If you’re only calling IT when something breaks, this episode will change your mindset.Key Quotes:“Every IT ticket is a consulting opportunity. There’s always a deeper business problem behind it.”“The best tech disappears—because it’s doing exactly what it should.”“Employees experience your company through a 15-inch screen. That experience matters.”“You don’t need the flashiest tools. You need the right tools that solve the right problems.”“IT has a birds-eye view of the business. When used strategically, it’s a force multiplier.”Chapters:• 00:00 – Welcome to The COVI Way• 01:10 – Why IT Is More Than Just Support• 03:45 – The “Light Switch” Mindset Problem• 07:05 – IT’s Role in Onboarding and Culture• 10:20 – Feedback From the Front Lines• 13:35 – Tech Pain Points That Never Get Reported• 17:50 – Fixing the Employee Experience With Better Tools• 21:10 – Hardware, Lifecycle, and Investment Gaps• 25:45 – Real-World Impact: Stories From the Field• 30:00 – Using Existing Tech in Smarter Ways• 33:20 – Smart Automation and System Integration• 36:50 – Why IT Should Be in Strategic Conversations• 42:00 – Security vs. Usability: Striking the Right Balance• 48:05 – Rethinking the Future of IT Support• 52:20 – Final Takeaways for Tech Decision Makers