Tech Talks Daily

Many businesses have embraced automation, but disconnected systems and fragmented workflows still create inefficiencies. In this episode, I sit down with Charles Crouchman, Chief Product Officer at Redwood Software, to explore how organizations can build an automation fabric. a unified approach that connects processes across legacy infrastructure and modern cloud environments. Charles explains why automation fabrics matter, how businesses can identify the best processes to automate, and why a well-structured roadmap is crucial for long-term success. He also shares insights on industry trends, including the growing role of AI in automation and how Redwood's approach enables enterprises to scale with confidence. With Redwood's recent acquisition by Vista Equity Partners and Warburg Pincus, the company is poised for even greater innovation and expansion. We also dive into the future of automation, the balance between AI-driven decision-making and human oversight, and what businesses should consider when integrating automation across departments. Whether you're just beginning your automation journey or looking to refine your strategy, this conversation provides a practical guide to building a resilient, scalable automation framework. Could automation fabrics be the missing piece in your digital strategy? Tune in to find out.

When a cyber crisis strikes, leaders face intense pressure to make rapid decisions that can determine the fate of their organizations. In this episode, I sit down with Dan Potter, Senior Director of Operational Resilience at Immersive, to explore how leaders can effectively manage high-stakes cyber incidents. From major crises like MOVEit and Log4J to the evolving landscape of AI-driven threats, Dan shares practical insights on what businesses can learn from past events to strengthen their response strategies. We discuss the key components of a well-structured decision-making framework, how to maintain strategic focus under pressure, and why trust and psychological safety within teams are essential during a crisis. Dan also walks us through a checklist for effective leadership before, during, and after a cyber event, emphasizing the importance of continuous, hands-on training to build organizational resilience. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated and unavoidable, organizations need more than just technical defenses—they need leaders who can navigate uncertainty and execute decisive action. Tune in to learn how to transform crisis management from a reactive scramble into a well-prepared, strategic response. Are today's business leaders truly ready for the next cyber crisis? Let's find out.

Online reviews shape consumer trust, but what happens when those reviews can't be trusted? In this episode, I sit down with Anoop Joshi, Chief Trust Officer at Trustpilot, to discuss the ongoing battle against fake reviews and the role of AI in both creating and detecting fraudulent content. With over 300 million reviews on its platform, Trustpilot has been at the forefront of combating fake reviews, recently winning 10 legal cases in the UK against bad actors. As the FTC cracks down on deceptive review practices with fines of up to $50,000 per violation, businesses must rethink their approach to online credibility. Anoop shares insights on what this regulatory shift means for companies and how Trustpilot's AI-driven approach is evolving to stay ahead of generative AI-generated fake reviews. We explore how Trustpilot's transparency efforts led to the removal of 3.3 million fake reviews last year alone and why a combination of AI, metadata analysis, and human oversight is critical for maintaining trust online. As AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated, Anoop also sheds light on emerging trends and the growing need for regulatory adaptability. If online reputation matters to your business—or if you've ever wondered how review platforms separate real feedback from deception—this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Could AI ever be trusted to fully police itself, or will human intervention always be required to maintain trust?

The future of medicine is being shaped by technology, and few companies are pushing the boundaries like GSK. In this episode, I sit down with Christopher Austin, Head of Research Technologies at GSK, to explore how AI, data science, and cutting-edge digital capabilities are revolutionizing drug discovery and development. Chris shares how GSK is harnessing vast datasets, AI-driven insights, and genetic validation to speed up the identification of promising drug targets. We discuss how computational biology and machine learning are dramatically reducing the time it takes to develop new treatments—sometimes cutting discovery timelines in half. From selecting the right molecular designs to improving patient identification for clinical trials, technology is streamlining the entire R&D process, increasing success rates, and ultimately bringing life-saving medicines to patients faster. We also dive into the role of generative AI in modeling diseases, designing antibodies, and optimizing clinical trials. With AI now shaping everything from drug formulation to patient recruitment, we explore what this means for the future of medicine and the ethical considerations that come with such rapid advancements. How will AI-driven drug discovery change the pharmaceutical industry in the next decade? What challenges remain in integrating these new technologies into traditional research models? And what does all of this mean for patients and the future of healthcare? Tune in to hear how GSK is leading the charge in transforming medicine through technology.

AI is transforming the way we experience storytelling, and few people understand this shift better than Geoff Thatcher. As the Creative Director behind the GAME ON! AI Experience at the College Football Hall of Fame, Geoff is pioneering how AI can place visitors at the heart of an attraction—turning spectators into active participants. In this episode, we explore the intersection of AI, immersive storytelling, and the evolving expectations of audiences. Geoff shares how AI-powered personalization is reshaping museums, theme parks, and live experiences, making guests part of the narrative rather than just observers. From scanning faces to seamlessly integrating visitors into game-day experiences, he explains how technology is allowing brands and institutions to scale engagement like never before. But as AI deepens immersion, it also raises questions—how far will audiences expect personalization to go? Will simply watching a story unfold ever be enough again? And what ethical and creative challenges come with placing visitors inside historical exhibits, theme park rides, or even feature films? We also dive into the economics of AI-driven experiences. How does AI influence the way attractions are designed, priced, and operated? Can small museums and local attractions afford to implement these innovations, or will personalization remain an exclusive luxury for major brands? Geoff brings his extensive experience in experiential design to shed light on how AI can be a tool to connect people through storytelling—when used thoughtfully. If you've ever wondered about the future of immersive entertainment, AI in storytelling, or how technology is redefining guest engagement, this episode is one you won't want to miss. Will the experiences of tomorrow demand that we step inside the story? Tune in to find out.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Cerisse Velasco, Director of Midwest and Retail Media Brand Partnerships at Zynga, to explore how mobile gaming is reshaping digital advertising and brand engagement. While gaming has long been associated with teenage boys in basements, the reality is quite different—Zynga's audience is predominantly Millennial and Gen X women, a demographic that's often overlooked in marketing strategies. With mobile games like Words with Friends, Game of Thrones: Legends, and Match Factory, Zynga has built a massive entertainment platform where brands can authentically connect with engaged consumers. We discuss how mobile gaming offers a "leaned-in" advertising experience, with players actively engaging rather than passively scrolling. From rewarded video and interactive formats to in-game integrations, Zynga is pioneering innovative ad strategies that feel natural within the gameplay, rather than interrupting it. A recent partnership with The Real Housewives is a perfect example of how brands are rethinking their approach to mobile gaming, tapping into a highly influential and purchase-driven audience. Beyond traditional advertising, we also explore the future of gamified brand experiences, AI-powered personalization, and retail media integrations within gaming. As mobile gaming continues to dominate screen time, brands that embrace these new engagement models will have a significant edge in the evolving digital marketing landscape. How can brands create authentic connections with audiences in gaming environments? And what does the future hold for advertising in mobile entertainment? Tune in to hear Cerisse Velasco's insights on the changing face of digital engagement.

AI is transforming businesses' operations, but are executives ready to lead this revolution? In this episode, I sit down with Greg Shove, CEO of Section, to discuss the most significant mistakes leaders make when adopting AI and why many companies are falling behind despite all the hype. Greg, a seasoned entrepreneur and AI strategist, shares why leaders must go beyond buzzwords and get hands-on with AI to drive real impact. He explains how organizations can build a scrappy but effective AI strategy, why CFOs increasingly embrace AI-driven efficiency, and what that means for future jobs. We also discuss how AI reshapes everyday decision-making, from the workplace to personal productivity. Beyond the corporate world, Greg highlights a more significant concern—Big Tech's control over AI. Drawing from past experiences in Silicon Valley, he warns that AI might follow the same playbook as social media and cloud computing: get everyone hooked, then raise the price. If AI becomes indispensable, are businesses at risk of outsourcing too much cognition to just a few dominant players? From AI's impact on job security to how leaders can create an AI-powered workforce, this conversation challenges conventional thinking on AI adoption. Whether you're an executive looking to integrate AI into your strategy or an employee navigating the shift, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay ahead. Is AI genuinely democratizing knowledge, or are we just making ourselves more dependent on a handful of companies? And how can leaders ensure they're leveraging AI as a strategic asset rather than just another tool? Tune in to find out.

The travel industry is at a turning point. While demand for seamless, personalized experiences has never been higher, many airlines, hotels, and travel businesses are still operating on decades-old technology that hinders innovation. In this episode, I sit down with Somit Goyal, CEO of IBS Software, to explore how the industry can break free from legacy systems and embrace a digital-first future. With a background that includes over a decade at Microsoft and now leading one of the biggest travel tech firms, Somit shares his perspective on why true transformation requires more than just new software—it demands a shift in mindset. Too often, businesses treat modernization as an IT project rather than a full-scale business transformation. He explains why travel companies need strategic partners, not just vendors, to guide them through complex transitions, help them make tough choices, and build future-ready technology solutions. We discuss how airlines and hospitality brands can rethink their operations, from passenger experiences to loyalty programs, and how AI and data-driven personalization are shaping the future of travel. Somit also highlights why listening—rather than talking—is one of the most powerful tools leaders can use when engaging with customers and making key business decisions. With IBS Software at the forefront of digital transformation in travel, this conversation sheds light on what's next for the industry and how companies can stay competitive in an era of rapid technological change. How can travel brands overcome legacy tech obstacles? What role will AI play in the evolution of airline retailing and hotel management? And why is a strategic, long-term approach essential for success? Tune in to find out.

In today's hyper-connected world, the explosion of IoT devices is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape—but are businesses keeping up? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Paul Savill, Global Practice Leader of Networking and Edge Compute at Kyndryl, to explore why traditional IT security strategies are no longer enough. With IoT-related cyberattacks rising at double-digit rates year over year and the global number of IoT devices projected to reach 25.4 billion by 2030, enterprises face mounting challenges in securing their networks. Paul shares insights into the biggest threats organizations are grappling with, including the growing risks of social engineering attacks, outdated infrastructure, and the widening gap between IT and OT security. With 44% of enterprise technology now considered "out of life" and unsupported by vendors, businesses are unknowingly leaving themselves vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. We also discuss Kyndryl's cybersecurity training program, which has driven a fourfold increase in employee-reported phishing incidents—a testament to the importance of ongoing education in strengthening enterprise security. Paul highlights the crucial role of Zero Trust and SASE architectures in modern network defense, using Kyndryl's own post-IBM spin-off transformation as a case study for successfully shifting to a cloud-first, AI-driven security approach. How can organizations modernize their infrastructure to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats? What steps should enterprises take to integrate IT and OT security more effectively? And how can AI-powered security tools help businesses navigate this rapidly changing landscape? Tune in to hear Paul's expert take on building a resilient, future-ready cybersecurity strategy.

How can women in tech overcome imposter syndrome, build confidence, and support the next generation of leaders? In this special International Women's Day episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Stacey Fournier-Thibodaux, President of Cask NX, to discuss the challenges and opportunities women face in the technology and consulting industries. With over 20 years of experience in professional services, global IT service delivery, and leadership at the largest pure-play ServiceNow partner, Stacey shares her personal journey from self-doubt to executive leadership. She offers practical insights into how women can navigate imposter syndrome, shift their mindset, and cultivate resilience in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. We also explore the role of mentorship, representation, and psychological safety in creating inclusive workplaces. Stacey shares real stories of women she has mentored into leadership roles and provides actionable strategies for those looking to take bold career leaps. Whether you're an aspiring leader or looking to empower the next generation, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons on career growth, confidence, and fostering a more supportive tech industry. As we celebrate Women's History Month, what steps can businesses take to retain and elevate diverse talent? How can leaders create environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued? Tune in to hear Stacey's insights on building a stronger, more inclusive future in tech.