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.

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of eBPF in enhancing Kubernetes networking and security. Discover how eBPF is revolutionizing the way we manage and secure Kubernetes environments, offering unprecedented visibility and control. Join us as we explore real-world applications, expert insights, and the future of cloud-native security. Tune in to learn how eBPF can elevate your Kubernetes strategy to new heights.

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