Join host Luke Paddington as IT leaders from Northern Kentucky University, Innovation Federal Credit Union, and Winslow Technology Group reveal their secrets to building future-proof workplaces. They unpack strategies for mastering high-density Wi-Fi and wireless-first networks, alongside deploying cutting-edge security with ZTNA and Cisco Secure Access. Learn how to foster crucial IT-security collaboration, ensure network resiliency, and make smart investments that deliver lasting value in today's "anywhere, anytime" world.

Participants:  

Greg Thompson, Director of IT Infrastructure and Operations, Northern Kentucky University

Shawn Spurko, VP of Information and Cybersecurity, Innovation Federal Credit Union

Ryan Deppe, Pre-Sales Architect, Winslow Technology Group

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we explore how Cisco is integrating security into AI deployment through the Secure AI Factory—a framework designed to ensure that innovation and protection evolve hand in hand.

Our experts unpack how the Secure AI Factory brings together security, observability, and AI infrastructure through modular AI pods, enabling organizations to build AI-ready environments with flexibility and confidence.

The conversation dives into Cisco’s validated design approach, collaboration with Talos for enhanced threat research and model safety, and the role of industry standards like ISO 42001 in shaping responsible AI deployment.

Listeners will also hear how configurable guardrails, unified management interfaces, and cross-team collaboration between IT and business units help prevent siloed AI projects and strengthen overall efficiency.

Whether you’re advancing AI adoption or refining your organization’s security posture, this episode highlights how Cisco is redefining AI security, governance, and trust for the future.

Resources

Cisco guests

Daniel McGinniss – VP, Product Management Compute

​Anand Raghavan, VP of Product, AI at Cisco

Cisco Champion hosts

Donald Robb, Principal Network Architect - Studios, The Walt Disney Company

Marco Krauss, IT Sr. Consultant Network Automation, Computacenter

Sijbren Beukenkamp, Director/Owner, 3Corners

Moderator

Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program

Tune into Tech Unscripted for a candid discussion on building AI-ready data centers. This episode brings together leading experts to share their insights on the massive infrastructure shifts required for explosive AI growth. Discover the critical need for increased network bandwidth, the challenges and solutions in data center liquid cooling, and the essential strategies for addressing the AI talent gap through upskilling and organizational commitment. Hear firsthand how they're navigating the complexities of evolving network infrastructure and why, for AI, "it is the network" that truly matters.

Moderator: 

Kate McLean, Senior Director of Solutions Marketing at Cisco

Participants:  

Micheline Murphy, Senior CSC Engineer at Worldwide Technology

Dan Morgan, Senior Staff Infrastructure Architect at General Electric Aerospace

Rob Gastrich, Data Center Architect

Rustam Gaisin, Senior Network Engineer at Microsoft

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we dive into the future of meeting room technology and the innovations reshaping hybrid collaboration. From the shift to AV over IP and the power of Cisco Vision PTZ to the AI-driven features in RoomOS 26, Cisco is redefining what’s possible in modern meeting spaces.

Discover how AI enhances audio and video experiences, how Control Hub provides actionable insights into device health and workspace usage, and how advancements like Power over Ethernet and auto camera modes make meetings more seamless and immersive. We’ll also explore how simplifying installation, improving interoperability, and enabling smarter device discoverability are transforming large-scale meeting room deployments.

Whether you’re building smarter environments or optimizing hybrid work experiences, this conversation highlights the breakthroughs driving clarity, flexibility, and impact in every meeting.

Resources

https://www.webex.com

https://www.webex.com/us/en/devices/room-devices.html

Cisco guest

Rich Bayes, Sr. Director of Product Management, Cisco

Cisco Champion hosts

Amr Nasher, Founder/CEO, Twaasol

Jason Dave, Infrastructure and Security Director, AbelsonTaylor

Rickey Keith, Vertical Systems Engineer, World Wide Technology

Sijbren Beukenkamp, Director/Owner, 3Corners

Moderator

Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program

Tune into Tech Unscripted for an unfiltered discussion on digital resilience with leaders from WWE, Carnival Cruise Lines, and Customers Bank. This episode explores how organizations stay securely up and running amidst disruptions, covering everything from managing unexpected outages and third-party challenges to leveraging automation, data analytics, and AI. Discover real-world strategies for proactive incident management, fostering strong vendor relationships, and ensuring continuous, secure operations in today's dynamic tech landscape.

Participants:  

Ralph Riley, Director of IT Broadcast Systems, WWE

Evan Mintzer, Director of Production Infrastructure, Customers BankCustomers Bank

Dexter King, Senior NetDevOps Engineer, Carnival Cruise Lines Carnival Cruise Lines

Moderator

Meg Diaz, Senior Director, Cross-Portfolio Messaging​

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we spotlight Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the resources available to help you strengthen your skills and defenses in an evolving threat landscape. With cyberattacks growing more sophisticated and the industry facing a global shortage of 4 million professionals, the need for education and training has never been greater.

Our experts break down Cisco’s latest initiatives, including the consolidation of certifications under the CCNA umbrella, free training and labs through Cisco U and Networking Academy, and a new video series—Security Unlocked—hosted by Kyle Winters. Plus, discover October-exclusive perks like free courses, tutorials, and a 25% discount on select premium content.

Whether you’re just starting your cybersecurity journey or looking to sharpen your expertise, this episode highlights the tools, training, and best practices to help you stay ahead.

Resources

Cybersecurity Training and Certification Giveaway: https://mkto.cisco.com/cybersecurity-giveaway-oct-2025.html?utm_campaign=csg25&utm_source=web&utm_medium=champions

Upcoming Cisco Learning Network Store Sale: https://learningnetworkstore.cisco.com/specials/?src=cybrsec25_chmp

Learn with Cisco Cybersecurity Awareness page: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/cybersecurity-awareness.html?utm_campaign=csm25&utm_source=web&utm_medium=champions 

Rev Up to Recert: Security Solutions: https://u.cisco.com/paths/enhancing-cisco-security-solutions-with-data-analytics-10327?utm_campaign=revup_ss&utm_source=web&utm_medium=champions 

Cisco guest

Kyle Winters, Technical Consulting Engineer, Cisco

Cisco Champion hosts

Liam Keegan, Advisor

Jonathan Mahady, Principal Network Engineer, BHP

David Penaloza, Assoc. Director - LAN Network Architecture, Novartis

Moderator

Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have”—it’s quickly becoming a priority for businesses, boards, and communities across the globe. In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we explore how IT is playing a central role in driving sustainable outcomes and reshaping the future of buildings, products, and customer experiences.

Our experts unpack Cisco’s initiatives and partnerships designed to reduce environmental impact—from sustainable product design and fully recyclable packaging to refurbished solutions that are cost-effective and eco-friendly. We also discuss how data generated by IT assets can optimize energy consumption, and why integrating IT solutions early in building projects is critical for long-term efficiency.

Tune in to hear how Cisco and its partners are empowering organizations to achieve their sustainability goals while delivering business value.

Resources

https://blogs.cisco.com/industries/energy-management-in-the-ai-era-ciscos-digital-transformation-advantage

https://distilledbuildingstech.com

https://meraki.cisco.com/en-uk/customers/wrexham-county-borough-council/

https://news-blogs.cisco.com/emea/2024/05/23/cisco-partners-with-cambridgeshire-schools-to-make-their-classrooms-more-sustainable/

https://www.thisiscae.com/blog/moving-away-from-an-always-on-culture-whitepaper

Cisco guest

Jason Shearer, Director, Solutions Engineer, Cisco

Cisco Champion hosts

Girard Kavelines , Network/Security Engineer, Aqueduct Technologies, Inc.

Simon Robert, President, Novbox

Ali McKeand, Chief Technologist, Innovation, CAE Technology Services Limited

Moderatore

Danielle Carter, Lifecycle Marketing, Cisco

Tune in to hear CIOs Nicole Coughlin and Darrell McMillon share their unfiltered insights on strategic IT management and digital transformation. They reveal how to identify opportunities for change, build compelling business cases through practical demonstrations, and navigate the complexities of gaining buy-in and managing organizational change. Discover their people-first approach to technology, emphasizing purpose-driven outcomes and real-world strategies for overcoming tech challenges.

Moderator:

Todd Shimizu, Vice President, Customer Lifecycle Marketing

Participants:

Nicole Coughlin, CIO of the Town of Cary, North Carolina

Darrell McMillon, VP of IT and CIO of Delaware State University

Resources:

https://blogs.cisco.com/insidervoices/tech-unscripted

From AI-powered robots to autonomous vehicles and data-hungry cameras, the next generation of connected assets is pushing wireless networks to their limits. While Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 deliver leaps in speed, bandwidth, and capacity, some applications demand even more—ultra-low latency, higher reliability, and seamless connectivity.

In this episode, we dive into the exciting evolution of Wi-Fi, how Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul (URWB) delivers ultra-reliability beyond what Wi-Fi can deliver, and how organizations are combining Wi-Fi and URWB to unlock new use cases.

We will also unpack:

What sets Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 apart from earlier generations?

The new possibilities these Wi-Fi advancements enable—and where they fall short.

Cisco’s innovation for ultra-reliable wireless connectivity: URWB

Real-world examples of URWB-powered solutions

How Cisco is making URWB more accessible and simpler to deploy alongside Wi-Fi.

Resources

https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/products/networking/industrial-wireless/index.html#tabs-9da71fbd27-item-1288c79d71-tab

https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/products/networking/industrial-wireless/ultra-reliable-wireless-backhaul/index.html?ccid=cc002272&oid=powit024681&dtid=ooteotr001729#tabs-9da71fbd27-item-1288c79d71-tab

Cisco guest

Bibin Raveendran, Product Manager, IoT (Industrial Wireless), Cisco

Cisco Champion hosts

Len Ledford, Architect II, Advisory Services, Insight

Jonathan Mahady, Principal Network Engineer, BHP

Peter Foppen, Technical Solutions Architect, Comstor Nederland

Rickey Keith, Vertical Systems Engineer

Moderator

Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we dive into the ever-evolving security landscape, with a focus on the rise of identity-based attacks, third-party risk, and the challenges of integrating security tools in modern operations.

Join security experts and Champions as they unpack how cybercriminals are bypassing traditional defenses—exploiting user fatigue with MFA, launching advanced phishing campaigns, and targeting third-party vulnerabilities. The discussion also highlights why security teams must go beyond metrics to focus on real threats, and how collaboration with business units can enhance security outcomes.

Whether you're in SecOps, vulnerability management, or vendor risk assessment, this conversation offers practical insights into building a more resilient and integrated security ecosystem.

Cisco Champion hosts

Zoe Rose, Security Operations Manager, Canon EMEA

Timothy Harmon, Tech Associate, Journey Community Church

Gert-Jan de Boer, Networking Archeologist, aaZoo

Jason Dave, Infrastructure and Security Director, AbelsonTaylor

Moderator

Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program