Cisco Champion Radio

In today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape, vulnerabilities are inevitable—but being unprepared doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we dive into how organizations can better identify, prioritize, and mitigate vulnerabilities before they become real threats.

This conversation explores practical strategies for strengthening security posture, improving visibility across environments, and staying ahead of emerging risks. From proactive vulnerability management to building a culture of resilience, this episode offers real-world insights for IT professionals and leaders navigating modern security challenges.

Whether you're fine-tuning your current approach or just getting started, tune in to learn how smarter, more strategic security practices can help your organization stay one step ahead.

Cisco hosts

Zoe Rose, CSIRT Security Operations, Development Manager, Canon EMEA

Girard Kavelines, Network Security Engineer, Aqueduct Technologies

Mark Sibering, Expert Director, Devoteam

Micheline Murphy, Senior Consulting Systems Engineer, WWT

Moderator

Danielle Carter, Cisco Insider Program, Cisco

Unlock AI for Retail and Predictive data analytics success with Samsoe Samsoe and Cisco Meraki.

In this episode of Tech Unscripted, Bryan Jones (SVP, Cisco) sits down with Simeon Solarsky, Head of IT and Operations at Samsoe Samsoe, to explore how to bridge the gap between online presence and brick-and-mortar stores. We dive deep into how leveraging Predictive data analytics and modern infrastructure like Wi-Fi 7 can turn IT from a cost center into a powerful engine for growth.

Moderator:   

Bryan Jones – SVP Cisco

Participants:   

Simeon Solarsky – Head of IT and Operations at Samsoe Samsoe

Cisco is redefining the future of collaboration—and this episode of Cisco Champion Radio dives straight into the innovation.

Join us as Cisco Champions and collaboration experts unpack the latest advancements across the Cisco collaboration portfolio, including one of the largest product launches in the company’s history. From next-gen devices like the Room Kit Pro G2 to powerful updates in RoomOS, Cisco is raising the bar for seamless, flexible meeting experiences.

We explore how AI is transforming the way teams connect, with intelligent features like dynamic camera switching, enhanced audio quality, and even AI-powered note-taking designed to support frontline workers. Plus, hear how Cisco continues to meet customers where they are—supporting both cloud and on-premise environments while maintaining consistent security through MDAP and RoomOS layers.

Whether you're dialing in remotely or collaborating in a high-impact meeting space, this episode highlights how Cisco is building a truly unified workplace—where technology fades into the background and connection takes center stage.

Tune in to discover how smarter, more intuitive collaboration is shaping the modern work experience.

Cisco guest

Rich Bayes, Sr. Director of Product Marketing

Cisco Champion hosts

Sijbren Beukenkamp, Director/Owner, 3Corners

Amr Nasher, Founder and CEO, Twaasol

Ahmed Attieh, Chief Technology Officer, FRINK Advanced services GmbH

Elena Pudge, Collaboration Practice Lead, Conscia UK

Moderator

Danielle Carter, Cisco Insider Program, Cisco

In celebration of Women's History Month, this episode of Cisco Champion Radio features a candid conversation with women in technology sharing their unique journeys into the industry. From backgrounds in law, education, and event planning to careers in networking and IT, the panel highlights how diverse experiences bring valuable perspectives to the tech space.

The discussion explores the importance of collaboration, allyship, and supportive environments while addressing the challenges women can face in male-dominated fields. The group also reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome, the value of strong communication skills, and why encouraging more young women to pursue careers in tech is critical for the future of the industry.

Cisco Champions

Micheline Murphy, Senior Consulting Systems Manager

Maren Mahoney, Senior Engineer, BlueAlly

Nicole Polachak, Senior Network Consultant II, Team Lead, BlueAlly

Moderator

Danielle Carter, Cisco Insider Program, Cisco

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, plan to hear a dynamic conversation on Cisco’s next-generation networking innovations—where AI integration, enhanced security, and operational simplicity come together to define the networks of tomorrow.

Our experts unpack how AI-ready infrastructure is reshaping network design, from shifting traffic patterns and automating management to enabling faster, smarter decision-making. They explore Cisco’s latest hardware advancements, including custom silicon for superior performance and post-quantum cryptography for future-proof security.

Tune in to learn how integrated security within routers simplifies operations, why feature parity across new and legacy systems matters, and how adopting a DevOps mindset empowers engineers to fully leverage AI-driven insights.

As organizations navigate digital transformation, this episode delivers a clear takeaway: simplicity, scalability, and security are the cornerstones of building resilient, AI-ready networks for the future.

Cisco guests

Mike Kraus, Americas Networking SE Leader, Cisco

Stephenie Chastain, Director, Routing TME, Cisco 

 

Cisco Champion hosts

Len Ledford, Architect II, Advisory Services, Insight

Kenny Paula, Information Security Professional / College Instructor

Alan Gardner, CEO, Current Technologies Computer Learning Center

Moderator

Danielle Carter, Cisco, CCR Program/ Customer Voices

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of industrial operations — driving efficiency, precision, and safety like never before. In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we explore how AI-powered innovations such as data processing, machine vision, and robotics are revolutionizing industrial environments.

Our experts discuss what it takes to support this transformation — from robust, low-latency networking to stronger cybersecurity and seamless collaboration between IT and OT teams. Discover how Cisco solutions like Cyber Vision enhance visibility and security across production networks, why compliance with frameworks like NIST and IEC 62443 is critical, and how targeted use cases are driving real success in modern industrial systems.

Tune in for a practical look at how AI, automation, and security are converging to power the next generation of industrial operations.

Resources

https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/docs/solutions/Verticals/Industrial_Automation/Manufacturing_AI/AI_ready_industrial_networks.pdf

Cisco guest

Paul Didier, Internet of Things Solution Architect

Champion hosts

Len Ledford, Architect II, Advisor Services, Insight

Ibrahim Ramku, Network & Security CTO, TD-K A/S

Jonathan Mahady, Principal Network Engineer, BHP

Moderator

Danielle Carter, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program

What does it take to make Wi-Fi truly predictable? In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio, we explore the world of wireless determinism and how Wi-Fi 7 is setting a new standard for reliability and performance. Our experts break down key advancements like Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and intelligent channel usage—technologies that are transforming interference management and latency control.

Tune in for an inside look at the current and upcoming deterministic features in Wi-Fi 7, the impact of evolving regulations, and how these innovations are shaping the future of wireless connectivity.

Cisco guest

Matthew MacPherson, CTO Wireless, Cisco

Jerome Henry,  Lead Researcher, Office of the Wireless CTO, Cisco

Cisco guest

Jonathan Mahady, Principal Network Engineer, BHP

Len Ledford, Arcitect II, Advisory Services, Insight

Kjetil Teigen Hansen, Wirless Whisperer, Conscia Norge AS

Join host Melissa Barr for an in-depth conversation with Fletcher Previn, CIO of Cisco, as he reveals how AI is fundamentally reshaping IT and the future of work. Discover Cisco IT’s mission to enable 10x employee productivity and learn about our “customer zero” philosophy—acting as the proving ground for products designed to help large enterprises build, deploy, and manage their infrastructure. Get ready for a fascinating, inside look at how Cisco is building, securing, and making AI work every single day for our employees, customers, and partners.

Speakers

Melissa Barr - Senior Manager, Cisco Proof Points

Fletcher Previn, CIO, CIsco

AI is reshaping the world of networking and security—and Cisco Champions are diving in. In this episode, our experts explore how artificial intelligence is transforming network management, efficiency, and security operations. From SD-WAN optimization and bandwidth considerations to digital twins and secure routers, the conversation unpacks the real-world opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into modern networks. Plus, we tackle the balance between automation and the ongoing need to develop engineering skills in the AI era.

Resources

Visit our webpage to learn more about our SD-WAN and Security solutions: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/networking/sdwan/index.html

Cisco guest

Hugo Vliegen, VP, Product Management, Unified SDWAN & SASE

Champion guests

Gert-Jan de Boer, Networking Archeologist, aaZoo Network Solutions

Donald Robb, Principal Network Architect, Walt Disney Company

Marco Krauss, IT Senior Consultant Network Automation, Computacenta

Dan Kelcher, Sr. Network Engineer, Hollstadt Consulting

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.

Moderator: 

Luke Paddington, Creative Director, Cisco

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