There's a lot covered in this episode, but we can't promise that ANY of it has to do with tech outside of a mention of a certain service provider.

Early on, Kat lays all of her superstitions (or stitions?) on the line, then Ian spends about 13 minutes of your time analyzing grocery store (technically a small business?) operations and logistics (and his recurring issues) Get this man in front of Publix's board!

Today we're here to yap, and we're so glad that you're here to listen - WE PROMISE to drop knowledge next week (Internet of Things...it's a doozy).

If you've made it this far and are actually looking for information on Cisco's solutions, you can check them out here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html#tabs-a107e9a621-item-6caff3e5bb-tab

Oh! And now you can WATCH 404 on our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@404ScriptNotFound

Join us for an exciting episode of the ‘Cisco SE Talks: Conversations on AI Podcast’ as we welcome Pat Bodin, a leading expert in artificial intelligence in business. With a rare combination of CCIE and CPA certifications, Pat Bodin brings unique insights into how AI and customer success are deeply connected.

In this episode, Pat reveals his innovative "30 on 30" approach—showing how to create 30 impactful AI use cases in just 30 seconds. Discover how cross-domain expertise is crucial for successful AI conversations and learn real-world strategies for leveraging Cisco AI to drive meaningful business outcomes.

Don’t miss this engaging AI podcast—perfect for anyone interested in artificial intelligence in business, Cisco AI solutions, or enhancing customer success with AI.

Watch this episode on Cisco's YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPimA48poTk

AB sits down with PepsiCo’s Rajat Arora, Global Head of Networks and IT/OT Infrastructure, to talk about how Cisco technologies and solutions are driving better business outcomes for PepsiCo across the globe. This is a great conversation that covers a variety of topics, from IT/OT convergence to the integration of Cisco WAN to self-healing networks.

In this episode of Shift Happens, host Jeff Edwards sits down with Rakesh Samtani, Senior Director of Partner Networking Sales at Cisco, to explore how AI is transforming network management and how the Cisco 360 Partner program initiative is reshaping the partner landscape. From key innovations unveiled at Cisco LIVE to actionable insights that can drive growth and profitability, this conversation dives into the $43 billion network refresh opportunity and what it means for partners ready to lead with AI.

What you’ll learn:

• Why AI is the engine of next-gen networking

• How Cisco the 360 Partner Program is evolving the partner model

• The power of new messaging and partner engagement

• Big takeaways from Cisco Live

• How to capitalize on the $43B opportunity

Mic drop moments:

“We are investing with our partners.”

“AI is moving GDPs.”

“It’s time to buzz the tower.”

As AI transforms IT infrastructure, it’s also reshaping what it takes for IT operations teams to assure performance and maintain quality digital experiences.

In this episode, we’ll explore the new challenges facing ITOps teams as AI becomes more integrated into IT environments, covering key digital resilience strategies and important considerations.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

00:54 AI & IT Infrastructure

03:15 Assuring Performance on Your AI Journey

04:55 Distributed Architecture

07:49 Digital Resilience

10:21 Catching Issues in the AI Era

11:47 Performance Problems

13:57 AI Readiness: A Journey, Not a Destination

15:07 Get in Touch

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For additional insights, check out this Guide to Next-generation Assurance: https://www.thousandeyes.com/resources/guide-to-next-generation-assurance-ebook?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fy25q4_internetreport_q4fy25ep5_podcast

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Want to get in touch?

If you have questions, feedback, or guests you would like to see featured on the show, send us a note at [email protected]. Or follow us on LinkedIn or X.

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ABOUT THE INTERNET REPORT

This is The Internet Report, a podcast uncovering what’s working and what’s breaking on the Internet—and why.

Tune in to hear ThousandEyes’ Internet experts dig into some of the most interesting outage events from the past couple weeks, discussing what went awry—was it the Internet, or an application issue?

Plus, learn about the latest trends in ISP outages, cloud network outages, collaboration network outages, and more.

Catch all the episodes on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform:

- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-report/id1506984526

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ADFvqAtgsbYwk4JiZFqHQ?si=00e9c4b53aff4d08&nd=1&dlsi=eab65c9ea39d4773

- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ciscopodcastnetwork/sets/the-internet-report

WELCOME to Episode 18 of 404 - today, we're joined by Cisco SMB sales leader Koko Burns, and while her resume is impressive, her tales from her time in the field are even more so.

Koko shares with us her real life experience with a Tinder Swindler, obituary hunting, and how to navigate awkward client interactions - spoiler: some people make it impossible. And once again, Kat reminds us that she's easily scammed.

If you have any interest in what tech sales is really like, we think you'll enjoy this episode.

Oh! And now you can WATCH 404 on our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@404ScriptNotFound

If you've read this far, and are actually looking for information on Cisco's solutions that you can use to enable your sellers you can check them out here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html#tabs-a107e9a621-item-6caff3e5bb-tab

AB sits down with three of Cisco’s leaders: Lawrence Huang, SVP and GM of Network Platform and Wireless; Greg Dorai, SVP and GM of Cisco's Switching business; and Vikas Butaney, SVP and GM of Cisco Routing and Industrial IoT, to discuss Cisco's latest advancements, from AI-driven network management to Industrial IoT solutions, highlighting how these and other technologies are transforming the way businesses operate across diverse environments to deliver operational simplicity to our customers.

AB sits down with Ramana Kompella, Cisco Fellow and Head of Cisco Research, for a great talk about Cisco's focus on quantum networking as a next-generation technology. From networking entanglement to the importance of research to the development of Cisco's new networking-entanglement chip, this conversation highlights how Cisco is innovating in ways that aim to unify classical and quantum internet infrastructures.

In this episode of Shift Happens, host Jeff Edwards talks with Ken Seitz, Senior Director at Cisco, about the Cisco 360 Partner Value Index (PVI)—a game-changing shift in how Cisco recognizes and rewards partner performance. They break down how the Partner Value Incentive works, what it means for branding and profitability, and how it’s helping partners sharpen their focus in key areas like networking, security, and AI.

Ken shares insights on the move from a one-size-fits-all recognition model to a more specialized approach, why predictability matters, and how partner feedback is shaping future improvements. Plus, you'll hear exactly what steps partners can take now to make the most of their Partner Value Index scores and the Cisco 360 Partner program.

Key takeaways:

• What the Partner Value Incentive is and why it matters

• How Partner scores impact branding and profit

• Why specialization is the new strategy

• The role of partner incentives

• Actionable ways to boost your Partner Value Index score

We jump right in by talking...supplements? Kat may be Pablo Escobar, who knows. She makes her own preworkout, and the rules around here.

Kat then has a fire alarm, so we had to restart the show halfway through (shoutout to our production team, this ended up flowing really well).

We then get into what we meant to talk about: tips for balancing work and working out, and why we both think it is SO important. Spoiler: working out makes you a better employee. We share our best practices for committing and staying committed to fitness, no matter what our 9 to 5 throws at us!

If you've read this far, and are actually looking for information on Cisco's solutions that you can use to work from anywhere, even the gym, you can check them out here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html#tabs-a107e9a621-item-6caff3e5bb-tab