Discover how cloud enablement, AI, and automation are transforming modern businesses. Join Kevin Evans and Jim Spignardo as they explore practical use cases, governance, and future trends in AI adoption.Key Topics:

Most organizations assume their backups, disaster recovery plans, and security controls will work during a cyberattack.

But what happens when those systems have never actually been tested?

In this episode of Code to Cloud — Firewall Fridays,  Host Kevin Evans sits down with cybersecurity expert Dom Vogel breaks down a real-world incident where a mid-sized construction company lost nearly $500,000 after discovering their “state-of-the-art” backup system failed when it mattered most.

This wasn’t caused by advanced ransomware or elite hackers.

It was caused by a common organizational mistake: trusting technology without validating it.

If you lead IT, manage risk, oversee finance, or run a business dependent on digital systems, this conversation explores the practical realities of cybersecurity, backup testing, and organizational resilience.

Why modern backup systems still fail during ransomware incidents

The hidden risk behind untested disaster recovery plans

How cybersecurity myths create operational blind spots

Why continuous validation is replacing traditional security audits

How everyday devices and jailbroken streaming boxes become enterprise attack vectors

The shift from top-down cyber threats to bottom-up vulnerabilities

Leadership, governance, and accountability in cybersecurity decision-making

Practical ways organizations can strengthen cyber resilience today

This episode is designed for:

Business owners and executives

CFOs and risk leaders

IT directors and managed service providers

Cybersecurity professionals and CISOs

Organizations operating cloud, on-premise, or hybrid environments

Anyone responsible for business continuity, data protection, or cyber risk management will recognize challenges discussed in this conversation.

Cyber incidents rarely happen because organizations lack technology.

They happen because systems are assumed to work instead of being proven to work.

Dom Vogel explains why cybersecurity must evolve from compliance checklists and tool purchases toward continuous testing, systemic thinking, and organizational accountability.

Cyber resilience is not built during an incident — it is validated long before one occurs.

Practical cybersecurity guidance for Canadian organizations:

Code To Cloud Guide

Code to Cloud explores real cybersecurity incidents, leadership decisions, risk management strategies, and lessons learned from the front lines of IT and security.

New episodes released regularly.

00:00 Introduction — Code to Cloud & Firewall Fridays

01:20 The Myth of “State-of-the-Art” Backups

02:00 The $500K Backup Failure Case Study

05:15 Why Testing and Validation Matter

09:30 Cloud vs On-Prem Backup Reality

12:45 Leadership, Accountability & Cyber Risk

16:40 Fixing Organizational Security Culture

20:00 The Jailbroken “Super Box” Story

24:30 Hidden Hardware Security Risks

28:30 Key Cybersecurity Lessons & Wrap-Up

Join Kevin Evans & Kent Weare as they explore how Microsoft's Logic Apps integrate with AI-powered agents to automate complex business processes, connect legacy systems, and accelerate digital transformation. Perfect for professionals seeking to understand modern cloud-native automation.

What You'll Learn

What You'll Learn

What You'll Learn

Most tech careers aren’t linear—and yours doesn’t have to be either. Dr. Jason Bernard shares his unconventional journey from programming video games at age 11 to pioneering AI algorithms that could revolutionize biotech and urban planning.

In this eye-opening episode, Jason reveals how his diverse experiences—from military service to music composition—fuel groundbreaking research in process modeling and data science. You'll discover:

How early programming and limited hardware shaped his approach to elegant, resource-efficient algorithms

The real difference between machine learning, AI, and data analytics—and why understanding this distinction is key to future-proof skills

The fascinating world of modeling biological processes, like gene-expression for drought-resistant crops, using reverse engineering in data science

Why simplicity and human insight remain essential in an era dominated by neural networks and language models The future of data science careers in a rapidly evolving tech landscape and practical advice for new professionals

This episode is perfect for tech enthusiasts, data scientists, and students eager to learn how a curious mind can make an impact across industries—from agriculture to telecommunications—and why adaptability and a deep understanding of algorithms are the secret weapons for success. With over 18 years of research and real-world experience, Jason is an assistant professor at Athabasca University, known for pushing the boundaries of process modeling and optimization. His work on inferring computational models from real data has been called the “holy grail” by leading experts. If you're looking for inspiration on how to navigate a non-traditional tech path or want to understand the core principles behind cutting-edge AI research—this episode will change the way you see your career.

Hit play and unlock your potential today.

Host Kevin Evans

What happens when geopolitical tensions spill into your network?

Host: Kevin Evans

Guest: Dom Vogel

In this episode, we break down the real-world cyber threats facing organizations today — from Iranian threat groups targeting US healthcare to the hidden risks lurking in your contractor relationships and free SaaS tools.

Whether you're a solo operator or leading a large enterprise, this conversation delivers practical, no-nonsense strategies to protect what matters most.

🔐 In This Episode: Iranian cyber groups targeting US organizations & their destructive playbook Why geopolitical, cyber, and physical risks can no longer be managed in silos

The leadership drought in cybersecurity — and how to fix it Who should actually own your business technology (hint: not just IT)

Cybersecurity for small businesses: simple wins that scale

The real cost of free tools — what your data is funding Gen Z, remote work, and the future of the cyber workforce

Why procedural maturity matters more than your tech stack

Third-party and contractor risks hiding in plain sight Domain, cloud, and access governance — the unsexy stuff that saves companies

Resources: https://www.codetocloud.io/blog/who-owns-your-business-technology

In this episode, Kevin Evans sits down with AI systems engineer and energy sector expert Wish Bakshi to explore how AI and data analytics are transforming the oil, gas, and power industries. They discuss technical intricacies, industry challenges, and future opportunities in energy infrastructure.

In this episode, Kevin Evans and Steve Rogalsky discuss the evolving landscape of education technology (EdTech) and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in learning.

They reflect on their experiences at the Prairie Dev Conference, emphasizing the importance of community and networking in professional growth. The conversation delves into the distinction between generative and transformative learning, the ethical implications of AI in education, and the need for personalized learning experiences.

They also explore the barriers to access in education and the potential of AI to democratize learning globally. The episode concludes with thoughts on the future of AI in education and the importance of generosity in fostering transformation. Takeaways Conferences can be a catalyst for career growth. EdTech focuses on solving educational problems with technology. Generative AI can create content but should aim for transformative learning.

AI can personalize education to meet individual learner needs. Ethics and guardrails are crucial in AI applications. Technology can democratize access to education. Javan's paradox suggests that efficiency can lead to higher demand. AI can enhance the role of teachers rather than replace them. The future of work will involve more AI integration.

Generosity in sharing knowledge can transform lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Conference Reflections

02:46 Transitioning in EdTech and AI Exploration

05:36 Understanding EdTech and Lifelong Learning

08:47 Generative vs. Transformative Learning with AI

11:35 AI in the Classroom: Personalized Learning Experiences

14:42 Use Cases in Psychology and Mathematics

17:22 Governance and Ethics in AI Education

20:13 Future of AI in Education and Job Impact

28:14 The Evolution of Technology and Job Creation

31:56 Access to Education and Lowering Barriers

35:08 The Impact of AI on Work and Creativity

39:13 Vibe Coding and Its Disruptive Potential

45:50 Generosity and Transformation in Technology

Most small and mid-sized businesses are flying blind in cybersecurity — and cybercriminals know it. In this eye-opening episode of Firewall Fridays, Dom Vogel reveals the shocking risks lurking in overlooked vulnerabilities, and how a simple mindset shift can save your organization millions.

You’ll discover why ignoring cyber threats is like driving without insurance, and how some companies are unknowingly risking contracts worth millions by neglecting basic security measures. Dom breaks down the three major blind spots hampering SMBs: surviving a breach, weak cyber insurance practices, and supply chain vulnerabilities. He shares real-world stories — from the construction firm with outdated backups to the law firm with a server not even plugged in — that expose just how easy it is to fall into costly cyber traps.

You’ll learn exactly how to prioritize cybersecurity in a way that directly impacts your bottom line. We dive into practical tactics like leveraging cloud platforms for automatic security, understanding the true cost of outdated hardware and software, and asking the right questions about your vendor and security posture. The stakes are high, but the opportunity to protect your business, reputation, and revenue has never been clearer.

If you're a small business owner or executive feeling overwhelmed by cybersecurity myths and hidden dangers, this episode is your wake-up call. Dom’s straightforward advice will help you cut through the noise and make smarter, less risky decisions today. Because in cybersecurity, ignorance is costly — but awareness can be your greatest asset.

Join us and turn cybersecurity from a nerve-wracking expense into a strategic advantage. Perfect for anyone who wants to stop flying blind and start safeguarding their future.

Host:

Kevin Evans

Unlock the hidden secrets behind building successful tech startups in Alberta. Discover how a seasoned CTO and a passionate founder are transforming the way founders bring their ideas to life — faster, smarter, and more cost-effectively. If you're a founder, innovator, or tech enthusiast feeling overwhelmed by complexity or unsure where to start, this episode will change how you approach your next big idea.

Join our community!

When founders rush into app development without understanding costs, security, or real needs, they risk costly failures and missed opportunities. Rhea and Al reveal how a new approach—powered by AI-driven tools, tailored advisory, and industry-specific insights—can save thousands of dollars and years of frustration. They share concrete stories of projects rescued from the brink, beginner developers launched into careers, and how Alberta’s thriving ecosystem can support your success.

You’ll discover:

In this episode, Kevin is joined by Rea Hailley, co-founder of New Idea Machine, and Al Del Degan, CTO with decades of experience in coding, AI, and startup support. They leverage Alberta’s unique innovation landscape and global tech advances to empower founders with essential knowledge and tools. Whether you're early stage or scaling up, this is your playbook for turning ideas into impactful, scalable businesses.

In this episode, Kevin Evans and Chris Ayers explore how modern engineering teams are building and operating AI platforms using automation, agent-based orchestration, and developer tooling.

Join our community!

They discuss practical approaches to managing Azure AI SDKs, automating documentation and infrastructure design, and integrating tools like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and Claude into real development workflows. The conversation dives into agent frameworks, orchestration loops, responsible AI considerations, and how DevOps and platform teams can safely scale AI-driven automation.

This episode is ideal for architects, platform engineers, DevOps professionals, and developers looking to improve productivity and adopt AI-first workflows without losing control, security, or reliability.

Repos:

https://github.com/kevinevans1/genai_wiki

https://github.com/codetocloudorg/azure-agentic-engineering