Justin Mealer is IT Manager at Impulse Space, a startup focused on space logistics and transportation. His journey began hacking his school’s network at age 12, before becoming one of the youngest IT managers in his region. Justin’s passion for learning has fueled his rapid rise, along with his knack for crafting compelling sci-fi stories. Justin is helping transform space transportation by building IT systems for rocket ships and embodies creative thinking and tenacity to chart his own path to success.

In this engaging discussion, we delve into the evolution of IT infrastructure and the expanding role of the IT professional. Our guest Justin brings insightful perspective, drawing from his space startup experience to discuss maximizing first call resolution and owning the user experience. Justin offers practical tips for starting with frameworks like ITIL but customizing processes for your environment. He sees constantly learning and seeking knowledge as vital for emerging leaders. Looking ahead, he provides thoughtful forecasts on how exciting technologies like AI may shape space IT roles in the years ahead. Tune in for practical, forward-thinking insights from Justin’s diverse IT journey so far.

Fred Donatucci is an accomplished IT leader with over 25 years of experience driving business transformation and change. His passion for technology started early with his first computer, an Apple IIe. Fred went on to study economics and philosophy, combining his interests in business and technology. He has led IT teams and projects at global companies including Mattel, Honeywell, and Avery Dennison. Known for solving complex challenges, Fred utilizes his breadth of business and technology knowledge to create IT solutions that drive value.

What does it take to become an effective IT leader? How has the role evolved over the years? In this podcast, we tackle these questions and more in an insightful chat with IT pro Fred Donatucci. Drawing on over two decades of experience, Fred shares perspectives on transitioning to management, integrating systems after mergers, and witnessing seismic technology shifts. Expect a view on where IT leadership has been, the challenges leaders face today, and advice for the future as we cover lessons around courageous conversations, letting go of the past, and continuous learning.

Jason Metzger is an IT Manager at AC Corporation in Greensboro, North Carolina. With over 15 years of experience in IT administration and leadership roles, he is passionate about managing teams with empathy, respect, and humility. Originally from Philadelphia, Jason was inspired by his father’s decades of honorable service in law enforcement. He started his technology journey in the 1990s on an old 486 PC, asking questions and taking apart anything he could. Jason aims to create a positive environment for his team and smoothly guide changes by building trust and communication. He lives by the creed “be kind, be respectful, be humble” when it comes to leadership.

In this engaging discussion, we delve into the unique path Jason Metzger, IT Manager at AC Corporation has taken to IT management and leadership. Our guest Jason brings insightful perspective, drawing from his experience transitioning into official management roles after years of leading teams unofficially. Jason offers practical tips for mentoring with empathy, admitting mistakes to build trust, and staying humble as a leader – areas he sees as vital for effective IT management. Looking ahead, he provides thoughtful anecdotes about earning respect through clear communication and smoothly introducing change to modernize legacy systems. Walk away with actionable tips on being a better leader through consistency, kindness, and respect.

Joshua Smallman, Manager of IT Operations for ModSquad is an IT professional with over 15 years of experience spanning network engineering, cybersecurity, and more. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, he began developing specialized skills in cybersecurity while working for the government’s Ministry of Education. Joshua runs a popular YouTube channel focused on IT topics and cyber security training. He aims to make complex technical subjects accessible through clear explanations.

What does it take to navigate the constantly evolving cyber landscape? How have cyber threats and defense strategies changed over the past decades? We explore these questions and more in an engaging discussion with cybersecurity expert Joshua Smallman. Drawing on over 15 years in IT and security, Joshua provides insightful perspectives on the key milestones that have shaped cybersecurity. Expect a view on cyber’s origins, the escalating attacks we face today, and practical advice for the future as we cover early viruses, the emergence of ransomware, AI’s dual impact, and tips to strengthen defenses. No matter where you are on your cybersecurity journey, you will take away valuable lessons on the progression of threats and how to protect yourself in the age of ubiquitous technology risks.

With decades of experience in government and private sector cybersecurity, Chris Roberts serves as an influential voice for IT leaders seeking to manage risk and drive real change. His unique perspective stems from time in the military combined with high-impact work as an offensive security expert. Chris leverages his extensive technical expertise and passion for communication to guide clients on improving maturity, optimizing risk, and achieving operational resilience.

In this compelling conversation, we explore critical issues facing modern IT leaders. Our guest Chris Roberts provides unique perspective, drawing from his extensive cybersecurity experience to discuss evaluating risk, establishing visibility, and choosing the right partners. You’ll discover proven methods for evaluating your security posture and partnering with key vendors to drive meaningful change. Whether you lead a small firm or a large enterprise, this conversation provides actionable steps you can take to strengthen security, align teams, and build a culture of resilience. Expect candid insights from a pioneering hacker along with memorable stories that reveal why empowering your most important assets – people – is the key to cyber preparedness and operational excellence.

Glenn Hasteadt is a transformational IT leader focused on building high-performing, people-centric cultures. With over 30 years of experience, Glenn specializes in developing empowered, engaged teams by caring about people first and technology second. His strengths-based leadership approach centers around psychological safety, collaboration, and career development. Glenn has successfully shifted mindsets from IT as a cost center to IT as a driver of innovation.

In this forward-thinking episode, we delve into transforming toxic IT cultures by leading with heart. Our guest Glenn brings an insightful people-first perspective, drawing from his experience revitalizing IT teams. He offers practical tips for building psychological safety through empathy, praise, and empowerment—areas he sees as vital for people-centric leadership. Glenn provides thoughtful forecasts on shifting IT’s role from a cost center to a driver of innovation by truly caring about your team.

Drew Harris is Field CTO at EVOTEK and an accomplished IT leader with over 25 years of experience spanning various industries. He previously led hyper-convergence and cloud initiatives at major hospitality and public companies. Drew specializes in infrastructure modernization, with a focus on performance, stability, and security. He enjoys mentoring the next generation of IT professionals through programs like Tech Impact.

What does it really take to move your infrastructure to the cloud? How can you make such a major transition while keeping systems running 24/7? In this podcast, we explore these questions and more with IT leader Drew Harris. Drew recounts his journey migrating a major Vegas casino to hyper-converged infrastructure, then going fully cloud for a public company. Drew shares the challenges faced and lessons learned in optimizing performance, stability and security during these complex projects. You’ll hear his tips for managing costs, refactoring apps, and getting visibility across cloud environments.

Joshua Peavy is the Director of Information Technology at Trinity Community Health, a nonprofit community health center providing affordable care across 43 locations in Louisiana. He has over 15 years of experience in IT leadership roles in both nonprofit and for-profit healthcare organizations. His strengths include crisis management, aligning technology with business goals, and building strong relationships across departments. Joshua earned his bachelor’s in Physcology from Louisiana State University.

In this engaging discussion, we delve into navigating healthcare IT during uncertain times. Our guest Joshua Peavy brings insightful perspective, drawing from his nonprofit community health experience to discuss leading through exponential growth amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Joshua offers practical lessons around crisis management, aligning IT with organizational missions, and leading with empathy. He provides thoughtful insights on how focusing on the patient experience helped IT connect with stakeholders during turbulent times. Looking ahead, he forecasts how healthcare IT leaders can apply these lessons to guide their organizations through future challenges. Tune in for practical, forward-thinking insights from Joshua’s diverse healthcare IT journey so far.

Lucas Hendrich is Chief Technology Officer at The Forte Group, a technology solutions company. After majoring in philosophy, Lucas learned to code on the job at a regional bank. He then progressed through database administration and technical project management roles. Over a 12-year period based in Argentina, Lucas honed his skills remotely. He has since led IT and engineering teams at various companies, focusing on aligning technology with business goals. Lucas holds a Master’s in Economics and continues to have an insatiable appetite for learning.

What does it take to chart an unconventional path to technology leadership? How has the IT landscape evolved over the past decades? In this podcast, we tackle these questions and more in an insightful chat with IT executive Lucas Hendrich. Drawing on over 25 years of diverse experience, Lucas shares perspectives on transitioning from individual contributor to leader, managing rapid growth, and aligning technology with business goals. Expect a view on where IT has been, the challenges leaders face today and advice for constant learning and evolution. No matter where you are in your IT career, you will take away valuable lessons on developing grit, orchestrating teams, and leading through transparency.

Michael Turner is an IT professional with around 25 years of experience spanning mainframe computing, desktop support, networking, and management. Currently the IT Manager at Dynamic Equipment Group, Michael oversees technology strategy for the equipment sales company across 13 locations. His passion lies in cybersecurity, believing small businesses can implement controls to protect critical data without big budgets. As a former U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Michael credits the military for developing his hands-on technical skills , proving formal education isn’t the only path to an IT career.

In this compelling discussion, host Michael Moore sits down with Michael Turner, IT Manager at Dynamic Equipment Group, to take an in-depth look at the cybersecurity challenges facing small businesses today. With high-profile breaches making headlines and new regulations emerging, small companies often struggle to secure their data on limited budgets. Michael shares creative strategies companies can implement—from multi-factor authentication to access controls—to protect what matters most without breaking the bank. This episode provides actionable tips to strengthen security posture regardless of resources. The lively exchange also covers how to engage leadership, foster human connections in a remote work world, and embark on the lifelong learning journey of an IT professional.