With a background in telecom technology and extensive experience in managing PBX systems, Darin Ward brings expertise in navigating the challenges of the industry. From discussing security awareness to highlighting the potential benefits of telecom advancements, Darin offers valuable insights into optimizing operations and leveraging modern solutions for improved efficiency.

In this episode, Darin Ward discusses how organizations can modernize aging telecommunications infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Transitioning to cloud-based systems introduces challenges related to connectivity, redundancy and lost features. The conversation highlights strategies for balancing the transitions risks and rewards when modernizing telecommunications systems.

How can IT professionals stay relevant in a rapidly changing tech landscape? In this episode, Seth Yeack, IT Manager at Dazpak, shares his journey from Army cabling to managing IT for a packaging company. Seth offers insights on understanding business needs, automating processes, and using AI effectively in IT. He emphasizes the importance of connecting with end users, continuous learning, and adapting to

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Seth Yeack serves as the IT Manager at Dazpak, a packaging company that produces materials for major brands like Starbucks and McDonald’s. With a background in Army communications and self-taught

Yash Murali is the Chief Technology Officer at Therabody, a leading wellness technology company known for inventing percussive massage therapy devices. With experience as both a CIO and CTO, Yash has a track record of leading technology teams in private equity-backed companies, driving growth and efficiency. He brings expertise in areas like e-commerce, mobile apps, and leveraging technology to drive business value.

How can technology leaders drive growth and efficiency in private equity-backed companies? In this episode, Yash Murali, CTO of Therabody, shares insights from his career journey and experience leading tech teams in fast-paced environments. Yash discusses the differences between CIO and CTO roles, strategies for aligning teams around business objectives, and his approach to fostering transparency and trust. He also offers advice for aspiring tech leaders on staying adaptable and supporting their teams’ growth.

Jon Scarpa is the Director of IT at RDAbbott, bringing years of experience in IT leadership and a focus on effective communication and user-centric design.

With over 20 years of experience in IT leadership roles, Jon focuses on leveraging technology to drive business value and improve processes. He is passionate about building strong teams and mentoring IT professionals to grow their skills and careers.

His approach emphasizes simplifying complex technical concepts to drive business value and improve user adoption of IT solutions.

In this bonus segment, Jon Scarpa discusses the importance of simplifying IT presentations and focusing on user experience. He emphasizes the need to avoid overwhelming audiences with technical jargon and instead focus on conveying key messages that solve specific problems. Jon shares insights on effective communication in IT leadership and the value of designing solutions with the end-user in mind.

Jon Scarpa is the Director of IT at RDAbbott, a chemical manufacturing company operating throughout North America. With over 20 years of experience in IT leadership roles, Jon focuses on leveraging technology to drive business value and improve processes. He is passionate about building strong teams and mentoring IT professionals to grow their skills and careers.

How can IT leaders move beyond just “keeping the lights on” to become strategic drivers of business value? In this episode, Jon Scarpa, Director of IT at RDAbbott, shares his people-first approach to IT leadership. Jon discusses the importance of understanding business needs, building trust through relationships, and leveraging technology to support people and processes. He offers practical advice on communicating IT value to executives and growing your team’s skills while partnering with outside experts.

Brian Mccarte serves as the Director of Information Technology at Cozzini bro, the nation’s largest knife sharpening rental fiirm. With a background in manufacturing and software development, Brian has led the transformation of Cozzini into a data-driven SaaS company. His expertise spans AI implementation, ERP systems, and building strong relationships between IT and business units.

How can IT leaders leverage AI and data to drive business value? In this episode, Brian Mccarte, Director of Information Technology at Cozzini Bros, shares insights on implementing AI for customer predictions, transforming a traditional business into a data-driven SaaS company, and building confidence in IT through relationship-building and problem-solving. Brian discusses the challenges and successes of developing custom AI solutions, the importance of understanding business needs, and his vision for the future of IT leadership.

Thomas Dewar serves as the CIO at Acupath Laboratories. With a background in psychology and self-taught programming skills, Thomas brings a unique perspective to IT leadership. His career spans various industries, including child protective services, healthcare, and software development. Thomas’s approach emphasizes understanding business needs, user experience, and continuous improvement in IT operations.

How can IT leaders create more reliable systems and align technology with business needs? In this episode, Thomas Dewar, CIO at Acupath Laboratories, shares insights on applying the concept of poka-yoke (mistake-proofing) to IT, understanding business processes, and creating user-friendly solutions. Thomas discusses his journey from psychology major to IT leader and offers practical advice for improving IT operations and communication with business stakeholders.

Thomas Dewar has been working in IT since the late 1970s, starting with programming on early home computers. With a background in psychology, Thomas    brings a unique perspective to IT leadership, focusing on communication, problem-solving, and understanding business needs. His experience spans various industries and roles, giving him valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in modern IT management.

How can IT leaders improve communication, build trust, and solve business problems? In this episode, Thomas    Dewar shares insights from his long career in IT, starting with his early days of programming in the 1970s. Thomas    discusses the importance of understanding business needs, communicating effectively with executives, and applying concepts like “Love It or List It” to IT decision-making. He also explores the psychological aspects of IT work and offers advice on building trust in a skeptical environment.

Jason Conley serves as the Chief Technology Officer and VP of Products and Engineering, bringing extensive experience in telecom and CX technology to his role. With a background in healthcare IT, Jason focuses on leveraging technology to improve patient engagement and operational efficiency. His expertise spans from traditional telecom systems to modern AI-driven CX solutions.

How can IT leaders leverage CX technology and AI to improve patient engagement and operational efficiency in healthcare? In this episode, Jason Conley, Chief Technology Officer and VP of Products and Engineering, shares insights on aligning business objectives across departments, the strategic value of IT, and practical applications of AI in contact centers. Jason discusses how modern CX solutions can reduce friction in patient interactions, improve appointment scheduling, and drive better health outcomes.

Brad Richardson is a consultant, speaker, and community builder with a diverse background that includes a career as an IT director and a touring musician.

He is passionate about improving mid-management practices and creating more

How can IT leaders create more empathetic and effective workplaces? In this episode, Brad Richardson- consultant, speaker, and community builder with a diverse background that includes a career as an IT director and a touring musician- shares his unique perspective on leadership that emphasizes empathy, transparency, and employee development. Brad discusses his “Silent Revolution” initiative to improve mid-management, the importance of advocating for technical needs, and how his experiences as a touring musician have shaped his approach to IT leadership.