While finance might not be the first industry you associate with innovation, behind the scenes, it has been getting a serious tech upgrade. In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Michael McGeein, Program Director and Product Management Leader at IBM, and Brian Simpson, Senior Director of Presales, Data & AI at Pellera, to unpack how AI is transforming financial planning and analytics. From the early days of algorithmic forecasting to today’s dynamic, real-time modeling, Michael and Brian share how AI is helping teams move beyond static spreadsheets to more agile, decision-ready tools. They dive into the real-world impact across industries like pharma and manufacturing, explore how platforms like AWS are accelerating time to value, and explain how agentic AI is helping democratize forecasting by reducing technical barriers. Most importantly, they discuss why AI in finance isn’t about replacing people, it’s about empowering them to focus on higher-value work. So if you’re wondering what AI in finance looks like in practice, or how it’s reshaping the role of the finance team, this episode may just pay dividends. 

Modern IT is at a breaking point, and that’s not a bad thing. As AI sweeps across every industry, organizations are being forced to face what they’ve been avoiding for years: legacy systems that are holding them back. In this episode of Edge of IT, host Jonathan Gough chats with Stu Miniman, Senior Director of Market Insights, Hybrid Platforms at Red Hat and Andrew Tenaglia VP, Application Modernization at Pellera. Together, they discuss the future of modern platforms, the massive cost (and payoff) of AI implementation, and why breaking free from technical debt is non-negotiable. From decoding the economics of GPUs to tackling the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset, this conversation is a reality check and a playbook for IT leaders who are ready to shift from survival mode to smart innovation. 

Imagine slicing through AI, seeing every layer, every interaction, and understanding not just what it’s doing, but why. While the world buzzes with talk about AI’s capabilities, a more critical conversation often takes a back seat: what’s actually happening behind the code? In this episode of Edge of IT, host Jonathan is joined by two experts committed to breaking into the black box of AI. Manoj Khabe, VP of Observability and FinOps at Pellera, and Arthur de Magalhaes, AI & Automation Architect at IBM, bring their unique perspectives to help decode observability. They explore real-world use cases for AI observability, how it has evolved in recent years, and where to begin if you’re unsure what’s happening in your AI systems. The conversation also covers what to ask vendors, from integrations and real-time metrics to CI/CD compatibility, showing how observability can reduce cloud costs, speed up resolution, and improve user experience. Tune in to discover why overlooking observability could leave your organization flying blind.

If you work in tech, you have no doubt heard the buzz around agentic AI. But what exactly does it stand to do, and why is everyone talking about it? To help unpack it all, Jonathan Gough is joined by Richard Kott, Partner Development Manager at Microsoft and a passionate advocate for what agentic AI can bring to the table. Together, they dive into the who, what, when, where, and why of agentic AI—exploring what it stands to achieve. Richard reveals how these systems have evolved from single-task agents to today’s upgraded, multi-tasking AI systems that support teams and functions organization-wide. He also shares real-world examples of how agentic AI is being used across industries, from enterprise applications to consumer-facing tools. Most importantly, Jonathan and Richard shine a light on the human side of this technology. They explore how agentic AI connects back to human creativity and a need for compliance to keep everyone protected. Ready to ride the next wave of tech innovation? Let’s talk all things agentic AI.

In a world where billions of devices are coming online and the edge of networks keeps expanding, IT leaders need to ask: How can enterprises stay securely connected? In this episode of Edge of IT, Jonathan sits down with Stephen Bird, Senior Technical Manager at Aruba, to explore how organizations can future-proof their connectivity strategies through visibility, standardization, and intelligent automation. Together, they dive into everything from zero trust architecture to self-healing networks, highlighting what it takes to make modern networking not just seamless but truly intelligent. Exploring the evolving role of data centers, Stephen shares how the real challenge isn't just enablement, but exists in knowing which devices are on your network and whether they're behaving as expected. Looking ahead, he unpacks how technologies like 5G, AI, and machine learning are redefining connectivity, with device profiling and automation playing a central role in scaling and securing enterprise networks. If you're ready to stay connected to the future of connectivity, this episode is for you!

Undergoing a digital transformation can be a daunting experience for IT leaders. With so many options to weigh, it can be difficult to feel confident that you're making the right decision to propel your organization forward. In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Scott Wiest, VP and CTO for Global Sales at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Greg Rhoades, CTO at Pellera, to delve into the complexities of digital transformation. Ready to map out the blueprint for enterprises today, they share their insights on what holds organizations back from embracing the future of IT. They unpack the risks associated not only with transformation but also with the failure to adapt, sharing why standing still could leave organizations vulnerable. Scott and Greg also explore what it means to place your investment in digital transformation, breaking down how returns can be measured and tracked to reflect real organizational change. Ultimately, they reveal why transformation is not just about technology, it’s about having the right mindset and blueprint for the future. 

Is AI making its way into your workplace, leaving you curious or maybe even a little unsure about how it will shape your day-to-day work? Whether you see new opportunities or have lingering questions, this episode is here to help! Host Jonathan sits down with Sandi Gardner, Chief Information Officer at Promega, and Emily Martin, Executive Vice President of Hybrid Platforms at Pellera, to explore the intersection of AI, hybrid IT solutions, and collaboration. Together, they discuss how teams can leverage these technologies to spark new forms of teamwork and innovation. They share strategies for building trust while integrating AI into workflows, best practices for customizing Hybrid IT solutions, and how these efforts should align with your investment strategies. Discover why a culture of collaboration—especially during the adoption of new technologies—needs to start from the top down. This episode might just reshape the way you think about working with AI!

Have you ever tried assembling something while someone else shouts instructions? It’s undeniably stressful—a dynamic that feels surprisingly familiar in the world of healthcare IT systems. During the pandemic, the rapid development of diagnostic systems under intense regulation led to a system built at remarkable speed. However, an analysis of today’s healthcare IT reveals that its foundation may not be as solid as it seems. In this episode, Jonathan is joined by Vivek Balasubramanyam, a seasoned leader with over 20 years of expertise in medical devices and diagnostic systems. Together, they examine the cracks forming in the architecture of healthcare IT and identify where the system is beginning to strain under pressure. From the overwhelming influx of data and an evolving regulatory landscape to shifting market dynamics and the rising influence of AI, they explore how these forces are reshaping the system and their direct impact on patients. Taking a closer look at how this complex web was woven, the stakes involved, and what it might take to untangle it, this episode offers a thought-provoking diagnosis of the healthcare system itself.

The intersection of healthcare and AI is a delicate balancing act, one where time saved can mean lives saved. Where innovation carries both tremendous potential and profound responsibility. In this episode, explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in healthcare with Brendan J. Fowkes, Global Industry Technology Leader for Healthcare at IBM, and Hanna Aljaliss, Vice President of Artificial Intelligence at Pellera. From accelerating access to critical patient data to redefining the relationship between clinicians and the digital you, Brendan, and Hanna discuss how AI can empower doctors, improve the patient experience, and guide healthcare toward the goals of the Quadruple Aim. They discuss the significance of explainable AI in the decision-making process and reveal how without the right guardrails, the potential for harm is more than that of your typical model. Discover how AI is bridging the gap between data and care, altering the future for patients and caregivers alike. 

Your digital identity is more than just a username and password—it’s how organizations and systems recognize who you are. But what happens when that identity is compromised? In the debut episode of Edge of IT, we dive into the evolving world of identity and access management (IAM) with industry leaders Kyle Watson, VP of IAM at Pellera, and Alex Kemenov, Lead IAM Solutions Engineer at IBM. Together, they break down the rising costs of insider threats, the growing challenge of digital espionage, and what it takes to keep your organization protected. Learn how to modernize IAM practices, why understanding behavior is critical, and what the latest Ponemon report reveals about the state of digital identity. Finally, while AI offers incredible potential for identifying threats, Kyle and Alex explain why organizations need to walk before they run to make the most of these tools. Tune in to this inaugural episode on all things digital identity! 



Reports referenced: 

• Correction: 56% of organizations reported experiencing a data breach (not 54% as mentioned in the interview). This is referenced on page 28 of the report. Click here to view https://bit.ly/3USqrKq