Find Flow

“Historical and contextual data about customers are invaluable for personalization and service quality.” - James Warriner

James Warriner joins me today to explore the intricate world of data migration. As organizations seek to modernize and optimize their data handling capabilities, understanding the nuances of data migration has never been more critical. We'll explore leveraging AI and advanced tools to improve data quality and unlock its long-term potential.

James is the COO of Precision Bridge and has a rich history in service management. He began his career with a consultancy specializing in Remedy in the UK and has amassed experience across various service management platforms over the years. James joined Precision Bridge about two years ago and has been instrumental in driving innovative data migration solutions.

This week on Find Flow:

The importance of not discrediting data prematurely

Systematic improvement of data quality through algorithms and transformations

Leveraging big data for trend analysis and segmentation with AI

Customizations and configurations during data migrations

Tackling data integrity and mapping challenges in migration projects

Understanding the business impact of retaining valuable data

Strategies for effective data migration planning

The role of automation and testing in ensuring successful data migration

Resources Mentioned:

Precision Bridge - https://precisionbridge.net/

DevOps Institute’s Upskilling IT Report - https://www.devopsinstitute.com/upskilling-it/ 

70:20:10 Model - https://trainingindustry.com/wiki/content-development/the-702010-model-for-learning-and-development/ 

Book: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Dr. Carol Dweck - https://adrvantage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Mindset-The-New-Psychology-of-Success-Dweck.pdf

Connect with James Warriner:

Precision Bridge

James Warriner on LinkedIn

Find Your Flow in IT Operations

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Find Flow Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

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Host Sean McDermott takes you through the changes in digital transformation with an author on that very subject: Isaac Sacolick. Sean and Isaac Discus: New investments, SaaS, Adding technology, AIOps monitoring, AIOps automation in IT Ops, How to move into more orchestration automation

Sean McDermott is joined by Travis Greene from Micro Focus to cover an array of topics including: ITOM - what is currently top of mind with customers? (IT Service Management and the desire to improve user experience, Infrastructure response, and Cloud Management) What does it mean to focus on service reliability? (Demanding more observability data//insight into applications) The affects of automating tier 1 operations, and how transparency and trust comes into play with AI Ops. Travis and Sean have a spirited conversation to close out the podcast regarding how Observability and AI Ops are viewed.

Sean is joined by Jonathan Alboum, Federal CTO & Principal Digital Strategist at ServiceNow.Together, they cover:What is “governance” and why is it so important?The biggest challenges to implementing a successful governance program,  How the ServiceNow ecosystem supports clients, and what metrics to measure when it comes to governance.Learn more about Windward: https://windward.com/Connect with Jonathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-alboum-b3469/

“AI does not work unless you have access to as much data as possible.” - JL Hancock

Jim “JL” Hancock spent 20 years in the military, where he worked as a cryptologist and the senior enlisted advisor over future concepts and innovation for the Navy special operations community. During his service, Jim has learned two languages – Korean and Japanese – conducted hundreds of combat operations with special operations forces in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Philippines, and became a well-known subject matter expert in unmanned systems, 5G, and Artificial Intelligence. Drawing on his education in national security studies and his experience in the military, Jim is now an author of fiction books that reflect the complexities of the modern world. His latest book, The Hawk Enigma, tells the story of a gifted military technician struggling with the harrowing memories of war and the emptiness of loss who buries himself in his work with a secretive military research operation, later finding himself on the front lines of an AI arms race with the future of freedom at stake. When he’s not writing or promoting his book, Jim enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters at their home in California.

JL Hancock joins me today to examine the integration of artificial intelligence into systems and processes within organizations. We discuss the challenges of applying AI to the DedSec Ops space and the cultural shifts that are currently taking place regarding the use of artificial intelligence. We discuss why many organizations, including the military, are hesitant about integrating artificial intelligence into their operations and the negative impact this resistance can have on their organization. We also discuss the role that artificial intelligence can play in the cybersecurity space and the benefits and vulnerabilities of combining humans with artificial intelligence in cybersecurity.

This week on Find Flow:

The challenges of applying AI in DedSec

The cultural shifts currently occurring regarding the use of artificial intelligence

The pitfalls of change resistance

Why are many organizations resistant to integrating artificial intelligence?

The role of AI in cybersecurity

How A.I. and machine learning can help organizations scale things they’re already doing while continuing to learn from it

The benefits and drawbacks of combining artificial intelligence and the human role of cybersecurity

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Innovate or Die: Innovation and Technology for Special Operations by Dr. Robert Spulak

Connect with Jim “JL” Hancock:

Jim “JL” Hancock’s Website

Book:  The Hawk Enigma

Jim “JL” Hancock on Instagram

Jim “JL” Hancock on Facebook

Jim “JL” Hancock on Twitter

Find Your Flow in IT Operations

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Find Flow Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more IT Operations leaders, like you.

Join me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab your free gift: The 9 Ways to Accelerate Your Service Reliability Strategy.

Isaac Sacolick, president of StarCIO, joins me in exploring the profound impact of digital transformation on IT operations. In our industry, the rapid evolution of technology, including cloud services and SaaS, has revolutionized how businesses operate, demanding a new level of agility and innovation in IT operations. From automation to AIops, the complexities of managing sophisticated technology systems are shaping a new era for IT leaders.

Isaac Sacolick, my guest this week, is the president of StarCIO and an influential voice in the IT and technology community. An accomplished author with notable works like "Driving Digital" and the upcoming "Digital Trailblazer," Isaac offers a treasure trove of insights drawn from his extensive experience in overseeing digital transformations. His expertise is especially significant for CIOs and IT leaders aiming to navigate the intricate landscape of modern IT operations effectively.

“As leaders, we must embrace complexity with a strategic lens—prioritizing what truly impacts our customer experience.” - Isaac Sacolick

This week on Find Flow:

The transformative role of cloud services and SaaS in IT operations.

Challenges CIOs face in securing budgets for innovative technologies.

The essential role of automation and DevOps tools in managing IT environments.

The strategic implementation and benefits of AI Ops.

How digital transformation reshapes industries like renewable energy, construction, and retail.

The importance of aligning technology investments with customer impact and business strategy.

Effective management and strategic planning reduce the complexity and stress in IT operations.

The significance of Isaac Sacolick’s book "Digital Trailblazer" for transformation leaders.

Resources Mentioned:

Book: "Driving Digital" by Isaac Sacolick

Book: "Digital Trailblazer" by Isaac Sacolick

Connect with Isaac Sacolick:

Star CIO

LinkedIn

Twitter

Find Your Flow in IT Operations

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Find Flow Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more IT Operations leaders, like you.

Join me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab your free gift: The 9 Ways to Accelerate Your Service Reliability Strategy.

If your organization is navigating the complexities of GRC, or you need deeper insights into effective GRC strategies, do not miss this enlightening discussion with Tim Gavino. Join us as we explore how aligning GRC frameworks with business operations can serve not only to comply with necessary regulations but also to secure a competitive advantage in your industry.

Today on Find Flow, we focus on the complex and ever-evolving landscape of Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC). Joined by Tim Gavino, a seasoned expert in GRC from Windward Consulting, we dive deep into the current state of GRC, the challenges organizations face, and strategies for optimal GRC implementation. Whether dealing with multinational regulatory issues or aiming to leverage GRC as a competitive advantage, this discussion sheds light on practical approaches and the necessary adaptations in today’s fast-paced environments.

Tim Gavino is a Senior Architect at Windward Consulting who brings a decade of dedicated experience in GRC across various platforms and industries, including energy, financial services, and technology. His extensive work with Fortune 500 companies in highly complex environments has equipped him with a unique perspective on navigating and optimizing GRC frameworks to meet rigorous compliance requirements. Tim’s expertise is especially valuable in strategizing business continuity, policy compliance, and risk management to align with evolving regulatory landscapes.

"Companies are recognizing that strong GRC is not just a cost center but an accelerator for business." - Tim Gavino

Today on Find Flow:

The rising importance of adapting GRC frameworks to handle increased and changing regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA.

Overcoming challenges in GRC by implementing a centralized platform to manage risks and ensure compliance across different geographies.

The significance of strategic investments in technologies and training to enhance organizational GRC capabilities.

The role of AI and data analytics in advancing GRC practices by offering more streamlined and informed decision-making processes.

The necessity of continuous monitoring and assessment to maintain an up-to-date and effective cybersecurity posture.

Developing an integrated GRC platform that connects risks, controls, and assets improves visibility and control.

Importance of employee training and awareness in minimizing risks like phishing attacks.

Aligning GRC strategies with business objectives to transform GRC from a cost burden to a competitive differentiator.

Resources Mentioned:

- GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA Regulations Overview

Find Your Flow in IT Operations

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Find Flow Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music

Please share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more IT Operations leaders like you.

Join me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab your free gift: The 9 Ways to Accelerate Your Service Reliability Strategy.

Scott Sereboff is a veteran in the tech industry, with over 35 years of experience in building backend telecom networks, hyper-converged infrastructure, and the security industry. He is currently the General Manager of Deeping Source, a video surveillance and data anonymization company that utilizes AI. Scott is an advocate for AI and privacy, having developed a strong set of beliefs about the potential benefits and risks of AI. He is also the host of his own podcast, "The Privacy of Me," where he discusses topics related to privacy and technology. Scott holds a degree from the University of Texas and is based in Austin.

In this episode of the Find Flow podcast, host Sean McDermott talks with Scott Sereboff about the applications of AI in the IT world and the potential unintended consequences that come with it. They discuss the use of AI in service reliability, including AIOps and SecOps, and how it can supplement human work. They also touch on the topic of AI replacing jobs and the potential for AI to replicate art. Finally, they delve into the issue of privacy in the age of AI, using the example of the White Castle lawsuit to highlight the need for caution.

"AI is a tool that reflects how it was built. And so, if you get a system that is built to do good things, then you have a good AI." ~ Scott Sereboff

In Today’s Episode:

AI is a tool that can reflect the intentions behind its creation. When built to do good things, AI can help supplement human work and provide valuable insights for predictive analytics.

The promise of AI in the IT world is its ability to handle the things we are inherently bad at, such as monitoring large networks and spotting patterns in data.

While some jobs may be replaced or changed by AI, there is still a need for human emotion in fields such as art and music.

The unintended consequences of AI can be seen in the White Castle lawsuit, where the collection of employee fingerprints has led to a privacy lawsuit.

As AI continues to be integrated into various fields, it is important to consider its potential impact on privacy and take caution in its use.

Connect with Scott:LinkedIn Deeping Source The Privacy of Me on YouTube

Find Your Flow in IT Operations

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Find Flow Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more IT Operations leaders, like you.

Join me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab your free gift: The 9 Ways to Accelerate Your Service Reliability Strategy.

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In this week's episode of the Find Flow podcast, Sean McDermott and Charles Simones, VP of Solutions at Windward Consulting Group, discussed the significance of ServiceNow CSDM (Common Service Data Model) and the challenges organizations face when implementing and managing their CMDB (Configuration Management Database).

The Challenges of CMDB Initiatives: According to Charles Simones, many organizations struggle with CMDB initiatives because they often take on too much without a clear direction. With a set of use cases or outcomes in mind, organizations may populate their CMDB with relevant data, leading to a lack of value for the organization. Simones suggests focusing on valuable data, understanding the desired outcomes, and starting with a specific area or technology to drive maximum success. Additionally, having strong leadership support is crucial when working across different teams within the organization.

Understanding ServiceNow CSDM: ServiceNow CSDM, or the Common Service Data Model, is a framework that helps organize Configuration Items (CIs) and objects within the CMDB. It allows organizations to align their CIs with their services and offerings, whether they are business or technical services. By mapping CIs to these services, organizations can gain better insights into their operational activities, prioritize critical events, and understand service health.

Common Priorities and Challenges: Across Winward Consulting Group's customer base, the shared priorities and challenges when implementing CSDM include a need for more understanding of how CSDM can help, inconsistent definitions of application and technical services, and better governance processes. By defining a clear taxonomy and aligning the organization's language, organizations can overcome these challenges and achieve their desired outcomes.

The Engagement Model: To ensure successful CSDM migrations, Windward Consulting Group follows a structured engagement model. Beginning with an assessment to evaluate the current state of the CMDB, identify gaps, and recommend improvements, workshops are conducted to educate stakeholders on CSDM, define taxonomies, and establish governance processes. Throughout the journey, success is measured by predefined outcomes and key performance indicators (KPIs), tracked using dashboards.

The Journey of a CSDM Migration: Implementing CSDM is a journey rather than a one-time event. It requires ongoing maintenance and governance to ensure the CMDB remains accurate and aligned with the organization's objectives. By setting clear expectations, measuring impact and results, and continuously improving the CMDB, organizations can maximize the value of their CSDM implementation.

ServiceNow CSDM and a well-managed CMDB are essential for organizations seeking to optimize their IT operations and align them with business objectives. Organizations can leverage CSDM to gain valuable insights, improve service delivery, and drive operational efficiencies by focusing on specific outcomes, establishing clear taxonomies, and implementing effective governance processes.

To learn more about ServiceNow CSDM and how Windward Consulting Group can help your organization, visit the Windward Consulting Group.

Charles Semones manages all staff and resources within the Enterprise Services vertical, program and project delivery, and business development. Before joining Windward, Charles spent 26 years at Xerox, responsible for developing network and monitoring technologies and product development.

Connect with Charles:

LinkedInWindward

Connect with SeanWindward

Ready to level up your tech expertise? Dive into our upcoming webinars and enriching podcast episodes! From security operations to service reliability, we're covering it all. Don't miss out on discussions around generative AI, vulnerability management, GRC, and the ServiceNow Platform's value drivers. Explore these topics and more over the next 90 days. Head over to Windward Consulting Group to discover our full range of podcasts, webinars, and resources designed to power your growth. Tune in, learn, and lead in the tech space with us!

Find Your Flow in IT Operations

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Find Flow Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more IT Operations leaders, like you.

Join me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab your free gift: The 9 Ways to Accelerate Your Service Reliability Strategy.

Sean is joined by Jonathan Alboum, Federal CTO & Principal Digital Strategist at ServiceNow.Together, they cover:What is “governance” and why is it so important?The biggest challenges to implementing a successful governance program,  How the ServiceNow ecosystem supports clients, and what metrics to measure when it comes to governance.Learn more about Windward: https://windward.com/Connect with Jonathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-alboum-b3469/