IT in the D

In this episode, Bob and Randy chat with Steve York, CIO of 1-800-HANSONS. Steve shares his insightful perspectives on IT leadership, cybersecurity practices, adopting artificial technologies, and the importance of networking and mentorship in the IT industry for knowledge sharing and problem solving. Steve shares his experience with different AI applications, worries about security, and the need for solutions to solve specific business problems. The hosts and Steve further explore the significance of cybersecurity, the role of people in businesses, and the importance of a company's culture and ethos. Later in the episode, they delve into the activities of SIM Detroit and the Michigan Technology Leaders summit and their contributions to mentoring newer generations in companies and serving the community.

In this episode of 'IT in the D', Bob and Randy chat with Jason Brown, a renowned IT security manager from the Shyft Group. They discuss the influence of AI and security in today's tech world and how it's poised to change our future. 

Jason also shares some insights about his book, the 'Executive Cybersecurity Handbook'. The conversation also delves into vital issues like malware, ransomware, and identity management, offering listeners an in-depth understanding of the current cybersecurity landscape.

This week, we were joined by IT in the D Legend Nuri Gocay, Chief Solutions Officer at Local Measure and former co-host of this very show.

We kicked off talking about the Humane AI Pin, a wearable cell phone. Bob and Randy were not amused, however Nuri is intrigued by the notion of getting rid of his screen. It will be interesting to follow the journey and see if this turns out to be another Google Glass.

We then got into emerging tech and what is the next big thing. 

Lastly, Nuri goes to Burning Man every year. His stories are amazing and he really should have his own show talking about it.

This week, Alex Linebrink, CEO of Passage, is back to talk to Bob and Randy to about what's new in the ticketing space as well as some milestones and recognition Passage has received lately. Alex was last on Episode 439.

They discuss how ticketing processes have evolved, the use of AI in understanding audience preferences, and their experience with selling over 8 million tickets. They also touch on the impact of service fees and issues with transparency in the ticketing industry.

I'm trying something new this week: These show notes were generated by putting a transcript into ChatGPT. Feedback is appreciated! —Randy

We recently heard Jeff Marraccini on a recent episode of the “This Week in Enterprise Technology (TWiET)” podcast. Jeff, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Altair, joined us this week to share insights into his background and the challenges Altair faces in cybersecurity as a globally acquisitive company.

The conversation explores Jeff's transition from a Vice President of IT to a CISO, underscoring the importance of continuous learning and formal courses from ISC2 and ISACA to adapt to the evolving cybersecurity landscape. Emphasis is placed on the complex vendor landscape in cybersecurity and the need to implement zero trust as a methodology rather than just a product.

Jeff delves into Altair's approach to global operations, collaborating with teams across China, India, Europe, and the United States. Regulatory challenges, such as restrictions on hardware in China, are discussed.

The podcast concludes with a discussion on the evolving cybersecurity landscape, highlighting Jeff's optimism about advancements like memory-safe languages and Microsoft's adoption of Rust. Despite existing challenges, Jeff sees promising developments and disruptive solutions in the cybersecurity space.

A noteworthy segment of the discussion involves the importance of identity in cybersecurity. Jeff and Bob emphasize that identity management should be at the crux of security efforts, recognizing its role as a foundational element for effective cybersecurity measures. The conversation highlights the shift in focus from traditional security measures, like firewalls, to a more comprehensive approach centered around identity management.

Furthermore, Bob and Jeff touch upon the evolution of cybersecurity news coverage. They discuss the noticeable decrease in mainstream media coverage of security breaches, speculating on whether this shift is influenced by the insurance industry advising companies to keep incidents quiet or if it reflects a change in news priorities. Jeff acknowledges the continued prevalence of security issues covered by specialized outlets like the Cyberwire podcast, CSO Online, and Dark Reading.

Towards the end, the conversation pivots to the impact of Gen AI (Generative Artificial Intelligence) and digital transformation on the industry. Jeff shares insights into Altair's recent acquisition of RapidMiner, emphasizing the empowerment of individuals to leverage AI techniques for various applications, including data science and cybersecurity. The discussion underscores the potential for Gen AI to enhance efficiency and collaboration across different fields.

The podcast concludes with Bob raising a concern about the younger generation's reluctance to pursue careers in IT, especially in areas like cybersecurity and data science. Jeff offers guidance, encouraging individuals to explore these fields through online courses and hands-on projects, emphasizing their applicability across diverse industries. The conversation touches on the need for a shift in mindset and the potential for technology-driven roles to drive innovation and problem-solving.

Overall, the discussion provides a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity challenges, industry trends, and the transformative impact of emerging technologies.

This week, we chatted with Jason Charnas from Gesher Human Services. They help thousands of people in areas of career development and training, and they also have a program helping those with disabilities find employment.

We got into resume writing and their philosophy in helping showcase work history. The best part—they do it for free! We aren't big fans of companies that charge for this.

We also got into IT training and certifications that will attract employers in this market.

Jason was a great interview and we hope you enjoy the listen!

(Referenced episode: Episode 443 with Paul Blatt, Gesher Human Services)

We always like learning about new things, so we had David Juan on the show to talk all things MarTech including UX, Enterprise SEO, A/B Testing, and how he used those skills to get equity in a local start-up, Normal Coffee. 

We asked: when do you know what is good? When do you know when it's done? What do you use as your barometer? And David cleared things up perfectly.

David also runs the Scrum Detroit Meetup; give them a look if you are interested in Agile. 

It was his first time on a podcast, but David showed up like a long-time veteran—hope you enjoy the listen!

Every so often, you get that guest that flips the script of what you thought you could accomplish doing a tech podcast.

This week, we were lucky to chat to Lou Maresca of This Week in Enterprise Tech (TWiET) on TWIT.tv. 

Lou has been podcasting as long as us, since 2013 and has produced over 500 episodes. If you've ever listened to his show, you know he truly gets into the weeds and his knowledge of the industry shows.

We started talking about the talent gap and what we can do to change it. We then went rapid-fire, talking everything from enterprise security to GenAI and even blockchain.

He's truly a nerd's nerd as we ended talking Star Wars: Ahsoka and Episodes 7–9. 

I highly suggest subscribing to his show if you are in or around the industry. With that said, we hope you enjoy this podcast!

This week, we were joined by Scott Smith, Generative AI expert to do a deep dive into the topic: what it is, its rise to popularity, corporate governance, and ethics.

We ended the show with some fun and asked ChatGPT for some date night in Detroit suggestions, and to respond as a pirate. Here's the result:

Arrr, matey! If ye be lookin' fer a swashbucklin' date night in Detroit, here be some fine ideas to consider:

A Stroll Along the Riverfront:Set yer sails for the Detroit RiverWalk. Take a leisurely walk hand-in-hand along the water, enjoyin' the scenic views of the river, the Renaissance Center, and the Belle Isle Bridge.

Dine Like a Pirate: Find a fine establishment in Greektown, Corktown, or Midtown to savor some delectable grub. Perhaps ye fancy seafood or a juicy steak, or even some Motor City pizza – Detroit's got it all, matey!

Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA):If ye be art lovers, head to the DIA, where ye can explore a treasure trove of fine art, includin' the famous Diego Rivera murals. Don't forget to raise a glass at the Kresge Court for a romantic toast!

Belle Isle Adventure: For a day of exploration, sail over to Belle Isle. Visit the conservatory, take a bike ride, or simply enjoy a picnic on the lush island.

Detroit Distillery Tour: If ye be enjoyin' a bit of rum or whiskey, embark on a distillery tour in Detroit. Learn about the makin' of spirits and enjoy some tastin' sessions.

Night at the Theatre: Check out what be playin' at the Fox Theatre or the Detroit Opera House. Catch a show or a concert for a memorable evening.

Starry Night at the Planetarium:Visit the Wayne State University Planetarium and stargaze together. It be a romantic way to explore the cosmos.

Downtown Ice Skatin':In the winter months, the Campus Martius Park be a grand spot for ice skatin'. Hold hands as ye glide across the rink under the twinklin' lights.

Haunted Detroit Tour: If ye both be admirers of ghostly tales and history, take a haunted tour of the city. Detroit has its fair share of spooky stories to share.

Riverboat Cruise:Look into takin' a riverboat cruise on the Detroit River. Some offer dinner cruises or moonlit sails for a romantic adventure on the high seas.

Remember, me heartie, the best date be one where ye both be enjoyin' each other's company. So, choose the adventure that suits yer tastes and make it a night to remember in the Motor City!

In this episode, Jacob Ennis from Center for Simulation & Innovation joined us to talk about the applications of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Last time we talked about AR on the show was episode 158 with Spellbound.

Plus, we find out why people confuse AR and artificial intelligence (AI) and we hear his thoughts on the Apple Vision Pro.

Plus, Jacob is a hobbyist brewer and we're networking Detroit one beer at a time, so we had a few questions about his beer.

(The video Jacob mentioned of robots fighting back!)