IT Unplugged

Wondering if your business needs a CIO but can't justify the full-time salary? Brandon and Joe unpack the growing trend of virtual CIOs and why businesses are turning to this flexible solution for their IT leadership needs.

In this candid conversation, they explore:

• Why companies are choosing virtual CIOs over traditional ones
• Signs your business might be ready for shared IT leadership
• How virtual CIOs build trust while working part-time
• Success stories of businesses transformed by virtual CIO partnerships
• The unexpected benefits of shared IT leadership
• Cloud strategies every business should consider

Perfect for growing businesses looking to level up their IT strategy without the overhead of a full-time executive.

#BusinessTech #ITLeadership #SmallBusiness #TechnologyStrategy

Follow IT Unplugged for weekly insights on making technology work for your business, not against it.

Tired of the AI hype? Brandon and Stephen break down the real, practical ways businesses are using AI right now. From your first steps with ChatGPT to advanced tools that can transform your workflow, discover how to leverage AI without getting lost in the noise.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The simplest way to start using AI in your business today
• How to write prompts that get results (and avoid the robot-speak)
• Which tasks you should (and shouldn't) trust to AI
• Smart ways to protect your business data while using AI tools
• Real examples of AI transforming everyday business tasks

Whether you're AI-curious or skeptical, this episode gives you actionable steps to start saving time and working smarter with AI tools.

#BusinessTech #AIforBusiness #TechTips #SmallBusiness

Follow IT Unplugged for weekly insights on making technology work for your business, not against it.

In this episode, Brandon and Joe break down cybersecurity myths and reveal why size doesn't matter when it comes to cyber threats. They share a surprising truth: basic protection isn't as complex or expensive as you might think.

Get practical insights on:

• Why even 5-person companies need cybersecurity now
• The real reason bigger companies face different challenges (hint: it's not what you think)
• How some businesses got protected in just 15 minutes
• The one strategy most businesses forget (but shouldn't)

Whether you're a startup founder or running a 400-person operation, this episode cuts through the tech jargon to give you actionable steps for protecting your business. Don't wait until it's too late - tune in now to learn how to shield your company from cyber threats.

Get ready as we take you deeper into the world where business and technology collide. We're bringing you straight talk with business leaders about their real IT challenges and victories. From construction sites to hospital floors, we're exploring how different industries tackle today's biggest tech hurdles.

What's in store:

• Inside looks at Security Operations Centers
• How healthcare providers protect sensitive data
• Construction's tech revolution
• AI's impact on everyday business
• Real conversations with business owners about their tech journey

No jargon, no fluff - just practical insights about technology that impacts your business. Join Brandon and guests every week as they continue to make IT accessible for everyone.

New episodes drop weekly. Follow IT Unplugged now to catch every episode of Season 2.

In this candid conversation, Brandon and Stephen explore how companies can build stronger tech cultures - from small manufacturers to tech giants. Discover why some employees resist new technology, and how smart leaders turn that resistance into innovation.

You'll learn:

• Why giving everyone admin access isn't always smart (and what to do instead)
• How one machinist went from tech-resistant to tech champion
• The surprising link between "lazy" developers and groundbreaking automation
• Netflix's radical approach to building unbreakable systems
• Practical ways to get buy-in for new tech initiatives
• The hidden risks of moving too fast (or too slow) with tech adoption
• Real strategies for balancing human expertise with automation

Perfect for business owners, IT leaders, and anyone interested in building a more tech-savvy workplace. Plus, get actionable tips for implementing new technology without alienating your team.

Want to make your business more tech-resilient? Call us at 920-362-6869 to start the conversation.

Tune in to the latest episode of IT Unplugged where we dive into future-proofing your business tech! Brandon and Steven explore the evolving IT landscape, covering essential topics like cybersecurity challenges, AI advancements, and best practices for small and medium-sized businesses.

Learn about emerging threats like WORM GPT, the importance of user training, and how to protect sensitive data when using AI tools. We discuss outdated tech practices to avoid and share tips on staying ahead of technological changes.

Whether you're an IT pro or business owner looking to optimize your tech strategy, this episode offers valuable insights on managed IT services, data security, and leveraging technology for growth. Don't miss out on expert advice from M2 Technology on navigating the future of business IT!

IT Roadmapping: Fuel Your Business Growth | IT Unplugged

Brandon and Joe break down IT roadmapping on this week's IT Unplugged. We dig into why planning your tech strategy is crucial, even if you're not an IT whiz. Learn how to:

• Align your technology with real business goals
• Get buy-in from skeptical executives
• Overcome common planning pitfalls

We share a recent success story that saved a company millions and explore how AI might change the IT planning game.

Whether you're a business owner looking to grow or an IT pro wanting to add more value, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you leverage technology for serious business impact.

Tune in and start mapping your path to tech-driven success!

In this essential episode of IT Unplugged, Brandon and Joe unpack the critical elements of building a top-tier IT and cybersecurity team in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.

They kick off by exploring the vital balance between technical prowess and cultural fit when hiring for IT security roles. Joe shares insider tips on identifying cybersecurity talent that goes beyond just certifications and technical skills, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and teamwork in handling evolving cyber threats.

The conversation delves into effective interviewing techniques for cybersecurity positions, with Joe revealing his unique approach to uncovering a candidate's true potential in areas like threat detection, incident response, and security operations. Brandon and Joe discuss strategies for convincing company leadership to invest in promising cybersecurity talent, even when candidates might need additional training in specific security tools or frameworks.

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the challenges and opportunities of remote work in IT and cybersecurity teams. They explore best practices for maintaining security protocols in distributed teams, ensuring compliance, and fostering collaboration on critical security projects across different locations.

Brandon and Joe tackle the ongoing challenge of bridging the gap between traditional IT security practices and cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies. They offer valuable insights on upskilling existing team members in areas like cloud security, AI-driven threat intelligence, and zero-trust architectures.

Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the crucial distinction between being a boss and a true leader in the cybersecurity field. Joe highlights the importance of building trust, encouraging continuous learning, and creating a culture of security awareness that permeates the entire organization.

This episode is a must-listen for CISOs, IT security managers, and cybersecurity professionals looking to build robust, adaptable teams capable of defending against modern cyber threats. Tune in to gain actionable strategies for assembling a cybersecurity dream team that's not only technically proficient but also aligned with your organization's security culture and ready to tackle the complex challenges of today's threat landscape.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Joe LaChapell, VP of IT at M2 Technology, as he shares his journey from aspiring teacher to tech leader. With over 20 years of experience in warehousing leadership, Joe offers unique insights on team building, leveraging individual strengths, and fostering a positive workplace culture.

Discover how Joe's background in coaching basketball translates to effective IT leadership, including his philosophy that "kids don't care what you know until they know you care" - a principle that applies equally in the corporate world. Learn why focusing on team strengths rather than weaknesses is crucial for success, and how this approach can transform your management style.

Joe delves into the concept of "practice days" in the business world, explaining how to create opportunities for skill development and innovation within your team. He also shares strategies for identifying great company culture during your job search, offering valuable tips for anyone looking to make a career move.

This episode is packed with practical wisdom on:

• Navigating career transitions and finding your true calling
• Building and leading high-performing teams in the tech industry
• Cultivating a strength-based approach to management
• Creating unexpected business opportunities by exploring your passions at work
• Balancing technical skills with people-focused leadership
• Identifying positive workplace culture during the interview process

Whether you're an IT professional, a leader in any field, or someone looking to make a career pivot, you'll find actionable insights on personal growth, team management, and career development. Joe's unique perspective, blending sports coaching with tech leadership, offers a fresh take on what it means to lead effectively in today's fast-paced business environment.

Tune in for a masterclass in leadership that transcends industry boundaries, proving that the lessons learned on the basketball court can be just as valuable in the boardroom.

Dive into the unique IT challenges faced by video and photo professionals with Tony Reale, founder of Creative Edge Productions and NextWaveDV. 

In this episode of IT Unplugged, discover essential strategies for managing massive file sizes, implementing robust backup systems, and navigating the complexities of modern creative workflows. 

Tony shares invaluable insights on balancing high-tech needs with budget constraints, leveraging cloud services effectively, and protecting creative assets from cybersecurity threats. Learn about practical tools that streamline client communication and project delivery, and hear real-world examples of IT challenges in the creative industry. 

Whether you're a videographer, photographer, graphic designer, or any professional dealing with large media files, this episode offers crucial knowledge for safeguarding your work and optimizing your technical setup.