How do you turn messy, siloed data into fuel for AI? In this episode, Empyrean’s Data Lead Siva Shivaganken joins Josh and Tom to explain the journey from raw to refined data, using practical analogies, real customer stories, and advice on implementing data lakes and medallion architectures that actually deliver business value. The panel put Microsoft Fabric, Snowflake, and Databricks head-to-head. They break down the pros, cons, and use cases of each — helping IT leaders choose the right fit for their people, budget, and business goals.

Josh and Tom are joined by Empyrean IT Cyber Security Practice Lead, David Stevenson to unravel why 78% of employees bring their own AI tools to work—often on personal devices—and how IT leaders can secure sensitive data without stifling innovation.

In this episode, Tom and Josh unpack the concept of AI ecosystem architectures - a strategic approach to navigating the chaos of rapid AI adoption. They explore how CIOs and IT leaders can shift from fragmented, ad hoc implementations to a structured, scalable, and secure foundation for AI. From governance and data consolidation to application modernization and two-speed delivery models, this episode offers pragmatic advice for future-ready IT organizations.

Join Tom and Josh as they reveal the seven essential forces every IT leader needs to drive business success. From aligning IT with business strategy to building a skilled team, mastering vendor relationships, and tackling cybersecurity, this episode is packed with real-world advice and no-nonsense insights. Perfect for anyone serious about making technology work—now and into the future.

Tune in for:

• The real reason IT is so often misaligned with the business (and how to fix it)
• The “Kevin Problem” – and why some IT heroes become unexpected roadblocks
• Why great vendor management is the secret weapon you’re probably ignoring
• The pragmatic path to cybersecurity (without breaking the bank)
• How to finally get your data ready for AI (hint: it’s not about the tools!)

This is the episode every tech leader needs to hear. Get match fit for the future—press play now!

Broadcom bought VMware… and broke it for the little guys. We break down what’s changed, who’s hurting most, and what alternatives like Proxmox and Nutanix bring to the table. Empyrean IT Cloud and Infrastructure Director, Andrew Petrie joins Josh and Tom for this no-spin take on your next virtualization move.

Tired of hearing "agentic" every second sentence? So are we. But when Brett Johnstone talks AI, we listen.

Join us as Pitcher Partners CIO Brett Johnstone breaks down how his firm is successfully implementing Microsoft Copilot, custom GPT apps, and AI governance strategies. Learn how structured adoption workshops, prompt training, and agent frameworks are transforming enterprise workflows.

Is SaaS over? Maybe not dead, but it's definitely worth checking its pulse. With AI agents on the rise, Josh and Tom unpack whether the software world is heading for a major shake-up. They explore how agentic AI is changing the game, what that means for your tech stack, and whether your beloved SaaS apps are living on borrowed time. It’s a focused, forward-looking discussion for IT leaders navigating the next wave of innovation.

In this episode, John Milionis, Channel Sales Director Australia at Fortinet, and David Stevenson, Empyrean cybersecurity lead, join our hosts to discuss the growing trend of cybersecurity consolidation and how Fortinet is simplifying technology stacks and reducing risk for customers. 

Josh and Tom discuss their insights on what 2025 holds, from the rise of AI agents and multimodal models to the end of passwords and the resurgence of private cloud solutions. A thought-provoking look at what’s next in tech and business for IT leaders.

In this second part of their Ignite 2024 review, hosts Tom Leyden and Josh Rubens continue exploring Microsoft's latest innovations, with a focus on groundbreaking advancements in AI, the Power Platform and Cyber Security. They delve into low-code developments, intelligent document processing, and enhanced security and governance solutions, discussing how these updates are geared to transforming business processes and empowering organisations in the AI-driven era. Packed with insights and practical takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.