Join us as we sit down with John Poulter, the visionary director at Comstor, who takes us on a thrilling journey through the world of IT distribution. From his humble beginnings at Dubtail Distribution to his impressive roles at Oracle and NTT, John’s experience offers a unique lens into the fast-paced and complex terrain of IT distribution. Through his eyes, navigating this industry feels akin to piloting a fully-loaded 747 just above the ground—requiring constant innovation and astute leadership.

Explore the art of building robust vendor relationships, especially during turbulent times like the COVID-19 pandemic. John unravels strategies used to keep teams motivated and operations running smoothly, such as leveraging virtual tiger teams. He reflects on how authentic partnerships, much like nurturing a marriage, necessitate daily commitment. Learn how to strengthen these relationships by adopting structures akin to those of giants like Cisco, which can transform transactional interactions into thriving, long-term partnerships.

Peek into the future as we tackle emerging trends reshaping technology and customer expectations. John sheds light on the transformative potential of AI and quantum computing, and how these advancements compel businesses to adapt through automation and digital initiatives. Emphasising the need for openness to change, he offers insights for aspiring leaders on embracing innovation, developing varied perspectives, and staying ahead of the curve. Get ready for an enlightening discussion that bridges the present and future of technology distribution, offering invaluable lessons in leadership and adaptation.

Discover how data storage is shaping the future of technology with insights from Troy Wright, Principal Systems Engineer at Pure Storage. What if the key to mastering the digital age lies in understanding the evolution from mainframes to cloud storage? Troy opens up about his journey and shares how Pure Storage is revolutionizing the industry with cybersecurity and AI innovations. This episode promises to give you a fresh perspective on the ever-changing world of data management, where speed and specialization are more crucial than ever.

We tackle the challenges of managing today's exploding volumes of unstructured data, driven by IoT and multimedia content. Troy sheds light on the pressing need for efficient storage solutions, emphasizing the role of flash storage and Pure Storage’s custom-built direct flash modules. Sustainability takes center stage as we underscore the importance of reducing electricity usage in IT infrastructure. Listeners can expect an engaging discussion on how businesses can leverage data for a competitive advantage while maintaining a commitment to eco-friendly practices.

The conversation crescendos with a look at cutting-edge advancements in storage technology, focusing on power efficiency and the integration of AI and machine learning. Troy shares his vision for storage as a service, highlighting its potential for business flexibility and transformational impact. As we dive into the rapid advancements in AI, this episode wraps up with the excitement and promise of what lies ahead for data management and beyond. Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of technology's future, and be prepared to see data storage in a whole new light.

Unlock the secrets of healthcare cybersecurity with insights from our distinguished guest, Jason Payne, Sales Director of ANZ at Claroty Healthcare. Delve into the crucial role of digital visibility in safeguarding healthcare environments, especially in the face of the IoT device surge. Jason gives us a glimpse into his career journey and shares his expertise on the vulnerabilities inherent in flat network structures within healthcare organisations. Discover how identifying and managing critical assets can prevent breaches and ensure uninterrupted patient care, a mission at the heart of Claroty Healthcare's approach.

Ransomware attacks are a growing threat, capable of bringing hospital operations to a standstill and jeopardising patient safety. In this episode, we stress the importance of pinpointing weak links and reinforce the value of strong channel partnerships in bolstering security measures. Drawing from personal experiences in the ANZ region, we share strategies for engaging with healthcare providers, navigating the intricate landscape of public sector regulations, and understanding their unique challenges.

Lastly, we explore the cutting-edge world of medical device cybersecurity and innovation, particularly within Australia's SOCI Act framework. With only a select few hospitals meeting SOCI compliance, we discuss the political and financial hurdles of expanding this compliance. Learn how our collaboration with manufacturers, alongside our threat team, Team 82, is paving the way for enhanced network security and visibility. As we wrap up, we touch on the evolution of artificial intelligence, offering fascinating parallels with visionary thinkers, and spotlight the transformative opportunities AI presents for data and network support in the healthcare industry.

Discover how AI is transforming the battlefield of cybersecurity with Glenn Maiden, Director of Threat Intelligence at Fortiguard Labs, ANZ, as our guide. Whether you're eager to understand how these technologies are enhancing both attack and defense mechanisms or curious about the ways AI is lightening the load for overwhelmed security analysts, this episode promises valuable insights. We delve into the profound impact of AI on cybersecurity strategies, tackling the dual-edged sword of sophisticated threats and innovative defense tools. From the lingering echoes of the SolarWinds attack to the pressing need for secure supply chains and critical infrastructure, Glenn sheds light on the complexities and solutions shaping the current landscape.

Cybersecurity isn't just a necessity; it's a formidable competitive advantage in today's corporate world. Reflecting on the journey from a perceived roadblock to a strategic asset, we emphasize the importance of fostering a robust cyber culture. Leadership and companies must continuously adapt to protect their assets. With the looming advent of quantum computing, we face new challenges to our encryption methods. As we explore this future threat, the call for proactive measures is loud and clear. Tune in to understand why re-engineering security frameworks is not just recommended but essential to safeguard sensitive information in the quantum era.

Discover the fascinating world of cybersecurity with our special guest, Glenn Maiden, Director of Threat Intelligence at FortiGuard Labs, ANZ. From his beginnings in the mid-90s with the Department of Defence to his pivotal roles at the Australian Signals Directorate and the Australian Tax Office, Glenn offers a wealth of knowledge and insights as he discusses the evolution from traditional information security to modern cyber intelligence. He also sheds light on how his team at FortiGuard Labs collaborates on a global scale to protect customers from emerging threats.

Today's digital landscape is riddled with complex cyber threats, and we unravel this intricate web with an engaging discussion on hyper-connectivity and its vulnerabilities. The conversation exposes the sophisticated tactics of cybercriminals, from nation-state actors to organised crime, and explores how anonymity and jurisdictional complexities provide them with strategic advantages. Yet, amidst this challenging terrain, there is optimism as advancements in cybersecurity measures are bolstering resilience, particularly in regions like Australia, where substantial investments are being made to combat emerging threats.

As we navigate the volatile global environment, the conversation shifts towards protecting critical infrastructure and the proactive measures being championed by government initiatives like Australia's SOCI Act. We consider the alarming prospect of cyber-attacks as a precursor to conflict and discuss strategies to mitigate such risks, including the integration of AI and the importance of multi-factor authentication and smart access controls. The episode rounds out with an exploration of the convergence of cyber threats and misinformation, highlighting the role of cyber gangs and nation-state activities in election interference and the increasing threat of cyber-enabled misinformation, especially among the younger, more connected generations. Tune in for a compelling discussion that offers valuable insights into the future of digital safety.

Unlock the secrets of the ever-evolving world of technology with Carl Solder, CTO of Cisco ANZ, as we navigate the convergence of IT and OT. Discover how Cisco is bridging the gap between these distinct domains while tackling the challenges posed by integrating OT devices. Get insider insights into Cisco's strategic moves, like the acquisition of Splunk, aimed at boosting observability and enhancing data-driven insights for rapid issue resolution. We'll also highlight the impressive network troubleshooting capabilities of ThousandEyes, providing real-world applications that showcase Cisco's innovative full-stack observability tools.

Ever wonder how the role of the Chief Technology Officer is reshaping in today's tech-driven landscape? We explore this dynamic shift alongside Carl, emphasizing the CTO's rising importance in tandem with the CEO. Learn about fostering a culture of innovation within large organizations, and the significance of continuous learning to keep pace with emerging trends in networking, cybersecurity, and AI. We'll reflect on the joy of mentoring future tech leaders and share tips on maximizing learning opportunities at key events like Cisco Live. This episode promises to enrich your understanding of the pivotal role technology plays in modern business operations.

Discover the cutting-edge world of technology with Carl Solder, Cisco Systems' CTO for Australia and New Zealand, as he takes us on an enlightening journey from the 1990s to today. With nearly three decades of expertise, Carl shares his insights on iconic innovations like the Catalyst 6500 switch and the challenges businesses face in adapting to rapid technological changes. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the relentless pace of tech evolution and how Cisco continues to lead the industry in transformative ways.

Explore the future of work as we discuss the shift to hybrid models and the innovative solutions Cisco is developing to support this new landscape. From enhanced collaboration tools to AI-driven devices, learn how organisations are reimagining their workspaces to boost productivity and foster collaboration. We also highlight the strategic acquisition of Splunk, emphasising the critical role of data in modern troubleshooting and observability, as well as the design of Cisco's new sales office in New York that embodies these forward-thinking changes.

Finally, we address the intersection of technology and sustainability, focusing on the exciting potential of smart buildings and simplified networking. Carl Solder shares how Power over Ethernet (PoE) is driving energy efficiency, helping achieve net-zero goals. Delve into Cisco's AI strategy and the emerging trend of repatriating workloads on-premises, offering insights into the economic and operational benefits of such a shift. This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen to understand the current and future state of technology in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Discover the riveting journey of Darren Hopkins, a distinguished partner at McGrath McNichol, who transitioned from the Queensland Police Service to the forefront of digital forensics and cybersecurity. Darren's extraordinary path, beginning with an IT degree and evolving through vital roles in software engineering and information management, offers listeners a unique perspective on the nascent stages of digital forensics. Recalling his time at Queensland Police, Darren shares compelling stories of his involvement in organised crime and child protection cases, which shaped his expertise and led him to establish digital forensics capabilities at prominent firms like KPMG and McGrath McNichol.

The landscape of cyber threats is rapidly changing, and this episode uncovers how organized crime has shifted focus towards lucrative cyber activities. From the days of simple phishing scams to today's sophisticated ransomware attacks that paralyze major corporations, we explore the escalating challenges faced by cybersecurity defenders. Darren provides insights into the commercial and ethical dilemmas organizations encounter, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity hygiene and proactive measures. We also delve into the role of government regulations in this ongoing battle against cybercriminals.

As businesses strive to protect themselves, the discussion turns to the critical role of tech giants like Microsoft, Apple, and Meta in securing digital ecosystems. We highlight their efforts to integrate security into their products and the emerging significance of operational technology (OT) security. For business leaders, the conversation pivots to essential strategies, stressing the importance of governance and cybersecurity hygiene to ensure business continuity. The episode concludes by underscoring the growing necessity for tech expertise on corporate boards to effectively navigate today's complex technology risks.

Discover how digital forensics is revolutionising the fight against intellectual property theft and misconduct in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Join us as we engage with Darren Hopkins from McGrathNichol, who sheds light on the sophisticated techniques used to uncover unauthorised data transfers and breaches. From understanding the significance of registry entries, link files, and shell bags, to exploring the complexities of conducting forensic investigations in cloud environments, this conversation promises to arm businesses with the knowledge to tackle modern cyber threats.

As we navigate the turbulent waters of cloud computing, the spotlight turns to the ever-increasing insider threats driven by economic pressures and the cunning strategies of organised crime. We unravel the crucial role of Multi-Factor Authentication and the challenges businesses face when failing to activate essential logging features. Through Darren's insights, we highlight the importance of a proactive approach to cybersecurity, emphasising how visibility and robust security measures can deter potential breaches before they occur.

But the conversation doesn't stop there—our journey extends into the dynamic world of emerging technologies and career opportunities in cybersecurity. Explore how AI is reshaping both defences and attacks, and uncover the career paths that await aspiring professionals passionate about defending against global cyber threats. With a focus on diversity and the excitement of crisis management, this episode showcases the rewarding and ever-changing nature of working in cybersecurity, offering a glimpse into a future where technology and resilience go hand in hand.

Join us as Matt Maw shares his transformative journey from bricks-and-mortar operations to spearheading digital change in the gaming industry, promising insights into maintaining revenue streams amidst diverse regulations. You'll discover how Matt navigated the complexities of transitioning Australia's largest gaming and wagering business into a digital powerhouse while simultaneously revolutionizing aged care with innovative digital care planning. This conversation provides a unique glimpse into Matt's leadership strategies, highlighting the importance of balancing traditional and digital infrastructures.

Experience the high-stakes world of event infrastructure management as Matt takes us behind the scenes of major events like the Melbourne Cup. Imagine the pressure of managing a network spanning over 11,000 physical locations, where 80% of bets are placed in the moments before a race begins. Matt reveals the meticulous preparation and risk management necessary to handle such spikes in transactions and underscores the critical nature of seamless execution to avoid irreversible revenue loss. Discover the role of private cloud implementation in ensuring operational resilience during these peak periods.

In a world driven by data and innovation, Matt sheds light on the strategic decision-making involved in infrastructure management and team integration. He discusses the balance between private and public cloud services and the innovative "one TATS program" fostering a culture of collaboration. Learn about career growth opportunities that empower and advance professionals within and beyond the organization. Matt also shares his insights on building resilient infrastructures and teams, emphasizing proactive planning and stress-testing to ensure operational stability during unforeseen disruptions.