Start At Zero

Start At Zero

By Abhijit VerekarBusinessTechnology
Download on the App Store

Start At Zero episodes

  • EAM in Focus: Strategic Asset Management for Modern Government

    What does it take to modernize how governments manage roads, bridges, buildings—and everything in between?

    In this episode of Untangled, Avero Advisors CEO Abhijit Verekar sits down with Associate Consultant Caleb Cruz to break down the complexities, opportunities, and overlooked challenges in modern Enterprise Asset Management (EAM).

    Tune in for an insider look at:

    • Why EAM is more than just work orders—it’s strategic financial stewardship
    • How GIS, mobile access, and asset hierarchies impact implementation success
    • The dangers of ignoring outdated data, microservices, or homegrown systems
    • How AI and machine learning are starting to shape predictive maintenance
    • What governments must know before replacing legacy platforms like SAP

    Whether you're starting your first asset modernization project or knee-deep in ERP planning, this episode will help you ask smarter questions, build better systems, and serve your community with transparency and impact.

    🎧 Subscribe for more real-world insights every week.

    #GovTech #AssetManagement #ERPModernization #GIS #PublicWorks #EAMStrategy #AveroAdvisors #UntangledPodcast

    📅 Let’s Stay Connected:
    Hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episode. We also go live weekly with more industry insights, so be sure to join us! And if you’ve got questions, drop them in the comments—we’re here to help!

    Government IT Modernization and ERP Strategies for 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Public Sector Transformation
    ➡ https://conference.averoadvisors.com/2025report

    Top  Public Sector ERP Systems: : 
    ➡ https://share.hsforms.com/1ee49ru4aSpe3x4Byzuqifgeexml

    Learn More About Avero:
    ➡ https://www.averoadvisors.com

    Connect With Us:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/averoadvisors
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/averoadvisors
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/averoadvisors
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@averoadvisors

    Connect With AV:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verekar

    (865) 415-3848 | [email protected]

    ©2025. Avero Advisors. All Rights Reserved.

    41 min
  • AI & GovTech: The Race to Do It Right

    In this episode of Untangled, AV sits down with Vidhu Shekhar, AI thought leader and Microsoft executive, to explore what it really means to lead in the age of artificial intelligence—from space-based data centers to responsible AI adoption in local government.

    They unpack the realities behind the "AI race": rapid innovation, vendor hype, overwhelmed agencies, and the hidden costs of chasing shiny tools without a strategy.

    Learn why the real path to dominance isn't about speed—it's about service delivery, policy alignment, and building infrastructure that lasts.

    This one goes beyond buzzwords. It’s a masterclass in how AI, energy, and public trust all connect.

    🔗 Take the free AI Maturity Assessment: https://podcast.averoadvisors.com/


    #GovTech #AIinGovernment #DigitalTransformation #SmartPolicy #PublicSectorLeadership #UntangledPodcast #AveroAdvisors

    📅 Let’s Stay Connected:
    Hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episode. We also go live weekly with more industry insights, so be sure to join us! And if you’ve got questions, drop them in the comments—we’re here to help!

    Government IT Modernization and ERP Strategies for 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Public Sector Transformation
    ➡ https://conference.averoadvisors.com/2025report

    Top  Public Sector ERP Systems: : 
    ➡ https://share.hsforms.com/1ee49ru4aSpe3x4Byzuqifgeexml

    Learn More About Avero:
    ➡ https://www.averoadvisors.com

    Connect With Us:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/averoadvisors
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/averoadvisors
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/averoadvisors
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@averoadvisors

    Connect With AV:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verekar

    (865) 415-3848 | [email protected]

    ©2025. Avero Advisors. All Rights Reserved.

    29 min
  • AI’s Tipping Point: July’s Seismic Shifts in GovTech

    In this solo episode, AV breaks down what made July 2025 a defining moment in AI and government technology. From the release of Grok-4 and the anticipated rollout of GPT-5 to massive infrastructure investments and evolving federal AI policy—this update is packed with insight.


    We also explore local government use cases, smart city wins, and why the public sector must start with strategy before chasing tools. If you're navigating modernization, procurement, or policy—this one's for you.


    👉 Don’t forget to download the free AI Maturity Assessment at https://averoadvisors.com/podcast/

    📅 Let’s Stay Connected:
    Hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episode. We also go live weekly with more industry insights, so be sure to join us! And if you’ve got questions, drop them in the comments—we’re here to help!

    Government IT Modernization and ERP Strategies for 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Public Sector Transformation
    ➡ https://conference.averoadvisors.com/2025report

    Top  Public Sector ERP Systems: : 
    ➡ https://share.hsforms.com/1ee49ru4aSpe3x4Byzuqifgeexml

    Learn More About Avero:
    ➡ https://www.averoadvisors.com

    Connect With Us:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/averoadvisors
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/averoadvisors
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/averoadvisors
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@averoadvisors

    Connect With AV:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verekar

    (865) 415-3848 | [email protected]

    ©2025. Avero Advisors. All Rights Reserved.

    43 min
  • Timelines, Trust & Transformation: What It Really Takes to Modernize Public Sector Tech

    ERP projects don’t fail because of software—they fail because of unrealistic timelines, poor planning, and missing advocacy. In this episode of Untangled, Avero’s Abhijit Verekar and Robert Kornovich unpack the real drivers behind successful (and unsuccessful) digital transformation efforts in the public sector.

    From misunderstood sunset dates to go-live myths, this conversation goes deep on:

    • What a “realistic” transformation timeline actually looks like
    • The overlooked role of change management in staying on track
    • How vendor contracts can quietly derail your project
    • The true cost of skipping third-party project management
    • Why go-live definitions should come from your team—not your vendor

    Whether you're just starting your ERP journey or navigating complex implementation challenges, this episode is packed with practical insights from the front lines of GovTech.

    📅 Let’s Stay Connected:
    Hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episode. We also go live weekly with more industry insights, so be sure to join us! And if you’ve got questions, drop them in the comments—we’re here to help!

    Government IT Modernization and ERP Strategies for 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Public Sector Transformation
    ➡ https://conference.averoadvisors.com/2025report

    Top  Public Sector ERP Systems: : 
    ➡ https://share.hsforms.com/1ee49ru4aSpe3x4Byzuqifgeexml

    Learn More About Avero:
    ➡ https://www.averoadvisors.com

    Connect With Us:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/averoadvisors
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/averoadvisors
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/averoadvisors
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@averoadvisors

    Connect With AV:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verekar

    (865) 415-3848 | [email protected]

    ©2025. Avero Advisors. All Rights Reserved.

    30 min
  • Modernizing Government Finance: Insights from GFOA 2025

    What’s really driving the future of government finance? In this episode of Untangled, Avero’s Megan Seaton, Abhijit Verekar, and David Buchan share raw, real-time insights from the 2025 GFOA Annual Conference.

    From AI tools that promise the moon to procurement teams overwhelmed by legacy processes, this episode unpacks what public finance leaders are thinking—and what’s actually working. We cover:

    • The AI hype vs. reality in ERP modernization
    • Why procurement and IT strategy must evolve together
    • How consultants should add value, not delay projects
    • Why soft skills matter more than ever in an AI-first world
    • The future role of CFOs as digital strategy architects

    If your agency is navigating modernization, funding deadlines, or just trying to make smarter decisions faster—this is your blueprint.

    📅 Let’s Stay Connected:
    Hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episode. We also go live weekly with more industry insights, so be sure to join us! And if you’ve got questions, drop them in the comments—we’re here to help!

    Government IT Modernization and ERP Strategies for 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Public Sector Transformation
    ➡ https://conference.averoadvisors.com/2025report

    Top  Public Sector ERP Systems: : 
    ➡ https://share.hsforms.com/1ee49ru4aSpe3x4Byzuqifgeexml

    Learn More About Avero:
    ➡ https://www.averoadvisors.com

    Connect With Us:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/averoadvisors
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/averoadvisors
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/averoadvisors
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@averoadvisors

    Connect With AV:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verekar

    (865) 415-3848 | [email protected]

    ©2025. Avero Advisors. All Rights Reserved.

    47 min
  • GFOA 2025: What Public Finance Leaders Are Really Talking About

    Live from the GFOA 2025 conference, Avero Advisors recaps the real-world challenges, surprising confessions, and hard-earned lessons shared by finance leaders from across the country. In this special episode, AV and team break down the biggest themes heard on the floor: from outdated RFPs and missed reporting requirements to contract missteps and go-live confusion.

    You’ll hear:

    • What’s going wrong in ERP projects (straight from our confessional wall)
    • How to rethink your RFP process to actually get bidders
    • Why contract negotiation isn’t just legal fine print—it’s leverage
    • Tips for avoiding post-go-live regret
    • What public sector leaders want from tech in 2025

    Whether you’re launching a new transformation or mid-flight on implementation, this episode is packed with candid insights to keep your project on track.

    📅 Let’s Stay Connected:
    Hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episode. We also go live weekly with more industry insights, so be sure to join us! And if you’ve got questions, drop them in the comments—we’re here to help!

    Government IT Modernization and ERP Strategies for 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Public Sector Transformation
    ➡ https://conference.averoadvisors.com/2025report

    Top  Public Sector ERP Systems: : 
    ➡ https://share.hsforms.com/1ee49ru4aSpe3x4Byzuqifgeexml

    Learn More About Avero:
    ➡ https://www.averoadvisors.com

    Connect With Us:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/averoadvisors
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/averoadvisors
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/averoadvisors
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@averoadvisors

    Connect With AV:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verekar

    (865) 415-3848 | [email protected]

    ©2025. Avero Advisors. All Rights Reserved.

    31 min
  • Public Good, Private Code: AI Ethics in Local Government

    AI in government isn’t just about automation—it’s about ethics, accountability, and public trust.

    In this episode of Untangled, we sit down with Tom Gilbert, CEO of Hortise.AI and one of the world’s first PhDs in AI Ethics, to explore the very real consequences of putting artificial intelligence to work in the public sector. From invisible bias in automated tools to the danger of vendor lock-in, we examine why values like transparency, explainability, and civic oversight matter more than ever.

    We discuss:

    • What it means to build AI for the public good
    • How public agencies can avoid snake oil and prioritize real outcomes
    • The need for a new “digestive system” for AI products—one built on trust and documentation
    • Why the real ethical questions aren’t about machines, but about systems

    If you’re in local government, civic tech, or just curious about the human impact of emerging technologies, this one’s for you.

    🎧 Listen in and join the conversation on how to shape AI’s role in our shared future.

    Hortus.AI Startup Showcase: A chance for AI startups and vendors to be among the first companies listed on our marketplace when it goes live later this year

    Hortus.AI Early Access Links:
    Startups: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1A6hWvfY-aw-OcLKJzAeoY0cLzbr22Lpq9YZ6YkNXuk0/viewform?edit_requested=true

    Public Sector Teams: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SdPf4WCTKrGd4hSGfr6xKj0GHLUWVH42V2_LVMa65j8/viewform?edit_requested=true

    #GovTech #AIethics #DigitalTransformation #PublicSectorInnovation #AveroAdvisors #Untangled #ResponsibleAI #LocalGovernment #TechForGood #AIgovernance

    📅 Let’s Stay Connected:
    Hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episode. We also go live weekly with more industry insights, so be sure to join us! And if you’ve got questions, drop them in the comments—we’re here to help!

    Government IT Modernization and ERP Strategies for 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Public Sector Transformation
    ➡ https://conference.averoadvisors.com/2025report

    Top  Public Sector ERP Systems: : 
    ➡ https://share.hsforms.com/1ee49ru4aSpe3x4Byzuqifgeexml

    Learn More About Avero:
    ➡ https://www.averoadvisors.com

    Connect With Us:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/averoadvisors
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/averoadvisors
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/averoadvisors
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@averoadvisors

    Connect With AV:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verekar

    (865) 415-3848 | [email protected]

    ©2025. Avero Advisors. All Rights Reserved.

    56 min
  • Beyond the Bid: What the UK’s £144M ERP Deal Teaches Us About Transformation

    When the UK government awarded a £144 million contract to Workday and Cognizant, it wasn’t just about technology—it was a masterclass in scale, procurement efficiency, and what it takes to modernize across multiple agencies.

    In this episode of Untangled, Avero Advisors CEO Abhijit Verekar (AV) breaks down one of the largest ERP initiatives in UK public sector history—what it means for global GovTech, and what U.S. leaders can learn from their approach.

    AV explores:

    • How the UK leveraged G-Cloud to simplify procurement
    • Why standardization still requires flexible architecture
    • The hidden risks of legacy system integration
    • What success really means in a 10-year SaaS contract
    • The irreplaceable role of change management and user adoption

    Whether you're navigating procurement, prepping for go-live, or rethinking your data strategy—this conversation will help you reframe ERP not as a software decision, but as a people-first transformation strategy.

    📅 Let’s Stay Connected:
    Hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episode. We also go live weekly with more industry insights, so be sure to join us! And if you’ve got questions, drop them in the comments—we’re here to help!

    Government IT Modernization and ERP Strategies for 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Public Sector Transformation
    ➡ https://conference.averoadvisors.com/2025report

    Top  Public Sector ERP Systems: : 
    ➡ https://share.hsforms.com/1ee49ru4aSpe3x4Byzuqifgeexml

    Learn More About Avero:
    ➡ https://www.averoadvisors.com

    Connect With Us:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/averoadvisors
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/averoadvisors
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/averoadvisors
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@averoadvisors

    Connect With AV:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verekar

    (865) 415-3848 | [email protected]

    ©2025. Avero Advisors. All Rights Reserved.

    23 min
  • Flight Plan for ERP: Lessons in Leadership, Checklists, and Control

    What do ERP transformations and flying a plane have in common? More than you'd think.

    In this unique episode of Untangled, Avero CEO Abhijit Verekar (AV) is joined by Associate Consultant and pilot-in-training Isaac to explore the surprising parallels between aviation and public sector ERP implementation.

    From pre-flight prep to landing protocols, AV and Isaac walk through the critical phases of digital transformation using the cockpit as a metaphor. They discuss why readiness assessments matter, how to avoid autopilot leadership, what communication clarity really means, and how to handle turbulence—whether in the air or in an ERP project.

    🛫 Topics covered include:

    • The importance of a strong governance “flight crew”
    • Why project checklists can’t replace situational awareness
    • Leadership’s role in steering—not coasting—through change
    • What makes for a smooth “landing” (aka go-live)

    If you’re involved in planning, leading, or surviving an ERP project in local government, this is a must-listen packed with metaphors, practical advice, and a touch of pilot humor.

    🎙️ Listen now and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

    📅 Let’s Stay Connected:
    Hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episode. We also go live weekly with more industry insights, so be sure to join us! And if you’ve got questions, drop them in the comments—we’re here to help!

    Government IT Modernization and ERP Strategies for 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Public Sector Transformation
    ➡ https://conference.averoadvisors.com/2025report

    Top  Public Sector ERP Systems: : 
    ➡ https://share.hsforms.com/1ee49ru4aSpe3x4Byzuqifgeexml

    Learn More About Avero:
    ➡ https://www.averoadvisors.com

    Connect With Us:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/averoadvisors
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/averoadvisors
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/averoadvisors
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@averoadvisors

    Connect With AV:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verekar

    (865) 415-3848 | [email protected]

    ©2025. Avero Advisors. All Rights Reserved.

    49 min
  • GovTech Unfiltered: Live Q&A with Abhijit Verekar

    In this candid live session, Avero Advisors CEO Abhijit Verekar pulls back the curtain on the realities of public sector transformation. From vaporware promises in ERP demos to project red flags leadership often misses, this Q&A tackles the real questions local government leaders are asking—but don’t always get straight answers to.

    AV breaks down vendor myths, how to push back without burning bridges, the human cost of poor change management, and why in-person trust still matters in a post-Zoom world. Whether you're planning an RFP, navigating implementation chaos, or just trying to define what success actually looks like—this episode is a must-listen.

    🔍 Honest answers. No fluff. Just real-world lessons from the trenches of GovTech.

    📅 Let’s Stay Connected:
    Hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episode. We also go live weekly with more industry insights, so be sure to join us! And if you’ve got questions, drop them in the comments—we’re here to help!

    Government IT Modernization and ERP Strategies for 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Public Sector Transformation
    ➡ https://conference.averoadvisors.com/2025report

    Top  Public Sector ERP Systems: : 
    ➡ https://share.hsforms.com/1ee49ru4aSpe3x4Byzuqifgeexml

    Learn More About Avero:
    ➡ https://www.averoadvisors.com

    Connect With Us:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/averoadvisors
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/averoadvisors
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/averoadvisors
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@averoadvisors

    Connect With AV:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verekar

    (865) 415-3848 | [email protected]

    ©2025. Avero Advisors. All Rights Reserved.

    49 min

About Start At Zero

From the publisher's feed

Start at Zero is a conversation-first podcast about what it actually takes to modernize technology, build a business from scratch, and make sense of AI without the hype. Episodes range from focused…